Difficult Gifts: A Physician's Journey to Heal Body and Mind

by Courtney Burnett

When Dr. Courtney Burnett began to experience strange neurological symptoms while studying abroad in Thailand, the last thing she expected was to self-diagnose a malignant brain tumor.

Difficult Gifts is an honest, friendly, and unique memoir written by a thirty-something woman who doesn't like memoirs, especially ones about cancer. But when life gave her an unexpected difficulty, she found the gifts of it worth sharing.
This story is a fresh, upbeat, and vulnerable portrayal of a physician becoming a patient. Courtney takes us on a journey to Thailand and into the mind of a person facing a difficult gift: a gift we never want to receive, but one that can teach, change, inspire, and motivate us to live fully, beautifully, and gratefully- all the way to the end, whenever that may be.

Winner of multiple awards, Difficult Gifts has been called a "life changing memoir to be read multiple times" that "teaches us how to live." - Goodreads Reviews

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Book Club

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

Reviews

[Snooty1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs are not my genre, specifically medical ones because I live these every day and in my time of escapism I feel that they would be unwelcome guests.
After reading " Difficult Gifts" I may need to change my mindset.

My best friend has glioblastoma, I can tell you the smallest details of every integral moment from him telling me something was found on a scan to the day the neurosurgeon told him the diagnosis and I ran to the airport and boarded the first flight to him. i thought that this book would be too hard to read. That it would make me suffer and that caused me fear, but it didn't.
It made me feel so much acceptance and strength. It emboldened me to my fear and my suffering; and allowed me to focus on the joy.

this book allowed me to laugh and cry; frequently within the same paragraph. Dr. Burnett’s voice is so strong in her verse that you go through each step with her; a fly on the wall of the moment. Her honesty and blunt delivery is refreshing and allows the reader to fully immerse in the story.
Her grace and humbling humility is overwhelming to me, and yet as a person who get the privilege of actually knowing her; I'm not surprised.

I loved the book, it was honest, refreshing, humorous and painfully real. And for all of that I thank you Dr. Burnett.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Thank you for introducing me to the spirituality and wisdom of the Dalai Lama and Buddhism. Many lessons learned and hope to share a new found way to navigate the ever changing world with more smiles and compassion for others and most of all, myself.

[Tom Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got this book, I wanted to support the author and give it a chance...

The joke was on me. This was an excellent memoir on a young physician that truly made me contemplate my role in medicine as a physician, suffering in life, & how one’s life is measure, by the relationships we build.

This will be a book I keep close to me during my medical training along w/ “In Shock” by Rana Awdish & “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanathi...

Also, I am now inspired to read more by the Dalai Lama!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a blessing - an inspiring, life-changing book to be read multiple times. Courtney teaches us how to live, while dying (we're ALL dying) - without being preachy or maudlin. She's real and honest and so generous. I don't know how she successfully wrote a book, while recovering from brain surgery, while doing chemotherapy and radiation, while working full-time - all while in the middle of the pandemic. All with a smile on her face (I know - I had the pleasure of working with her for a short time).

Like the monk told Courtney, this (cancer) happened for a reason. Who else could tell this story in this way, but Courtney?

(PopSugar reading list #1)

[Madison Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, insightful, sad, and often hilarious journey through some of life's difficult moments. It doesn't feel like the typical memoir but rather a welcome blend of personal stories and unpretentious spiritual wisdom. It's hard to believe this is Burnett's first book and I look forward to many more great works in the future! Highly recommend.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read. I couldn't put it down. So real and encouraging.

[Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read that’s all at once inspiring, humbling, educational and entertaining

[Alisa Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know me well, you know I love to read. I recently ordered this gem just released by one of our own Chief residents Courtney Burnett. In this memoir she takes us on a journey of her brain cancer diagnosis while overseas in Thailand, her medical evacuation back to Minneapolis and her recovery. With Courtney we learn about acceptance, finding joy and happiness in the darkest of times and resilience. So much resilience. ❤️ this is one badass woman y’all and I have the utmost respect for her strength and courage in taking us with her. Her vulnerability and laughter were a balm for my soul. Oh and there are monks, Buddhist temples and 🐘. It doesn’t get much better. Pls buy this book. You will thank yourself. Courtney Burnett you are my hero. 👊🏼

[Beth Willem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not like memoirs until I read this book for my book club. Courtney's journey with a brain tumor is inspiring. To me the Buddhist quotes throughout the book added insight to the human condition. I feel anyone can find something to give them hope or a reason to smile by reading this book. I'd give it 4.5 stars

[Mary M]

When faced with a devastating diagnosis, the author responds with grace, humor and wisdom. I laughed and cried and circled back for more. The book is well-written, insightful and compelling. As I finished each chapter, I wanted to read the next. Life often gives us situations that may seem like less than a "gift", but this author helps us to see the silver linings. Wonderful book! I highly recommend.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning and beautifully crafted. This warming, funny and very serious story pulls your heartstrings and in a very positive way, makes you contemplate your views on life. In Difficult Gifts, Burnett masters an art that makes you smile, laugh and cry without bringing awareness to these emotions, simply, because you are that drawn in. I never imagined reading a memoir from a physician and brain cancer patient and feeling like I could relate - not medically, but to her as a 29 year old woman. Burnett’s style is so personable that you feel as if you are sitting in the room with her as she tells you about the year that seemingly changed her life. Through her beliefs in Buddhism, remarkable quotes, book recommendations and finally, experiences as a physician and patient, she wonderfully reminds us that life is a dilemma, and we all have the choice between happiness and suffering. I am not sure if the genre is medicine, memoir, travel or self-help, as the topics she discusses can easily fit into all mentioned categories. If any of them interest you, I strongly recommend reading her incredible journey.

[Julia Brondani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obviously biased as Courtney is a dear friend of mine, but I am truly in awe of the grace, courage, & wisdom with which she has navigated receiving an unthinkable diagnosis. This book is a testament to human resilience and a moving portrait of finding oneself -- and ultimately the meaning of life. I'm a better person for knowing Courtney & for having read this book.

[Anette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a tumor. A grade IV Glioblastoma - as cancers go, it's right at the top of the “tough to deal with” list. On the 24th of February 2020, I started 6 weeks of radiation then 6 weeks of chemotherapy. And every few months for a trip to the MRI for my time with the machine.
As the year has gone passed and I've had some different drugs. Some knocked me off my feet some made it feel green most of the days. But now I've made peace with my life. I'm strong and grateful that there's a system with medication that works. Where most of the medical community have been surprised how I'm going well.
I am grateful for your book and through that I found “Faith” Sharon Salzberg and “Anti cancer a new way of life” by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber.
I'm living my life every day, grateful for every moment, and had my loved ones closed me, while the lockdown is going.
“I may be dying, but I'm also truly living - fully, beautifully and gratefully - all the way to the end.”

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely wonderful. I loved it from beginning to end. I share a similar diagnosis to Courtney Burnett as well as a strong belief in the benefits of Buddhism wisdom and spirituality. Her attitude of gratitude is amazing and inspiring. I so appreciate that she and I have a similar story with same times during Covid. Her writing is fantastic. Highly recommend.

[Karen Oberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly uplifting read on an incredibly tough topic and journey. Her voice resonated in my head and heart.

I laughed and cried and underlined and made a list a mile long of friends that I'll be sending this book to. Her story is for all of us no matter what the Difficult Gift we find in our lives.

[Lisa Herivel · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT book! This physician/author takes such a healthy, contemplative look at her shortened life span. Her wise words will be something I will go back to time and again. Through all of what she is going through, she manages to maintain a more positive than negative attitude about life.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While pitched as a memoir of a physician’s journey to heal body and mind as she navigates the unexpected diagnosis of a brain tumor, this quickly consumed read is more of a book of lessons on living. The weaving of Buddhist wisdom throughout the book has further piqued my interest in learning more about this faith. The gifts of gratitude and compassion are there for wherever you are in your life journey, and Courtney so eloquently reminds us of that through different vignettes. As a runner, I appreciated her celebration of a post-diagnosis 5k run:
“Life felt happier when I decided to accept life and my body just as they are.
If you can still breathe, enjoy the moment of breathing.
If you can still eat, enjoy every bite.
If you can still walk, enjoy each and every step.
If you can still smile, enjoy smiling.”

[Joanne Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Mary Turck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I began reading, I found Difficult Gifts very difficult to put down. The engaging voice and dramatic story held my attention, and the messages of joy and acceptance became more and more believable as the memoir unfolded.

I am skeptical of and highly resistant to "feel-good" preaching. That's not what I found. Instead, the author shares her struggle to find joy in spite of her cancer, describing her study of Buddhism and sharing quotations from the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sharon Salzberg, and others.

Difficult Gifts is often humorous, deeply personal, inspiring without being preachy, and joyful without being saccharine. I highly recommend it!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of the quotes from the Dalai Lama, peaceful yet profound. I plan to read one of his books and learn more about Buddhism. Bring joy!

[Jen Augustson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly uplifting and beautifully written. I am inspired to learn more about Buddhism and hope Dr. Burnett will write a sequel as her journey continues!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this. Just read it.

[Kelsey Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed my life. Thank you, Courtney. I’ll say hi when I see you at yoga next. I want an autograph.

[will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful insights for a physician and a human being.. a triumph of the spirit

[Tyra]

Wow. Like so many beautiful and profound things, this book is simple. Burnett writes with a direct clarity that begs us to absorb her every word. I am thankful to have read it.

[Alli Markey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? Courtney is a remarkable young lady with a drive so strong to stay optimistic, driven and accepting of her new life outcome.

This is thoughtfully written with raw emotion. I absolutely loved her story and her outlook on life.

[Bri Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for your words. Truly a book to give you a much better outlook on life.

[Muge Schimmel]

Reading this book can be a triggering experience for people with similar experiences so it is hard to judge whether it as a good or bad book. It is a very sincere and subjective piece of writing. There had been moments while reading, my anxiety went over the roof but within the pages of reflection and serenity i also related deeply. So read at your own risk of getting on an emotional roller coaster.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making lemonade out of lemons doesn't begin to describe this book's impact. Courtney Burnett's radical and transformative acceptance, at age 29, of a truly dreadful cancer diagnosis is astonishing and deeply moving. There are lessons here for all ages, including elders like me who are dealing with the unexpected (ha!) crumbling of our aging bodies and the closer certainty of death. Courtney has inspired me to learn more about the Buddhist teachings and teachers who inspired her.