Chronic

by Christine M. Rich

Imagine the collective power if every person with a chronic illness spoke candidly about how mental and emotional health affects their physical symptoms.

Christine M. Rich was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at a young age and spent many years trying to hide from and deny the fear, anger, and sadness she felt because of her illness. Chronic is the story of how a serious health scare in her late twenties caused Rich to reevaluate and change her focus to wellness and self-love rather than illness and fear.

Through raw and personal stories and insights, Rich shares her journey of living with and befriending her less-than-glamorous, often times invisible, chronic illness.

These insights include:
How women insist they’re “fine” even when they aren’t.
Why physicians should consistently discuss mental health with their patients.
What the power of radical acceptance and self-love can provide.
Chronic encourages readers to shift their perspective of chronic illness from one of shame or fear to one of acceptance and love. Throughout her book, Rich gives women reasons to feel empowered and to know they are not alone.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

244 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

While an easy read, this book packs a powerful punch. Chronic is a giant hug from a dear friend to those suffering each day from silent illnesses, but also serves as a reminder to all that you never truly know what someone is going through. A must-read in this fast-paced world where it’s so easy to forget these key life lessons: Be kind to yourself and to your neighbor; take care of yourself and your neighbor. Thank you to author Christine Rich for sharing her story, I sure hope this won't be the last we hear from her!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Christine's story is so similar to my own, especially being diagnosed with Crohn's within the same medical timeframe and geographic location. I wonder if we met the same people, we definitely went through a lot of the same challenges. I enjoyed the humor throughout this heavy topic, as sometimes it's the best way to deal with such an unpredictable disease. I recommend this to anyone with a chronic illness, especially Crohn's, and to anyone looking to understand.

[Shannon Siriano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never did I imagine a memoir about a woman with Chronic illness would be such a page turner!! I was riveted every chapter and couldn’t put it down. The way she describes using work to avoid her pain from illness is so relatable. If you are looking to understand the ways we relate to illness, this is a must read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have suffered from an ongoing medical condition, reading Chronic feels like a conversation with a friend who totally gets it. Christine shares deeply personal stories that are relatable and, if you have a chronic illness, all too familiar. Her stories will make you laugh and will make your heart ache, often at the same time. Those with chronic illness will feel validated and understood, seeing a version of their own journey and struggles reflected in this book.

But more than stories, this book imparts wisdom and inspiration. Christine has managed to reach a level of acceptance and self-care that is so much easier said than done for people with chronic illness. She passes along tangible ways to guide your own journey and she does so in a way that feels friendly and organic, never preachy. This book will leave you feeling chronically empowered!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is targeted to women and more specifically women who are chronically ill. However, I think it has a lot to offer all readers. The author comes across as very witty and genuine. As you read the book you feel like you’re having a conversation with her. As part of this conversation you learn the dangers of burning yourself out and ignoring your body’s signals. She has great advice about restoring your health both mental and physical and setting boundaries. These are things we can all stand to learn more about. I also appreciated that the book is not too long. Check it out!

[Sofia Fontana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a chronic illness and found a lot of this book relatable. I liked how there were clear insights that specifically brought the lens of gender into the picture which was super important. Love the addition of journal promps and made me think alot about my chronic illness in terms of my adult life.

[Morgan Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed to read after having a young child diagnosed with a chronic illness. Great read, great advice, highly recommend

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was talking with my best friend throughout this entire book! I could not put it down! Christine's story is one that all women should read! It is emotional & inspiring! Christine does an amazing job sharing such a personal story. I highly recommend this book to every woman out there!