Super Sick: Making Peace with Chronic Illness

Description

Superheroes aren’t sick.

They certainly don’t have chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, or diarrhea. After all, spandex suits and sudden bowel movements don’t mix. Do they?

With raw sincerity and tongue-in-cheek humour, Alexander holds nothing back while discussing how to navigate doctors, dating, sex, friendships, faith, and embarrassing symptoms. Part memoir, part research, part pop culture analysis, Super Sick offers a friendly hand to anyone with chronic illness, a reminder that they aren’t alone and have much to offer the world.

With a new foreword, updated information, and bonus materials, this second edition is a must-read for anyone who has-or knows someone who has-a chronic illness.

Details

ISBN
978-1-7770878-2-1 (paperback)
978-1-7770878-3-8 (ebook)
978-1-7770878-4-5 (hardcover)
978-1-7770878-5-2 (large print paperback)
978-1-7770878-6-9 (large print hardcover)
978-1-989423-15-8 (audiobook)

PUBLISHER
Phoenix Quill Press

PUBLICATION DATE
May 31, 2021

PAGES
254

DIMENSIONS
5″ x 8″, 6″ x 9″ (large print)

Reviews

“Allison Alexander’s take on being chronically sick is insightful, creative, and engrossing, which makes it hard to put down. She lightens the mood and makes palatable what is normally a very serious subject by weaving together superhero and pop culture references with her unique, humourous voice and keen observations. Unlike most books on the topic, Super Sick left me feeling inspired, empowered, and confident that I have much to share with the world, even if I’m not your typical superhero.”
“Nothing is off the table in this book and I admired Allison’s frankness and honesty about her condition, involving both bladder and bowel, and her journey through dealing with judgement, finding love, managing work, and balancing illness with sexual desires. I highly recommend this refreshing, original and immensely helpful read!”
“Warm and down to earth, Super Sick offers real talk about the ordinary heroism of living with a chronic illness—from dating to navigating a medical system that often dismisses women’s pain. It is a window into the difficulties of being sick in a culture that valourizes health.”
“Allison writes about the life-altering impact of a serious invisible illness with compelling honesty. A validating read for anyone living with a debilitating illness—and a much-needed course for health care professionals, who still aren’t taught how to see the extraordinary expertise our patients bring so that we might support and empower them with dignity and respect.”
“A must-read for people new to the world of chronic illness.”
“In her humourous, candid portrayal… [Alexander] provides validation of the soul-sucking, crazy-making medical and life experiences that is the lot of those going through chronic illness. Her memoir runs seamlessly across a gamut of issues from the mundane of daily living to sex and love to the sublime of spiritual and personal development questions, and I cannot imagine going through an experience like hers, or caring for someone that is, and not reading this lovely book.”
“More than anything, this book is about courage—the courage to face your fears about your health and the courage to keep fighting for your dignity. Through her personal story (which she shares with refreshing candor and honesty), interviews with others, and examples from cultural superheroes, this special book points the way to making peace with your life no matter what obstacles you face.”