At the Will of the Body: Reflections on Illness

Even though Dr. Frank's focus was primarily on cancer, his insight's about his experiences and observations of others helped me greatly with my chronic neurological illness. I found that I experienced almost all of the things he did, even though our illnesses are very different. What was the same were (some) doctors', friends', and famiiy's reactions to my illness--and my own difficulty in letting go to "the will of my body." I am more accepting now of what has happened to me. More compassionate toward those who misunderstood, criticized, or abandoned me. More willing to follow my body's lead, rather than feel I need to keep up with the world's pace. Thank you, Dr. Frank, for helping me in these ways.

If you are going into ministry, are in ministry, or work with people in hospital or hospice settings - this book is a MUST READ. It completely opened my eyes to the experiences of those who are ill, how they see the world, how each experience is different, and how best to care for them. The writing style is beautiful and insightful, and I cannot overstate how much I got out of this book for the purposes of pastoral care.

I have helped train family practice physicians and I have used the play "W;T" to try and sensitize young physicians to the viewpoint of the patient. I was asked to read this book for a graduate course in spirituality and healing called: Suffering and Hope. I found it even better than "W;T" for training purposes. I think it should be required reading for all medical students and residents. Physicians are much more than just technicians trained to "fix" bodies. The viewpoint of the author was most helpful in suggesting ways to approach a very difficult situation. I have ordered copies for friends who are suffering from cancer that it may help them on their journey!

Thank you

An elegant essay on illness, and the ways we struggle with experiences of frailty and mortality. Excellent resource for those who are struggling with these issues, including the health/helping professions. My hardcover book was beautifully typeset; I appreciated the size of print, and the space on the page, which provided, literally and figuratively, space to reflect on what I was reading.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2012 I have read many illness memoirs, and this one is in the top tier. It should be required reading for all professional and lay caregivers, as well as everyone diagnosed with a serious illness. Frank's reflections go beyond his personal experience to astute observations about the practice of medicine and the social experience of illness.

Arthur Frank gives a compelling account of the multiple dimensions of being ill. This book is beneficial both to those who need to understand what ill loved ones are experiencing and support them, and to those who are ill themselves.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is or has gone through health challenges, either directly or by way of a family member, close friend, etc. Frank is a great writer with an ease for sharing information that is both personal and academic.

Arthur Frank offers his readers a candid account of his experience of a serious testicular cancer diagnosed in Canada in the 1980s. He coped with the emotional turmoil of his cancer journey in the context of a society which feared and stigmatised cancer and a medical profession which focused on 'managing the disease' rather than listening to the voice of the sufferer.Frank realised the importance of being open about his illness experience and sharing it in talk and text. His book is written for 'those who are now ill' that they do not travel alone. It is also written for the caregivers, 'the other halves of illness experience' whose stresses may be even greater than those of the sufferer. Finally he writes for all of society that cancer may be made visible, the public educated and the stigmatisation overcome.In 21st century UK there is some evidence of the success of this and other testimonies. Cancer has been brought into the open and a more empathetic care is becoming the norm.This is an inspiring book for those who are critically ill and their careres.

Good book. Thank you

Totally absorbing book that I read whilst ill in hospital - every paragraph food for thought.

Finished it for my nursing school requirement class

A wonderful book that I have shared with many who are experiencing illness themselves or with a loved one,Easy to read and helpful++