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Books, podcasts and films our support groups keep recommending
A summer list of what members of the Patient Support Network found helpful.
A while ago I asked members of the Patient Support Network what had helped them through a diagnosis, a long recovery or a stretch of caregiving. Not medically, but in the evenings, when you need something to read, watch or listen to. The answers were thoughtful enough that I wanted them in one place.
Books
- Being Mortal, a surgeon's book about ageing and the end of life, came up more than any other book, especially from members caring for older parents.
- When Breath Becomes Air, a young doctor's memoir written during his own illness, which several people said they read slowly, over weeks.
- Plenty of members said the best book during treatment was a light novel with nothing to do with illness at all. I think that's worth saying out loud.
Listening
Audiobooks and podcasts were the surprise winner. On tired days, members told me, listening is easier than holding a book or a screen. Comedy podcasts were mentioned almost as often as health ones.
Watching
Comfort rewatches dominated: old sitcoms, nature documentaries and anything with a happy ending. One member called it "television that doesn't ask anything of you," which I'm going to remember.
I'll keep this list updated through the summer, so send suggestions my way with a line on why they helped.
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Comments (2)
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Adding one from a caregiver who messaged me privately: she listens to a gardening podcast on the drive to the hospital, because it's the only twenty minutes of her day that isn't about medicine.
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Update after a week: most new suggestions came in through the group rather than here, so I'll fold the most recommended ones into the main post this weekend. Audiobooks are still winning.
