Its landscaped ground, chosen by Frederick Law Olmsted and dotted with Tudor mansions, could belong to a New England prep school. There are no fences, no guards, no locked gates. But McLean Hospital is a mental institution-one of the most famous, most elite, and once most luxurious in America. McLean "alumni" include Olmsted himself, Robert Lowell, Sylvia Plath, James Taylor and Ray Charles, as well as (more secretly) other notables from among the rich and famous. In its "golden age," McLean provided as genteel an environment for the treatment of mental illness as one could imagine. But the golden age is over, and a downsized, downscale McLean-despite its affiliation with Harvard University-is struggling to stay afloat. Gracefully Insane, by Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam, is a fascinating and emotional biography of McLean Hospital from its founding in 1817 through today. It is filled with stories about patients and doctors: the Ralph Waldo Emerson prot'g' whose brilliance disappeared along with his madness; Anne Sexton's poetry seminar, and many more. The story of McLean is also the story of the hopes and failures of psychology and psychotherapy; of the evolution of attitudes about mental illness, of approaches to treatment, and of the economic pressures that are making McLean-and other institutions like it-relics of a bygone age. This is a compelling and often oddly poignant reading for fans of books like Plath's The Bell Jar and Susanna Kaysen's Girl, Interrupted (both inspired by their author's stays at McLean) and for anyone interested in the history of medicine or psychotherapy, or the social history of New England.

"I know what it’s like when your couch becomes your home, when pharmacists greet you by name, when you are constantly playing phone tag with doctors, and when showers leave you lying on your bed, completely spent and out of breath. I know how immensely difficult it is to lose your health - and to grieve your “old” life. And I know just how heavy and lonely the chronically ill life can be. Too often we find ourselves so preoccupied with healing physically or with mitigating our symptoms that we overlook the invaluable process of emotionally healing. We shy away from the prospect of learning to find peace and joy within our chronically ill lives because we don’t know if it’s even possible. Gracefully Ill is a cozy and comforting read that is here to remind you that even when your life is exhausting and heavy, it can still be full of beauty and meaning. Though our illnesses may be chronic, we still have the capacity to find so much joy, hope and laughter. And though our lives may be different (and harder) than we expected, they can still be okay." --Amazon.

This life-affirming, instructive, and thoroughly inspiring book is a must-read for anyone who is - or who might one day be - sick. It can also be the perfect gift of guidance, encouragement, and uplifting inspiration to family, friends, and loved ones struggling with the many terrifying or disheartening life changes that come so close on the heels of a diagnosis of a chronic condition or life-threatening illness. Authentic and graceful, How to be Sick reminds us of our limitless inner freedom, even under high degrees of suffering and pain. The author - who became ill while a university law professor in the prime of her career - tells the reader how she got sick and, to her and her partner's bewilderment, stayed that way. Toni had been a longtime meditator, going on long meditation retreats and spending many hours rigorously practicing, but soon discovered that she simply could no longer engage in those difficult and taxing forms. She had to learn ways to make "being sick" the heart of her spiritual practice - and through truly learning how to be sick, she learned how, even with many physical and energetic limitations, to live a life of equanimity, compassion, and joy. And whether we ourselves are ill or not, we can learn these vital arts from Bernhard's generous wisdom in How to Be Sick.

"Should be read by anyone with a body. . . . Relentlessly researched and undeniably smart." —The New York Times Named one of BuzzFeed's "Best Books of 2021" What Doesn't Kill You is the riveting account of a young journalist’s awakening to chronic illness, weaving together personal story and reporting to shed light on living with an ailment forever. Tessa Miller was an ambitious twentysomething writer in New York City when, on a random fall day, her stomach began to seize up. At first, she toughed it out through searing pain, taking sick days from work, unable to leave the bathroom or her bed. But when it became undeniable that something was seriously wrong, Miller gave in to family pressure and went to the hospital—beginning a years-long nightmare of procedures, misdiagnoses, and life-threatening infections. Once she was finally correctly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Miller faced another battle: accepting that she will never get better. Today, an astonishing three in five adults in the United States suffer from a chronic disease—a percentage expected to rise post-Covid. Whether the illness is arthritis, asthma, Crohn's, diabetes, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, or any other incurable illness, and whether the sufferer is a colleague, a loved one, or you, these diseases have an impact on just about every one of us. Yet there remains an air of shame and isolation about the topic of chronic sickness. Millions must endure these disorders not only physically but also emotionally, balancing the stress of relationships and work amid the ever-present threat of health complications. Miller segues seamlessly from her dramatic personal experiences into a frank look at the cultural realities (medical, occupational, social) inherent in receiving a lifetime diagnosis. She offers hard-earned wisdom, solidarity, and an ultimately surprising promise of joy for those trying to make sense of it all.

Aging Gracefully: Spiritual Care for the Aging Adults is an excellent resource for pastors, chaplains, social workers, nurses, physicians, geriatric workers, health aides, and caregivers who serve aging adults. It provides information on how to conduct a spiritual assessment, render spiritual care, develop a spiritual care group for aging adults and spiritual self-care tips for caregivers and healthcare providers. This is a must-read for everyone who is caring for an elderly person who wants to age gracefully. Reverend White has crafted a valuable guide for helping caregivers learn how to engage in meaningful spiritual dialogue with aging adults, so they may reflect on their own life and purpose. Mary Kummer Naber, President/CEO, PACE Southeast Michigan Dr. Whites contribution will serve as a welcome reference resource to those dedicated to the loving care of the elderly. Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Harris, President, Ecumenical Theological Seminary, Senior Pastor, Detroit Bible Tabernacle There is no doubt that this book will impact all who read it whether an aging adult, personal caregiver or healthcare providers who have chosen caring for this population as their calling. Gwendolyn Graddy-Dansby, M.D., F.A.C.P. Medical Director, PACE Southeast Michigan Dr. White skillfully and succinctly describes the existential needs of the elderly in this simple, but spectacular read. Summarizing empirical research, quotes from the brilliant, vast personal experience, and alliterative aids, he provides a comprehensive guide for primary spiritual care for both families and professional caregivers. Evan Fonger, M.D., PACE Southeast Michigan Dr. Samuel White, III has authored a comprehensive yet practical handbook for health care professionals and even family members caring for aging adults. Sue Hammel, RN, BSN, PACE Southeast Michigan, Director of Operations- West As a social worker for PACE, I highly recommend this book to my co-workers, friends, family members who work in the health care industry. Linda Bazzy, LMSW, PACE Southeast Michigan Aging Gracefully tells how a positive spiritual or religious attitude can enhance the aging process and a support group. M. McBride, Coordinator, Senior/Retiree Program

In 1986 Dr. David Snowdon, one of the world’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s disease, embarked on a revolutionary scientific study that would forever change the way we view aging—and ultimately living. Dubbed the “Nun Study” because it involves a unique population of 678 Catholic sisters, this remarkable long-term research project has made headlines worldwide with its provocative discoveries. Yet Aging with Grace is more than a groundbreaking health and science book. It is the inspiring human story of these remarkable women—ranging in age from 74 to 106—whose dedication to serving others may help all of us live longer and healthier lives. Totally accessible, with fascinating portraits of the nuns and the scientists who study them, Aging with Grace also offers a wealth of practical findings: • Why building linguistic ability in childhood may protect against Alzheimer’s • Which ordinary foods promote longevity and healthy brain function • Why preventing strokes and depression is key to avoiding Alzheimer’s • What role heredity plays, and why it’s never too late to start an exercise program • How attitude, faith, and community can add years to our lives A prescription for hope, Aging with Grace shows that old age doesn’t have to mean an inevitable slide into illness and disability; rather it can be a time of promise and productivity, intellectual and spiritual vigor—a time of true grace.