Summer reading to provide hope along the pancreatic cancer journey

Looking for a good summer read? Check out our list of PanCAN staff picks.

Editor’s note: In honor of National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9, 2018, we asked Pancreatic Cancer Action Network staff to recommend a book that they have read and loved and that inspired them or gave them hope during an uncertain time. We were flooded with recommendations. Enjoy!
“The Alchemist” can be an inspiring story for pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers

Have a summer vacation still to take, or simply looking for a few good book titles to add to your summer reading list? Keep reading for a few PanCAN staff picks, and if you decide to purchase any of these titles, you can also help fight the world’s toughest cancer by shopping through our AmazonSmile link.

  • “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – “An awesome book for finding peace in difficult times.” – Danielle, Patient Services
  • “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg – “I loved reading this and feel it’s very relevant to caregivers, especially.” – Alex, Development
  • “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – “An inspiring, uplifting story about life that encourages you to be courageous, hopeful, and positive.” – Erin, Community Engagement
  • “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed – “Having hiked part of the Pacific Crest Trail with no backpacking experience, I related to the book, but it was her perseverance and how she came to terms with losing her mother that was most inspiring.” – Amy, Clinical Initiatives
  • “A Spiritual Renegade’s Guide to the Good Life” by Lama Marut – “A clear and powerful pathway for living a fulfilling, meaningful life, especially during the most challenging times.” – Brian, Marketing & Communications
  • “Last Acts of Kindness” by Judith Redwing Keyssar – “The end of life experiences covered in this book are approached with honesty, compassion and resolve for the dying as well as the living left behind. This book helped me understand and prepare.” – Joan, Customer Service
  • “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi – “Beautifully written, it’s a heartbreaking look at how a doctor adjusts to becoming a patient.” – Elizabeth, Marketing & Communications

“When Breath Becomes Air” offers a powerful look at how a doctor adjusts to becoming a patient

  • “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chodron – “An inspiring book that shows how one can make the best out of difficult situations.” – Giselle, Finance
  • “Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Tracy Kidder – “I loved this book! A powerful true story that leaves an impression.” – Jennifer, Marketing & Communications
  • “Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved” by Kate Bowler – “Her insights and firsthand account of being diagnosed with colon cancer, how it tested her faith, how she copes with her diagnosis and, ultimately, reconciles it with her faith is gripping.” – Amy, Clinical Initiatives
  • “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom – “I had a teacher who read a chapter of the book to our class every Tuesday. It stuck with me – it’s worth re-reading every now and then for a sense of perspective!” – Alena, Finance
  • “I’ve Been Thinking” by Maria Shriver – “I’ve long admired the author; reading her musings on life and navigating challenging times was insightful.” – Kristin, Marketing & Communications
  • “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch – A book about living. And, as quoted by the author, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” – Various

For information and resources related to pancreatic cancer, contact PanCAN Patient Services.