Brenda Snow’s book, Diagnosed, serves as an empathetic resource for individuals confronting chronic or terminal illnesses. It is particularly helpful to those coping with multiple sclerosis. Drawing upon her three decades of personal experience with the disease and her extensive background in patient support, Snow delineates a comprehensive framework for navigating the intricacies associated with a life-altering diagnosis. The text underscores the emotional trajectory akin to the Grief Cycle, providing both insights and humor to assist patients and caregivers in reclaiming a sense of agency and optimism.

The structure of the book is organized into accessible chapters that address vital stages of coping with illness, including grief, perseverance, and self-advocacy. She utilizes real-life examples and pragmatic advice, such as the practice of journaling and fostering open communication with healthcare professionals. While grounded in her own experiences with multiple sclerosis, the narrative also encompasses the broader emotional and physical adversities encountered by patients managing various chronic conditions. Anecdotes from fellow patients further enrich the discourse, emphasizing the significance of support networks and the role of caregivers in the healing journey. For people seeking comprehension and empowerment following a diagnosis, this book offers valuable insights and actionable strategies. It is an essential resource for patients, caregivers, and family members navigating the emotional complexities of illness.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.

Some may find value in this book about the patient’s experience, written by a pharmaceutical marketing executive diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis three decades ago. I am not among them. I was very put off by the “business speak” in this “guide” to negotiating change after receiving a life-altering medical diagnosis. “Lean in”, “shore up”, “connectivity”, “positivity”, “core values” and “personal headline” are some of the terms that populate its pages. I’d never even heard the last one, “personal headline”, before and had to look it up: “a short impactful phrase that briefly describes your professional identity and skills, usually appearing under your name on a professional networking platform like LinkedIn. It acts as a quick summary of what you do and why someone should connect with you, essentially serving as your ‘elevator pitch’ in a single line.”

To make herself and her book “approachable”, Ms. Snow also regularly drops F-bombs and uses adjectives like “shitty” and nouns like “asshole”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to take offence when I hear someone say these words when upset, but Ms. Snow’s use of them felt forced and even manipulative.

In the end, I so disliked the author’s style that I couldn’t complete the book. While it might be true that patients end up treasuring their lives more than ever as they progress and learn to manage their condition—or what Ms. Snow calls their “Journey” with a capital J—I personally baulk at the idea of serious illness as some sort of blessing. Mentioning it so early in her book, apparently in an effort to hold out hope to a newly diagnosed patient, seems a bridge too far.

Those in the business world—readers of Sheryl Sandberg, for example—may appreciate this very extroverted book, but I can’t recommend Snow’s Dale-Carnegie-style approach to dealing with illness. I can’t tell you just how much I disliked it.

As someone who is going into nursing school this book was very cathartic. There’s understanding I have for people on certain situations now is something I will carry with me. This is a fabulous book if you are looking to understand people better.

Brenda Snow details how being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness takes you through all the steps of grieving: for your past life, and for your dreams of the future. She gives practical advice on how to enrich your relationships, advocate for yourself with your healthcare team, and believe that you still can do many great things (even though they may look very different from your pre-diagnosis goals). Patient stories are included that give real-life advice and hope to overcome difficulties associated with your diagnosis. A must-read for patients and caregivers alike!

Such an important book to read as a person with multiple disabilities. I finally feel like I understand my life now and how to deal with the massive changes as they occur

“Diagnosed” by Brenda Snow is a patient’s journey with Multiple Sclerosis, that’s full of compassion, practical advice, and empathetic guidance.

Going through the stages of pre-diagnosis and diagnosis, culminating into acceptance and rebuilding has implemented a stepwise, motivational yet realistic approach.

This book is a valuable reference for patients, their caregivers and their loved ones.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-ARC.

I received a free copy of, Diagnosed, by Brenda Snow, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book goes over the stages of grief, and her personal diagnosis. This would be a good book for anyone getting a new diagnosis.

Great for those who need confidence and support after a diagnosis - this will be perfect for you.

An all round great read, however formatting on my e-book version did not look the best. Whether it is different in the hardcover, I am not sure. I do however love the motivation given in=between certain topics, my favourite being (on page 121 of the e-book) 'Engage in activities that remind you you're more than just a sick person'. This is a really key quote which I am sure will resonate with readers of the book across the globe.

I would recommend this book to family members, some of whom are struggling after their diagnosis's. A tough topic to handle, yet handled brilliantly by Brenda Snow.

4 stars.