Incurable Optimist
Living with Illness and Chronic Hope
by Jennifer Cramer-Miller
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Pub Date Aug 15 2023 | Archive Date Jun 27 2023
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Description
Book of Excellence Award Winner: Family
Publishers Weekly, starred review, PW Book of the Week, August 2023
At twenty-two, Jennifer Cramer-Miller was thrilled with her new job, charming boyfriend, and Seattle apartment. Then she received a devastating autoimmune diagnosis—and suddenly, rather than planning for a bright future, she found herself soaking a hospital pillow with tears and grappling with words like “progressive” and “incurable.”
That day, Cramer-Miller unwillingly crossed over from wellness to chronic illness—from thriving to kidney failure. Her chances of survival hinged upon the expertise of doctors, the generosity of strangers, and the benevolence of loved ones. But what kind of life would that be?
Spanning two-plus decades, this family love story explores loss and acceptance, moving forward with uncertainty, and forging a path to joy. Four kidney transplants later, Cramer-Miller is here to shine a bright light on people helping people in difficult times with a story that will make you want to hug the humans you love. Because sometimes it’s the sorrows that threaten to pull us apart that ultimately unite us in hope.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"This book is an inspiration. Read it to find your own bravery and to salute the bravery of Jennifer Cramer-Miller."
—DELIA EPHRON, author of Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life
“. . . energetic, well-observed prose . . . Her account of her journey through illness and healing is unfailingly entertaining . . . . A touchingly personal memoir of a young woman facing a grave illness.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Wonderful! I started crying so many times as I read . . . engaging, moving, funny.”
—KATE HOPPER, author of Ready for Air: A Journey through Premature Motherhood and Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers
“If you ever want to read an inspirational book, and occasionally laugh out loud, I encourage you to read Jennifer Cramer-Miller’s memoir. It is uplifting and gives new meaning to the word ‘hope.’”
—HERTA FEELY, author of 2018 National Indie Excellence Award and 2016 New Apple Award winner of Saving Phoebe Murrow
“A raw, heartfelt, and transformational read for anyone needing levity in the face of adversity. I love how Jennifer’s humor-laced resilience beautifully encourages the reader to always make room for joy and hope!”
—JULIE BURTON, author of The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Must- Have Guide to Health and Well-Being & owner of ModernWell
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781647425272 |
| PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 360 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kelly P, Reviewer
Amazing book. Well written and very informative. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars! I felt like I was right there with her as she got her diagnosis and how she proceeded!
Amanda N, Reviewer
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Wow, wow, wow! Jennifer was busy living her life right after college, got a great intern role, apartment with her bff and a great BF. When suddenly out of nowhere, Jennifer began to not feel well, she was feeling "squishy". When she eventually went to the doctor she learned that her kidneys were failing her. No family history, completely out of nowhere. We then follow the next two decades of her dealing with this sudden chronic disease, ranging from scans, biopsies, dialysis and multiple transplant surgeries while ultimately keeping an optimistic mindset. Her outlook on life and her diagnosis is something that others can learn from, she tried not to let it hinder her life and to be thankful for her life.
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