A Lucky Life: Interrupted (2016)

by Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw has led a fortunate life, with a strong marriage and family, many friends, and a brilliant journalism career culminating in his twenty-two years as anchor of the NBC Nightly News and as bestselling author. But in the summer of 2013, when back pain led him to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, his run of good luck was interrupted. He received shocking news: He had multiple myeloma, a treatable but incurable blood cancer. Friends had always referred to Brokaw’s “lucky star,” but as he writes in this inspiring memoir, “Turns out that star has a dimmer switch.”

Brokaw takes us through all the seasons and stages of this surprising year, the emotions, discoveries, setbacks, and struggles—times of denial, acceptance, turning points, and courage. After his diagnosis, Brokaw began to keep a journal, approaching this new stage of his life in a familiar role: as a journalist, determined to learn as much as he could about his condition, to report the story, and help others facing similar battles. That journal became the basis of this wonderfully written memoir, the story of a man coming to terms with his own mortality, contemplating what means the most to him now, and reflecting on what has meant the most to him throughout his life.


I listened to this in the Audible edition.  It's a fine book about multiple myeloma,about our health care system and facing serious illness.  It has much to teach.

So Much for That (2010)

by Lionel Shriver

This is a fine book that deals mostly with health insurance inequalities and the grossly unfair, tragic and ridiculous state of affairs in the U.S.  It follows two families: one with a wife and mother with mesothelioma and the other with a child with a rare genetic disease, familial dysautonomia.

Lisa O'Kelly's reviewing the book in the Observer writes:  "Dedicating an entire novel to the themes of serious illness and the unfairness of the pre-Obama healthcare system in America is risky. It is unpalatable subject matter and at times, I must confess, I dreaded picking up the book to find out what happened next. But Shriver's furious energy drags you along regardless."

I do not see many major changes here even with the Obama plan.  So Much for That is a great introduction to the state of health care in the U.S.  It is wise and well-researched, educational and a pleasure to read. An important addition to the health care literature.