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At the Will of the Body: Reflections on Illness Paperback – July 16, 2002

by Arthur W. Frank (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 45 ratings
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A medical sociologist who has been seriously ill twice (heart attack and cancer) explores his experiences and examines what they taught him about how to live. An important resource for caregivers and patients.

In this deeply affecting memoir, Arthur W. Frank explores the events of illness from within: the transformation from person to patient, the pain, the wonder, and the ceremony of recovery.

To illuminate what illness can teach us about life, Frank draws upon his own encounters with serious illness—a heart attack at age thirty-nine and, a year later, a diagnosis of cancer.

In poignant and clear prose, he offers brilliant insights into what happens when our bodies and emotions are pushed to extremes. Ultimately, he examines what it means to be human.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    July 16, 2002
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.48 x 8.25 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0618219293
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0618219292
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The best account of serious illness to appear in decades. Frank shows us the value of going through illness, not around it." -- Larry Dossey, M.D —

About the Author

Arthur W. Frank received the Natalie Davis Spingarn Writer’s Award from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship in 1996. He teaches at the University of Calgary.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvest; Reprint edition (July 16, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0618219293
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0618219292
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.48 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

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Arthur W. Frank

Arthur W. Frank

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
45 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Barbara Pflum Gobrail
5.0 out of 5 stars Education and Hope
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2006
Verified Purchase
I have helped train family practice physicians and I have used the play "W;T" to try and sensitize young physicians to the viewpoint of the patient. I was asked to read this book for a graduate course in spirituality and healing called: Suffering and Hope. I found it even better than "W;T" for training purposes. I think it should be required reading for all medical students and residents. Physicians are much more than just technicians trained to "fix" bodies. The viewpoint of the author was most helpful in suggesting ways to approach a very difficult situation. I have ordered copies for friends who are suffering from cancer that it may help them on their journey!
10 people found this helpful
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Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars Life-chaning book
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2017
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If you are going into ministry, are in ministry, or work with people in hospital or hospice settings - this book is a MUST READ. It completely opened my eyes to the experiences of those who are ill, how they see the world, how each experience is different, and how best to care for them. The writing style is beautiful and insightful, and I cannot overstate how much I got out of this book for the purposes of pastoral care.
One person found this helpful
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Tracy Sorensen
5.0 out of 5 stars This book nails the experience of illness
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2014
Verified Purchase
I'm being treated for cancer. This is the best book I've read so far on what it's like to be seriously ill. It's not prescriptive or a call to positive thinking. Frank simply shares his own experiences and reflects on them - intelligently and with great care. Highly recommended.
2 people found this helpful
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solstice
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for those who are struggling with these issues
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2015
Verified Purchase
An elegant essay on illness, and the ways we struggle with experiences of frailty and mortality. Excellent resource for those who are struggling with these issues, including the health/helping professions. My hardcover book was beautifully typeset; I appreciated the size of print, and the space on the page, which provided, literally and figuratively, space to reflect on what I was reading.
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Paul F. Martz
4.0 out of 5 stars A scholars pilgrimage with illness
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2007
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Arthur W. Frank's book, At the Will of the Body: Reflections on Illness, is a pilgrimage through the author's struggle with a heart attack and cancer. His experiences, insights, treatments, along with his wife's support are by no means examples of the average person's struggle with illnesses. Frank, a college professor, comes across as a self-centered elitest and as a patient who was critical of his health care. Upon reflection, I am amazed by his wife's dedication to him as he progressed through his illnesses, especially cancer.
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Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars Really helped me.
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
Even though Dr. Frank's focus was primarily on cancer, his insight's about his experiences and observations of others helped me greatly with my chronic neurological illness. I found that I experienced almost all of the things he did, even though our illnesses are very different. What was the same were (some) doctors', friends', and famiiy's reactions to my illness--and my own difficulty in letting go to "the will of my body." I am more accepting now of what has happened to me. More compassionate toward those who misunderstood, criticized, or abandoned me. More willing to follow my body's lead, rather than feel I need to keep up with the world's pace. Thank you, Dr. Frank, for helping me in these ways.
3 people found this helpful
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Kathleen L
5.0 out of 5 stars ... topaz is a little over 3/4" and looks just like the photo
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2015
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The pendant with the blue topaz is a little over 3/4" and looks just like the photo. The gold chain is very thin and delicate, with a small closing fixture--but it looks lovely.
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LB
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2013
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I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is or has gone through health challenges, either directly or by way of a family member, close friend, etc. Frank is a great writer with an ease for sharing information that is both personal and academic.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Victoria Field
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2015
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Totally absorbing book that I read whilst ill in hospital - every paragraph food for thought.
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Aurèle Boisvert
5.0 out of 5 stars Very profound and revealing
Reviewed in Canada on July 20, 2013
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Fantastic book, not only for the ill but for everyone with a loving heart. My Frank has expressed what many go through during illness but find it very hard to put it in words.
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Phil
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2016
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Good book. Thank you
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Mariefay
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book that I have shared with many who are ...
Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2014
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A wonderful book that I have shared with many who are experiencing illness themselves or with a loved one,
Easy to read and helpful++
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Tusharkumar
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 28, 2015
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good
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