Kitchen Table Wisdom

Dipping into this uplifting book before bed each night gave me gentle reminders of the deeper meaning that can be found even in the most mundane of incidents. The folksy title doesn’t do justice to the quality of these 70-odd short stories, which are based on the author’s experience in medical practice and personal life.

Rachel Remen developed Crohn’s disease in her teens, and despite continuing ill health requiring multiple surgeries and an ileostomy, she went on to have a long career as a doctor. I don’t know if she kept a reflective journal about daily events, but this book… show more.

Deepak Chopra says, “I recommend this book highly to everyone.” Yes, Deepak Chopra, I agree! This is an oldie but oh-so-goodie.

Dr. Rachel Remen is a remarkable woman—a long-term chronic illness survivor, author, and doctor. She believes stories heal, and boy oh boy, she’s chock full of wisdom. This book is a swift and satisfying read, presenting life lessons in a series of brief chapters—different accounts from different patients. Dr. Remen’s winning writing style shines sparkles of truth through every single one.

When I was first diagnosed with MS, Dr. Remen’s beautiful book was the first one my husband and I turned to for comfort and support.

Kitchen Table Wisdom is not a traditional memoir, but a collection of stories Dr. Remen has collected over her career as a physician and healer – and as a patient herself with Crohn’s disease. She has worked with and counseled thousands of patients facing illness and grief, and she helps them to harness their own life force and find ways to thrive. Her words are inspiring and soothing for anyone facing a challenge or trying… show more.

Accomplished physician, long-term survivor of Crohn’s Disease, and Boddhisatva, Rachel Remen was my first therapist and the first doctor to ever mention healing to me. 

She was one of my most profound teachers, and I owe her enormous debts of gratitude. In this international best-seller, she uses both her own stories and the stories of those with whom she has worked to inspire us to live as intensely as we can, no matter how well or ill we may be.

Remen is a doctor and gifted storyteller. She shares insight into what truly heals, through these magical-yet-true vignettes. Spoiler alert: love and connection. Yes, there are times we desperately need modern medicine and other times when we desperately need our hands to be held.