Super Sick: Making Peace with Chronic Illness

Written by Allison Alexander

Narrated by Kas Nixon

Superheroes aren't sick. They don't lie in bed all day because they're in too much pain to get up. They don't face the challenges of the chronically ill, which include socially inappropriate topics like mental illness, sex, and diarrhea. The latter, of course, would be exponentially worse in a spandex suit. Allison Alexander, who has struggled with a chronic illness since she was a child, wants to see herself in her heroes and searches for examples of sick characters in pop culture and fiction. She weaves her own painful experiences with stories from other chronic sufferers, engaging with how society values healthiness, how doctors don’t always have answers, and how faith, friendship, and romance add pressure to already complicated situations. "Unlike most books on the topic, SUPER SICK left me feeling inspired, empowered, and confident that I have much to share with the world, even if I’m not your typical superhero." —Kira Lynne, Professional Counsellor, Psychotherapist, author of ACHES, PAIN, AND LOVE "Nothing is off the table in this book and I admired Allison's frankness and honesty about her condition, involving both bladder and bowel, and her journey through dealing with judgement, finding love, managing work, and balancing illness with sexual desires. I highly recommend this refreshing, original and immensely helpful read!" —Joy. H. Selak, author of YOU DON'T LOOK SICK! "Warm and down to earth, SUPER SICK offers real talk about the ordinary heroism of living with a chronic illness—from dating to navigating a medical system that often dismisses women's pain. It is a window into the difficulties of being sick in a culture that valourizes health and a much-needed challenge to that culture." —Maya Dusenbery, author of DOING HARM "More than anything, this book is about courage—the courage to face your fears about your health and the courage to keep fighting for your dignity." —Toni Bernhard, author of HOW TO BE SICK

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author's Republic
• Release date: Aug 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662136436

Allison Alexander

Allison Alexander is an earthbending Ravenclaw from Hoth who's more comfortable curling up at home with a video game than venturing out into the wild. As an author, editor, and blogger, Allison aims to make spaces for minority characters in science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture. Also, her favourite character class in Dungeons & Dragons is a bard, so that should tell you everything you need to know about her. Allison Alexander is an earthbending Ravenclaw from Hoth who's more comfortable curling up at home with a video game than venturing out into the wild. As an author, editor, and blogger, Allison aims to make spaces for minority characters in science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture. Also, her favourite character class in Dungeons & Dragons is a bard, so that should tell you everything you need to know about her. From her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba-which she shares with her husband, Jordan-Allison writes books, edits novels, and mentors aspiring authors.