book  list 

Knowledge is power and there is no better place to find it than in books.

Suggested Reading

This selection of books is designed to provide information and insight on brain tumors and the impact they can have on the patient and their family. They are in no way an endorsement from the Brain Tumor Foundation but merely suggested reading.

The information is provided and sold with the knowledge that the publisher and author do not offer any medical or other professional advice. In the case of a need for any such expertise, one should consult with the appropriate professional.

These books may contain information that in some cases might be dated.

It’s not a book, it’s a doorway…

– Gemma Malley

Brain and Heart: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon
by David I. Sandberg, M.D.
(May 6, 2025)
More to Life Than More: A Memoir of Misunderstanding, Loss and Learning
by Alan Pesky and Claudia Aulum
(Sept. 24, 2021)

Navigating Life with a Brain Tumor

by Lynne P. Taylor, Alyx B. Porter Umphrey and Diane Richard
(Nov 20, 2012)

Cooking Up A Cure For Brain Tumors

Created by Lisa Gibson and Lisa Millar; 2002:
The Brad Kaminsky Foundation for Brain Tumor Research.

Brain Tumor: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Coping with your Brain Tumor Diagnosis

KINDLE EDITION

by Jerry Arnolds (Sep 3, 2013)

Brain Tumors: Living Low Grade

KINDLE EDITION

by Gideon Burrows (Jan 10, 2014)

Blessed With a Brain Tumor: Realizing it’s all Gift and Learning to Receive

KINDLE EDITION

by Will Pye (Jun 11, 2014)

Damn The Statistics, I Have a Life to Live!: Coping with a Brain Tumor My Personal Story

KINDLE EDITION

by Harry Wolf (Sep 11, 2003)

Do No Harm

by Henry Marsh
Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery

Promise Me Dad

by Joe Biden
A deeply moving memoir about the year that would forever change both a family and a country

Shrinkage: Manhood, Marriage, and the Tumor That Tried to Kill Me

by Bryan Bishop and Adam Carolla (Apr 29, 2014)

Ricochet Through Life: Weaving Your Way Through a Brain Tumor

by Toni Seymour (Apr 4, 2014)

When Breath Becomes Air

by Paul Kalanithi

Finding Meaning
The Sixth Stage of Grief

by David Kessler (Sept. 2020)

Books for Children

Helping children through a parent’s illness

Children see magic because they look for it.

– Christopher Moore

End of Life Issues

Modern Loss
by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner
Candid conversation about grief.

Guiding Your Child Through Grief

by James P. Emswiler and Mary Ann Emswiler
(Aug 1, 2000)

Missing Mommy: A Book About Bereavement

by Rebecca Cobb (Apr 2, 2013)

The Invisible String

by Patrice Karst
This bestselling picture book about the unbreakable connections between loved ones has healed a generation of readers — children and adults alike.

The Memory Box

by Joanna Rowland
From the perspective of a young child, Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died.

What Do We Tell the Children?: Talking to Kids About Death and Dying

by Joseph M Primo (Sep 17, 2013)

End of Life Issues

Redefining Moments: End of Life Stories for Better Living

by Gordon Zacks (Jul 14, 2014)

The Dying Process – A Hospice Social Worker’s Perspective On End Of Life Care: A helpful guide for coping and closure during end of life care

by Dana Plish (Apr 19, 2014)

The Inner Life of the Dying Person (End-of-Life Care: A Series)

by Allan Kellehear (May 27, 2014)

The Last Lecture

HYPERION

by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow; 2008
Made famous by his “Last Lecture” at Carnegie Mellon, the author focuses on the importance of overcoming obstacles, enabling the dreams of others, and seizing every moment.

What Dying People Want: Practical Wisdom For The End Of Life

PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PERSEUS BOOKS

by Dr. David Kuhl, 2002
“…an all-encompassing guide for people with a terminal illness and those who know someone who is dying.” – New York Times

Notes Left Behind

HARPERCOLLINS

by Keith and Brooke Desserich; 2009
The true story of a six-year-old girl named Elena and her battle against brain cancer. In her last days she showed a community how to love and how to live.

Bereavment

Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief
by David Kessler
(Sept. 2020)
On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss

by David A. Kessler and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
(Jun 5, 2007)

Techniques of Grief Therapy: Creative Practices for Counseling the Bereaved (Series in Death, Dying, and Bereavement)

by Robert A. Neimeyer (Apr 12, 2012)

Dealing with Death and Grief: The Ultimate Guide When Grieving the Loss of a Loved One

KINDLE EDITION

by Cosimo Barbato (Apr 1, 2014)
(grieving mindfully, grieving the loss of a child, grieving a suicide, grieving the loss of a mother, mourning)

Call for a referral

Stay informed

Sign up for BTF news and events

Donate

Help us help others

Sign Up Now

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Receive the latest on brain tumor news, updates and events.

Thank you! You have successfully subscribed!