I wanted to know if there are any serious, literary books on chronic pain.

As an example, in regards to depression or being bipolar, there is Andrew Solomon's The Noonday Demon, which won the National Book Award; William Styron's memoir Darkness Visible; or the multiple titles of Kay Redfield Jamison.

You get the idea. I'm throwing this request out there as the very beginning of my looking around.

Hi Dshue
There is a book floating around called "Chronic pain" I dont remember the author,,there are alot of people here who know the book,,It was on a thread a few months back.. if anything Google it,,I do remember seeing it on Amazon books,,you get to read several chapters,,This book is based on RSD and it is pricey [around 250.00} but shop around.. aintsobad knows of this book and so does fmichael. P.S a good website to go to for other reading leirsure is allyoucanread.com ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,bobber

Hi dshue!

I have found many books on this at www.borders.com. You can buy them used, or in a bundle. Pretty cheap too! Good luck. Also, rsds.org has many downloads to answer specific questions and many links.

Ahhh. Good 'ole aintsobad and fmichael. A worth of wisdom there... Thanks Guys! You are in good hands!

So I am a reading machine! I love all kinds of books and literature, from Faulkner to those fabulous Janet Evanovich books that are like brain candy. In fact, to help me go to sleep at night I listen to books on my ipod. I highly recommend this to everyone too.

But your question made me start wondering- besides my neuro textbooks, what books have I read that feature a character dealing with pain? So I looked at amazon to check out what I've read that fits into this genre. And there really aren't any that I can think of!
The one book that I think is not just a journal paper and deals with this a little bit more is:
The Culture of Pain by David Morris. A nonfiction book, but it is about how pain fits into culture and society. It's interesting.

And then there are so many books that are more about existential pain or depression or alienation. Maybe that explore these feelings without the character having chronic pain. What kinds of fiction do you like?

Faulkner is good for alcoholic depression, and Hemingway always makes me feel like less of an outsider. A book that I read recently is called "I Know This Much Is True" by Wally Lamb. It's good. It's about a man whose twin brother is profoundly schizophrenic and their relationship and life. It's heavy but touching and good.

So what is everyone's favorite book?

Lynns