Incurable Optimist

Living with Illness and Chronic Hope

By: Jennifer Cramer-Miller

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Paperback | 15 August 2023

At a Glance

Paperback
360 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.59 x 13.97 x 3.05

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2024 International Impact Book Awards Winner: Family and Medical
Book of Excellence Award Winner: Family
Publishers Weekly, starred review, PW Book of the Week, August 2023

At twenty-two, Jennifer Cramer-Miller was thrilled with her new job, charming boyfriend, and Seattle apartment. Then she received a devastating autoimmune diagnosis—and suddenly, rather than planning for a bright future, she found herself soaking a hospital pillow with tears and grappling with words like “progressive” and “incurable.”

That day, Cramer-Miller unwillingly crossed over from wellness to chronic illness—from thriving to kidney failure. Her chances of survival hinged upon the expertise of doctors, the generosity of strangers, and the benevolence of loved ones. But what kind of life would that be?

Spanning two-plus decades, this family love story explores loss and acceptance, moving forward with uncertainty, and forging a path to joy. Four kidney transplants later, Cramer-Miller is here to shine a bright light on people helping people in difficult times with a story that will make you want to hug the humans you love. Because sometimes it’s the sorrows that threaten to pull us apart that ultimately unite us in hope.

Industry Reviews

2024 International Impact Book Awards Winner: Family and Medical

"This book is an inspiration. Read it to find your own bravery and to salute the bravery of Jennifer Cramer-Miller."

-Delia Ephron, author of Left on Tenth: a Second Chance at Life

“Wonderful! I started crying so many times as I read . . . engaging, moving, funny.”
—Kate Hopper, author of Ready for Air: A Journey through Premature Motherhood and Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers

“…a knockout memoir on living with a life-threatening kidney disease…. openhearted…. There's plenty of wisdom in these pages.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review, PW Book of the Week, August 2023

“Incurable Optimist reminds us of the incredible power of positivity, hope and never giving up. No matter what challenges one faces in life, readers of Incurable Optimist will be moved to find a path forward, no matter the odds, and embrace each and every day.”
—Jessie Diggins, Olympic gold medalist and author of Brave Enough

“. . . energetic, well-observed prose . . . Her account of her journey through illness and healing is unfailingly entertaining . . .A touchingly personal memoir of a young woman facing a grave illness.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“If you ever want to read an inspirational book, and occasionally laugh out loud, I encourage you to read Jennifer Cramer-Miller’s memoir. It is uplifting and gives new meaning to the word ‘hope.’”
—Herta Feely, author of 2018 National Indie Excellence Award and 2016 New Apple Award winner of Saving Phoebe Murrow

“A raw, heartfelt, and transformational read for anyone needing levity in the face of adversity. I love how Jennifer’s humor-laced resilience beautifully encourages the reader to always make room for joy and hope!”
—Julie Burton, author of The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being and owner of ModernWell

“This book! Omg! The triumph of this journey! …a JOYOUS story…”

—Linda Sivertsen, author, co-author, and ghostwriter of eleven books including two NYT bestsellers, and host of the Beautiful Writers Podcast

“In this deftly crafted memoir, Jennifer Cramer-Miller takes us on her volatile journey of navigating a chronic, life-threatening disease. Generously infused with humor and hard-won wisdom, Incurable Optimist reminds us that hope—and human connection—can help us overcome insurmountable odds. An insightful, inspiring, and joy-filled read.”
—Laura Whitfield, author of Untethered: Faith, Failure, and Finding Solid Ground

“Jennifer Cramer Miller’s optimism is born of living with reality, with the operative word being living. Anyone dealing with disappointment, hopelessness, or fear will be inspired by Jennifer’s infectious optimism.”
—Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, author of three books including Filling Her Shoes: A Memoir of an Inherited Family, and podcast host of the Morning Glory Project

"Beyond inspiring—a page turner that reveals the resilience of the human spirit surrounded by unconditional love and support. Great read.”
—Amy S. Peele, award-winning author of a medical murder mystery trilogy, Cut, Match, and Hold

“If you’re looking for a wonderf

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