5 books about Parkinson’s disease to add to your summer reading list

Stuck for reading inspiration this summer? Whether you want to be moved, educated or inspired, these five Parkinson’s-focused books may have what you’re looking for

1. ‘Penned Poetry for Parkinson’s Research’ compiled by Miller Caldwell

In ‘Penned Poetry for Parkinson’s Research’, readers are encouraged to “enter the world of the poets’ creative minds”. Compiled by Scottish author Miller Caldwell, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021, the collection features poetic contributions from people living with Parkinson’s around the world. Its proceeds will be donated to the charity Parkinson’s UK to support research into the condition.

2. ‘Walking Through Honey: My journey with Parkinson’s disease’ by Brian Sherman

After working in various high-ranking business roles over a career that spanned five decades, Australia-based Brain Sherman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. ‘Walking Through Honey’ details Sherman’s experiences of the condition over the past 10 years – and the effect it has had on him.

3. ‘Mary & Me’ by Robyn Cotton

Split between 19th-century England and the present day, ‘Mary & Me’ follows the story of two women living with Parkinson’s 200 years apart. Inspired by the experiences of the author, New Zealand-based Robyn Cotton, the novel offers a personal illustration of life with Parkinson’s. Its proceeds go to the charity Parkinson’s New Zealand, which aims to provide information and professional support to people living with the condition.

4. ‘The Jaguar’ by Sarah Holland-Batt

Noted Australian poet Sarah Holland-Batt has made headlines in the last year for highlighting issues surrounding aged care quality and safety in her home country. Driven by her father’s own experience with Parkinson’s, ‘The Jaguar’ is a “deeply humane” poetry collection that paints a portrait of his journey with the condition – and her grief following his death in 2020.

5. ‘Drivin’ Daughters and Parkinson’s’ by Marco Preshevski

‘Drivin’ Daughters and Parkinson’s’ shares UK author Marco Preshevski’s “rollercoaster” experience of Parkinson’s since his diagnosis in 2001, when he was 30 years old. With intimate detail, it explores the challenges he has faced and how he was able to overcome them. Described as “hilarious, wholly inspirational and at times difficult to believe”, the book offers a “fresh look” at life with the condition – and lessons for those wanting to learn more about Parkinson’s.

Read more:

Six books about Parkinson’s disease to gift this year

Eight must-read books about Parkinson’s