Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad narrates her journey from being a young, ambitious Princeton graduate diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia to her path of self-discovery and healing, detailing her initial symptoms, diagnosis, treatment involving chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, her blog and New York Times column "Life, Interrupted," and culminating in a transformative road trip across the United States. The book includes the sensitive topic of coping with a life-threatening illness at a young age.

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad receives widespread praise for its raw and honest portrayal of living with and beyond cancer. Critics commend Jaouad's compelling storytelling and emotional depth. Some note occasional pacing issues but agree her narrative resilience shines through. Overall, the memoir is seen as a profound exploration of illness, recovery, and self-discovery.

Readers who would enjoy Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad are typically drawn to deeply personal memoirs about resilience and self-discovery. Fans of Cheryl Strayed's Wild or Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love will appreciate Jaouad's intimate journey through illness and healing, as well as her exploration of life's uncertain territories.

Emotional / Inspirational / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Challenging

- Suleika Jaouad began writing what would become Between Two Kingdoms as a New York Times column called "Life, Interrupted," which she started while undergoing treatment for leukemia.
- The title Between Two Kingdoms is inspired by a line from Susan Sontag's book Illness as Metaphor, referring to the coexistence of the worlds of the healthy and the ill.

**Suleika Jaouad**  
A writer and journalist who is diagnosed with leukemia, documenting her experiences and journey through treatment and remission, and exploring themes of isolation and connection.

**Anne**  
Suleika's mother who grew up in Switzerland, moved to New York City in the 1980s, and is a painter with a background in running a language school and other jobs before settling into her East Village apartment.

**Hédi**  
Suleika's father who moved to the U.S. to teach, eventually becoming a professor at Skidmore College, and sharing a relationship with Anne marked by creativity and bohemian values.

**Adam**  
Suleika's brother who is a junior in college at the time of her diagnosis, becomes a vital match for her bone marrow transplant, and shares the pressure and responsibility for her health.

**Will**  
Suleika's supportive partner who starts off as her caregiver during her initial leukemia treatments, but becomes overwhelmed by the demands of this role, leading to tensions within their relationship.

**Dr. Holland**  
An experienced doctor at Mt. Sinai Hospital, one of the founders of modern chemotherapy, who oversees Suleika’s treatment and care during her battle with leukemia.

**Younique**  
A dedicated and compassionate nurse who forms a close bond with Suleika during her chemotherapy treatments, offering support and celebration.

**Estelle**  
One of Suleika’s first friends in the hospital with stage four liver cancer, offering her a glimpse into the future challenges of chemotherapy.

**Yehya**  
A fellow patient at the hospital with lymphoma from Algeria, who becomes an unexpected source of encouragement and camaraderie for Suleika.

**Dennis**  
A hospital patient who befriends Suleika during her treatment, known for his quirky protests and shared moments of absurdity and laughter with her.

**Melissa**  
An artist and one of Suleika's closest friends met through social media, battling cancer with a spirited, adventurous approach to life and creativity despite her prognosis.

**Max Ritvo**  
A young poet with Ewing sarcoma who provides Suleika with profound insights about living with cancer and maintaining hope despite adversity.

**Johnny**  
A fellow young cancer patient who shares the same diagnosis as Suleika and brings a sense of humor and comfort during her isolative treatments.

**Oscar**  
Suleika's schnauzer-poodle mix dog, providing companionship and a sense of normalcy during her recovery and subsequent road trip.

**Jon Batiste**  
Suleika's caring and musically talented partner who grows close to her during and after her illness, offering her love, acceptance, and support.

**Ned**  
A private high school teacher and early letter-writing connection from Suleika's column, with whom she shares insights about living after cancer treatments.

**Howard**  
A New York Times reader connected to Suleika through her column, offering valuable lessons on love and connection through his letters.

**Nitasha**  
A visual artist in Detroit who transforms her chronic skin disease into art and provides Suleika with a new perspective on beauty amidst struggle.

**Isaac**  
A young man facing personal challenges who advises Suleika on being open to both the pain and beauty of life.

**Rich**  
A Californian who shares his insights on travel and illness, emphasizing the importance of being present in each part of life's journey.

**Katherine**  
A two-time cancer survivor and teacher who imparts wisdom on the necessity of openness and love even after significant loss.

**Lil’ GQ**  
A death row inmate in a Texas prison who communicates with Suleika, paralleling her journey with his own reflections on mortality and confinement.

**JR and Kit**  
Free-spirited travelers living out of their van, encouraging Suleika to embrace spontaneity and shed her fears during her road trip.

**Unique**  
A young liver cancer patient from Florida whose optimism and joy inspire Suleika to look forward to a hopeful future.

Suleika Jaouad

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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Between Two Kingdoms Summary and Study Guide

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Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Between Two Kingdoms Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Between Two Kingdoms Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-12

Between Two Kingdoms Part 1, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-16

Between Two Kingdoms Part 1, Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 17-20

Between Two Kingdoms Part 1, Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 21-24

Between Two Kingdoms Part 1, Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 25-28

Between Two Kingdoms Part 2, Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 29-32

Between Two Kingdoms Part 2, Chapters 29-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 33-Epilogue

Between Two Kingdoms Part 2, Chapter 33-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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