D Books

This is a superbly written book. This is one of the best "how-to's" I've ever read, and I write those kinds of books myself.

This is by far the best book that I have read on any life transforming physical exercise including other books on this subject, as well as books on yoga and tai chi. The author writes simply and masterfully. He promises an easy to learn, easy to do "exercise", and delivers. This book has none of the New Age psycho-babble that mucks up so many other books on the subject.

When Qi Gong developed in China for more than 20 years, Chinese people finally find Falun Gong is the most effective. So there are more than 100 million Chinese people practice Falun Gong before the government's persecution.

But western society seems still enjoy the low level Qi Gongs.

Why not directly start from high level Falun Gong? It is not difficult. When you try, you will know.

There is an old Chinese saying: "Learn from the best".

Many of us want very much to do spiritual and physical exercises but never seem to find the time. This practice can be learned quickly from this most excellent book and takes only six minutes. I've been using the book for three months and have felt an increase in energy level, both physical and spiritual, already.

The author has written a clear & practical book, with compact and understandable information about Qi Gong in general plus some nice information about what it has done for him personally.
It has good instructions and a lot of black and white photos which are easy to follow.
I found the excercise sequence very simple to do. It is relaxing and indeed takes less then 10 minutes to perform.
I think this book is a great start for beginners. Anyone can do these excercises.
If you're interested in other, longer and more intensive Qi Gong forms, I'd like to recommend the book 'The Swimming Dragon: A Chinese Way to Fitness, Beautiful Skin, Weightloss and High Energy' by T.K. Shih.

This book is easy to read, has good illustrations, symptom descriptions, and suggestions for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

I found this to be the best book as far as having pictures to show how to do stretches and on good typing technique.

Other books I would recommend are:

`The Repetitive Strain Handbook by Robert M Simon, MD and Ruth Aleskovsky'.

`The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies'

`Living Better Every Patient's Guide to Living with Illness by Carol j. Langenfeld'.

This book is the single most useful collection of practical RSI information I've found. Highly recommended for anyone trying to figure out how to stop hurting themselves when they're working. I have bought four copies for friends.

"Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User's Guide" by Pascarelli is a good introduction for those who know nothing about RSI. Even a cursory search of the Internet will turn up several references to this book as the classic on the subject. It describes what RSI is, what the risk factors are, how to evaluate your physician in terms of his or her RSI awareness, how to treat RSI symptoms, and it offers tips on workstation configuration, typing and mouse technique, monitor settings, and daily living. If you think you have RSI and your first instinct is to go out and buy yourself a wrist wrest and a splint, stop and read this book first, it explains why these amateurish attempts at self treatment are a bad idea. I was disappointed that the book didn't offer more specific advice for actually treating RSI, though I understand that would have been difficult given the large number of causes and manifestations of the disorder. The book claims on the front cover to contain a "seven point program for treatment", but most of the advice for treatment itself consists of "go see a doctor". This is frustrating given the book's repeated claim that most doctors know nothing about RSI or don't even believe in it in the first place. Another thing that really annoyed me was the book's assertion that employers are largely responsible for RSI. The basic message was: "RSI isn't your fault. It's just another example of how `the Man' exploits you in a thankless and mindless job." In my case, my RSI was caused by my own obsessive work habits. The book does list "Driven Behavior" as a risk factor for RSI, but it gets only a perfunctory mention. Another negative is that the book focuses on tendonitis-type RSI, whereas my problem was clearly nerve-related (numbness, weakness, and lack of coordination in hands, forearms, and upper arms). The book that really nailed my problem on the head, and that I recommend as a supplement to this one if your RSI is caused by obsessive computer use, was "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!", by Damany, who worked under Pascarelli treating patients for many years.

After years of extreme pain caused by ...poor working conditions ..., I ended up disabled. I found this book four years later. In that time, I had seen two M.D.'s, three chiropracters and two orthopedic surgeons. I was diagnosed as having a pinched nerve.

After reading this book, I made an appointment with Dr. Pascarelli. I was the last new patient he took before retiring.

He diagnosed me as having thoracic outlet syndrome, and wrote up a script of physical therapy treatment for me, which I took back to Ohio and showed to the doctor's here. I still live in constant pain because of permanent muscle damage in my upper back because this wasn't diagnosed sooner, but at least the pain is bearable. I also have problems using my arms and hands. But, today I'm partially disabled instead of totally disabled.

Maybe, if one of the doctor's that had examined me before had Dr. Pascarelli's knowledge, I wouldn't be living in pain today. Or, if I had the knowledge this book provides....

If you use a computer, read this book and follow the advice. You don't have to end up living in pain.

I've had a heart attack. I want to take personal responsibility for my health and do all I can to prevent my experience from reoccurring. As I began recovery and started researching the why's of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), I found there was more I needed to know. Dr. Sinatra's book helped me understand how my body works and what I and my doctor can do to promote healing and restore my health. Dr. Sinatra's book is well written and chocked-full up-to-date information that the reader can use. The resources contained in this book are invaluable. There is hope. GW

Nice book especially the supplements section, such as vitamins, enzymes, etc...that is if you don't mind taking supplements instead of or in addition to standard medications.

Dr. Sinatra's book endorses traditional medicine's solutions to heart disease -- as a last resort! He believes there are many changes in diet and supplements that may help you avoid/postpone heart surgery. And he backs up his findings with research. Finally, a intelligent approach that lets the patient decide what's right for them.

I have been reading a lot of books on medical matters. The titles in general are always very promising but the content deceives from time to time. Not this time. This book is a must read for everybody, CVA-diseased people but even more for healthy people. I should recommend it also to every doctor. Not only in the States but certainly in Europe where medicine is based on treating the symptoms. That's old stuff. Prevention is what the population needs and that's what this book is all about.
A very sincere congratulation for the authors of this fantastic work.

I have been reading alternative & conventional texts for years and what I found is that when I had lots of health problems the conventional medicine only works to get you out of immediate danger but does not address underlying problems or corrections, and treats symptoms only.
After turning 50 I decided I needed to read this book and found it to be a wealth of information. Thanks to this book I went out and found an "intergrative" doctor who did these extra tests and found my LPa's were >300, Normal is below 30 (even though other cholesterol numbers were good). This means I'm a walking time bomb for blood clots to brain or heart. By using L-lysine, curcumin and natkonise my numbers are 45 after 2 months. Conventional doctors don't do these extra tests because there are no drugs to fix LPa's. By reading this book, going to find an intergrative doctor, (one trained as MD & then gets extra training in alternative medicine)I believe I will live longer,(survival rates are low for blood clots to brain or heart). My new doctor has also helped me with numerous other ailments an I feel better than I did 10 years ago.
Thank you Dr. Sinatra. If I had not read your book I would never have known about the LPa's. You saved my life!

I originally read this book about John Baker's life and impact on young people when I was in grade school. I still had it on my bookshelf when I was in college in 1988. I felt a lump on my testicle and immediately saw a doctor. The diagnosis was malignant testicular cancer, but thanks to God and the fact that I had re-read John Baker's story so many times, I caught it early and am completely cured. John's life continues to have an impact on many people long after his tragic death.

I first read this book when it was passed on to me in high school by a friend. The story of John's life and battle with cancer is something that really makes you put your life in perspective and is truly inspirational. I don't know anyone that has made it through the book without some tears...just reading through the reviews here, I found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks. If each of us could do 1/2 the good in our lifetimes that John Baker did in his that ended much too soon, imagine how much better the world would be.

This true story of a runner and coach tugs at your heart strings. It is so sad , at times I could not see the page because of my tears. Mr. Buchanan does a remarkable job of painting the portrait of this young man's life in a realistic manner. Very well written - THIS WAS A GREAT READ!!!

This book caught my attention as an exciting true story that fulfills one's need to feel inspired. It is rather tragic that one of our country's greatest track stars hadto succomb to such a most undesirable opponent that is very hard to beat; cancer. The book let's the reader know how it is to live with cancer, and how John coped with it. Throughout his terrible ordeal, John inspired children in his community to strive for their full potential. If you enjoy a great book that reads fast, then this is a definite for you.

I was 8 years old when John Baker passed away but, I do remember when they changed the name of the school to honor this hero. This book is chicken soup for the human soul. This book belongs in everyone's personal library and it should be read at least once a year to remind us that every little thing counts.

In February of 1961 when Jeff Apple was born, very little was known about autism. Autism research, still in its infancy literally grew up with Jeff.

The boy first displayed alarming behavior at 2, during the late summer of 1963. His sister Jane, 5 and brother Bobby, 12 were naturally frightened to see Jeff battering himself. The summer of 1963 saw Jeff's first trip to emergency for Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB).

Jeff's alarming behavior escalated over time; no day care could keep him for very long as few people were able to meet his needs. Finally, in 1967 a special program opened that accepted Jeff. A well-trained staff were able to work with the boy and even taught him self-care skills. Jeff made some progress, but remained largely nonverbal and his SIBs continued escalating. In 1968 the boy demolished his grandparents' Recreational Vehicle; he would roam the house at night and smash things.

By 1970, Jeff's behavior had deteriorated to where he needed constant care and his immediate family needed respite. On January 14, 1971 Jeff was enrolled at the Murdoch Institute, a place where he stayed for the remainder of his life.

At Murdoch, Jeff was closely monitored; restrained; given light electric shocks when he attacked himself and was rewarded with trips to various staff members' homes. Jeff also enjoyed visits to his own home. Luckily, the Happy Time School which provided Jeff his first taste of school success took him intermittently; he still remained under the protective wing of Murdoch.

Sadly, Jeff's clock ran out of time in January of 1990. He died at age 28 from self inflicted injuries.

This book is as rich as the beautiful North Carolina country side where Jeff lived; the rich descriptions of North Carolina and the inclusion of Scripture added hope and color to this personal account. One thing that was evident throughout this book was the unconditional love the Apples had for Jeff; at no time is this ever called into question. One can only hope that Jeff has found peace at last and that Patricia Apple, widowed for several years can take comfort in knowing she, George and their older children did everything possible to ensure a life of humane quality for Jeff. Despite the misleading statement of the title song, "God Didn't Make Little Green Apples," a singularly inane song, one can liken the "green Apple" image to Jeff. Green apples need time to ripen and they need more love and guidance.

I recommend you read Thelma Wheatley's "My Sad Is All Gone," a book about another young man with severe autism who displayed SIBs. (Interestingly, the two young men have linked or similar themed surnames, Julian Orchard and Jeff Apple). These two books go together well, like Lennon & McCartney.

In this book, the quality of the human spirit shows itself in it's mightiest face...that of unconditional love. Beautifully written, eloquent in it's reality, the author takes us right there. We are in the Apple's home & lives...we smell the bacon on that first day...& then we feel the first suspicions along with Jeff's mother. Ultimately, we feel the love, the hope, the frustration, the fear & sadly, the grief. We are there in the silent moments, the sunny moments, the despairing moments & the final moments. Our hearts go out to the Apples, their courage, fortitude & dignity...but most of all for their love. No parent should let this book pass them by, no parent who picks this book up will put it down, particularly any parents of special children. This book is for every caring human being, parent or not, as they will not, can not, walk away from it untouched .. or uninspired.
On a personal note, I was told I should read this book with with a box of tissues to hand. Being a person not much inclined to tears, I took that advice with a grain of salt. My mistake. The only salt around me when I read Spinning Straw was in my eyes & on my face, as it is at this moment recalling the book as I write this review. A "must read".
To Patricia Apple, a woman of indomitable courage & to Phyllis Green, who weaves words into pictures, all my respects.

Spinning Straw... It's a great book. It's written as if you are living the experience. You really feel like you know the characters, especially Jeff! The book shows so much love and caring, it makes you want to do the same if you don't already. I recommend the book because it's jsut plan excellent!! you'll see as soon as you buy it! And the author, well she's great too! The best in the world; take it from someone that knows her personally. Great Book, way to go P. Green

I could not put this book down! It made me cry, it made me angry, but most of all, it made me glad there are people in the world like Phyllis Jean Green who care enough to write this painful but SOARING story about autism and self-injurious behaviour.

This non fiction shows the struggles of a family raising an autistic child with SIB at a time before information is available about the disability. The author, Phyllis Green, brings this family into the hearts and souls of the reader. The book is also illustrated with actual photographs of the family. Spinning Straw is a plus for a remarkable movie about real life situations of families who are faced with the struggles that stem from disabilities like autism. Green's language is down-to-earth and pragmatic. She brings tears, laughter and the real life of the family into full circle.

Like many other reviewers, I read this one years and years ago, 1958 (I was 14 at the time). It was one of the first SiFi books that I had read and it hooked me on the genre. I read it several times during the very early 1960s and recently gave it a reread. Is is no worse for the wear! In my opinion, this was one of Norton's best works, having read much of her stuff since then. There is a haunting quality about the book and for some reason the story sticks with you. Women authors of this genre were few and far between at the time of this books writing and in fact, it was a number of years before I found that Andre Norton was in fact a female. Since that time, there of course are some wonderful female SiFi writers, but Norton was one of those who lead the way. We should all be grateful! I highly recommend this one. Like another reviewer pointed out, if you can find a old, illustrated copy, get it. If not, then by all means get a copy of the current paper back. You certainly will not be sorry.

I READ THIS WHILE IN GRADE SCHOOL, FOUND IT ON A BOOKMOBILE THAT CAME BY DURING THE SUMMER. I WAS AN AVID READER AT AN EARLY AGE AND THIS WAS MY FIRST READING ON SCIENCE FICTION AND TO THIS DAY I THINK THE BEST BOOK WRITTEN BY ANDRE NORTON. TO RELATE TO THE TITLE CHARACTER WAS EASY AND THE THOUGHT OF NUCLEAR WAR WAS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER AT THE TIME I READ IT. I THINK IT WAS A GLIMPSE AT A POSSIBLE FUTURE FOR MANKIND AND NOT JUST FANTASY TO ME AT THE TIME. I PLAN TO BUY THIS BOOK AND HAVE MY 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER READ IT. I WAS ANOTHER ONE THAT DIDN'T REALIZE ANDRE NORTON WAS A WOMAN THINKING THAT SCIENCE FICTION WAS THE REALM OF MALE AUTHORS. A GREAT BOOK TO START READING IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN INTO SCIENCE FICTION

This is a book that I read in the early '70's, my brother had bought it from the book order at school. I only read it once and have never forgotten it. It was so well written and appealed to me and my friends at the time. I'm going to try and find a copy too!

The first and most vivid work of a fine writer of imaginative adventure stories. If you liked the paperback, try and locate a copy of the original hardback. It had illustrations by Nicholas Mordvinoff which were as good as the novel itself. His drawings of the Beast Things really brings them to life. Brrrrr!

This was one of the first science fiction novels that I ever read, and the ideas and images in it have stayed with me all this time. Nor is it really "dated", it could all still happen- only it is now 250 years into the future instead of 300.

This is the story of Lars of the Puma clan, of the people of the Smoking Mountains. Lars's father was of the famed Star Men- explorers of the blasted wilderness beyond the mountain stronghold of the Star Hall. The brotherhood of Star Men sought to carry on the tradition of their research scientist ancestors- to seek out new knowledge for the betterment of the tribe- and of the world. This was to be Lars's destiny also, except that his father failed to return from his last mission and there was no one to speak for him at the last choosing of apprentices. So, rather than accept the insult of a lesser life, Lars took up his sword, bow, and his father's pouch, and along with his great mutant hunting cat, Lura, went out to find the great lost city of the Old Ones that his father's last journal entry spoke of.

Published in 1952 this was one of the first post-apocalyptic novels. It is also one of the most believable. Even in light of current knowledge you still find it believable.

One other thing, in spite of the tales about the unimaginable horror of nuclear war, this book was about hope. You see, even after you press that big "reset" button, mankind will yet find a way to survive; the great cycle of re-civilization from the ruins of former greatness will start again. If you were a kid growing up during the Cold War this was an important message to keep at the back of your mind.

This is a fast moving novel with dialogue so real, so crisp that one scarcely can believe it is not a true story.It is so well written that you feel like you are watching a top rated movie.The drama builds with each page and uncoils like a giant spring.
We live in a time when individuals with uncompromising integrity are few. This American hero never forgets his past and knows that a man can be strong but still be sensitive to others.
The book would not release its emotional and intellectual hold on my mind. I read it in one night. I was anxious to see if Shaw could pass the test of being in a "pressure cooker" but still maintain his unconditional committment to the landmark values are Country was built upon.
Having read many books in my life, I can honestly say the dialogue was the best I have ever read. It was so sharp, so right on target. Shaw knows exactly what to say and when to say it. I would give anything to have the words Steven Shaw carries around in his quiver!His "arrows' always hit the target.
The story moves like a giant river on its way to a great destination. I would highly advise anyone to read this book.
It has an Unquenchable Thirst for the Truth.

Being an avid reader of Steve Sullivan's books on selling and leadership theories, I must say that his venture into , dare I say "action fiction", was a unmitigated success ! The texture of his characters and his capture of the present world climate made this read a roller coaster ride of emotions. The epicenter of the tale is Steven Shaw. Much like Sullivan himself, Shaw empowers and elevates all around him to achieve beyond their present limitations. True warriors, like Shaw (Sullivan), can operate in any arena with success because they understand what it takes to motivate those around them to accomplish any mission, any time.
Being an Army Ranger, Sullivan's attention to detail regarding his characters, including his martial arts references, made Unquenchable Thirst a fantastic adventure. Steven Shaw is the new warrior for the new millenium: intellect, compassion and the physicality to back them up.
Hey Shaw, what's next ?

From the very first sentence of "Unquenchable Thirst," I was hooked, and I stayed hooked all the way to the exciting end. As a reader, you are transported across the planet at breathtaking pace. Steve Sullivan, with a storyteller's artistry, takes you on a journey to the bright lights and dark recesses of a business empire. It is a book that is in your face from beginning to end, not for the faint of heart or politically correct. Sullivan forces you to think about the only life you have. "Unquenchable Thirst" is destined to become an American classic!

Unquenchable Thirst starts with action that didn't allow me to put the book down until I had completed it. (and I'm not a big reader!) I was deeply impacted with the moral ethics - honesty - and value placed on each person/character... for the high sense of integrity in the business world as described throughout the story. The main character, (Steve) has courage that is demonstrated in his care of those around him by living out what he perceives as justice no matter what the cost. The multiple "stories" keep one's mind agile - working. The book is very relational which pulled me into the story, keeping me involved with what becomes as big and as real as life.
We have passed this book on to 20 other leaders with whom we feel would benefit from this read in their leadership roles. Our daughter - special ed teacher - said she would recommend it as a must to read for every high school student preparing for college. (particularly related to the vocabulary used in the book - plus the fact that it is an intriguing book - filled with action and relationship ... along with the positive values in work ethics that aren't often brought into the public eye!)
Right to the end, there are twists and turns that are unexpected which keep the suspense of the story going. The ending is sad. I may have had a "happier ever after" ending - but that's not life usually!

Powerful messages, gripping story. Steve Sullivan has effectively captured the essence of business ethic and has delivered it in an entertaining epic with the type of characters that we can all relate to. I'm not a big reader and I couldn't put it down.

Zirin was an important discovery for me. As a kid, I followed professional baseball and basketball with a very childlike passion. Later I got disgusted with the general state of the corporate franchises and drifted away from any interest in watching sports in any form. After being assigned as a teaching assistant to a course on the history of sports in the modern world, I picked up Zirin's first book and this one to help me appreciate the political side of professional sports. I'm of the audience Dave Marsh of XM Radio had in mind when he wrote that "the people who need to read Dave Zirin most are people who don't think sports is important at all. Zirin knows it is and he continually shows how it fits into the rest of our world."
I believe Zirin also has much to say to those who already understand the importance of sports. The debates over race, class, business, jingoism, steroids, and so on, that rage within the world of sports bear directly or indirectly on just about every area of politics and public life. In all of these essays -- which explore the political underbelly of major league baseball, the NBA, the Olympics, soccer, and more -- he shows a fine understanding of the precisely these kinds of connections and the ways people with political influence routinely use sports for their own ends.
Zirin has strong opinions, and that in itself is not unique. But he expresses his arguments more cogently and supports them more effectively than any other opinionated sports commentator I've ever heard. This is what enables him to engage and challenge the preconceived beliefs of every one of his readers. Furthermore, he's an outstanding writer. Welcome to the Terrordome frequently had me outraged over a fact or quoted statement and then, sometimes on the same page, I'd be laughing out loud at a particularly funny or audacious turn of phrase. Whether or not we agree with Zirin should not make or break the book's significance. If we really want to challenge our sometimes ossified views of the world, we've got to seek out writers like Zirin, who offer perspectives entirely lacking in the weak analysis, calculated outrage, and narrow political perspective on offer in the overwhelming majority of mainstream political commentary.
My only complaint is that there should have been some endnotes, not just to document the quotes he uses but also to help orient the book in relation to other writings on sports with which Zirin is in dialogue in his essays.

I enjoyed the book. I am glad to know about the authors website to get his new writing. I thought the book was insightful and great for a fan like me.

Sports are the world's great distraction, especially in the United
States. To really understand American culture, and other cultures too,
you have to understand sports to get why people get so very fanatical
about them. In a sense, they are a form of reality TV, except they
envelope so much more. It is very easy for radicals to dismiss sports
as a distraction from more important things, like changing the world,
but in a sense, by dismissing sports, they also dismiss sports fans,
which is a great deal of people. It's also important to understand how
sports is used to distract people, and why athletes are told to shut
up and be good soldiers. So having said all that, when Dave Zirin put
out a sequel to his first book, "What's My Name Fool?", I read it as
fast as I could.

Much like his first book, "Welcome to the Terrordome", (Chuck D
does the introduction, since the title is taken from a Public Enemy
song), the book is broken down into chapters exploring different parts, exploring
politics in the sports world. Roberto Clemente was a Hall of Fame
right-fielder for the Pittsburg Pirates from 1955 to 1972. He is often
described as baseball's Latino Jackie Robinson, in that he never shut
up and never backed down from disrespect. He was outspoken on issues
of the day, like racism, segregation, colonialism in Latin America,
civil rights, the war in Vietnam, and media mockery of minority
players. Clemente was instrumental in winning a World Series for the
Pirates in 1960, yet finished 8th in MVP voting because of his Puerto
Rican heritage. When non-white baseball players had to eat in the bus
while in the South, he led a protest against segregation and demanded
that all players be treated the same. He died in a plane crash on his
way to deliver relief supplies to victims of an earthquake in
Nicaragua a year after his retirement and remains one of the best players to ever play the game..

Another topic is how Major League Baseball sets up minimum wage
baseball sweatshops in the Caribbean and Central America, where the
only options are the army, the factory, or baseball. In the so-called
"America's Game", baseball, nearly a fourth of the league are foreign
born Latinos. During the World Baseball Classic, sponsored by MLB in
an effort to show-case homegrown talent, the Team USA was trounced by
Latin American teams. Interesting statistics like how 6 of the last 10
American League MVPs have been Latino, and here's why. In the
Dominican Republic, US teams run "baseball academies", where young
boys who have dropped out of school attend to get trained how to play
baseball, some coming with soapboxes for shoes and tattered clothing.
99 out of 100 don't make it to the MLB who attend these academies

Around the world, soccer, or football as it's known outside of
the States, is by far the most popular sport. It's famous by soccer
hooligans in Europe, full-scale riots in Latin America, and national
pride all over. Players like Diego Maradona are heroes in the third
world, for standing against corporate globalization, war, and famously
"avenging" the Falkland War in 1986 World Cup against England. In
2002, he attends the protests against the Summit of the Americas,
where he says that Argentina will never enjoy the fruits of corporate
control. Another famous player, Ronaldo of the powerful Brazil team,
goes to Palestine to meet with a Palestinian boy who wrote him a
letter asking him to meet with him, and brings international attention
to Israel's travel bans when he is stopped from meeting with him.

Most famously, Zirin goes into the famous head-butt incident at the
France-Italy World Cup when France's Zidane headbutted Italy's
Materazzi. Materazzi comes from an Italian fascist club, and Zidane
instantly becomes a hero in much of the Third World for responding to
Materazzi's racist taunting. It follows a culture of right-wing and
left-wing organizing in soccer fans, where political parties and other
organizations try to recruit fans at matchs and brawls often break out
over politics. (I've often wondered why there wasn't much organizing
at sporting events in the US when it seems so obvious.) The Prime
Minister of Italy even comments that "The French team is made up of
Negroes, Islamists, and Communists." In effect, people of the Third
World root to beat First World teams because of the history, and cling
to the ideals of hope and pride and dignity through them.

The world of sports is not a separate world, nor is it just for men,
and nor is a perfect world of saints. Just like all aspects of the
world we live in, the best thing to do is to understand it and
understand the people who follow it. I think I've just about always
fit into my work situations pretty fast by being a die-hard
Philadelphia sports fan, particularly the Eagles, as well as just about
everyone in this city is as well. When Donovan McNabb says that black
quarterbacks are criticized different than white quarterbacks and that
there's racism in the league, I applaud him for stating the obvious
when others are afraid to do even that. Left-wing sports fans might be
few and far between because of many on the left's complete rejection
of sports fans in general, but sports writers like Dave Zirin remind
us that the there's social justice in everything in life, if you look
behind the scenes a little bit.

The politically charged sports book Welcome to the Terrordome by Dave Zirin. The book covers the connection between social and cultural issues and sports, and it's really a great read. Among the topics Zirin connects are race relations in baseball thru Roberto Clemente, public financing of stadiums and how politicians often exploit sports figures.

While the title suggests a book about public financing battles of sports arenas, it really is suggestive of a broader context of sports and poltics. If you are reading only for the stadium connection this book might be a disappointment, but otherwise it was a delightful bonus as Zirin hits many aspects of sports, sports figures and sports coverage in the context of politics and life.

Not a book for a sports fan, but more for politically aware and interested people who enjoy sports or understand the large role it plays in our society.

A very interesting book that will leave you thinking, observing and expanding how you see the sports world....and isn't that pretty much why you would read in the first place?

-Cudo

Additional comments related to sports entertainment and operation in the Gameops.com Editor's Blog, www.blog.gameops.com.

Amongst sports writers David Zirin is a man among boys. He hasn't just mastered a single aspect of the genre; he has reinvented it with the complete package, which is showcased in Welcome to the Terrordome. Zirin combines acerbic wit, original insights (which is rare in sports journalism), a higher understanding of 20th century social history and an infallible drive to deliver "untouched" goods (partly allowed I suspect by the nature of the non-profit publishing company of the book). It's a breath of fresh air as his motives are only to inform and influence and not to sell anything or apologize for anyone.

The best part of Zirin of course is his ability to recognize and extrapolate on sports as a microcosm for important societal issues such as race, social and economic inequality. While I don't necessarily agree with all of Zirin's opinions, I found myself often putting the book down just to logically think through his positions and how they refute or support my own beliefs. I consider myself well versed in both sports history and social history yet I constantly was introduced to new events, people and history within the varied topics Zirin covers (Bonds, Olympics, Ali, Cycling, Clemente, etc.). To top it off Zirin has a great sense of sarcasm and I laughed out loud numerous times throughout.

This book is important because it has a potential to reach an audience not normally associated with higher-level intellectualism; namely sports fanatics. This is part of Zirin's overall argument in the sense that he criticizes modern sports athletes for not using their leverage to tackle social issues but are instead highly paid slaves of the corporate world.

Bottom Line: Full of energy and insight and should be read by anyone (including non-sports fan) who are interested in how the sports world is interconnected and related to various aspects of social justice. Genre defining.

After the death of my son, I purchased many books on this subject. This book is the only one that truly has helped me. I have read it twice, I know I will read it again. This book could have only been written by someone who experienced the despair of a bereaved parent. I am very grateful to the author.

I was given this book 2 years ago, when our oldest son was killed while working between college semesters councelling disabled adults. While dealing with, in our mind, the worse human tragedy, we read small passages at varying times. The old adage, "misery loves company" is true, and as we continue to try and live and breathe each day this books helps by sharing that other parents continue to live also. This book covers all types of deaths of children from illness, suicide, accidents etc.... Unfortunately, I have just purchased four more copies to give to other parents in our very small community who have tragically lost their greatest gift also, their child.

This is one of the more comforting of the many books which are now available to those who have lost a child. While such an event is the most heart breaking experience of life, it is consoling to read how others think, feel, and have handled such a tragedy. It is best read in small pieces, but well worth the time and effort.

Our daughter died 2 1/2 years ago and we struggle with our grief on a daily basis. Everyone thinks we should be over it. This book helped us realize we are more normal than we thought. A great resource for grieving parents and the people that surround them. I plan to donate our copy to our church library after asking our pastor to read it first.

I purchased this book for my parents when my brother died at the age of 29 in an auto accident. I felt helpless and knew we needed help to face the life ahead that seemed unappealing now. We needed people who would come around and really lend support and look to us for what our needs might be instead of suggesting those quick fixes in short "feel good quips" by extending a genuine offer of support which is more about being physically there, willing to help, or just sit near while we talk, rail, cry incessantly until our heads throb- those people usually number only in single digits. What we didn't need was our misery to be compounded by seeing reactions all too easy to read or being told directly that we're somehow not handling this in a healthy or normal way. As if there is one right way to grieve or a time at which "poof" you are healed? No, that always surprises me how little time we're given. As the author says, we will always carry this with us but over time will learn to adapt and as the author says she frequently heard, the second year for us was even harder. Now we are early into the third year and I am not surprised how many days or moments are still raw, as he was such an important part of my life from my earliest recollections until I was 33 and awoke to find he died alone in a ditch while I slept snug in my bed. Like seeing how much my three children have changed, knowing he has missed that, knowing how much joy he would bring to their lives were he here and the joy they would bring him, how hard he would laugh at the things they say and how proud he would be of them like he was when he was alive, how hard it is knowing that only through my stories will they remember him or know that he was so involved with them, that great brother of mine who was a great uncle.

I read this book as well as I was trying to understand the loss from my parent's perspective and I realized that it also was my story and that insights or events shared from others were those I could relate to -reactions from others or lack thereof, the lack of understanding from those who do not understand, the insensitive comments of many, the desertion of those too busy or too pained selfishly to come around, and the unspoken but clearly conveyed time frame in which society at large thinks one should heal, and those too few people whose support helped us keep our heads above water when we were sure we were going under. I was so angry at those who did not risk their discomfort with our pain to visit, or who when they did talk of Todd they did not use his name, or they would act sometimes as if it never happened at all, like he never WAS at all. That is the hardest to handle when you can no longer physically have them with you, hear their voice, or revel in their laughter and now there were those who would even deny you his memory when conversation comes to a screeching halt when you mention your loved one. They don't know what to say and sometimes that is exactly what you should say. There is no catchy "don't worry, be happy" phrase that will make it all better; but to be physically available despite your discomfort is vitally important to those in the midst of the hell that is a life forever altered without that key person whose meaning to you defies description with mere words. It feels visceral, that love, that loss. I cringe at the summary that says the author seems to suggest that we never "get over" the loss. Suggest? That reviewer has never had the rug pulled out from under him. Some phrases such as "get over" are always angering and trivialize the loved one we miss and the author bears our souls with the words we struggle to make understandable to educate those grieving, those in their lives, and society in general on loss. How could my parents not be devastated after their son whose smile lit up a room died so suddenly and who never got to reach the dreams we know he held, have the children he desired, etc.?

As a counselor, I have recommended this book over and over to ANYONE who has suffered a devastating loss because "parent" and "child" substituted with "person" and "loved one" will personalize the message and seem as if this author peered into your heart and wrote of your pain and struggle as well. I disagree with the review in which it was said that the author said when they're dead, they're dead and I NEVER saw that as I also would have been offended as our hope (which we will never part with and DO NOT attempt to take it!!) to see Todd in Heaven again someday is crucial to the healing that has begun, but the wound will always be there, somedays right in your face and other days just below the surface, unseen to others and often remaining there under your skin as you go through your days(suggesting to those who don't know loss that we're "over" it) but we know those memories, both fond and painful, come up at all the expected times and also at those times even years later when you're out and about and are stopped dead in your tracks because "he really like that song" or "he would have liked that movie" or when your heart feels pierced because you realize you are watching that young man because he looks like your brother, moves about like he did, you haven't seen your brother move in the flesh for a long time, too long, and you watch him for a while knowing it is not him and yet imagining that it is so you can reminisce because you want to remember always. Yes, that is normal and this book is written by someone who unfortunately knows first hand and that is what makes this book so helpful.

I feel strongly that this book can help not only parents faced with the unthinkable, but siblings such as myself, or even those who have someone they care about who is suffering and they want to try and understand and be more sensitive to that loss, and yes, for counselors who HAVE to be genuine and the insight, if you don't know it personally, will make the difference between healing and hurting the client because you "just don't get it."

My Professor, Nina Mogar, is a friend of Dr. Bruce Perry. For her class she suggested we buy the book, because she incorporates it into her curriculum. Everything we know about children, will change when reading this book. This book delves into the neurobiology of children, rather than just studying behaviorism. Dr. Bruce Perry's stories from his own experience, helps us understand children. I also suggest that you visit this link: http://www.visualrecord.com/wishspace/education/childvideos375.html There you will find lectures from Nina Mogar, an extraordinary teacher who has fought for children for over 30 years. She is an amazing woman, and she said she will never retire until she gets the message out of helping children. But how do we define helping children? Both Dr. Bruce Perry and Nina Mogar shape that understanding, and know, what some may even say radical, ways to help children. They have challenged common ideas that we believe are okay to use with children such as: time-out, the idea that teaching children earlier is better, testing, teaching a child to share, recess being shortened, etc... things that many elementary schools are using in their teaching environment. This book will help you to help.

This book is a brilliant summary of the essential information for anyone working with children and families. I thank the authors.

As a counseling student focusing on child therapy, I was very glad I stumbled across this book in the local library. Perry explores the role of brain structure in childhood disorders. While he focuses primarily on trauma (such as how PTSD in children mimics ODD and ADHD), I believe that other applications can be made. This is novel to hear in a world of tired exclusive arguments pro or con genetics, brain chemistry, and environment. Perry combines a few of these ideas to give the mental health worker a more comprehensive look at mental illness and trauma.The case stories are heartbreaking and compelling. A worthwhile read if you are going into the mental health (or even teaching) field, and interesting even if you are not.

The book lives up to its fascinating title. Perry has worked for years with traumatized and neglected children and his take on dealing with them is based on research showing how the brain develops and the impact of neglect and abuse on it. In other words, if a child is abused or neglected in the first year of life (approximately), physical changes take place in the brain or rather, neurological connections that should be made, are not. (This is a vast simplification.) So as a child gets older and begins exhibiting antisocial behaviors that land him or her in special classes or even mental hospitals, it is not because he or she prefers to act this way but because the child's brain is unable to function in a way that enables him or her to become socialized. Perry, having done a great deal of research on this subject himself, spits in the eye of a lot of "accepted" practices when it comes to children's mental health. I'm always interested to read views that oppose the generally accepted norms. My daughter loaned me this book which she is reading as part of her Ph.D. program in pre- and postnatal psychology. It certainly fits right in with her assertion that we need to pay much more attention to what is happening in the first year of life (and before), not only because the child's personality is being formed, but because his brain is as well (and perhaps this is the same thing). The stories in this book are heart wrenching, but Perry does show that there are ways to help or at the very least, understand.

Assisted by a talented science writer, child psychiatrist Bruce Perry presents a series of heartbreaking stories of children severely damaged by trauma. But that's only one side of this remarkable book. The other side is how many of these profoundly damaged children were assisted to heal.

Perry explains his "neurosequential" approach that sequentially targets brain regions left undeveloped by abuse or neglect. He presents compelling cases to illustrate how the child's age at the time of the abuse or neglect will determine the gaps in neurological development and how his interventions sequentially target those developmental gaps. For children whose brains were stalled out in infancy, for example, therapy may start with healing touch or rhythm before moving on to higher brain activities.

The focus, always, is on the child's humanity. Perry explains the importance of listening and letting the child set the pace. He warns of the damage caused by well-intentioned but poorly trained therapists who push children to open up, or who administer punitive interventions in the guise of treatment. Healing is not about a specific technique administered in cookbook fashion but, rather, about love, and restoring shattered human connections.

This is an enlightening and heartening book and a real page-turner to boot. The neurological underpinnings of the trauma theory are presented in clear English accessible to anyone who can read. If you're a mental health professional, psychologist, or psychiatrist, you'll love this book. If you're a parent or a teacher, it's also for you. Whoever you are, it's for you. I guarantee you will be engaged and inspired.