E Books

What a delicious book! From the juicy pomegranate art on the cover to the final writing prompt, this book is a feast for women writers. Structured around the growing cycle--seeds, roots, trunk, branches, leaves, buds, flowers, fruit, and seeds again--each section begins and ends with a meditation centered on a particular fruit that will provoke a new level of sensual writing for participants. As much a celebration of life in the body as it is a writing guide, it offers a fresh and succulent approach to what can become a rote exercise for those who journal a great deal.

Gayle Brandeis is an award-winning author and poet with a gift for choosing poems and quotes which insist on a response from the reader. When I pick up this book and thumb through it, I HAVE to write! If the poems don't get you, then her questions or examples from her own life will. For instance, this poem by Marge Piercy, followed by Brandeis' prompts:


In her bottled up is a woman peppery as curry,
a yam of a woman of butter and brass,
compounded of acid and sweet like a pineapple,
like a hand grenade set to explode,
like goldenrod ready to bloom.

What woman is bottled up inside of you? What woman is ready to explode or bloom under your skin? Write from the voice of the woman who simmers inside you, the woman who hasn't been fully born, fully released yet. What does this woman want to tell you? How can you help her find her way into the world?"

Have you grabbed a pen and notebook yet? This distinctive, unique approach to journal writing is bound to jolt you out of your complacency and drudgery--and you will never look at fruit the same way again! Let Gayle have the last words, from the final paragraph of her juicy book: "What seedlings are sprouting inside you? Let them grow; continue to nourish them as they push their way into the light. Keep listening to your own inner impulses. Let yourself be witness to your own gorgeous unfolding."

Indeed.

by Carolyn Blankenship
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I was given this book as a gift several months ago - and it's languished on my Bookshelf of the Unread. I picked it up 2 days ago, read it, and figuratively ate it up. Very much a woman writer's book, Fruitflesh uses the growing cycles of flowers and fruits as metaphors for the structure of writing, a unique approach that will appeal to those of us who struggle with the writing muse each and every day. As in other books for writers, yes, there are writing exercises, and yes, there is advice, but here's the difference: Brandeis offers lush and bountiful suggestions for medications that will help bring to fruition the prose we KNOW we have within us. This book is designed to help us find the true sources of our creativity
It's a feast, and halfway through Fruitflesh, you can almost feel the juice of a peach running down your chin.
Excellent. It's easy to see that the author is also a poet.

Collected poems from diverse writers celebrate deep connections between body and earth. The common thread here is imagery concerning fruit, in all of its seasons. With suggestions and writing prompts, and meditations on the nature of imagination and growth, this volume is a welcome companion to the writer's life. Seeds of Inspiration for anyone, not only female, who wants to explore connections to earth's cycles and elements. Recommended as a resource for teachers at all grade levels (adapt examples to your student's level).

I bought this book because I had read some great reviews about it on another web site. Truth be told, I am not even much of a writer - I am a mixed-media artist and visual journaler. The book sat on my bookshelf for a month and a half, waiting it's turn in my reading queue. I started to read this book last night and could hardly put it down. I was hooked by the introduction alone! I rarely can finish an introduction much less will I pull out a highlighter to mark drops of wisdom found in the beginning pages. The language is engaging, poetic and very visual - as a visual artist this is probably a huge part of the appeal to me. If you are a writer, an artist or a woman - I really recommend that you put out the $16 for this book - it is worth every penny and more!

Unlike many writing books that offer random topics and one-liners to inspire your creativity, Fruitflesh takes your mind into your own life, mind and body from the perspective of a fruit -- organic, raw, growing, changing. On days when I think there is nothing to write about, I open Fruitflesh. If I don't find something new in myself to explore, I at least find a new way of seeing the writing process and how my life is very much connected with it. Fruitflesh sits on my writing desk, constantly waiting to be thumbed through and explored.

Where can I get the rest of her books????

See her website!!!

Wow. We've all read books we can hardly put down, but I've got to say this was the hardest to put down I've ever read. From the first the book had me hooked. The very beginning is gripping to put it mildly. And then, all the academic intrigues and teacher/student relationships that were involved in the mystery conspired to make it impossible for me to escape.

If I could I would give this book 10 stars!!!!

I was intrigued by the storyline of this book; someone trying to undermind the teachers and students of this elite school. This novel was much more than that. I loved how the author roped you into this story with her beautiful words. I compared this book to The Talented Mr. Ripley on how someone becomes another person just to undermind those around them and succeed in life. All of the characters I came to care for and was sad when I turned the last page to finish this great book.

I could see this book becoming a movie with Ian McKellan in the title role.

I loved Joanne's earlier novel Chocolate, so I decided to pick this one up. It was good book with lots of fascinating twists and turns (especially in the last seventy pages or so), but it gets just four stars because it drags at times. Despite my impatience with some parts of the book, I still think it's worth reading.

If I could have I would have given it a 3.5 stars-- but I've erred on the liberal side for several reasons:

The writing is clever, entertaining and does keep you turning the pages. However, I found the "great twists" others mentioned - predictable this time.(If you are surprised at the end --- then you'll be more inclined to rate it more highly).

At the same time, because the characters and even their unique way of reaching a predictable twist were so fascinating - I didn't mind as much that I was pretty sure I knew where I was being led.

I do think it's a good read - and it's worth noting a few things I wished I'd discovered sooner to help enjoy it even more:
1) The school is in Britain and written in good old English (not American-English).If you don't spend time hanging with Brits, you may indeed find yourself "a bit" caught up with unfamiliar words and terms for everyday items like school courses, teachers, periods and classes.(In fact, I didn't know that the title Gentlemen and Players referred to British cricket - until after I'd read the book).

2) In this edition, there is a nice handy guide at the back that translates Latin and historical references(which is not translated in the actual text of the book.) You know a great reference has been been made- just not to what exactly. I strongly recommend checking the back of the book for the translation as you go along unless your a Latin and Greek History buff - or you'll miss much of the humor and references.

3) The book is written from a couple of different characters perspective- but they're all written in first person "I" language. It's confusing; but well done. After the first few chapters I realized that the little chess symbol at the start of each chapter indicated which character was speaking (e.g. a White King for Straitley, a black pawn for a mischief maker, etc.).

It's a different type of thriller - and if you're tired of the old same type thriller, or enjoy entertainment with a different sort of twist (like Shutter Island: A Novel) you'll enjoy this one.

I very good book. Very comprehensive and a big change from all the other golfing books!!

Train smart guys! This manual is fantastic. If you're gonna train, you should seriously take this into consideration, at least as a template. The bread and butter is the fact that he addresses postural distortions and biomechanical tests, which I can say 80% of the trainers in the US don't do.

the book came as represented very new wonderful condition and timely; but with a 30% discount which was hard to find elsewhere

If you golf or train golfers this book is a must. Hands down the best most complete book on golf conditioning on the market today.

The Fitness Professional will find themselves refering to this book ever so often as it covers all areas from the reason why one should be conditioned for this sport to flexibility tests, the importance of stretching and how to warm up for golf (- an area most often skipped by golf enthusiats) functional exercise (- and the importance of it) strength & power exercises. An important aspect is also that exercises should be progressed from flexibility to stability to strength and finally power to enhance performance and be injury free. The diagrams are excellent for convincing and explaining to clients. Infact the concepts in this book has carry over to any other sport that requires you to move as an integrated whole!!

Invaluable guide to the turning year from the grandmother of womens' spirituality in the U.S. Includes several holidays from ancient traditions for every month of the year, and offers beautiful rituals that honor the earth. Simple rites that anyone can do alone or with friends. I've used mine so much it's falling apart, finding inspiration in the coldest winter, in the hottest summer, plus lots of little-known facts about the origin of holidays.

It is not a book that you have to read cover to cover in that order but a seasonal book that gives you ideas to incorporate into your own personal practice.

I have studied the wiccan path for a number of years on my own but only recently have been fortunate to have the guidance of an excellent teacher who recommended this book. I have enjoyed what this book has added to my teachings and to my everyday activities.

Z Budapest is the founding mother of the women's spirituality movement. Her Dianic craft is a lovely religious tradition which teaches us harmony with nature and human beings. Her book became an instant classic. Please treat yourself to this work.

A very special book, that gives ideas for feasts and holidays through the year. Every month begins with a Goddess who tells the story of that month, and then the days of the month follow with feast for all kinds of Goddesses. The nice part of this book is that there are so many different feasts and Goddesses, everyone can find a Goddess of her liking here.
The only thing that I can say against this book is that sometimes the historical information is not correct, due to Budapest's overwhelming feminism, that gets a bit irritating after a while.

The wartime adventures of William Rasmussen amazed me. His unflagging spirit in the face of so much adversity is inspiring.

As the ball turret gunner of Hell's Belle, a B-17, he was in the most dangerous and exposed part of the plane, a plexiglass bubble underneath the midsection. When the plane is shot down over Germany, he manages to escape from the tight space of the turret with only moments to spare.

Captured by the Germans, he, along with other members of the flight crew of the Hell's Belle, spend a month in an interrogation center and federal prison suffering hunger, the cold of winter, and deprivation. His captors want information and, though they have a begrudging respect for the fact they are American fliers, they put Rasmussen and the others through a variety of intimidating tactics and punishing activities in order to get information; no one cracks.

They are moved to Stalag B-17 and spend 15 months in squalor and under scrutiny. Rasmussen's descriptions of prison life are genuine and straightforward. He spares no details and sugar coats nothing. A forced march through Austria follows.

Two anecdotes resound for me especially. When Rasmussen is forced by his captors to withstand the cold without proper clothing or blankets, as a means of getting him to give them information, Rasmussen notes, the cold has no effect on him as he is from Cedar, Michigan, and he's used to the cold. It's a classic Man vs Nature scenario and Nature does not beat Rasmussen.

At one point, after the prisoners have dealt with a German informant, Rasmussen starts a rumor about an escape. The inmates know it is a ruse. Rasmussen starts the rumor, knowing the guards will learn of it, just to make the guards work harder and longer. His plan was a brilliantly executed nuisance for the guards.

Through the entire recounting, the courage, determination, intellect and humor of William Rasmussen, just an ordinary guy from the upper Midwest, never fail. Hell's Belle is the kind of book I did not want to put down, and yet, when I finished it, I wished there was more.

This book is very well written. While following the experiences of Bill Rasmussen, the reader comes to appreciate the courage it took to be a crew member on a B17 flying missions out of England during the war. It was a time when the equipment wasn't so high-tech and the planes flew on guts, teamwork and willpower. Surviving Stalag 17B required the same strengths. You wonder if you could be as strong in these situations. This story will make a good movie.

Hell's Belle is a captivating and extraordinary account of William Rasmussen's experience as an American flyer and POW in Nazi Germany during WWII. Dr. Randall Rasmussen has translated his father's memoirs in a way that effectively conveys to the reader the tremendous courage and spirit of these young men who endured severe hardships while serving our country. What a fine and honorable dedication to William Rasmussen. I highly recommend this book.

Hell's Belle is a captivating and extraordinary account of William Rasmussen's experience as an American flyer and POW in Nazi Germany during WWII. Dr. Randall Rasmussen has translated his father's memoirs in a way that effectively conveys to the reader the tremendous courage and spirit of these young men who endured severe hardships while serving our country. What a fine and honorable dedication to William Rasmussen. I highly recommend this book.

This is a great read. The authenticity of this story comes through on every page. At one level, it is a story of just one man, but really is a tribute to all the soldiers of WWII, and the people at home behind the war effort. The absence of spite or anger for his captors makes the story all the more powerful. I will have my teenage daughters read this book as a reminder of the sacrifices have gone into the making of America.

This is one of the best books I have read about the OSS operations in a theatre that is rarely considered.

WEB Griffin fills a gap in my military history of actions outside the main combat arenas. He obviously researches thoroughly and the result is gripping all the way through.

Honor Bound captures your attention at the start and never lets go. While there is not really a lot of "action," the story, the settings and the character development all make for an excellent book.

The story is the recruitment and development of an OSS team to carry out a secret mission to disrupt German submarine activity in neutral Argentina during WWII. The sub story is the reconnection of a powerful Argentine father and his American son who have not seen each other since the son was an infant. Several other sub stories are also woven in. All are interesting and well told.

The primary setting is WWII Buenos Aires. Most of us are unaware of the atmosphere there during the war, so that makes for a good learning experience. Other settings include Guadacanal, Midland (Texas) and New Orleans. All add interest to the story.

Griffen also does an excellent job of developing his characters. The primary ones really come to life.

If you are looking for "shoot 'em up" action, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a fascinating book about an arena that you probably know little about, give this a try. I am pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

The book set in WWII Argentina, "Honor Bound" is a great historical fiction of the WWII espionage game, coupled with an intense and dynamic story line. Cletus Frade, is a magnificent hero who has intensity, likeability, and charm. The secondary characters are richly developed and are as interesting in many cases as the hero. This story wraps you up in the characters, make you care about them, and takes you on a wonderful journey that ends way too soon, thankfully there are two more books in the series.
This is the best W.E.B. Griffin book yet in my opinion, and one of the most enjoyable books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading!
OVERALL SCORE: (A+)
PLOT: (A+), CHARATERS: (A+), DIALOGUE: (A), SETTING: (A), ACTION/COMBAT: (B-), ANTAGONISTS: (A+), ROMANCE: (A-), SEX: (Light), AGE LEVEL: (PG)

Shipped home from the Pacific, Cletus Frade learns that he will be sent to Argentina to aid in the war effort against the Nazis. He and two other Americans are sent to Argentina to sink a Nazi ship refueling and rearming German U-boats. In Argentina Cletus meets his long lost father, a very important man in Argentina and tries to sway him toward the United States. During the course of his mission Frade comes upon many problems, falls in love and builds a strong relationship with his father.
I recommend this book very highly. This book never had a dull moment. This is the second book of W.E.B. Griffin that I have read and I enjoyed both of them. This book takes place during World War Two and contains a lot of real to the time's technology and information. Griffin obviously spent a great deal of time researching before he wrote this book. It pays off. The quality of the story is greatly enhanced by the use of factual information. Of the many books in this genre that I have read this is one of the better ones. The story line drives along at a steady action packed pace. Though this book is projected more towards the middle-aged male demographic, I think that anyone who enjoys espionage, romance, anyone interested in World War Two or anyone who enjoys fiction would greatly enjoy reading this book. This is a great book and I recommend it to anyone.

While most of the stories in Ms. Arielle Ford's book were touching it was not exactly what I expected I always thought soul mate is somebody who is really your other half, someone who fills that void within your heart, that very special person who makes you more whole than you already and with whom you have ties to from past lives and future lives. You share that unbreakable cosmic bond. When you see them there is just divine a spark between you that literally lights up both your worlds and the world becomes a heavenly place. Or then maybe I am just a hopeless romantic.
.

This book is truly one of my all time favorites! I've read it about 4 times now and I still get a lot out of it. I stumbled upon this book about a year ago, when I was going through a really difficult break up. I (like a lot of people) hit that moment where I swore there was "no real love affairs, no unconditional love and no such things as soul mates!" (For a hopeless romantic who never gives up on love, that's pretty bad.)

I was really, really hurt, but when out of my pain I decided to read this book I was amazed, touched, and healed. I felt hope coming back into my soul again. I felt renewed, I realized that there are such things as unconditional love, and soul mates. I regained lost hope for my romantic future.

This book is great, Arielle Ford did a wonderful job compiling all these stories and I commend her for not being judgemental of alternative relationships and including them in this book. I sincerely hope she does another book like this with more wonderful stories for hopeless romantics like me.

Gemini :):):)

Beyond the woo-woo New Age feel of this... I do believe that sometimes God is trying to tell you something when coincidences happen too often to be random. Whether you believe in the new physics of love from Dr. Henry Grayson, or in allowing The Circle by Laura Day to lead you to love, or perhaps feel that Attracting love in is the name of the game (there is a book on this too) .... maybe some people ARE meant to be. Squire Rusnell documents this in his "God winks" books too. Since I am writing this on the birthday of my own lost love (see my review of Laura Day's Practical Intuition in Love, Happy Birthday Giovanni, I still love you my favorite Pisces/Aries) ... I'm all for this book for those who are meant to be. So savor and cherish a memory. Don't forget the hot chocolate to warm your heart.

I found a copy of this book at a thrift shop a few years ago.I am open to new age and spiritual philosophies but not a big freak on it.I really liked this book,very uplifting.I held on to my copy,torn between keeping it to myself and sharing with friends.It is a great gift for someone still searching for true love or for that matter someone getting over a broken heart.

This book will remind you how magical and sacred love can be. Whether you're married (or single and looking) this little gem will give you a renewed sense of hope and refresh your perspective on romance. How wonderful to realize that love is more than an ecstasy; but also a unique opportunity to develop oneself spiritually. After reading these stories, it seems the universe has a plan that we all have a special place in. An absolute delight, I'd give it six stars if I could...

The Hunting of the Snark is a whacky piece of poetical silliness by Lewis Caroll. Complete nonsense, no-one knows what a Snark is, or why Snark hunters hunt it, or why anyone would want to become a Snark hunter to start with. Anyway, the poem is definitely amusing at times with some of the humour he slips in.

The Hunting of the Snark seems to be a very, very short imitation of The Canterbury Tales. The first chapter (titled a fit) introduces all of the occupations of all the different people going on a journey. However, instead of going on a general pilgrimage and telling tales along the way, their trip is very specific to hunting.

The Baker actually attempts to tell a story, but the Bellman (who leads the group) says there's no time for storytelling. They have to catch the Snark before nightfall.

Along with the Bellman and Baker, a Banker, a Bonnet-maker, a Butcher, a Boots, a Billiard-maker, a Barrister, a Broker, and a Beaver tag along to hunt for the Snark. The Beaver is afraid of getting cut by the Butcher, so he puts on a dagger-proof coat and talks to the Banker about buying an insurance policy.

The Beaver is involved in a hilarious scene with the Butcher later, when the two attempt to compute sums. But perhaps the funniest scene of the entire book is in the Barrister's dream when the Snark declares sentence on a pig, only to find out the pig has been dead long before the trial even began.

I'd highly recommend this short poem for Carroll fans, even though it's not big enough to contain but a small portion of what's to be found in the Alice books.

I have read a great deal of nonsense in the past, but this was by far the best nonsense that I have ever read. There is no point, no meaning, no sense, and no boringness. It is a delightful poem (which is well written and very fun to read aloud) about a crew on a ship hunting a snark. The crew includes a captain who only rings a bell, a beaver, a cook who only cooks beavers (the beaver and the cook did not get along well), a man afraid that the snark would turn into a boojum and make him disappear, etc. As you can tell, this makes for an insanely silly poem. The subtitle is rather fitting, as my sides were definitely hurting from laughter when I was done. Well done Mr. Carroll.

Overall grade: A+

Nonsense poems can easily miss the mark
Yet, this masterpiece has that spark.

"How do you kill a _____?", you ask
To find the answer was the hunters' task.

"What was their fate?", you wonder
Did they ever catch their elusive plunder?

A paragon of haunting Carollian lore
Be in no doubt that you'll finish wanting more.

This poem is just great!

First, this one of the most delightful pieces of writing that ever appeared in (more or less) English. It succeeds as a sustained exercise in illogic. I am sure that only a mathematical logician like Dodgson could possibly have pulled it off - only someone with such deep understanding of reason could master unreason so completely.

Second, Martin Gardner's commentary adds depth and background to the reading. Gardner explains terms that are now obsolete, but also adds his own analysis and a rich history of the Snark phenomenon. It should be no surprise that Gardner is still best known as the long-time editor of Scientific American's column on Mathematical Games, a mathematician himself.

I can't add much to the scholarship or praise that already surrounds this incredible poem. I would like to point out, however, that most non-native English speakers are unfamiliar with this poem. Many of them have only ever seen the serious side of the English language, and have never seen English at play. I consider this short work to be the ideal introduction to the very best of English-language nonsense.

//wiredweird

When life give you lemons - make lemonade. Now how many times have you heard that cliche when your way looks rough? But, even when you add plenty of sugar, it can still zing your taste buds, and make your lips pucker. Well, have you ever seen a purple sweet potato? They are from the same family as the orange shaded variety, except the flesh is a lavender hue. Sounds kinda exotic, doesn't it? And, the purple tuber is sweeter than the regular one. So now when your way looks rough, say to yourself - When life gives you an ordinary sweet potato, add a little food coloring and make purple sweet potato pie.

"I Almost Missed...My Life" begins with what I'm going to call an ordinary beginning. You see, the author experienced some trials in her life, which are really no different from what a lot of women in the 21st century have had to face. At the age of thirty-one, she had two children, who had different fathers, and she wanted to divorce her third husband. What did she do in this familiar scenario? She took the knowledge that she had (an orange sweet potato), and combined it with the teachings of Anthony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, the Dalai Lama and more (the food coloring), to result in a life filled with fun, excitement, passion, love and success (the exotic purple sweet potato pie).

Debra Russell jots down her recipe with 52 ingredients, which can be added to your dish of life. After stirring, there's a "Give It A Go" assignment, to help bring out the flavor. She also encourages the reader to start journaling for increased success, and to start your own recipe. I recommend "I Almost Missed...My Life: How to Breakthrough To the Life You Really Want" to those who want to color the ordinariness of their lives into something new - well maybe not exotic, but definitely in a different pigment.

"I Almost Missed My Life" contains 52 short (2 page) chapters that can best be described as instructional, self-help guidance on things you can do to change your life into the E Ticket life you would like to have. The E Ticket reference is used in the book and accurately represents the author's purpose with the book. Several years ago if you went to Disney World you would purchase a packet of tickets that contained A, B, C, D, and E tickets. The most popular, most exciting rides were E Ticket rides. My memories as a child include a trip to Disney World where we purchased one of these books of tickets. One thing I recall is that the A and B ticket rides were ones that I was not interested in and only rode them because I had a ticket that was no good for anything else. Many people seem to live their lives that way - life has dealt them a book of A and B tickets and so that is the limit of what they can ride. The purpose of the book is to change your life from an A or B Ticket ride to an E Ticket journey.

Each week you can take one of the chapters and focus on it for that week. Chapters include encouragement and direction on such things as "Practice Outcome Thinking", "Trust and Follow your Knowing", "Treasure and Nurture Your Friends", "Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously", "Listen", "Let Go of Regrets", "Be the Change You Want To See", and "Be Grateful". This is an excellent and recommended book for people seeking an organized plan for changing their life.

Problems in reaching success in your professional or personal life? Would you like to see what was wrong in your life and see all clearly in perspective? So, read this book and find your answers. To reach our objectives, we need first to identify, and then break our self-imposed internal barriers. The author makes the reader to explore common attitudes and wrong assumptions that continuously prevent people in reaching their goals. Russell opens doors, and in a simple way, empowers the reader. This book is a beautiful trip breaking barriers, that goes from procrastination and struggle to a successful life in all aspects. Highly recommended, and a good gift for a friend.
Jorge O. Corti MD, MPH

This woman is a living example of going from zero to a hundred on the success scale.

I liked how she is succinct and humorous - Russell specifically lays out what anyone can do to accomplish more and get more satisfaction out of life.

If some habitual thinking holds you back, you will be well-served to enjoy I Almost Missed My Life.

Debra Russell shares her life story, tips, and motivations on how to live a better life in her self-help book, I ALMOST MISSED MY LIFE, DON'T MISS YOURS: 52 SECRETS TO MORE SUCCESS, FUN & FULFILLMENT. Russell shares how she went from being a three timed divorced single mom and welfare recipient to a happy, successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

Russell shares 52 of her secrets, one for every week in a year, with the reader. Many of the suggestions are common sense knowledge, but it is reiterated in a way that makes it seem fresh and new. Some of the suggestions that I found most helpful were, keeping a journal, being optimistic, and surrounding yourself with positive people.

I ALMOST MISSED MY LIFE, DON'T MISS YOURS: 52 SECRETS TO MORE SUCCESS, FUN & FULFILLMENT is an inspirational story of one woman's determination to find happiness and to share her findings with others. The "secrets" offered are generic enough to work for everyone, but the author adds a special "Give It A Go" section at the end of each tip to help the reader make it their own. In addition to Russell's suggestions, the book is enhanced with several motivational quotes and statements. This book is a wonderful self-help for people who know that they need a change in their lives, but just need a little extra guidance.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I was so pleased to see that Dr. Kraus's biography had been published, I bought this book last year, read it in three days and truly enjoyed it. A mix of history, medicine and the joys and dangers of climbing mountains. A lovely account of a memorable, inspiring personality, whose name lives on thanks to his innovative ideas in the medical field and the thousands he cured, including President Kennedy, all the way through his beloved family and friends and, of course, his beloved mountains.

I looked into the points raised by Mr. Franz Kraus, Dr. Kraus's younger brother, as reported in his own review and found them interesting. I felt that, coming from such a close family member, it was only fair to print them and add them to my own copy of the book, to give it a sense of completeness which at first sight did not seem to lack upon finishing the book, however his comments made me think twice about a few facts/details not accurately reported by the author.

In any case, I feel that the missing/incorrect details didn't tarnish the essence of this book and I truly think it is a must-read. Historically and medically interesting, it's also an inspiring, beautiful read, for all of you out there who love the mountains. Enjoy!

"Into the Unknown" is a compelling read for both the casual reader and for anyone interested in modern presidential history. As a biography of a fascinating character, it is difficult to put down. More significantly it is a 'must' for anyone interested in unravelling the mysteries of President Kennedy's health and the conflicts amongst the crowd of doctors who treated him.

What a life Doctor Hans Kraus lived. His climbing and medical accomplishments are amazing and Schwartz has given us a wonderful look into his life. If you are a climber, have back pain, enjoy presidential history, or love a great story you need to read this book.

Schwartz has done a fine thing recording this remarkable life. This is a great read for anyone who appreciates the unsung hero. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in biography, the outdoors, and good health.

Book: "Into the Unknown, The Remarkable Life of Hans Kraus" by Susan Schwartz
copyright 2005

This book is a must read for any bodyworker, physical therapist, orthopedic doctor or mountain climber. Dr. Hans Kraus was a pioneer mountain climber and pioneer bodyworker who is one of our most unknown and unsung twentieth century heroes. He rejected our commonly accepted treatments for musculoskelatal conditions of drugs and surgery for hands on bodywork and exercise. Time Magazine listed him as one of the prominent medical pioneers along with Dr. Salk of the polio vaccine and Edward Jenner of the smallpox vaccine. His contribution to health research was simple and easy. It was bodywork and exercise. He became the Back Doctor to President John Kennedy. When Janet Travell was promoting her trigger point theories she was giving Kennedy trigger point injections with procaine and lidocaine. Kennedy had had two failed back surgeries and this was kept secret. When Travell's treatment stopped working, Hans Kraus was called in. He began doing trigger point injections of saline solution only with big needles. Very similar to what we do with elbows and knuckles. Then he did bodywork, massage and began an exercise program. Kennedy said this was the most benefical program he had ever done. And Kraus had to sign a confidentiality agreement so the press did not find out how injured Kennedy was. The anecdotes in this book are remarkable and professionally notated. Hans noted that Kennedy's back pain got worse when he was home with his wife and mother. He seemed to be able to handle averting World War Three easier than dealing with his family. This is of interest to the Hellerworkers and others trained in dialogue.
Some of you may remember the Presidential Fitness Program of Kennedy's. This was inspired by Hans Kraus.
Hans Kraus also put together a series of 6 postural muscle tests that he claimed would predict back pain incidents. These simple exercises could be used as part of a physical exam in just the same way that we do blood tests to predict health conditions. If a person could not touch their toes or hold a sit up for 10 seconds then exercises were prescribed to correct this situation. Hans attempted to get these included in the public school system of New York. The resistance won out. I'll bet the insurance companies today would love to have access to this kind of testing and study. We (Hellerwork) could be the ones to promote this.
Hans also has some very good techinques for not immobilising, casting or splinting broken or sprained bones. He said and practiced that muscle work and movement was much more efficient to repairing broken bones and sprains.
The book is an easy read, fun and professionally annotated with a complete bibliography.
I got reinspired to our work (Hellerwork) and am looking forward to some current research projects we could in this area.
The book is available in soft or hard cover from Amazon.
Enjoy.

Dr. Jim Dohn