D Books

As a former hospice nurse, I found Judy Underwood's book to be a practical guide for anyone who is involved with someone who is terminally ill. The day to day experiences she reports are so real. As the chapters progress, you understand how dying is a process, and how time allows everyone involved the ability to deal with what occurs. It was a beautiful story filled with love and compassion.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the author, Dr. Judy Underwood, at an event in Denver, CO. Her authenticity, sincerity and humbleness compelled me to purchase her book, even though I am not currently challenged with end-of-life issues with anyone in my circle of family and friends. Her deep caring for humanity comes through the pages of this book so clearly. Her guidance for anyone involved in dealing with someone dying is invaluable. Dr. Underwood tells it "like it is" in a refreshing, frank and compassionate manner. This book can enrich everyone's quality of life today and provides much needed resources and assistance for future death and dying experiences we will all face.

Dr. Underwood has managed to share one of her client's personal journey towards death in a way that provides practical benefits to the readers. Dr. Underwood has broken down the steps of one woman's personal and very moving journey. With this book, she has taken a step back and looked at the process of dying and what is important to the dying person every step of the way. What makes the book really valuable is its readability. It's simplicity makes it accessible and useful to people dealing with one of life's most painful challenges.

It was very poignant for me to read Dr. Underwood's book at this particular time. Our 11-year-old cat had been diagnosed with kidney disease a couple of months ago and we have been expecting his slow demise. I have been reading more of late because I want to spend more time with him and he enjoys sitting on my lap when I read -- otherwise he hides out. So for three consecutive nights I read Dying with Atticus on my lap. I would interrupt my reading occasionally to talk to him, to pet him, to kind of process what I was reading in the book as well as witness his own end-of-life. The book gave me support -- it was and will be very helpful.
Judy Gordon, co-author of The Heroics of Falling Apart: One Couple's Breast Cancer Journey, www.theheroicsoffallingapart.com

This book is well written and easy to read. The book reads as if the reader were having a conversation with the book. As soon as I thought of a question Dr. Underwood was answering it. I highly recommend this book to any one who is concerned with death or dieing. The poem in the back was especially helpful to me after a close friend passed away.

I'm overwhelmed by this novel. It's about history, religion, travel, philosophy, phychiatry, biology--you name it and it's there. It's about a truly wise mother and father and their 5 children on a mission to do "God's work" in earthquake ravaged Naples, Italy. Domini knows Naples like the back of his hand, and he knows about traditional family and the workings on the inside. He knows about graft and people in high places trying to climb higher. I asked Domini if he is a Christian because only a Christian could have written about the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. Love this bookfor being politically incorrect and not apologizing about it. Janice Daugharty

John Domini is an extremely talented writer and all his skills are on display in Earthquake I.D. This is a suspenseful story full of mystery, believable characters, and wonderful images. The action begins in the opening pages when an American family arrives in Naples to help earthquake victims, and on their first day in the city are robbed by muggers on a motorcycle: "An elbow caught her, and as the cycle roared away the pain flared in her mind's eye in the shape of one attacker's kite-like blue bandanna--the lone bit of evidence the family would have for weeks to come." There are great moments like this on every page and the plot continues to thicken as we learn more about a colorful cast of characters, many of whom turn out not to be who they seem to be when we first meet them. Lots of well-timed surprises. This is the perfect novel to take on vacation.

EARTHQUAKE I. D. joins a not-so-lengthy list of great novels about Americans in Italy: these, a middle-class family led by an Italian American wife and mother, heroically adrift in her marriage and in a city she's had foisted upon her. Domini deftly fleshes out not only the emotional life of her family and its middle child, the "miracolino," but also contemporary Naples itself, a city of refugees, hucksters, facilitators and half-samaritans. The lives of all Domini's characters play themselves out in colorful threads of plot, which snake through the novel like medieval alleys and catacombs, and which Domini masterfully brings together in a series of climactic scenes that brought great joy to this middle-class American reader.

The colorful chaos of Naples is a huge part of this book's intriguing plot, filled with fully developed characters. Great holiday and great book club stuff! The central character, Barbara, is a rare case of a woman past forty, given the complexity and sensuality of an ingenue.

One John Domini novel equals about three semesters of creative writing. Accordingly, his latest book, "Earthquake I. D.," qualifiies him for a doctorate.
The book is about an earthquake, except that it isn't. It's about an accident that should have killed, a marriage that did die, and how a family teetering on oblivion manages to survive an earthly upheaval.
No ex-newspaperman should be allowed to review such a novel as "Earthquake I. D." News writers summarize in the first paragraph, then fill in the details until they run out of room, maybe 21 inches.
Domini, however, tints his narrative with subtlety, sympathy and shock; the reader has to pay attention.
That done, "Earthquake I.D." leaves the reader with a remarkable sense of fulfillment.

Walt Shotwell, retired Des Moines Register reporter/columnist

This story is superb in conveying the message that no matter what we do in life, it's helping others and being a good friend that matters most. The story is funny and entertaining and Ella, center-stage, keeps it sweet!

This book is far from bad - the illustrations are well done, and it has a positive message - but it's not nearly as good as the first two books. There are too many side characters, some of the pages just seem like filler, and the use of her hat is forced and un-magical.

If you can only buy one Ella book, get the second one, "Ella Takes the Cake". My daughter loves the map.

Great book. We read this with our kindergarten-aged son because he was terrified of his school's upcoming performance. We even bought a few copies for his teachers and they agreed to let him, like Ella, serve the production behind the scenes. He had a blast and didn't feel left out at all... thanks to Ella.

Cute, animated story that demonstrates to readers of all ages that if you put your mind to what ever is your trying to do, you'll figure out the answer. It's about the journey and the lessons along the way. Easy book to engage kids into; identifying with Ella, etc. Fun!

I really love the "Ella" series... The books are nice and sweet, and presents a marvelously imagined, self-contained world that will strongly appeal to little kids. It has a similar feel to the "Curious George" and "Babar" books, except without all the weird, disturbing undertones that make those classics a bit troublesome. A great choice for some fun books that you don't have to worry about. (ReadThatAgain)

The first edition of "Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy" was recommended to us some ten years ago and we decided to update to the 5th Edition. This volume contains nearly 50% more information on the advances in detection, treatment and prognoses of the various types of cancer. Not being a physician, I have found that the references are easily read and understandable. It provides insight on prevention and treatment.

Great strides are being made and this book gives inspiration and hope that our doctors will continue to attack cancer in all forms.

I recommend this reference book to all who want an authoritative source to understand the types and stages of most common cancers.


Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy; Revised 5th Edition: How Cancer Is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day (Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy)

Higly recommend. Great to have around so when you have questions this book will answer them, as we often have questions when a doctor is not around to answer them. Sometimes we may may not want to ask a question well this book lets you find your answers in the privacy of you home. I had 2 previos versions and I preordered this one as the others were very useful and this one has been also.

While working in a very large private hospital in Omaha, I worked in Radiation Oncology. Finding myself alone, without a nurse to teach me how to teach my patients, a friend suggested this book. I purchased it, devoured it and put the information to use, teaching my patients about treatment protocols, systems involved in their treatment process, in terms that they could understand. I recommended this book to many of them, they always returned to thank me for suggesting the book. CC

It is a wealth of information - that every person diagnosed with any type of cancer can benefit from. Having had 2 bouts with breast cancer, I have bought many books. This one is the best resource book I have found. I have loaned it out many times and everyone is thankful for the information.

It is written in an easy style, such that an average person can understand the language. It presents many questions for the patient & family to ask doctors, along with the many options available.

I highly recommend this for anyone who needs any type of information about cancer and it's treatments.

This book is a one stop guide to so many things involving therapies that it is hard to know where to start. Cancer nurses feel this is the best consumer book out there. Information is in plain English, simple terms, with lots of illustrations. Tons of referrals to agencies that may be helpful.

Joan Steinau Lester and Eleanor Holmes Norton met as college classmates at Antioch College in 1958. They became friends and marched together in civil rights marches in New England. Now forty-five years later, Ms. Steinau Lester, now a journalist/writer reunites with Congresswoman Holmes Norton in writing her biography in Fire In My Soul.

Congresswoman Holmes Norton's great grandfather, Richard John Holmes, escaped from Virginia into Washington D.C. to become a free man and elude his former owner. He eventually became one of the few black firemen in the nation's capital and persevered to become a sergeant in the department. He felt a black man was worthy of equal opportunity and it is no surprise she inherited some of her great grandfather's fire for justice. With a legacy such as this, having descended from a strong, middle-class background, it is little wonder that she pursued a career in law that would one day put her in the limelight.

Already involved in civil rights activities, the Congresswoman, while a Yale Law School student, went to Mississippi in June 1963 to join the voter registration drive as a SNCC member. Twenty-four hours later Medgar Evers was dead, victim of an assassination and Holmes Norton had to make quick decisions concerning other members who were being falsely arrested. After law school, she obtained a clerkship with Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., the first black district court judge, in Philadelphia. She then met her future husband, Edward Norton, also an attorney, a man who was secure enough to not be threatened by her status or activities.

Holmes Norton's status did indeed rise as she ventured further into her profession as an attorney, became more involved with civil and human rights, and eventually going into politics. Her life was not always smooth. Her daughter, Katherine, was born with Down's Syndrome; however, she resisted health specialists advice to institutionalize her when she got older. She was very devoted to her.

This reviewer had the opportunity of seeing the Congresswomen twice this year. She is as formidable a presence in person as she is in the media. Her stature commands respect and her sense of belief in pursuing and preserving the rights of human life comes across instantaneously. She is a cheerleader for the people of Washington D.C., who she represents with candor and is respected by them as she respects them. This was a well-written biography of a powerful woman.

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

Thank you Dr. Holmes and Dr. Lester for this exciting, informative and historical book. I was raised in the South (LA) and experienced many of the conditions described in Fire in My Soul. Remembering my blessings on this journey, I give thanks for all of my past experiences. My parents attempted to sheild me from many of the conditions of the south and in turn I was shielded from much of the history of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's except for limited TV coverage. Fire in My Soul serves as a personal history lesson for me and is one that I will read more than once. Reading about the personal experiences and the 'inner' workings of the local, state and federal agencies that Dr. Holmes was/is a part of reminded me of many personal experiences in the private sector. Reading Fire in My Soul remeinded me that the absence of compassion for another person is not isolated to any specific location or sector of the nation. Reading the story of one who continues to live her passion for justice offers the encouragement to do what I can where I am for justice.

This fascinating biography is not only a pager turner, it also an insightful discourse on how to be an agent of change. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who is grappling with issues of how to change policy, whether as an "insider", "outsider", or hybrid. It is also an inspirational story of an terrific woman. I couldn't put it down.

I don't usually read political biographies, but this one gave me the hope I was searching for in the face of the depressing political realities of today. It's inspiring to read about a fiercely intelligent woman who follows her inner moral compass while compromising when necessary to get things done. I wish everyone serving in Congress had to read this book. Every voter should as well!

In Fire in My Soul, Dr. Lester accomplishes a rare feat for a biographer. While she avoids the trap of painting too pretty or too perfect a picture of her subject, including a number of descriptions that are less than flattering, she is at the same time able to clearly allow her respect and admiration for this remarkable woman to come through.
The effect is that we see a real life heroine, warts and all, and we find her all the more admirable for this.
This is an important book, and I look forward to Dr. Lester's next effort.

now my kid is afraid of bird eggs for fear an alligator will hatch. Bad idea when we have a bird building a nest on our front porch. would have been better to be one of the flamingos

It's a great book to read to toddlers. My brother and I loved "Are You My Mother" and the "Dog" books when we were little so I thought I'd give this book to my niece. I showed it to my brother before I wrapped it, and we both laughed at the story. Two 30+ year old men laughing at a children's book. That's good comedy! PD Eastman showed such personality and story in the illustrations, they add depth to the simple words. And the premise is cute.

this was a fun book for my child to read, and I recommend it highly. The animation is fun, and makes the reading come easier for the child.

This book has a very cute story line.
My daughter was especially intrigued by this book because we often talk about birds and have even watched a few build their nests outside.
It also has a good story about what birds eat....to help children envision what birds feed to their young.
Very well written and great for beginner readers.

Boy, is this ever cute! when a little boy puts an alligator egg in the Birds' nest, they take care of it as if it was their own. They sit on it until it hatches then when he does, they feed it constantly! It's funny watching an alligator eating all that "bird food" and still grows huge. The end is particularly nice. They decide it's time for "Junior" to learn to fly but instead, he learns to swim. Sure is a cute story - especially on caring for others. Highly recommend!

Best book on CM (based most on symplectic formulation). Extremely clear if one has enough patience to follow exactly the author's way and to work out the proposed stimulating problems. Contains an original way of introducing differential forms, integration of differential forms and homology/De Rahm's thm.: you fully get in the subject in few pages ! The first part does not make use of symplectic formalism but is also quite original and stimulating. The level is last yr. undergr. 1st yr. graduate. Very useful if used with E. ott (Chaos in Dynamical Systems) for studying nonlinear dynamics.

This book is an excellent introduction to the world of classical physics for NON-PHYSICISTS. While some physicists will no doubt find it accessible, there is considerable reduction of physical concepts in order to get to the heart of the ideas underlying the formalism. Also, the material goes beyond what most physicists (non-theoreticians) will find practical.

He focuses largely on a geometric presentation, in the language of differential geometry, symplectic geometry, differential forms, Riemannian manifolds and includes a large amount of algebraic necessities. This is not a cookbook for learning how to solve classical mechanics, nor is it a math book per se, but it is a wonderful collection of introductions to a vast amount of useful mathematical formalism that permeates the physical literature. I would strongly recommend it to someone needing a thorough supplementary mechanics text, one that relies on very little physical insight and focuses on the geometric and algebraic structures underlying them.

The chapters are very well self-contained for the most part so you can skip to topics you find more appealing without feeling lost. Also, his presentation style is very clever, in case you're a fan of quick thinking and novel presentations (who isn't?).

The prerequisites are familiarity with somewhat advanced calculus and "mathematical maturity". Basic knowledge of group theory would also make it an easier read.

Extremely stimulating, uses Galileo to motivate Newton's laws instead of postulating them. Treatment of Bertrand's theorem is beautiful, but contains one error (took me 2 years before I realized where..). However, I know of only one physicist who successully worked out all the missing steps and taught from this book. I know mathematicians who have cursed it. I used/use it for inspiration. The treatment of Liouville's integrability theorem, I found too abstract, found the old version in Whittaker's Analytical Dynamics to be clearer (Arnol'd might laugh sarcastically at this claim!)--for an interesting variation, but more from the standpoint of continuous groups, see the treatment in ch. 16 of my Classical Mechanics (Cambridge, 1997). In my text I do not restrict the discussion of integrability/nonintegrability to Hamiltonian systems but include driven dissipative systems as well. Another strength of Arnol'd: his discussion of caustics, useful for the study of galaxy formation (as I later learned while doing work in cosmology). Also, I learned from Arnol'd that Poisson brackets are not restricted to canonical systems (see also my ch. 15). I guess that every researcher in nonlinear dynamics should study Arnol'd's books, he's the 'alte Hasse' in the field.

The book is full of little enjoyable details (jewels). Arnold is one of the few mathematicians which approaches problems with a very geometric point of view. In his interview with S.H. Lui he mentions how algebraic picture has dominated the research in mathematics and how he has tried to counter that. One can see the trace of his ingenuity all over this book. What some may call as handwaving in math circles is indeed called as physical (or geometric) intuition in physics community and is being actively encouraged.

The chapters on oscillations (chap. 5) and perturbation theory (chap. 10) are very instructive. For example, parametric resonance is discussed concisely in chapter 5 which you won't be able to find it anywhere else. where can you learn about "Arnold's tongues" better than in Arnold's book?

There are so many appendices at the end of the book. They are often very specialized and I don't recommend you to read them on your first read.

In conclusion, I recommend this book to any physics graduate student. In fact, I hope one day it will be used as a text book for courses in classical mechanics.

I have to admit that I haven't thoroughly read through this text. But judging from the first 10 pages, there is a lot of mathematical handwaving. In contrast, foundations of mechanics (hereafter FOM) is far superior in that it provides all the necessary background beyond calculus and linear algebra to the reader, and is logically consistent so far in my reading. I want to mention that there are certainly complete and excellent texts out there on functional analysis, differential geometry, and topology, but many texts include way more stuff than you would want to know. In particular, it is my humble opinion that once you get to a certain point of knowledgeability of a subject like algebraic topology, you have enough of a taste for it that to learn more of the subject would only help if you were to go into research. Therefore a book like FOM provides a concise and practical treatment of those various advanced mathematics topics.

This book is great! I have read it at least half a dozen times over the years and it is a story you will never forget about Stephanie, a girl who runs away from home to find her true love- Maxwell Harrington, whom her father dislikes. She finds a ship Heading to California- the Gold Rush Country and stows away, until Chearlotte and her son - Jack, find her. In Charlotte, Stephanie finds a great friend who helps grow up and be courageous. Stephanie finds true love, but it just might not be who she thought it would be!

This is a great book! This book is my FAVORITE out of all of the Hearts nd Dreams series. It is worth the read. In the beggining she is all snotty, selfish, and inconsideret but by the end of the book she has changed SO much it's incredible! Ms. Dokey really has out done herself in this book. I've read other books of hers and this one is on my top list. If I could, I would give this book 10 stars but I can't. :-( BOO! Don't miss this exciting book about apperences and finding true love in the least expected places. Happy reading!
P.S. You wouldn't BELIEVE the ending! It's really surprising!

This is by far the Best romance pocketbook I have ever read! The plot is suspensful and the feelings are intense. Wow! I could even picture myself there! Its about a girl learning to be a better person and the meaning of true love. And, most importantly, sometimes you just have to open your eyes and see that true love is glaring right at you...

This has to be the absolute best of all the Hearts and Dreams series! I think that it has the a great plot, and it is wonderfully told. If you like reading books that have great adventures and a dash of romance, I swear you will love this book! Heck with the book, you'll love the whole series!

Stephanie Burbank is absolutley tired of listening to her father tell her what to do. But she will never forgive he lastest action: he has sent the love of Stephanie's life, Maxwell Harrington, to California to join the gold rush. Determined to be reuinted with Max, Stephanie stows away on the first ship she can find that's headed for California. When she's discovered, she's lucky that it's not by a crew member, but by a nice woman, Charlotte Kelly (Who was the main character of book two) and Charlotte's son, Jack. Charlotte decides to let Stephanie stay in her cabin, and it is that way that Charlotte makes it to California. But when she searches for Maxwell, she gets the shock of her life, and discovers he wasn't who she thought he was. Betrayed, Stephanie must start all over. Can she find a new love in Jack? And can she earn her father's forgiveness? This was a wonderful historical love story about a selfish girl maturing into an intelligant, courageous young woman who finds the true love of her life. I highly reccomend this book to teenage girls who love historical love stories.

Bob Nozik knows happiness! It isn't that he was born happy; he found happiness after many years, starting off by doing the wrong things, then through a journey of study and self-discovery. In Happy 4 Life, he offers a short cut by condensing it all into his twelve keys to happiness. Master these, and you will be happy for life.

Bob Nozik does a wonderful job of explaining happiness; providing real-life things we can do to further our own journey towards lifelong happiness. In countering the arguments of the sceptic Glumbunny at every turn, he adds an extra dimension for a balanced, easy to read manual and checklist for happiness.

One thing I really liked about "Happy 4 Life" is the amount of detail given to the effect that happiness is likely to have on you and those around you. It is strange, but true that not everyone will like you being happy!

Here's my "Bottom Line" - This is a wonderful book!
Bob Nozik, MD has written a great book to give us the valuable understanding on how to create a happy life. I highly recommend
this book! Of course we each have to take the time to read it and then decide on how to change.

Happy 4 Life: Here's How To Do It is a straightforward and recommended self-help guide by Bob Nozik (Professor Emeritus, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco) offers psychological secrets for pursuing and achieving lifelong happiness. From the importance of self-esteem, appreciation and gratitude; to balancing responsibility with a non-judgmental view; to the detours and pitfalls to watch over as one works to improve the quality of one's mood and life, Happy 4 Life is useful, accessible, and offers concepts that are easy for the nonspecialist general reader to put into the practice in the course of their everyday living.

Nozik's little how-to-be-happy book is a field manual for pilgrims on a quest for the grail of happiness. Happy himself, Nozik has organized his accumulated wisdoms into a step by step map for how to get to the Emerald City. For a literary Strawman we have Glumbunny, who over the course of the book misunderstands every principle of happiness, but Glumbunny and glum readers are slowly helped onto a more positive path to happiness by means of patient explanation, assigned homework and various mental exercises. All this in a succinct package of new age insights and popular, self-help psychology. The book is an easy read, as hopeful as a John Denver song, non-judgmental of human foibles, and packed with practical tips. Recommended for the glum, especially those who derive benefit from self-help exercises.

We have the Twelve Commandments, Twelve Step Programs, and now the Twelve Steps to Happiness, Bob Nozik's very practical and systematic guide to living happily. As one has a cooking book of recipes for creating culinary feasts, Bob serves up a series of life feasts providing all the ingredients necessary for life to be a feast of happiness. As a physician, his academic background is quite evident. He sets up a dialogue throughout the book between himself, the teacher, and `glumbunny', the student. He deals with `glumbunny's skepticism about living each step of the happy life, i.e., conscious awareness, self-like/love, self-esteem, appreciation, acceptance. These steps have practical anecdotes included with excellent quotes. Each step has its own very intriguing and unexpected approach. His exercises and practicums are very worthwhile.
However, beware this is not an academician's tome. It is meant for someone looking for a `how to' approach. I would recommend it to coaches, psychotherapists, those who are pursuing and are curious about self-development.

This book is not just for people who have anxiety or panic disorder. It encompasses healthy living for the mind, body and spirit. I recommend this book for anyone attempting to live a peaceful, healthy existence.

these books (by Edmund J Bourne) don't miss a thing. I was never diagnosed with anxiety disorder, my md hadn't heard about those disorders, and he'd run out of tests to do, and ideas. So,sometime later, when I read this book, everything fell into place, and I could then know what i needed to get(a qualified behaviourist) which i did. I'm still agoraphobic, but won't be for much longer. It's just when your md doesn't know- it wastes alot of time. These books go past informing and cover everything you need to make a recovery.

Although the title of my review may sound a little cliche and gaudy it is actually not far from the truth. Having read the excellent Anxiety and Phobia Workbooks and gaining immense insight from them, I was eager to read one more book from Edmund Bourne. This book is an excellent read/resource for a number of reasons. Bourne, himself has suffered from anxiety for over 30 years and in the first part of the book he shares his struggles with the reader which gives us a sense of connection with him. Healing Fear does have some similarities to his previous books but it has evolved and expanded. Bourne now believes that there are far more circumstances when medication may be appropriate and even necessary. Also, there is a section on herbs which are relatively new to western civilization in the treatmentment of anxiety. Something else that is different about this book is the second section which has some definite ties to spirituality. Developing Your Observing Self is one of the most powerful and meaningful chapters that I have ever read in any book. Additionally, the numerous forms of relaxation are discussed as well as finding meaning in life. There are undoubtable ties between these subjects and lasting recovery from anxiety. True recovery ofter requires a shift in the way we look at things and the pace at which we live our lives. Incorporating a certain amount of relaxation and thought calming in our everyday lives is in many cases very necessary to our complete and full recovery from anxiety. In the last chapter there is a list of things to do everyday to avoid an accumulation of stress and there is a complete appendix to the book filled with suggested readings that are inspiring. Healing Fear does just what the title says it does and you will not be disappointed with your purchase.

Chapter 1 -- The Author's Own Story
Chapter 2 -- Restoring Lost Connections (family, community, nature, self, God)
Chapter 3 -- Simplifying Your Life (reducing stress, doing what you want for a living, reducing exposure to television, increasing exposure to nature, delegating, learning to say "No")
Chapter 4 -- Caring for Your Body (relaxation, abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, pacing and downtime, exercise programs, overcoming excuses for not exercising, energy balance)

Chapter 5 -- Caring for Your Body (improving your nutrition, minimizing caffeine, reducing sugar, identifying allergic foods, reducing saturated fats, eating whole and unprocessed foods, organic foods, vegetables, fiber, daily fluid intake, protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, vitamins, amino acids, tryptophan, GABA, DLPA, herbs, glandulars, hormones, detoxification, fasting)
Chapter 6 -- Tools that Work: Help for Overcoming Panic and Phobias (The truth about panic attacks: [1] Panic attacks are unpleasant but not dangerous [2] A panic attack cannot cause heart failure or cardiac arrest [3] A panic attack will not cause you to stop breathing or suffocate [4] A panic attack cannot cause you to faint [5] A panic attack cannot cause you to lose your balance [6] You won't fall when you feel "weak in the knees" during a panic attack [7] You cannot "go crazy" during a panic attack [8] A panic attack cannot cause you to "lose control of yourself" [9] Don't fight panic. Coping strategies for managing panic: [1] Use the anxiety scale [2] Abdominal breathing [3] Coping statements [4] Other diversion techniques [5] Revising catastrophic thoughts that contribute to panic. Examples of how to change self-talk: [1] Fear of driving on a freeway [2] Fear of flying [3] Fear of contracting a serious illness. How to face what you fear: [1] Taking manageable steps [2] Relying upon a support person [3] Coping strategies [4] Avoid flooding [5] Practicing exposure to phobia 3 to 5 times each week [6] Maintaining the right attitude)
Chapter 7 -- Medication (Serotonin, tryptophan, St. John's wart, exercise, exposure to light. Types: SSRIs, benzodiazepines, cyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitor antidepressants, beta-blockers, buspar. Should I take medication? For how long? When should I discontinue it?)
Chapter 8 -- Addressing Personality Issues (Fear of abandonment or isolation, fear of rejection or embarrassment, fear of losing control, fear of death or injury, fear of confinement)

Chapter 9 -- Developing Your Observing Self (Meditation)
Chapter 10 -- Finding Your Unique Purpose
Chapter 11 -- Enlarging Your View of Life (How spirituality can help overcome anxiety, your concept of God, deepening your relationship with God, viewing adversity and difficulties from a spiritual perspective)
Chapter 12 -- Letting Go (relaxation, humor, patience, creativity, doing for others, overcoming perfectionism, relying upon others, tolerating uncertainty, faith)
Chapter 13 -- Affirming Your Recovery
Chapter 14 -- Learning to Love (forgiveness, compassion, generosity, kindness)
Chapter 15 -- Conclusion: Acquiring Courage (Ten ways to heal fear daily)

Dr. Bourne has an excellent track record for providing real help for real people, and this book is no exception. I always love it when a self-help author is willing to put his own story out there, and Dr. Bourne does so in a way that helps readers know that they are not alone with whatever degree or variety of anxiety that haunts them.

As a psychotherapist and author who also teaches about overcoming fear's control in our lives, I have tremendous respect for Dr. Bourne's well-thought out, thorough approach to the subject. He is not a "one technique fits all" kind of author, but instead offers a very complete catalog of options from which to choose.

Last, but not least, Healing Fear has something many self-help books don't have: humility. Dr. Bourne understands that cognitive/behavioral techniques are very powerful in the face of fear and anxieties, but he includes respectful and intelligent information about the value of medication and of spiritual practice. This is a book to which I never hesitate to refer a client, friend or family member.

-Thom Rutledge, Author of Embracing Fear (HarperSanFancisco)