Patch Adams Books

Imagine leaving your comfortable world as you knew it in the erly 1960's. Young white women; some from the north, some from the south. Rural and urban, college kids, middle class, working class and just plain poor. Heading to a dangerous world and joining the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. Leaving behind the scorn, disdain, and ridicule of family and friends. Walking into a climate of hate and bigotry, and joining in civil disobedience against segregation. Walking in the picket lines, sometimes fearing for your life; organizing, and joining in singing hymns of freedom. Going from tears of frustration to smiles of great joy, while hitching a ride on that freedom train and holding on for dear life.
One recent eveing at Northern Lights Book Store and Cafe in St. Johnsbury, Vt., 70 people heard two local women who participated passionately in that movement. The authors read from their book, Deep In Our Hearts: Nine White Women in the Freedom Movement.
The book is an eloquent and powerful one that takes us back to one of the most tumultuous periods in American history; the erly days of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Freedom Summer, voter registrations, lunch counter sit-ins and the rise of Black Power and the women's movement. Deep In Our Hearts is a collection of essays, that take us into the lives of a group of young women who were transformed by the Civil Rights Movement.
The audience listened as Penny Patch looked back and read softly. "I understand well that what was between us will never be again, but still, that experience remains at the core of who I am. The fact that some of us had deep friendships that crossed all racial lines is simply a miracle. For short periods of time, in those early yers, we leaped over all the history and all of the minefields between us."
Perched on a stool and sipping warm tea to sooth a sore throat, Theresa Del Pozzo read from the book. "My involement with the movement began as a moral reaction to the blatant injustice of segregation and the denial of basic human rights of African-Americans. Along the way I got an education in the intricate patterns of racism and began to experience what I think as the small-c culture of the African_American community: the wisdom, dignity, strength, humor, gentleness and creativeness of its everyday life and people. The experience of living within the black world changed forever the person I was to become and the way I live my adult life."
Listening to the authors as they told their stories one could not help but admire their courage and admire this courageous book. They stand as powerful testaments to a time when the goal of universal justice was truly in sight and to the hope that a new generation of blacks and whites will take up the challenge to make the world a better place.

Marvin Minkler of the North Star Monthly

Forty years ago, in regard to the "race question," white people in this country fell into five general categories: those who never gave a thought to race-based segregation and discrimination (the numbers of whom could probably be counted on one hand); those who through ignorance or paranoia thought that African-Americans were in one way or another "inferior" beings, which somehow justified our own brand of apartheid; those who knew or suspected that the "inferiority" premise applied to African-Americans was bogus but who profited from that fiction being maintained; those who knew or believed that the inferiority idea was false but who, through reluctance or apathy, chose to do or say nothing about it, and those who, deep in their hearts, knew that the inferiority thesis was false and cruelly unfair, knew that our apatheid system made a lie of all the claims of equality our nation prided itself on, and who chose to confront it in an attempt to bring segregation and discrimination to an end through personal involvement and direct action. The nine white women who contributed to this book the stories of their development and their involvement in the civil rights struggle were of that last category. They never really saw themselves as particularly strong or smart, although their writing shows them to be exceptionally articulate, and none of them were brought up by their families to become involved in that fight. They took it upon themselves to make their own stands and become part of that effort regardless of the personal risks. "Deep In Our Hearts" is aptly named - what springs out at us from their stories is their simple strength, the heart-deep commitment to social justice, that helped make this country face up to its promises to all of its citizens. That they came from genuinely different backgrounds reflects the diversity that sets our country apart and which puts the lie to common assumptions about them, such as that they were born of affluent families from the northeast and went south with Ivy League educations and high-flown notions of setting things right. What is also remarkable about their stories and their lives is that they have continued with that commitment to equality and fairness in varied ways; they never saw fit to rest upon their laurels once this nation recognized, in words at least, that racial segregation and discrimination were wrong and brought down the obvious barriers to equality. These little stories, none more than forty-eight pages long, also spell out how their subsequent involvement in combating the Vietnam War was a logical progression, the same struggle on a different front. Although some of them became front-line soldiers in the fight to free women from their own set of shackles, all of them contributed to modern feminism and women's rights more by their actions than by their words. To them, and to the many whose stories who are not in this book, we all owe a debt of gratitude. If not for them this country may not have been able to look itself in the eye in the bathroom mirror. The collective lesson of these stories is that one need not come from uncommon beginnings in order to develop the will to lead extraordinary, adventuresome, purposeful lives. Read their stories, be inspired without being preached to, and put some meat on the dry bones of history.

Just finished reading " Deep In Our Hearts", a book I'd like to strongly recommend. It captures on a very personal level, the spirit of the Civil Rights era, from the perspective of nine different white women who were deeply involved in the struggle to bring about more racial justice. It is a moving tribute to all the heroes of that very difficult time. To all who were involved at the time or those who are the least bit curious of "what went down", you cannot fail to admire the stories of these brave women. This is history (herstory) as it should be related-from the participants.

This collection of stories, detailing the lives of nine white women active in the fight to end racial segregation and discrimination in this country, is sure to touch your heart. It is a must read for anyone interested in learning more about the Civil Rights movement of the sixties. I couldn't put it down.

John Graham-Pole, M.D. is authentic. His writing will be most beneficial for those (and their families) who are just now or will or perhaps already have learned what it is to be "ill". Listen, Read, Believe.

I believe everyone can benefit from this book because during our lives we will experience pain and grief in many and different ways. This book takes me back about 13 years. I recognize much of what I learned then, and (now) understand more fully some of what I didn't. G-P's subject is real. Understanding allows Peace, Thankfulness, and Blessings. God is Good.

When going through dread disease; chronic/acute;life-threatening, devastating illness; and/or depression, we often feel totally alone. We feel that others simply don't understand what we're thinking, experiencing, or feeling. Dr. G-P's authenticity shows he does understand. We are also shown another choice: Creativeness from within (and we all do have something to "say").

G-P listens and learns, observes and acts. I personally know he cares very much for his patients and his work, and I'm grateful every day of my life that Dr. G-P was our daughter's attending physician some 13 years ago. Today, I'm grateful for learning of this book and having the opportunity to read it, to share this book with others who want to be a creative, self-expressed person regardless of the circumstances of their lives or the lives of those they hold dear. This book is authentically written, gratefully received, and will be beneficial to all who read it.

Dr. John Graham-Pole's new book, "Illness & the Art of Self-Expression" is a long-needed primer on self-help for both the healthy and those receiving medical care. The author summarizes nicely the benefits of art in healing, whether it be visual art, music, dance or writing, and goes on to make the process easy for those who are new to the concept. He stresses the importance of relaxation, playtime and laughter. Whether enjoying the art of others, or expressing emotions through one's own creative art, the rewards are endless. This book can be of great value to those facing serious health problems, health professionals, or anyone with an interest in health and healing. It would be a valuable addition to every table in every waiting room in any health facility.

This is a unique, easy to read, well written self-help book that teaches the reader practical ways to use "art-making" to achieve greater health and happiness. It is written primarily for the person with a serious health problem, but it is useful reading for professionals caring for seriously or chronically ill persons. It teaches both groups of people how to bring art and self-expression into their lives.

The author has developed exercises to bring out the creative self-exppression each person possesses and to teach people to live for the moment, let go of negative thoughts or the pressure to achieve, and to enjoy the hidden artist within. The author's writing style is appealing because it is so rhythmic, flowing, and conversational that one feels as though one is sitting across from him and conversing. His style is direct and warm,and as one becomes engaged with the text and its exercises for self-expression, one comes away with a deeper understanding of,and a renewed appreciation of, the creative self-expression we all have hidden within us.

The author's writing is optimistic, hopeful, sensitive, and empathic. It is as if he has crawled into the skin of the person with an illness and is able to feel or think what he or she feels and thinks. He presents a holistic, integrated approach (using artistic or self-expression exercises) to help people take hold of theis lives, and in the face of serious illness, to feel in command. It is a moving and absorbing book with special insights into the world of people with serious illness.

We are using John Graham-Pole's book in the adult art therapy classes at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC. Patients and staff participants alike have found inspiration and encouragement from the practical - and cheerful - application of creative self-expression to increase patient-staff communication and to reduce stress. I recommend it highly.

Each time I go back and read one of Stephen's poems I am reminded of the joy, wonder, love and hope that surrounds us every day. This young man was truly a gift of pure love. For every family who has a special needs child, I recommend this book. For every family that would like to help their children understand the person inside "the package" and see the heart, mind and soul of a special needs child, I recommend this book. For every person who has known that physical limitations cannot measure the depth of a soul, I recommend this book. For every person who has doubted and questioned if a mind, heart and soul exists inside a body wracked with physical limitations, I recommend this book. Read this book in conjunction with his mother's "Eagle Doctor: Stories of Stephen, My Child With Special Needs" to understand their path together and the miracle of their lives.

The beautiful poetry of Stephen Michael Nelson will capture your heart and enrich your faith. His words reflect a young man's dreams and aspirations unaffected by his lifelong contest against the physical ailments of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, asthma, and heart disease. Stephen reaches out to all of us with an offering of love, and a never ending amount of energy to fulfill life's dreams. It is obvious that he had no obstacles or limitations, and that we should not either. This book is a must read... as it is a glorious celebration of life and love.

This was required in my studies and I thought it'd be kinda lame. It's much better than it seems and reminds you to keep the joy in your life and bring it to others.

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This book by Hunter "Patch" Adams, M.D. (with Maureen Mylander) is about a social revolutionary who has devoted his life to giving away health care. Adams is founder of the "Gesundheit" Institute, a home-based medical practice in West Virginia that has treated more then 15,000 people for free. The Gesundheit Institute's dream is to build a free, full-scale hospital that will be open to anyone in the world.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part generally deals with Patch's philosophy on medicine while the second part describes the dream of opening up a free hospital.

Below I will state the title of each chapter for each part and give a quotation that represents the essence of each chapter.

PART 1: (About Patch and his medical philosophy)

(1) A health care system in pain. "I believe that health care [providers] who feel burned out are not allowing the "enrapture potential" in the doctor-patient relationship."
(2) An ideal medical practice. "Nosy, curious healers who make house calls will have the time of their lives!"
(3) Humor and healing, or why we're building a silly hospital. "People crave laughter as if it were an essential amino acid."
(4) Art, nature, and imagination. "Nature tops the list of potent tranquilizers and stress reducers. The mere sound of moving water has been shown to lower blood pressure."
(5) Rebuilding self, family, community, world. "I graduated from medical school `head smart.' While living in community, however, I have built buildings, farmed, raised goats, produced movies, and learned rope walking and unicycling."

PART 2: (The dream of a free hospital)

(6) The pilot period. "People often ask, 'How did you earn a living [at the Gesundheit Institute] if you weren't charging your patients.'"
(7) The dream defined. "[In our hospital], we are a company of friends, of givers and receivers, of doctors and patients."
(8) *Gareth's Story. "We watched a beautiful, orange sunset in silence and Patch turned to me [Gareth, a patient] and said, 'Do you have arthritis while watching this.'"
(9) *Organizing dreamers. "The entire purpose of a structure at Gesundheit is to support people's enthusiastic efforts to make the world a better, therefore healthier, place."
(10) Building a dream. "The atmosphere of [our free] hospital is intended to avoid the indifference projected by so many [other health care] facilities and to convey joy, enthusiasm, peace, caring, and openness."
(11) *Living on the land. "Dream. Dream wild. Extremely wild dreams. Somewhere back there is a wild seed waiting. Of that I am sure."
(12) Light a candle: how can I help? ("I" refers to readers of this book.) "Medicine practiced as a business [as it is today] hurts everyone. The true reward of medicine come from helping others and from self-discovery...Service is essential to healing and the pathway to inner peace."
(13) Passion and persistence. "I don't want people to be amazed by our passion and persistence, but inspired by us to work long and hard for what they believe in."
(14) Five years have passed. (This chapter is for the year 1998). "[This] book has really helped bring our ideas more clearly to a much wider audience all over the world. We get thousands of letters telling how our work has inspired similar projects and people-not just in the health field but in all human endeavors."

(* These chapters are not written by the authors.)

There are fifteen black and white pictures found in the middle of this book. There are also diagrams. I found all of these amusing and informative.

Those people who feel or have been brainwashed into believing that there is nothing wrong with today's health care system will probably not appreciate this book. (This statement especially applies to those people who profit from it.) All other people should find this honest book enlightening.

The movie "Patch Adams" starring Robin Williams was, I felt, very good. Even though I saw this movie first, I still learned a lot from this book.

Finally, to catch up on the latest developments of the Gesundheit Institute, I recommend visiting Patch Adams' internet site.

In conclusion, I have not seen a family physician for fifteen years (and have vowed never to see one or any other medical provider for the rest of my life). However, if I do become seriously ill (and the illness would have to be severe), I would gladly welcome the services of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams!!!

(first published 1993; last chapter for the year 1998; publisher's preface; foreword; author's acknowledgements; co-author's preface; introduction; 2 parts or 14 chapters; main narrative 195 pages; bibliography; index)

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This book was an inspiration to read and also a trip down memory lane for me. I had the pleasure of knowing Hunter "Patch" Adams many years ago in Northern Virginia. I was a Stewardess at the time and was working for United Air Lines. I was based in Washington DC and lived in Norther Virginia. I first met Patch at a nutrition clinic where the woman running the clinic relied on muscle biopsies to let her know what nutrients a person was missing. Patch did the muscle biopsy. From that encounter a friendship developed and I used to visit he and his group at their home on weekends. I did this for several years and was able to observe the kindness and caring first hand. During those years many people came to the commune for medical care, myself included. It is joyful to see that Patch is getting the recognition he deserves.

Rose

If you are interested in making this world a better place and if you are looking for role models, read about Patch Adams.

I've seen the movie, I've read the book, and everytime I think of Dr.Adams or speak of him to my friends and students, it's an inspiration.

I promise you. This laughing doctor is no joke. We need more people like him in this world.

So, read the book, watch the movie... and hopefully it will inspire you to take action!

Whoever reads this book and absorbs its messages will become a healthier individual and a better citizen of the world.

First, Patch examines the American healthcare system. He explains why corporate healthcare is a contradiction and cannot be permitted in a healthy society. He shows how the doctor-patient relationship has become more like a business interaction, and how this is relationship in itself is a fundamental plague on America.

Extending his experiences in healthcare to all society, Patch observes that we have lost touch with ourselves and each other, with nature, and lost perspective on the joy and wonder of life.

This criticism is where 99.9% of books and people stop. Patch is one of the few in the world who is not only deeply aware of the problems but has detailed plans on how to fix them and acts on those plans. In the book, he outlines his model for personal living and for a better society. A model based on the radical principles of joy and fun:

"The most revolutionary act anyone can commit is to be happy."

"We hear far more about pain because it seems to be associated with maturity. Enthusiastic joy is associated with childhood--as if it were something to outgrow."

Reading this book gave me a new conception of health. It's not just physical or personal like the parts of a car, it's psychological, intellectual, spiritual, social, political, economic, local, international, and interpersonal. Live creatively! Discover the fun we can have together! Live in peace! Now that's good medicine.

Patch Adams has given us a treasure, a how to book for visiting the sick.
Once upon a time, doctors actually visited patients in their homes.
Now, since medicine has become big business the coldness and inefficiency of corporate medicine has left its mark on our society.
This book is a call to return to a simpler time, when people made time to visit with one another. Simple, but extremely powerful not only for the sick patient, but for our society as a whole.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)

Medicine became depersonalized when it became a business that no longer made house calls. The shift from a service oriented, patient first, one on one house call to the patient going to the doctor, took out a precious part of the healing process. In its place is an institutional concept where the patient comes second to business. "I think that the loss of the house call has been the biggest blow to the art of medicine in this century. Not only has the patient lost this precious attention, but the physician has not found a replacement for the lost intimacy."

"Extensive studies have found that, over long periods of time, nourishing elements--such as love, humor, wonder, curiosity, passion, forgiveness, giving, sharing, hope, enthusiasm, and joy--stimulate the immune system. They help our bodies fight infection, stimulate natural killer cells that fight cancer, and affect the general way we care about and for ourselves and others." Anger, resentment, guilt, loneliness, fear and boredom have the opposite affect. It is not the negative emotions that cause the problems. It is when we hold on to those emotions for long periods of time. "We must express each emotion as it comes up, but should not nurture or prolong the emotions that may hurt us."

Dr. Adams describes this book as a "visitor's kit." He's right that's just what this is. He realizes that the "kit" can and should be used for more than hospital visits; he suggests prisons, nursing homes or "any place people may be suffering and wishing they were elsewhere."

Among the things Dr. Adams discusses are faith, love, humor, curiosity and hope. The information presented in this book has meant much to me. I spend much time visiting in nursing homes. When I first began to make these visits I found it very difficult, I didn't know what to say or how to act. Soon I began to see not a patient but a person. I came to realize that they were people that needed a friendly touch, someone to address them by name and someone to smile at them. My visits are no longer something I dread. The residents and I truly enjoy visiting together.

"House Calls" is a wonderful book and Dr. Adams is a talented writer as well as doctor. It is written in an easy to understand manner and does not talk down to laymen, in fact it is pleasant reading. The cartoons by Jerry Van Amerongen left me laughing and add much to the text. The print is a good size and easy to read. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend this book to everyone, physicians, nurses, and all humans. Dr. Adams' book should be required reading to all those in the health care industry. I'm glad I read this book I will be much more prepared by having my "visitor's kit."

In this wacky book, Patch Adams joins forces with Jerry Van Amerongen to give the reader a practical guide in introducing laughter into the healing process. The book is divided into three sections. The first section is filled with thoughts on being well. Dr. Adams provides instruction on being healthy and then provides some action steps to assimilate faith, humor, curiosity, relaxation, passion, exercise, nutrition, friendship, service, and other positive values into your daily life. These guidelines are cleverly illustrated by Jerry Van Amerongen with one panel cartoons that bring home the message of the suggestion and motivate the reader to take action. Amerongen is the creator of the Ballard Street syndicated cartoon strip.
Section two follows the same format but offers suggestions on what the reader can do to make a visit in the hospital, to shut-ins, or someone in the community, beneficial and enjoyable for both parties. These steps are thoughtful, often neglected and easy to carry out. Again the impact of the action steps are enhanced and impacted through the humor of Jerry's cartoon illustrations.
Suggestions are also offered on how to be a good hospital patient, from gaining understanding by asking questions regarding your treatment, careful listening to instructions, and reflection on your life and what you have done and want to accomplish in the future. Van Amerongen's humor helps the readers accept the situation and are then motivated to make the most of their circumstances.
The third section deals with special concerns when visiting, children, teenagers, the elderly, mentally ill, disabled, and dying patients. These helpful suggestions make the impact of your visit pleasurable for the patient, the caregivers, and yourself. The cartoons help the reader visualize the words of the text.
Adams has also provided a very comprehensive bibliography entitled "A Booklover's Search for Understanding and Ideas."
Combining Patch Adams' philosophy of laughter in healing with Jerry Van Amerongen's humor was a stroke of brilliance. The combination has made this book an enjoyable read, and produced in this reader, many smiles, some chuckles, and hearty laughs. It also gave me a new sensitivity to the importance of "healing the world one visit at a time."

This book is a practical guide on bringing the Gesundheit! vision into your own community. An easy enjoyable read, it offers suggestions on how to begin a life of joyful service by visiting folks in your own community. It offers an immensely practical love strategy. You can change your world!

People perceive barriers of all types. It is not uncommon to hear, "I don't have the time", "I don't have the money", and "I don't know how". Take the most basic context of Dr. Adams which is to help another person. Help can be listening, holding a hand, or laughing with someone. It doesn't mean one has to spend a great deal of time or money. Turn off the television and help your neighbor weed her flower bed. Take an hour away from having your artificial nails manicured and volunteer somewhere. I enjoy reading his inspired words and can only hope his visions become reality during my lifetime.

On the very day in August, 1986, the author gets bit by a water moccasin in Mississippi while on a canoe trip, Stephen Rondell was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with multiple disabilites. As a nurse, she found him two years later and spent the next eleven years willing him to live.

The emergency room doctor had told her that fateful day that "God must want you for something." Indeed, He did. She helped this disabled young child to grow and develop into a human being. He had celebral palsy and epilipsy, along with other life-threatening illnesses. There is a person here named David who could have been her Steve.

She adopted him and helped him learn how to cope and get around in this hectic world of ours. She had an endorsement for this informative and needed book by Patch Adams whose work with all kinds of disability, from physical to mental, as a work of art. I found a person four years ago dressed as a clown complete with Patch's trademark big red nose who told me that he actually works with Dr. Adams in his travels and work with children. I wa upset by a scene in the movie, but he told me that was pure Hollywood added to get movie goers, not the truth.

This is a story of miracles of faith, hope and love. It shows how a group of dedicated professionals work together to accomplish much more than any single individual ever could. Chrissy has been a nurse for twenty-five years and is now an expert advocate for human rights. Stephen's story will inform parents of disabled children and encourage all who go through this kind of stress that it is all worth the effort and strife.

It is the story of a child's lifelong struggle with serious disabilities; his sweet spirit enrishes all who reads this revealing account in the life of Steve and Crissy. It can be used as a primer for caregivers of children everywhere.

A powerful and touching book, showing this author's unconditional love for her child. Superbly written. Highly recommended.

"Eagle Doctor" is a truly wonderful book. I instantly felt the extraordinary love and compassion that the author has for her son. This book pulled at my heartstrings from the very first page, like no other book has been able to accomplish. I was unable to tear myself away from Stephen's incredible stories; making me feel like I was almost a part of his life. A superb book for all ages to enjoy, full of inspiration & the joys of the Miracle of Life.

I ordered this book after hearing the author on a local radio program. While the book is filled with interesting stories about other people's house numbers, the information necessary to determine whether or not your address might require "patching" is not included in the book. Also, there is no information on how to "patch" or calculate your personal number. The book simply states that the information about "patching" is the intellectual property of the author. For this reader, the author has lost all credibility. I was left wondering if the whole thing is a hoax. Do not waste your money on this book.