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This book is a sketch of what would become, a couple of years later, the author's masterpiece: Das Kapital. It was written in an intense effort during revolutionary agitations in Europe, such hard work had as goal to show the inherent contradictions of capitalism and the way it would soon collapse. Well, capitalism did not collapse then and did not so far, but this book remains a classic in the critique of classical political economy. It is indded shorter than Das Kapital, and in parts not as mature as, but it has the advantage of providing discussion on themes not discussed elsewhere in marxian works. Thus, the most famous part of Grundrisse are its Introduction and the part on "Pre-capitalistic modes of production". A must for anyone who wish to get acquainted with marxian thought.

Unlike many other works, the Grundrisse exposes in more obvious ways Marx's dialectical thought. The Introduction should really be read as a great antidote to the 1859 Preface to a Critique of Political Economy, which gave us the base-superstructure analogy. The weakest link in Marx's though may very well be found there. The Grundrisse Introduction starts from the point of view of class struggle, whereas there is no place for the class struggle as the driving force in the base-superstructure schema.

Also, Grundrisse starts in a different place from Capital. There is a reason for this, and a good discussion of this can be found in the writing of Raya Dunayevskaya and a counter discussion can be found in Roman Rosdolsky. The choice to eventually shelve the organization of the Grundrisse for the organization of Capital flows in part from the changes in the intervening years, most notably the U.S. Civil War.

Real life constantly shaped Marx's thinking, hardly fitting the representation we commonly get of him from ideologues and capital's priests (economists). As a result, Grundrisse also has serious limitations in its understanding of the logic of capital. Basing the entire understanding of Marxism and capital on Grundrisse leads to the kind of mistakes made by Italian Autononmist Marxism, esp. Antonio Negri, who find themselves engaged in a very subjectivist understanding of capitalism. A useful, but sympathetic, antidote can be found in Werner Bonefeld and John Holloway's writings.

This economic political classic sets the stage for Marx' masterpiece ,'Das Kapital'.It presents the Marxist view of economic labor theory and other radical issues concerning the public socialization of capitalistic economies.After reading this interesting monetary classic,I felt as if socialism can only compliment capitalism and never completely replace it.There needs to be a constant flux of balance between the two systems.During the days of the Industrial Revolution,the shift and focus was on absolute capitalism,unrestrained by indifferent royalists.After the the Russian Revoltion,the emphasis was on a centrical labor socialist oligarchy,with no blue-blood royalist tax restrictions.Under the reforms of Boris Yeltsin ,Russia moved to a more capitalist system ,in which some business gamblers lost everything.Putin has moved Russia back to a more centralised economy and perhaps refining the previous economic blunders of the Soviet Era.This book will help nuture a budding economics thinker by offering more philosophical avenues of free-thought and political choice.

The Grundrisse is perhaps one of the most important additions to Marxian scholarship in the last fifty years and stands as a true Rosetta Stone for deciphering Marx(ist, ian, oid) thought. Foundations of the Critique of Political Economy stands as a bridge between the early humanist writing such as the Manifesto and the later scientific Marx as seen in the three volumes of Capital. In this text we see the very beginnings of the scientific critique as well as a brilliant display of Marx as the dialectician that forces the astute and serious reader to rethink the engagement between Marx and Hegelian thought. This work has seriously challenged what I thought I knew about Marx and has sent me into a deep reflection on Hegel. This work is a must read for those serious about engaging critically the works of a Karl Marx.

A collection of seven notebooks on capital and money, drafted during the winter of 1857-8, exploring the themes and theses that dominate his later writings, including Marx's own version of Hegel's dialectics, and thoughts on alientation. While not as sophisticatedp--or lengthy--as Das Kapital, it remains a "must read" for anyone interested developing a sophisticated understanding of Marxist philosophy.

I loved this book so much. Actually I caught a clip of Julianna on Focus on the Family and I am so glad that I did, upon hearing her I just knew this was something I'd never heard before. I have tried to read so many advice-type parenting books and as good as they may be, they didn't touch me to the core like this one! This gets to the ROOT of some problems that we face as parents, but lack understanding on how to get from point A to point B. I was really stuck in my parenting life - and truly wondering if I was ever meant to be a parent-(obviously I was), but this book really helped unlock my potential and gave me hope, desire and motivation to get back in there and parent for the Lord. I highly recommend this book!!!

Parenting Without Guilt: How Mothers Can Break Free From Feelings Of Inadequacy by Christian psychologist, public speaker, wife and mother Julianna Slattery directly addresses the all to common pangs of guilt that plague even the most conscientious mother when it comes to raising children in today's secular values dominated culture -- including the necessity for most mothers to be out of the home earning wages from employment. Julianna Slattery believes that guilt is a natural produce of a mother's God-given influence over her children -- a kind of gentle reminder of her stewardship responsibility over the well-being of her children. Guilt-Free Motherhood offers the whole picture of godly wisdom arising from a significantly different approach to motherhood. With sound experienced-based advice, Julianna Slattery will help mothers to keep their faithfulness and focus on the modern challenges of motherhood, and offers practical, applicable tools for replacing guilt with positive action. Enhanced with questions for personal reflection and a 12-week study guide, Guilt-Free Motherhood is especially recommended to the attention of single mothers, working mothers, mothers of children with a physical or mental handicap, mothers having to cope with the illness or even death of a child, and mothers with concerns for their adult children.

Dr. Slattery has put into words what many of us feel throughout a day of parenting (doubt, feelings of inadequacy and guilt) and has given practical and helpful ideas to making the task more of a joyful experience and with purpose. I think her emphasis on seeking Biblical wisdom is especially encouraging and inspiring. The book is easy to read and yet is very insighful and gives a depth of understanding to this role we are called to fulfill. I would highly recommend it to moms in any stage of their parenting. It will inspire you!

Wonderful book! I would highly recommend it to all mothers. It is very enjoyable reading and easy to understand. The author highlights the book with stories from both her own everyday experience and the experience of others, which all moms will be able to relate to. The book is based on sound Biblical principals and helps a mom to understand not only the importance of her influence in her child's life, but also gives her the tools to make the most of that influence through her own search for Godly wisdom. It's uplifting message is that we are not perfect, and as mom's we may make mistakes, but with God's help and wisdom, we can still be a very positive influence for good in our child's life. This would make a wonderful gift for Mother's Day, Christmas, birthday or for an expectant mother.

Guilt Free Motherhood is not just another book on how to be a good mother. This book is filled with practical information that can be applied at any stage of parenting. Dr. Slattery points the reader to God and scriptures for wisdom. She gently guides mothers through the parenting maze, past the daily squabbles, in order to get greater perspective on their parenting. This book will challenge you as a mother to choose a parenting philosophy that will allow you to raise up children who will grow to be both godly and productive members of society. In a day and age of indulgence and child centered homes this book is desperately needed. It is the book I will give my daughters when they become mothers.

God used this book to change my life! I didn't want to read any more books dealing with emotional pain because none of the materials I had read had really helped me, but this book did! I read the original Healing Life's Deepest Hurts title, and I would recommend this book or the original title second to the Bible! My husband gave me a copy when we were dating, and in the past 3 1/2 years, I have received so much healing from God emotionally! I never understood why I overreacted emotionally in various situations until I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone with "impossible" problems. God can heal you, and this book explains how to receive His healing touch!

If you have tried to live a good Christian life yet have been to or have seriously thought of going to counseling--but nothing seems to "stick", this book is for you! When I read it I felt a new excitement that through Christ there is truly hope. I was shown a direction in which to go to receive that experience with Jesus I had hoped for. Dr Ed Smith has written a book and also has the resources available that will help anyone who is ready and willing to be honest with God and themselves to receive complete healing from our "Great Physician" and only true Counselor.

As a licensed clinical counselor in private practice in Rockford, Illinois specializing in Christian Counseling, I have been applying Theophostic Ministry principles in my practice after receiving training from Dr. Smith. In most cases, I have seen amazing (I don't use that word very often), yes, amazing results in very brief periods of time. Theophostic is highly consistent with my counseling approach based on an integration of the sound scientific principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy with the principles of heart-healing described in the Bible, especially the Davidic psalms (see scottlownsdale.com for description). In this book, Dr. Ed Smith does an outstanding job in making Theophostic Ministry clear and theologically sound. I highly recommend it to my patients, colleagues, and also to pastors who have questions on Theophostic Ministry. Remember, however, that this book is no substitute for receiving Theophostic ministry, or for getting the necessary training.

This book was originally copublished under the title "Healing Life's Deepest Hurts" by Servant Publications & New Creation Publishing. See that title for many reviews.
I am very grateful to Dr. Smith for delineating many thoughts about root problems & their solutions, grace vs. works-based sanctification, letting Jesus be the healer of broken-hearted, logical truth vs. experiential truth, etc.
A more detailed & in-depth explanation of the process is found in Dr. Smith's Basic Seminar package (manual included), available at the Theophostic Ministry website. I highly recommend it to those who desire freedom & joy unspeakable.

In 2005, I published a book named Fortresses to Build and To Destroy: How I Overcame Fatness and Rebuilt My Life, by Alexis Morgan. I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, and I wrote the book about my own recovery, with the intention of using it with support groups for people who have experienced a lifetime of obesity. The book was written in a style that other people could use to discover their own experiences with childhood pain underpinning their continued use of fatness for protection against further humiliation and abuse. A friend sent me this book, and I was happy to see that Mr. Smith very accurately explained the process by which children succumb to "lie-based pain," a process which assures an adult life filled with continuous failure and disappointment. His prescriptions for healing are excellent, and completely consistent with my own understanding of the process by which adults heal from childhood trauma. The book helped me personally, and I will be recommending it to any person who reads my book, as it provides such excellent clarification of the process of healing, including the necessity of relying on the power of faith in Jesus Christ to facilitate recovery. There is enormous hope to be found from reading this book!

My brother recently died suddenly, leaving behind a daughter nearly two years old. This book helped us understand what she is going through and also what to expect in the coming months. It is very good at explaining that children mourn in an entirely different way than adults do, so that behaviors that seem contradictory or heartless are actually not that at all. It also helped us know what to tell her and how to do it.

I highly recommend it, especially for children that are a bit too young for art therapy, but old enough to understand that something is wrong.

This is an easy-to-read book that discusses the basic skills of helping children grieve. It is also a nice resource to give parents of grieving children because it isn't as long as some of the other books I have read in this category.

Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a loved one, gives practical hands-on advice on how to help children from infants to 18 through the grieving process. Dr. Kroen explains how children at all ages and stages perceive and react to death. This book has recently won the 1996 Parent's Choice Award for excellence

Every parent, educator and concerned adult should read this book even if they are not currently helping a child through the loss of a loved one. Parents often spend a great deal of time reading about child development but they should not deglect another important part of development -- learning and dealing with death. This book was extremely valuable with helping me help my children deal with the death of their Grandfather.

A very good review of the basic strategies that have proven to really help adults and children under these circumstances.I will also recommend to read "30 ways to help a grieving child" where you can find other complementary information and guidance. The two books are very clear and offer very useful concrete advise on what to do and what not to do BEFORE and after the death of a loved one.

I had a b/p of 130/90 -145/94 I am 55. I was suppose to go on lisinopril but every time I started to get the prescrip. I couldn't do it--it just felt wrong.So, I started researching high b/p and signed up for google alerts(on H/P) and one thing lead to another and to this book. I decided to get the book and follow it. I was never a salt-lover, just the opposite but when I started reading the labels of how much salt is in everything you buy--I was shocked.I would have been considered a "health nut"so, realizing that even by those standards, too much "salt" exsist even in Health Foods! I raised my potassium foods per day and added 300mg of Magnesium/potassium supplement by Country life. The drop in my b/p was amazing. It dropped to 115/72 to 117/75. BUT if I stray-- it goes right back up to the 130/90+ b/p. I am genetically thin-I only weight 100lbs. so being told I have high blood pressure was a shock. AND no one addressess H/P in thin people. Dr. Moore talks about "balance" and he is right-- for many people it does take maintaining a balance in your diet. If I eat out at restaurants all weekend--the b/p goes back up. That has been a real eye-opener to how sensitive someone's body can be to what you eat. I wish he had a website. There is so much about high B/P in the news lately and since he wrote this book in 1993 it would be good to have his current prof. opinion. He wrote this book before 120/80 was considered High! So, Dr. Moore if you ever read your reviews--please set up a website!

This author maintains that blood pressure can be lowered naturally by maintaining a potassium to sodium ratio of 4/1 in your diet without using potassium supplements. I didn't believe it... until I tried it. Within a week, I went from 150/100 to 110/68. I can't wait to show to my doctor how well nutrition therapy works!!!

I was rushed to a hospital with a blood pressure of 175/110 at the age of 37 yrs. I was given a calcium channel blocker pill which reduced my BP to 140/90. Unfortunately it produces a side effect which I cannot stand. I was then given ace inhibitor (Hyzaar) which brought my BP to 120/70 but unfortunately produces a dizziness which was so intolerable I could hardly drive my car. Lastly the medication was changed to cozaar another ace inhibitor which produces a side effects of dizziness which was more tolerable.Anyway I tried to find a natural solution for my hypertension and found out that this book gives all the answer which was needed to reverse it. After four weeks of high K factor diet ( serum poassium at 4.9 ) I was able to half my BP pills at a BP of 110/75 and sometimes to 105/65. My aim now is to stopped my BP pills intake when it is safe to do so.

This book details ways for a person with hypertension to lower their blood pressure using natural methods. Dr. Moore is an M.D. and PhD who has done years of research in this area. He concludes that a low level of potassium (K) is a major casue of hypertension. He gives dietary instructions on how to raise your potassium, and lower your sodium. The book is well documented and is very readable. It is an encouraging book for those who have hypertension, but want to try a treatment more natural than using prescription medications. I recommend it to my patients. Russell Tweet M.D.

I was given this book by my wife after struggling (unsuccessfully) with a sudden and dangerous rise in my bp. I went from a lifetime of normal readings to stage 4 hypertension (190/160) at age 39. Over the course of the next nine months, I was on a variety of anti-hypertensives -- three different bp meds simultaneously -- at high doses with only limited success and terrible side effects. I read this book and a month or so later, decided to give Dr. Moore's theory a try. I followed the K factor diet for three months and also quit drinking caffeine. My bp's plunged within weeks and after a few months, I was off all but one med and that was reduced to a very low dose. My doctors -- including a nephrologist -- were stunned by the results. I can't recommend it enough.

It is book from ISKCON. First chapter point out the dangers to health from meat eating. Second chapter deals with the economics and ecological implications of meat eating. Third chapter approaches this question from spiritual point of view. Fourth chapter discusses law of karma and points out that meat eating as leading sinful reactions. Fifth chapter introduces the concept of love of God and how it is practically expressed by cooking for Krishna, offering it to Krishna and eating only food offered to Krishna. Seventh chapter provides a collection of observations by Prabupada in this context. The rest of book gives recipes for various regions (Indian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, French, Middle East). Appendix introduces to Hare Krsna Food for life program, list of ISCKON restaurants in Australasia and ISKCON Centers around the world. Narada got Krsna mercy by eating Krsna Prasad. That should explain the importance of the theme of book.

I am not a fan of recipe books and I am even LESS of a fan of celebrity cook books and I will only buy that that I think are worthy of purchasing and this is one of those books.

I will also add I am not a member of the Hare Krishna sect though I have great deal of respect for them, so this review is done based SOLELY on the content of the book itself.

I really like the arguments that are put forward in the beginning of the books as to WHY we should not eat meat, I still eat meat but I am going to try and cut down on it and then cut it out completely, not easy for someone who has "Carnivore" stamped on her butt. The book also points out that there are famous vegetarians such as Leonado de Vinci and Benjamin Franklin to name but two and that by going vegetarian doesn't mean you give up your lifestyle, you just improve on it, health wise and finance wise!

The recipes are great and really simple,it tells you how to make Ghee, and curd, something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing until I got this book and then it gives some very tasty and filling recipes such as green beans and tomato (yum!)Bengali Kheer (rice pud...Hmmmmmm!) mixed vegetable curry, (I'm dribbling here!) and many, many more recipes that will keep you busy and well filled for the whole year through.

This is very much an under rated book, people probably shy away from it because it is linked to the Hare Krishna religion, well all I can say to that is, you are missing out on a good thing, and I have no qualms about buying it for all my friends who come from all faiths, creeds and religious backgrounds.

This is one of the best books I've read so far on this topic. It is short but very insightful, profound and informative. It provides not only the how, but also the why of vegetarianism, including several tasty recipes as an introduction to delicious Indian cuisine. Your life should be changed for the better after reading this book -- and implementing the recommended changes in your diet and lifestyle.

Everyone should read this book and learn why a sincere spiritual seeker has to become vegetarian no matter which paths he/she belongs to.

After reading Bhaktivedanta's comprehensive teachings, I truly realized as to how beneficial both spiritually and physically a vegetarian lifestyle really is. I became a vegetarian after finishing the book which was in 1988! G.Lemmey

I really love this book. I've been trying to live a drug free life, but the stress and pressures I feel sometimes make me think that it would be easier if I just started drinking beer and smoking weed like everyone else does. But after reading this book and incorporating some of the exercises into my life, I've found it easier to stay away from drugs. This guy has a great sense of humor and really seems to understand kids. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to releive stress without using drugs. Thanks, Alex. You rock!

It's all here - what every teen and young adult needs to know about how to feel really well and really good about themselves. On the premise that human beings like to get high, and that getting high is good, Dr. Packer's newest book tells us how to do it - without relying on alcohol, drugs or other substances. Written and illustrated in an engagingly contemporary way, "Highs" provides the reader with fresh, usable insights on such matters as serenity, nutrition, exercise, and relationships. Organized in three sections and 11 well- outlined chapters, it is possible - perhaps even recommended - that the reader turn to an area of particular interest first. Literate, witty, insightful, and irreverent where it should be, "Highs" is highly recommended to young people and parents alike.

I highly recomend this book to readers of all ages. Not only is it one of the funniest books i have ever read, it also contains many good methods to sleep better, relax, and most importantly, have fun. The book is true to its title, there are many safe and healthy ways to get a rush of adrenaline, or, just the opposite. There are several full chapters and several partial chapers dedicated to learning how to reduce stress, which is definitly something that most of us need. Another feature of this book is that it tricks kids into learning new things and encouraging a good life style without the feeling of a textbook. I would highly recomend this book to anyone looking for a good, educational, fun, and most of all, entertaining read.

In Highs!, Alex Packer presents more than one hundred and fifty ways for teenagers and young adults to feel good, really good, without resorting to alcohol or other drugs. Packer's detailed suggestions are divided into "Serenity Highs" (meditation, T'ai Chi Chuan, Yoga); "Physical and Sensuous Highs" (sports, relaxation exercises, food, massage); "Social, Spiritual, and Creative Highs" (nature, fasting, roleplaying games, music, dance, art). An especially recommended compendium of ideas and suggestions for today's youth seeking to avoid the pitfalls of alcohol consumptions and substance abuse in their personal and peer group recreational activities, Highs! is enhanced for teen and young adult readers with a bibliography, as well as suggestions for additional readings and resources.

Alex Packer has written a funny, educational, and comprehensive book on alternatives to getting high with alcohol or other drugs. The book includes examples of alternative highs from teenagers along with humorous illustrations and up-to-date links to websites. I hadn't realized how many non-chemical alternatives there were to getting high. I can't wait to pass this book on to my teenage nephew. I only wish such a book had been available when I was his age!

Carter, Judy. "The Homo Handbook: Getting in Touch with Your Inner Homo", Simon and Shuster, 1996,

Everything You Need to Know (Almost)

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

"The Homo Handbook" is a survival guide for lesbians and gay men and as the cover says "don't be gay without it". Even though Judy Carter has written it tongue-in-cheek, there is a wealth of information here that is fun to read. It is a practical guide to coming out for everyone, no matter where you are in the process--even if you are totally out.
Divided into ten steps that are a map for being a successful queer and abundantly illustrated with drawings and cartoons, the book takes you through the entire coming-out process from buying this book to knowing yourself to finding others and getting laid, intimacy, telling your straight friends and family as well as how to deal with work, becoming a bigot basher and ultimately becoming an activist. Could we possibly ask for any more? Carter also gives us an appendix of organizations and web resources. In other words, this is a cookbook and we only have to add the meat.
Even though the book is 11 years old, it is still a valuable resource. Judy Carter, an out lesbian, writes in a way which is very relevant to gay men (and women) and it is obvious that she did a great deal of research. Including exercises and advice, it gave me a feeling of support. Carter lets her "inner camp" shine through her writing as she leads us to our inner homos. "The Homo Handbook" entertains as it informs and we can laugh at ourselves as we read,
I love this book and I was so glad to be able to find it again. As a survival guide, it is possible to survive without it but it won't be as much fun.

I've owned this book for ten years and I know that there are many good reasons to buy and enjoy the "Homo Handbook" - regardless of whether you're prepared to follow the gradual steps suggested or prefer to quickly come out to your folks and flatmates by just leaving it on the coffee table.

Judy Carter has been a stand-up comic performer and lecturer by trade, so she knows what works in hunour and entertainment. She is proudly lesbian, but writes in a manner which is also very gay male relevant, and that's because she did extensive online research in gay men's chatrooms, especially for this publication.

You'll find plenty of sound advice - including encouragement to keep a journal of your progression toward self-acceptance and public disclosure as well as getting some real-life honest-to-god romantic action happening in your life.

The many Gerard Donelan cartoons are a wonderful added bonus and are the reason I often pick the book up and flick through it.

The best book, by far, for a young queer person to own and read would be "The Survival Guide" by XY Magazine, but for more mature readers "The Homo Handbook" is likely to be a very positive and useful resource.

As an endangered species (i.e. 'lesbian with a sense of humor'), I adored this book! Judy has her inner camp by the horns, making this an incredibly humorous read as she leads you through a well-rounded self-exploration of your "inner homo." Definitely worth both the money and the time to read this treasure!

This book is great. It has a lot of great exercises and advice, and is very supportive. I did find that this book has been written for a narrow audience, a white closeted lesbian in her 30's. This is an audience that I just don't fit into. This book does try to address other audiences such as gay men, but does not handle it well. For those of you who fit into this book's audience, BUY IT! It's a great book. If you don't fit into this audience, you can buy it but might find that you can't relate to it as well.

So, you're gay, think you're gay, or one of those "I'm just curious" types? Then does Judy Carter have the book for you! This book helps you to explore your inner feelings towards being gay and assists in knocking the door off that closet to open up to your inner homo. Using generous amounts of her gay stand-up humor, Carter makes her book entertaining as well as informing, allowing gays to laugh at themselves as well as the narrow-minded bigots who bash them. She also incorporates numerous workbook-style exercises designed to guide gays in accepting themselves and making the rest of the world accept them, too. This is a must-read for anyone who is gay, thinks he/she might be gay, or even knows someone who is gay.

I would have to say your book "How to believe in nothing and set yourself free," is amazing. It is one of those books that when you read you get so full of energy you have to pause to reflect on life. I would like to express my gratitude for having written such a life-enhancing book. Your book has helped me to conquer some fears in my life holding me back in business and love. I hold it as one of those books I read like a bible.
It is my passion in life to write. To write books such as you have, that help people, and spread knowledge to better this world. I have studied the workings of the mind. I have also studied a lot of philosophy and psychology. I would love to do what you are doing. I have chosen to emulate you as a writer, because of your clarity, grace, and powerful ways of teaching. Your book is so easy to relate to and understand. It's a work of art.

Thanks Michael for writing such a concise and thought provoking book. I can't believe this is not a best seller. I've read it twice and have given it to several friends, who also love it. We are getting together once a week to discuss it. It's terrific!

I've read this book twice now and have given copies to several friends, who also love it. His ideas are expressed in entertaining and simple ways, yet have such profound impact. I'm going to read it again. I can't believe this book hasn't become a best seller. It certainly holds a special place in my library. Thanks Michael

I'm not sure if I totally understood everything Michael says but it sure made me think a lot. I'm going to read it again. It was very simply written and yet really powerful.

I have read the book twice, and have been uplifted both times. It is a topic altogether ignored or misunderstood. Its message is simple, yet rather subtle; let go of all limiting beliefs. The subtlety lies in the letting go. It is not an affirmation or mantra to believe in nothing in an absolute sense, but rather a method for allowing intuitive spontaneity to be the guiding force and directive agent. the authors analogies are straitforward and his style is simple. I especially enjoyed Mr. Misitas personal experiences.

After reading this book I have become VERY careful about not consuming any foods or drinks that contain MSG. This book shows how the food enhancing additive MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)can cause migraines, depression, asthma, epilepsy, heart irregularities, rage reactions, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other health problems. The book explains how these foods contain Glutamate and that this amino acid can be used by the neurons in the brain to transmit signals to each other. If we increase these in our blood stream to a large enough amount they will cross the blood brain barrier in most people and burn out neurons. Long term over dose can lead to burning out sections of the brain that can cause seizures and alzheimers.It is an easy to read book that explains the foods MSG is found in and the dangers very simply. For a more advanced understanding read "Excitotoxins:The taste that kills" by Dr. Blaylock. This book however will give you all the information you need to make your diet safer.

This is such an important and easy to read book about the dangers of certain food additives that the FDA allows into food without a consumer notice or warning. The long term coverup the FDA has been involved in to favor the giant food manufacturers over vulnerable consumers children, the elderly, etc. is staggering and well detailed. And these additives are in so many prepared foods we wouldn't think to question. Dr. Schwartz's seminal book, in this case the revised edition, needs to be reprinted ASAP!

The rise in ADD, Migraines, Seizures, Neurolinguistic processing issues, Autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimers, Breast Cancer, and ALS is linked to food additives that break down into free amino acids that can pass through the blood brain barrier and in some instances promote neuron death. See also Dr. Russel Blaylock's book Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, with a forward by Dr. Schwartz. Both of these physicians are of the highest caliber and their works, precise and beyond important.

For years, my husband suffered from anxiety attacks that hit without warning and were quite debilitating. He sought drug therapy, but as time passed, the attacks became more frequent and severe until one day he went into Bells palsy and anaphylactic shock and found himself in the emergency room surrounded by physicians with no answers.

When he received the older version of this book in 1990, it was a revelation. My husband had been becoming increasingly sensitive to MSG while at the same time unknowingly adding it to his diet. In clear, easy-to read language, the book helped identify sources of MSG. It became clear that it was in virtually everything he was consuming--from breakfast cereals to canned tuna to Coca Cola. We altered his diet drastically, choosing mostly unprocessed whole foods, and the results were incredible. His personality changed as he was no longer on edge. His concentration and memory improved dramatically. He no longer needed drug therapy, and stopped doubting himself as an anxiety-prone person. As an added bonus, he lost weight, increased muscle mass and became generally healthier.

As his allergy continued to be quite severe, we turned to the book frequently to avoid more ER visits, and have been largely successful for the past twelve years. It is hard to imagine how life would have been had we not had this book at our disposal. My husband would have continued to suffer his 'mysterious ailment' until, quite possibly, it took his life.

I cannot recommend this book heartily enough. It should be *required* reading for anyone who even suspects they have "Chinese restaurant syndrome" and recommended reading for just about everyone else. It is incredible that such a small book can make such a big difference.

George Schwartz, M.D. wrote the first edition of In Bad Taste more than ten years ago. Since then "the use of MSG and MSG-containing substances has more than doubled." While some people can use MSG with no adverse effects, many others have severe reactions to it, some of them life-threatening.

Kombu, a seaweed, was first used in Japan as a flavor enhancer. A Japanese doctor isolated the main ingredient--MSG, or monosodium glutamate--and started what has become a million-dollar industry. "MSG is used in processed food, in fast-foods and in Chinese food." It's also found in nearly all canned and frozen foods. It's the "most widely used flavor enhancer in the world."

MSG has been linked to asthma, headaches, and heart irregularities. "Behavioral and physical problems of children, such as incontinence and seizures, as well as attention deficit disorder (ADD), have been diagnosed and successfully treated as MSG disorders."

Those wishing to eliminate MSG from their diets are faced with an almost impossible task. Food preparers are often unaware that they're even using MSG. Labels can be misleading. A label that says "No MSG added" doesn't mean that the food is free of MSG, it simply means that the manufacturer didn't put in additional MSG. MSG goes under many aliases, one of the most common being "hydrolyzed vegetable protein," an additive used to increase the protein content of a wide variety of foods.

Manufacturers also hide MSG as part of "natural flavorings," because it is a natural product. As Dr. Schwartz points out, arsenic is also a natural product--being natural is not the same as being harmless.

Dr. Schwartz describes how MSG works in the body, and lists the symptoms it causes.

He provides several other lists, including the names used to hide MSG, general food sources of MSG, and specific brand names of items known to contain MSG. He also includes a selection of basic recipes to help people reduce their MSG consumption.

Dr. Schwartz says his book will help people learn to identify MSG reactions, and then how to avoid eating it. He adds, "knowing how to avoid this flavor enhancer can dramatically change lives." Readers wishing to understand MSG reactions and avoid using it will find In Bad Taste an invaluable resource.

Sandra I. Smith Reviewer

We bought this book to do our research since our family suffers from headachs, stomch proplems and what desicovered was the MSG that is embedded in our foods is what is making us sick. Once we eliminated it our proplems have gone. MSG IS A TOXIN!! There thousand of out here who have suffered for no reason. The food giants and the MSG distributors are together on this hidden poison. They PAY for reaserch to say its safe and give grants to those who follow in thier quest to scam the consumer. We have bought other books on MSG ( from those who actually suffer from MSG POISONING) and they all the same thing. It's killing us and we don't know it. [...] and REALLY find out what they are up too. It's really scarey. The FDA, research doctors and others are paid informest by the food industry
I hope Hernandaz got and F for her paper, or hope she did alot more research other than on so called medical pages. This book is not propaganda, it's what really happening, from someone who has the guts to stand up and say something!