Hearts Books

If you work with or study psychopaths you are familiar with the term Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD). There are not a whole lot of biographies written from the perspective of what it is like to grow up in a household with Anti-Social Personality Disorder parents. Gary Gilmore (author's brother) was ASPD, but the Mom & Dad are just as much a piece of work as their crazed killer son. This is one of the finest autobiographies about what it is like to grow up in a family of Psychopaths.

The book covers the little things and everything about the day to day life with a nuclear family headed by people who fit the bill as Psychopaths. It's chilling. Gary ends up to be a crazed killer but the other sibling appears to have adjusted without the disorder. You wonder if what we are reading portrays a congenital mental disorder or an acquired one. And if the disorder is acquired, why did Gary get it and not the other sibling?

ASPD at the levels portrayed here mean that the patient will typically be unable to maintain housing, a job, a relationship, their health, stay out of institutions (prison or nuthouse), stay sober, have a pet, maintain a vehicle, raise a child, or not drift from city to city. People this disordered typically die prematurely from Trauma (in this case execution by firing squad), neglected health, or substance abuse. They just don't make it - the disorder is deadly at this level.

This story is harrowing and is a great read if the reader is heading for a career in social services, prisons, mental health or law enforcement. When you read how these people treat their kids you can imagine what they can do to a stranger.

It's a big call, but Mikal Gilmore's heart wrenching memoir of his family has to be one of the most moving reading experiences I have ever encountered. To tell you the truth, I found this book in a second hand store here in Melbourne, Australia without a cover! I could not put this down as Mikal's words just ripped me to pieces. It drowns in sadness and despair at times, but there is a flicker of hope and redemption in it's conclusion.
Amazing stuff.

This is an extraordinary book. Gives tremendous insite in to why some crimals lead the path they do. Phenominal read.

Unbelievably well written. This is the best book I have ever read. The story is gripping Mikal Gilmore seems to capture the reader from the first sentence and never lets go. I found myself trying to read less pages as I finished the book in fear of ACTUALLY finishing the book:) Immediately after I read the last page, I went back to the first page and started reading it again. I would suggest reading it twice, it is better the second time around.

This book stays with you. In telling the story of his own troubled family Mikal Gilmore manages to tell a story about families themselves- all the love, guilt, loyalty and anger that define them. This is a book about searching for meaning, about the toll poverty takes on the human spirit, about broken dreams, the violence of faith, and our terrible hunger for something to believe in. It's uniquely American in the same way books like Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" or Jean Stein's "Edie: an American Biography"
are- as much about the society around its subjects as the subjects themselves. I wholeheartedly consider this book a masterpiece.

Ms. Ray is the best. I've read several of her books....all but one in this series. I think this one was the best. I love her humor. This book had me screeming in sections-crying in others. This whole series should be made into a mini-series or soap opera. Great story Ms. Ray

Again, I must say that I am so enjoying this Falcon/Grayson series. Daniel Falcon was an interesting character. He was perfect - handsome, rich, diverse background and confident (or arrogant). I loved the way the author revealed his softer side, as he didn't realize he actually had one. It's amazing when a man finally realizes he's in Love. The relationship between the characters was intense and humurous at times. If you haven't read this series - get with it.

Francis Ray is amazing! That's all I can say. Any book i see with her name i just know it's going to be good. Of course she didn't disappoint me. In Heart of the Falcon, Madelyn Taggart who grew the little sister of some very influential brothers decides to venture out own her own. In comes Daniel Falcon who is a family friend whom she happens to like a lot. She finally gets next to him but he fears a relationship. Now she has to gety him to accept their relationship or risk losing the one man she will ever love.

I've been engrossed with the whole Taggart/Falcon/Grayson series...reading them all in order and I wasn't disappointed with "Heart of the Falcon" -- what a story! Daniel Falcon is a FINE but, stubborn man and Madelyn "Addie" Taggart knew that from day one. She had no fear and took the risk of falling for her brothers' -- Kane and Matt -- good friend. Daniel, a true lady's man, was against love and marriage and swore against both. Strong willed and determined, Madelyn knew she loved Daniel and she put everything on the line to prove that she was the one he needed. She succeeded. Ms. Ray has become a favorite of mine because of her strong character development and the way she makes you hang on to every word, every glance and every kiss. Much respect to you, Ms. Ray.

Francis Ray brings back Daniel Falcon from Only Hers but this time Daniel finds himself intrigued by someone he considers off limits. Daniel Falcon found out that fighting love was something that fate would not accept with his creep of the night yet honorable ways Daniel thought he would fall in love with two of his close friends' sister but Madelyn Taggert had some thing to say about it.

Madelyn Taggert had been in awe with Daniel since first seeing a picture of him but never had she met him in real life until one unforgettable day in not the best condition did she literally run into him but after finding out who Daniel really was he didn't know what to do with herself.

Daniel & Madelyn went through trial and tribulations to only finish their story of with a triumphant ending.

prisioners need to have something possitive to read. A bad attutude will carry to there life after they get out and on the other hand so will a possitive one. Smiles to all

Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul was suggested to me by a prisoner. Having worked in the California State Prison at San Quentin in the late 1960s and at other lockup facilities in California and Arizona, I am usually hesitant about inmate suggestions for my reading list. However, this book far exceeded my expectations. It is so powerful, I read only a few chapters at a time. The effect could be overwhelming. So turn off your speed-reading skills, resist any temptation to use this for bedtime reading and expect to get more than your money's worth

I brought this book for a good friend of mine who is currently in prison and he enjoyed reading the book and found it to be very encouraging.

This is a great book for anyone who is involved with prison ministry. It is full of stories about redemption, forgiveness, and restoration. It's easy to think of inmates as something other than people, formed in the image of God. This book reminds me that prisoners are still people, with hurts and emotions. This book has helpled me to grow in my ministry.

This book has really touched my loved one who is incarcerated. He has really enjoyed it and stated that the stories really give the extra step he needs sometimes.

I purchased this book as an expectant toy breed mother. It is a light hearted but informative book on the joys and pitfalls of having a toy breed in your house. I was a little disappointed in the lack of information on my particular puppy, a Chinese Crested, but then I didn't expect a lot of info on the Cresteds since most people know little about them. For more breed specific information, it's advisable to get a breed specific book. However this is a great reference for those who are looking at the toy breeds and don't know a lot about them. It's an easy read and the general information is great. The breed specific information is just enough to perhaps help someone choose which breed is a good fit for their family.

I was very anxious to get this book. In fact by the time I realized there was a second edition of the Irrepressible Toy Dog, I had been waiting several months. This lead me to several other small dog/ breed specific books. This book is definitely top notch However, I was a little biased having read similar information in several other books before reading this book. This made me less excited about its content, however I have to say that it is extremely well compiled, lots of good information and has the best health section on small breed specific disease that I have seen to date. The picture sections are cute, however it could have included more breeds instead of the same breeds over and over. It however was not as much fun as other books, and lacks in the training section when compared to other books. It is a great overall guide on toy dogs and every toy dog owner should keep a copy for a reference guide.

The diva of diminutive dogs does it again. This new edition is even better than the first, with more information on socialization and training, and wonderful color photos. Kudos for including small mixes among the purebreds, and for telling everyone that small dogs are real dogs, too. Anyone considering adding a small dog to their household should read this book.

This updated version of Ms. Arden's book is a must read for all people who are owned by a small dog. This edition includes several pages of delightful color photos and a a great list of resources for pampering your little dog!

As the owner of 4 small dog rescues, I have found all of Darlene Arden's books extremely helpful and "small dogs, big hearts" is certainly no exception. It is filled with valuable information and should be a must read for anyone who has or is even remotely thinking about getting a small dog. Like all her books, this one is well written in Ms. Arden's easy to follow and understand style. I especially like the fact that this book contains mixed breeds and all the pictures are a wonderful addition.
I applaud Darlene Arden for emphasizing that these small breeds are not toys to be played with, but real dogs with real dog issues and needs.

This sat on my shelf for about a year. I purchased it because I had enjoyed the author's competent but not earth-shaking "Master and Margarita."

Unfortunately, when I finally finished it (in an afternoon: it's only 120 pages) it became one of those books that was a lot better before you have actually read it.

I knew what it was about, of course: a Soviet era satire (written in 1925, but not published in the USSR until 1987) about a dog who, owing to the experiments of a scientist, gets the opportunity to enjoy life as a human -- and low-level party functionary -- for a while.

Alas! Before I read it, the satire was dead one, the characterization sharp, and the story was "brilliantly inventive," as the back cover promises.

But that's not actually how the story turns out to be.

In fact, the first third of the novel concerns the dog's point of view: what it's like to be a stray dog in a Russian city. I didn't find this part to be particularly memorable or exceptional.

Then we get to the part where the professor transforms the dog into a human. This took way too long: probably the middle half of the novel or so. We were certainly halfway through before he was actually in a human body.

Bulgakov definitely spent too much time on this process, and it blunted the strength of this satire, in my view. I mean, come on. Your readers have already charitably agreed to suspend their disbelief so that they can enjoy the story of a dog walking around in human form, so why was it necessary to go on and on for the bulk of the novel trying to convince us this was scientifically possible?

The whole satire doesn't really get going until the final quarter of the book, but by then, what can Bulgakov do? He has squandered so much time setting up the story that there is little room left for character development or complication.

In fact, by the end of the book, Bulgakov seems to be wink-winking at us, "Get it? Low-level Soviet officials are indistinguishable from dogs! Get it? Get it!"

That's it?

Have our standards of a satire really fallen to the point where such heavy-handed clunkiness can pass for deft and timeless wit? Sheesh.

This novel, written by the Soviet writer Mikhail Bulagakov, in 1925, is a satirical science fiction novel. The subject of the satire is the Communist ideology and bureaucracy as well as the petty bourgeoisie that they oppose. However, Bulgakov develops an even deeper theme relating to human nature and human culture.

Professor Preobazhensky is a flagrantly decadent bourgeois character who does all he can to resist the leveling of the Communist Revolution, maintaining a relatively luxurious lifestyle while young radicals, like Shvonder are trying to carry out their revolutionary leveling policies.

Shvonder insists that Preobazhensky give up several rooms of his apartments and give them to other individuals in the spirit of the revolution.

Shvonder then threatens to complain to higher authorities, implying that force would be used if needed. Preobazhensky refuses and is actually the first to use a kind of force by using his influence with the apparently corrupt Communist bureaucracy to maintain his lifestyle. He calls Party officials and tells them that he will no longer perform operations to help Party officials if Shvonder is allowed to divide up the apartment. Shvonder is called to the phone and apparently ordered to back off.


As the novel proceeds, Preobazhensky is further fleshed out as a sort of mad scientist character. He undertakes a dramatic experiment in which he transplants the pituitary gland and testes of a male human into a stray dog, Sharik. In a Kafkaesque transformation, this dog, Sharik, is transformed into a sort of human. He is only "sort of human" in the sense that once he appears human, he still retains the "heart of a dog" or more accurately we might say in English the "soul" of a dog. At least, this is the reader's first interpretation of the new Sharik, soon to be re-christened "Sharikov."

The plot of the novel is developed by the complications arising from this experiment. Preobazhensky had set out prove that the intelligence of humans is located in the pituitary (and testes?) and that this can be successfully transplanted--even to another animal, like a dog. Thus, if a dog were to receive a human pituitary, he would develop the intelligence of a human. At first, the experiment seems to be a stunning success. Sharik(ov) even develops the ability to speak and read.

Unfortunately, the professor finds out that there is a downside to the transplantation. Along with human capabilities he has also transplanted the degenerate character of the donor. Sharik(ov)'s character develops as a degenerate human character. This is due, of course, to the fact that the "donor" human was the low-life, bar-brawling scoundrel, Klim Chugunkin.

Later in the novel, having fully having experienced this downside in his subject, Preobazhensky, despairs of his efforts. The allure of eugenics no longer enthralls him. It is nothing but a blind alley. The human race can only be improved through the slow, gradual process of natural evolution--in no other way.

Dr. Bromenthal answers his colleague's despair by asking Preobazhensky, "But what if it were Spinoza's brain" that had been transplanted? Wouldn't the transplantation then have been worthwhile? Preobrazhensky answers "no." No, it would not have been necessary, he explains, because every day the world produces Spinozas out of ordinary women. The point is, nature needs no help in producing Spinozas. In the course of its evolution, Preobazhensky explains, the human race "creates dozens of outstanding geniuses who adorn the earth, stubbornly selecting them out of the mass of scum."

Of course, the whole attempt to "remake" a creature is also suggestive of the Communists' idea of remaking man into Soviet Man - and of remaking the crude and ignorant peasants and workers into proletarians fully aware of their class, their class power, and of the class struggle.

We can hear the author's voice in Preobazhensky's observation that torture or force cannot be used to change human nature or human society. This is a clear statement of the theme of the novel. The Communists can transform neither individuals nor entire classes through the forcible methods that they are employing. The only results of such attempts will be violence and chaos.

This violence and the resulting chaos is produced by Sharik, who begins by demanding the first name and patrynomic of Polygraph Polygraphovich and the appropriate surname of Sharikov (son of Sharik), which he truly is. The man Sharikov, who is described as somewhat physically deformed or at least incompletely formed, acts out a parallel deficient moral character. He becomes the low-life character that his human donor was--stealing, chasing women, lying, exploiting, mooching, exhibiting cruelty and prejudice, etc.

Of course Sharik's name is emblematic. He is a "polygraph" in the sense that he is telling the truth that the author Bulgakov is trying to tell--literally recording the truth as the writing of the novel is read by the reader.

The only way some semblance of order can be restored and the main conflict of the novel resolved is by removing the transplanted organs from Sharikov and giving him back is own organs. As a restored dog, Sharik again finds his natural place; and all is once again relatively peaceful, as peaceful, perhaps, as anything can be in this world.

And so humanity will have to wait patiently for its next Spinoza, and by extension, it will also have to wait patiently for its era of deliverance from the darkness of past ages. Social progress is a story of evolution not revolution, and evolution is a very slow process, barely discernable in the lifetime of any single individual.

At the end of the novel, we see the "stubborn, persistent" Preobazhensky at it again, pulling brains out of jars, "searching for something all the time, cutting, examining, squinting and singing..." Hadn't Preobazhensky learned his lesson? Perhaps he had, for a brief time. But the mind of science, the reductionist element in our dominant Western culture can't just leave it alone. Bulgakov sees this as the enduring danger against which we must be on constant guard. We murder to dissect. We have trouble going with the flow--seeing the big picture and not being open to the wisdom it can give us.

Heart of a Dog is a most insightful book into the Russian soul, and Bulgakov proves himself to be another brilliant Russian satirist. It was great fun to read of the Bolshevik era in this common Russian theme, with its bizarre appearances of the "loyal comrades" upstairs. One of the great Bolshevik era writers. If one considers the dog to be the common Russian, who was attemptedly educated to be of a higher class, the monster he became rings a familiar note looking at Putin's Russia right now.

The dissonance between classes was pronounced in the pre revolutionary era, as now, and does not change with the poltical winds, it seems to this author, despite the huge variation in political rulers and philosopies over the last 100 years. An interesting, quick and fun read. Highly recommended, especailly to those with a history of reading Russian novels.

Written in 1925, Bulgakov's Heart of a Dog is an absolutely hilarious and wonderfully sarcastic look at Soviet life, directly after the revolution.

The plot focuses on genius professor Preobrazhensky, who transplants the pituitary gland from a minor criminal into a stray dog named Sharik (little ball, in Russian). Gradually, the dog turns into a disgusting, crass little man and terrorizes the professor's household...

Sharik transforms into a dark satire of a Soviet official - Director of the agency responsible for clearing Moscow of 'vagrant quadrupeds' such as cats. He drinks, chases women, steals money, etc. All the while, Preobrazhensky battles the newly formed proletariate housing committee that has taken control of his luxury apartment building.

Absolutely unique for its time, the book strongly anti-communist and decidedly anti-proletariat... It wasn't until 1987 (60 years after it was completed), that Heart of a Dog was allowed to be published in the Soviet Union. It is also ridiculously over the top funny.

If you enjoy this novel, I would highly recommend trying to get a copy of the wonderful 1989 film, which was nominated for several international awards.

If nothing else, good political satire emerged from the old Soviet machine. Bulgakov and Vysotsky were brilliant.

This is my favorite book of all time and I tend to read it again and again. It's an old friend.

I have done a lot of studies, but this is one of the best studies I've done in awhile, and several friends say the same. I recommend it to all women, as anxiety is a stranglehold for so many of us. This book helps you to give it over to God and holds your hand along the way with it. Great book!

I couldn't imagine Linda writing a book more helpful than Creative Counter part, but this is the proof (for me at least). This book is applicable to the Christian woman no matter what stage of life she is in. I have found it to be encouraging and helpful in my growing relationship with Jesus. Thanks again Linda.

My sister-in-law gave me this book. It's the best gift I've ever been given. I've bought several copies to give to women in my family and friends. The book addresses what peace we can have when we hand our concerns to God and learn to always be content. I wish I'd read this when I was young. It's a book to read several times as a great reminder to hand it all over to God.

I am an avid reader and rate this as one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is well written with inspiring stories from Eastern Europe to add illustrate the point of each chapter. More than just a good writer, Linda brings out the major obstacles to spiritual growth and what to do about each one. Since reading the book a few months ago I have seen changes in my life.

This book helped me get through a very difficult time a while back. In the time since, I have occasionally felt the anxiety levels creep back up, and I have come back to this book. It isn't one to be read one time, but is worth reading again and again.

It is easy to have this book recommended to you, or even to have someone give it to you and leave it sitting on your shelf. I did that when I first received it. Don't do that! Read it and see if you can grow and glean from it as so many of us have done. It can really help you move beyond worry to trust, and it builts more than just anxiety-free living. It helps accomplish the opposite -- contentment and acceptance of your lot. If you struggle with worry or discontentment, this is the first book I would recommend. I can't say that enough!

Foster would probably quibble with my description, "best book on prayer," but that's ok. The book is a phenomenal introduction to the rich variety of Christian prayer. The chapters are short enough to be read in a single sitting but call us to a profound transformation in the secret place of prayer. This book may well be better than Foster's "Celebration of Discipline."

C of D was very good. Prayer out does C of D by a long shot. Layers of good stuff are on every page. Buy and Read.

One of the best books on prayer I've ever read. He's very rooted in Scripture and yet very thorough in His observations on how we, as humans, interact with God. It continues to challenge me as I read through each new chapter. Highly recommended!

God used this wonderful book to pierce my heart with His truth. He has opened my eyes to what prayer really is and deepend my desire to be in converation with Him. This book has taught me new ways to approach The Throne and a new understanding about what it means to intercede for those I love.

I am in a study/prayer group which is using this book as a guide. I find it helpful to discover new depth in prayer.

I didn't like this at all. Very poorly written. Many better books out there.

On March 28, 2003 Writer's Digest announced that A Christmas Dozen won the Honorable Mention in Best Inspirational Book category of its Self-Published Book Awards. (author note)

Steve Burt's stories are perfect reading especially at Christmas but heart warming the whole year. We will include each of these with the traditional "Twas the Night Before Christmas" reading during family gatherings. Great writing and touching themes to each of the stories for all ages.

I find that my reaction to Steve Burt's stories in A Christmas Dozen, is always the same - a smile and a tear. A smile because my heart has been warmed and a tear because of the sublime beauty of the human spirit expressed in simple words. These stories are a delight and should be read by anyone, young and old, seeking a peaceful respite from the chaos of a hectic holiday season or from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. The few minutes you spend reading one of these gems can alter your mood for the rest of the day. Steve Burt has truly given us a gift to treasure!

Playing these tapes in my car gives me the feeling of having my own personal counseling session. The Story-telling and stories are supberb. While listening - you smile, giggle,laugh and cry. They are fantastic. I recognize areas, names and characteristics of many of the locals on the east end. Thank you Steve.

I have really appreciated this book for its honesty and candidness with the author's struggles as well as some practical information on how to navigate the infertility world with hope, grace, and a view on the Lord.
Thanks

This is the best book I have read on infertility! Easy to relate to, wonderful biblical reference, and brought me peace in a time of hardship. Enjoy and share!

OH what a wonderful book! We struggled with Infertility for years and spent thousands of dollars on treatments with what seemed like no end in sight. I felt so broken, so desperate....I always questioned WHY was this happening to me. Even though my husband was always wonderful & supportive I still hurt...we BOTH did. This book helped me out so much & completely changed the way I looked at my Infertility. I learned so much about myself & the "burden bearers" section of the book was most helpful in telling family members how they could handle this delicate situation as many of them unknowingly can sometimes say the most hurtful things. I had relied on God in the past for support & know that I wouldn't have made it without His comfort & strength as long as I did...but when I began reading this book and found the right places to search in the bible for specific verses, I was a changed woman. This book taught me great patience and that this was a time for me to grow & become closer to God. It gave me great hope and understanding about my struggles with Infertility.....and before I could even get to the end of the book....I got pregnant!!! All in God's time...and what perfect timing it was....just a few days before Thanksgiving! I'm now 13 weeks along and have seen my baby at 3 different times on ultrasound....the baby is perfectly healthy and we are so blessed. I was at my wit's end before starting this book. Of all the books I'd read on Infertility this one helped me the most & I would highly recommend it to anyone else who loves the Lord & is ready to trust in Him completely with their Infertility struggles. Best wishes to all those trying to conceive...may your journey be a short one!

This book is really life changing. It opens your heart and mind up to issues, thoughts, and feelings you may never have dealt with. This book is very well written and easy to understand. I can't imagine someone NOT liking it and gleaning something from it.

Since we began this new leg in our journey, I've been reading everything infertility related that I can get my hands on. The first full length book I've read dedicated exclusively to this subject is Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart In The Midst Of Infertility.

Hannah's Hope is written by Jennifer Saake, previously mentioned on this blog and mother to two living children. She and her husband have walked the road of infertility for 15 years and they have had their hearts broken by several miscarriages and even more failed adoptions. The book is appropriate for women at any stage of infertility, though she writes mostly for a general audience and less for specific problems within infertility.

The structure of each chapter of Ms. Saake's book is a passage (usually a single verse) of scripture, a historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story (the mother of Samuel), Ms. Saake's writings on the subject of the chapter, probing questions on the subject at hand, a list of scriptures for meditation, and a passage (never more than a page) written to the loved ones of people struggling with infertility, designed to give the loved ones special insights and ways to support their friend or family member.

One thing I appreciate about Ms. Saake's book is her conversational tone. The book is a very easy read, and Ms. Saake's pen flows as easily and comfortably as I imagine her tongue would if she were sitting with you having a cup of coffee. Throughout the reading, I felt as if I were sitting across the table from a friend as she shared some of her innermost thoughts. This put me at ease to explore my own thoughts, agreeing with her in most cases, disagreeing with her in others, and overall deepening my intentional thoughts on our own journey.

The historical fiction retelling of Hannah's story from I Samuel 1 is designed to explore the thoughts Hannah (and occasionally some of the other main characters) may have had as she grieved her way through her own infertility journey. Through the process, the reader develops a kinship with the biblical heroine, taking comfort in the fact that though she lived thousands of years ago, her struggle was largely the same as that of a woman today and is not unknown to the heart of God.

As Ms. Saake divulges her own history and feelings, the reader is taken on a journey through exploring anger, jealousy, fear, bitterness, grief, disappointment, stress, hope, and intimacy with the Almighty. She tackles issues from fear, to bioethics, to the strength of the marital relationship, and most importantly, the infertile couple's walk with God. She is sensitive and gentle while still bold with her convictions.

There is no false piety at all in Ms. Saake. Everything is brutally honest yet still respectful of the sovereignty of God. On more than one occasion, I felt like I was reading my own thoughts simply penned by Ms. Saake's hand. There was comfort and validation in "aha! someone else has felt this way too!"

Ms. Saake does not dwell in the depths of her feelings. She provides thoughtful scriptural encouragement while at the same time refraining from giving pat answers and comfort cliches. She adds her own thoughts and insights as revealed to her through meditation and experience.

My favorite passage in the book reads:


She [the woman at the well] sought happiness in the arms of men. Jesus provides peace that could be found in none other than Himself.

I sought joy in the new life of a baby. Jesus offers New life in Himself.

I wanted to know the feeling of carrying another soul inside my body. He provides the Holy Spirit to indwell me.

I longed to nurse a child. Paul wrote, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2-3).

I dreamed of watching my baby grow and mature. But am I ever-growing in Christ? "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:13-14).

I bemoaned the "bread of adversity" I felt unfairly called to taste. The Lord answers with the cross: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).

I pleaded for a child to enrich my days on earth. He commands, "But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).

p 95



Ms. Saake does not promise anyone a happy ending. She admits that even though she now has two living, biological children, the scars of infertility will always leave an ache in her heart. The journey God has taken her on through this process has not been completed or nullified by the successful conception and birth of children. I would guess that this would be of special comfort to those either struggling with secondary infertility or who still feel a loss that their family is not what they imagined or hoped it would be.

She exhorts the reader,

While Satan imprisons some with bondage to past sins, he can entangle others in what seems to be a good and righteous goal, causing them to lose sight of God in the midst of self-evaluation.
p 49



That hit me as especially poignant because I've been stewing so much about this lately that I need to guard my own heart against making motherhood my idol. That is an important challenge for every mother, mother to be, or mother at heart.

I found some of the "Burden Bearer" passages (written to friends and family members of infertile couples) to be helpful, and others were not of particular significance to me. I appreciated her frankness with her advice of how to support, and in some cases, how to refrain from causing more hurt, on infertile loved ones. One thing that should be noted is that the passages are to be read in conjunction with the rest of the book and are not intended to be read independently.

My primary critique of the book is that each chapter is very brief. Just when I thought "ok, we're tackling something I'm really struggling with," Ms. Saake moves on to another subject. I longed for her to exegete the scriptural passages she offered and share more details on the HOWS of her journey and the conclusions she's made. I don't think that this is a flaw, per say, because I don't think it was ever the author's intent to give an exhaustive chronicle of infertility and so I cannot blame her for not writing as if it were. This was simply was more of a disappointment--I longed to delve deeper with my new found friend in to emotions that are for me, still raw and in need of exploration. The approach is just a matter of personal preference and I'm sure for as many as there are of women like me who longed for more depth, there are equally many women who appreciated the brevity.

However, the ease of the flow of the book makes this a very excellent, easily accessible and processed resource for pastors, ministerial staff and anyone else truly interested in learning an "insider's perspective" on infertility. One of my very favorite chapters in the book was on how the church could help break its own silence on this matter and offer comfort to those in their congregations who are burdened with this grief. I only wish it were longer!

Overall, my impression of the book is very positive. I would heartily recommend it to anyone at any stage in their infertility journey. I also recommend it as a must-have resource for any pastor. I do recommend it for loved ones of the infertile, with the disclaimer that this book is not written specifically to give you (the loved one) advice, and reading it should be done with the intention of understanding the heart of your infertile friend or family member, and not specifically equipping with you with the "how tos" of what to do as the friend (though there is some).

Brava, Jennifer! A valiant, sincere, and godly effort that is very much appreciated.

For several years I have read multiple research papers and other scientific literature regarding cholesterol and the effects of treating "elevated" cholesterol. This book gives remarkably extensive and contemporary as well as historic scientific information that should help people learn the truth about this subject. It is unfortunate that it will probably take another 10 years before the medical community comes to its senses about "treating" cholesterol. This book is not for the casual reader, however. Expect a lengthy discussion, though logical. Neil Hall, MD

Anthony Colpo demolishes the popular theory that high cholesterol, or even high LDL levels, cause coronary heart disease (CHD). He does this through painstaking, but compelling research, which few doctors have the time to perform. He deconstructs studies and clinical trials going back, in some cases more than fifty years, to show how the results of these trials have been either ignored or manipulated by interested parties, chiefly pharmaceutical companies. This industry has succeeded in brainwashing the medical profession to encourage the use of statins, now the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. This is must reading, not only for anyone who has been told that they need to take statin drugs, but for anyone interested in health care today.

Well I haven't read the book so technically I shouldn't be reviewing it but here's some statistics that may be useful for some. I'd likely be more inclined to give it a bad review as is the case with most of these books the author is ludicrously biased (including statistically) and goes off on an egocentric diatribe. That said, since I've not read it and wouldn't presume to know it I've decided to be sporting and give it 5 stars.




Choose whether to take statins for yourself

Heres a summary of the most important if not all the data


CHOLESTEROL TREATMENT TRIALISTS COLLABORATION META-ANALYSIS OF ALL THE DATA. LANCET 2005:366:1267

Secondary prevention (if you've already got some form of vascular disease):Number needed to treat:21 over 5 years to prevent one vascular event.

Primary Prevention (if no established cardiovascular disease), in high risk patients: Number needed to treat of 40 over 5 years to prevent one event



FURTHER METANALYSIS OF THE PRIMARY PREVENTION TRIALS LANCET 2007:369:168. They found for patients with no pre-existing cardiovascular disease
1.No evidence of reduction in total mortality
2.Overall cardiovascular events reduced with statins (NNT OF 67 over 5 years)
3.Analysis suggests benefit is only seen in high risk men aged 30-69 (NNT 50)
4.Women did not seem to benefit, nor anyone over the age of 69



BINGO - Take some personal responsibility, make up your own mind and stop expecting the doctor to agree with you about cholesterol. If you get side effects ask yourself if the benefits listed above are worth it.

Colpo writes in clear, engaging and flowing prose. The title does not convey the many other health myths he takes to task using Randomized Clinical Trials as much as possible and keeping an eye on statistical significance. Here is a partial list of the most striking conclusions drawn by the author:

1. Higher than average cholesterol is protective against CVD in those over 50, a population that is much more prone to CVD than young people. The very slight evidence for lower cholesterol being protective appears only in much younger subjects, who are at very low risk in the first place.

2. High cholesterol is protective against infection, including even by HIV. Low cholesterol, below 160 mg/dl is associated with increased mortality in all age groups but markedly so in the very old. It's worth noting here that most lab tests show reference ranges for total cholesterol that go from 200 mg/dl down to zero, that is, having zero total cholesterol, which would certainly be fatal, falls within the normal range given by most testing labs.

3. The supposedly heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are more prone to oxidation than saturated fats. Oxidized LDL is an emerging risk factor thought to aid in the formation of arterial plaque. The body incorporates dietary fats into LDL particles. Thus, consuming the more readily oxidized fats is likely to increase CVD risk by raising oxidized LDL levels, which by the way are not influenced in the least by the level of LDL cholesterol. Saturated fats, due to their lack of double bonds, are more stable and less prone to oxidation. Polyunsaturated are the most easily oxidized followed by the monounsaturated fats. Skip the vegetable oils says Colpo even the ones free of trans fats.

4. High fasting blood sugar is a much better predictor of CVD as compared to standard cholesterol tests, which are almost worthless, yet most people have never had their fasting serum glucose measured. It's an inexpensive test that can be performed by any lab.

5. The French paradox is not so paradoxical. The French have one of the lowest rates of CVD in Europe and yet eat the most saturated fat. According to Colpo, wine consumption is not the correct explaination as the Italians also drink lots of red wine. It only seems paradoxical if one believes the dogma that saturated fat is a killer. Colpo argues that stress is a true risk factor. Stress is lowered and the post-meal rise in blood sugar is muted when one takes a relaxed attitude towards dining, as the French are famous for.

6. Vegetarianism is not so healthy. Colpo does advocate eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables but shows that meat is also of great value. Studies showing the benefit of excluding meat are subject to confounders (vegetarians excercise more and smoke less, for example) that when corrected for result in no benefit to vegetarians.

7. Colpo is a low carb advocate in order to control blood sugar but he is not fond of extreme ketogenic diets.

8. High iron stores are a risk factor for CVD. In Colpo's view this is the reason pre-menopausal women (due to monthly blood loss) have a lower CVD risk than men and post-menopausal women. Pre-menopausal women retain much less iron, which is a pro-oxidant. See point 3 above. Colpo suggests testing serum ferritin levels to determine if one has too much iron. Colpo thinks the standard upper limit given for ferritin by most labs is way too high. So, if your doctor says you have normal iron stores check the reading yourself. Colpo also suggests methods to lower iron levels if too high.

Clear, easy to understand explanations of the scientific aspects of cholesterol, blood lipids, importance of nitric oxide, and more. After reading this book, I finally understood how the various fats - saturated, un, mono, poly - differ as well as the importance of nitric oxide, reducing stress, and eliminating free radicals. The cholesterol mania just doesn't make sense any more. (Unless - like I tell my husband - the heart dr.s just can't resist those hot salesgirls that visit their offices.)
This book has retrained me to be skeptical of everything related to nutrition and even make my own way through some of the studies.

I had originally purchased the e-book version based on the complaints about font size and poor layout. It got awfully tiresome shuffling the e-book print-outs around, so I broke down and purchased the paper book. Not sure what the other folks were complaining about. It was certainly easier on the eyes than a college textbook or mass market pbk. Plus it is much easier to read, underline & highlight while lying in bed!

Colpo also has an e-book "The Fat Loss Bible" which is worth its weight in gold. As much as I would like to see a conventional book made out of this as well, I'm afraid the advice is much too practical to elicit the attention of publishers.