Child Health Books

Almost the bible in relation to the chameleon complex resulting from forced submission and assimilation and pathological identification with chronic abusive adults.

Writing with a keen mind and a bright and passionate heart, Harvey Schwartz distills his years of professional experience as a clinician, mentor and teacher into this book. It is a gift, a gem of a book, for those who work with people who have endured the worst that mankind can inflict. Schwartz gives us a review of the literature in this field, many examples of his own work, illuminating quotes from clients, and much-needed clarity in this time when the issues of healing terribly-abused people have been siderailed into a senseless debate over whether such abuse actually exists. It does, and Harvey Schwartz provides a helpful, essential road map back to sanity and health over the difficult terrain of dissociation. This is a necessary book for healers who work with abuse. It is by far the best book on the topic that I, who have worked and studied in this field for twenty years, have read.

Schwartz's book is a gift for clinicians, most of whom were never adequately trained to work with patients who have complex dissociative disorders. If you're a therapist, and you haven't read this book, then you are missing out on critical theory about how to work fearlessly and respectfully with these patients who have suffered severe harms as children.

I also think the book should be read as cultural commentary. Schwartz discusses the complicity of groups such as the False Memory Syndrome Association in the sexual abuse of children.
Dialogues with Forgotten Voices also has carefully documented evidence regarding ritual abuse - where highly organized groups of pedophiles and their lawyers and doctors make a religion out of torturing children.

This book has been on the shelf closest to my computer ever since it came out, and I refer to it constantly. A must-read.

I found this to be an excellent book on this subject. I am a layman in this area, but it helped me to understand more of the dynamics at play in some people who are very dear to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes an indepth consideration of this area. It is not easy reading, but it is very clear and pays back the time put into its study. I found myself something reading and rereading passages and gainingmore from each reading. There are many layers to understanding the types of individuals that Dr. Schwartz describes, and I found that the text delicately and with compassion, revealed this depth and gave keys to treatment that were as sensitive as they were insightful.

Having read extensively on childhood trauma and dissociation, I can easily recommend this book as one of the most impressive works on a very misunderstood mental disorder. Dr. Schwartz writes with tremendous compassion and insight about the real needs and struggles of his patients who face ridicule and outright hostility because of the many myths and disinformation surrounding DID. As an author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Schwartz breaks new ground in this bold, unblinking look at the pathology, courage and brokeness of these clients. Most have survived horrific abuse that essentially amounts to the torture of children by parents, other relatives, the government and cults.
Dr. Schwartz, unlike many experts in this field, clearly and truthfully points out how society and institutions collude with perpetrators in the rape, beating and sexual torture of our most vulnerable citizens. Well-written, clinically and scientifically accurate.

I thought Lane's book was so good, I had my entrepreneurial youngster read it, too. I recommend it to anyone who wants to sell Discovery Toys.
If you're trying to start a home-based business, Lane tells you how she built hers from the ground up: from her garage to a multi-million dollar enterprise. I've had success selling Discovery Toys because I was mentored by the genius founder of this educational toy company, and author of the book. Thanks, Lane!

Every Mom should read this book! It is so good that I keep going back to it. I have a 9 month old son and am so thankful to have found this book early in his life so that I can keep refering to it as he grows.

It's amazing how Lane Nemeth writes what all of us have felt. How frustrating it can be to work away from your children, how difficult it is to discover our own dreams, and yet how wonderful it can be to find a way to work everything out and be there 100% for your family. Her "Learning Moments" clearly state some incredibly valuable tips for all parents, stay-at-home and corporate exec. Her upbeat, optimistic view of entreprenurial challenges force one to think about why they haven't followed their own dreams and made them reality. She offers common sense advice that comes from her experience in building a multi-million dollar company and can apply to any business situation! I could not put it down and will never enter a business situation with the same attitude. A MUST-READ!!! Thank You, Lane, for sharing your knowledge! (Discovery Toys are the best educational products I have ever found for my children!)

This was an enjoyabe read and fast paced. In a very light style I was able to gain insight and knowledge on how one woman made it in a man's world. She also was human and sincere enough to share her ups and downs with us. Not quite a Danielle Steele journey, this book lets you know what you might have to give up and what you might gain by working part time, full time and balancing a family. I enjoyed the humor and the personal feelings of what it takes to keep an idea and a dream in place. Not everyone can do this and you certainly have to know yourself. I applaud Lane Nemeth for letting us into her triumphs and letting us share her low moments. It is a very personnal look at a woman's desire to create a business and have a family.

Lane's book sends a wonderful message to moms-- whether youwork outside the home and wish you could spend more time with yourkids, or you stay at home with your kids full time and sometimes find yourself longing for some adult interaction and extra income, after reading her book you will definitely feel like you have options! The author is obviously a proponent for women, mothers, and children, and after you read the book, you will have the same "Just do it!" attitude that she exudes throughout the book. In addition to learning more about yourself and how to best use your own talents to earn extra income, you will also get some great parenting tips and suggestions for how to raise brighter, happier children. I would highly recommend this book to any mom who has ever thought, "There must be a better way." Read the book! Just do it!!!

The book is a handy reference on just about every health related issue you need to know about for a child from birth- 5 years old. The book is well written, comprehensive and easy to use with a friendly tone. Once you have one, you'll buy one for every other new mom you know.

I used this before, during & after preganancy & still today with my teenage daughters. Great for looking up symptoms & knowing how to handle any situation that may come your way. I still have the book with my first aid items for reference even though my copy is now 18 years old.....

I have loved this book and recommended it to quite a few people. It seems like so many questions a new mom has are answered in such a readable and informative way. Great resource book you'll go back to again and again. I highly recommend it to expecting parents and new parents.

Dr. Joanne Baum
Author of, Got the Baby Where's the Manual?!?
Winner of the 2007 IPPY Gold Medal Award in Parenting

Our original copy of Dr. Mom has split into two pieces. It has lost its cover and backing, and it is missing several pages. We have used this book like a bible for eight years raising our first three boys. We are having a new baby now, and we need a new copy. I seriously cannot think of any book that we have used and relied on so much. By the way, it blows all the others like it away.

I bought this book when I had my first child. It has provided me with alot of helpful information, especially at night or on the weekend when you're not sure whether or not to call the doctor. I have worn my original copy out and am about to buy a new one. Many thanks to Dr. Neifert!

This book is a Godsend. It makes me think of the Stone Poneys' 1968 hit, "Beat of a Different Drum" and Herman Kelly & Life's "Let's Dance to the Drummer's Beat." You are treated to a drum medley of delightful anecdotes about life with Asperger's Syndrome (AS).

AS is the spectrum partner to autism and is a sensory, neurobiological condition that affects sensory integration, processing and communication to varying degrees. One of the many good things about having AS is that people with it make things more interesting and present logic from different, but equally valid perspectives. That's what's so wonderful about this book -- it does an excellent job of underscoring that point. Best of all, it instills pride among the autism/Asperger's (a/A) community.

Celebrate being on the a/A spectrum; enjoy some wonderful drumming and march to your own different drummer while you dance to the beat of a different drum done by the drummer's beat. I love this kind of book!

Lisa graciously invites us into her unique family life.
We learn about autism/asperger's through poignant and humorous short stories of their experiences.
This book amazingly manages to be light-hearted and indepth at the same time.
After reading this book I was better educated about autism spectrum disorders but NOT through doctors and text books but through the insights and strengths of one family dealing with Autism.
I highly recommend this uplifting book to everyone.

This is absolutely one of the best books I have read on Asperger Syndrome! When our son was diagnosed two years ago, I read and read and read as many books as I could on AS. Many were way over my head as they were so technical, some were hard to follow, several seemed to focus mainly on the negatives . . . EMBARRASSED OFTEN, ASHAMED NEVER IS THE PERFECT READ FOR A PARENT WITH A NEWLY DIAGNOSED CHILD OR FOR AN EDUCATOR.

When our son was first diagnosed, we weren't sure about the diagnosis as we had never heard of Aspergers. We researched on the internet and thought, "okay, this is familiar, maybe so." We read this book and thought, "WOW, THIS IS OUR SON!"

The title and the theme of the book fit our life . . . we are often embarrassed but we are never, ever ashamed. Be sure to buy this one, you won't regret it!

Embarrassed Often Ashamed Never is an easy to read book. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I found this book full of "human real life" stories that touched my heart. As I was reading I could picture in my mind just what was actually happening in the story she was telling. I appreciate the openess that Lisa and her family shared with us in the book. One of my friends that works with children in the school that have Asperger Syndrome recommend that I read the book so as a parent working in the school it would give me a better understanding of some of our special children. Now I try to look at situations through their eyes when I'm helping out at school. Everyone should read this book.

As a professional I feel this easy-to-read book provides insights into the everyday experiences of a family living with a child with autism spectrum disorder. Lisa invites the reader to take a glimpse into her family life by sharing poignant and humorous stories of their experiences. Through the experiences of her son, Clark, Lisa reminds is that although living with a child with autism spectrum disorder often leads to embarrassing moments, nobody ever needs to be ashamed. This enlightening book is a must read for parents, family members and professionals who live and work with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders

Covered every aspect of dealing with Type 1 Diabetes.
Good reference book to have in the house.

This book is a must-have for any caregiver of a person with Type I (Juvenile) diabetes. It includes straight-forward, no-nonsense facts that are written in everyday terms. It is obvious that the author knows from reality what she is writing about, not just from a text book.

Probably the best compliment I can make is to say that I wish I had this book when my son was diagnosed!

As a parent of a newly diagnosed child, I just bought this book and I am half way through reading it. It is so informative, so easy to read and seems to contain information on every aspect of dealing with type 1 diabetes. It gives references to other books and places. My husband, who hates to read, also is reading and indicated that it is a quick read with valuable information. The author comes through as so genuine and you truly feel like you are getting help from a friend. I highly recommend this book.

This brilliant well written book really is the everything guide for parents with children with diabetes. The book addresses many issues that will help all parents to raise a healthy well adjusted child with diabetes. The newly diagnosed section is a great resource for a parent that is a new caregiver. Recently I recommended the book to a mom of a newly diagnosed child. She felt that Ms. McCarthy was with her in the hospital during the diagnosis, and the tips she gave were right on!

The book also addresses topics for veteran caregivers, addressing such topics as diabetes and teens, teens and diabetes burnout. It also will help the experienced parent keep a fresh approach to diabetes management The tip sections throughout the book are very helpful and informative for all caregivers. This book should be on the bookself of every parent who cares for a child with diabetes.

This is an excellent book for any parent who is faced with raising a child with diabetes. I purchased this book five years into my daughters diagnosis and learned many new things. This book is very well written for the layperson and easy to pick up for reference. I would strongly recommend it!

Dr. Coleman's book gives a vivid and practical approach for understanding families and how families influence all aspects of a child's health and life. He then takes the next step and gives wonderful ideas about how to incorporate that insight into pediatric care. I really enjoyed the "fly on the wall" perspective and could observe an expert handle situations I would find challenging. This book is helpful for trainees but also for more experienced pediatricians who are looking for a way to connect in more meaningful ways with children and their families.

This book is an extremely valuable resource for the pediatric professional!! Using Dr. Coleman's methods, providers learn how to draw out families and include them in the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Not only will patient relationships be enriched, but the entire experience of practicing medicine is more meaningful.
This book gives the reader a step-by-step plan for including the family perspective in pediatric care. There are case examples, a chapter on billing, and a crash-course in family therapy. It will not gather dust on your shelf and is worth the investment! I'm sending a copy to my own pediatrician!

Dr. Coleman's book is a must for clinicians working with children and their families. His insight and sensible approach to many commonly encountered pediatric behavioral problems are presented in an easy to read format that any busy clinician would find practical. Its family focused perspective is sure to add a new and rewarding characteristic to the work of those clinicians caring for children. It is a worthwhile addition to any pediatric library.

"Family-Focused Behavioral Pediatrics," by Dr. William Lord Coleman, brings insightful knowledge and compassion to the clinical world of behavioral science. This text is invaluable to the resident, and, or, Dr. of any field. Dr. Coleman's passion for helping our children is instilled in his approach. Providing the reader with not only a proven formula for success, but more importantly, by example, Dr. Coleman shows the clinician how to set the example for the family unit on the importance of listening, understanding, and the unity shared by a group when the group takes responsibility for the individual member - working, sharing together for the embetterment of the family. Not just the singling out of one troubled child. HOWEVER, HERE IS THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK - Like myself, any father, husband(or Mother, wife, of course) can read this book and instantly grasp the genius of Dr. Coleman's work without a Dr.'s vocabulary,(though I did have to go to the dictionary a few times). He has truly written this modern approach with the people he helps in mind. This book is for us as well. The examples and models of family discussion he offers have been invaluable to my family in bringing us together as a family unit. There is no longer any blame being felt by our child - we just focus on understanding and listening to ALL family members (We have two children) as equals with equal wants and dissappointments. Then we work together (using Dr. Coleman's examples) to solve the current family issue. My only reccommendation to the non-medical professional person using this book as the invaluable self-help tool that it doubles as, is to still make use of your behavioral Dr., or counselor. An impartial, professional mediator (using Dr. Coleman's 'Family-Focused' method) is necessary in helping build the trust in the child that it is OK to share with one another openly, without fear of parental authority. This book is the real truth of "Family Values," buy it, use it, and you will come to understand the value of family unity, and learn ways to bring about positive change - for the whole family.

Dr. Coleman's book, Family-Focused Behavioral Pediatrics,is a small book only in size. There is an incredible depth of information covered about interviewing families, actively listening to their words and the dynamics generating those words, helping the individuals to create their own solutions and feel an increased sense of accomplishment.Any professional interacting with families will find information immediately useful to their work as the book emphasizes using the resources within each family member as well as within the dynamics among the members to improve family functioning.
There is an excellent subject index in the back of the book making this book very "user friendly" for quick reference and many resources are provided for additional information and training.
Highly recommended for physicians, social workers, psychologists, educators, allied health professionals, attorneys, clergy, laypeople, or anyone else who is interested in ways to help families improve communication and begin creating solutions to family problems.

Practicing ob-gyn J. Ron Eaker, M.D. presents Fat Proof Your Family: God's Way to forming Healthy Habits for Life, a guide especially for Christians to maintaining not only one's own health, but also teaching positive eating habits to the whole family. Fat Proof Your Family is not a "quick-fix" book, but rather emphasizes the importance of making lifelong changes for the better. From the basics of nutrition, to the importance of setting an example for one's children through one's actions ("Do as I say... and as I do!") to the value of exercise and what the Bible has to say about healthy eating, Fat Proof Your Family features both sound medical and spiritual backing. "No fad diet, miracle drug, exercise machine, or surgical procedure can be as comprehensive a solution to fat-proofing your family as God's Owner's Manual... Bible study is one cog in the wheel of the healing triad of mind, body, and spirit. It addresses specific spiritual needs that are frequently ignored in the healing process." Highly recommended.

This is the book I have been looking for! It can be overwelming trying to understand all the nutrition lingo. Do I watch calories, fat, sugar, carbs??? I want to know how each of these things work in my body and how much is too much or too little. Dr. Eaker does a fantastic job of educating you on what these things are and why they are all good for us IN MODERATION. You see so many people jumping on these quick fix diet fads just to loose weight and then gain it all back. Dr. Eaker doesn't propose a diet fad. He EDUCATES you on the food you and your family eat and helps you to understand what you are feeding your family. He states many times that the best way to loose fat and to keep it off is to make good food choices and exercise. What a novel idea!! I choose to do this for myself and this book has helped me to understand why it is important that I educate my children too. I am the one who buys the food at the grocery store. If I buy the sugar cereal of course they will eat it. I am excited about incorporating what I have read and learned into our family. My kids are actually excited and want to learn this. Yeah!
Anther very important point. The fact that this is a Christian based book seperates it from all the rest. The Bible is our guidebook for life and therefore we should look to it for everything - including nutrition. I never knew I could learn so much about good eating habits from scripture. It all makes sense. I could go for days on why I am excited about this but instead I will just recommend this book to everyone I know. I look forward to teaching my kids good eating habits that they will take into their adult lives. I will also lead by example. Thanks Ron for taking the time to write this for us. You are awesome!!

Never before have I taken the time to write a book review. This book
however, is a must for all families. Fat Proof Your Family God's Way To
Forming Healthy Habits For Life, is an informative book about the
proper choices in diet and exercise. It is also a book that encourages us to change our lifestyle - not only for our sake but for the sake of our children. As a mother of three, it is my job and God's directive to teach my family the benefit of proper choices. This book has really encouraged me to change my way of thinking about eating. Hopefully, it is not too late to instill some good habits for the future health of my children.
Dr. Eaker's book also encourages one to look to the Bible. Below, from page 108, the author writes:
"Food is a gift from God. If we heed his admonitions, we will find health and happiness. Many principles from Scripture are wonderful in their simplicity. In Scripture, virtually every mention of food is celebrated, meals are meaningful, and moderation is rewarded. If you accept and adopt these simple precepts, you can take a major step forward in fat-proofing your family."
Thank you Dr. Eaker your book has been a great motivator!

Don't you hate it when doctors get too cerebral when writing about their specialties? I'm not sure if they're trying to impress their readers with a lot of big words, or if they honestly believe that they hold us spellbound with their foreign dialect that neither informs nor excites. Usually, I'm left with a feeling of inadequacy, unable to understand what must be obvious to a child.

Thank god for Dr. Eaker! He clearly has a heart for helping people regain their vitality and quality of life. Best of all, the information is accessible and easily applied to everyday behavior.

If you are looking for a book on how to lose weight, get more energy, and just plain feel better, then this is the book for you. Dr. Ron Eaker's "Fat-Proof Your Family" is a joy to read and will reshape your view of food (not to mention your figure).

Stop the yo-yo dieting and buy this book!

Kimberly Shumate
Eugene Oregon

As you read this book, you will feel like you are being cheered on. Just as you begin to think that the task of lifelong fitness and health might be a bit overwhelming, you will come to a corny joke that will lighten your mood. However, the gravity of the facts presented about the sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition that many families and children have adopted are incontrovertible.

He presents a balanced approach to health (for both adults and children) as opposed to a cosmetic weight-loss fix, as you can see in some of the chapter titles. Dr. Eaker maintains that nothing happens in a vacuum, and so healthy living is more attainable when the whole family is involved. This really hit home with me. When I try to eat better for myself, I can often fail, but when I resolve to help my family eat healthier, that extra bit of motivation often helps me along.

How many times have the cookies that you bought for the kids sabotoged your diet? Well, they don't need them either. How many times have you made excuses that you don't have time to exercise because of your children? Get out and kick around a soccer ball with them to benefit all of you. We are helping them to form lifelong patterns of health and fitness, and it's our responsibility to help train them right.

I just recieved my copy today. I was hooked as soon as I saw Dr. Christopher mentioned. My middle child has bad eczema and I hope the suggestions in here help her. It's very easy reading and very informative. If your child has a persistent problem this book should help.

I deffantley recommend this book to parents who do not want to treat their kids with perscibed and non-prescribed drugs. It's a must have for those with kids.

This book is wonderful! It provides useful alternatives to common everyday ailments that are gentle and effective, and it's easy and fun to read, too. Everything you need to know is clearly presented and referenced. The remedies are simple to prepare or obtain, and because they're made from nature's products, you don't have to worry about their effects being too strong for your child, or even yourself. Andrea Candee provides helpful information on how to decide upon which remedy is best as well as how to help "the medicine go down." This is a wonderful reference for every household. I love it!

As a fairly young herbalist myself, i am very pleased with all the informative and varied rememdies suggested in this book. It is very easy to reference and very user friendly; nothing complicated. Andrea Candee offers a gentle manner in her representation of suggested rememdies. I have bought three extra copies to give as baby shower gifts! It's really nice to see such a variation of alternative rememdies/treatment talked about in this book, such as homeopathic, chiropractic, essential oils, onion poultices, and of course herbal preparations. It's nice to be able to make your own decision on a few different suggestions in many cases. It has been a great reference book for myself and other friends with babies as well. I highly recommend this book!!

Written by a Master Herbalist who has worked with physicians and in her own private practice for the past 25 years, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child is the definitive guide for parents looking for an alternative to common treatments for everyday problems. In an accessible format, this guide includes solutions to ailments that occur both inside and outside the body. Got acne? Try an herbal detoxification, an herbal steam, or some Herbal Zinc Zapper. The Zapper recipe contains a mixture of zinc oxide, peppermint, and comfrey. Got a stressed out teen? Dose him with some Honegar - a mixture of honey and vinegar - to restore his chemical balance. In this book, the authors explain that the "floral nectars that comprise honey contain B vitamins and minerals which are calming to the nervous system." While you've got the honey jar out, don't forget to layer it over your little one's skinned knee before applying a bandage. Honey contains natural "anti-microbial properties."

Also included are sections that address subjects such as "Healing Imagery," as well as instructions for dosing herbs, where to find a local natural health practitioner, how to deal with toxicity, and even testing for food reactions. Herbalist Candee has created a helpful, easy to use guide to natural healing for parents. --Reviewed by Michelle Smith

This book is exactly what I was looking for-- a workout routine designed for young athletes. I had always been involved in weight training, but routines adults used would not work for me, even if I modified them. This book was perfect in that it gave a workout that hit power and endurance. If you want a routine that will work and hit all necessary points, this is your book.

P.S. If they had a four and a half star rating, I would have chosen that because more attention could have been paid to nutrition.

Last week I saw Jake at Barnes and Noble. He was standing in front of a crowd talking about this book. I wasnýt very interested, him and I have nothing in common. I like hanging with my friends and playing with my Play Station II, he talks about exercise ý something I definitely didnýt care about. I could hear him in the next aisle, and the more I heard, the more I listened. This time he was talking about something I could relate to, being a fat kid, not being popular, being invisible. I slowly started to walk over. He was talking about Get Strong. Finally it clicked. My brother has been an athlete all his life ý the exact opposite of me. I always wondered why he got the good grades, the girls and had tons of friends. Jake said that all guys needed was a little physical fitness to get confident. I thought about it all the way home and asked my mom to get the book. I expected my brother to give me a hard time about it, but he thought it was cool. I have read the whole book twice and have begun exercising. My brother is a terrific coach and my family is really proud of me. Iýve only had the book a little over a week and it has changed my life. For one thing, I didnýt know that I was so strong. I plan on following this program until I am where I want to be ý and Ashley Martin starts to notice me. I will keep you posted.

Here's the deal: you can let life be something that happens to you, or you can take control of your own destiny, starting with your head and moving onto your body. Nobody has a better plan for that than Jake Steinfeld. The guy is a phenomenon, and in this book, you learn that he started out as a pudgy guy who had trouble speaking and had the self-confidence of a beaten puppy. I've got 3 sons who think Jake is tops -- not just because he's a monster physically, but because he's created a great life for himself and his family, pretty much from scratch. It all started for him as a teenager, and this book is more than his life story: it's a step-by-step way of thinking about what you want, and then methodically making it happen. It's got great ways to make muscles and gain the flexibility to use them, but it's a whole lot more. And it's a book that's clearly written from Jake's heart, and in his own unique style - straight to the point, as clear as can be, and often funny as all get out. My kids love this book, and you will too! A book that proves that now's the time to "Get Strong".

This book is great. I read it and I did all of the extersizes in it. The book is wonderful. Its the only book that I read that looked back into it (only for the extersizes inside it). I would recoment it to every teen.

This is the best book about fitness for teenage boys out on the market. I have experienced great results through it. It is an excellent book for building physically and mentally fit bodies. I recommend it to anyone who would like to take full advantage of life.

As she sees it, Anna Bloom has been carted off to the loony bin. Why? Anna has extremely low self-esteem. She is constantly afraid people will make fun of her for how she looks or what she does. This fear makes her have panic attacks. And apparently, Anna's parents just didn't know how to deal with her, so they sent her off to a slightly crazy shrink (who thought everything was sexual in some way). When that didn't work, she was then sent to Lakeland Hospital, a mental institution. And a strange one, as Anna sees it.

The rules and hierarchy at Lakeland are confusing to Anna at first because no one explains them to her. But during her three week stay, things actually start to get better. She starts to lose weight. Her new roommate, who happens to be pregnant, becomes a great friend. And then there's the cutie Justin who just might like Anna back.

Get Well Soon was told in diary entries and letters to Anna's friend Tracy over the course of three weeks. It was a very cute book, but one that could be improved. Anna's love of music could've been more developed. Julie Halpern mentions how Anna's music always makes her feel better, but doesn't really go into depth. That's fine thought because music wasn't the focus of the novel. I really enjoyed the cast of characters; even the creepy ones were in some way lovable or at least funny to read about. Anna did grow as a person, although not that much, but then again, I don't think she had that many problems to begin with. I also highly enjoyed the romance between Anna and Justin.

All in all, Get Well Soon was one of the sweetest books I've read in a while. It left off on a bittersweet note, but one that was hopeful. If you like a lighthearted and short read, check out Get Well Soon.

[...]

Anna has recently been placed in a mental hospital, but she doesn't really know why. People say that she needs to be here, so she can "get well soon", but what is she getting well from? She doesn't feel any different; it's just that sometimes she has panic attacks and refuses to go to school. But as she goes through life in the hospital, she begins to finally feel as if she fits in and has good friends and perhaps even a love interest?

Told in Anna's sarcastic tone, this book is a definite must-have and is very funny. The humor in it is great, and it balances well with the serious events that take place throughout the book. Halpern writes the story through unsent letters that Anna writes to her friend Tracy because Anna is too scared of what they'll do with the letters if she tries to send them out, and that style really gives it such a personal tone. A big two thumbs up!!

This is not the typical depressed teen in a mental hospital book. Halpern gives her main character, Anna, a unique sense of humor. The really funny moments of the book make you laugh out loud. There are also many interesting observations made by Anna about her fellow 'patients', and a romance that is sweet and daring under the circumstances. Get Well Soon is written in letter format, and you feel like you are sharing an inside joke with Anna the whole time you are reading. By the end of the book it feels like Anna was writing to you all along. If you're looking for a book that has a fresh new spin on what it's like to be a depressed teen, pick up Get Well Soon. It is easy to read and it would appeal to any age or gender.

Julie Halpern's first novel, Get Well Soon, is a very, very funny book. Anna's parents have had her hospitalized for depression because neither they nor her therapist knew how to help her. A teenager, Anna finds herself alone. She is told to write down her feelings and that writing her feelings will help. She rebels, "I'm not going to keep my thoughts around. I'm going to send them away. I'm going to write my thoughts in letters." Her letters are so funny that by page 11 it is impossible to contain the laughter. Halpern has a wonderful ear for dialogue. The voice of Anna rings saucy, true and sweet.

I really loved this book. The story is not at all what you'd expect from a book about a teenager hospitalized for depression. Halpern doesn't shy away from the darkness that got Ana there in the first place, but this is all tempered by the character's hilarious and witty voice. I enjoyed the crazy cast of characters Ana encounters, and although I haven't been in a situation like hers, the story rang very true for me.