Fitness Books

Decades ago I saw on TV the movie Don't Make Waves, and I remembered Tony Curtis's foil the great beast of a man, blond and mostly mute, when the luminous James Wolcott linked to a literate and aging body builder in a blogpost this year.
And so they are the same. This warm and wise book is a great encouragement to those of us whose bodies need the stress of physical work to maintain health and joy.
Part technical guide, part moral guide, part memoir, the Bomber's book is still a whole work and for me it lifts the strange sport of body building, sans steroids, up on Dave's big back to a new level of respect. Highly recommended.

Both informational and inspiring, this book from a veteran bodybuilder will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the sport.

The most useful part of this book is the advise about how to train around injury and over training. This is what happens when yer an old geezer and want the 18 year old body. I'm 59, and actually don't look like I'll be dead in 13 years. Thank you Dave.

Draper has an odd writing style, but his stories are motivational and informational. Everyone who lifts should read this.

I enjoyed it but it needed pictures for the all his exercises, I read other review saying the same thing.
I found it inspiring and he is a poster child for bodybuiling beyond your years.

I'm a 70 year old Colorado ski instructor in darn good shape. I was recently diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer. In reserching my various treatment options, I came across the book: "You Can Beat Prostate Cancer" (without surgery,) by Robert J. Marckini. This book contains a wealth of information about the subject. It's easy to read, written in story form mixing in technical information that every man and his significant other should know about. It explains various treatments and includes testimonials from men who have been through some of them. I learned that bicycling, which I do, can skew the results of a PSA test. Why didn't my primary care phsician or urologist ever mention this? I highly recommend this book to anyone who is touched by prostate cancer.

This book gets my highest personal rating! Mr. Marckini's book thoroughly described his Proton Radiation Therapy for prostate cancer, and was written for the average person to understand. This book enabled me to tackle the emotions that one feels upon hearing the "C" word, as well as develop the resolve to proceed with Proton therapy. In this book, you will find information that is not openly discussed by Urologists. Mr. Marckini speaks from the heart, and truly has your best interests in mind. I am so thankful to have read this book. Mr. Marckini saved me from the regret and anguish of radical prostatectomy surgery, and instead, instilled in me the confidence to pursue Proton Therapy. If you are considering your options for prostate cancer treatment, you must read this book.

I have read quite a few prostate cancer books and this one is the most well-written and understandable books that I have found.

My (then 60 year old) husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June of 2005 (Gleason score 8- PSA 114) by a urologist recommended to us by our general practioner. We were lucky that this urologist used at least a 12 sample (honestly at this time can't remember if it was more, but not less) biopsy needle, because we knew nothing about the standards for this procedure at that point. This standard is pointed out very well in Mr. Marckini's book. As with all cancer diagnoses, we were devastated. In a couple of months, we were scheduled to take a trip of a life-time to England and on to China. With assurances from the urologist (and some pills to help with the swelling in the prostate so my husband could pass urine easier and a hormone deprivation implant-chemical castration) we continued with our plans for the trip and tackled the questions concerning further treatment when we got back.

Since this is suppose to be a book review and not a history of my husband's prostate cancer, I'll skip all the rest of the details of his treatment and get right to the subject. I did a tremendous amount of research on the web and read several books, including the one given to me by the urologist and written by the American Cancer Society. I have had a lot of experience with research in general and a few medical cases and some terminology, but I am not medically trained. Nevertheless, I plowed through everything I could get my hands on and sometimes grasped the microbiology and sometimes did not. In the meantime, the urologist informed us he didn't feel surgery was an option for my husband. He "surmised" the cancer had already leaked from the prostate into surrounding lymph nodes and surgery would be useless, even though he did not have concrete evidence of such. Unbeknownst to us at the time, this was a "Godsend." Understand this, urologist believe surgery is the "gold standard" whether it be by his hands or with the help of a robot, radiologist believe radiation is the "gold standard" whether that be seed implants or IMRT (intensity modulated radiation) and unfortunately, the oncologist are essentially left out of the picture because there are no "drugs" to potentially CURE prostate cancer.

Because I was not satisfied with the only treatment option the urologist supported (hormone deprivation), I continued my search. That was when I found Proton therapy.

At the time my husband underwent Proton therapy at Loma Linda, Mr. Marckini's book was not published. Oh, how I wish it had been available when I first started my research. I actually read Mr. Marckini's book a couple of months ago, long after my husband's treatment was complete, treatment that his urologist neither understood or was happy about him receiving.

Here's the thing about Mr. Marckini's book and what sets it apart from all others and why I wish it would have been available at the beginning of my research. It is not only complete as far as information about what is available in the medical community for treatment of prostate cancer, but it is written in a down to earth style with humor and compassion so that every man and woman can understand it and identify with it. If you are not a nuclear scientist, a doctor or other scientist nor medically trained, you will probably not find the other books easy to read and at the very least they are dry. Mr. Marckini's book is for the common man and their wives. It puts a "human" face on the disease one in six men will face in their lifetime and helps the reader to understand that it's not only OK to discuss the many aspects of their disease and it's treatments, but it's healthy for them, especially when spiced with a little humor.

One more note. I take exception with DS Nash who wrote a July 7, 2007 review of Mr. Marckini's book, saying she laments that he did not cover robotic assisted surgery in his book and that it was "less invasive" and an "important" development. I believe she has missed the point. It's still surgery and with surgery all kinds of things can go wrong. One little bump of the robotic arm, for example, could cut through a man's urethea (which runs through the prostate) and/or the seminal vessles. She also laments no discussion of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), although Mr. Marckini does cover photon radiation of which IMRT is a type. Again, she misses the point. "Photon" radiation is all the same generally, whether it is through seed implants (Brachytherapy) or through IMRT.

Read Mr. Marckini's book before you do anything else about your diagnosis of prostate cancer. If you are a certain age, read it now before you become the one in six who will develop prostate cancer. It will help you immensely if you are diagnosed.

PS: My husband is doing very well. PSA at .01

Having recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, and being somewhat informational /analytical of mind, I jumped into the literature with both feet.......while my urologist tried to steer me towards surgery, I did not want it after a bad experience with heart surgery and MRSA last year, so was seeking a possible alternative approach when I discovered the option of Proton Treatment. What a ray of sunshine....... and Bob Marckini, a survivor and actual patient, wrote about it in a down to earth and candid manner that was just like sitting down with him and talking over coffee. I have since registered with the Shands Medical Center for an appointment. I have also had the pleasure of "talking" with the author several times via email and he was just as warm and promptly responsive as he was in the book. He documents everything actually leaving few questions to even the most inquisitive mind....... but his references offered via the BOB ( you have to read the book to understand !) were right on track. I contacted a nearby source at his suggestion and after a warm welcome and another candid "hand holding sesssion" of nearly 90 minutes my mind was made up..... no surgical approach for me while this non-invasive approach is available! This book is a MUST READ for your wife and for your children if you have prostate cancer and wonder about what to do. Good Luck to each of you and God Bless.
Ron Rosenwald

At age 30, after being a college athlete and in "perfect" health, my daughter was diagnosed with RA. We were devastated!! Two years later, she was on Enbrel, methotrexate and other meds for her condition--things looked pretty hopeless. After much research into the disease, we decided we wouldn't just sit around and let the disease take it's course. Researching on Amazon's site, we came across Barbara's book and thought it sounded too good to be true! After all, the rheumatologists were telling us there was no cure. We had nothing to lose but the price of the book, a little time and effort--but we had everything to gain if it did indeed work.

One year ago, we started with the fast that Barbara recommends and we were absolutely shocked with what happened. After 5 days, my daughter was completely without pain, swelling or any sign of RA. We were ecstatic!! Now, the problem was sustaining it! This proved to be the most difficult of the equation. We enlisted the help of a PA who was open to a different approach to the disease and (as Barbara suggested) was able to get food sensitivities completed. Remarkably, the list was extensive, but corn wasn't on it!! My daughter undertook a rotational diet and added many supplements to her daily diet. After a period of six months, she was able to come off Enbrel and methotrexate, but not all of her meds. However, though it is slow,we continue to make progress. This disease didn't happen overnight and will not be stopped overnight.

I believe we couldn't have done this without Barbara's guidance. Her book became our source of strength when we thought about giving up. It was precise, thorough, informative and most importantly--certain this could be done.

There are four other books which we have used in this journey. One, Breaking the Vicious Cycle, is also a must read. Three others, Probiotics Revolution, Children With Starving Brains and Healing the New Childhood Epidemics, are based on the theory of disease being gut related. The latter three books are significant in that they give good recommendations for nutrients to combat inflammation of the gut, which appears to play a large part in RA.

Thanks so much for writing your book and making yourself accessible to people all over the world who are seeking help and answers with regard to arthritis. You really helped someone I know both through your book and through your phone consultation with her.

I have read your book and the way you have met adversity in your life is so admirable and inspiring. You, to my eye, are like the phoenix who flew through the ashes. Although I do not have arthritis, I have made a lot positive changes in my diet in large measure due to your book.

I also got tested for food allergies in keeping with the recommendation in your book and now know to avoid peanuts and realize the signs of inflammation that I was experiencing and ignoring every time I ate them. However, since the testing that I had done was not extensive, I will at some point purchase and benefit from the results of the alcat which you recommend in your book and on your website. My understanding is that the alcat tests one not only for antibodies, but also for sensitivities to 150 foods.

Barbara, your book is such a comprehensive guide for people about all of the kinds of things they should know and can do to heal themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I know someone with rheumatoid arthritis and someone with osteoarthritis. Have recommended your book to both of them.

Your book is a blessing to arthritis sufferers and it is so useful as well to those who just want to nurture themselves in the best, most health conscious ways. It contains proactive health tips for any health conscious individual who wants to be sure to consume healthy foods and avoid foods that cause inflammation in their bodies.

Gratefully, Grace

Book was very organized and as a result was clear. The format of explanation and then giving a plan of action was excellent. The only thing it needed to be a 5 Star was a little more humor.

A different theory at what causes arthritis, written by someone who generally cured herself. Talks a lot about food sensitivities that cause arthritis and how to figure out what your food sensitivity so you can avoid or reduce your expose thus feel better.

This author has figured out what causes many cases of arthritis. I have osteoarthritis and have been following her recommendations for about a month now. I can already tell a difference in the way I feel. If I cheat, I can really tell the difference the next day. I recommend this book.

Excellent book..... Best kept secret. I had heard of Pete and heard 1st hand from some folks who were "healed" / recovered by following his regimen. I then was going to have to have shoulder surgery because of extensive pain caused by extensive computer work and bad posture. I decided to buy the book and check it out. No Surgery. Better posture. Better body. It allowed me to focus doing the right thing for my body. Much easier than traditional PT, yoga or weigh lifting. In fact, I found out that my former gym routine wasn't optimal until I got my body mechanics right by using Pete's book. Thanks Pete. I'll probably never meet you, but I am grateful for your work.

Egoscue theraphy is excellant. Had past previous books on to friends, just re-supplying my library.

My doctor recommended this book to me after I had suffered a year with debilitating sciatica that caused me to have to take a leave of absence from my business. After reading the book, I understood why so many of use who are chained to desks and our computers have back pain. The book explains what happens when we are posturally imbalanced and how certain parts of the body have to overfunction when they are not aligned. The exercises are easy to do and they work. After I read the book, I was on the next plane to Pete Egoscue's clinic in San Diego. It took 6 months but I am pain free. If you can't get to one of his now many clinics, this is the book to start with.

This book is an excellent method to get back to optimal pain free living. It helped my back pain almost immediately. I have done the exercises for about 2 weeks and have had great results. It is the only self administered program I have found to be really effective.

Egoscue breaks down anatomy and physiology into easy to understand concepts, and provides pain relieving exercise that anyone can do! After years of being misaligned, I've already felt relief of pain and look forward to seeing the changes soon. If you're willing to work at it, I believe his methods can work for anyone!

This book is extremely spiritual and very uplifting. I was really greatly surprised that it also contained wonderful poetry by Rochelle which really fit into the book beautifully. For people who are searching this book is a great buy and very reasonable. A beautiful little book by a very lovely author

It is so true what the writer of the other reviews said about how this book oozes, but i be puzzled that a publishe writer in London say the book is "highly unique" because good writers no that it is not logical to put a modifier before "unique" but i won't worry too much. and yet why does every review say "beautiful"? couldn't the writer of the reviews find another word to make the reviews sound different, especially when they all have sloppy grammar and typos and stuff like "planet's" when the reference is to people. Its all like the same ateth grader wrote each review but i don't care because the book really does ooze.

Rochelle Moore writes with such inner light and beauty. Highly recommended book. Karma is underestimated by so many people and Rochelle shows you a new way to look at your life

A beautifully presented book full with encouragement and spiritual love. The author has written this book with
such a beautiful and professional pen. It oozes love and
happiness. It is full of grace and inner-harmony. I loved it

This is the second book by Rochelle Moore that I have bought and once again her beautiful tranquil personality shines through. I found this author on Next Famous Author website and she has changed my life right around. A wonderful writer with such knowledge of peoples needs. many thanks

This book saved my life, that's how bad my hot flashes, insomnia, mood swing & fatige were... made worse by a woman internist who wanted to put me on high blood pressure medicine (my BP is normal) or a male gyn/ob who told me my symptoms were 'normal' and they'd be 'gone in 10 years' & then offered anti-depressants. Instead, I demanded bioidentical hormones, showed him the author's (board certified gyn) chapters on how to tell your MD what blood tests you need, then with the help of my compounding pharmacy, he was able to write a prescription for tri-est gel (which is covered by insurance) & progesterone caps and within 24 hours, my mood swings vanished, the hot flashes stopped, I was able to sleep, the mental fogginess went away & I was my happy self again. OTC DHEA (every AM) also helped. I've recommended this book to many women. Menopause is a hormone deficiency & there's no reason it shouldn't be treated as one... the problem is, US MDs don't study this in AMA run medical schools. Bioidientical hormones have been studied in Europe & Canada for decades & are being studied in Japan. Since Big Pharma controls/funds research in the US, and bioidenticals can't be patented, there's no research in US medical schools because there's no money to be made from it. As someone who was unable to tolerate Fosamax, my bone density scans showed a 3.3% increase in bone density after 3 months on bioidenticals, DHEA, liquid calcium & 1000 IU of vitamin D. The bone density specialist did a dance & asked me for the name of this book.

This book was recommended by my longevity physician, and I can understand why. It is a great guide to anyone using or considering natural hormone replacement therapy (which is a gift from God and Nature by the way...) This publication is not just about menopause, it is about female (and male) hormones across the lifespan. It helps you to self regulate by learning your own symptoms. And at these prices, everyone should have a copy in the family medical library!

I am now a happy, WELL-RESTED 40 yr old due to this book (and another book: What your Dr may not tell you about PreMenopause) Both of these have saved my LIFE, most importantly my SLEEP!

For the past few years (after having a 3rd child) from age 37 onward, I could no longer fall deeply asleep, nor get REM/Delta SLEEP and NOTHING would work! (except Ambien)

Well now I've learned about natural Progesterone cream, and other helpful necessary hormones the body may need (and mine did): DHEA and Melatonin, I now use all three of those nearly every night at bedtime: One tiny dab of a natural progesterone cream, (2 sprays equal to 10 mg) of a DHEA spray called Biosom, and a half of a pill (1 mg or less) of Melatonin Plus by Schiff (Found at Sam's, it also contains Vit B6 and L-Theanine,also very important additions to helping Melatonin work).

NOW, I sleep like a baby, every night!
No more Ambien!:)

THIS regimen works for ME, PLEASE do NOT follow my steps WITHOUT checking with your doctor/Naturopath, FIRST!!!

Buy this book (and the other one I mentioned).

OB/GYN's disappointed me by recommending HRT or even hysterectomy, ALL because I simply had hormone-imbalance-related Insomnia and Adrenal fatigue.

I found this book to be extremely informational in helping me understand the way my body reacts to hormones. Highly reccomended read for every woman.

Recent articles in the Los Angeles Times have pointed out that pollutants discharged and mixed in the Pacific Ocean are so great, even in this diluted state, some male fish are developing eggs. This book and the companion titled "What your Doctor Might Not Tell you About Pre-menopause by Lee guides you on how endocrine pollution is effecting us and what to do about it. My doctor told me ten years ago that all his women patients that turned forty must read this book to be prepared when our bodies start to go through the change into menopause. I am now 51 and I'm back to buy another updated copy as menopause has hit me hard. My current M.D. put me on emergency medication of anti-depressants and I know this book will provide me with the tools to get off of them and get my heath back! This is the book that will teach you how to protect yourself so you don't get breast cancer (now one in 8 women), cysts, fibroids, etc. Anti-depressants do not protect you from this kind of pollution, they only treat the symptoms. Doctors were bombarded from drug companies that wanted to sell their patented fake hormones. Thousands of women died from these drugs and so now many doctors are afraid of any kind of hormone therapy. Natural hormones protect the body, which we need now to counteract estrogen based pollution. You can not afford to do nothing. Four of my family members got estrogen based cancers and none of us had the genes to predispose them for these cancers. Because these natural hormones can't be patented there is no big money to do the double blind studies nor is there anyone beating down doctor's doors to educate them. The doctors that have taken up the cause for natural hormone therapy do not have the high cancer rates in their patients as is found in the general population. Over ten years of experience is proof enough for these M.D.s to go against the norms as pushed by pharmaceutical companies.

My husband and I are glued to this book. At last a health related how-to book which is totally sensible, not based on gimmicks and HELPFUL.
Even after a few weeks we can see and feel a difference.

This book is really wonderful! Fortunately I don't have to deal with any severe back problems, but am mainly interested in the posture aspect of the book. The background information (accompanied by photos and illustrations) about how the spine works, how our everyday life can compromise its health, how many other cultures don't have the kind of back problems that we have come to accept as inevitable, is truly fascinating. The solutions offered are easy to incorporate into daily life. They address the way we sit, stand, lie down, bend down and walk. The descriptions are easy to understand, and the many photos make it very easy to follow the instructions. I am definitely much more aware of how I move and of my posture and I am sure that the benefits in the long run will be enormous.

I suffered from nightly back pain for months. I purchased two new beds before going to a chiropractor. I only experienced limited temporary relief. I then purchased 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. (for less than one co-pay to the chiropractor) While there are beneficial exercises in the book - most helpful to me were the postures I could use in my everyday life - sitting - walking - and even sleeping. The author also includes photos of common mistakes of what NOT to do. Easy to read, colorful and sturdy book binding. I am back pain free after only about 10 days.

This is an elegantly written, beautifully illustrated book which should be on the shelves of everyone who has ever had a back twinge, stiff neck, or generally poor posture. I would recommend it to those who are concerned about the accumulative effects of habitually poor sitting, sleeping, or walking postures, because it nurtures an increased consciousness for what postures will inevitably lead to problems down the road while offering a clear and memorable program for making sustainable, longterm changes. I often find myself now, for instance, when driving or sitting at my desk, automatically placing my shoulders in the correct sitting position and lengthening my spine as I work. It increases my productivity, and saves my back! For someone who hasn't had extreme back problems, but is on the cusp of middle-age, I find this book has opened up a whole new language for body care that is already having a positive impact on my health.

After being diagnosed with several chronic back problems and being told that back surgery was inevitable, I felt desperate to find a way to avoid surgery. I stumbled upon this book by accident, but was immediately intrigued by the foundations and lessons presented in this book. The book is well-written, uses simple, straight-forward language, and includes detailed photos and descriptive steps to work through the lessons. In addition, the book itself is beautiful, and includes hundreds of photos and diagrams to illustrate the principles. The steps themselves are simple enough, though not necessarily EASY; they will take some practice to get used to, but they can be incorporated right into your everyday activities and do not require extra "workout time" or special equipment. I am just starting to incorporate these steps into my daily routine, and I am already noticing some small improvements in my posture and a reduction in pain. The testimonials from other individuals who have either read the book or have taken a class with Esther Gokhale are absolutely amazing and inspiring! There are several printed in the book, [...], which also includes a wealth of information! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to ease back and neck pain, or simply just wants to improve their posture, since it truly is the foundation for a strong, healthy body. I'm thankful to Esther for her immense research and long hours that went into this book, and for her generosity in sharing this wealth of information with the rest of us!

I have found this book to be an effective approach for back and hip pain. I recommend and have gifted this book to several people. It does take doing the exercises. I had some hip pain that was bothersome for a couple of months and went away never to return after using Dr. Brownstein's approach.

My husband was experiencing crippling lower back pain, that was also running down his right thigh. We were wanting to avoid pain pills and another surgery. I bought this book based on the reviews, and he has been faithfully doing the back exercises at least every day. He found relief within a few days. It's worth a try if you are going through this kind of stuff. He had been through one back surgery that relieved his pain, but we misunderstood the need to do exercises initially. When the pain started coming again, in a different area, we thought he should try this first. I would highly recommend this book.

This book is excellent. Suffered for over 20 years with back pain, diagnosed with degenerative discs and multiple level herniations. Experienced many times the kind of intense pain that finds you on the floor. Tried physical therapy, chriopractors, acupuncture, pain management, anything to avoid surgery. But I was afraid that surgery was my only hope. Now since I've read this book I no longer worry about surgery. Because I'm pain free and can even do yoga - something I never thought possible.

As someone who has had back pain for many years, I learned alot of helpful techniques and strategies to ease the pain. I am now practicing many of ideas outlined in the book and am feeling somewhat better. Definitely worth reading for anyone with chronic back pain.

I purchaed this book for my elderly mother, a retired nurse, who had been to four back specialists and resorted to pain block injections for her spine, which looks like a twisted road in an X-ray. Nothing the doctors told her to do or take, including physical therapy, seemed to alleviate the pain. But when she started doing the exercises in this book, she was able to sleep and function 85% better than before. She does the excises in bed morning and evening. I would recommend it to anyone with back pain, regardless of their age.

I love this book i remember seeing it when i was like in the 7th grade an she had that picture of her in the book with no make up on an even pointed out flaws an zoomed in on it an then showed what make up does to her to cover it up for a model to do that with the rumours you hear bout how cut throat they are an how they like to pretend there perfect i started an all new respect for Ms.Tyra Banks, this book goes everywhere from Make-Up tips to relationships an sex its a good book for those girls who arent sure how to cope with break ups to how to apply eyeshadow correctly an do evening an day looks i would suggest this to ALL women of ALL ages especially to those who have teenagers an young adults like myself who are still trying to figure out who they are an also know there not alone as far as doing crazy things when it comes to guys. Tyra also gives personal stories of her experiences of broken hearts an even her stories on sex, (Also she has A lot of pictures of her modeling pics an of her family an just home photos.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's more than just looking good. Yes, there is a ton of information on skin care, makeup, body care, etc, but Ms. Banks also includes self-esteem, sex, generosity, self-respect, smoking, alcohol, and more.

I expected a more frivolous book from a supermodel, but this is real quality. Tyra seems like someone you would know. She has such a friendly, sweet attitude reflected in her writing and is so humble.

This book is filled with pictures, lots of color, and is fun to read. Great book!

I fell in love with this book since its release and highly recommend it. Sure, it contains tons of photos of Tyra, but this is the very nature of her work, people... HELLOOOOO. And it's obvious this book was going to focus on her by its title, it isn't called 'YOUR Beauty, Inside Out', now is it? Anyways, looking at her never gets boring because the pics are all varying in style and purpose. If you're a fan of Tyra or appreciate sexy-yet-wholesome beauty & personality then you'll cherish this book. It's one-parts autobiography, one-parts pictorial, and 1-parts self-improvement advice, the works mixed together! I get a strong feeling that this was the intention of Banks & Blake and I think it makes for a unique and fun reading experience.

As a model myself, I found Tyra's book to be informative and fun at the same time. I suggest it to all women, especially young girls just getting into the "make-up scene".

This book covers everything from pre-teen awkwardness to dating responsibly. Tyra has done an excellent job not only talking the talk but walking the walk! This book should be released and for all to enjoy.

I am glad I am not the only one who has read and reread With Love Form Karen so many times. I have probably read this book more times than I have read any other book in my life. This story inspired me because like Karen I was born with a birth defect. I am not disabled but Karen's story gave me the courage to face the obstacles in my own life (they paled in comparison to what Karen faced). Marie does focus a lot on Gloria and I feel this as well as the tragic fire that killed three of Little Marie and Gloria's children lead to estraingment later on. The family is old world and very private and will not make their individual stories public. Today they would be on the talk show circuit and making a movie deal. I respect that but it would be nice to know what has happened to them. I always felt there should be a movie but that wont happen because none of the family members will take part in it.

I wrote a review of "Karen" and won't repeat myself here, except to say I love this book--I read it when I was in about fifth grade. I had always wanted to live in a family like this.

The reason I'm writing this is because of a review where someone criticized Marie Killilea for allowing Karen to practice walking (in her leg braces) by mowing the lawn, saying it was dangerous. Once again, you have to keep in mind the HISTORICAL CONTEXT of these books. I doubt very much that they had a gasoline-powered lawn mower back then. She was probably pushing a hand mower, a big heavy non-motorized thing which actually would provide stability for someone who had trouble walking, much like the walker on wheels that my grandmother uses.

"With Love From Karen" continues the true story of a girl, born in 1940 with cerebral palsy, and her family. This follow-up to the 1952 book "Karen" picks up five years after the end of the first book. Karen is now 12; the family has found a suitable house for their unique needs; and Gloria has officially joined the Killilea clan.

As with "Karen," I have read "With Love From Karen" many times since my teen years. Although I enjoy reading it as a continuation of Karen's story, I have never found it as compelling as the first book. Perhaps it is because the breakthroughs are different, or perhaps the writing is simply not as strong.

For those whose interest was piqued by the first book, I heartily recommend reading the rest of the story. If you have not been introduced to the Killilea's by reading "Karen," then you should start there.

The tone of this book is matter-of-fact tending toward upbeat. There are many anecdotes and stories that illustrate the Killilea family's interesting life. Some will make you laugh, others will make you roll your eyes; many will make you think.

A few important things to consider: The Killilea's were devoutly Catholic, and their attitudes and decisions reflect this as well as the era (1950's). The book was written long enough ago that the language and situations, particularly with regard to matters of educating the handicapped, may seem outdated and "wrong." Welcome to the world before the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act!

Readers should also note that the "C.P. work" in the book refers to Marie Killilea's work with United Cerebral Palsy, which she helped to found. She remained active with the organization for many years; read the book to learn more.

I am glad that I own this book, as well as the original "Karen." I am glad to have it on my bookshelf, where I can periodically pull it down, read it, and be reminded how lucky I am to be healthy and have a healthy family, as well as of how much (and how little) people have changed in the last 40 years.

Marie Killilea (1913-1991) wrote WITH LOVE FROM KAREN (a sequel to her first book, KAREN) about her daughter, born with cerebral palsy at a time when little was known about the condition and when many were puzzled over or even afraid of persons with disabilities. The Killilea family's endeavors to ensure Karen a healthy, productive life are great reading, even almost a half-century later. This book relates the adventures of Karen and her lively family from approximately age twelve through her entrance into adulthood. Keep Kleenex handy, because you're going to weep for sympathy and then you're going to howl with laughter. Mrs. Killilea writes with resolute faith, tenderness, and great humor. Although developments in treating disabilities (and people with disabilities) have greatly changed, you'll love the courage and warmth of this book and you may wish that children who happen to be born with disabilities could all have families like the Killileas.

Both books are highly inspirational and leave one with the feeling of being "one of the family." The fight of the Killileas to give their daughter and sister the most "normal" life possible is awesome. When I first read the books as a child, I simply accept this wonderful family into my world without question. As an adult, I would suggest they could not be quite as saintlike at they seem to be depicted at times. Again, from an adult perspective, I know there must have been disagreements and quarrels from time to time. That would just be normal!
I would recommend these books to anyone facing challenges of his/her own. You will be inspired beyond a doubt.
I didn't know about the fire tragedy which took the lives of Russ and Gloria's two daughters and Marie and Ronald's daughter until a few years ago. I can't even begin to imagine the impact this tragedy must have had on the family. Amy@parsley has copies of newspaper articles about this as well as other pictures of Killilea family members.
The best praise I can give these books is that I wish more had been written, following all the family members, because they truly did seem to become "family" to readers. To this reader, anyway!!
To the Killilea children and their families - thank you for sharing such a large part of your lives with us. I hope you have never had cause to regret it. I suspect your stories have inspired more people in more ways than you will ever know.