Fitness Books

THIS BOOK RECEIVED THE PEN/OAKLAND JOSEPHINE MILES AWARD FOR BEST BOOK OF POETRY.

ALSO, PACIFIC RIM REVIEW OF BOOKS, SUMMER 2007 WROTE:

"In this beautifully written book, Leza Lowitz seeks to share the inner landscape of her yoga journey and to inspire others to take this same journey from individuation to unity...She accomplishes this by capturing the spirit of yoga with strong images and simple free verse firmly grounded in the experience of practice in mind, body, and spirit...This is not the yoga of the hip and trendy, but the yoga of a true seeker--an ordinary woman who has discovered her Self through movement, and has found acceptance and grace through allowing her body and soul to unfold with yoga. Named after yoga postures and breath work, Lowitz's poems capture the spirit of yoga again and again. In "Sutra Hasta Majoriasana (Threading the Needle)," simple yet powerful metaphor reveals the essence of the pose in body, mind and consciousness.

...untangling a knot
that is my life
the knot becomes my teacher...

the needle that is sharp
at dawn
might be broken by dusk...

The thread that is straight today
doesn't know
it will be knotted tomorrow.

The knot
that is tangled today
could be woven into gold
ten years from now.

That is why
I thread the needle,
honoring the odds
steadying my arms
softening my breath
working the knot,
trusting.

Any reader will recognize the moment when challenges are viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow. A yoga practitioner will recall the pose and know that each moment on the yoga mat is a metaphor for life. Lowitz's words inspire us to embrace each posture as an opportunity to remain mindful of each moment, to learn and grow, and to cultivate faith."

--Christine Morita Clancy, PRR Issue Six, Summer 2007

Yoga Poems- Lines to Unfold By... is a glorious collection.
These poems bring a beautiful perspective to each asana.
At the end of a practice, I select a poem of an asana of focus for the day. I quietly share this with the class during relaxation, as the mind is open and the body calm. It is truely heartening to me to see the soulful, connection it often brings to the receiver.

This book is ideal to sell in your studio as well as a simple and delightful gift for anyone in your spiritual community...

laughter, love and light in Colorado

As someone who came to Yoga after 60, I have found Yoga Poems:Lines to Unfold By from author Leza Lowitz inspiring! Not only has she given a beautiful voice to the asanas but she has given me the desire to go even deeper into the heart of Yoga practice. I can visualize the poses in her poetic imagery. The poems are as serene as Yoga is meant to be. I loved the illustrations and only wish that each pose had its own rather than just those introducing the various sections.
Donna Mendelsohn

This is a delightful, delicious, exquisite book. I could nibble on it all day long! Leza's Yoga Poems are lovely to read while sitting in Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose) or while eating an icecream sandwich after class. It is wonderful company if you are eating dinner alone. This books structure beautifully reflects the eight "limbs" or stages of yoga. Each inspired poem is named after an asana, (the Sanskrit term for a yoga posture), or a breathing practice. Like the other reviewers who practice yoga, I was amazed by how well Leza Lowitz captured the spirit of each asana. She has successfully united her passion for yoga with her love of poetry. The illustrations by yoga teacher and artist Anja Borgstrom are perfect. This is a magical book that also makes a most romantic present. If you are looking for a gift for the special Yogi or Yogini in your Life, or a perfect present for your teacher, I promise, this book will please them!

Suza Francina, author, "Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause" and "The New Yoga for People Over 50."

Yoga Poems: lines to unfold by
tell the truth about more
than the poses they limn;
they tell about we
who unfold in the poses,
our moods
our aspirations
our whims;
lines to unfold by
are lines to live by;
as we learn to unfold the lines
as we learn to unfold the poses
we unfold ourselves.

AS an instructor of both pilates and yoga- I found this a great and simple way to apply both practices to my classes....the author really explains nicely...

This is a great book, but I have a lot of trouble following books and so I bought the video, which allowed me to learn better. Both the book and the video are great. Yogilates is a calming yet invigorating workout. Not too easy, not too hard. And one of the few exercises I've actually been able to stick with consistently. Enjoyable and well-taught.

If you buy this DVD, you won't disappointment.
It's easy to learn and fun.

I own many pilates and yoga books and think that this offers a good resource for a person that wants to see positions detailed for a home practice combining the two disciplines. The only objection that I have is the choice of model demonstrating poses for the book. One in particular is an older woman with a long, gray, messy ponytail and awful looking feet. Not exactly an inspiration. It isn't necessary to put a covergirl on the pages of the book, but her disheveled images are a distraction from the intended purpose.

this book is extremely well written and easy to follow for anyone who has the desire to learn pilates and/or yoga. while it is usually more effective to meet with an instructor, if the instructor isn't Jonathan, buy this book. having taken a workshop with the author, it would be difficult for me to be instructed by anyone else, therefore having this book to refer to is completely necessary. I encourage anyone who has the desire to do something that will give incredible results, to get this book and follow it several times a week. you will not be disappointed!

I think this book gives us fresh access to ourselves as the material for treating the paints that traditional doctors can't find or can't see. I love the question of Matt Budd's mother; "why your are ill?" and use these question with my self very often when I don't feel well without a clear reason.

Thought-provoking book. This book is not a collection of mere conjectures. This book is solidly based on sientific data and experience as a medical doctor. A must-read for people who are mentally healthy as well as people who are not mentally well.

Because conversation is so much a part of our everyday lives, we tend to take it for granted. Dr. Budd's book does a wonderful job teaching how to create win-win interactions with people in all aspects of our lives. I relate it to creating great dialogue as the most effective form of interpersonal communication. We all have a personal communication style that sums up how we behave in everyday conversations and how what we say and feel can effect our health. Dr. Budd made it possible for me to understand through his exercises in the book and the personal stories throughout the book how to get through my own stumbling blocks. I can't wait to see the results! I love and cherish this book. JG

In this book Matt Budd produces the magic of poets, artists of the first rate, and a few others: he gives us fresh access to ourselves as the material for making a life, and contributes to our skills for designing our lives.

Inevitably, and by design, this book appears in the tradition of "self help." It is that, and the combination of experiences, explanation of phenomena, examples, and exercises that the authors use to bring us the help is effective and beautifully done. However, the book is a lot more than that at the same time. For example, I put it alongside the great plays and the great poets as a source of reflection, insight, and inspiration into what I am doing with my life, and alongside meditation and prayer for creating space in my life to consider what is important, be grateful for life, and get ready to take action on what I am not satisfied with.

And there is more: the authors give us access to a group of thinkers who are not accessible to the general public today, because the foundations of their thinking are so recently built that they aren't even taught at most universities. The best examples are the radical new interpretation of language and action of Fernando Flores and the biology of Humberto Maturana. Each has written, but their books are difficult. Budd does a beautiful job of taking us simply and clearly into these new worlds.

A book not to be missed! Thank you, Matthew Budd, and thank you Amazon for making this kind of conversation possible for all of us.

I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS BOOK AND FIND IT VERY INTERESTING AND WELL WRITTEN. WHAT I DO FIND AMAZING IN THIS KIND OF BOOK AND IN SEMINARS SUCH AS EST OR CURRENTLY THE FORUM (LANDMARK EDU.) IS THAT THERE IS NEVER A MENTION OF ALFRED'S KORZYBSKI'S LANDMARK BOOK SCIENCE AND SANITY, ALSO HARRY WEINBERG'S LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXISTENCE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST S. HAYAKAWAS'S LANGUAGE IN THOUGHT AND ACTION. ALL OF THESE BOOKS DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF OUR LANGUAGING ON OURSELVES. I CONSIDER THESE PEOPLE TO BE THE REAL PIONNERS IN THIS TYPE OF NON-ARISTOLEAN TYPE OF THINKING.

Working as a fitness model can be an enjoyable and profitable career. However, there are many pitfalls and dangers to avoid on this path, and for the first time someone who not only works, but has had tremendous success in this field is available to guide you. From creating your first portfolio, to the details of endorsement contracts, fitness model extraordinaire Clark Bartram will advise you, drawing on years of experience. You'll read about the great satisfaction such a career can bring, but perhaps more importantly you'll be told the truth about the reality of being a fitness model. This includes not only what attributes you'll need to succeed, but also your attitude, and how much money you can honestly expect to earn per shoot. In any field, links with people on the 'inside' are often what's needed to get that big break, and there's plenty of insiders in this book sharing their knowledge with you.

It's not only great man-to-man advice in this book though. The beautiful, and very successful Monica Brant offers advice from a woman's perspective, which is of use to both male and female readers. Also, the people behind the cameras talk about what they look for in a model in the 'Lessons From The Other Side' section. All invaluable knowledge. The structure of the text is such that you can read from cover to cover, but also go straight to a particular topic and still have all the information you need.

In short, if you're serious about a career as a fitness model, or just curious about what such a job would involve, then you cannot afford to pass up on this book. Agencies, self-promotion, tricks of the trade, training programs, possible employers, useful resources and even haircuts are all covered. I've found this book an exceptional resource, and my thanks to Clark Bartram for writing it.

This total insider's guide to the fitness modeling industry offers valuable information in a conversational manner, lets you know who's looking for the next fitness superstars, AND tells you exactly how to contact them.

Clark Bartram's own accounts of his success are honest, candid, and loaded with advice and encouragement for aspiring fitness models - guys and girls. You really feel like he's opening up and telling you everything you need to know. Plus, a lot of his influential friends - agents, photographers, and magazine editors - have contributed chapters explaining the business from every angle.

You come away learning that fitness modeling isn't just about being in tremendous shape, it's about being a shrewd businessperson with a positive attitude. You really learn what it takes - and as a bonus you get simple but effective advice on training and nutrition to keep in top shape all year long.

If you decide you want to be a fitness model after reading this book, you'll feel like you have some real friends in the industry. If you call anyone mentioned in the book and tell them that you read it, I think they'd give you a real shot if you're serious. If you decide you don't want to be a fitness model after reading this book, you'll still have a positive guide with powerful advice you can use to look, feel, and be your very best.

Clark has helped me learn how to achieve the goal I want and to market myself in the fitness business. He has the knowledge, and the dedication to get you anywhere you want to be. After reading his book I too believe that If I work hard and dedicate myself that I could have a future being a Fitness model. This is an incredible book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Fitness.

This book has helped me find business contacts that would have probably cost me alot of money if I would have searched other ways.I really did'nt know that it was this easy to contact the people who make the big decisions. I could'nt and would'nt have done it without this book. If you have ever had the dream of being a fitness model,then I strongly advise you to buy this book...

It's so refreshing to finally find a book that applies specifically to the interests of fitness models and that covers the topic so thoroughly. Weeding through the books written for fashion models was becoming tiresome, so I was pleasantly surprised when I finally came across this book. While reading it, I was ecstatic to find that it was packed full of useful information. I was able to identify the mistakes I've been routinely making and start implementing Clark's invaluable advice. All of the other books I've purchased have not been as useful to me as this one book. I recommend it to anyone who is serious about fitness modeling!

I work as a nutrition counselor. Let me tell you, everything contained in Your Diet is Driving Me Crazy was right on target. The advice provided by Sass demonstrates she has years of experience working with food issues helping clients overcome them. Her expertise is useful for practitioners and for the layperson whose partner has wacky food issues. I highly recommend this book.

Finally! A book that addresses the food fights that couples experience. This book is chocked full of great advice, funny scenarios and more!

Finally! Here is a book that addresses one of the most important, but rarelly acknowledged, issues related to eating: relationships. I was thoroughly fascinated by this look at how inter-personal relationships can affect our eating habits. And I plan to give copies of this book to a number of my friends!

For anyone who has ever argued about chips v. crudite with their husband, this is the book for you. Very insightful and realistic look at how we eat and how it affects those around us, including how someone ELSE eats effects our own eating habits (anyone remember dating that guy and gaining 10 lbs. on his diet of beer and wings?). Fun little vignettes and quizzes keep the book flowing. A must read for anyone struggling with their partners' eating habits.

A practical guide for resolving food conflicts and more. This easy to read book gave us a few good tips on how to deal with our different food preferences. However, many of the conflict resolution techniques are applicable to resolving other family issues. A must read for those who want to live happier lives.

I've read it. My husband's read it. I even gave it to my 24-year-old daughter to read and she loved it. We all loved it. I know it's really helped my husband and me. The bedroom is now my favorite room in the house. It didn't use to be that way. We had lots of trouble getting on the same page in that department, let me tell you. But not anymore. Great book.

Since reading this, my husband and I have gotten so much closer and happier, not to mention sexier. ...

I found this to be an excellent book, but the constant plugs for the Sinclare Institute videos annoyed me while I was reading. Advertising for other books/products from the same author/publisher/company should be before the title page, or after the content, not at the end of each chapter, as well as several times throughout the chapter.

...and believe me, I've read a few. I used to be an advice columnist, and if I wrote this clearly and amusingly, I'd probably still be in the business. 10 Secrets doesn't float all over the place or get lost in heavy-breathing or New Agey mumbo julumbo. It offers a clear, delightful path to sexual fulfillment. My only concern now is keeping my husband from trying to meet Felicia Zopol.

This book still has me giggling with delight. I feel like a teenager again. I feel better than a teenager because now I'm finally getting it all right and not groping around in the proverbial dark back seat of a Chevy. I had my first genuine, mind blowing orgasm after reading this book and trying out some of the techniques. Then I got my husband to give me one (another first). Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't know how I lived without this book for so long.

Where would we be without humor in the world? Would you want to live in a world without humor? I don't think so!

The author begins by giving us a definition of a "highly humorous person". He describes this type of person as someone you will be drawn to and want to spend time with. You will enjoy their company no matter what your surroundings might be. Most people possess these traits; however, few reach their potential of being a highly humorous person.

The author then goes on to explain the 7½ habits of highly humorous people. You will find it interesting that the first one listed is only "The Half Habit" - Mastering your thoughts. David explains that you don't need the whole habit in order for it to be effective.

On a very personal note, when the author talks about the ½ habit, he tells the readers that ten years ago psoriatic arthritis seized many of his joints and as a result changed his self-image. He entered a bicycle race which was a fundraising event and managed to cross the finish line after 115 miles. He received the Jim Elliott Award which is given to someone with a chronic illness who is not the normal type of person to compete against healthy individuals. David also received a silver medal. Due to all the media attention, he was considered the person the next year to win the gold medal. However, on David's first training ride the next year, his knees and back prevented him from going past one mile. David began to feel depressed. After all, he was the inspiration to many and now he could not ride the bike for more than a mile. Also, his ego was involved. For a moment, David felt his only choice was to give up. This was a negative thought and he had to bring in some humor to help him out of this situation. It didn't take David very long to come up with the idea of riding a unicycle in the race. His goal was to ride the unicycle 50 miles. It was difficult because of the cold and wind and after 48 miles his body told him it was time to quit. Did he? No way. David's humor came into play and he told himself to go another couple of miles and he could laugh and tell his grandchildren about this one day!

I found the chapter on Self-Effacing Humor very interesting. The author states that you should know your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Poke some fun at yourself in order to open some communication. When you laugh at yourself, it is a very healthy form of humor.

There are many other interesting parts of this book but I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I will stop here.

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew I was in for a treat! Did you ever give much thought about the meaning of humor? David M. Jacobson has written a guide to humor and this book shows the reader just how talented this author is when it comes to writing. As you go through each section of this book, you will find them both funny and serious at the same time. The author has delivered a book that is written in a very clever manner. He has incorporated some ideas that I never would have thought of doing such as adding a backward instead of a foreword, a preface that lists things we can do with this book if we don't like it, a postface and a fast foreword. David Jacobson does an excellent job of showing the important role that humor plays in our lives. This is a very well written book. What I really enjoyed most about it is the way the writer includes many of his own personal obstacles in life and added the results of how humor has helped him work his way through it all. It just goes to prove that no matter what happens, we need to just sit back, relax and try to put some humor into our thoughts. Maybe things won't look so bad after that. As you read through this book, you will come across many statements made by David that make so much sense. You will find yourself thinking "Wow! That is so true." This is an inspirational read as well as one that you will find thoroughly entertaining. This is a fast paced book that you could read in a couple of hours so get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy David Jacobson's humor "therapy". I highly recommend "The 7 ½ Habits of Highly Humorous People".

I could tell by the silly man on the cover of the book, it was an unusual book -112 pages of extremely good advise.
The reader needs to know this is not a joke book. There are plenty of them in bookstores. No, this is a serious humorous book, if that is possible. Jacobson has been a very ill person and he used humor and other special qualities to get him through to where he is today: brilliant, vibrant and living a life of "helping others" and making people laugh.
He believes that humor can change your life for the better; that humor can get you through the most catastrophic events of your life. Jacobson says that "a highly humorous person is the most resilient person on the planet."
The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Humorous People will make you smile, laugh and find more inspiration than you can imagine. For many occassions buying a few of these books will be the "perfect" gift!

Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (3/08)

David M. Jacobson, MSW, LCSW is a professional speaker, licensed psychotherapist and social worker. He is a self-proclaimed international expert in humor and health and is also President of Humor Horizons. Among his other affiliations is the National Speakers Association. David received the National Hero Overcoming Arthritis Award and the Arthritis Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been presented with the "Joy Mask" for his work with the Korean Broadcasting System, The President's Award from Flashnet Marketing and the Jim Elliot Award for his fund-raising, 50-mile unicycle ride. David also served on the Arizona's Governor's Office for Children's Justice Task Force.

Mr. Jacobson's book was a pleasant surprise compared to some of the other comical editions by others. His mixture of poetry and prose brought a refreshing tone to this little 120-page volume.

David explains the seven and a half habits in this way, beginning with "The Half Habit." "The half habit: This is a half habit because you don't need the whole habit in order for you to be effective." He goes on to say that it is the most difficult habit to maintain because it is the habit of changing your thoughts.

Habit number one he says is to treat humor as a necessity. As much as using the bathroom is a necessity, so is humor--placing an importance on treating your sense of humor as high up as a basic bodily function.
Habit number two is termed "Use Self-effacing humor."
What it is and how to use it, when making yourself the butt of a joke.
The third habit is very self-explanatory. "Keep your eyes open for humorous situations or create them with your imagination."
Habit number four begins with a cute poem and is titled, "Use the Power of Humor and its positive influence on your own self and that of others."
Habit five goes into detail on how to use your humorous imagination to improve your communication. This chapter deals with the ability to communicate with others.
In habit number six, David throws in his own words that are not in Webster's.
"Humorize with Humorgy," he professes that your whole life will change.
The grand finale comes in habit seven when David says, "Act like the highly humorous person you've become or are becoming."

I enjoyed "The 7 ½ Habits of Highly Humorous People," and think it would make a nice addition to a library. It's a well-worded, funny little book that would make great reading on an airplane. I gave it a B and that was only because I did not find all the photos as funny as the verbiage.

The book "The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Humorous People" by David, M. Jacobson is good reading and very funny. I enjoyed reading it and it is improving the quality of my life every day by looking for the humor in stressful situations.

Life is funny if you let it be. Even when you feel like it shouldn't be, deep down in your spirit there is humor waiting to giggle out into the world. David M. Jacobson reminds us to let the laughter loose in his book, "The 7 ½ Habits of Highly Humorous People." It isn't a joke book, but it is a delightful reminder to watch for the jokes in life, even, or maybe especially, the ones that are on you.

David has had his fair share of jokes played on him. Is he bitter? Not that I could tell. He emits happiness through the pages of his book. He shares joy and it's contagious. Be warned that you will not be able to read this book without cracking a smile and likely will come away from it a better person. Of the 7 ½ habits you'll learn about, I think the half habit is the most important and the best way to get started on changing your life. Simply, it is to change the way you think. Not a simple task! Turning the negative thought into a positive one is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. What finding the positive does for yourself is life changing, and the thoughts you share with others can have a profound influence on them. The other 7 habits are equally reflective and uplifting, from realizing that humor is a necessity to humorizing with humorgy (you'll have to read the book to find out what that means!); the lessons within this book are not meant to simply help a class clown to develop his style but to show the world the power of laughter.

David uses his self proclaimed necessary self-effacing humor to open his world to the reader. It becomes very easy to understand how he needed to let out those giggles and how it changed his life. Throughout the book he throws in one liners and obtuse observations and this made me laugh out loud. It is a funny read, but also a wonderful life lesson guide. Would you go to a guru who sits atop a unicycle? Maybe you should. This book is well written and easily accepted as truth. It holds deep insights regarding inner spirit and higher powers, and interpretations of classic comedy. This is a mix you cannot miss! (this book review was written by another person ... i found it on the internet ... but you must buy this book today ... it is a must read!!!)

I'll be honest, all in all I liked reading about Andy's journey with CF. I can understand how he feels and he does a good job of describing what he has been through. While reading i felt as though half of this book was written to help you understand andy and his journey and the other half is simply a "look what i did." At times he came off as whiny and emotional. Also although it's never metioned it's written as though andy grew up with "deep pockets." Which is fine, it just helps me understand him. Overall i feel for you Andy. Fight the good fight

Whether or not your life has been touched by chronic disease, you will be able to relate to Lipman's story of overcoming adversity. The candid, honest prose reminds the reader to seize the day. The work has affected me more than any other. I would highly recommend it.

I am not a reader, but I could not put this book down. I read it on the beach at Cabo San Lucas. I have kids who are struggling with health problems. This book gives hope and strength to anyone who is facing impossible odds. Andy is obviously a man of deep character and tremendous resolve. If you are struggling yourself or know anyone who is, get them this book.

I found the book totally inspiring!! I pray that when my daughter is old enough to read that she will be as inspired as I was. Thank you Andy for doing such a wonderful book!!!

This was a great book it really inspired me.

David Spero wrote a helpful and positive book for anyone facing life with illness. It was well written and covered all the key issues for living successfully with chronic illness. He offers a wide range of solutions to help others improve their quality of life as well as shift their attitudes about illness in general. I could see my own journey in the book and thought it captured the essence of illness as a powerful spiritual teacher.

The Art of Getting Well, by David Spero, is a very informative, enjoyable, and inspiring book for those of us with chronic illnesses. David has included many helpful examples, from his own and other's lives, of what works and what doesn't. He describes standard and alternative treatment options for the reader to consider. He also gives many valuable ideas to help the chronically ill have better lives whether or not their condition improves. I highly recommend this book.

One reviewer mentioned that the authors writes in a chatty, conversational tone--that's an accurate description. I found this book an easy read and very insightful and useful for helping me get on track to recovering and caring for myself, as well as preventing future relapses.

The author recommends useful tips for recovering from an illness: put your life before your illness, listen to your body, conserve your energy for healing, change the things that harm you, and get the help you need. His recommendations come from what's worked for patients, friends, family members, and a lit review of what other authors have written.

Thanks to the tips in The Art of Getting Well, I feel better equipped to recognize when I feel stressed, to calm myself down in a soothing way, to recognize the signs and ask for help when I need it, and visualize healing and becoming the healthy person I want to be, to honoring myself by putting myself first without negatively impacting others.

This is a book I will keep on my shelves to reflect upon for years to come.

Genre: Health/Self Healing

Title: The Art of Getting Well

Author: David Spero, R.N.

"Illness is the best teacher, awareness is the best medicine, self care is the best care." David Spero's health-coaching motto.

They say timing is everything, very true of the arrival of this book for my review. After lying awake most of the night with my throbbing limbs, hands and feet, I opened my package and thought "Oh no, not another self help book." Ultimately I quickly changed my mind as I started to read this practical and informative guide to a 5 step program for recovery. The aim of this book is to provide a key to improving our quality of life and even possibly improve our overall condition.

The book is based on science and medicine and readers will find references in the back of the book. David Spero's own professional and personal experience provides the background and basis. It has been written for the millions of people suffering from a "chronic" or "progressive" condition and all caregivers. I believe anyone that reads it would benefit.

Included are true stories, easy to identify with, where to get help, how to ask for it but most importantly, the book encourages readers to take responsibility for themselves. Educate yourself about your condition, identify your body's signals and be proactive in the course of treatment. Perhaps the first step is to understand that we DESERVE to be able to take the time to help ourselves, slow down and enjoy our lives. Pain is a personal experience and to each individual it is `very real.'

The author, David Spero R.N. has devoted over 30 years as an R.N./Health Coach, specializing in chronic illnesses. His goal is to maximize the quality of life of his patients. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis approximately 20 years ago. He has personally experienced illness and has learned how to help himself and improve his situation. His book is well written in a warm and caring way, inspiring readers to live their lives as successfully as possible. In this reviewer's opinion, he has achieved his goal. He shares his depth of knowledge and confirms his motto. After reading Chapter 1 your will want to finish it quickly, then reread it in detail as you set up your own program for wellness.

I Thank you David, for setting me on a realistic course and highly recommend this book. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Reviews

You don't have to have a chronic illness to get a lot out of Spero's "The Art of Getting Well." Maybe that's because living in our fast paced and relatively crazed culture qualifies all of us as chronically ill. Whatever the case, the accessible style and reassuring tone of this book give you the confidence and motivation to make real changes in your life. I'm especially pleased that Spero does not fall into the "blame the victim" camp. Getting sick is not our fault, although we can have a say in how or whether we get well, up to a point. Sometimes our luck runs out, but our spirit can still remain strong, furthered along by the compassion of bonafide healers and primo storytellers like Spero. Get two: one for yourself and one for a friend.

An excellent primer for a psychotherapist who uses art for evaluation and treatment in psychotherapy.

This is an informative book for Art Therapists or those interested in learning more about Art Therapy. It is written in a easy, readable manner. I am an Art Therapist and I used it a lot when doing research for a presentation and found it very helpful.

Having found myself a little out of depth as regards people needing release from pain and stress, I have found the practicality of this book invaluable. It has opened my eyes to understand a lot more of the history of art therapy, and the exercises are helpful. I found the pictures included also enable one to grasp some of the concepts within the text and the layout of the book makes it exciting reading.

Usually these types of books are theoritical (for example why art therapy works) while this one is practical with many activities to work with.

This book is very useful for the beginner of art therapy.