Fitness Books

Most people know of the Amazon rainforest only because of ecological concerns. This is unfortunate since the rainforest is far more than just a figurehead for Green Peace. In THE HEALING POWER OF RAINFOREST HERBS, Leslie Taylor provides a starting point for those who know little of rainforests in general but wish to learn of the medicinal properties of its indigenous plants. My own interest I suspect is typical. I take a variety of nutritional supplements and over the years I realized I needed a reliable source to explain the use of some of the more arcane herbs commercially available. Taylor's book proved a boon. Taylor organizes her text in a commonsense way. She provides an alphabetical list of rainforest herbs that ranges from Abuta to Yerba Mate. She later adds a great deal of information about each herb that is not readily available anywhere else, even on the internet (I've looked). What I found particularly useful is her listing of each herb's traditional usage and chemical compositions. Yet, HPRH is far more than a shaman's field guide to rainforest herbs. Taylor uses the Amazon rainforest as both a literal and symbolic metaphor for the human need to find a working balance between using the environment to survive and abusing it to make a buck.

Excellent just what I expected.

what a great book! Leslie Taylor has written a very valuable resource to anyone interested in plants and herbs. whether you are an expert or just curious to know what herbs can do, this is a must have!! i am looking forward to the next book---AWESOME!!!

This book is a must have for every American medicine cabinet. Easy to understand instructions and every thing is broken down in laymens terms. Also, there is informatio on how you can help the rainforest and it's native people. Fascinating!!!!!

God said choose life or death!
God gave us herbs. Use them.
Man gave us pills, avoid them.
Pills kill and herbs cure.
Make your choice.
Pills made my life hard and I almost
submitted to a useless operation.
Desperately, I looked for another choice.
Herbs gave me the answer.
No operation needed, life is good again!!!

We've all heard that "food is the best medicine", and I've experienced the positive results of managing my health with carefully selected food choices for years, but as the owner of a city library's worth of books, and shelves expressly related to natural health, my first thought was `do I need another book on natural healing?'

The answer was a definitive `yes' as soon as I began to explore Cal's creative exploration of olive oil.

The first thing that struck a chord with me is the very personable style in which she communicates her experience and knowledge. This is your best friend sharing inside secrets and recipes. You can `drop in' anywhere and read a cool tidbit! And I love the Resource Guide in the back!

Because even the best resources can be a little bit better, I'd love to see Cal add a true Index in the back in the next printing or version. That way if a friend mentions a current health issue, I can check the back and locate just the right passage for insight.

All in all an excellent book and one well worth purchasing!

This book has lots of great tips on what can be done with olive oil. Up 'til now, I've only used it in cooking and for splashing on salads. Very interested to start using it for other things, such as helping my dry hair and softening hands. But of course will also be keeping this book in the kitchen so I can have all the recipes handy! I had not known before that olive oil would be good for baking until reading this book. Every time I pick it up, I find something new in it, so it is worth keeping somewhere it can be often referenced. Definitely a must for someone looking for natural cures and wants to learn more about what olive oil can do!

My family has been in the olive oil industry for decades. We've preached the health benefits of olive oil, but seemed to often fall on deaf ears. Cal Orey offers a huge leap forward in the understanding of the Mediterranean diet and its miraculous effects.

If you have any doubts, take a look at the average consumption of olive oil in Spain and Italy (roughly 13kg per capita per year) compared to the US (0.56kg per capita), then take a look at the rates of heart disease.

This book is a must have for anyone who has a desire to live healthier and longer.

"The Healing Powers of Olive Oil" is a breakthrough book that can do much more for you than be an aid to cooking. It's jam packed with wit, wisdom, cures, remedies, recipes and more and presented in an easy to understand and informative way. Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure got my attention. If you value your health and the health of your family, you will purchase Cal Orey's book.

Cal Orey has a proven track record with her previous book "The Healing Powers of Vinegar". She delivers alot of necessary information in a fun and memorable manner. It is a pleasure to read and a pleasure to follow. I knew many uses for vinegar, but learned 10 times more from reading her book... so when I read "The Healing Powers of Olive Oil", naturally I followed what she wrote. If you're like me, you thought that olive oil was just for cooking. And, you're selling yourself short on what that little bottle in your pantry can do. Don't hesitate, just order it... RIGHT NOW!!

A friend gave me this book for my XXXX birthday. It is very enjoyable and easy to read --not full of junk to buy but some really good natural treatments and quality healthfood store stuff. The book has solid advice that men and women can use to look and feel great about themselves at any age.

Letha Hadady's books have helped me to improve my work energy, appearance, and social life. Her latest book Healthy Beauty made it possible for me to lose 15 pounds and have the clear complexion I have always wanted and needed for my consulting work!
What a great gift of health and natural beauty if offers! Bravo!

WOW what an eye-opener! I am using the herbal stuff the author recommends for growing hair and it works! It took 2 months but I can see the new hair growth on top.

Many of the recommendations work for men and woman and each chapter has a section "For Men Only."
A revelation!

Ten stars.

There should be a ten star rating for this book! Letha Hadady has put all we need to know about inner and outer beauty in one wonderful book that is a joy to read. Everything to make you feel and look better is here, including sources for purchasing any items you may need. I've recommended it to many friends and will be giving it as a gift as well-what better gift to give anyone than the gift of health, beauty and well being. Thank you Letha for sharing your wisdom!

I had such fun reading through Hadady's new book Healthy Beauty! Every chapter had inspiring stories, extremely useful information, and timely advice. I have given the book as gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day, and graduations. My friends have loved it!

The art work in the book is lovely and the message inspiring. I have improved my complexion and hair. You don't have to spend a fortune on cosmetics. I learned about some new natural products that actualy improved my health as well as looks. I have revamped my style and color choice in clothes and makeup. Thank you Healthy Beauty.

From the Orange County Register
July 7, 2006

by Judy Bart Kancigor, author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family

When I was growing up I lived for the movies. I devoured Photoplay magazine from cover to cover and daydreamed I would meet my idols like Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter. Well, Rock is long gone, but who knew that decades later I'd be eye to eye with Tab still gorgeous after all these years.

I attended the LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA in April mainly for the food demonstrations at the cooking stage, but it's a huge venue, and just about everyone hawking a new book was there, including Tab, signing his memoir for adoring fans.

Back at the cooking stage, Akasha Richmond, private chef and caterer to the stars, was dishing some Hollywood trivia herself as she demonstrated recipes from her new cookbook, "Hollywood Dish," a collection of 150 health-filled recipes interspersed with fascinating tidbits and Hollywood gossip.

Richmond's client list includes such A-list luminaries as Michael Jackson, Carrie Fisher, Al Pacino, Pierce Brosnan and Richard Gere. When Billy Bob Thornton wanted a wheat-free, dairy-free Thanksgiving dinner, he called Richmond, who began her career in the late seventies as chef of the Golden Temple, one of LA's first vegetarian restaurants. When celebrities started clamoring for her healthy menus, she began catering Hollywood parties and became personal chef to Barbra Streisand among others, later moving on to cook for the MTV awards shows, Sundance Film Festival and the Grammies.

Richmond is passionate about using healthy and organic ingredients to produce such tempting dishes as Thai Chicken and Daikon Curry, Almond Eggplant Balls, even her spectacular Sundance Chocolate Torte, her "wheat-free, soy-enhanced version" of Alice Medrich's Chocolate Walnut Torte. "I'm allergic to dairy, so I use soy milk in everything," she revealed. "The only thing I can't do with it is flan." The book does, however, offer a Honey-Goat's Milk Flan from famed spa, Rancho La Puerta, which began, she reports, as a $17.50-per-week retreat where guests brought their own tents and helped with the cooking, going on to become the exclusive getaway it is today.

"Hollywood Dish" is so much more than a collection of recipes. Richmond chronicles the history of healthful eating in America, interweaving stories of old Hollywood and the food preferences of stars from Gloria Swanson (she carried avocadoes in her handbag) to Woody Harrelson (a raw-food proponent) to Rudy Vallee, whose penchant for frozen strawberry daiquiris helped put the Waring blender on the map.

Hollywood embraced healthy eating, and the nation soon followed, Richmond noted. "At the turn of the century Germans from the communes, who were into eating healthy foods, came to California for the cheap land, abundant fruit and sunshine," she said. "They started teaching here and opened juice bars in the movie studios. The movie business came to Hollywood at the same time the health food business did."

One of Richmond's favorite appetizers is adapted from the pimento cheese sandwiches Billy Bob Thornton whipped up one year for the kitchen crew when Richmond was catering his Christmas party. She likes to cut them in quarters and serve them with a cream of tomato dip. "I made these for Frank Zapper's wedding," she said. "Everywhere I go I make these sandwiches. They're the friendliest little sandwiches I've ever seen."

PIMENTO CHEESE BITES
From "Hollywood Dish" (Avery) by Akasha Richmond

1 cup grated soy cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice
2 tablespoons vegan or light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
1 tablespoon chopped green olives
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
6 slices spelt, whole wheat or sourdough bread
Canola cooking spray
1 tablespoon nonhydrogenated soy spread or olive oil

Mix cheese, mayonnaise, green onion, pimento, olives, salt, pepper and red pepper sauce in a small bowl. Divide equally among 3 slices bread and top with remaining bread slices. Heat 10- or 12-inch nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add soy spread. Brown on both sides, adding more spray or soy spread as you go along. Cut into quarters and serve.

I was very pleased with how this book flowed. There are great stories of old and new hollywood and the recipes are easy to follow, and there is not one that I have not enjoyed. If I had to pick which recipe I loved the most it would have to be the CINNAMON-RAISIN BREAD, it is just outstanding and no one in your family would be the wiser that they actually are eating healthy. A must buy for anyone!!!

Years ago Akasha Richmond won my heart with The Art Of Tofu. This time she has taken me to a whole new level. Hollywood Dish is a gem. The recipes are inventive yet easy and fun to make. The Vegan Carrot Cake tastes better than the real thing, the Kombucha Squash soup, warm and soothing and the historical stories and anecdotes are so much fun. This is the perfect gift for any foodie or novice alike.
Hats off to Akasha. Hollywood Dish is the real thing.

I loved this book! You don't even need to cook to enjoy it -- the stories and sidebars are a delightful read just by themselves. And if you do cook -- WOW! the recipes are different without being strange, with interesting twists on some standards, and some great new ideas, and all of them are healthy and yet sound utterly delicious. I've already done a dozen or so recipes, and every one was a huge hit. I have a lot of cookbooks, but this one instantly became one of my favorites. DOn't miss it!

Delicious, for the most part, but healthy? How does a book that purports to be healthy provide zero nutritional information (i.e., actual nutrient counts)? We're given none at all, so we're simply supposed to trust Ms. Richmond, but I would have far preferred nutritional information to the endless(!) celebrity name dropping.

I was looking for a book that was geared for people who want to work out at home and couldn't find anything until I found Home Bodybuilding. The format is based on three steps which are the mental, physical and nutritional. The book also has separate sections for men and women as well as exercises with weights, without weights and even infomercial equipment. I liked the author's straight forward approach which doesn't have any agendas like other books I've read (i.e. like Body For Life which the author of the book is also the founder of the supplement company EAS which is promoted in his book) and he provides lots of good information which works. He is also very motivational and the book is filled with inspiring observations, quotes and affirmations which are helpful. The last part of the book is devoted to the mental aspect of being successful working out at home and while being a bit apprehensive about it at first, I'm a believer now. All in all, a well done book I'd whole heartedly say "get".

I've read the reviews on this site about Home Bodybuilding and have a few observations people may find helpful.

First of all...

1) If a book is rated five stars, look to see if it's rated with just one five star rating or many. Chances are, if there's more than one glowing review, many other people have found the book equally as helpful.

2) When there are negative reviews, check and see how many there are and if there are commonalites between each of them.

I bought this book many months ago along with the Men's Fitness Home Workout book and have found each to have their strengths and weaknesses.

While the Men's Fitness book has more photos and exercises, it lacks much of the periphery elements of the mental components of motivation and just how hard it is for many of us to get started and stay motivated working out--especially at home AND by yourself...HELLO!

I like both both books very much. There must be a reason why amazon.com pairs Home Bodybuilding with the Men's Fitness book. They compliment each other quite well.

Finally, I'd like to give a few observations on what the reviewer "Judge Knott" wrote regarding the Home Bodybuilding book and how this reviewer must not have read the same book I'm looking at right now as I write this review. Specifically:

"There are many exercises shown that can only be done if one has access to expensive, complicated gym machines. (Yo! Isn't this supposed to be for h-o-m-e workouts?)"

If this reviewer would've read the book and understood its purpose, the author Robert Wolff states in clear language that he wants to give readers exercises they can do with freeweights (barbells and dumbbells), without weights (bodyweight only), with machines (if they have those in their home), and even informercial equipment.

"There is a sloppiness and an imprecision in the way many of the exercises are described."

I've got a library full of nutrition, exercise and physiology books and the exercise descriptions and illustrations Wolff uses in Home Bodybuilding match how the others illustrate how the exercises Wolff Describes should be done.

"The whole book is written at a reading level equivalent to that found in "The National Enquirer" or "The New York Post."

I'm reminded of a quote that a 20-plus million copy bestselling author once said, "Don't worry; If you write for the seventh grader, the Ph.D. will understand it too."


"It's also filled with cheerful, peppy, Oprah-like self-help sayings and anecdotes that recall Dale Carnegie in an extremely good mood. They bored and annoyed me."

Look at the other reviews who seem to greatly enjoy this author's writing style. Then click on reviewer Judge Knott's other reviews. For such a scathing review of this book, it was surprising how many of this person's reviews fall into the scope of fine arts and NOT nutrition, fitness or health. Perhaps returning Home Bodybuilding and getting a book on the order of the "New York Metropolitan Ballet of Workouts" might be a better fit?

My purpose is not to deride of belittle the above reviewer. All of us are entitled to our own opinions. However, when coming to this review forum, my only request is that any of us have a fully formed and educated opinion that doesn't selectively omit the good or not so desirable points of any book. That way, we can all learn and be helped by what anyone says--good or bad.

For my money, Home Bodybuilding was money well spent. Thanks for letting me have my two cents worth. Best to all!

I almost quit working out (again) if it weren't for Home Bodybuilding. I have two kids, a full-time job and no time for a gym and I needed to find something that would help me keep in shape. I'm so happy that I found this book.

The book has five parts and they are:
Part I--Getting Started
Part II--Nutrition
Part III--The Basics
Part IV--Body Specific
Part V--The Mind

It is also broken down into giving workouts and advice for women and men (a good thing since I have no desire to have big muscles) and it has lots of good workouts and exercises you can do at home or in the gym.

It seems to cover all the basics by featuring exercises and workouts you can do with barbells, dumbbells, machines, no weights and exercises with just your body and even using infomercial equipment.

Yeah, I admit it. I bought the Total Gym a year ago and after a few months of using it (it now sits in the garage, thank you) it's more like the Total Joke, but that's a whole different review.

Anyway, this book has been really helpful and if anyone is looking for a no non-sense way to get themselves in good shape and do it at home, this is the book I'd recommend.

I like the Men's Fitness book a lot and thought it woould be all I needed for working out at home, but I have to say I was wrong.

While the MF book provided lots of tips and plenty of exercises, it didn't give me the missing pieces I was wanting to help put together an effective home workout program that took into consideration my need for having a thorough exercise, nutrition, AND motivational program.

It's tough for me to go to the gym and even tougher for me to work out by myself and at home. But the Home Bodybuilding book has made it so much easier and enjoyable. It not only gives lots of information about exercise and nutrition, it also convincingly explains the ways of how to get started and stay on a home workout program. It's been those ideas that have helped me reach my goals quicker than I imagined possible.

I'd like to see the author do a follow-up book with more information on home workouts. I've noticed that as I've gotten into to workoing out more, I'm wanting more and different ways to work out.

This book works and is highly recommended.

This book is great for someone who is starting out.
However, I found that the book was lacking in variety of exercise for a person who already knows the basic weight training exercise.

I found that the book did not go into much detail in all the chapters, it was more like a breif summary.

I guarantee after 8 weeks you will be looking for another book that provides a variety of exercises so that you can alternate and stay motivated.

I have truly become a part of something sacred. May someone else be blessed by such a transformation.

A great read for women who are conscious of their bodies and what they are capable of. Also a great read for those beginning on the road to awareness. Women are amazing creatures and it is time we honor ourselves. It is also time we stop whining about what others have done to us and fix what we have enabled to occur.

If you are looking to truly honor the gift of the Goddess and your ability to create life without cursing that gift, this is the book is for you.

'Her blood is Gold' is a wonderful take on a subject of which, I, like most women, have given little thought to, except for the occasional dispair.

An extremely fast and uncomplicated read, it is essentially an exploration of various misognist treatments of women and their monthly 'curse', and how we as women can come to accept and love with periods, rather than just live with them.

The crux of the work is the idea that women are in the prime of their creativity during menstruation, and thus should take time off to explore this blessing. It also offers helpful monthly rituals and a divinely liberating ode to bellies. Additionally, there is a brief history of menstruation and its link to the goddess.

I was throughly absorbed in this work, however I have a minor issue with the piece. I found it almost a case of reverse sexism, and wondered to myself, when do men get their time off?

Additionally, I felt it played into the hands of prehistorical greek notions of women as 'fevered' and liable to insane outbursts of emotion.

Perhaps I found that where it did not exist, but regardless, I thoughly enjoyed this informative feminist work.

I was thrilled to discover Lara Owen's book, Honoring Menstruation. I myself have been exploring my menstrual process in-depth since 1988, and teach workshops to women who want to transform menstrual symptoms into menstrual empowerment and pleasure. I say these things about myself to indicate that I am reviewing this book from a particular vantage point, that of a woman who has been honoring her period for many years.

I found that Lara put into words many things that I've been thinking for years, and also introduced me to new ways of thinking about and responding to my menstrual cycle. This is a wonderful book for any woman who wants to become more empowered, more herself, more creative, more joyful.

Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts will also find it useful for helping them introduce young women into a menstruation-positive view of their upcoming or just-started periods.

I know that if you take the time to read this book and apply its wisdom in your own life, you will not regret it.

A nightmare experience at the hands of a brutal doctor who was giving her an internal exam sent Lara Owen off on this fascinating exploration into the rich underworld of the female body. It's a well-written, passionate and thoughtful plea for a return to body-consciousness and acceptance of what it is to be female. The case studies are inspiring, the ideas for self-healing and developing the creativity inherent at this time of the month very intriguing. There is no strident hectoring - Lara Owen writes from the heart - or should I say the womb - and has made a pioneering track for all women, whether interested in enjoying rather than enduring their periods, or the hidden depths of the female psyche. Men who want to understand women should read it too! If you read one book this year, let it be this one!

There is a lot of wonderful information packed inside this little book. It is worth the investment to see how color actually affects our everyday lives.

Full of good things to teach you
and for you to learn.
This book is full of good information
for those interested in color and all
that color means.
Highly recommended.

Great book.. When I received the book I was surprised that it was so little. But, do not let that fool you. For such a little book it is jammed packed with great information. I LOVE the book. I have so many book marks in it. Can throw it in my purse and go off and do a healing.
Thank you Ted for another great book.

I ordered this cheap little book thinking it would be like a basic introduction to color and having different colors to enhance or affect different frames of mind. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! There is a mountain of information in this little thing! Not only does it cover basic color concepts, it goes into Chakra, Reiki, Pendulum, and more. What a wonderful source book! I will be reading this again, and using it for reference.

Do not let the number of pages deceive you, there is a tremendous amount of information concerning color and the metaphysical significance. This work shows the application of color in several different ways to be used in spiritual clearing. This work can lead you to more in depth study of several disciplines. Enjoy the study.

In I Knew a Woman Cortney Davis leads us where every woman fears to tread; through the swing doors and down the corridors to an often far-to-busy-to-see-us women's clinic reception desk. The poorer the clinic the more tatty and out of date the magazines, scattered like bird seed to keep our minds occupied while we wait. But there is rarely any item in them to calm the nervousness that women feel on checking in. After the wait your name is called, you go to a room, undress to wait again. Nothing unlocks the nervousness that numbs the mind. Nothing that is, until Davis or one of the legion of nurses like her enters the room. But what is it that these nurses really do for women? I think the answer is that as much as we open and give them, they receive us as complete women.
Long ago Davis honed the art of nursing her complete patient and over the last decade she has also practiced the art of writing. In her poetry and prose she gives us back ourselves, a mirror image of our womanhood. See, she seems to say, see, this is you and this is all of us, do not be afraid.
Davis is a poet as well as a prose writer and in I Knew a Woman her prose has reached a new level of lyrical movement. During the late fifties, as medical knowledge and science began to explode the person inside the patient was often getting left behind. Dr. A.F. Clark-Kennedy of the London Hospital wrote a small book called Patients as People; Medicine in its Human Setting. (Faber and Faber London 1957). He wove the stories of patients and their disease together showing young doctors and nurses how each related to the other. It was not until the seventies that physician writers such as Richard Selzer invited us to look again and remember patients as people. Davis has claimed her place alongside these two fine literate physicians as a writer of such caliber. I Knew a Woman is a book to be read by everyone; teachers, nurses, physicians and woman patients. Davis led us into the clinic with her poetic prose and we leave I Knew a Woman with a stronger and more open heart.
Muriel Murch
Author Journey in the Middle of the Road.
Producer Living with Literature for community radio.

I have recommended this fine, beautifully-written book to all my friends, and to all my colleagues in the health-care profession. I tell them that though this book stitches together the stories of a nurse-practioner and four of her women patients (fictional composites, to protect the privacy of the author's real patients), it is a book that reaches beyond the subject of the female experience in the medical world. Cortney Davis writes compellingly about humanity--about the vulnerability of both the human body and the human spirit. In addition to her obvious gifts as a writer, she offers the reader the gift of her strong, sensitive spirit.

I have recommended this fine, beautifully-written book to all my friends, and to all my colleagues in the health-care profession. I tell them that though this book stitches together the stories of a nurse-practioner and four of her women patients (fictional composites, to protect the privacy of the author's real patients), it is a book that reaches beyond the subject of the female experience in the medical world. Cortney Davis writes compellingly about humanity--about the vulnerability of both the human body and the human spirit. In addition to her obvious gifts as a writer, she offers the reader the gift of her strong, sensitive spirit.

In I Knew a Woman Cortney Davis leads us where every woman fears to tread; through the swing doors and down the corridors to an often far-to-busy-to-see-us women's clinic reception desk. The poorer the clinic the more tatty and out of date the magazines, scattered like bird seed to keep our minds occupied while we wait. But there is rarely any item in them to calm the nervousness that women feel on checking in. After the wait your name is called, you go to a room, undress to wait again. Nothing unlocks the nervousness that numbs the mind. Nothing that is, until Davis or one of the legion of nurses like her enters the room. But what is it that these nurses really do for women? I think the answer is that as much as we open and give them, they receive us as complete women.
Long ago Davis honed the art of nursing her complete patient and over the last decade she has also practiced the art of writing. In her poetry and prose she gives us back ourselves, a mirror image of our womanhood. See, she seems to say, see, this is you and this is all of us, do not be afraid.
Davis is a poet as well as a prose writer and in I Knew a Woman her prose has reached a new level of lyrical movement. During the late fifties, as medical knowledge and science began to explode the person inside the patient was often getting left behind. Dr. A.F. Clark-Kennedy of the London Hospital wrote a small book called Patients as People; Medicine in its Human Setting. (Faber and Faber London 1957). He wove the stories of patients and their disease together showing young doctors and nurses how each related to the other. It was not until the seventies that physician writers such as Richard Selzer invited us to look again and remember patients as people. Davis has claimed her place alongside these two fine literate physicians as a writer of such caliber. I Knew a Woman is a book to be read by everyone; teachers, nurses, physicians and woman patients. Davis led us into the clinic with her poetic prose and we leave I Knew a Woman with a stronger and more open heart.
Muriel Murch
Author Journey in the Middle of the Road.
Living with Literature community radio.

Cortney Davis, nurse practitioner, poet, creative nonfiction writer, has written a remarkable book about the science and poetry of healing, about protocol and ritual, gnosis and diagnosis, and, above all else, the blossoming of hope. The laying on of hands.

Her book is a lyrical manifesto of Carl Jung's observation that "every personality has a story. Derangement happens when the story is denied. To heal, the patient had to rediscover his story." A good nurse is one who knows that it's just as important to hear her patients' stories as it is to palpate abdomens or check reflexes. In the exam room, that sacred space, four women tell Davis their stories. Like a good novel, Davis builds believable characters using dialogue and humor and dramatic scenes and then weaves her own story into theirs.

Healing literally means "wholeness," with the words "holy" and "heal" both deriving from the Anglo-Saxon "haelen," meaning "whole." Davis brings her rejected and discarded patients into the circle, and listens with an inward ear for those parts of them that have been silenced. Healing is restoration of communication within one's self, a restoration of balance, a willingness to change. Davis is a healer in the true sense of the word.

I literally just put down this book!!! If you are living with an ostomy, cancer or other health issue and could use a good laugh...this is your book.

Be ready to laugh and cry as Brenda takes you along on her journey through colorectal cancer. Be ready to read some of your own thoughts and experiences in this book. Reading this book is like talking to a good friend.

I genuinely appreciate how Brenda can share with us her thoughts and experiences with amazing openness and candor.

As the voice of experience...Laughter truly is the best medicine!!! Try it!!

Brenda's communication skills make her the perfect messenger to deliver a touching, humorous yet medically accurate tale of her own experience with cancer, surgery and healing - both physically and emotionally.

Her story was especially touching since we went through similar experiences two years ago. Her story and ours had many parallels, with nearly the same characters in each part of the story - the accuracy of her account is amazing and truthful.

A "must read" for anyone living with an ostomy or colorectal cancer as a patient, family member or friend.

Insightful, accurate, touching, and funny!

Humor is where you find it. Brenda Elsagher has the amazing ability to find humor in a most difficult journey through colorectal cancer. She encourages the reader to use humor as a survival tactic to combat cancer. This book presents a sensitive portrayal of the immense challenge to the human spirit posed by cancer diagnosis and treatment. It also contains a powerful message of hope for life after diagnosis as readers follow Brenda's transformation from hair stylist to comedian. Brenda's description of her treatment for cancer "back there" under the capable hands of her surgeon "the rear admiral" is incredibly funny. It is likely to cause the reader to laugh out loud. For cancer patients that is a very good thing as laughter is good medicine!!!

Although I have known Brenda for 25 years and know what she has been through, the book was very hard to put down. It is an inspiration to survivors and caregivers alike. I am a caregiver myself and she really touched home on many points. It is a must read, especially if cancer has touched your life in any way, shape or form. A definate must for your bookshelf!

Brenda Elsagher is living proof that if you're determined (a feisty attitude is a bonus) and armed with a brutal sense of humor, the spirit of a fighter won't be defeated. And Brenda is a fighter. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1995, she shares in If The Battle Is Over Why Am I Still In Uniform? her private war with a deadly enemy; one she was determined to beat.

After reading this book I will never think about my colon, or any other body part for that matter, in the same way again. I learned that screening for colorectal cancer is important, because if caught early enough, it can be cured.

If The Battle Is Over Why Am I Still In Uniform? is filled with wit, wisdom, and the stark realities of cancer. I laughed often and my eyes misted more than once. It is a well-written book of one woman's cancer reality. It is also the story of that woman's determination to grow old with her husband and meet her grandchildren.

This book will provide you with information that might just save your life. If you know someone with colorectal cancer, sharing this book with them will let them know that they're not fighting the battle alone.

Also, if you know someone (maybe you) who is long overdue for their colon screening, this book will encourage them with reality. Get your doctor's number handy and call now!

My only complaint with this wonderful book is that it doesn't touch on childhood vaccinations. This is an important topic in natural healing and the word vaccination isn't even mentioned in the index. Since this book was written in 1998, perhaps the chickenpox vaccine was still very new and the measles vaccine was very commonly used. I understand that one book can't cover all topics, but this is a big one. I would think parents who are looking for natural alternatives to health and healing would like to at least question their options when considering when and whether to vaccinate their children. There is an entire chapter dedicated to treating chicken pox and herpes, but nothing on measles. Neither vacccination will I give to my 11-month-old son and I am always looking for more information on the topic.

Although the book isn't loaded with complex medical terms, it isn't shy on information. It is written for the layman (with occasional pictures and tips boxes), and provides a well-rounded approach to diagnosing and gently treating COMMON illnesses in children. At the same time, the authors were careful to encourage traditional medical advice when appropriate

As a mother of a 14-month old, I have used this book numerous times. It is a life-saver for someone who is not intersted in feeding their kids antibiotics at the first sign of sickness. I have found all the answers to all of my questions about my daughter's health, starting with how to correctly evaluate fever to natural remedies for vomitting. The book is very well organized -it's easy to find answers to any common medical questions one could have. I feel so good about treating my daughter the natural way - I know it is so much better for her in the long run. This book is a must have for any parent who is interested in natural ways to promote and keep their child's health.

This book has been very useful for me and my 4 children. I found the subject of the use of herbs with children broad, but lacking for children under 1 year. The many tips and recipes were wonderful and easy; the charts were helpful, and the "when to see your Dr" was especially useful.

I give it 4 stars for lacking matter for older babies and also because it is very pro-vaccination and there's almost a bias against those that choose against doing so. However, the mention is minimal, so if you can overlook the few mentions of the vaccination issue this is a very wonderfully written and useful book.

Thanks to Linda White and Sunny Mavor for an easy to use reference. Finally a book that focuses on kid's health with understandable remedies and ingredients that available from your local grocery or health food store.

After reviewing this book from the prespective of a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, I believe this to be an invaluable resource for those who have children in their homes. It is full of common sense information that will help parents in protecting their children's health without compromising it due to unnecissary drugs.