Health Books

On the surface, Nancy Draper's story of her mother's battle with AIDS is a story about facing death from a dreadful disease. But looking deeper A Burden of Silence is really a story about choosing to live with compassion and empathy for others.

In a world where many live daily with fear as a companion - fear of pain, fear of what others will think, fear that they will be the recipient of prejudice - this story shows us that we can choose to live with hope, that even though we are just one person we can make a difference. Nancy has given voice to her mother who thought her only choice was silence.

The book is a loving memorial and a celebration of a life.

Nancy Draper, author of A Burden of Silence, held an audience enthralled at a recent Maine library program as she spoke about her mother's battle with AIDS. Everyone there purchased a copy of her book.

Her first person narrative conveys an intimacy between the reader and the author. It is heart wrenching when Nancy relates how her mother was infected with HIV through a blood transfusion during heart surgery. People usually think that if they have protected sex, this could not happen to them, but Nancy points out that it can happen to anyone. Her mother was an innocent victim who felt a deep shame for having a "dirty" disease. This book explains how a seemingly ordinary family handled this tragedy.

Imagine how hard it must to keep such a secret, when one has every right expect support from outsiders. Think how degrading it is to an elderly woman when her own doctor would not touch her, but made his nurse take blood. This sense of despair is what the author communicates to anyone wise enough to pick up a copy of her book and read it.

The author valiantly attempts to control her emotions, to give an unbiased account of how her family coped. Nancy's mother spent the first five years after her surgery not knowing why she always felt sick. When she was finally given the blood test that determined that the blood bank gave her HIV infected blood, she was devastated. She lived a short three years after the diagnosis.

The decision was made to keep it quiet. Nancy's mother felt that most people would not understand, and perhaps she was correct. Society tends to judge people without all the facts.

Near the end of her mother's life, Nancy and her father applied for hospice care, which turned out to be a blessing. Wintering in Florida, they would have been alone without hospice. Hospice made the last days easier to bear for this brave woman who had so much thrown her way.

Not only has Nancy Draper written remarkable narrative of coping, but she comes from a cohesive family unit. Her husband, present at the program I attended, exuded incredible support, which must make living with this tragedy a bit easier, as her own health suffered during this ordeal. Today her travels take her throughout the country in her work to reinforce AIDS awareness.

This book educates people to a greater AIDS awareness than any professional lecture could accomplish. As Nancy states, AIDS is not a dirty word, and through her participation in the AIDS memorial quilt, perhaps more people will come to realize the wisdom of her words. This book is a must for everyone.

"A Burden of Silence: My Mother's Battle with AIDS," is a gripping and tender account of a daughter's love for her dying mother due to a tainted blood transfusion. In this heartwarming book dealing with a nightmarish subject, Nancy succeeds in revealing her story with courage, compassion, humor, and unwavering love. Through this story, Nancy hopes to erase some of the stigma surrounding AIDS. Nancy explains the importance of keeping her mother's memory alive through the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. I highly recommend this book.
Richard H Frishman "Rick Frishman"
www.plannedtvarts.com
www.author101.com

Nancy Draper writes a deeply moving account of her family's pain, shame and suffering during a time when AIDS was a new mysterious disease that had the medical profession baffled and caused grave public misconceptions. A must read book.

After reading the many positive reviews on Nancy Draper's book "A Burden of Silence" I am at a loss to add anything more worthy. So I would like to go at it from a personal point of view. I have just recently met the author, but I was acquainted with her parents for quite awhile. It pleased me greatly when Nancy told me her mother liked me very much, and that she liked my writing.
The secret was kept from me as well as most everyone except the family. I only knew that this lovely, frail lady was not very well. After her death, my husband and I joined Nancy's dapper, and personable father for breakfast on several occasions following church. We still did not know what had caused her death. Now, this gentleman is gone too. I am blessed that because I knew them, I now am getting to know Nancy Draper.
This little woman is incredibly strong and resilient. She has bravely taken on many health problems of her own as well as those of her family. I can understand how doubly-difficult it had to be when she carried the burden of silence, when one of things she needed most, was to confide in others and unburden her own heart. But this was her parents' wish, at a time when AIDS was just entering our vocabulary and was so very mis-understood. This is an important, warmly written book. Susan "Sam" LeGree. Author of "Champagne in a Plastic Glass" and "Old Girl Talk"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Choose whether to take statins for yourself

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


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

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

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



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



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

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

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

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

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

Read this book and live. Ignore it and die. I love animals. They're delicious.

With so many helpful reviews, what more could I possibly add? Healthy at 100 is much more than a book about longevity. It's a challenge to not only change your perspective on your own health, but to make a difference in our own communities, and our family. John Robbins will take you into the seemingly heavenly world of the Abkhasians of the Caucasus Mountains, the Vilcabambans of Ecuador and the Hunzans of Pakistan, and then jerk you down to earth with a mission. Haven't read about the China Study or the Okinawa Study? John will get you up to speed.
A must read for anyone he is even remotely concerned about a better quality of life.

I'd give this title 5 stars if he wasn't so darn wordy and repetitive. Very useful information and lots of data to back everything up.

The supposed mainstream medical professionals have us all hyped into believing that a pill here and there will cure everything that ails us, and that many of the diseases we suffer from in this day and age are a result of it's just "the way it is". John Robbins, from analyzing those populations who have an extraordinary number of elders shows this is just not true. Over and over he documents cases whereby these elder populations suffer from none of the common diseases such as heart disease, cancer, etc. but, when the Western world knocks on their doorsteps in the form of unhealthy foods and ideas, the number of disease-free occupants takes a nose-dive.

It is very obvious it is our diet and lifestyle that causes these diseases, not the "it's just the way it is" and attack it with a pill doctrine.

A whole section of the book is devoted to feel-good things such as family and friends and purpose making a difference in how long people live as well.

Nothing complicated about the ideas in this book - just common sense once you've read the data. Ignore the almost daily studies that espouse this or that being good for you with contradictions galore. Time to get back to basics and use your head. Read this book and you'll be convinced.

John Robbin's book Health at 100 is one of the finest books I've read on living a healthy, vibrant life. Based on his own life experience and more particulary on the extensive research around the longest lived and healthiest, happiest people on the planet it is a must read for any person, at any age and stage of life, seeking sound,commensense input on living a healthy life. Very well written and engaging I was truely reinspired the whole book through. I have purchases copies for family and friends.

John's watershed book "Diet For A New America" was the catalyst, 20 years ago, for me becoming a Vegan Vegetarian. This is every bit as profound and compelling. John A Wood, Darlington, Western Australia

The first part of the book dealing with nutrition and exercise is unobjectionable, if a bit repetitive and rambling at times. Many people in the West could adopt a much more healthy lifestyle without too much trouble. But the part of the book dealing with love and happiness is straight out of the 1960's. Simply put, in the societies Robbins studied, where people live in isolated mountain and valley enclaves, people probably had little choice but to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Furthermore, in their isolation they were able to live in relatively peaceful and simple societies, where love and fellowship were common. But the rest of the world does not, can not, and will not operate this way. The second half of the book contains simply too much politically leftist, feel-good gobbledygook. Good book on diet and exercise but four stars overall.

Although there is much to like about this book, there are also some glaring inconsistencies. While it may well be true that the healthy societies presented in the book live on plant-based diets with little animal protein or fat, other societies in which the population eats high proportions of fat from animal sources are similarly healthy but not mentioned. Robbins set out with his own prejudice and excluded research that did not coincide with his hypothesis. To conclude that a low-fat, plant based diet is optimal for everyone based on these few examples is by no means conclusive proof. Even in Okinawa, the population eats plenty of pork and uses lard in their cooking, something Robbins conveniently omits from his discussion.

Additionally, Robbins praises the Okinawa diet and the Asian diets in general for their high intake of whole grains. Yet he never gives us an indication of what these whole grains might be and how much is consumed. Actually, Asians eat white rice, often three times each day. There is a saying in Japan that "white rice is easier on the stomach." But Robbins makes no mention of the high intake of white rice in the typical Asian diet. So when he can't explain something that blatant, he ignores it.

I think it's time for Americans to stop looking for the magic bullet answer to their diet woes. We only need to look at our own history to see where we made a turn for the worse and correct our course. A mere century ago, we did not have an obesity crisis or epidemics of modern chronic disease. And at that time, we were NOT consuming a low fat, plant based diet. What's changed? Plenty.

If you want a very thoughtfully written, well-researched book that busts the low fat myths wide open, read Gary Taubes' new book, "Good Calories, Bad Calories." Robbins is one who has bought the low-fat myth hook, line and sinker, even when faced with his own contradictions.

The portions of "Healthy At 100" devoted to exercise and lifestyle are quite nice.

Words cannot express how completely awesome and spine-tingling this book is. I saw Marshall Ball on the Oprah show several years ago and was so in awe of him that as soon as the show ended I got in the car and drove to the bookstore to buy the book. It will make you smile, cry and laugh; it really left me with the lessons of 'miracles do happen' and 'you never know what someone can do until you give them a chance'. It's a definite must read.

Marshall Ball is exquisite. With the simplicity of a child and the wisdom of the ages, he speaks with a profound understanding that could only be Divine. Marshall cannot speak, so he uses an alphabet board to point to each letter. This is a painstakingly long process. He was born with a disease that keeps him confined to a wheelchair. At age nine, he was evaluated at school with a twelfth-grade reading level. I was pleasantly inspired by Marshall and eagerly await more writings from him. My favorite quote from Marshall is: "Can we free the world to think perfectly about the listening and marvelous children?" I highly recommend this book.

Recommendation:
A great book for traveling on a journey with a special child. If you have a special child, get this book, because you may learn more about your child, and their own journey and thoughts. If you don't have an special child, then get this book and learn about the blessings that come with the pain and challenges of the journeys that parents of special children travel.

Book Review
Marshall writes, with physical assistance, of things we cannot see, or imagine in our busy and cluttered lives. Yet, these are the important, and permanent things that life is determined on, not the urgent and unimportant.

His poems are very good (fantastic considering his age and issues) and offer a mature, yet spiritually innocent viewpoint that remains objective and not caught up with our worldly challenges.

Marshall is here and suffers in order to fulfill God's purpose of helping us, and those who need spiritual assistance.

How Marshall Helped Us Learn of Our Daughter's Thoughts, and Experiences:
We have a daughter with severe cerebral palsy who cannot speak or walk an had just finished two weeks of therapy in Chicago and were catching a plane for the ride home. This was two years ago, so she was four at the time. By accident, I packed her reading books, so we stopped in the book store to find a book to read. We accidently came across Marshall's book and I explained to my daughter that Marshall was like her, and could not speak or walk, and was just a few years older. Then, I asked her if she wanted to get Marshall's book, she got very excited (happy).

On the plane we read the first few pages and came across this part of Marshall's poem...

Even though my individuality finds
sweet knowing perfection, I listen
for the answers to wishes from above.

So, I asked my daughter if God spoke to her about her wishes and prayers. She just about jumped out of her skin!!! It was like finally!!!! Someone knows my secrets!!!! Yes, I speak to God and He speaks to me!!!!

I was startled, and asked her some poorly developed questions. After a couple of months, I thought about the questions I asked and also her answers, and I realized that I really did not learn what I thought I had learned. (We have to ask her questions, with two or three answers for her to choose from, then ask additional questions to further determine her correct and precise answers).

Because I only want the truth, regardless of the issues, I spent some time to relaly think about the questions, and alternative answers that could be gleaned from my technique, then began to ask her more precise questions to nail down her responses.

What I found is that she did speak to and hear from God every night. That she did remember her personal journey (died at birth for 35 minutes), and remembered seeing God when she died. She did not remember being in the hospital, being taken off life support, or anything else.

But, when she died, she went to heaven, and was not given a choice, but was told to return to her Mommy and Daddy (which she wanted); and she was told that her purpose was to help a lot of children who were in need. (...) She came back to us - obviously - and now is a bright 6 year old who goes to full inclusion school, has many friends and lots of fun. Yet, she cannot speak, or walk, yet. (But is making great progress!)

Without reading Marshall's book, I would never have thought to ask these questions, and would have never have learned my daughter's secrets.

As heralded by such masters as Eckhart Tolle and Don Miguel Ruiz the earth at this time is graced by a number of awakened divine flowers of consciousness which grace us with their tremendous healing power and gentility. Marshall Ball is no doubt one such light in our world. His healing gift is through the power of his words. In these important documents of our time [Kiss of God & A Good Kiss] Marshall Ball uses his gentle and seemingly simple use of the English language to incite a healing effect that evokes deep emotions and directly effects the heart. Short of a miracle, both of Marshall Ball's books are a collection of communications poetically expressed and clearly echo teachings from A Course in Miracles, Eckhart Tolle's Power of Now and Stillness Speaks, and the Conversations with God books, none of which have been a source of study for this young man of 17. It seems Truth is spoken again by another source of pure love, but here, with heavenly gentleness and a poetic voice that can lift and heal the coldest of hearts. I highly recommend reading and studying both "Kiss of God" and "A Good Kiss" as material for spiritual study and personal growth. May this gentle heavenly force continue to grace us with his divine wisdom and healing voice.

This book will touch you. There is a simplicity and purity of thought, but there are deeper more profound meanings there for you to discover on your own. Marshall is a special child of God, as we all are in our own way. Love and listening are prevalent themes in Marshall's short poems and prose. I am a grown man with grown children, and I am not prone to tears, but many of Marshall's words brought tears to my eyes. I know God talks through Marshall. Share this book with your friends and family.

This is an absolutely great book for anyone interested in "greening" their home. Their recommendations are great for the enviornment, for your health, home and save you money!

It's amazing all the products you can clean with that are already in your kitchen and, more importantly, not toxic.

This is a great book. I got it not really thinking I would use it as much as I have. I use it for body creams, cleansers and moisturizers AND I use if for household cleaning, furniture polish, sachets, and more. And her explanations of how different ingredients work is also very helpful. I now buy very few commercial cleaners (Bon Ami, Ecover laundry detergent) mostly because I can't find washing soda anywhere locally.

This is an excellent guide for a less toxic living approach. It provides you with 868 easy to make natural and chemical free formulas for Household Cleaners, Skin & Hair Care, Lawn and Garden Care, Paint, Art Projects and so much more. It's a great resource to have around. I really liked how most of the recipes only call for a couple of ingredients and are really easy to make. And best of all they work too. One of my favorites is the Aloe Vera Moisturizer with Avocado Oil. It's the only Moisturizer I still use for my face and it works great!

Highly recommend this book!

This book is filled with natural and non-toxic cleaning products, personal care products and more. I have made a number of cleaning potions from Better Basics and am loving the way my house smells when I clean it! Meaning...instead of the old days using harsh chemicals, my home smells like almost nothing--just clean!

I was going to post a review for Annie Bond's Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle, but noticed it is no longer in print. Too bad, because it was good. However, if you want similar information, check out Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your PlanetBoth of these books deal with the next steps to take once your home is non-toxic, including ways to make your home your sanctuary.

As a Christian Counselor I use many books in my work including this one and "The Man of Her Dreams The Woman of His! 2" (the second book by this same author. I also like the new book A Forever Love Story Surviving Trials in Marriage These books are useful in showing how a Christian marriage should be. They are great "instruction manuals" on doing marriage right that goes well with the Bible. I would certainly recommend all of these books to any couple wishing to better their marriage.

This book is very informative and helpful in the age old conflict between husbands and wives. Joel is to be commended for his eye opening stand on issues that have for too long kept women in mental outlooks of defeat, especially when it comes to a troubled marriage. Joel and Kathy have taken a position of determination to help people realize their responsibilties in contributing to the foundation of trusting love and wholesomeness between a couple. For me, this book has been invaluable for supporting and even encouraging regaining hope that was lost and a renewed self image. That, in itself, is healing. I appreciated the emphasis on men recognizing their God-given responsibilty to lay down their own interests in life, as the head of the home, for the good of their wives. I have always believed that good would come back to them in abundance, if they caught hold of that vision. Love and respect is the main theme throughout this book. What better platform can you speak from then what God has already declared to be His design in the first place.
Hats off to Joel and Kathy! And prayerfully, may this type of writing/ministry be a forerunner to many ministries and counselors who seek to help in the marriage arena. Here is "hole" in our society that needs to be addressed and fixed. I would recommend this book to anyone who is married or even thinking about getting married!! Full of common sense.

This book is awesome and powerful. Joel and Kathy are truly amazing and hit the nail right on the head in every area of how to have the marriage of your dreams!!

Made in Heaven!

When it comes to communicating how struggling marriages can be healed, God has done a mighty work in authors, Joel and Kathy Davisson. And the good news is they have shared what they learned in not one, but two of the most innovative marriage books around.

Book I, The Man of Her Dreams, The Woman of His, tells how their relationship was restored, using sound biblical principals, after the sins of adultery and abuse had taken a huge toll on their marriage.

In Book II, The Man of Her Dreams The Woman of His 2 - Livin' It and Lovin' It! (Volume 2) Joel and Kathy continue to share the insight God has given them which has produced the "outrageously happy marriage" they now enjoy. Such ideas as the husband as initiator in the relationship--the husband sets the tone of the marriage--he is the leader in that sense. They also champion submission--not as it has traditionally been taught, but MUTUAL submission, wherein the wife submits to the husband AND the husband submits to the wife. As in Book I, men are called to "become the man God is calling you to be by being the husband your wife needs you to be."

In both of their books, Joel and Kathy teach tried and true concepts gleaned from the Bible that they have applied to their own once struggling, now very successful marriage. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to have or help others to have a marriage (literally) made in heaven!

Kay Sons

This book, along with using scripture, can help couples identify and address marital problems and remedy them so that their marriages can be blessed and happy. As each spouse is overflowing with the love of God, then their marriage will be happy and blessed. The church and society at large will benefit as happily married christian couples bring God's kingdom into this world.

Just as God's grace is multifaceted, I believe that solutions in life will be as well. There are many good marriage books. I just read an unflattering book review by the couple that wrote this book (which is how I got here), and I am concerned on a variety of levels. The following statements are from the bible and should be lived out. Christians are to submit to God first and then to one another. Christians are to love other christians and non-christians. Husbands are are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Wives are told to submit/obey their husbands. The weight of emphasis is what Joel has an issue with. He expresses frustration with the emphasis that if wives would only submit, husbands would love. I agree with him. But God's order and design for marriage should not be dismissed. I need to love my enemies, regardless if they deserve it. Husbands and wives have responsibilities in marriage whether the spouses deserve it or not.

It is astounding to me that Joel would publicly denounce another book on the same subject matter in a book review on Amazon. He never finished reading the book he criticized. He claims that the bible teaching of women having to submit to their husbands is based on one LONELY scripture and is actually the reason that the church's teaching on marriage has been 'upside down' for 45 years. He purports that his book teaches something inspired by God and corrects the generally accepted church marriage paradigm. On this topic, Joel claims to be prophetic.

He also claimed in his review that his greatest need as a man "is for me to learn what it means to lay my life down for my wife and love her as Christ loves the church," not to be respected by his wife. These are not analogous. Actually, one is his responsibility/obligation (dying for his wife and loving her), the other is a reference to a desired response from his wife (respect). The author of "Love and Respect" (the critically reviewed book) makes that distinction. Husbands and wives are responsible to behave as the Bible teaches, regardless of the number of scriptures that support a behavior (for instance - being a living sacrifice). Respect is something I appreciate from others, especially my wife.

Another strong statement in the review is "I do not want my wife to feel like she is supposed to "respect" me simply because I am her husband or because the bible tells her to respect me. Yes, every man would like to feel respect - but does a Christlike man want his wife to respect him just because he is a male whom she is married to? No. A real man wants to live a life that is worthy of respect and wants to be respected because of the life that he lives." He obviously was not worthy of her respect for many years in their marriage. In fact, his behavior while being a pastor was bad enough to disqualify him from ministry. We as christians should be living lives that please God which will engender the responses of respect and love in return. I would like to illustrate this from a wife's perspective, using Joel's quote, "I do not want my husband to feel like he is supposed to "love" me simply because I am his wife or because the bible tells him to love me. Yes, every woman would like to feel love - but does a Christlike woman want her husband to respect her just because she is a female whom he is married to? No. A real woman wants to live a life that is worthy of love and wants to be loved because of the life that she lives"? I would hope so. We should live what the bible says, even if others are not living the way they are supposed to be living. Proverbs 31 exhorts women to be virtuous. Men and women, regardless of being spouses, are called to be holy and loving.

Joel was a pastor when he was guilty of abusing his wife emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He eventually committed adultery. Interestingly, his parents were involved with pastoring as well, and his father had also committed adultery and left the family. It makes one wonder when a family of pastors can behave so badly. Joel, as the egregious offender, he needed to change, and not blame his wife. But what about when a wife commits adultery? Is it the husband's fault? As David proclaimed, I have sinned against the Lord. Good marriage counseling addresses spousal accountabilities, thoughts and behaviors that are inconsistent with them, and strategies to help change the marriage for the better. Rarely is a bad marriage one spouse's fault.

Before Joel's book was written in 2004, many wonderful helpful biblical marriage books were already written. And if he had read those books, he may have avoided or shortened the length of the abuse and adultery that he was guilty of. A book that balances a husband's responsibility in marriage and a wife's responsibility in marriage is called "The Way of Agape" by Nancy Missler, written in 1995. Her marriage was in shambles as well, but she fought to preserve her marriage just like Joel's wife fought to preserve theirs. Another book that was written from the perspective that a husband's behavior alone could turn a marriage around is called "Rekindled, How to Keep the Warmth in Marriage" by Pat Williams, also written in 1995. Both books take different approaches, but the end result was the same - a saved, vibrant, restored marriage.

Hopefully, in the spirit of Christian love and humility, Joel will refrain from writing additional poor book reviews on marital topics, while promoting his own books. The love he promotes in this book for his wife comes from the Holy Spirit. The same source should influence Joel to be less critical of other marriage books.

I have to agree with the only other two-star review of this book: I'm rather amazed by all the praise. The message the book conveys is a fantastic one, true, but that's all it is~a message. In my opinion, Where Peace Lives is a "peace class" masquerading as a story. The metaphors all exist right on the surface; there is no need to look deeper. Because of this, the characters are not real~they're just different mouthpieces for the author's "message," like puppets. And the main character (the "I" of the story) is not developed at all. We know almost nothing about her, except that she likes the taste of orange popsicles and she's felt bad because other children have made fun of her or refused to play with her. She also doesn't seem like a child, despite her juvenile speeches. Writers need to understand that talking about tasty popsicles and play-dates is not all it takes to write for children.

I realize this all sounds pretty scathing, and I need to apologize somewhat for that. It's just that I was really looking forward to reading this book because of its premise, and now that I have, I feel immensely let down. I don't mind the idea of educating children about peace~in fact, I think that's great~but I expected more of a story from a book marketed as one.

Like all of us, the main character in Where Peace Lives longed for true peace. Each night she wished for peace and then fell into a deep sleep, as if wrapped in the arms of an angel. However, when she awoke each morning, she returned to reality. It seemed to her that despite everyone wishing for peace, that end seemed impossible.

A knock at her door would change everything. There stood Luther the Bear. Luther was king of The Mountain Where Dreams Are Made. He came with news that the angel Peace had been locked in a glass box and only the three keys to peace could set her free. The two set off to The City of Right and Wrong where the debate over milk had completely divided the city. Their real journey was about to begin.

Where Peace Lives is a beautifully woven entertaining tale from which we can all gain insight. The story and the characters are inspired by and based upon the historic Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. I love the interfaith quality of the story showing that we may all think and believe differently but ultimately we all want to be treated fairly and live a peaceful life.

Where does peace come from? It isn't something born of war, or won through argument. Author Debbie Robins explores peace and finds three keys to it in her book, "Where Peace Lives." A book for all ages, children and adults, it is sure to become a classic along the lines of "The Little Prince." More than that, it is a delightful read, and a tool for spreading some very valuable lessons.

The narrator is worried about the world and wonders why everyone can't just get along. One night, a visitor comes and insists that the angel, Peace, needs to be set free. Peace is trapped in a glass box and three keys are needed to open the lock. They need to find the keys, and they begin by looking in the City of Right and Wrong. There, terrible things are happening. The residents are divided and each side insists that the other side is wrong. What's even worse is that the Cube of Bitterness hovers above and devours those who are the "right ones". Donkeys and elephants play tug of war, only it isn't a game. It looks like there is no hope for peace. However, Mister Buddha, a poetic cat, is sharing a potion called Acceptance, and so there is hope after all.

Mister Buddha introduces our narrator to the concept of acceptance and the fact that kindness begets kindness, and also to his best friend, Mahma. The adventure continues with a story of understanding and Oneness, and then on to the Sea of Forgiveness, where two orangutans, Chris and Mo impart more wisdom. Through a desert and to a waterfall, and up a mountaintop, the keys are sought. Will they be found in time to set Peace free?

A parable, the story can be taken at face value, with lessons still understood. Upon further reflection, deeper meanings come to light and the reader can see how important choices are. The colorful characters' teachings are inspired by and reflect those of Ghandi, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and Martin Luther King. With exquisite illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a most important plot, "Where Peace Lives" rates my highest recommendation. Additional biographical information on these key people is included at the back of the book, as well as journaling space and an exercise to "strengthen your peace muscle'. Well written and enjoyable to experience, this book is a must read for everyone you know.

In this lovely fable, Peace is an angel who appears in the narrator's dreams--and then is suddenly the object of a quest. She has been locked inside an unbreakable glass box, and three keys must be found in order to free her before the evil Cube of Bitterness devours the world.

In the search for the keys, the narrator meets and is assisted by a bear named Luther, King of the Mountain Where Dreams Are Made; Mister Budd Ha, a Siamese cat who peddles bottles of Acceptance; and several other creatures who promote peace. Philosophically, the characters are based on the peaceful teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, Moses, the Prophet Mohammad, and Jesus Christ. Debbie Robins portrays their ideas with both humor and understanding.

While the outcome of the story is fairly obvious, the language used to tell it is lyrical and peaceful in and of itself. The pen and ink illustrations by Victor Robert are also fantastic. I loved the Roomy Tea Garden and the tree named Bodhi. This is not just a picture book, but a book to be shared by child and parent/caregiver. It should appeal on different levels to both reader and listener. I read several sections aloud and found the words and phrases to flow in a charming way. I especially recommend it to those like their children's books to have a bit of substance.

At the end of the book, Robins also provides the reader with biographical information and philosophical summaries of those figures whose philosophies of peace she incorporates. There are also a few pages to jot down the reader's own ideas of how to bring more peace into today's world.

Armchair Interviews: An unique children's book about peace.

WHERE PEACE LIVES is a captivating adventure for children and adults alike. It teaches us that peace requires a profound internal shift in how we perceive and respond to each other. This book is essential for those of us who seek to transform ourselves and change our world. Eleanor Barr

This is a really sweet book! My 9 year old daughter really enjoys it. My 6 year old son could care less right now. But if I talk to him about the meaning, he then understands it more and asks some really smart questions!

The story is about how we (the children) are a big part of earth. How everything is a part of us. Everywhere we look on earth and above is what we are made up of... kinda cool. I really liked it!

If you have a universal outlook on spirituality- you will love this book! My children beam after we read it. They feel special, loved, secure... all the things we want for our kids. There is not ONE THING scary or negative in this book. It voids the polarity idea. It is fantastic.

This is a wonderful book. I have a four year old son who has owned this book since before he was three. He loves and understands it, probably more so than many adults. It is the favorite book for my husband and son to read together.

If you like this book you will love "Child of Fairy, Child of Earth". Both books have beautiful verse, illustrations and messages.

This book is beautifully inspiring and a needed aid in nuturing spirituality in children, I love it as much as my 3-year-old.

This is by far one of my most favorite children's books. "I am part of all I see, and all I see is part of me." Those first two pages sum it up.

The illustrations are warm, gentle, and beautiful. If you look closely you can see little elves and fairies hiding in the forest. My girls love to try and find them while we are reading.

I have given this book as a gift many times and it is always well received.

Thank you Chara for creating such a wonderful book for our evolving little ones (and their parents)!

I originally bought American Wholefoods Cuisine in the early 80's when my children were small. It quickly became our favourite cookbook. I like their philosophy, the recipes are very good and it has one of the most complete indexes I've ever seen. The introduction explains how to be sure you are getting complete protien when you eliminate animal protien from your diet. There is a section on food handling and storage as well as cooking techniques. I was pleased to see that it was available again. My current copy is much loved and I wanted to give a copy to each of my girls so they can recreate the favourite recipes of their childhood. In the past 20 years, hardly a week goes by without my consulting it.

we are not vegetarians, but purchased this book as a part of our effort to incorporate more vegetarian meals into our weekly menu. i really appreciate that they mark the recipes with major, minor or protein complement so you can build a nutritionally sound meal that is also satisfying. i also like to short-list of themed menus at the back that makes planning meals easier. not all recipes have been winners, but we have enjoyed several quite a bit and nothing has been inedible. i dropped it from 5 to 4 stars bc the nutritional content of the meals is not provided and thus i have to do a lot of math in order to figure out how much fat/calories are in each dish.

My sister-in-law recommended this book. She had prepared one recipe for a meal we shared during a recent visit and it was great. I asked for the receipe and she provided the title and said she had not found a bad recipe yet. I immediately ordered the book when I got home. My wife and I love this book. We keep going through it and writing down recipes we want to try. We have yet to find one that we don't like. Each is a repeat for the future

If you buy only one vegetarian cookbook, this is the one. There are no fancy pictures and the recipes are very basic, but I wore out my first copy and am now on my second. This must say something for it! It has not changed, either, for which I am thankful. The recipes cover a wide range of ethnic and North American dishes and there should be something there for everyone.

Trying to find a good all round vegetarian cookbook is quite a difficult task. Many of the vegetarian cookbooks I've come across are either gourmet and not really suitable for everyday meals or full of bland tofu recipes that resemble cardboard in taste and texture. Finding recipes that use only whole foods is even more difficult. I've only come across one or two good ones that had maybe a half dozen recipes that I could actually use in daily life. The rest were either extremely laborious or required fresh foods that weren't readily available in my area.

Then I stumbled across American Wholefoods Cuisine. I was intrigued with the notion of vegetarian recipes that contained all whole foods. I expected and would have been quite happy with a cookbook that gave me a dozen decent dishes to try. Therefore, when I received the book and it contained 1300 meatless whole foods recipes, I was thrilled beyond belief.

American Wholefoods Cuisine has already become one of my staple cookbooks, along with a few old standbys given to me by my mother and mother-in-law. This book has a lot of everything from quick tasty snacks that I can make in a few minutes to full gourmet meals that I can make when I'm in the mood. In between there are all sorts of appetizers, soups, sauces, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and baking treats. All easy to create with ingredients that I already have in my kitchen.

Most importantly, the food made from these recipes actually tastes good. For the first time in my life, I can eat completely healthy and not feel like I'm missing out on something. What's more, I have an ever-expanding group of young adults that are devouring everything I make as fast as I can cook.

This book will cure your repetetive strain injuries. Butler describes how to stretch properly and what stretches will benefit you most depending on where you have pain or numbness. It is amazing how much better I got, and how quickly! You will need to keep up on your stretches to stay well.

I'd only be repeating the praises others have given this book, but I just want to say I highly recommend this book. The stretches are explained clearly and simply and they do work. I've bought this book for friends and when they follow the exercises, they get relief. Another plus, is doing the stretches FEELS so good and it only takes maybe 15 minutes.

This book was loaned to me at my job as a computer engineer. I had carpal tunnel affecting my wrists & forarm. Excellent, easy stretches which really relieve the pain. I recommended it to a friend who cleans houses for a living, and she was able to stop wearing the arm brace. Great for those tiny, hard to stretch muscles.

Excellent guide to conquering several medical pains/problems that most doctors would have to diagnose.

I have been experimenting with many strategies to get rid of carpal tunnel in my right hand, including learning how to write and do housework with my left hand. I do the exercises for both hands at the same time so that my left hand doesn't develop the same problem. With these exercises
and a hand brace when sleeping, pain at night went away. But if I forget to do the exercises on one day, I pay for it the next day through pain and decreased range of motion so I know they are essential. The carpal tunnel has not all gone away after several months of doing the exercises, however, just improved. Perhaps I need to do them more often. Be careful when you do them - she is not kidding when she says go GENTLY. More force is worse. The other thing that seems to be helping me is pilates.