Health Books

Hally is a dog with bad breath. It is extremely bad breath. So bad the family feels they need to get rid of him. However, when his horrific breath saves the family from danger, the dog gets to stay and is a hero.

This is a cute story, and the play on words with Hally Tosis is funny. My son likes this story, but it doesn't engage him in the way that some of the other Dav Pilkey books do. The writing just isn't as funny as it is in Dogzilla and Kat Kong. However, the illustrations are very funny, and we like to talk about all of the different reactions to Hally's doggy breath. In fact, the illustrations entertain my son more than the story.

This is a nice easy read for the kids, and the reader can enjoy the adventure right along with the kids.

I thought this book was so cute!!!! The humor is wonderful and so smart. I am publishing a children's book and hope it is as wonderful as Dog Breath!
(...)

We finally get something that kids can REALLY appreciate- a cute, lovable dog with horrid breath. The story is hysterical, the artwork sheer perfection. My three and five year-olds both love this one. I have to confess I do, too. Yeah, there's a message in here, too... but who cares. Books like this will make young kids love books.

This was a wonderful book about childbirth. The authors walk you through "full-throttle pain relief", such as epidurals and spinal blocks; alternative methods, including self-hypnosis, birth balls and birthing pools, complete with testimonials from those who have tried them; and advice from caregivers, including obstetricians, nurses and anesthesiologists.

Written in a reassuring and accessible tone, this book left me feeling reassured and more fully informed about the labor process.

I found Easy Labor very helpful in preparing for labor. Unlike most classes and books, it did not promote either the medical model or the natural model to the exclusion of the other. It simply laid out all the different options available during labor, and provided actual data on which were effective, and the pros and cons of each.

Written by an anesthesiologist, this objective and comprehensive guide outlines the pros and cons of pain relief options in childbirth. From acupuncture to hydrotherapy to hypnosis to the Bradley method to the epidural, you'll find it here. This book is the best and only one of its kind - readers will learn about labor from professionals (midwives, nurses, obstetricians) and moms in a clear, easy-to-read text. If you want to be "prepared" for labor (if that's possible), look no further. This is a book designed for middle-of-the-road, level-headed mamas - it's neither extremely naturalistic and anti-medicine nor overly cold and sterile.

Don't go to the hospital without reading this book. It gives you the knowledge to ask specifically for the pain relief you need. I was going the natural route until my labor had gone on for 30 hours. I had to take a detour from my original plan after being stuck at 9 cm for hours and enduring Pitocin without an epidural. I had to break down and ask for the epidural. It was going to take the anesthesiologist (sp?) a 1/2 hour to get to me, so I asked for narcotic in my IV. The nurses said no, but I asked them to call the doctor (b/c I had read in this book that it was ok), and the doctor said yes, of course. I had relief right away and did not have to suffer for another minute.

This book is an absolute must-read for women who are considering motherhood, AS WELL AS their partners and potential birth support persons.

It is vitally important that women and their birth helpers be very educated about pain relief and management options so they can confidently make decisions at a time when physical and emotional challenges may leave them feeling panicked or vulnerable.

This book is full of information that can be applied to any kind of birth, in any type of setting. I especially appreciated the encouragement to keep an open mind and expect the unexpected- the pain is often more or less than what you would have expected. Even if you're planning a home birth with no pain medications, it is important to know about them anyway in case your birth doesn't go as planned (which is often the case).

The book is very respectful toward the pain relief and management decisions that each different mother makes, whether she wants an "epidural all the way" or a "completely unmedicated" experience. It is also very well-written, well-organized and interesting- at some points I couldn't put it down.

I would have given the book 5 stars were it not for the omission of home birth from the list of "birth environments" (and the lack of acknowledgement in general that home birth is an option). There are only a few passing mentions of home births. Yes, you may apply the "complementary and alternative" pain management/relief method information to home birth. However, there are special concerns regarding pain relief and management during home birth and/or hospital transport that aren't really addressed in this book, so I can't say I would consider this book totally complete.

I do give the book a lot of credit, however, for pretty good coverage of alternative pain management and relief methods- some of which I was not familiar with- and a pretty good overview (if rather cursory) of the roles of midwives and doulas in the birth process.

Struggling with infertility is challenging all by itself without the added emotional struggles that must be faced. In my personal situation I've found that not many people, even family members, can relate to or understand what I've been going through. Even a relative whose gone through IVF doesn't understand. I found that Jenna wrote this book not just for me, but for those who love me. Both myself and my husband breezed through the book and feel as if the stories are about us. My mom has also read it and developed a greater understanding of what we're going through. Next we'll have the family members who can't understand why we don't attend children's birthday parties or baby showers read it. Jenna gives such wonderful advice on all of these situations that make us feel so irrational...and reminds us we're not! This should be a MUST read for anyone who is just beginning their infertility journey or has been on the journey much too long.

One in six couples will experience difficulty conceiving a child, yet the isolation of infertility can be overwhelming. Jenna and Mike's story is uniquely their own; however, any infertile reading this book will be struck with the similarities to their personal journey. Jenna does a fantastic job of bringing to the surface the raw emotions (hope, despair, anger, jealousy, and shame, to name a few) that an infertile struggles with every day. Mike's contributions to the story give a welcome male perspective and show just how important a team effort is to surviving this disease.

For those on the sidelines, this is as real as it gets. Jenna's depiction of a "typical" IVF cycle was dead on - from the Day 2 ultrasound, through the pharmacy of medications and their side-effects, to the longest wait of your life after which you find out if all you've invested (physically, emotionally and financially) has finally paid off.

The list of "dos and don'ts" written for those close to someone dealing with infertility is, perhaps, one of the most important parts of this book. If you read The Empty Picture Frame because you know someone living with infertility, pay close attention to this section and take Jenna's words to heart.

Thank you, Jenna and Mike for having the courage to educate others by putting your story out there for all to see. Best of luck to you both!

This book tells the truth, the raw, unadulterated truth about what it's like to walk the path of an infertile couple, trying again and again without success. If you're not infertile, you'll realize empathy and compassion in these pages, and learn what not to say. If you're infertile, you will see yourself here. Jenna holds nothing back. She doesn't make it pretty or cute or lighthearted. She invites you to experience the emotions along with her. This book is an invaluable emotional resource for infertiles and those who care about them.

What an amazing book! I have gone thru 7 hearbreaking IVF's myself & only heard about this book after my struggles. It was nice to read I was not the only one going thru that terrible pain. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with infertility or knows someone going thru it. If this book was out while I was in the worst pain of my life I would have bought 100 copies & gave it to everyone in my family so they would stop hurting me more with all the questions. If you buy this book you will not be disapointed. WONDERFUL to read.

I first saw Jenna on the Oprah Winfrey show. I immediately felt connected to her because of her struggle with infertility. I could totally understand her pain. She was the first person I had seen that I honestly felt I could relate to.

So when I saw that she had written a book about her story, I just had to buy it. This book is an amazing resource for infertility! It gives the full picture of what it's like to go through all the stages of infertility, from before "trying to conceive" all the way through many IVF attempts. Jenna has given the reader an inside glimpse into the life of an infertile.

The way she tells her story (along with her husband's two cents every so often) is so compelling. It really was hard to put down.

This book is not only a great resource to someone personally struggling with infertility but also to those who who know of someone else who is struggling with it.

After I finished the book I gave it to my mom so she could get a glimpse of what I was going through. And most importantly, so she could read the helpful hints Jenna talks about at the end of the book as to how to best support someone going through infertility. These suggestions are so dead on! I wish I would've given it to her years ago.

Overall, I just can't recommend this book enough!

Holistic medicine. Food being the primary medicine for health. You are what you eat. Large focus on Asian Diet. Many great tips. I had no idea that some of these really helpful products existed. And I forgot about food combinations. Much better than the simple food pyramid. She teaches you to listen to your body. And utilize more greens. A worthwhile read if your goal is super nutrition. You'll be in the healthfood store after reading this, and enjoying it.

This book was my introduction to TCM, traditional Chinese medicine, and it was an eye-opener. I really enjoyed the author's relaxed demeanor throughout the book, while still getting the points across. The eating plan is reasonable and realistic. The YinYang Sisters teas recommended are really delicious and it's great to have beverage alternatives that are actually good for you as well. I am experimenting with the teas, some of the homeopathic remedies and trying reishi mushroom extract and liking it! I am working on losing weight, lowering blood sugar and improving or healing some inflammatory disease processes and I'll report back on my progress using the recommendations in this book. In addition, the author is extremely helpful via her website with specific and individual questions. All in all, I highly recommend this book.

Do yourself a favor and buy Feed Your Tiger. I was given the book by a friend at work. I saw it had good reviews from 2 French chefs quoted on the cover. So I tried the diets - all of them for all the types. They all taste good.

I like salt like a dragon, sweets like a bear, spices and liquor like a tiger and cigarettes and pizza like a crane. What does that make me? A satisfied reader. The author has good suggestions for all my addictions.
So I started eating seaweed for my salt craving. I like it. It's crunchy. Then I started using stevia for my sweet tooth. It's not bad. At least its sweet. I used a couple of homeopathic remedies suggested in the book and finally started to lose weight for the first time in many years.

I have continued to use the diet suggestions and I highly recommend this book. It's fun fast reading. All my friends at work are trying to figure out their animal types. I work in a hospital and there are lots of bears and dragons around. Some of us have started a club --former fatties now addicted to Feed Your Tiger.

I loved the recipes in this book! Apple rhubarb pie, Hunter's Chicken (or tofu), home made digestive bitters, leek pie, steamed salmon with pineapple and red onion, pasta with tree ears, healthy coq au vin, nouvelle ratatouille, a fast easy sukiyaki and Indonesian noodle dish. The desserts like chocolate berry pie were a revelation. Anyone can make these and stay slim and healthy.

I know I am a Bear who loves to eat. With this book I lost 38 pounds and am still getting thinner and happier every day. This is the only way to lose weight and keep it off--eat well, eat less, drink tea, and Feed Your Tiger!

This fantastic new book is a vital tool for busy, active people who don't have time to be sick, fat, or stupid. Or dunces who write erroneous reviews about books that are beyond their limited understanding. Feed Your Tiger recommends tasty, slimming meals from Asian and other restaurants; a balanced basic diet for everyone; and recipes, special foods, and easily available supplements for 4 eating types:

* Dragons: salty junk foods addicts
* Bears: sweets and comfort-food bingers
* Tigers: nervous eaters who like spices and alcohol
* Cranes: food extremists, smokers

If you are none of the above, you are an angel--although possibly an overweight one. Use this book to overcome your food addictions, build vitality, and enhance your appearance.

The well-known author of Feed Your Tiger has an extensive Net presence with numerous columns featured on both traditional medical as well as alternative health and beauty websites. She has authored authoritative books on Asian medicine, including Asian Health Secrets: The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine, which is highly recommended by alternative-minded health professionals. Her book Healthy Beauty features natural ways to enhance vitality and individual appeal for men and women.

Feed Your Tiger is a sophisticated, very practical and enjoyable book that targets the dangers of our fast-paced urban lifestyle--overweight, diabetes, prostate problems, weakened immunity, food addictions, and depression.

I found this book while looking for some healthy recipes that my kids (2 & 4) would eat. It turned out to be much more than just recipes- it has changed the way our family eats- for the better! It has an easy to follow six-week plan, which I think is brilliant, because you can gradually add in healthy items and the kids don't even notice that they're eating healthier. The plan is also very flexible- you do what works for your family. I don't want to completely ban treats, but I know that for the most part we are eating healthy, so I don't mind us having some special treats now and then. It has some great recipes in it, too. I just think it is a great book for any parent to have and I highly recommend it! My family is well on it's way to a healthier diet and the kids enjoy the food, too.

My daughters and I have really enjoyed this book. The book's "field guide" approach makes it easy to read and understand. My ten year-old makes the snacks with the recipes provided. We love this hassle free system to feeding the kids! Thank you!

"Feeding the Kids" is beautifully organized, well-researched and full of sound, sensible advice for parents who want to encourage healthy eating choices and habits for their kids. Easy, helpful tips on choosing and introducing foods for life abound, and nothing is forbidden. Foods are ranked in easy-to-remember categories, simplifying choosing foods for more healthy snacks and meals.

A section of simple-to-make recipes for snacks and meals is the 'frosting on the cake' of this wonderful book. I have tried several, and found them easy, quick to prepare, and delicious!

I keep several of these books on hand to give for new-baby gifts. I wish it had been available when we were raising our family. It is so easy to fall back into the family eating patterns that existed when we grew up - and lay those on our children. This book blows a fresh breeze through all of that without making parents feel guilty or children feel pressured or deprived. And, even though our kids are grown, I find myself referring to it regularly!

This book is an absolute asset to any family and of course to every kitchen! This is the book to get for all those who are bogged down in the never ending cycle of work, home, extra murals, not knowing even what to shop for half the time, tired and bored with food and no new ideas on getting your family back on track and eating the way you should be eating. I have two kids, I work, I run a business, my schedule is never ending and I'm totally out of food ideas. This book has been so refreshing in its non-judgemental and realistic approach to improving your lifestyle and eating habits and getting into a routine and situation that just works! What I would suggest is that if you're looking for recipes as well, to also go ahead and buy a couple of practical kid friendly cook books to draw inspiration from. Go for something that is easy and doesn't require any drawn out preparations - just something to grab and go and cook up in less than an hour. There are some really great recipes in Feeding the Kids, however I feel that more is more and only serve to add to the variety, making life even easier! Meal planning although it can take some time initially is also something to really go for! Buy yourself a journal and spend some time - even over the period of a week or so, preparing a month or even two weeks worth of menus. This way you can photocopy and paste recipes into the journal and have everything you need on hand when you go shopping and are ready to cook. With two weeks worth of recipes and meals you just recycle when you get to the end of it and probably go several months that way too! I found books like sneaky chef and deceptively delicious to be a waste of time and energy - get your kids into the real deal! Quite honestly I think they probably gain more from V8 or fresh smoothies made from real fresh fruit that hasn't been cooked up to hell and gone, pureed and then recooked - probably leaving all the nutrients behind anyway!

As a Mom who doesn't enjoy fancy or complicated cooking, I highly recommend this book! The recipes are easy and the menus offer great ideas for pulling together balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. In addition, the nutrition information is presented in a logical, easy to understand way! This book has really turned my family's poor eating habits around!

Easy Reading, and the message gets through. A simple common sense approach to fitness and life in general. I have had always had a problem with weight gain and staying in shape. After reading "FIT HAPPENS", I feel I now have the plan to handle both! A book I have already shared with all members of my family members! Thanks to Mr. Pierron for showing us the way to a better life.

"Fit Happens at Any Age" is fitness-made-simple! Interspersed with motivational quotes and stories, Pierron lays out a plan for a fit lifestyle for body, mind and spirit.

Smart training advice, combined with the fuel to live fit!

Fit Happens has made a believer out of me! Mike lays out logical, simple steps to improving one's overall fitness, health and general well being. His exuberance inspired me to follow his clear cut system to develop a better personal fitness and nutritional program. It's easy to begin and everyone could benefit leading to improved physical and emotional well being almost immediately. Start today and you will not be disappointed!

I think Mike's book is the perfect combination of "why" and "how" to get fit. Fit Happens delivers the motivational messages as well as the game plan for success. I love the philosophy of "be bold, be brief and be gone"! The high-intensity and short-duration approach is very relevant for people of all ages living in our "super-busy" world. I have revised my fitness commitment and have begun again...just like Mike recommended I do on page 182. Thanks for the inspiration Mike!!!

I love this book for its simplicity (I guess thats where the "Cliff Notes" reference comes from) on how one can get fit at any age. Mr. Peirron is able to make the sometimes very confusing world of fitness, understandable, usable and humorous. From his "TNT" principles, psychological motivation, and real life experiences (he says he is a former fat guy), every page of this book has something to offer. Of the fitness books that I've read, Fit Happens ranks very high. Not from a technical standpoint, but on how user friendly it is. Congrats to this first time author, you have a slam dunk and "DREAM BIG"

This is one of the best books I've read in my life! Brilliant! a perfect tool for life; I recommend this book to everyone that can read and those who can't read have someone read it to you. Your life will be transformed!

This is a great book! A step by step guide that is easy to read and follow. I gave this book to all my '20 something' cousins for Christmas. However this book is for all ages. A reference for the rest of your successful life!

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Get this book... I can't stop reading it.

In 2006 I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Herbert Harris for my syndicated radio show, "Ashe'!" Mr. Harris sent me a copy of his popular book to acquaint me with his work. Not only did Mr. Harris prove to be a dynamic interview subject, his book also was a succinct guide for getting and staying on the road to success. "Twelve Universal Laws of Success" serves both the neophyte seeker and the adept. I personally discovered the restorative power of "The Twelve Universal Laws of Success." As an artist, lecturer, producer, and ordained minister who has built a 30 year career motivating others via mass media, I faced my own critical challenge that threatened to halt my life's work. Lifelong epilepsy and severe asthma became progressively disabling conditions for me in 2006.

I had the nerve to be surprised to learn how many people were anxious to see my downfall. Even close family members encouraged me to give up my Internet-based radio station, my syndicated radio show, my TV show, my online magazine, my performing, lecturing, ministering, and motivational column. In essence, to give up my life's work. I was laughed at, told to go on welfare or become a receptionist. I carried "Twelve Universal Laws" in my bag, reading it and re-reading it as I traveled on buses, trains, and especially on my way to and from doctor appointments and sitting in hospital emergency rooms. It kept me focused. I tuned out every naysayer.
I was also blessed to learn that Mr. Harris lives what he teaches. His uplifting phone chats gave me a snapshot into the workings of his own everyday life, inspiring me to truly master my own success. While healing I finished writing my own book.

Now in 2007 I am fully recovered, my radio station has expanded, my TV show is coming to the net and other markets, I am hosting/producing an additional syndicated radio show, and I am lecturing and teaching in the U.S. and abroad. And I am proud to say I received "Success Master" workshop presenter certification through Herbert Harris' LIFESKILL INSTITUTE, which reinforces the twelve principles in the book through daily application and teaching.

And yes, I still often carry the book around with me as a motivational read.

"The Twelve Universal Laws of Success" is the gift that keeps on giving.

Queen Mother Imakhu Mwt Shekemet
Owner/Operator of AKERU NuAfrakan Network
Author of "The Cowrie Blessings Book: Nu Afrakan Words of Wisdom"

Twelve Universal Laws of Success reviewed in July 2007 issue of the Network Marketing Business Journal

Twelve Universal Laws book considered heir of Napoleon Hill


In his second, expanded edition of The Twelve Universal Laws of Success international author and syndicated newspaper columnist, Herbert Harris dedicates an overview to the network marketing industry. The book, however, is universal in its appeal to entrepreneurs of every variety and anyone who wants to improve their lives, prospects for employment, and ability to get things done.
Harris was involved in network marketing with such legendary companies as National Safety Association (NSA) and the Bahamian Diet. As a syndicated newspaper columnist, his work is distributed to over 200 newspapers throughout the United States. He has touched thousands of people seeking positive change in their lives through "Thoughts for Success," his nationally syndicated newspaper column. Harris is an articulate, experienced, informative media guest who is in great demand as a public speaker, consultant and personal development facilitator.
He also has the distinction of probably being the last person to be admitted to practice law in the state of New York without attending law school. He did his law office clerkship, taught himself law and passed the New York State Bar Exam without ever attending law school.
Harris created Achievement Motivation, a practical college curriculum that substantially cut the freshman dropout rate. He also wrote the book How to Make Money in Music, a highly popular guidebook to the music industry. The first edition of the Twelve Universal Laws of Success (1997) has received international acclaim and was published in China, Italy, Malaysia and Mexico.

Glowing praise for this self-help book

The 200-page, paperback book includes such topics as: signals of poor self-image; ways to improve your self image; overcoming obstacles, fear and worry; developing self-discipline; making a success plan that works; a daily formula for achieving your goals; principles of wealth building; improving relationships with other people; overcoming procrastination; and how to be persistent and get results. The second edition, published in 2004, provides an easy-to-read blueprint for personal retooling necessary to embark on a new career that is practical and spiritually fulfilling.
The book is a well-organized treatment of the basic principles of personal success. Self-help approaches are organized into 12 universal laws that are each based on Biblical principles. "Bible-based but not religious," as the book is described by one reader, it refines self-help concepts into action principles.
Dubbed "the 21st century version of "Think and Grow Rich" and "clearly an intellectual heir" of Napoleon Hill's popular works, The Twelve Universal Laws of Success presents the laws that people must know to be successful in a reader-friendly, concise action format. One pleased reader said,
"The section of the book on making success plans that get desired results puts it a cut above the other success books. The daily formula for achieving goals finally gives a step-by-step approach that anyone can follow."
Another reviewer raved, "This book is a five-star find that should be added to everyone's collection of motivational treasures. The author uses spiritual references that relate to each success principle he discusses. I found the sections on vision, purpose and goals especially useful. I would recommend it to anyone looking to make positive changes in their lives."
"As I read the 12 laws" another Harris follower described, "I sometimes felt like I was being taken on a tour around a statue. By seeing more perspectives, I could understand the holism of the statue much better...or in this case, what is required for success. So don't be surprised at what will seem like a little redundancy in the rules. Some of them are really axioms of other rules...but ones that you might not have figured out on your own."
There is a summary and study guide at the end of each chapter that helps the reader learn, retain, and master the material. "If you apply yourself to the study guides," writes one book devotee, "your benefit from the book will be enormous."
One final reviewer enthused, "I have read most of the well-known `success' books available and this book is truly up there with the best. This book is highly under-rated. No where else will you find such a straightforward explanation of the laws of success."
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Glowing Review: July 2007 issue of Network Marketing Business Journal
Quixtar Book of the Month Over 100,000 copies in print

Internationally published in: Canada, China, Czechoslovakia, India, Italy, Mexico,
and Romania.
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Too often we read and hear of women with eating disorders. This book was very enlightening. I think it took a lot of courage for Ron Saxen to write this book and disclose so much of his life -- the good as well as the bad. Thank you, Ron, for taking the time to write. I hope many women and men that deal with the same issues will find answers, hope and help for themselves reading this book.

When I read a blurb in NEWSWEEK a few months ago about Binge Eating Disorder and Ron Saxen's book, I was quick to pre-order the book. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)is becoming more and more common, yet, very few books address this problem. I expected THE GOOD EATER to be the salvation that held all the keys to unlock the mysteries of BED. THE GOOD EATER was a very different book than I expected. It is really the story of Ron Saxen's life and struggles and his use of food for comfort. A very difficult childhood left him emotionally vacant and lacking in self-confidence. He turned to food and gained and lost weight for years. At one point, he lost enough weight to be signed with a modeling agency and the chance for a promising career. Despite the successful start to his career, he was still overweight and unattractive in his mind. For an emotional eater, handling success can be harder than handling failure. Ron turned to food and gained weight and left his modeling career behind him. For the next 20 years he struggles with various careers, including as a stand up comedian. He even briefly joins the Marines. In a search for love and acceptance, he enters into an unhappy marriage. 20 years after his modeling career, he finds the strength and the love to turn his life around and have a proper relationship with food. The book really is not self-help in nature but the brutally honest story of one man's struggle with food. Ron tells it like it is and rarely is the story pretty. There is hope in his dedication and determination. It's hard to let go of the past and our childhoods can haunt us forever. Only in the last few pages is the issue of binge eating addressed. If you suffer from binge eating disorder, THE GOOD EATER isn't your salvation but there is comfort in knowing you are not alone. It's easy to relate to Ron's downward slide into uncontrollable binge eating. Food was his best friend and gave him temporary relief from the emotional pain of life. His journey is heartbreaking but there is hope around the corner for all of us.

Ron Saxen's The Good Eater is one of the first, if not first, books written about binge eating from the perspective of a male. When reading the book I could vividly see the events playing out and the impact on Ron and his family.

Ron's work has inspired me to move forward in my own personal journey to confront binge eating and the emotions that drive me to binge. That alone should be the true test of the book and in my opinion it passes with an A+.

The inspirational book, The Good Eater, is a candid and absorbing memoir of author Ron Saxen's struggle with BED (binge eating disorder). The author's revealing recollections of his life are often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking. The Good Eater is well paced and written in an entertaining conversational style. Highly recommended!

This book is about a man who grows up in a dysfuntional home and tries to make something of himself by going after all the wrong things. Number one being food and then girls, sex, jobs and even marriage. In the end though he realizes that the only thing that makes him well is realizing he will never be perfect and learning to accept himself with his flaws. I found the book very interesting. The only reason I gave it a 4 is becuase of the constant swearing. Ok, I am not a prude and I understand that at times swearing can get across the point of pain. But, the F word was used constantly and I got tired of it in the end.

This review is more on a personal note, than an explanation of what the book entails (the other reviews have got that covered!). As a newly natural black beauty - I was still struggling with others perecptions of me and my "new" (e.g. natural hair). And of course - I was struggling with my own perceptions of beauty as well. This book allowed me to finally see that our hair is a unique source of pride that needs to be flaunted - not "fixed". Something shifted for me when I read this book, and I finally was able to own not only my new hairstyle (a budding 'fro) but to love my hair in its natural, uninhibited glory. Black women, regardless of our hair texture - straight, wavy, curly, kinky, nappy - we are all so wonderfully beautiful! Hallelujah - I FEEL SO FREE TO BE ME! This book is a must read - share it with every black woman you know - and encourage them to teach our children and our men how to live a life that says "black is beautiful". Spread the knowledge to people of other cultures as well! God bless!

Excellent book about black hair and black culture. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about both and how they relate to the "American" ideal.

This book is great begining for people that are redescovering themselfes aftermaking the decision or are trying to decide wheter go natural or not. It helps you to understand how we got here , how black beauty is not well accepted and why. It make you wonder, questionning yourself and others, and in my case keep learning.

I've recently made the decision to go natural and as I did, I pondered, "Why do I have to 'decide' to be the way I naturally am?" It was then that I realized how unfortunate it was that black women, more than half, find their "naturalness" to be unattractive. I myself have gone through hair extensions, braids, and the dreaded relaxer that has damaged my hair and scalp for years. Now I wonder what it was all for. I wasn't being true to who I was.

This book helped be to know something that I should have already known: my hair. The history of black hair is one that is very interesting and telling. I learned more about my hair in this book than I have ever learned, even from members of my own family. There is also a sense of confidence one gets from reading books like these. I am letting all of my friends and family read it as well.

You will not be disappointed in your purchase.

If you don't already know, this book is definitely worth the time that it takes to read. The book goes into detail about the history of Black hair. Prior to slavery, Africans took pride in their hair. The intricate braid designs date back to that time. It wasn't until after the slave trade that hair straightening became common. Also, it's a little known black history fact that Annie Tumbo Malone was the first black woman entrepeneur to market black hair products. Madame CJ Walker actually worked for Malone before going into business for herself. This book chronicles so much history about Black hair. After reading this book, I was really encouraged to stop chemically processing my hair.

This book starts out as very scientific and a bit dull, but picks up and keeps you reading. I admire the author for doing so much detailed research and yet being very happy and optimistic towards her own childbearing. An inspirational and eye-opening book that I would recommend to all my friends, especially young women.

This book is FASCINATING. If you pick it up you won't put it down. Everyone should read this book, but especially those considering having children. (I do not recommend this book to pregnant women, it could be very upsetting)

The book is beautifully written, personal, scientific, and life changing. I particularly appreciate the author's perspective that the onis to protect children from toxic chemicals that cause birth defects should be societal, not personal. It is insane that we have accepted that due to mercury pollution as a result of coal burning women and children should have to stop eating nutritious fish.

This book is one of the most informative books you will read about pregnancy and the early months of your baby's life and not with the information that you will find in your other books. Instead this book begins to unravel the mysteries of the womb and the world while captivating all of the magic. The author guides you through information that is sometimes scary, sometimes ecstatic and in a lesser writer's hands might be overwhelming, but instead is inspirational. Beautifully written--you won't be able to put it down!

This book is excellent. Well written, entertaining, and exceedingly well-researched. If you read only one book before becoming pregnant, this is the ONE. It's also great for learning about the neonatal effects of environmental contaminants to which we are all exposed. It's a little scary, but honest, and you'll be wiser for having read it. I really cannot say enough good things about this book. Definitely a favorite, and definitely a MUST READ!

I loved this story, both as a scientific narrative and a touching personal story. I'm thinking about pregnancy, and this book awakened me to many of the dangers of toxins in the environment I hadn't even contemplated before. I'm so glad that Steingraber told the full story of fish in the diets of pregnant women, for example: that a food with such healthy fats and potential for fetal brain development has instead been rendered toxic by not just mercury pollution, but POPs like DDT as well. And anyone who wants to breastfeed should be aware of how toxins are magnified not just over the course of fetal development, but within the content of mother's milk as well. Steingraber seeks to educate us not to make us take action indiviually, but collectively: healthy food and a healthy environment should be the right of every pregnant woman, mother, father and child. It should be ours for the taking, because we adults deserve the right to have children, and those children deserve the healthiest world possible, starting in the microcosm of the womb. As an adopted child, a pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a biologist, Steingraber tells every woman's story of conception and birth to inspire all humans with a vision of taking action to create a healthier world. It's a lovely telling that everyone - not just mothers-to-be - should read.