Women's Health Books

Clearly, I can't tell you what I learned from this book. I will ask my girlfriend to write in though... Anyway, C. W. Gentry's books are easily read, embarrassment-free and down to earth. They deal with topics most people feel uncomfortable talking about in a way that makes them seem perfectly routine. What men need to understand about women is that they all want sex too, they just go about it differently! This book should help to reduce the differences between myth and reality, and is based on real interviews with real men.

Obviously, the authors can't tell you what YOUR man wants in bed. But this book is an excellent insight into what men in general want from sex and say about sex. The surveys ask about everything, and the graphs and charts are a quick and easy way to see what the MAJORITY of men prefer. I found it really helpful and interesting.

We passed this book around at a party and had a great time reading the results of the many surveys and the insights revealed in the interviews. Very interesting information turned up in this book!

...having perused a friend's copy of it last night. I've also read Red Hot Tantra by the same author and would highly recommend her short stories to anyone who enjoys good erotica.

Though most of what is in this book is pretty obvious stuff, some of it was insightful but mostly it was just a fun book to read. Definitely worth buying!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally a book that gets rid of the hit-or-miss, one-size-fits-all, try-anything-that-might-work-to-get-relief approach to treating peri-menopause and menopause. Progesterone cream just wasn't doing anything for me......and rightly so....from taking the test in the book, I learned that progesterone is NOT what I need. I also didn't recognise some of my symptoms as being menopausal until I read about my specific type. Now I have a better understanding of why I have been so miserable these last 2 1/2 years and I have the tools to get better! I bought the book two days ago, started an herbal formula program today, and I already feel better. Every woman over 40 needs this book!

I am a practicing Naturopathic Physician. Dr Collins, has provided me with a great tool to further my understanding of the complexity of menopause. I have had cases that have not responded to what was a resonable treatment plan. After reading "What's your menopause type" I now have a new insight into those patients and their needs. To have the "types" defined and put into categories lends to a greater understanding for the practitioner. The "menopause Type Questionnaire", combined with the labatory hormone levels is very useful information that should help everyone who is working with this transitional time in a womans life. The information on the nutrition and supplements is excellent. I applaud Dr Collins for his commitment and dedication to an area of medicine that is in great need of more information and understanding. If you are practitioner who deals with menopausal patients, I strongly suggest you read and understand what Dr collins has to say. If you are not a practitioner but would like a better understanding of menopause, this is a good read.

Finally, sense to the confusing passage of menopause. Why do some women hardly notice the change at all? Why does one do well on estrogen while another, natural progesterone only? Why do some women's discomforts resolve while others continue to baffle? Not only does Dr. Collins make all of this simple to understand, but he offers straight forward protocol for analyzing, understanding and prescribing for the whole range of individual differences of menopause. What a relief, to see light through the tunnel. The book is in my back pocket. The appointment is made. My Naturopath and I now have the tools to mend my menopausal way.

I have read the books - all the good ones I thought; I've researched the treatments; I've talked (& talked...) to several physicians, to other women - nothing has even come close to this book. This makes sense! We are all so unique - biologically, psychologically, chemically; why would our passage through menopause not be unique as well? Of course it is!

Well written, logical & filled with simple yet revolutionary new alternatives to use immediately for the irritation, anxiety, memory-lapses, hot flashes, night sweats, you-name-it... that you're experiencing, the book gives you some control over what you're experiencing.

I knew I was doing something wrong (though I was trying almost everything!), but didn't know what. Now the pieces fit!

Beg, borrow or steal if you have to, but get a copy for your home library; you'll refer to it again & again.

While reading "What's Your Menopause Type?", one can feel the heart felt compassion of the author. His writing is down to earth, easy to understand, and the resource information is invaluable. This book enables you to take control of your own life. Dr. Collins has finally put to rest the old myth that menopause is the same for all women. I would suggest that every man read this book, especially to help them understand their loved ones. As well as having valuable information on nutrition, herbs and hormones, he gives the reader access to a web site that will enable them to find physicians and pharmacists that are commented to treating each menopausal woman. I know I will keep this book in my library as a valuable resource, and I would like to personally thank Dr. Collins for his sensitivity with respect to woman and menopause.

The material in this book is so organized and straightforward that its deceptively simple..yet Dr. Snodgrass' book has a ton of useful information ... after surgery I was full of questions.. after pillaging my HMO library, searching the internet and reading books by several plastic surgeons.. I discovered this book... I pored over it..the best resource yet... I wish I had had it in my hands from the onset.. I would recommend it to anyone considering or undergoing this particular surgery... MOST INTERESTING AND HELPFUL...

Overall, this is a very good book to read when you're trying to make the decision. Honestly, there's not much out there (at least from what I could find), so it really felt great to get my hands on such a comprehensive source.

I read so much and talked to so many people online that I thought I'd go crazy trying to make the decision - you can't tell which end is up when you get overloaded. So, this book was very helpful in my journey to make my decision. I, personally, ended up not going through with the surgery, but I learned a ton through the process of thinking about it.

Good wishes to all of you ladies out there wrangling with this decision.

I'm so grateful for Dr. Snodgrass writing this book. This is the only book that I have been able to find that solely deals with breast reduction. Most books I have read, concentrate more on breast lifts and implants.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering breast reduction surgery. I now know what to expect at every phase of this endeavor, from my initial consulation, to my follow-up appointment after surgery.

I even have some insight into why my last claim may have been denied
(but I have a new insurance carrier, and I know for a fact that they do allow for breast reductions for medical reasons, as about 6 of my co-workers have been approved over the years).

Get this book, and be informed, because a informed patient is a happy patient!

This book will answer all of your questions, and suggest ways to find a plastic surgeon and what questions to ask of him/her. The people at [...], a website for all different types of plastic surgery procedures and antiaging, highly recommend it!

This book walks you through the entire process from initial consult, what to expect, and insurance appeals.

Insurance originally denied my request, and thanks to this book I was able to write an informed appeal. I believe it was the key to my successful appeal. I've had my reduction surgery and feel great! Thank you Bethanne Snodgrass!

This is an inspiring book and not just for women. You get a good idea about how to help a spouse through frightening times with your own positive attitude, attention, and comfort. Sue's God is immanent and dwells among us. Like the Emersonian Transcendentalists, Sue sees reminders of God through nature and through the wonders of His work with other patients. Her unspoken message is Don't wait to put your trust in God; do it now.

Both my husband and I enjoyed the moving story of Ms. Tealls cancer journey. As a survivor myself, I thought she acurately described many of the emotions one goes through during treatment and after. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has just been diagnosed or has a loved one with any type of cancer. I was so moved by this book, that I donated a copy to my local cancer resource center.

This book is a wonderful testament of faith. A beautiful guide for those on a similar journey. Well written and an easy read.

A truly inspirational story for everyone, but especially for those battling cancer or other serious illness. Sue gives great insight into her relationship with God and how his presence in her life sustains her through the good times and bad. A wonderful testimony that can't help but make you examine your own walk with God.

Sue Teall wrote a very human and touching book expressing the kind of raw emotion we can understand. From her humor to her courage, she takes one on a journey in faith. Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer could find this book to be a lifeline to survival.Bless you, Sue for writing this book!
Helen Parsons

This book was such a help for me. My heart hurt so bad after our miscarriage, it was unbelievable. This book helped my head gain a better understanding of the odds, facts, etc. so that my heart could begin to heal. I highly recommend this and have passed my copy on to others who appreciated it too after experiencing mc.

This book combined with Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler helped me prevent a third miscarriage and carry my beautiful little girl to term. What a shame it is out of print. Perhaps there is similar information in another book. The way it helped me was specifically the information regarding treatment options for low progesterone. Using the Weschler book, I was able to diagnose my probable problem. This book gave the treatment of progesterone cream the thumbs down since she says 'most women can't determine exactly when they are ovulating and the cream works best when used 48 hours after ovualtion/conception.' However, using the Weschler book enables you to know both before and after you ovulate and you can even use a kit to help confirm you are ovulating if you want to be very certain. With Weschlur's methods, you can save money on kits since you will probably be so sure of your approaching ovulation, you will only need to use one or two sticks to confirm. Anyway, my heart goes out to all who have experienced miscarriage as I have. God be with you and good luck. I hope this helps someone else out there!

After a miscarriage during my first pregancy, I felt I needed answers. Even though there is rarely a known cause for a miscarriage, I feel better knowing there are steps I can take to make sure everything is being done for me that can possibly be done. I may never need to concern myself with another miscarriage again, but just having some knowledge is very powerful and has given me hope. It was very healing for me to know I now have "knowledge power" when everything else seems so out of my hands. I also plan to share this book with anyone brave enough to speak about their miscarriage. Unless you've gone through it, you don't know how it turns your life upside down. I'm glad there are good books out there on this often "hush hush" subject.

I was told very little about my miscarriage, why it happened, how I should deal with it. "It happens to a lot of women", "You will have to grieve like it was a real baby", "It was better to happen now instead of later", "Try again." I was frustrated and didn't understand what just happened to me and my developing baby. This book answered a lot of my questions. I got an understanding of what a miscarriage is, how it happens, and why. (both myth and fact) The stories from other women made me feel that I really wasn't alone. This book helped me cope with the pain of loosing a baby. I highly recommend it to every woman who suffers a miscarriage!

The pages of my copy are well-worn from use. I referred to this book numerous times after each of my miscarriages (3). Very practical advice, in everyday language! Poignant stories from 3 women were very helpful; it helps to know that other women have the same thoughts & fears. I donated a copy to our hospital's support group, and I would love to give a copy of this wonderful book to my Ob/Gyn. Everyone who has had the misfortune to have had pregnancy loss(es) should have this book.

This book is a helpful guide not only to women diagnosed with breast cancer, but women (and men, too) with any kind of cancer diagnosis. I was fortunate enough to find Hester Hill's support group when I began my own treatment for ovarian cancer. Her wisdom (and that of the other wonderful members of the group) resonate throughout Woman to Woman. A combination of good science and sensible suggestions (DON'T blame yourself, work with your caregivers, learn to say Yes, learn to No), Woman to Woman is almost as good as a group - but only "almost!"

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, one of the first things I did was read a great number of books. I found there were three types: 1) books about the disease itself, 2) books about treatment and 3) memoirs. As I progressed through treatment and a series of subsequent breast surgeries, I found the books on treatment the most frustrating because they were so focused on the medical aspects.

What was not available then was a book like this, which is a very practical and reassuring guide through the treatment process. Written by two breast cancer survivors, this book has two special characteristics: 1) it is reassuring about the ability to cope with treatment, and 2) it contains a lot of good down-to-earth nonmedical advice such as what to take to the hospital to maximize your comfort after breast surgery.

This book definitely fills an important need, even as the number of books on breast cancer continues to multiply. Sadly a number of my friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last several years. One of the first things I do is buy this book and give it to a friend as she begins her journey. I encourage you to do the same whether for yourself or someone you love.

An expanded version of an earlier paperback booklet, this wonderful resource reaches out and supports women across a wide range of ages and lifestyles experiencing the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Written warmly, clearly and directly to each woman, the book addresses not only health-related matters but also personal and psycho-social ones such as spousal and child-related issues. It does not attempt to be comprehensive but provides up-to-date notes, resources, and bibliographical information.

The authors, Schnipper and Berns, know first-hand the reality of this diagnosis; each has been treated for breast cancer and is herself a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and professional. Hester Hill is an Oncology LICSW and Joan Berns, PhD., a very gifted writer.

I have given this book to numerous women...too many friends, relatives and acquaintances...have read it myself even though I have thusfar not become a statistic..but we are all part of this and so I urge you to get a copy, read, and recommend it. You will have saved a large number of fellow human beings from the terror of the unknown. FEAR FLIES IN THE FACE OF AN OUTSTRETCHED HAND BEARING LOVE AND INFORMED SUPPORT.

This easy to read, straight-forward, clear and compassionate book is filled with essential information that every woman who has faced this frightening diagnosis needs to know. The authors' gentle conversational style speaks to the reader like a knowledgeable friend. The comfort of their words originates from their own personal challenges coupled with their professional knowledge of what the journey entails.

Anticipating questions and personal needs, the book logically takes the reader through the process of treatment and recovery. It provides a foundation of solid information and resources. Despite the gravity of the diagnosis there is a positive supportive tone that acknowledges that a majority of women can emerge from this terrible ordeal and do it with strength and dignity.

It's so comforting knowing that one is not alone. The resources within this book apply no matter where a woman calls home. In this technologically connected world, a woman living a distance from a major metropolitan area can also find ways to navigate her care from reading this lovely book.

Knowledge is power. The authors clearly believe in the strength of their fellow sisters. This is their gift their way to use their considerable talents to assist others.

This book is fantastic! Its practical, step-by-step, reassuring suggestions and guidance are offered warmly and clearly from a woman who is herself a breast cancer survivor. Hester Hill is a breath of fresh air--from the specific tips on clothing, meals, and planning a hospital stay to making critical decisions about surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A vital part of Hester's advice is her strong belief in support groups--as she, somehow, becomes part of your own support group through the compassion, love, wisdom, and down-to-earth knowledge that come through the pages of her book. Every word is a nugget.

This book is a gift. The writing is clear and inspired. Whether you have an established practice or are just coming to yoga, this book offers countless insights. The practice routines are well explained and easy to follow. The benefits they offer, profound. This book is able to take subtle and sophisticated concepts and bring them to the real world. It has changed my practice . . . and more.

Every time I walked to and from work, this book's cover would catch my eye from the store window. Curiousity finally won out and I picked up a copy. I am so glad I did. It's amazing! I've tried so many other forms of Yoga, I can't believe it took me this long to get to Kundalini. This book is written from two perspectives; one from a Western doctors' and one from an Eastern Yoga teachers'. It is a really great combination. Together,they do an excellent job of specifically explaining Kundalini Yoga's many benefits to Women. It is detailed, but easy to understand. The energy and exercise sets are extremely rejuvenating and there is a spiritual component that I have reached a stage to be able to really appreciate. There is a ton of useful information here and I have just scratched the surface. I couldn't reccommend it more enthusiastically.

This book is a gift. The writing is clear and inspired. Whether you have an established practice or are just coming to yoga, this book offers countless insights. The practice routines are well explained and easy to follow. The benefits they offer, profound. This book is able to take subtle and sophisticated concepts and bring them to the real world. It has changed my practice . . . and more.

This book is not your average book about yoga for women, but one that celebrates all aspects of a woman's life cycle. The strength of the book is the collaboration with Dr. Seibel, showing the relationship between the yogic concepts and what we know about the body through modern science. The book is beautiful, with clear instructions and photographs. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in coming to a better understanding of their femininity and celebrating their womanhood.

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL LIFE CHANGER FOR ME. I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT IT TO HELP WITH MY INFERTILITY ISSUES. WHILE IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY FOCUS ON THAT, IT DEALS IMMENSELY WITH A WOMAN'S SPIRITUALITY- IN ACCEPTING AND LOVING ONESELF. THE WONDERFUL EXERCISES BRING A DEEP SENSE OF CALM- IF DONE CONSISTANTLY AND CORRECTLY. IT INCLUDES MILD TEACHINGS OF THE KUNDALINI AND CHAKRAS, SEXUAL ISSUES, PMS, SELF ESTEEM, MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS, MENOPAUSE, ETC... AND DOES IT ALL IN A LOVELY WAY, MAKING YOU WANT TO ENJOY EVERY EXPERIENCE. I FEEL ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND ALIVE WITH THIS BOOK.

You will feel wonderfully inspired by the women profiled in this beautiful, little book. It is a book for everyone that will provide lessons that go well beyond running. I initially checked it out of the library, but am purchasing a copy for a friend.

This is a great book that I'd recommend to anyone, not just women. I had trouble putting it down and have since gone online to read more about some of the strong, wonderful women featured in this book.

My fiance just loved this book. Great gift idea for the runner in your life.

What a great, lively read, especially as we enter the summer months and want to spend more time exercising outside! I found Shanti's book to be engaging, informative and inspiring. I gave up running a couple of years ago, and this book has reminded me why I should take it up again.

I'm not a woman and I don't run. I'm 64 and recovering from a recent cancer procedure. This extremely well-written and thoroughly engaging book has inspired my wife and me to double our walking effort. Not to mention how much fun it was to read.

I have never rushed to my computer upon finishing a book to write a review, and I hardly think a book that's been profiled in PEOPLE magazine needs my help, but I feel compelled to RAVE about this inspiring and hugely helpful book. There are so many of us who understand that bulimia, anorexia and morbid obesity, while frightening problems, are but the tip of the iceberg of the eating disorder that seems to have ensnared all modern females. The notion that a life-long battle against the body is a given MUST be combatted, and authors Richardson and Rehr have pulled out some brilliant tools to help us win--or, rather, stop--this war. With language that reminds us of a smart friend at our kitchen table, they shine a flashlight in the corners, tackling issues that other books on this topic ignore. What to do with the heavy girl whose mother is thin? How does adoption affect body image? How can we emphasize to our daughters what's important, without denying the pull of pop culture? I came away from this book with not only incredible insight, but at least a dozen practical ideas I can use right now with my daughters ages 7 and 10, who are both already struggling with this issue. I thank my lucky stars that these two women met at their daughters' schools, and got around to talking about more than playdates and homework. Any mother with a daughter needs this book!

I read about this book in People magazine and thought it sounded good. Wow! I want to buy this book for everyone I know who has a daughter. Starting from babies and moving through each stage of a girl's life, this book gives sound, quick advice in a very easy to read format to help girls love their bodies. There is also a great section for Dads too. If you have a daugher. Get this book. It is a must read.

This book is a must for all parents with children, especially the kids who value weight vs. heart. 101 Ways.. will play a key role in enhancing self-esteem for the next generation of girls (and boys). This book may turn fad dieting into a thing of the past for our pre-teens and teens, what a beautiful thought! I highly recommend this book for anyone with children, especially girls. Whatever you aren't able to pass on to your kids, there are certainly thought provoking suggestions for us Mom's. I will certainly pass this book on, as should you. Nicki Anderson

Few parents with teen-aged daughters escape the frustrations of dealing, at least on occasion, with a daughter who feels she should look like the image on a fashion magazine. At this trying point in a girl's life, a great many insecurities can arise ranging from peer pressure to lack of confidence and self-esteem about appearance. Through the media, i.e. television, movies and fashion magazines, teens are often programmed to think only thin is acceptable and unless we have a the face and body of a fashion model, we will never be accepted and never be noticed.

This book is an excellent source for working with your daughter to help her understand that true beauty lies within, not on the surface. Each of us has our own unique beauty and style and rather than try to cultivate what others have achieved, we should be individualistic and cultivate what we have been given. This is a book where Mom's and Dad's can both play an active role in dealing with the often frustrating day-to-day problems of a teen-aged daughter, and by doing so, helping her feel more confident, happy and healthy, both emotionally and physically.

This Author is Fantastic and an inspration to us all as mothers and as women!
Way to go Elaine you've hit it out of the park on this book! I recomend it to all mothers!

Your Friend Desiree A Make-A-Wish Volunteer whom you have inspired even more! ;-}

It was early April 1999. I hadn't seen her in quite a while. I always enjoy working at Marcia's home. A photographic artist, creativity weaves like a thread through the fabric of her life and her home reflects her free spiritedness. I can't remember a visit to Marcia's house that wasn't both a challenge and an adventure. Unlike many of my less involved clients, Marcia usually knew what she wanted and I merely acted as a conduit to direct her electric inspiration to the ground!

Something seemed different this time, though. She had a look... her face a gauntness uncharacteristic of this absolutely fit and vivacious woman. I knew Marcia as an "aeroboholic" who had found some religion in her training. And her hair seemed unusual... not Marcia, not Marcia's hair. She confided to me some scant detail concerning her ordeal with uterine cancer.

I can admit being a little afraid, not of Marcia but what she represented. I don't do well with mortality, even after having a few close calls myself. Less so with the big "C". My mom died of lung cancer when I was 17. At that time there was no formal familial support. (Is there any now?) No one talked to me about what was going on... I of the large Italian family. No one directly told me she had cancer, as if it could be kept secret. Lots of vague, around the edges inferences. I was detached and floating in suffocating mist. She died while I was away at college. The goodbyes were very cold.

I saw Marcia a number of times of that year, in April, June, July and November. The July visit was perhaps the most memorable. When I walked in the door, I found Marcia hairless. Actually, she had been hairless for quite a while but I had closed my second eyelids and had not wanted to see. She flipped it off, saying "I would have put the wig on, but I don't care if you see me this way." She was coming to grips with her new self and I was being pulled along. I didn't mind. I have been in countless homes and seen countless wigs shrouding chemotherapy's bittersweet legacy. "Hey... it's my hair... really!" the wigs shout, but at the same time whisper, "Do me a favor and play along, okay?"

Marcia has chronicled her journey in a book entitled, "About My Hair, A Journey To Recovery". A book was never her intention, but she was encouraged to publish by other artists who realized the value of her images. It is a short read with unashamed self-photography... she is a photographer first. In those few words she captures the essence of a struggle only a woman may face and few men could hope to understand.

Marcia has a website where you can view some of her work and also read some excerpts from "About My Hair". I encourage anyone who may be touched by cancer to find some inspiration and hope here. As Marcia says in her closing remarks, "The work helped me maintain my positive attitude and has pushed me to places where I surely wouldn't otherwise have gone." Me too, Marcia.

Jerry Alonzy, The Natural Handyman

About My Hair, A Journey to Recovery, is a moving and inspired book of images and personal observations chronicled by the author during her experience of chemotherapy. In a brilliant use of synecdoche, Ms. Marsted focuses on a PART of her experience, the issue of her hair loss during chemotherapy, as a way to convey the experience of the WHOLE, which is the life and death struggle that is anyone's battle with cancer. Ms. Marsted is professional photographer who uses the power of image to help demystify and make very clear the experience of hair loss during chemotherapy and its impact on self-image. By sharing photographs of herself, her thoughts, and her husband's thoughts throughout this process, she offers reassurance and a sense of community to anyone who has or will confront this trial. The book is also interspersed with a selection of the author's very beautiful art photographs which both offset and augment the text that they accompany. A gentle and important work. Highly recommended.

Marcia Reid Marsted's sensitive account of her second cancer is beautifully illustrated with her soft-focus photographs, an artistic process she chose to support herself through her healing. This is a candid portrayal of one woman's experience as she courageously faces her illness. "I had life on my mind," she states as she moves forward. Written in sparse prose of poetic quality, the vignettes connect to complete a story of dignity and hope. Comments by the author's husband add perspective to the narrative. This book is important reading for everyone, especially those with cancer and their partners, families and friends and people working in the medical profession. Resources at the end of the book provide vital information for all.

"About My Hair" is a poignant and well told story with incredible photgraphs to aid in YOUR journey into Marcia Reid Marsted's life and her bout with cancer. It is a very personal work of art which chronicles so much of what one must go through when faced with the disease. I believe that it is a "must-read" for all cancer patients and their families and friends as well as members of the medical profession who are charged with healing and supporting their patients through some of the most difficult times of their lives. I also feel that this book is helpful to anyone who is concerned about themselves and others. There is much insight related to taking care of oneself and trusting your instincts when it comes to your own body. In her honesty, the author also helps us to maintain a positive attitude and appreciate the little things in life that we all sometimes take for granted.I have incredible respect and admiration for Ms. Marsted and appreciate her willingness to share such a personal story with us.

Marcia says her book is about her hair, and, in a small way, she is right. She had hair and then lost it to chemotherapy. But the chemo killed her cancer and, in time, she got her hair back. This book documents that loss and recovery. But Marcia is overly modest. This book is not about her hair, but about her spirit. She fought uterine cancer and won. And along the way she fought and won against fear, grief, pain, embarrassment, and foes I can't even imagine.
What Marcia doesn't say - what she may not acknowledge even to herself - is precisely what makes her book important. No reader can fail to catch it. My job as reviewer is to make it explicit for those who haven't read her book, for those who are wondering if they should read it. Here it is: Marcia is a champion at coping and her book offers instruction and inspiration to all who face foes or worry that they might have to in the future.
"Some days I felt as though I just wanted to sit around and do nothing. I didn't allow that feeling to last long. The worst thing, for me, would be to let the cancer or the treatment take over my life. I would mentally pick myself up and go do something...I never believed in the logic of asking 'why me?' or being angry at the unfairness of life....better get on with life."
Cancer took Marcia's hair and her uterus and ovaries and her energy and physical strength and a good bit of her joy of life, but it never dented her spirit. When cruel death came to look Marcia in the face, she chose to be creative.
"I made a conscious effort to keep up with my art. Sometimes I had to give myself a mental push. It would have been easy to use my illness as an excuse to be a lump... I needed something to think about besides my various doctor and hospital visits."
Marcia's words and photos are interesting, provocative, beautiful, and optimistic. They tell of a spirit that isn't vulnerable to death and they give us reason to believe that we all share in that spirit. There's one more point - Marcia's book is about her husband - his love for her and her quiet gratitude for him. It's a small part of her small book and rather matter of fact, not sentimental, but eloquent in its testimony to the role of love in sustaining spirit and vice versa. There's even a hint that the two may not be different.
Read this book. You'll finish it in a half hour and remember it for a lifetime. It's not about hair.