Women's Health Books

CHOOSING HEALTH & WELLNESS is third in a series from the creators of [...] a forum for black women, and is a highly recommended pick for any black woman seeking health. Why do black women need a race-specific health guide? Because many conditions are common to black women and a risk for the group as a whole - and most can be solved by preventative or self-help techniques as simple as walking daily. From common skin conditions to handling new challenges at every age, CHOOSING HEALTH AND WELLNESS is an outstanding health guide every black woman should have at hand.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you're a self-respecting sista who has at least a remote interest in your health and wellness, then you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy of the latest installment in the NIA Guides, CHOOSING HEALTH AND WELLNESS. This book can be described as small but mighty. Small in that it is not a huge medical encyclopedia; it is just the right size and leaves no stone unturned in its easy discourses on the health challenges faced by African American women.

This is a collaborative effort between Sheryl Huggins and Cheryl Mayberry-McKissack. These ladies share facts and figures from credible health resources as well as share their own personal situations. Topics in this book are vast, ranging from insight on diabetes to insomnia to depression to weight loss.

As I reviewed my own personal health situation, I found this book to be right on time! The information is conveyed in an easy, sister-friend manner that provided encouragement and insight to me as I embrace a healthier lifestyle. If you find yourself at a similar crossroads, I encourage you to pick up a copy.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Do you feel that there is not enough time in the day? Do you feel that everybody wants something from you continually? Do you constantly care for others and not yourself? Do you sometimes put work in front of your needs and your family's needs? Is your job becoming a source of frustration? Do you feel sometimes as if your life is spinning out of control and you are powerless to do anything about it? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then "doing it all is doing you in." But, don't worry, help is on the way. This is a condition that is addressed in Sheryl Huggins and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack's latest literary offering, THE NIA GUIDE FOR BLACK WOMEN: Balancing Work and Life.

This Nia Guide focuses on balancing work and home to provide a more productive and harmonious life. The opening line, "Show me a superwoman, and we'll show you a human being who's cranky, exhausted, and mentally and physically drained," really serves as an eye-opener and sets the tone for the entire book. How many of us have not been that way at one time or another as we've tried to juggle the requirements of work, the needs of family and, somewhere among those two, our own personal needs as women? This book really delves into showing us how to shed the superwoman cape, turn our passion into profit, and how and where to find the resources.

Huggins and McKissack have collaborated and put together a very unique and invaluable tool that addresses issues that African American women have faced in the home and the workplace for years. They have pulled together their combined wisdom and that of other professional women along with the results from a survey conducted in 2004 to give sage advice on the following topics: Ending the Superwoman Syndrome, Gaining Sanity and Support, Finding Your Focus and Following Your Passion, Building Your Dreams, Inc., and Reinventing Yourself. A resource guide is provided at the end of the book for readers to use at will. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and being on the receiving end of so much experience and resources. I found the book to be very timely and helpful to me as a single mother trying to balance a career and holding the family together. If you're an African American woman doing the juggling act right now, this handbook is for you.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Want to start a business? Stressed out? Where can you turn for guidance, or hear others tell you that you're not alone? The editors of NiaOnline have done an excellent job in the second installment of their self-help series. Using interviews and a panel discussion of women who have filled many shoes at one time as a base, this guide is designed to help women learn tips and tricks to juggle their responsibilities. It's also formulated to show you how to do these things and enjoy yourself at the same time.
 
There are topics in this book for everyone. From relinquishing the `superwoman' syndrome, to making your passion profitable, you're sure to find a topic that peaks your interest. Keeping everything simple with no hassles, McKissack and Huggins use panelists and contributors who have actually been through the process in which they give advice.
 
BALANCING WORK AND LIFE is very informative and a quick read. One of the highlights in the book is the resource guide found at the end, which contains valuable contact information to assist you. I've read the first, and now the second. I give these two ladies a thumbs-up. This  series that is sorely needed for women today.  
Reviewed by T. Belinda Williams for Loose Leaves Book Review

Developed by the editors and contributors to NiaOnline.com, The Nia Guide for Black Women: Balancing Work and Life is the second in a series of empowerment guides for black women. It is filled with practical advice for balancing work and personal life through tips, suggestions and person stories form successful black women such as actress Phylicia Rashad, songstress Brandy, entrepreneur Lisa Price, and Executive VP Janice Cook Roberts.

A lot of the advice featured is very practical and basic; in fact, most readers might recognize the premise behind the examples as those they have seen presented before in other forums (books, magazines, online, etc.). However, I think the authors were successful in supplementing their messages with information that specifically targets black women. For example, I found the most unique aspects about the guide was the personal statements from the Nia summit session transcripts on differing topics such as "Financing Your Dreams" and "Don't Quit Your Day Job....Yet." The other chapters were interesting as well - they focused on demystifying the "Superwoman/Strong Black Woman" cultural image, reducing stress at work and home, soliciting a support system from family and friends, and turning your true career passion into profit. There was a wonderful consolidated resource guide in the back that offers assistance in the areas of personal organization, career coaching, time-saving resources, stress reduction services, counseling and family support, business start-up services, and job search resources.

One may not need to heed all the suggestions at once, but having this book on your shelf for quick and easy access to a great reference guide would be a smart move.

Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub
The Nubian Circle Book Club

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views

As the title tells us, "No Love Lost" is a practical and spiritual guide for women who never want to know the agony of lost love. Although small at only 32 pages, "No Love Lost" is well worth picking up and reading. It is broken into an introduction and conclusion, plus seven chapters, each offering a new principle on how to avoid lost love.

Kimberly Clark points out that one need not be a beauty queen to apply the principles she presents in her book. The guidelines presented do make a few assumptions though-both parties are at least somewhat interested in pursuing a romantic relationship, and also, the men we are dealing with are assumed to be reasonably sane and well-adjusted men. If your man does not fit these criteria, Kimberly tells you to run as fast as you can away from this type and to NEVER look back.

In each chapter, Kimberly tells us what NOT to do, what we SHOULD do, and what we NEED to know. She ends each chapter with a Bible verse offering support for her ideas presented. The handbook is grounded in the word of GOD, which I find very appealing.

"No Love Lost" is written for women who want to understand the male-female relationship. I believe the information would be helpful to all married women and any female dating or in any relationship with a male. The book is written for those weary of experiencing breakups and for those wondering why some women seem to have all the luck with men and relationships as opposed to others who always seem to experience agony and loss. Explaining the differences is Kimberly Clark's goal. Even if you get along fine with your man, you may learn something to improve upon what you have. Clark's handbook is very practical, but it is also spiritual and sensible. I found myself thinking, "Of course it's true, I just never thought about it." The basis for her principles is supported in the word of GOD-the Bible, but Non-Christians can readily apply the beliefs.

A principle I found memorable was that Clark says we must concentrate on letting our man know exactly what we expect from him and how we want to be treated. She says woman should be cherished as the gift from GOD that she truly is. Women are the gift. "And what is more, man was not created for the sake of the woman, but woman for the sake of the man." (1 Corinthians 11:9 NWT) The verse commands women to respect and be in subjection to their husbands. In return, a husband should love his wife, and a wife should respect her husband.

I found "No Love Lost" to be very informative and beneficial. Clark explains that emotionally, men are without a doubt the weaker sex, and therefore, this is why as females, we should not cry over everything. She also tells us why we will fail if we yell. Well-adjusted men view anything of an emotional nature as sneaky and underhanded, and they hate to lose at anything. Clark shares her belief that the single worst personality trait a woman, hoping to avoid lost love, could ever have is low self-esteem. Men need our strength and security, as it provides them with encouragement. I can recommend "No Love Lost" without a doubt.

Though this book includes scripture passages, it's just as useful to non-Christians. It's practical, but encouraging, in that it describes what should be done in a relationship along with examples of what shouldn't be done. Mrs. Clark's conversational, personal writing style and sense of humor, as well as her openness to share her own experience, make this book a joy to read.

This book was great for couples, if you are in a relationship this book is a must have. I really love the way it incorporated the Bible and everyday life, I love it.

An inspiring, motivational guide for the "millineum woman" in understanding and conquering the trials and triumphs of a Christian heterosexual love relationship.

this is a very insightful and inspirational guide to a happier life.

When I started going though menopause I thought I better read up on the subject so I will know what is happening to my body. I bought this book for my husband and read it also. This book is written by a man for men. I learned more from this book than any other menopause book I read. He explained thing in a non medical way that was so easy to understand. I have shared this book with many women I work with and they have love it too!!

My fiance has entered into 'instant menopause' to use her terminology, after a hysterectomy. We wrestled with HRT and its risks, but neither of us knew what to expect on the personal relationship side. Dick Roth's book clarified this whole situation for us instantly! We have actually turned her physical discomforts and the annoying everyday 'stuff' into a new form of entertainment. This is a Must Read! It takes only a few hours and will transform a potential disaster into a real benefit for you and your lady.

This is not a heavy, scholarly work of medicine or psychology...I read it in a couple of quick evenings. Roth explains what goes on during menopause, but does an even better job sketching out the large unknown areas surrounding this poorly understood transition. He describes a variety of "treatments" available to menopausal women but makes a strong case that, since menopause is a natural (and possibly valuable) process, it isn't an illness that requires treatment in most cases. He puts most of his energy into suggesting ways for husbands to understand and help their wives during this transition...all simple common sense, but clear and welcome just the same. Thank you, Dick Roth.

cats and dogs, mars and venus, you name it, if its the antithesis of one another, i feel for you. this book provided some very helpful insite into a.realizing i was not aloneb.i was not really going crazyC.how much i love my wife thanks dick

I'm guessing this is one of those books women buy for their husbands who, of course, will never bother to read it. BUT...I found it very enlightening to get some understanding of how men might react to menopause. For example, in a comment about hot flashes, the author says it's important to realize "she's not doing this on purpose." Whaaa? It never even occurred to me that my hubby might think I was intentionally bringing these symptoms on or could simply wish them away! This one phrase was worth the price of the book, because it put a lot of my husband's insensitive responses into perspective.

Though this might not have been the author's intention (and truly, he seems to have a much higher opinion of men's ability/desire to support their partners during menopause than I do) this book helped me tremendously because I have stopped taking my husband's lack of understanding personally. I can see now that it's very difficult for a man to emphathize with a physical change he will never experience.

But Dick Roth manages to do it, and if your husband DOES read this book, I hope you appreciate how lucky you are.

I have so often experienced some of the feelings, thoughts, and ideas that Nola and her brother Robin Hemley share in this touching book. Robin shows us sides of her that are at turns comical, beautiful, and eventaully tragic. She was a beautiful person who died young, but should not be forgotten. Her memory will live on in this powerful and penetrating biography.

I'm the author of "Fevers of the Mind", a memoir about bipolar disorder. "Nola" is truly an excellent account of the author's sister's struggle with schizophrenia. Nola, the woman, is a complex, almost mystical person who is both extremely talented and unique. The reader is also offered an intimate description of Nola's family and their complex interactions. The writing is first rate- highly detailed, fluid, and pleasing to read. Overall, an excellent book. Probably would be enjoyed by anyone who likes quality nonfiction.

This is simply the best non-fiction piece I have read in many years! In all seriousness, Nola compares with the "classic" non-fiction such as Capote's "Du Sang Froid" and Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Hemley presents his reader with a cacphony of stories and evidence about the life and death of an American icon - the family.

I interviewed Robin Hemley five years ago for a start-up literary magazine. Unfortunately, financial woes prevented the magazine from ever actually starting up. It's too bad the interview was never published b/c his thoughtful responses offer tremendous advice and insights for aspiring writers.

Be sure to check out Nola -- it's an excellent read.

Here's Part I of the interview:

Q: What have you found to be some common weaknesses in the work of young, aspiring writers?

Hemley: All of the weaknesses Iým about to mention are syndromes I suffered from (and sometimes still do), so I have plenty of first-hand knowledge. When I first started writing, I wanted to dress like a writer and hang-out at coffee shops, and make profound statements, but I didnýt care for writing that much. I also tended to wait for inspiration to strike. Now I think that inspiration is much over-rated. Iýd prefer to work through the natural frustrations of writing and work towards inspiration rather than waiting for it to knock me over ý a rare occurrence. Young writers also tend to be wary of revision, in my experience, but the more I write, the more I value revision. I like to quote Audenýs adage about poetry ý ýA poem is never finished, merely abandoned.ý And of course, sometimes writers want to write but not read. And I think thatýs a mistake. No one writes in a vacuum. The techniques of other writers can sometimes be our best teachers. Along those same lines, sometimes writers (young and old) want to publish their work in literary magazines, but donýt want to read them. And it think thatýs a mistake, both professionally and culturally. We have a lot of wonderful literary magazines in this country with very low subscription bases.

Q: Conversely, what are some of the strengths shared in the work of todayýs young writers?

Hemley: Iýve been noticing a kind of open-mindedness in young writers in terms of form and content that I didnýt notice when I was in grad school fifteen years ago. What was valued when I was in grad school was a kind of hyper-realism, brand name fiction people called it, or K-mart fiction. This seemed to be the province of North American writers, and while Magical Realism was valued, that was something that South American writers wrote. I think those false boundaries have been eroded, and that many young writers are exploring the magical and mysterious. I think weýve always had North American writers whoýve written as magically as any South American writer, but I think that in our writing classes at least, a certain kind of bland and bloodless psychologically real story was held up as a kind of model ý we were taught to be almost ironically detached from our characters. Bobbie Ann Mason comes to mind as the model for this kind of writing, as opposed to someone like Toni Morrison. This might all be in my imagination, but I think thereýs a tendency in the better young writers now to acknowledge mystery in fiction.

Thereýs also been this boom in short short stories over the last ten years. Robert Shapard and James Thomasý collections of short shorts (Sudden Fiction, Sudden Fiction Continued, and Sudden Fiction International) have sort of blazed a trail, as well as the late Jerome Sternýs ýWorldýs Best Short Short Story Contest.ý This form sometimes lends itself to absurdity and whimsy, and the young writers Iýve taught have done some of their best work in this form. It teaches them a lot about revision, and the importance of finding the right words. And it allows them to experiment. If a short short doesnýt work, that seems less of a tragedy than a novel not working.

Q: What advice, then, would you give to a group of twentysomethings who all yearned to be successful writers of fiction and poetry?

Hemley: I think my advice is more or less embedded in my previous answers. I feel a little sheepish giving advice, but I can add that the writing life is generally a bit of a struggle. Itýs important to try not to give in to self-doubts, which are natural. Even the most successful writers suffer from numbing self-doubt, and one must work past that. On the other hand, one must constantly see oneself as a student, a kind of supplicant to the form, rather than its master. For me at least, Iým learning to write all over again with each new project I undertake. I also try not to give in to petty jealousies or career frustrations ý someone elseýs success does not undermine your own.

Q: If you had to write a biography, whom would you choose to write about?

Hemley: Actually, in a sense Iýve just completed a biography of my sister Nola, who was 11 years older than me and who died in 1973 of a prescription drug overdose. She was a spiritually-obsessed person, and in my book I tried to rediscover who she was, with the help, in part, of an autobiography she wrote during the last year of her life.

But, if by biography, you mean someone famous, I love reading biographies, but I donýt think Iýd be the right person to write a biography. One of my favorite biographies is Ernst Pawellýs biography of Kafka, The Nightmare of Reason. But if I had to write a biography, I suppose Iýd choose either More of The 3 Stooges or Houdini (both of whom Iým related to, though Moe only through the marriage of a cousin). But Houdini has had plenty written about him already . . . so I guess Iýd have to settle for Moe.

Q: Other than the books youýve read, who or what have been some of the significant influences on your own writing?

Hemley: My parents were both writers, and they influenced me a great deal. My mother was always having me dictate little poems to her, and I was constantly making little books to sell to my relatives.

This is a continuation of my interview with Robin Hemley.

Q: Among the famous authors of the past few centuries, whom do you consider to be the most boring to read?

Hemley: For me, the hands-down winner is the French author Robbe-Grillet who could write a three-page description of a slice of tomato.

And many literary theorists are quite adept at boring readers in the name of edification. But the list of those would be far too long.

And even the most celebrated authors have written wonderful works as well as boring works. What we find boring changes over time. Shakespeare's epic poem, "Lucretia" comes to mind. In his own day, this was a famous work of his - I had to read it in college, and though I adore many of his plays, this poem was incredibly dry to me.

Q: If you were asked to compile a three-book required reading list for the college students of America, which three books would you select?

Hemley: Ack! I'd probably start with that biography you're forcing me to write.

For me, that's one of those impossible questions. How could one possibly choose? Three books would be much too narrow for me. For that reason, I'd probably choose The Tao of Lao-Tze, The Illiad, and maybe the Old Testament. I'd want them taught in the original language, so the students would have to learn Chinese, Greek, and Aramaic. I might remove one of the latter two in favor of The Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology, which I used to read as a kid. It has an introduction by Robert Graves and is pretty comprehensive, thought the version I have does not include Judaeo-Christian mythology, and should before I'd want to use it. I know the term "mythology" is out of vogue, but I'd use it as long as all belief systems fell under that category. That might be a substantial education: culturally, historically, spiritually, and in terms of language.

Q: What is the function of your work? Entertainment? Social message? Something else altogether?

Hemley: I'd like my work to be both entertaining as well as working towards discoveries. I'm not a writer who has a message in mind when he writes. Personally, I'm after discoveries, not messages. The highest kind of discoveries, and the most elusive, are spiritual discoveries. And to me, this is what many literatures have their roots in, the Eleusinian mysteries of ancient Greece, or the ontological tales that most cultures share.

Q: What is your greatest work?

Hemley: We end with a trick question. I'd love to have a greatest work, but right now I only have a "goodest work." And right now, my goodest work is, of course, the last book I wrote, which is something I think most writers want to believe. The last work they completed is the best, and the next one will be even better.

I almost didn't pick this book up because of the title. It sounded a bit arrogant to me and I was afraid the inside would be condescending the way that doctors can be. I was very, very wrong! It's an easy read. To the point. Plus, she addresses many of the concerns I had about HRT, herbal remedies and many more. A must read for every woman!

I first checked out this book from the library, along with other books on menopause, and was immediately captivated by it. There were so many things I wanted to highlight, that I decided I had to have a copy of the book for myself. It addresses how to deal with physical and emotional symptoms of menopause, along with tips for general good health. Highly recommended!

I have read hundreds of menopause books - this tops them all! A short, to the point and VERY useful tool. I am going to recommend it to all the folks at my own web site.

Very informative book, covering all aspects of menopause and providing excellent advice for self-management or seeking professional advice. Thank you Michele!

Now in a second edition updated with the latest information on hormone replacement therapy, The Only Menopause Guide You'll Need is a straightforward health guide for women to dealing with this transitional phase of life. Chapters discuss remedies for common symptoms, health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer risk, recommended diets for improved health and fitness, and much more. Lists of resources, references, a glossary, and an index round out this easy-to-use guide that presents straight facts in layman's terms. Confidently recommended for any woman approaching the Change.

Wow! This book worked miracles on me and my health. When the doctor told me I had osteoporosis, I didn't know what to do. He was barely any help. So I went to my local bookstore and picked up this book. Let me use 4 words to describe it: It saved my life. It gave me such helpful hints like "be careful not to fall down" and such. I totally reccomend this book! I couldn't put it down.

Younger women's lifestyles and habits can affect the bones they will have in the future: that's the message of Outwitting Osteoporosis, a book which reveals the latest information on osteoporosis and how it effects both men and women. From uncontrollable and controllable risk factors to advice on what to do for aging bones, Outwitting Osteoporosis urges early prevention and understanding of the factors influencing the disease's spread.

I'm getting close to 50, and my daughter just turned 20, and we BOTH benefit from the kind of helpful, preventive and life-saving information in this book. The authors have done a great job educating women about bone health -- a topic not many of us talk about with any frequency OR authority, but we should. I remember a grandmother with a broken hip, and how a simple fall set in motion a series of events that robbed her of the last years of her life. Women don't have to suffer any more, and they can start now -- no matter what age -- with the kind of information in "Outwitting Osteoporosis." Thanks, Ronda and Beverly, for your contributions to women!

This superb book offers a practical, helpful and comprehensive resource for women of all ages. The authors offer straightforward, up-to-date advice for prevention, assessment and treatment of osteoporosis. This treasure trove covers everything from risk factors to exercise, nutrition, calcium supplements and their impact on bone health, to recent controversies over hormone replacement therapy. The sections on Sexual Health, Osteoporosis in Men and Questions to Ask Your Doctor are excellent. Gates and Whipple make it clear that it is never too late and also never too early to take charge of one's own health. Outwitting Osteoporosis is indispensable for anyone seeking to insure a strong, active future.

If you read Consumer Reports magazine you're familiar with the clear, understandable, truly helpful information and style. OUTWITTING OSTEOPOROSIS is even better! The book was urged on me by an enthusiastic woman friend (I'm a guy) who is also a women's health professional and teacher. I read the whole book -- not only because it was so interesting, but so well organized and well written. You will quickly find your appreciation and gratitude soaring for the bones that literally support all the rest of your body. And as you learn more, your appreciation increases! I've never read a book that does that, nor one that GIVES so much! Osteoporosis is a stealthy, mean disease. Our ignorance allows it to severely ruin our lives (yes, certainly including men) and those of other people we care about. Well, it's not going to ruin mine! It will probably SAVE mine! And for that I'm even more appreciative and grateful to the authors -- and to the friend who urged me to read it. Thank you all!

Sharron's book is truly amazing. I could not put this book down. This book has profoundly affected my life. I felt like I was on the priestess journey with her as she travels all over globe. If you are ready to remember who you are and reclaim your divine priestess this book is a hands on guidebook to take you back home to yourself. Something very magical occurred for me while reading her book . . . It woke up my true inner source of divine feminine energy and since that day I have been manifesting and attracting the most spectacular events and things into my life. I'm extremely grateful to Sharron for having written this very important book. I believe our feminine essence is what is required for us to make a shift in our current world events. After reading this compelling and significant book, I found myself not being willing to accept the current circumstances as my reality and a new gentle authentic power has emerged.
I have recommended this book to my clients and everyone of them is experiencing similar breakthroughs. This is a must read!

I strongly recommend this book to all my dance students and all the members of my dance troupe! Dancers interested in channeling goddess energy will be thrilled to find a very readable story of how dance and spirituality can be explored together. I found the exercises profound -- they helped me explore how movement and gesture can help me feel, in my body, the divine energies of compassion, sensuality and strength, and how to convey these feelings to others. I always intuitively sensed that dance activates sacred energies -- Sharon's amazing scholarship and years of dancing has given her valuable insights and experience which confirm this. What a gem!

The Path Of The Priestess: A Guidebook For Awakening The Divine Feminine by mythologist and metaphysician Sharron Rose is an impressive and "user friendly" spiritual guidebook of exercises and visualizations to understanding the metaphysical essence of being female. From exploring the divine roles of women, to the mysticism taught in traditions of Hebrew Kabbalists, Christian Gnostics, alchemists, and more, The Path Of The Priestess is an inspirational tome of transcendental spirituality embracing the role model of the Great Goddess. The Path Of The Priestess is strongly recommended reading for anyone seeking to understand the feminine experience as spiritual teachers, visionaries, peacekeepers, and archetypal models of the Great Goddess in Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.

The Path of the Priestess is a profound and potent guidebook for women of the twenty first century. After reading it I realized that it is actually three books in one. Part one, which documents Ms. Rose's personal quest for the teachings and practices of woman's mysteries among the sacred societies of India, Tibet, Egypt and Alchemical Europe was reminiscent for me of writers such as Lynn Andrews and Carlos Casteneda. However, in this book, Ms. Rose not only sweeps you along with her on a magical journey into the trials and tribulations of an American seeker but also shows you the deep respect and reverence for woman and the Goddess as transmitted to her by the teachers and teachings she encounters. I also enjoyed the photographs of her together with these teachers.

From this impressive journey, in chapters five and six, she offers a fascinating commentary on the history of humanity and particularly the conditioning of women. In these two chapters she opens our eyes to the underlying motivation behind the repressive and controlling nature of the patriarchal forces that have increasingly dominated our lives. In addition she offers us a clear and vital alternative in which we as women can gain the strength and self-esteem to face up to these forces. At the same time she shows us how to work towards a more loving, peaceful and harmonious way of living. Chapter Six, Lifting the Veil from the Face of Modernity in which she contrasts the imprinting of women in contemporary society with that of these sacred societies is especially moving, perceptive and provocative. Her analysis of the goals, successes and failures of the feminist movement, gave me new insight into the ways in which we have been manipulated by the media. These two well-documented chapters recalled for me the nature of the work of scholars and writers such as Riane Eisler, Naomi Wolf and Marija Gimbutas. But in this book, Ms. Rose as an initiate into and practitioner of the ancient teachings offers us even greater insight into the essential roles of women.

As a woman who has always been sensitive to energy and emotion, I was particularly affected by her description of woman's role as the keepers of the psychic-energetic-emotional landscape of society. Honestly, after reading these chapters I began to see myself, and the ways in which I have been taught to interact with the world in a new way.

I found the last three chapters to be extremely beneficial. Reading the myths and stories of the Goddesses gave me a deeper understanding of the many facets of woman. The exercises that follow are written in a lush, poetic language that deeply touched me. After reading the book I purchased the Awakening the Feminine video series tapes in which Ms. Rose transmits the teachings and exercises found in these three chapters. I found these tapes to be extremely enriching and beneficial as well. I thank Sharron Rose for opening the door for me to a unique and extraordinary vision of the power, grace and majesty of womankind.

What a beautiful and eye opening homage to womankind from a spiritual seeker who has traveled such a great distance from her beginnings as an American feminist of the sixties. In the first chapter she describes her powerful initiation by a woman teacher ( Sitara Devi) into the ancient art of Indian temple dance, Hindu Tantra and women's mysteries. . ( I was pleased to see the photographs of Sharron with her teachers. I have read too many books about
spiritual seekers or anthropologists and the revelations they have received from their teachers without ever seeing an image of these teachers. Even though I have enjoyed these books I have often wondered whether the teachers were fictional
characters.)
From that point on, in the first section of the book she journeys into the deep realms of meditation, healing and visionary experience as she seeks out the ancient woman's mysteries in the traditions of Tibetan Tantra, Dzogchen,
Egyptian mysticism, Gnosticism and Kabbalah. As a woman seeking my own path to inner knowing, I found these chapters to be extremely beneficial and enlightening. Her experiences and insights into working with one's emotions, the way in
which she describes how painful experiences in childhood can impact both the physical body and its energy field and her search to find and relate paths to healing were particularly inspiring to me. I was also touched by the respect she
shows for her teachers and the humility she demonstrates as a seeker on the path.
As I continued to read, I was impressed with the courage she has in speaking out about the social, cultural and political issues that plague so many of us these days. Taking an ancient approach that values women in all their fullness as spiritual teachers, healers, mediators (today known as political activists
and politicians) and caretakers of our planet, she gave me a new and empowered view of my potential as a woman. Her vivid exercises designed to nspire ferocity in the face of danger, self-confidence and determination, joy, passion,
and mystery, love, humility and rapture have helped me to feel free to express the full range of my emotions. In addition, they have given me new strength to deal with the issues that plague me in my relationships with both men and
women. Her call for women to come together as they did in the days of old to shed the imprints of the patriarchy and create a more balanced, harmonious world is so exciting. I, like Sharron, feel the sadness and horror of the current
socio-political atmosphere. I too care about issues such as the negative and disturbing media induced visions of women, the destruction of our environment and the manner in which we and our children, have become experimental subjects
for the mind and body altering drugs of the pharmaceutical industry.
As an alternative to the limited visions of women offered to us by the media, in the last three chapters she offers myths, stories and meditations on the many manifestations of the Great Goddess who she describes as the most profound female role model to shape society. Stories such as the way the Hindu Goddess
Durga is created to fearlessly battle with and become victorious over our inner and outer demons gives us courage. Innana, who "revels in the fullness of her sensuous expression" presents a new view of sexual freedom. . Isis the
Egyptian goddess who is the great mother of Alchemy and the Western spiritual tradition shows us the great healing power that we all contain. These and her stories of female spiritual seekers such as Mirabai of India, Machig Lapdron of
Tibet, Mary Magdalene and Sharron's own powerful teacher Sitara Devi who fought throughout her life to transcend the limitations imposed upon her as a woman by modern Indian society have shown me that even though to some the world may
appear limited the only true limitations placed upon me are those created within the dark recesses of my own mind.

Came when expected and was in great condition.

This is so much cheaper than I could have purchased in the UK.
This is an excellent text for anyone considering examination of the newborn. I would recommend this to midwives everywhere.

This textbook is a wealth of information on what is normal and what is not. It has extensive and readable text, appropriate pictures, and a self-assessment at the end. The reader can even apply for continuing education credits for taking the test! I hvae recommended this text to the nurses at the hospital where I work, and they all agree that it is a valuable and affordable reference.

This is a required textbook for my PNP program, and it is great! :) Definitely one that I will resource frequently in the field! Also, I saved money by buying through Amazon. It may take a couple of weeks to get it, but if you can wait that long, well worth it!

This book is a thorough and excellent guide to accessing the newborn. There is a comprehensive test at the end that serves to reinforce learning and can help with your ceu's!

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com

Dana Dorfman offers readers a glimpse inside her soul. She uses symbolism and a style that is almost mystical to capture the reader's attention. The Pink Forest is a unique journey of one woman as she strives to discover her inner being. This is the type of book you want to read behind closed doors. Run a nice hot bubble bath and delight in in the lyrical words of Dana Dorfman.

The feeling of being everything you can be - of living life to the fullest. "The Pink Forest: A Woman's Intimate Confessions" is a work of fiction, but heavily inspired by the author's own life. Using her own experiences, she tells of her own more risque exploits in trying to live her life to the fullest and seeking the enlightenment and wholeness that so eludes us all. A no holds barred exploration, "The Pink Forest: A Woman's Intimate Confessions" is highly recommended to community library collections focusing on more adult fiction.

The Pink Forest is a place where you climb you mind. It is a place where your feelings matter. The emotional steps that we take are empowering. To engage in conersations with one's conscience is a story within its self! Congratulations to the author for writing a book that is definitely any woman's best friend! Five stars for sure!

I read the Pink Forest in two days! The impact of a woman teaching her conscience about love entertained me to such a point that I couldn't put the book down! The presence of the Pink Forest is powerful! The words are potent! The author has taken special care to create emotion in a visual sense. Giggle-strewn laughter rustles the pages of the Pink Forest and makes a woman realize that we are anything but ordinary. A thank-you to the author for a book of warm expression and for a book that makes you cup your ear to life. I recommend this book to women who want to be on speaking terms with their conscience and to men who want to know how women think.

Dana Dorfman shares her inner most thoughts and let's us into a womans mind to discover what is really hiding in there. The struggle with what is right, moral decisions and ethical decisions all through her conscience and through unique symbolism leads to a spiritual story. That little voice we (women) all hear? Is that our conscience?
Join Dana in her story as she helps you to feel empowered and really take a look at yourself, this is a powerful story that will stay with you long after you read the last page.

In this book, Barbara Johnson describes her experience with brain cancer. Sprinkled throughout are her traditional humorous observations, cartoons, and anecdotes collected along the way. It all helps us to not take ourselves too seriously, even in the midst of a life-threatening illness, as we "let go" and commit ourselves to God's care, confident of ultimate victory whether we live or whether we die.

This book is good light reading for someone who may not be feeling well and can only read a page or two at a time, the entries are all short and easily read. This book will almost certainly cheer up someone who is in a hospital bed.

I laughed out loud SO many times and would tell anyone to buy this book!!!! I have suffered a brain tumor also and can say she makes me feel so hopeful and light-hearted I wish it didn't have an ending!!!!!!!!

I have breast cancer with metastatic brain mets, so I can identify with Barbara Johnsons's brain tumor experiences. I loved the book, it made me laugh and was a real pick up. I found it lighthearted and motivational. I recommend it for any cancer survivor.

This is a wonderful "pick me up" book. Barbara Johnson focuses on the problems of life but also gives you solutions for them. She makes the biggest problems have a silver lining. This is a must have book.

Barbara Johnson continues to share her life with us. Despite major family crises through the years, or maybe because of them, she has learned how to face serious life events with humor and faith. If you haven't read Barbara before, you can start with this book. It isn't a theologic treatment, but when you are in the midst of either tradgey or life, this book contains the gas to keep you going in the right direction.