Women's Health 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.

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.

I'm a firm believer that when you're facing a big life transition like a wedding, it takes away a TON of stress when you have all the other facets of your life running fairly smoothly. So as a bride looks into the future, she'll know that she's in great shape when she has actual, useful, organized and entertaining steps to take to bring some order into her world. I just got married in April, and Jennifer Louden's books have always brought me a deeper sense of peace -- this book is the PERFECT book for brides-to-be. You're giving them a better chance at a happy life. That's way better than a blender!

I bought this organizer on the basis of the other reviews here.

At the time, I was looking for a way of planning and reflecting that enabled me to be more flexible about both what matters to me and more respectful of the range of mood and other influences that are part of life. I've been dipping into the organizer and thinking about how I can integrate Ms Louden's suggestions into my own experiences.

This is not so much a book describing a linear journey as it is a variety of maps for the journeyer to choose from.

And now, it is 2008, I am ready to start! In the meantime, I have purchased two additional copies of the Organiser as gifts.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Whether you are organized or unorganized, this book provides a way to get in touch with your deepest values and goals. This is a great starting place for anyone wishing they had more balance in their life and the author's emphasis on treating yourself with kindness and respect is refreshing and encouraging.

I cannot tell you how rough this year has been. I felt like I was drowning in "have to do" and "I wish I coulds." This book helped me connect my true wishes, secret desires and priorites. I was free to let go of the rest. I was even able to deal with conflicting emotions surrounding a romance. I have had this book for awhile and have used it at different points, but 2008 marked the first time in a long time I was in overload mode. I happened to notice the book "waiting" for me on a side table in my living room. I picked it up and I have felt better since that day.

I ask myself, why does a woman need a life organizer? What has happened to create a need for us to seek answers through various devices and advice gurus? We've become so goal-oriented we can't even listen to our own intuition. Simply lying on the earth should give us any answers we need, but we're too busy, too stressed, to do even that. So we turn to today's guidance, often in the form of books, to find out how to come home to ourselves.

One of our helpers is Jennifer Louden, also known as "The Comfort Queen." Louden is the author of several books including the bestselling The Women's Comfort Book and is devoted to nurturing women to express their "true creative power." I love books and look to them for inspiration and, frequently, affirmations of what I already know. This one is a heart-based, spirit-directed approach to listening to ourselves.

The Life Organizer is glossy, full of color and original artwork, and is written in Louden's warm, over-the-back-fence, casual style. She doesn't offer advice, but rather, "a collection of possibilities to inspire you in creating your way of participating with life and with your gifts."

Those possibilities are ways to stop and "tune in to what you really want and what you really know." She notes five main steps that make up the life-organizing process: connect, feel, inquire, allow and apply. Louden cautions readers not to focus on the five steps, but rather on your own life experiences, posing questions to assist you in getting in touch with your life experiences.

Besides the main steps to help you "create your optimum life day by day, moment by moment," Louden offers six "life-planning concepts." All of these suggestions grew out of Louden's busy life experiences and the intuitive planner she created for herself, which she shared with her coaching clients and those who attended her workshops and retreats. The results, and the stories of several of those women, are included.

"Shadow Comforts and Time Monsters" is one of Louden's life-planning concepts and refers to those comforts that masquerade as self-care techniques, but in fact drain your energy. For example, chatting on a message board may be energizing, or it may be a tactic to avoid talking to your partner. Among the women Louden has coached are those "whose lives consisted almost entirely of time monsters, because they were too afraid to do what they really wanted to do." Watching TV, spending a month cooking for the holidays, and spending a week decorating your child's classroom may be among your "time monsters." Some discerning questions are helpful to consider. We so often say we don't have time, but if we look at what we're really doing with our time, a light may go on.

I particularly like the chapter on "Creating Your Life Planner." I'm a fan of journals so that's why I probably enjoyed the various approaches women have taken to crafting their own Life Planners. You may write in Louden's book, but if you need more room, a spiral notebook will work just fine. Then you need to place your life planner where you have easy access to it, by your bed, or alongside your date book. One woman constructed her own card deck using the questions throughout the book. She uses the cards as her own divination system, drawing a question card or two on which to reflect. She has decorated them with her own images so she can stare at those images and see what they spark in her.

Thirteen elegantly designed planning sections that include four weeks worth of theme-based questions also include "Stories Along the Way," true stories of women who have used Life Organizing to improve their lives.

Each week, on a two-page spread, there is space for writing your intention. Three circles provide space for completing these phrases: "let go of", "have to" and "could do." Questions, and some possible answers, give impetus to a creative and intentional week.

Although this book is full of possibilities, at the core is its intent is to bring you back to yourself, eliminating what no longer serves the life that you, in your heart of hearts, desire. It looks very organized, but in fact you can approach it in your own non-organized, non-linear way. Using it as a divinatory tool seems a good idea to me. Just open the book and see what tips and stories appear for you today.

Jennifer Louden is a bestselling author, personal coach, radio show contributor, columnist for "Body & Soul Magazine" and creator of learning events and retreats. Louden is married to cinematographer Christopher Mosio, living in a small house on an island in the Pacific Northwest, along with their daughter, Lillian.

You can share a cup of virtual tea with Jen at www.jenniferlouden.com and www.lifeorganizerbook.com.

by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviewsorg
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I literally breathed in every word of this book! It is absolutely the most informative, up to date, thorough and readable book I have read thus far on postpartum mood disorders. As an RN who has worked with postpartum moms for 15 years, and as a mom who suffered from severe ppd, I am always eager to research new literature on this subject. This book reached my soul deeply on both levels - the clinical RN and the vulnerable mom. Thank you, Dr. Shoshana.

Ginger Law
Registered Nurse, Speaker

I just finished reading "Postpartum Depression For Dummies". It is an absolute "must read" for mothers suffering from any aspect or degree of postpartum depression. Their partners and families must read it as well. It is clear, it flows, it's well written and easy to understand. It leaves no question unanswered, every aspect and element of this condition is covered thoroughly. I would not hesitate to call this book a "life saver". The author, Dr. Shoshana Bennett proves herself to be a well versed leading authority on this topic, and a compassionate, kind and caring person who is available for telephone consultations. A huge thumbs up!!

This book is a must have if you are suffering from postpartum depression. I am in recovery from this illness and believe me I read a lot of books on this subject as soon as I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. But Postpartum Depression for Dummies gave me more detail on the subject than the others. It helped me to understand the illness, what my options were, and how to deal with my feelings. It also helped my family know how to help me. It guided me step by step and encouraged me not to give up and that these awful roller-coaster of feelings I had were going to pass. And they did.

Gaby

I have read every word of this book and feel so strongly about it that I have wrapped it in a receiving blanket to give to New Mom's at their Baby Showers!! This is a must to have in a household where there are kids. The humor, the tips, the resources, the written...easy to read quality are exceptional! Shoshanna does not preach, she tells it like it is. Where was this book when I gave birth to our first. Congratulations, Shoshonna on spreading the news that woman can take their life back during postpartum. Sallie Felton, Life Coach and International Talk Radio Host, www.salliefeltonlifecoach.com

I suffered PPD after the birth of my second son. As a stay-at-home mom caring for two small children, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I was suffering, as were those around me. After reading Dr. Shoshanna's book, I was able to make positive changes to bring balance to my life and overcome my PPD. I stopped beating myself up for not being able to "do-it-all." I started caring for myself by putting good nutrition in my body, taking breaks to have "me" time, and asking for help with housework and childcare. By doing these things, I saw changes immediately and I feel better than I have in a long time. And this book helped my family understand how I was feeling and how to support me. I wish I would have read Dr. Shoshanna's book before I had my first child. Now that I am pregnant with my third child, I plan to continue with the changes I've made and have a much happier experience with my newborn and my family. Thank you Dr. Shoshanna for writing this book and for helping so many women. All mothers (whether first time or not) should read this book.

This wonderful little book hadn't been published when I finished treatment. It would have been so helpful during that post treatment time when I struggled so hard to return to normal - then, eventually, realized that there was no going back - I was different now and needed to find my "new" normal.

Although I had heard from others that finishing treatment can be unexpectedly hard, it still came as a surprise. I have held it together pretty well, I think, through everything that had happened to me (diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer whilst pregnant). But I really did lose the plot a bit for a while, when it had all finished. This book has helped tremendously. It is a MUST for anyone just finishing treatment. Really wonderful

I received this book yesterday and am returning it today. It seems to simply list fears (in question format) then state that they will be fears and that there is a basis for fear. So, this book will validate that fear exists, even after treatment. However, this book has a very negative focus. Frankly, it was more unsettling- creating fears I didn't have. While I wasn't looking for a book that was "life is just fine now", I don't need any book to stir up fear and a feeling of helplessness. There was also a whole chapter on "troubling words of "cure and "survivor"... this chapter seemed to be more that the author had an ax to grind, apparently judging people who would use these words as part of their own psychological recovery as being polly-anna or misinformed. She even takes a blast at the "pink ribbon" information as too upbeat. Gosh I guess she just wants to make sure that you stay emotionally fragile, but now you can cite reasons to be! Forget it. I don't need more negativity or fear in my life.

The author of this book is a 14-year breast cancer survivor (at the time of publication.) Musa Mayer was a counselor in the Ohio Community Mental Health system, with a specialty in women's issues. The professional background, plus her personal experience, lends itself to specific knowledge to be an advocate for those facing breast cancer and its after effects. The author suspects that society encourages women to get on with their lives like before cancer, when in fact that is a faulty expectation. There is no going back to life as it was before cancer, because cancer shifts the foundation on which patients stand. Instead, survivors must build supports for a strong life after cancer. Mayer tells readers how to do that, and why it is necessary for post-cancer well-being.

Mayer incorporates the experiences of 40 other women. The women share their thoughts and feelings about what happens after surgery and other cancer treatments are over. The book clearly addresses the concerns of women worrying about recurrence and/or metastatic breast cancer. "This book takes the position that for women diagnosed with breast cancer, coming to terms in a direct way with the fear of recurrence can become a crucial part of the recovery process."

For the two million women in the United States who will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, the recovery process is no easy task. The impact that cancer has on the patient, her family and friends, is profound. Mayer divides the issues of recovery into eight chapters, which include informational and emotional content. What determines a cure? What defines a survivor? What medical tests should a survivor have? What symptoms would a survivor experience? What fears are "normal?" How does a survivor experience a "new normal?" According to Mayer, survivors must "discover what is normal for us now." In addition, Mayer explains the importance of support, and encourages survivors to seek support groups. She also includes an extensive resource guide. For those seeking a holistic approach to life after cancer, the area that is lacking in this book is a chapter on spirituality.

After Breast Cancer is a one-of-a-kind book that should be in of every survivor's library for resources and reassurance.

I purchased, After Breast Cancer: Answers to the Questions You're Afraid to Ask, for a friend of mine who was diagnosed with primary breast cancer two years ago. Before giving my friend the book, I read it, so I would not be suggesting a book that might "scare" her. Having metastatic breast cancer myself, I found myself wishing I would have had such a resource after my initial diagnosis. The book is extremely well-written and addresses all of the key issues of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. It's educational and offers the patient a "take-charge" mentality of a breast cancer diganosis. This book is a "must read" for women (and men) who are dealing with or have dealt with breast cancer.

I was diagnosed in October 2006 and began treatment one month later. The time between diagnosis and treatment was fast-paced, confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I had exceptional care, but I was not as proactively informed as I would have liked. Dr. Chan's book is exactly what I needed then, and it has been tremendously helpful now,over a year later, in understanding what all that took place between surgery, chemo and hormonal therapy. I have recommended this book to all my girlfriends who in one way or another are affected by breast cancer. I can't recommend this book more strongly to you or your loved one who is now facing breast cancer or trying to make sense of the breast cancer they have already been fighting.

This is one of 2 books I purchased when I was first diagnosed. Terrific and I still use it as a reference. Helped me when I was deciding on treatment (very borderline for chemo) Very detailed but easy to understand. I'd recommend this to anyone going through breast cancer.
There is so much written out there that is out of date or incorrect. If you have to buy one book, this is the one.

My wife and I have been on an emotional and psychological roller coaster since she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This book has really helped us to sort through and make sense of the terms, options, decisions and implications for treatment. It is well-written, clear, organized and cross-referenced. The case-study vignettes are particularly helpful.

In his humble, hopeful and helpful style, the author directly addresses about 285 of the most commonly-asked questions from patients seeking specifics to help address individual circumstances. He addressed all of our concerns, to the extent that we better understand the complete picture so we can chart a course of treatment with our medical team that's right for us. Thank you, Dr. Chan.

When I was first diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, my friends gave me this wonderful resource. Reading that book gave me a tremendous peace of mind. Dr. Chan had answers to questions that I didn't even know to ask. I felt relieved when I read that there has been much advancement in recent years and many options to consider in treatment.

Then I went through biopsy, lumpectomy, follow-up radiation, and then started Arimidex; my treatment went exactly as he described. I re-read those sections that pertained to me; they were informative and technical, with supporting studies and statistics. Most importantly, there was always a positive, warm tone. Dr. Chan was my guide through an anxious period. This book should be everyone's companion through a scary process.

I have purchased this book for my friends who have breast cancer and for their families to understand what's going on.

I highly recommend this excellent information-packed book for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer! In the first ten minutes of reading it, I found more reassurance here than I have found from anywhere else! I trust the knowledge of Dr. Chan to help with questions of the mind and of the heart, while presenting solid facts and statistics, as well as the two most important factors for recovery: comfort and hope.

Wondering why you are constantly sick, tired or just unhappy in general? If so, I command you to RUN, not walk, over to your local library or bookstore and pick up this brilliant piece of work by Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz. Two of the biggest issues I see with women and self-esteem are a) that they aren't taking good care of themselves (not exercising, eating well, taking vitamins, etc.) and b) that they stuff their emotions by not acknowledging the fact they feel powerless, lonely or just plain angry. I realize the book looks like a tome but it's very easy to skim around for just what you need. Don't be surprised, however, if you end up reading the whole thing.

I love this book b/c it explains so much about me, each day or month that I feel different. It explains why I get it, and on another day I don't. Why my husband thinks the way he does, and it helped me to understand that I must let some things go. It gives me tools I need to eleviate my Arthritis, and my Menopausal aches and pains. Thank you, Tammy

Apart from relatively well known facts about difference between women's and men's brain (nothing you can't find on internet) the "New feminine brain" is dedicated to pms(just couple pages), depression, phobias, anxiety, obsessions etc. If you do not suffer from above listed alignments and prefer natural treatment to drugs and daily supplements there is little in this book for you. Please rent a book form a friend or the library prior to purchase to make sure its what you want.

No matter what your brain style, no matter what type of anxiety or
emotion you may feel, it is all part of your intuitive type and its OK.
Instead of criticizing yourself, read this book and find out how it is
you really work and process information and see how it is part of your
GENIOUS!! This book is a must for western health care professionals,
counsellors, etc. but it is also a book for the total woman of the 21st
century because this is how health care is going to be talking. And if
you read this, you have to read Doc Schulz's book on Intuition. I've read
both and I feel empowered and I feel validated of all that is me.

This book is quite insightful and thought provoking. Mona Lisa Schulz has done a great job of taking mass amounts of complicated research and putting it into a form that the layman can understand. There is definitely a lack of good research on women's bodies/health and I think this book is a milestone in the field. I would highly recommend this book to any woman in any walk of life. The one drawback (if there was one) is that this book tends to be a bit pathological in general so one should caution against becoming a hypochondriac while reading. But as a whole I consider this to be an excellent book that can bring about awareness of the connections between work, family, stress, and physical and mental health.

I bought this for my daughter - it was perfect. I didn't want a book on growing up or how to date. Just this one subject. My daughter is small for her age and also a bit immature due to some hearing problems when she was younger. So all of her friends have already hit this milestone. This book was great and helped her tremendously. We talked and talked about her first period, but being able to look at the book over and over again really helped her. She has now hit this milestone and survived it just fine! A great book and highly recommended.

I thought the book was well written. My daughter is 8 1/2 and was very interested about the subject of Menstruation. We read it together and I felt it gave her all the information about growning up without the "sex" part.

I purchased this book for my 12 year old daughter. It is an informative book with some monochromatic illustrations. I also purchased "Ready, Set, Grow". My daughter's opinion is that "Ready, Set, Grow" was an easier reading style, more colorful and more fun to read. I have to agree with her. I also enjoyed reading the other book more than this one.

I would recommend this book, but if you're only going to buy ONE book, I'd recommend "Ready, Set, Grow".

This book is very simple and straightforward. I read it before I gave it to my ten-year-old daughter and it really touches on points that I didn't think to touch on with my daughter. My daughter read it and she loved it. She said it made her realize that she is normal and that everything she's thinking and feeling is NORMAL. It didn't give her so much information that she was overwhelmed and confused either. It simply goes through what is happening to her body now and nothing more. Thanks for a great guide!

My mother got this book for my younger sisters when I was 14 or 15, long after I'd started my period. But I still learned a lot from it. Reading accounts of how different girls/young women felt about their menstrual cycle was especially reassuring, since I felt "weird" about how painful and heavy mine was compared to that of other girls my age. I wish my mother had bought it for me when I was much younger, since I had many misconceptions about what a period was! A very subtle yet readable book, without "gross" pictures (has simple sketches instead). I also like that it doesn't talk down to young girls as if they're "just kids"; has a very respectful, reassuring tone that delivers what you need to know about your period when you're in middle school or junior high. Doesn't get into sex ed at all, so you can save that info for another book!

I just read a sample of the book from my Kindle, but that brief excerpt was enough. This book would probably be better titled, "how to resuscitate a dieing relationship," and marketed to those with relationships already on the decline. Even in that situation, I'd find his writing hard to take. He constantly is trying to sell you on his be-all, end-all acronym, CREATE. Though the relationship examples from his practice were excellent, the analogies were weakly uninspiring.

THis book nailed it with the 6 pillars of a relationship, however, the content was very, basic.

I bought this for my girlfriend and she loved it! I read it and I love it. A very interesting read which will definitely change your perspective on your relationships.

In my experience, this has got to be the single most useful book on the subject of lasting romantic relatinships. Dr. Goulston examines the six pillars of relationship success - Chemistry, Respect, Enjoyment, Acceptance, Trust, Empathy.

Together the first letters of each word spell CREATE. Together, the essence of each word define LOVE.

This book can literally save your marriage or committed relationship. Dr. Goulston uses simple, yet clever analogies to help readers understand the true foundation of a solid relationship. His CREATE approach is direct and easy to understand. The advice is wonderful and it's obvious that Dr. Goulston genuinely cares about helping people grow and solidify their intimate relationships. This should be required reading for all couples or anyone contemplating a romantic relationship.

Suesan's book had every argument I used to use against working out and her sense of humor drove me straight to her class. When I miss a class I get depressed!! I am almost 40 and am recovering my 20 year old body!! Totally recommend the book -- but, once read, prepare to get in shape!!

Suesan's workout simply works! Her book and tape provide a clear, practical guide to her program, which I have found to be the most effective and beneficial. My improved level of fitness, health and overall well-being are a direct result of using the Tone-Up method developed by Suesan as she describes it in her book.Her exercices help me with my strength, balance, and coordination and shape my body in a most satisfying way. She is one of the best kept secrets of Santa Barbara, but not for long, that's for sure.I highly recommend her book.

I was a semi-cripple when I started reading her book and listening to (and working with) the tape that accompanies the book. I am not 100%, but I know I'm getting there!

Suesan Pawlitski's book, "Be your best body",is simply the best routine anybody can follow any where you are. I am an avid work out addict and found Suesan's work out to be effective and "core " strengthening as well as allowing me to be more flexible, even without the benefits of Yoga. I'm fortunate to live in Santa Barbara and am able to take her classes three times a week along with my other work outs, and even though I have considered myself to be in great shape, her classes are still a tough work out. You too can follow her classes by simply following along with her book, the routines are all in there and are the absolute best. They are clear and concise and so easy to follow. The benefits are unbeleivable!

The author has an incredible ability to teach and motivate. I highly recommend this book for anyone that thinks it's too difficult to achieve a great looking body... it's awesome!