Women's Health Books

This book is a finely cut jewel in the world of menopause literature. Not only does it delve deeply into all the facets of menopause; physical, emotional and in terms of each individuals evolution to a new and potentially better phase of life, but it does so in a way that is so positive and inspirational that I find myself refering to it simply to remind myself that life is good and that even difficult experiances can be a special gift from God to learn and grow from. Don't get me wrong. The facts are clearly outlined, the alternative therapies researched throughly and explained in terms that any layman can understand. This book will gently guide you through all the ins and outs, ups and downs, of menopause in a throughly practical way. But it also goes a step beyond that, making this book a very special addition to the library of anyone going through menopause, or for someone that knows they will someday and would like to be prepared. I have also read 'Herbs of Grace', by the same author and would recommend that this also be read and cherished by anyone interested in Natural Medicine and all that it has to offer.

As a holistic practitioner, I find women vastly misunderstand the nature of menopause, thinking it just a negative physical cycle to medicate and suppress and be done with. Farida Sharan shows us, from her vast experience as a naturopathic doctor and healer, that we can deeply understand and embrace this time as part of our growth, and move through it with comfort, clarity and wisdom. Along with valuable information on natural physical healing, this book takes us on a much needed journey into the emotional and spiritual forces at work during menopause, and thus into a greater level of emotional and spiritual maturity possible for all women. This is a must read for women, even those who are years away from this important transition in life.

I'm not a big fan of most inspirational books because they don't have enough substance. This one, however, caught my eye because it's so different. I was also familiar with the author, Stephanie Stokes Oliver, from her work as editor of Essence and Heart & Soul magazines.

This is the kind of book you'll want to curl up with in a comfy chair. It manages to be warm, personal, and inspirational as well as practical. There's a LOT here, and it really runs the gamut--everything from domestic violence to spirituality to your more typical health and wellness topics. Ms. Oliver lists lots of useful resources, including Web links, and adds touching, often funny personal anecdotes to the mix. Her experience as a women's magazine editor really shows. And this isn't just a book for African-American women--I think that any woman would find plenty of material in here to interest her. A very welcome addition to the inspirational market!

I picked this book up as soon as it was released and make it part of my daily rituals. Even when I travel, I always make sure to pack it and take it with me so I won't miss my daily inspiration. However, I need to bring to the author's attention that on the message for Feb. 28, she mentions the 1963 Democratic convention was after the assassination of MLK. That was not 1963 but 1968. Or does she mean after the death of JFK? Please clarify for your readers.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of these STDs, then this is the first book to read! It's detailed, without being too academic. The women's stories are compelling, and the author really makes you think about how harmful those stereotypes about STDs can be, especially those about the types of women who get STDs. I also appreciated the author's honesty in revealing her own struggles with HPV.

As a mother of a young woman living with HPV, this book helped me understand her feelings and fears. Whether your daughter is 13 or 30, this is a must read for parents. After sharing this book ,we were able to sit down and begin a dialogue. Her mood swings and anger that had been directed at me were really symptoms of her trying to cope with her diagnosis. I didn't realize how alone and "damaged" my daughter felt. Our relationship is so much stronger now.

If you are suffering from post partum mood disorder, this is the book to read. I read a lot of other books but this is the book that really hits home. Very honest. Thank you Slyvia for writing this book.

While it is important for the public to understand the signs, symptoms and risk factors of pregnancy related mood disorders, nothing sends a more compelling message, or inspires sufferers to reach out for help and know they are not alone than a true story of courage, bravery and survival. Sylvia Lasalandra's story powerfully illustrates the suffering, stigma and lack of resources available to women struggling with these illnesses. Thankfully, the tide is finally changing, and Sylvia's unrelenting advocacy is one major reason. You will read this book in one sitting as you will not be able to put it down. Thanks, Sylvia, for joining the fight in such a courageous manner!

I discovered this book while writing my own "Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads" (Wiley) and so I came to it having already drawn many conclusions from my own research and interviews. Still, I found myself reading this and going "yes!!" at almost every point Reis makes, often hearing in her words an elegant echo of what women had been telling me in my own interviews. As a woman who had a conflicted relationship with her father -- and as an author who has interviewed many women -- I recommend this book. It's smart, it's insightful, and it's also well written.

In Daughters of Saturn Patricia Reis explores various aspects of the father daughter relationship with a particular focus on the father's effect on a woman's creative life. Beginning with the charter myth of Saturn, the archetypal devouring and melancholic father, she explores the many ways tha Daughters of Saturn have come to name their experience and have used language to tell their stories. Through myth, dreams, and women's experiences, Reis creates a map marking a journey from life in the Belly of the Father through the First Gate of Awakening. She documents women's resistances and rebellions against the dominant culture of patriarchy, the treacherous Battlezone of Culture, and records the lives of four women writers -- Emily Dickinson, H.D., Sylvia Plath, and Anais Nin -- outlingin their struggles and strategies to live creative lives. Reis marks the trails into what she calls "The Wildzone," a place that has existence outside the law of the fathers: a woman-centered ground of being and knowing.

I happen to come across this book quite by accident at the library one day. I couldn't check it out at the time, but once I could, I went right back and got that book, and I tell you, this is no ordinary welfare mother, but then again, who is? or who isn't? Richeline was born in Georgia, finished high school in South Philadelphia, got married and ended up in New Britain, Connecticut with seven kids. She resolved for 1973 to write a journal of her life and concerns, and that she did. One of the entries while discussing her financial woes, she muses if she sold this journal what would it profit? sadly, she didn't live to see the results. She speaks of not being able to work for herself(although she does work parttime at a dry cleaners)and giving her body to science as a sort of payback, writing letters to the local newspaper editor and seeing them published as well. She yearns that her children would break the cycle and become better adults, and at the end of the book, there is a section on what happened to her children. She also talks about her health. She suffered from seizures, and she valiantly tried to keep it from her kids. Nevertheless, after reading this book, one would think twice about labeling someone a welfare queen or what have you. Richeline Mitchell may have been a welfare mother, but I believe she was far more than that. A great book and highly recommended for all.

The book Dear Self is an excellent book that everyone should read. It really draws the reader into never wanting to put it down. It appeals to people of every upbringing, age, and culture. The reader will feel as though they have experienced what the very writer has gone through. The emotions of sadness, happiness, and times of struggle have an immense affect on any person who reads this book. Superbly put together, Dear Self proves that with struggle there is ease. Richelene Mitchell, who documents these stories in a diary, proves that, although everyone has struggles or difficulties in life, with determination, patience, and acceptance of those struggles, one will succeed. What I found amazing about the writer was the fact that she never expressed pain throughout her illness of epilepsy. She continued to provide for her seven children, with endless love and support. This is most definitely a book that everyone can learn at least one lesson from, especially through the writer's strength, patience, and courage.

I am a child psychiatrist (no longer in training although my review title still refers to me as such), and I work closely with the parents of my patients. I am always looking for books that provide thoughtful accessible guidance for parents. This book is a gem and I will be recommending it often.

While the discussion of mood disorders, diagnosis and treatment, pre-conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum is completely comprehensive, this book doesn't just focus on psychiatric diagnoses. It talks openly and wisely about the emotional adjustment required when one becomes a parent. It provides advice on how couples can argue in a fair manner, to preserve connection during stressful times. It explains how different types of psychotherapies may be useful. This book has a great deal to offer. It is very impressive.

Ruta Nonacs offers a wonderful guide to the sometimes rocky road to becoming a mother. Her book is a practical guide to navigating the emotional ups and downs of infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, and postpartum.

No one tells you how hard it can be -- I'm a naturally cheerful person who was laid low by an entirely unexpected depression after my first child was born. No one who knew me predicted this. And I was very slow to get help. I wish this book had been available then.

Luckily, I live in Boston and found Dr. Nonacs, who worked with me to get through the blues -- she is an incredibily empathetic care giver. She's also a terrific writer. And she has little kids herself, so she can bring a wide perspective to her work --- as a doctor, a shrink, and a mom.

If you or a woman you care about is suffering with depression, moodiness, a difficult transition to motherhood, or postpartum stress, buy this book. You can read it straight through, or dip into the sections that best apply to your situation. There's also an extensive bibliography/resource section in the back.

I can heartily recommend this book for all new mothers. Her advice on taking care of yourself when you most need to applies to all mothers, not just those with an extra dose of the blues.

I was lucky to find this book that is now "OOP" out of print if you can find it. GET IT!! It has all those wonderful desserts that are featured on the back of the "Bordan's" sweetened condense milk wrapping like; Magic Cookie Bars, Rich Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie just to name a few.

Happy Baking

Thumbing through this book with my mother, I felt like a child again. All the desserts I grew up on were pictured here.Seeing the names of the towns where the recipe came from, felt like that person made the treat just for me. I have tried many of the recipes and my family and friends rave of my culinary skills. (thanks to the wonderful recipes) This is a book that has to be tried. It will become a favorite in your home like it has in mine.

This is the definitive book regarding developmental care in the NICU. The topics are broad, circadium rhythm to family centered care as respects developmental care. It's great resource to base your policy and procedure for developmental care in your unit.

This is hands down, the best book I have ever found when it comes to planning and providing holistic care of the neonate and their family. Well organised, each article is not only full of detailed interventions, but beautifully illustrates the physiological basis and nursing process they are based on. In addition to laying a strong foundation for the most basic aspects of care of the newborn, special topics are approached with the same sensitivity and attention to detail found throughout the book.

I found the chapter exploring the role of fathers in the NICU especially powerful. A invaluable family and quality centered tool.

I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE EXCELLENT FOR THE JUST INFORMED DIABETIC WOMAN. SO MANY DOCTORS JUST TELL YOU THE NEWS, HAND YOU A PRESCRIPTION AND YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. I HAVE RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK TO MY PHARMACY AND HEALTH FOOD STORE, BOTH WHO SAY NEWLY INFORMED DIABETICS COME IN AND SAY THEY HAVEN'T A CLUE OF WHAT TO DO NOW.

June Biermann and Barbara Toohey team up with Dr. Lois Jovanovic-Peterson to create the best question and answer book for the diabetic female. The book is divided into three stages of life. Each stage is categorized into developments common with the age group. There is even a special chapter about diabetes and pregnancy in the second life stage. Complications are discussed, but not emphasized. Living life to the fullest is the goal. Type 2 diabetes is also discussed briefly. The tone of the book is lighthearted and often funny. There are several antecdotes about life with diabetes and how to answer some of the questions a person is asked by well meaning friends or family. This book is a must for both the diabetic patient and her loved ones.