Alternative Books

This is a fascinating account of the scientific and humanistic education of a truly remarkable woman who trained in Argentina. Dr. Stemmler contrasts the simplicity of 3rd world medicine with America's health care system, & critiques the economics that justify health care rationing. Dr. Stemmler offers an inspirational vision of what universal access to health care could be.

Dr. Stemmler's book is a moving account of her training and experiences as a physician. Her professional competence, in both Western and Eastern medicine, and her ability to empathize and connect with her patients are important parts of her story. The book begins a critique of standard Western medicine that she plans to continue in future writings. Both for this reason and for the stories she tells, it is a most worthwhile book to read. I strongly recommend "No-Nonsense Medicine."

This book is ideal for all patients, especially since its language is accessible and inspiring. Told from the doctor's point of view, this story is a personal and intimate look at a physician's journey through the medical field. The readers can easily connect with her life and feel as though they are living her experiences. This book also gives us hope as patients that we can take control of our own health care. I highly recommend it to all patients in an effort to reassure us that we CAN dictate how we are treated and cared for.

The rapid technological advances in medicine, the urgent need to specialize, the incredibely fast accummulation of information, turns many physicians into expert technicians - diagnosis and treatment-focused rather than patient-focused. The patient, the focus of treatment, is usually lost in this medical maze; he/she becomes an object. Dr. Stemmler proves that there is another way. While her approach is humanistic, patient-focused, she does not compromise her diagnostic skills nor her treatment plans. On the contrary, while practicing Western medicine, her patients also benefit from her vast knowledge in Eastern medicine especially acupuncture, and chinese philosophy. Her books, are a must for anybody practicing medicine and for all the rest who are potential patients.

No-Nonsense Medicine: A Physician's Path to Sensible Healing is a critical, appraising look at today's "standards of care." Doctor Christina Stemmler (a Board Certified Family Physician who trained in both Chinese and Western medicine) explains the failings of the current industry standards, with the core message and conclusion that the vitality of the doctor-patient relationship can be the strongest asset for healing. A thoughtful, challenging work, No-Nonsense Medicine is highly recommended reading for patients, medical students, physicians, health care workers, and alternative medicine practitioners.

I had no idea there are so many uses for Fem Hygiene Products! As a guy, I've never had much use for them, but now that will change.
This is a really funny book and very enlightening for male readers who know very little about this world.

Very funny! This book will have you rolling in no time. Karen has a very interesting way of looking at feminine hygiene products. I never would have even thought of some of these things....very creative! If you like to laugh at lifes little hidden secrets (behind the toilet on the floor) pick up this book...just make sure you have the seat down! AAA+++

There's nothing like clean humor like Karen Laven's and we need more books like this,FUNNY & WELL WRITTEN. TWO THUMBS UP!

If you're looking for a book to give as a gift or to get a few laughs from, than look no further! This book is well written by such a talented author who has a great sense of humor!

This book is a very funny read. It has a great new way of looking at feminine hygiene products. This book is...F U N. I like the pictures of alternate uses which are a stich. This is a great book to have at your home for people to read while using the bathroom, cause let's face it that's where these products belong. The Author seems to touch on so many funny uses that it actually keeps you reading. I did not set the book down until I had read it cover to cover. It is easy reading, something the whole family can enjoy. Would love to see more from this Author. AAAAAAA++++++++

this is a wonderful bookare you getting ready for your intitation, maybe a handfast this book shows you rituals to celebrate all kinds of events in life

I'm a huge fan of the Campanelli's books. I really enjoy the imagery Pauline's writing evokes. Its like being transported to the season or place being described. Another bonus is that while its certainly applicable to followers of the Wiccan Path, it is also very useful for solitary generalized Pagans like myself. My only wish is that Pauline was still with us writing such wonderful Pagan books. I would recommend getting your hands on a copy of this out of print book. It is full of ritual outlines for many changes and phases of life, and they are presented in conjunction with time of life being celebrated to each Sabbat.

... like many good books they go in and out of print but this book is must have!!! ...good imfomation and outlines on rites.

Blessed Be

5 years ago, I picked up this book in a bookstore, and was entranced by a way of life that celebrates the seasons of life just as it does the seasons of the year.

This book relates the simple folk customs that have been performed all over the world for different turning points of life, as well as more contemporary Pagan practices, and suggestions from the authors. Eight turning points have been chosen, which have been subtly associated with the 8 seasonal festivals (although they may not occur in this order in your life :) ).

- Birth (Yule)
- Coming of Age (Imbolg)
- Initiation (Ostara)
- Handfasting (Beltane)
- Midlife (Litha)
- Priesthood (Lughnasa)
- Elderhood (Mabon)
- Death (Samhain)

For a single book, it has an amazing range of content, with various tidbits from and about the practices of ancient cultures, and the whys of many customs.
Some examples of variety of content:
From the birth chapter - Egyptian charms for both before and during the birth, an Italian charm for protection of the baby, excellent suggestions for magickal gift-giving (useful for us non-parents out there!), and baby naming.

An aside -
I was drawn to this book 5 years ago - it was the first* book I read on Paganism - and in retrospect it is still one of a very few books that could have opened me up to the Pagan path.
Although the 'How to' books are very useful, this provided me the initial 'Why to'. A way of life which celebrates, and is never very far from, the sacred.
And, as far as the 'How to' goes, the single chapter on Initiation was more useful than many Pagan/Wicca 101 books I've read (although that also says a lot about some of those 101 books...)
It was an overview to be sure, but like the rest of the chapters, it has some really good useful information and it was a good base to start from, with things such as:
A "year and a day" of study Dedication, suggestions as to skills to learn, the whys of keeping a Book of Shadows and Magickal Journal as well as a suggested layout & a consecration ritual, explanations and mythology behind the different tools, magickal names, etc.

If you are looking for a book about any of the Rites of Passage covered in this book - this really is an excellent resource.

A possible improvement to the book for future editions would be an index, as if you are like me, you will probably be referencing it often.

-- Additional Info --
This IS the same book as "Rites of Passage : The Pagan Wheel of Life" - with a new cover.

Pauline and Dan Campanelli are both artists, you may have seen some of their prints around!

The Campanellis books are always a treat. Not only is this book cocked full of ideas for Pagan rites of passages; it is full of lore and history as well. Far from the "fluff" bunny books on Pagan topics, this book is useful and down to earth. I adore the Campanellies poetic gentle style of writing, and the pencil drawings are lovely. There are ritual ideas for the coven or for a solitary witch. All useful Pagan libraries should have a copy of this book.

As a nutritionist and natural health educator, I highly recommend Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs. It's well-researched, fun to read, and easy to find what you're looking for. Dr. Presser has managed to present scientifically credible information while maintaining a style of writing which is not only easy to read, but clearly reflective of his wonderful sense of humor. Furthermore, Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs is especially important at this time since we currently live in an age of self-prescription regarding herbs. Up-to-date information is extremely important to help consumers make educated decisions. Dr. Art Presser's book is just what the doctor ordered. As a matter of fact, doctors who are interested in integrating herbal medicine into their practice should read Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs too.

As a nutritionist and natural health educator, I highly recommend Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs. It's well-researched, fun to read, and easy to find what you're looking for. Dr. Presser has managed to present scientifically credible information while maintaining a style of writing which is not only easy to read, but clearly reflective of his wonderful sense of humor. Furthermore, Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs is especially important at this time since we currently live in an age of self-prescription regarding herbs. Up-to-date information is extremely important to help consumers make educated decisions. Dr. Art Presser's book is just what the doctor ordered. As a matter of fact, doctors who are interested in integrating herbal medicine into their practice should read Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs too.

Dr. Presser has taken a subject that can be a bit boring and injected humor here and there which makes it not only enjoyable to read but very informative. I find myself looking forward
to reading another chapter much the same way I look forward to reading a novel.

Clearly Dr. Presser has a unique and refreshing way of delivering
information that could otherwise be quite boring.

I look forward to any forthcoming books from Dr. Presser.

This is the most enjoyment I have had reading a book on herbs. The author kept my attention with his light writing and sense of humor. I will save it on my bookshelf a[s]... a reference book, ... I read it from cover to cover.

As a chemist with more than 18 years in research and 4 years studying nutrition, I have reviewed and researched many books on the medicinal properties of herbs. I find this book to be one of my favorites. It contains enough information to satisfy my appetite for the pharmacological composition of herbs while being extremely pleasant to read. Dr. Presser has a unique wit and manner of writing. As an owner of two health food stores I find myself recommending this book above all others for anyone asking for additional information on herbs and their medicinal value. Definitely a must have!

In this terrific reference, Dr. Mindell provides more than we are led to believe from the book's title: "Prescription Alternatives"! Aside from giving us well documented natural alternatives for prescription drugs, Dr. Mindell gives us the vital information: 1) to protect ourselves against prescription drug abuse, 2) to avoid becoming an adverse drug effects (ADE) victim; 3) to live a fuller, healthier life through his "Six Principles for Optimal Health"! This well researched book, with its extensive bibliography, is a MUST HAVE book for every family seriously seeking to achieve and maintain a high standard of health! In a word: ESSENTIAL!

Earl Mindell and Virginia Hopkins have each written extensively about alternative health and nutrition. They teamed up for Prescription Alternatives, "a tool for easily and immediately accessing information about how the drugs you are taking affect your body, the steps you can take to counteract these imbalances and what alternative treatments are available."

They start with a description of how we've become a nation of pill-poppers and present drug statistics, such as "140,000 Americans die each year" from adverse drug effects and that "at least 11 million people are abusing prescription drugs." They also explain the unrelenting pressures put on medical doctors by the drug companies, medical schools, and state medical boards. Mindell and Hopkins include lists of factors than can affect drug levels, and explain how to prevent common problems with prescription drug use. They offer hints on how to prepare for surgery and decrease your chances of having an adverse drug reaction while hospitalized. They also explain how to read the drug inserts that come with prescriptions and include a glossary of common medical terms.

The bulk of the book is devoted to extensive details about the most-often prescribed drugs. They discuss a dozen kinds of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, herpes, and osteoporosis. They list the drugs usually prescribed for each condition, then present detailed information about each drug, including what the drug is supposed to do, possible side effects, interactions with other drugs, interactions with foods, what imbalances in the body may result, and what nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, should be added to the diet while taking the drug. Each section concludes with natural alternatives to the drugs and tips for helping your body heal itself. They also explain how the body systems work and how lifestyle changes can help prevent many diseases.

All their explanations are in easy-to-understand layman's terms.

The authors say that "when you start taking any type of drug, you are heading down a long road full of potentially dangerous drug interactions and side effects." Prescription Alternatives is a scenic byway that will help readers avoid that long road.

Earl Mindell and Virginia Hopkins have provided one of the most important books of the CENTURY. So many of us listen to our doctors and take the prescriptions offered without THINKING. It is time for pill-poppers to wake up to the motives of the pharmaceutical companies, and to the very dangerous risks we take when we pop a prescription pill without investigating its long term effects.

This book has become a Health Bible for me and my friends. I tell people about it every day. If there is one thing you do for those you love, let it be to buy them this book.

Prescription Alternatives provides live-saving information. It informs us of the risks we take when we blindly accept any prescription our doctors offer. It provides us with all of the alternative choices that won't just suppress or mask a symptom but will change our health in the best and safest way possible. When are we, as a nation of consumers, going to take back the responsibility of maintaining our health? Don't take my word for it, read up on the facts for yourself. Then go out and buy a copy for every one you love! The natural food and supplement stores will love you for it!

This is an easy to read book on natural alternatives to over the counter and prescription drugs. Particular attention is paid to the hazards of drug interaction which can lead to poor health. (The "cure" being worse than the disease.....). The book is well organized, with a good index. Drugs are profiled by type, covering the gamut from NSAIDS to Narcotics. Each drug is discussed. The author tells you: what the drug does in your body, what conditions it is prescribe for, side effects, when you should NOT take the drug, and interactions with other drugs and food. If you must take a drug, the author offers information on supplements that balance out or minimize the potential damage to your body. And of course, the natural alternative to taking pharmaceuticals - specific, herbs, vitamins and minerals, and diet, are given. The author does sermonize from time to time, but this is a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent book.

Purchasing Prescription Alternatives, Second Edition, by Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. and Virginia Hopkins, M.A., may just be the best investment you can make in your health.
Drug companies spend more than a billion dollars each year on advertising. They sponsor talks in medical schools, providing free meals and medical supplies to students. They also fund most of the medical research going on today and keep doctors' offices supplied with "free" samples. Between drug companies and the pressures put doctors by HMO's, it's no wonder that most people who go to see a doctor walk away with a prescription to be filled.
Sometimes those prescriptions are essential, particularly in the cases of sudden, acute illnesses. But often they do more harm than good. Mindell and Hopkins's goal is to "teach you how to be a knowledgeable and conservative drug user, who knows how to ask the right questions and get the necessary information to stay healthy."
They explain that nearly one million people are "injured" by drugs every year, and "at least 11 million people are abusing prescription drugs." They caution that having FDA approval doesn't mean a drug is safe, reminding readers that "those FDA-approved drugs are killing at least 140,000 people a year, just in hospitals."
The bulk of the book is a detailed listing of hundreds of drugs prescribed every day, including those for heart disease, digestive disorders, asthma and allergies, pain relief, diabetes, insomnia, prostate problems, osteoporosis, eye diseases, and herpes. They also include antibiotics, antifungals, and synthetic hormones.
Mindell and Hopkins start with a description of the disease or ailment and its causes and effects on the body. They then explain how it could be prevented in the first place, making their book useful also for people who are currently healthy. Following that is a list of the drugs that can be prescribed, using both the brand names and generic names. An explanation of how each drug works in the body comes next, along with information on side effects. They then discuss all the interactions each drug has with other drugs, with nutritional supplements, and food. Lastly, they provide information on natural alternatives.
"You absolutely cannot count on the FDA, the drug company, your physician or your pharmacist to keep you safe from dangerous drugs and their interactions," say Mindell and Hopkins. Prescription Alternatives will give readers all the information they need to make wise choices about which, if any, drug is best for them, as well as helping them avoid the adverse consequences that can result from simple human error in obtaining and using prescription drugs.

This books collects many of Patrick Califia's writings from the late 1970s through the early 90s and is a real jewel of a book. I recommend the newest edition, publish in the early 2000s that includes a new introduction and new essay on the most controversial topic in the book that is well worth reading for it shows the evolution of Califia's thought on an immensely contentious subject.

Besides that essay, there are numerous others that the term 'eye opening' would be an understatement in describing. Her promotion of a sex-positive feminist and queer viewpoint is always a joy to read and her essays on lesbian sexuality, the empowering aspects of S/M, on the persecution and shaming of prostitutes by the Right and the Left, and many other works are all a breath of fresh air. Califia is definitely to be commended for fighting to put the sex back into sexuality, and in this increasingly prim, proper, and puritanically-minded society of ours, that is a blessing.

Califia takes on virtually all the great bugaboos of the more puritanical, embourgeoisized, and authoritarian elements of the feminist and LGBTQ movements which serve, in all seriousness, as distractions that prevent liberatory-minded feminists and queer activists from the pooling our resources from the urgent task of fighting for and building a more free, democratic, and substantively just world.

at one point in Public Sex, Pat Califia says that "you can still be a sex radical even if you prefer to get off in the missionary position and still believe there are only two genders." it's an important thing to remember. in this collection of essays, Califia explores -- over a period of about a dozen years -- issues of sex, politics, and where the two intersect (usually by bolstering the latter at the expense of the former). she explains why sexual freedoms and sexual responsibility are rights we all deserve, though many of us don't get them. she confronts the p.c. "feminist" positions on issues like pornography, prostitution, and S/M, and her well-thought-out points will make any reader pause. Public Sex changed my life, making me more aware than i had ever been of the sheer *perversity* of the strictures on sexual behavior in our culture today. the more people read this book, the better our chances of gaining those liberties that all of us deserve.

My first reading of Pat Califia's work was in PoMoSexuals, a collection of essays where she was one of the contributors. Her writing was so eloquent and coherent that I sought out her books. In this collection of her essays, Califia challenges the muddled thinking and hyperbole so prevalent among feminists (especially Andrea Dworkin) about pornography and sexual "deviance." Califia's knowledge and arguments are stated clearly with humor and compassion. Many quotable quotes such as: "It is true that pornography is marketed for a male audience, but there are women who enjoy it. I do not think it sufficient to say these women are brainwashed by the patriarchy, since women are socialized NOT to use erotic materials." (p. 109)

[about teen interest in sex] "Any attempt at independence and autonomy by a young person is seen as wickedness, rebellion, and evil." (p. 80) And: "It is adult outrage and shame over such perfectly normal activities that give young people the idea that there's something wrong with sex or nudity, and intimidates them out of asking the questions they need to explore their own erotic natures." (p. 81)

"Instead of praying for extraordinary talents, we should pray for the good sense to fully use the talents we have been given." (p. 259)

I found this book informative and very thought provoking and recommend it for anyone with strong feelings, pro or con, about the rights of sexual minorities.

~~Joan Mazza, author of Dream Back Your Life; Dreaming Your Real Self; Things That Tick Me Off; and Exploring Your Sexual Self.

If you have an earlier printing of this collection do not buy this version, just borrow it for the new essays. Most of the essays were earlier published in journals such as "The Advocate". The essays themselves are unchanged but the introductions are rather defensive in nature, reflecting the political climate in which this book is published. The essays are organized into their sections and within each section by the year their were written. This gives us a great sense of how Califia's own views have changed through the years.

"...and possibly change your mind about some things. At the very least, it will require you to think about some things in a way you've never done before.

i am very surprised to see this book on amazon of all places, i got my copy from the author herself a few years ago at a fetish fair..if you enjoyed the movies 9 1/2 weeks and The Secretary you will find this book to be a very good read, i would've preferred it to be more explicit but don't let that deter you from getting this book..it is as close as you'll get to reading someones diary that lives a very kinky life...

I purchased this book on the recommendation from a friend of mine. Most books about BDSM are "How To" or fantasy books, the puppy papers wasn't either. The puppy papers was a fascinating book, it took me a while to realize that this book was non fiction. To confirm this I went onto the Internet to see if this Steven person was real, he certainly is, which made this book that much better. Also there are references to nationally known people in the BDSM community who Steven is friends with. Another thing about this book is that it does not have flowery descriptive words or phrases, it is written in the moment in letter conversation form. Their conversations are about life, their relationship, puppy's work, family, even when her husband accuses her of having relationship with another man, her past play partners and Master, her need to be with Steven, her need to serve and a lot of kink.

I was surprised when the story took a turn when Steven started to ask puppy questions about her life and told her that he may be putting a book together from their emails. At this point, Steven becomes an interviewer and puppy continues to reveals open and honestly all aspects of her life. I haven't found a woman that is this comfortable with herself, that can speak so openly about her life, as for myself I don't know if I can be so open and honest about myself either.

I was fascinated by puppy's letters answering Steven questions and that they don't always follow the normal pattern of conversation, but life doesn't always flow smoothly. In one of the letters she brings up about playing doctor/patient with her girl friends, describing how girls learn about their body, I was surprised to say the lest, this is a subject that is never discussed. When asking about her first BDSM awakening, experience which took place in a Hotel room with a stranger, you can take safe and sane and throw that out the window. I found puppy a very erotic kinky masochist who is very devoted to her Dominant and open to all types of play.

The progression of their relationship from Top/bottom to Dominant/submissive is evident in how puppy address's Steven, I found that very interesting. I do wish that there was more about Steven in the last part of the book, he took a back seat to puppy's story which was a good thing, but so is he. In researching Stevens life on the Internet I found it fascinating that he is in the adult porn sex business and his involvement with the police and federal government. I wanted more of him in the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Puppy Papers, Puppy writes very well in the moment and has a wonderful sense of humor. If their relationship lasts and evolves I want to read about it, they certainly do have an interesting life.

By the way, the title has nothing to do with puppy play, this book is about puppy's life in her letters. For myself, I have been involved in the BDSM for many years.

Ken Ballard
Mr. Iowa Leather 2005

I couldn't decide whether to call this book a biography or an autobiography. It is through a series of emails, over a period of six months, in which Steven Toushin asks puppy sharon probing questions about her past and her understanding of sexuality (in particular hers) that sharon's story comes out but it is through her writings that we get to know her. It could be thought of as an interview as well. Perhaps structurally it is a hybrid. Personally, I like that I can't easily classify this book. It allows it to function as all of the above and creates the ability to enter the material in a variety of ways.

Conceptually it is interesting to find myself (as the reader) participating as voyeur in the budding relationship between Toushin and puppy. To observe as she slowly opens up revealing a fascinating sexual life from childhood to the present. Steven stays out of the way, revealing very little about himself, creating plenty of room for her to divulge her sexual awakenings. The correspondence between the two plays out much like life. There are the mundane emails, the "how are you. I'm fine" aspects, but tucked in between those are treasures of information. Some of which most women growing up in rural and suburban middle America will surely recognize and others that are truly unique to sharon; her openness to exploration reveals a woman self-possessed enough not to be bogged down in the guilt and shame of a slow but maturing understanding of her sexual desires and needs.

sharon's descriptions of her introduction to the BDSM world are absorbing, typically awkward, and sometimes funny as she talks about the pitfalls, as well as the satisfying encounters. Her point-of-view is adventurous and sometimes reveals a naiveté that is inevitable when entering a new world of experience. It is encouraging for those new to this sexual realm to read from a woman's point-of-view who remains intact despite unsuccessful experiences. A woman who handles the situations with calmness, self-possession and a sense of humor not allowing others to defeat or discourage her from continuing her quest to find sexual satisfaction. She seems to know this is all a part of her sexual education, which she is clearly in charge of. It's refreshing to read a woman's story that does not revolve around exploitation.

For those like me, if you begin to become suspicious of who this Steven Toushin guy is (especially after sharon reveals stories about some of the creeps she's encountered) never fear. Check out the appendix. There is plenty of information about him there. Though I do wish he would have included more about himself within the context of the email exchanges I understand the attempt to stay out of the way of sharon's story. It is sometimes successful, sometimes not. There are times when I begin wondering more about who he is which becomes a distraction from sharon.


This book is open-ended leaving the reader with many questions, particularly regarding sharon and Steven's growing relationship. It's some of the most titillating aspects of the book and if you want arousing material then you'll be clamoring for more details regarding their intense sexual interactions. I smell a sequel, which I'd buy. My curiosity has been piqued. The reader is given enough information to keep interested but there is still plenty that is to be explored. Again it is a strategy that points to one of life's conundrums, the inability for one person to fully know another person's mind and the desire to probe their lives all the more intensely. It also reminds us that one cannot judge a person by the way they look. There are plenty of professionals, suburban mothers, and other "normal" everyday people who have interesting and even amazing hidden lives. Makes you what to stop and find out what lurks behind the façade of normalcy that so many exude. It's good to know there are people from all walks of life waking up sexually and being brave enough to follow their inner desires.

This book was great. It offers insight into her thought processes and how she learns. I had my sub read this book so she could get an idea of what the lifestyle is like. She came away with things she liked and didn't like about it. So it was great book for her to understand the joys of bdsm and also express some of her concerns. Great book and should be in any BDSM bedroom library.

I loved this book. It was a real to life look at a womans entrance into BDSM. I think it is a must for anyone looking to see how a Dom and sub think and feel.

Fantastic read!

After having visited my medical physicans for months with chronic back pain and digestive pain we hit a roadblock. The physicians could find no reason for my medical issues. MRI, of everything you can think of produced no real diagnosis with the exception of a degenerative disk. I decided to try something different and I struck gold. No longer do I take any medications and I am so much more active. My day to day life has changed as well. In short, I am going through a transformation. Dr. Wayne Dyer has taught me a better approach to life.

Dr. Wayne Dyer really practices what he lectures about . . . I
just heard him on a PBS special, in which he described how he
often sends those who write him a gift for no special reason . . . so when he graciously sent me his live lecture tape series, SECRETS OF YOUR OWN HEALING POWER, I rushed to listen to it . . . my reaction: WOW!

As is the case with any book or tape put out by Dyer, you'll be
inspired and informed when experiencing it . . . in addition, you'll be entertained (as was the group of chiropractic professionals fortunate to be able to hear him).

He emphasizes that the secrets to healing are not somewhere "out
there," but rather, healing is something that takes place inside each and every one of us, occurring when we "connect to our Source" and bring Spirit to the disease." He emphasizes that healers need to be able to banish doubt and see their clients as individuals who already possess the capacity to heal themselves. That is, those with health challenges need to have someone in their energy field who truly believes that healing can take place.

These other observations by Dyer also caught my attention:
Doctors when they misdiagnose . . . do they then agree to having
misbilled?

When you place a label on somebody you negate them. You then
begin to treat the label, not the person.

Four words will end all conflicts in relationships: You're right about that.

This is very inspirational, humorous, frank and informative. Dr Dyer never fails to show me another way or another book which takes me further along the path of development. In this CD he has produced some magnificent work. I laughed, I cried and I was extremely moved. I recommend it to anyone wanting to find the truth of what the world is about.

Listening to Dr. Dyer is refreshing and reinforces what I already know but somehow forget in the process of everyday living.

I really enjoyed the audio book. I felt Mr. Dryer had a good sense of humor yet realistic goals that we can all find our way to. I feel this book would be good for anyone trying to let go of past anger, disappointment, or pain. I have recommended it to many clients of our health library, and the therapists at our clinic are now referring clients to it as well.

Dr. Jacknin has written a thoroughly user-friendly guide to the common skin and nail ailments faced by everyone at some point in his or her life. The information is presented in layman terms with explicit definitions and descriptions which allow the reader to pinpoint his or her own areas of concern. That information along with Dr. Jacknin's objective delineation of treatments available gives the reader the opportunity to make an informed decision about management of a skin or nail problem. This book is an excellent reference which should be alongside the medical encyclopedia in every home.

Dr. Jacknin has written a thoroughly user-friendly guide to the common skin and nail ailments faced by everyone at some point in his or her life. The information is presented in layman terms with explicit definitions and descriptions which allow the reader to pinpoint his or her own areas of concern. That information along with Dr. Jacknin's objective delineation of treatments available gives the reader the opportunity to make an informed decision about management of a skin or nail problem. This book is an excellent reference which should be alongside the medical encyclopedia in every home.

This beautiful and beautifully-written guide to skin care and common dermatalogic problems provides a wealth of conventional and complementary treatment approaches. Written in terms easily understandable to the layperson, the book is comprehensive and informative. Dr. Jacknin translates medical concepts into very understandable lay terms and is thorough in her explanations.

"Smart Medicine for your Skin" written by Dr.Jeanette Jacknin is a highly readable and comprehensive book. It guides the reader in conventional and homopathic treatments with clear explanations and remedies. Detailed instruction for your hair, skin and nails, diagnosis procedures and stress reduction is a "must" for all who are interested in maintaining health. This is a great book.

"Smart" is the word for this accurate, balanced dermatology guide that presents both traditional therapies and alternative medicine choices. Written for health care professionals, yet suitable for individuals who want to take charge of their own health, this is an excellent resource for skin care.

Smart Medicine for Your Skin is immediately useful and accessible. As a family doctor, I refer to it frequently for conventional allopathic treatment modalities. What I like most however, is that it gives me multiple alternative therapies that I can review with patients. The explanations are easy to understand and my patients like to have choices.

As a bonus, the reference section provides in-depth resources for further explanations, classified by condition. This section also provides helpful listings of manufacturers, publishers and organizations all easily accessible within the framework of this one book. It belongs on my bookshelf and I recommend it for yours.

Harriet Schanzer, M.D.

I enjoyed this well-written, informative book. The author placed medicine shows in the context of American society and culture. Who knew that medicine, advertising and show business were so intertwined? A fascinating, fun read. I highly recommend this lively book. Ms. Anderson has a wonderful way of relating a subject that did not, at first, sound like one that could hold me for a whole book. It left me wanting to know even more. A terrific and entertainingly researched tome!

Ann Anderson has done her homework. Finding information about early medicine shows is about as easy as finding a fossilized T-Rex's tooth. Anderson has done a superb job with this work and I recommend it very highly to anyone interested in the "beginning entertainment" of the United States.

Arkansas Red-Ozark Troubadour
Eureka Springs, Arkansas

A thoroughly entertaining and informative book with a subject matter I never thought would interest me. Having an advertising background, I was intrigued and facinated by the history of the medicine show and the impact it has had on our culture from a media standpoint. Well written, incredibly reasearched, and fun to read. Read it!

August 6, 2000

Book Review - SNAKE OIL...GOOD FOR WHAT AILS YA!

Ann Anderson SNAKE OIL, HUSTLERS AND HAMBONES The American Medicine Show

McFarland & Company,Inc., Publishers

As an avid reader with very eclectic tastes, I found Ann Anderson's SNAKE OIL, HUSTLERS AND HAMBONES to be highly satisfying to my literary pallet. I am an actor who has made a living over the years doing T.V. commercials. It has long been of interest to me to know just how this crazy way of marketing came to be. However, any person that has ever watched a T.V. commercial, an info-mercial or read an advertisement in a magazine or newspaper, and wondered why ads are everywhere, will get a kick out of this book. This wonderful, funny, deliciously informative book is simply chock full of "Oh, I didn't know that!" and "So that's how that got started!" moments. She has also thought to delight our eye by including many authentic labels, illustrations and flyers from the periods she discusses. She has managed to be fastidiously scholarly in her research with out being at all dry or dull. Ms. Anderson's writing style is so accessible and real, it makes one feel you're having a cup of coffee and sitting down for a long lively chat with a very interesting friend. It's full of factual information both serious and humorous. It runs the gamut of historically profound and fancifully trivial information. She provides for us the "missing link", as it were, of how we got from there to here. SNAKE OIL, HUSTLERS AND HAMBONES is a darned good read. I'm looking forward to her next book.

This terrific book is as fun as it is informative. Anderson's exhaustive research is evident on every page, and her writing style is perfect: spare enough to let the color of the topic shine through, but never dry. As she relates the history of the medicine show, she shows how modern medicine, advertising and entertainment evolved together; her skill at illuminating these linkages gives the book even more weight and depth. It's an outstanding work of scholarship...and a damned good read!