Medicine and Health Books

A very informative and comprehensive text. This book is a great reference for anybody. It's certainly the best book that I've found for grown-up Aspies. Sometimes it seems like everything else that's been written on Asperger's Syndrome is directed towards "parents of children with."

It has now been several months since reading Tony Attwood's excellent book and I have pulled it out to read again. It provides invaluable insights into myself and many people that I know.

Tony's light-hearted approach keeps it readable. As he says, he has discovered a means of removing almost all of the symptoms of Asperger's from a person. Simply put that person in a room, by themselves, alone. The symptoms have now disappeared.

When it comes time to understand what happens when other people are in the room with someone who has Asperger's Syndrome, then read this book.

Mike Mazzetti

As a Grandparent of a 12 year old boy with Asperger's, this book has been great in answering the many questions we, as his extended family, have. It also offers suggestions as to how we may help him reach his full and magnificent potential.

I have suspected that my older sister (50's) has Aspergers for the past couple of years. After reading The Complete Guide to Aspergers I feel confirmed in that thought. Attwood outlines all the symptoms and I see my sister in so many of them. He explains everything from childhood to adulthood. I plan to send this book to my sister with a note and I just hope she reads it and can, for once, understand that there is a name to what she feels. It is a fantastic book.

As, a teacher, I was afraid that the proliferation of titles dealing with Asperger's Syndrome was the "flavour of the month", but Tony Attwood gives a full and detailed explanation of the origins of the research and why we are only just hearing about this syndrome. The best part is that after reading this book, I have started to look at some of my "problem" students in a completely new way. Attwood not only explains why they are the way they are, but also gives expert advice about how to best cope with children (and adults) who are not easy to cope with. I say this last sentence deliberately, as Attwood points out that we must cope with them, as they are the way they are and they do not change. The condition is genetic, lifelong and stable. The book is a treasure trove of information and helpful ideas.

Luke Jackson, the thirteen-year-old author of this book, says he wrote it because "so many books are written about us, but none are written directly to adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. I thought I would write one in the hope that we could all learn together." And he does an amazing job of appealing to his peers in a colloquial manner. Jackson's style is almost precocious at times, but effective. He tackles many topics, includinging sensory perception, physiology, and sleep, listing some helpful tips. For example, Jackson suggests to look at people's mouths when they're talking, which is close enough to making eye contact.The section on physiology discussed, among other things, the GF/CF diet.

Next Jackson writes about language difficulties, dealing with slang and idioms, and suggests to parents that they write out steps to complete a task and give clear and specific instructions. The next chapters cover school problems and bullying, with some tips for dealing with bullies, stressing that it's important to tell someone. Jackson then mentions Taekwondo for self-defense, as well as the many other benefits it provides. The following three chapters deal with friendships, dating, and morals and principles. The "morals and principles" chapter also is beneficial in that it stresses not to let people entice you to do something that is wrong, that you don't need friends like that.

The end of the book has a nice positive note about AS people being amazing in their own ways, even if not savants (after a discussion about the movie Rainman). It is certainly amazing for a thirteen-year-old to write such an organized, insightful book. I found it to be very helpful, including the appendices on idioms (with definitions of being "on cloud nine" and "don't cry over spilled milk") and references for further information (books, websites, and organizations). All in all, a worthwhile book for parents and kids alike.

I read it, my Dad read it in 2 days. Very practical, humorous.When my son, with Asperger's, gets a little older, I will give this book to him. I want to meet Luke Jackson. What a great personality!

This book is a keeper. Luke speaks from experience and shares his experience and suggestions for kids with aspergers, parents, friends and physicians on how a an AS kid can handle real-life situations by sharing what has worked for him. This book is an easy read and would be good for teens and adults to read whether they have AS themselves or are related to or know someone who does.

This was a great resource for us as parents of an Asperger son to get an idea of how the adolescent with Asperger thinks and relates to others. It will eventually be a great book to let our son read. The adolescent author of this book feels very strongly that all Asperger children should be told what they have (by name) so that they won't feel like something is wrong with them, but will come to understand that they are the way they are because of Aspergers.

This book is intended for a person with Asperger's however, it can also be used by a child being bullied.

A positively adorable book, from its hilarious and sweet story to the bright illustrations. Great for read-alouds, as kids instantly like the somewhat stuffy police officer and his whimsical dog. Excellent message.

this is the book our 16 month old picks up every morning when he wakes up and wants to read... a great story.

I absolutely LOVE this book...............I have my special copy, and I am 'over 37'........and I also give it to special people in my life. It is delicately beautiful....and....lets us all know that puppies are more human than human beings.....

I use Officer Buckle and Gloria with kindergartners when I teach my humane education classes. I found it well-written because it was "engaging" for the students, keeping the attention of the children as it moved forward to its happy conclusion. The colorful illustrations throughout the book were great for helping communicate the action. I recommend it for pre-K and K children as a way to enhance their love and appreciation of dogs! Donna Forst, M.A., Education Coordinator, Hawaii Dog Foundation

Abbot and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Gracie and George--one the straight guy, the other the comic! Welcome Officer Buckle and Gloria! They've been around delighting children and grown-ups for 13 years now. Officer Buckle and Gloria.

A local police officer dedicated to the safety of children, Officer Buckle speaks to auditoriums full of kids about rules of safety, then passes four safety hazards without seeing them. The principal herself is breaking several safety rules.

One day Officer Buckle got a partner--a dog. When he gave his safety tips, unbeknownst to Officer Buckle, Gloria was acting out the tips or--mimicking Officer Buckle. The team became a rip-roaring success. Dozens of thank you notes came in the next day--all with a picture of Gloria on it. Soon the two were visiting every school in the county. Finally, the television station decided to film the presentation. Of course, that night when Officer Buckle watches it, he discovers the truth.

The story has a big bang ending with banana pudding in there somewhere. Don't worry, this is a happy children's book and award winner!

The Caldecott Awards are sometimes strange and mysterious. Some years, like 1995, the year of Officer Buckle an Gloria, the winner is an awesome book. Some years, the winner is a great big puzzle.

Due to the amazing reviews (49 positive ones mainly at 5 starts) I thought this might be an interesting and useful work. What I didn't spot from the reviews is that this book is really aimed at the New Age market and not at healers. Despite the small size of the book, not all of the pages have text on both sides and a number of pages only have one or two paragraphs on each. Yet it still makes space for charms, divination and wands.

I knew it wasn't going to be what I had hoped for, when I opened it at random and discovered that there was an entry for baldness for which the recommended herb was Don (sic) Quai. The author then noted you could get this mix of herbs (ingredients unspecified) at an internet site. Whether this is just a commercial mixture that has taken it's name as a play on the name of the herb Dong/Dang quai, I have no idea. One listed herbal strategy, to stop anxiety or fear, was to "carry" a mixture of nettle and yarrow! She talks of gumplant and I have no idea which plant she might mean - I suspect you won't be surprised at this point that there are no latin binomials used. There weren't even any usage notes on any of the plants (except relating to pregnancy) - such as hops being contraindicated for people with depressive tendencies or that St. John's Wort (author: please note it is not "worth" but "wort" which is an Anglo-Saxon word for plant I believe) is likely to interact with many of the pharmaceutical medications which people may take. Hypericum is a fantastic herb but you need to know when it's OK to take it.

The most disturbing page for me was one on 'flying ointment'. The author notes it should only be used by the experienced herbalists/witches and was for external use but people may consider themselves experienced witches and have no idea about the ingredients. The two ingredients in this receipe that concerned me were the foxglove and aconite. Aconite (or Monkshood/Wolfsbane) is a restricted herb in the UK and can only be used externally. Even then I was taught that this herb, Aconitum napellus, should only be used in a 1:10 strength tincture and only comprise a maximum 1.3% of any final ointment. It is well absorbed and should not be used on unbroken skin. But that page lists no quantities, proportions, strengths or caveats (apart from the one about experience) for this mixture. Aconite was even listed first! One of the active alkaloids in this plant is known to first stimulate then paralyse the central nervous system. Medicinally it was used for neuralgia. Other physiological effects include tachycardia and hypertension. I was taught that just 3mg of the active alkaloid, found within this plant, was enough to kill a horse. Even if digitalis does act as an antidote to aconite poisoning, I have no idea what the absorption rate through the skin is as foxglove is banned in the UK (not even a Schedule III herb) so there's not a lot of modern information available for herbalist's use. That receipe left me absolutely speechless.

I would suggest for interested witches that they ensure they get a better primary reference to work from if they love herbs. I would personally suggest, as user-friendly, accessible and reliable works though not restricted to just these, are works like the Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman, anything by Jekka McVicar (good for growing tips), Rosemary Gladstar, Michael or Lesley Tierra or Susun Weed. The last author may well have a sympathetic world view with the pagan community too. Mrs Grieve is good but is almost a hundred years old and is missing modern research (her style suggests she would have included such information if it had been available to her at the time).

I can't comment on the wiccan or essential oil aspects but, purely from the material on herbs, I think this is awful. Don't get caught like I did!

This is a "meaning of" and "how to" book for those who have questions concerning essential oils & herbs and their folklore, secrets, meanings, and effects . There are precise directions and warnings concerning specific oils and herbs. This wouldn't necessarily be the best starter book for someone who is new to oils and herbs, but it certainly is a good addition to any herbalist library. It is easy to read and makes a great reference book.

Rochelle Moore's work is so different and so exact. I found this book great to work with and use it regularly. It is the type of book that you can refer back to over and over again. Wonderful author and so original

This is a fantastic introduction to the ancient art of Aromatherapy & Herbalism:

Essential oils are so powerful and the author shows (with great ease) how to treat everyday illness from dandruff, flu - to anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks.

The alphabetical listing is excellent and user-friendly.

Herbs: Not many people are comfortable using herbs as they are not sure on how to use them to ulitize their power. Once again, Rochelle Moore shows how to use herbs to treat physical and mental illness with great ease.

I am a herbalist and have practiced since birth as both my parents lived an alternative lifestyle. I do not often buy books and must say, this book is so easy for even the discerning.

In this introduction to the ancient ways Rochelle can and DOES teach her readers how to tap into our ancient knowledge and achieve success.

Not only A HANDY GUIDE (Aromatherapy & Herbalism) is a breakthrough for those who want to start to help themselves during everyday illnesses.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, even as a herb user on a regular basis, I learned so much about essential oils and their strength.

I really enjoyed and actively partook in these ancient remedies and had a great time using them. it is a book that will use over and over and I cant quite place it (its unique) in the sense that it is a great step for beginners AND for those who have only tried one or the other (essential oils or herbs) - recommended

I am learning so much about how essential oils and herbs can help to alleviate everyday aches and pains and also how to use them for headaches, stress, anxiety and so much more.
Very easy to use book and I am enjoying trying out the different recipies

Dr. Reiss is a pioneer in the field of hormone balance for women. THis book is really every women's best friend when trying to understand the complicated effects of hormone imbalance. But even better than that, he tells you exactly what to do to make it better! This book stands the test of time and should be a continous reference and reminder for each one of us.

I found this book to be highly informative and detailed. Most doctors do not go into this kind of detail or they don't know enough about hormones. My doctor is limited to only the what pharmaceutical companies tell them. I highly recommend this book to any female premenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.

This book saved my life, that's how bad my hot flashes, insomnia, mood swing & fatige were... made worse by a woman internist who wanted to put me on high blood pressure medicine (my BP is normal) or a male gyn/ob who told me my symptoms were 'normal' and they'd be 'gone in 10 years' & then offered anti-depressants. Instead, I demanded bioidentical hormones, showed him the author's (board certified gyn) chapters on how to tell your MD what blood tests you need, then with the help of my compounding pharmacy, he was able to write a prescription for tri-est gel (which is covered by insurance) & progesterone caps and within 24 hours, my mood swings vanished, the hot flashes stopped, I was able to sleep, the mental fogginess went away & I was my happy self again. OTC DHEA (every AM) also helped. I've recommended this book to many women. Menopause is a hormone deficiency & there's no reason it shouldn't be treated as one... the problem is, US MDs don't study this in AMA run medical schools. Bioidientical hormones have been studied in Europe & Canada for decades & are being studied in Japan. Since Big Pharma controls/funds research in the US, and bioidenticals can't be patented, there's no research in US medical schools because there's no money to be made from it. As someone who was unable to tolerate Fosamax, my bone density scans showed a 3.3% increase in bone density after 3 months on bioidenticals, DHEA, liquid calcium & 1000 IU of vitamin D. The bone density specialist did a dance & asked me for the name of this book.

This book was recommended by my longevity physician, and I can understand why. It is a great guide to anyone using or considering natural hormone replacement therapy (which is a gift from God and Nature by the way...) This publication is not just about menopause, it is about female (and male) hormones across the lifespan. It helps you to self regulate by learning your own symptoms. And at these prices, everyone should have a copy in the family medical library!

I am now a happy, WELL-RESTED 40 yr old due to this book (and another book: What your Dr may not tell you about PreMenopause) Both of these have saved my LIFE, most importantly my SLEEP!

For the past few years (after having a 3rd child) from age 37 onward, I could no longer fall deeply asleep, nor get REM/Delta SLEEP and NOTHING would work! (except Ambien)

Well now I've learned about natural Progesterone cream, and other helpful necessary hormones the body may need (and mine did): DHEA and Melatonin, I now use all three of those nearly every night at bedtime: One tiny dab of a natural progesterone cream, (2 sprays equal to 10 mg) of a DHEA spray called Biosom, and a half of a pill (1 mg or less) of Melatonin Plus by Schiff (Found at Sam's, it also contains Vit B6 and L-Theanine,also very important additions to helping Melatonin work).

NOW, I sleep like a baby, every night!
No more Ambien!:)

THIS regimen works for ME, PLEASE do NOT follow my steps WITHOUT checking with your doctor/Naturopath, FIRST!!!

Buy this book (and the other one I mentioned).

OB/GYN's disappointed me by recommending HRT or even hysterectomy, ALL because I simply had hormone-imbalance-related Insomnia and Adrenal fatigue.

I have Reactive Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondolitis, and am HLA B-27 positive. My mother also has an auto-immune disease and several known food allergies. We both decided to try the juice fast and food reintroduction techniques found in the book. In short, The fast has helped reduce a lot of my mother's pain, but none of mine.

Overall, I think the ideas presented in the book are worth a try. I have heard several people state that approximately 30% of arthritis cases are caused, or at least worsened, by food allergies and sensitivities. In those cases, the arthritis can be cured by performing a juice fast and food reintroduction. The fast includes completely eliminating all foods, avoiding all other inputs - medication, alcohol, and smoking for example, and using enemas to clean out any trace food particles.

The book was easy to read and consistently provided footnotes to Allan's research and suggested reading. My issue with the book is the following:
Allan repeats some information ad nauseum, often at the expense of providing more detailed information elsewhere. I would have liked the sections on the actual fast and food reintroduction to be greatly expanded. For example, it is not sufficient to just say 'begin self-administered enemas and continue until regular bowel movements occur after the test is done'.

Also I feel that Allan gave a far-too-simple explanation of food reintroduction, and in some cases even contradicted herself. For example she states that when reintroducing food only test one food a day, then later says to test one new food every 24-36 hours, then in her sample guide to reintroducing food she says to introduce 2 foods on the same day (apple and a lettuce salad). There is no explanation why this example breaks her previous reintroduction strategy. The final complaint that I have is that much of the stylistic writing and font choice is unprofessional at best, repetitive and gratuitous at worst. All of these problems could have been solved by using a mainstream publishing company and editor, but I am sure no mainstream company would have published this book! That said, I do think that this book is worth purchasing if you have an auto-immune disease and are willing to work hard to solve it! Even though it didn't work for me, it may work for you.

I don't know what I would do withoutthis book, I own a lot of the books on the subject and this is a must have in my opinion

At age 30, after being a college athlete and in "perfect" health, my daughter was diagnosed with RA. We were devastated!! Two years later, she was on Enbrel, methotrexate and other meds for her condition--things looked pretty hopeless. After much research into the disease, we decided we wouldn't just sit around and let the disease take it's course. Researching on Amazon's site, we came across Barbara's book and thought it sounded too good to be true! After all, the rheumatologists were telling us there was no cure. We had nothing to lose but the price of the book, a little time and effort--but we had everything to gain if it did indeed work.

One year ago, we started with the fast that Barbara recommends and we were absolutely shocked with what happened. After 5 days, my daughter was completely without pain, swelling or any sign of RA. We were ecstatic!! Now, the problem was sustaining it! This proved to be the most difficult of the equation. We enlisted the help of a PA who was open to a different approach to the disease and (as Barbara suggested) was able to get food sensitivities completed. Remarkably, the list was extensive, but corn wasn't on it!! My daughter undertook a rotational diet and added many supplements to her daily diet. After a period of six months, she was able to come off Enbrel and methotrexate, but not all of her meds. However, though it is slow,we continue to make progress. This disease didn't happen overnight and will not be stopped overnight.

I believe we couldn't have done this without Barbara's guidance. Her book became our source of strength when we thought about giving up. It was precise, thorough, informative and most importantly--certain this could be done.

There are four other books which we have used in this journey. One, Breaking the Vicious Cycle, is also a must read. Three others, Probiotics Revolution, Children With Starving Brains and Healing the New Childhood Epidemics, are based on the theory of disease being gut related. The latter three books are significant in that they give good recommendations for nutrients to combat inflammation of the gut, which appears to play a large part in RA.

Book was very organized and as a result was clear. The format of explanation and then giving a plan of action was excellent. The only thing it needed to be a 5 Star was a little more humor.

This author has figured out what causes many cases of arthritis. I have osteoarthritis and have been following her recommendations for about a month now. I can already tell a difference in the way I feel. If I cheat, I can really tell the difference the next day. I recommend this book.

In volume 3, a variety of new reiki aura attunements are presented. All attunements have photos and clear instruction. Auras are briefly discussed in the beginning and should one want more information on auras, a nice sized bibliography is included. I found this book to be exactly what the title says with no fluff. A very good reference book to have as one progresses through their Reiki journey.

My review for VOL. 3 will read close to that of VOL. 1 & 2 - as I had the same wonderful experience reading this book as I did the others: In my 10 years of non-stop study in the healing energy arts, especially Reiki - these books are the best I've read. Steve's approach is open, honest and straight to the point. Sure with different Reiki teachers you are going to get some different minor points here and there. This is the nature of Reiki at it's core anyway. We are all connected to this great source of healing energy, and we all have a different use and way of reaching for it. The good part is simply to take that reach. Steve's entire course is hand crafted to spell out the knowledge and give the guidance needed to heal yourself and others. This guide enhances the personal healing approach to better Reiki usage by us all. Without healing within, we cannot heal with-out. I felt so "self empowered" after reading this book. And isn't that the point of Reiki? To feel your own life enhanced and heal? I highly and with pride say to each and everyone of you, take the chance to read his work - you only have healing growth to achieve! Only YOU can stand in the way of what his books and Dvd's have to offer. And I say that because I stood in my own way for years and years - so glad I finally opened my heart & mind and moved out of my own way!

Empowering!!
I am by nature open minded but cautious. I read Steve's website top to bottom and was inspired by the truth as I read it. It resonated with something deep inside me. I was very drawn to his openness and perspectives on Reiki and decided that this was the right path to follow. I have not been disappointed at all!! Very congruent in all his writing and his mission statement.
His DVD's and books empower you on whatever level you are interested in learning. He is a true teacher. You can read it, see it and feel the energy.
Thank you so much Steve for all your insightful information and for sharing all your knowledge with everyone in an affordable way. This was a smart investment for me. I am truly grateful and much more knowledgeable.

I was already a Reiki Master, and purchased Steve Murray's, Reiki Ultimate Guide, Ultimate Guide Vol. 2, Vol. 3, and Vol. 4, along with the DVD attunements for each. The attunements were very powerful, and the energy flow is no doubt stronger. This program has to be the most convent, and realistic way to get started in the Reiki healing practice. I have tried several other Reiki programs in the past, and Steve Murrays Reiki Ultimate Guides, are the very best I have found yet. You will not be disappointed.
D. White

I would love to detail all of the specifics of what I found interesting and helpful from the books and DVDs in this system, but that would surely take up more time and room than this space allows, lol. Suffice it to say that those Reiki recipients whom I have been working with for some time have commented that they notice an increase in Reiki power -- and they didn't know that I had been doing further study with Steve Murray's Usui Reiki system products; they simply knew something was different. As a newly-signed author myself, I love his writing style; Steve is straight to the point without unnecessary wording --- I like and appreciate that.
Steve Murray's books and DVDs are absolutely priceless and will remain in my personal library as invaluable reference materials in the years to come. I do and will recommend them to anyone that I believe would be interested. I also see that his new book and DVD will be released soon. I plan to purchase and study those also ;)
Namaste,
Raine

I sent for the kit after having read the book Energy Medicine by Donna Eden and David Feinstein. The kit was illuminating. I was skeptical and am so, no longer.

I have had energy healing done some years ago for a few health concerns and it truly was amazing how it helped balance my health and overall wellness. Searching for health tools on Amazon, to add to my ever growing collection, I found this amazing kit and I couldn't be more pleased by it's content and extremely helpful exercises. The DVD is amazing, the CD was downloaded onto my MP3 so I can use it when I am walking, working or traveling. They both allow me to continue to learn and grow as my own energy healer and benefit from all the great tools it shares. I have used some of the exercises on my husband and I will continue to share with other friends and family who are interested, the results are truly remarkable. I highly recommend this kit! You wont be disappointed if energy healing is new to you or if you're in search of a kit that can continue supporting your practices.

The DVD shows demos of the energy exercises with a live audience. The exercises are easily learned and are VERY effective. I had to buy a second kit because everyone wants to borrow it. GET THIS PRODUCT!

This kit is a great introduction to safe and practical energy work that will gradually lift, harmonize and rebalance your systems. Anyone wanting to start healing themselves should buy it in my opinion; it's my first recommend in the field of spiritual self-healing. In terms of effectiveness, easy learnability, safety and even fun, these practices have outperformed everything else I've tried that was similar, including some forms of qigong and tai chi. You can see for yourself that there are 43 positive reviews written prior to mine, and not a single negative one.

Most of the exercises given here have been very helpful to me, and a couple have practically revolutionized my existence. There were also a couple that didn't seem to do good things for me, but perhaps I should have expected that, as my energy system does behave rather oddly at times.

The presentation is excellent. There's a crystal, which I didn't use much, plus a DVD and a CD. The DVD is a recording of a workshop with Eden herself, demonstrating the techniques with a small studio audience, and the CD is her speaking directly to the listener and describing further techniques. You will have no trouble learning her ideas or methods, she communicates them perfectly.

To me the most valuable thing in the kit was the deck of cards. As opposed to putting the exercises in book format, 43 cards are provided which detail one exercise per card. This has been so useful to me. I do two meditation sessions every day; in the morning, I have a stack of cards ready with my personal group of exercises (including the basic exercises Eden says are most important). I change these every now and then, and swap cards in and out from my regular exercises according to what I need in a given week. In the evening I experiment more, thumbing through the rest of the deck and picking out more things to try. As a result I have gradually tried everything and worked out what's good for me in a very improvisational way.

Also in the kit is a slim booklet written by Eden, containing some basic energy information and autobiographical details. She is as warm, sincere and sensitive as one would expect, and she is also highly intelligent and inspiring on her subject matter.

I give this kit my warmest recommendation.

I read Donna Eden's Energy Medicine from a library copy and needed something of my own until the new edition came out. It was a nicely condensed version that was unbelievable easy to read and use. I highly recommend it for getting someone started in energy medicine. I actually had to buy a second kit because my cousin took my first one.

I am absolutely delighted both with the condition of the book and the speed in which I received it.

The text was so interesting, sensible and practical that I finished reading the book in one day.

An absolutely 'must have' for those already experiencing back pain and those trying to avoid it.

A great read.

Monica

I have found this book to be an effective approach for back and hip pain. I recommend and have gifted this book to several people. It does take doing the exercises. I had some hip pain that was bothersome for a couple of months and went away never to return after using Dr. Brownstein's approach.

This book is excellent. Suffered for over 20 years with back pain, diagnosed with degenerative discs and multiple level herniations. Experienced many times the kind of intense pain that finds you on the floor. Tried physical therapy, chriopractors, acupuncture, pain management, anything to avoid surgery. But I was afraid that surgery was my only hope. Now since I've read this book I no longer worry about surgery. Because I'm pain free and can even do yoga - something I never thought possible.

My husband was experiencing crippling lower back pain, that was also running down his right thigh. We were wanting to avoid pain pills and another surgery. I bought this book based on the reviews, and he has been faithfully doing the back exercises at least every day. He found relief within a few days. It's worth a try if you are going through this kind of stuff. He had been through one back surgery that relieved his pain, but we misunderstood the need to do exercises initially. When the pain started coming again, in a different area, we thought he should try this first. I would highly recommend this book.

As someone who has had back pain for many years, I learned alot of helpful techniques and strategies to ease the pain. I am now practicing many of ideas outlined in the book and am feeling somewhat better. Definitely worth reading for anyone with chronic back pain.

Crimmon's book was heart-wrenching to read. The story of her husband's TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and the after effects of it on her life, his life and their daughter have to be read to be understood. I can't do it justice. She keeps a good sense of humor throughout the book but there is certainly an underlying cynical and bitter tone throughout. Not that I can blame her. It's real. It's life and a it ain't pretty. Personally, after reading this I literally wanted to make all my loved ones wear helmets each day after reading about the hell that TBI can put a family through.

We read this book for book club and we all loved it. Only now I understand what my cousin and his family have gone through after he had an bicycle accident and was in a coma for three days. The writer clearly describes the pain and anguish she and her daughter went through. I admire her absolute commitment to her husband and getting him back on his feet and back to a "regular" life. This is a great and informational book to read for everybody who comes into contact with a person with brain injury.

I found this account of a severe brain injury and the bumpy road to recovery very moving. I ask will there be more to Cathy and her husband's experiences
written as a memoir at some later date? Maybe not this book was published in September 2000. Worth the read!

I read this book in four nights, right before bed. I tore through it like no other memoir before. This book, for me, was like reading my own parents' memoir. My father suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) when I was four/five years old. Of course, so much of what was available to the author's husband was simply not around 45 years ago. I understand so much more why my father acted the way he did for the remaining 16 years of his life. This book is powerful. It is honest, raw, intense, lighthearted at times, funny, sad, well written and easy to read (though the subject matter is quite painful at times)... an all around excellent book. I am so glad that I read it, and plan to keep this one.

An honest telling of head injury and what family will experience.

I was shocked at what her daughter, Kelly, was exposed to - I have since read that the author now regrets this. Rehab is NO PLACE for children - or an endless stream of friends. I am sad that her husband's privacy was taken away in order to project 'normalcy' or the authors belief in emotional honesty. She should have protected her husband and her daughter. THIS is the time when you close the door to the world outside and tend to your family - as best you can.

I feel for the author. How quickly the nurses/non-doctors put forth a 'professional opinion' about brain injury. As I often say: Everybody wants to be a doctor, nobody want to go to medical school. You have to see brain injury over a long span of time, which is years and decades. A nurse who sees them admitted and discharged knows next to nothing, unless personally affected.

The beginning of the story was confusing to me because the marriage had so little intimacy. The parents were 2 ships in the night and then they had a child. This little girl was utterly alone through a waking nightmare. I hope she finds the support that she will need as she grows up.

Eventually, the author acknowledges her lack of connection to husband and child and explains herself in a way that is somewhat satisfying.

I appreciate her honesty in the discussion on disinhibition. You can count on it happening and it's real hard to explain to people - especially when you have to.

Worth reading, though disturbing in ways the author may not have intended.