Medicine and Health Books

I was fortunate to hear Bri Maya Tiwari speak at the Southwest Yoga Conference...simply because our booth was in the same room as the scheduled lecture...what a blessing! Her methods which incorporate the healing nature of sound, food, and breathing are easy to understand and implement if one truly desires attunement with the natural rythms of life...I immediately bought her book, and have begun to use many of the techniques to bring my life closer to the truth and balance we are designed to live...

Bri Maya Tiwari has shared some of her very personal stories of her own life and healing journey. Her wisdom she shares throughout the book is priceless and timeless. She has again, as in her other books, made available to the world, simple life nuturing and sustaining methods that will enable all those who read her book to start or stay on their path of living in a vibrant and healthy way. Through her books and workshops I have been able to heal myself of seasonal allergies and have also begun to heal some deep ancestorial/family issues. I recommend this book highly.

I have read this book and found it to be absolutely wonderful. It is filled with helpful, practical and attainable suggestions for developing a daily practice that will bring you back to yourself. Bri Maya tells her own healing journey which is healing in itself just reading it. The stories of those she has encountered along her path and how she has helped them help themselves are so moving and brought me to tears more than once. I highly recommend this book, and not only for women. There are healing therapies recommended for women, but are good for men to know as well. The food information, setting up your kitchen, realizing that food is so much more than just fuel is information that will change your life, and again, show you your truest self. I recently gave this book to a friend. She said, "Well, I don't think I'll read it but I think it will give good energy just being on my bookshelf." I agreed with what she said about the good energy, but I recommend reading this book. It is written by an enlightened woman teaching us in a time when so many things pull us away from our path, or dharma and ourselves. This book is one opportunity to look within and gives suggestions to develop a practice of doing so in our daily lives.

As a beginner in the study of Vedic Practice, Bri Maya has written in words much that is wonderful, soft and serene. Perhaps the most difficult portion to describe is what is written between her lines.

The tender and affectionate tone of her words conveys all that I have hoped Ayurveda would be. She is a shinning example of what can be accomplished when a science based on infinite wisdom is applied with love.

Bri Maya has titled her book " A Womans Book of Ayurvedic Healing" and while I don't know her true intent here surely this is a lovely book for anyone. I was in awe and am now an official fan.

Bri. Maya Tiwari is a rare soul who is totally dedicated to helping people renew their spiritual selves. For years I have been aware of the healing value of food, breath, and sound, but this book helped me understand these practices as interrelated, spiritual concepts. The Path of Practice was a great, general boost for me to get serious about my spiritual practice and I have since been inspired to maintain a daily yoga practice. And I never imagined that grinding mustard seeds by hand would induce such a calmness and meditative stillness. And, there is much wonderful information in this book that is applicable to men too.

Philip Yam's book The Pathological Protein is easily the best book of its kind. Written in clear, simple language for the non-specialist audience, The Pathological Protein is a thoroughly comprehensive, concise and, above all, scientifically accurate review of BSE and related diseases. Yam has been writing and editing for Scientific American since 1989 and this, his first book, demonstrates the high standard to which all science writers ought to aspire.

The first chapter of The Pathological Protein describes, from a very human perspective, the effects of variant Creutzfedt-Jakob disease on one victim, 19 year-old Stephen Churchill, and his family. From this tragedy, Yam then goes on to review the history of CJD and the mysterious diease 'kuru', which reached epidemic proportions amongst the Fore people of Papua-New Guinea because of their cannibalistic funerary rites. After discussing the hereditary transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) of humans, outlines what is known of the TSEs of animals. Philip Yam's reviews of scrapie, BSE, transmissible mink encephalopathy and chronic wasting disease are up-to-date, interesting, and extremely readable.

There is an interesting episode related in the book. Carlton Gajdusek had been searching, unsuccesfully, for the cause of kuru. William Hadlow, and American scrapie researcher on a secondment to the United Kingdom, visited the Wellcome Medical Museum in London to look at a display on kuru that Gajdusek had prepared. It was Hadlow who first noticed the very close resemblance between kuru and scrapie. The similarities in epidemiologic features, general clinical pattern and the neurohistologic changes led him to the realisation that these diseases were probably mmebers of the same family. As a result of Hadlow's insight transmission experiments were started which, eventually, led to our current understanding of the TSEs

This book covers the hypotheses for the origins of BSE, the evidence for the link between BSE and vCJD, current methods and problems of diagnosis of the TSEs, and the search for cures. Philip Yam clearly is thoroughly versed in the scientific literature of the TSEs, but also interviewed a broad range of scientists, consumers advocates and regulators. So, he knows what he is writing about, and this is made evident by the clarity and accuracy of his explanations. Although there is no 'dumbing down' of a difficult and complex subject, the author has written a book which makes his subject easily accessible to the non-specialist reader. The book is referenced, well indexed, has a useful glossary and also suggests sources for further information, including the more useful web sites and organisations providing suport and help for families of CJD victims. While the book is written for the interested lay person, I would have no hesitation in recommending Philip Yam's The Pathological Protein to veterinarians and colleagues who want an interesting, thorough and current review of these fascinating diseases.

While the book begins with a nicely written human interest story, this work concentrates on the science, and the picture is somewhat muddled even today. For one thing, the prion protein has deep evolutionary roots, which should mean it is critical to life, yet genetically engineered mice without prion proteins seem to thrive. The protein is involved in copper utilization but there are biological alternatives in place. There are still a few respectable scientists who are skeptical about the prion infection theory, and Yam points out one piece of definitive evidence is lacking: the ability to create a misshapen prion protein which is conclusively free of any possible viral contamination, and use it to infect an organism. If there is an infectious virus, it would have to be very small and rather unique. There are several hereditary forms of prion disease each of which involves a slightly different mutation of the gene; the disease can have sporadic (randomly occurring) as well as hereditary and infectious (mad cow disease) causes. Only humans with certain alleles of the prion gene are susceptible to mad cow, but 37% of Caucasians, for example, have that allele. No one knows why mad cow disease hasn't clustered more in particular families or regions. Use of human based biologicals in repairing wounds was a prime cause of disease transmission at one time, and we think the blood supply is probably safe primarily because if it weren't, there would be more cases (although the Red Cross does try to screen out potential carriers).

Yam does a good job in emphasizing and explaining the important scientific issues. He also involves the reader in the mysteries as they historically unfolded. Occasionally, he enumerates very detailed findings in a chronological manner when a more enlightening approach could have been used.

An easy read even for people without a scientific background. The author takes you through a thorough exploration of the threats of mad cow and other related diseases. You may never look at beef the same way again.

This book is a balanced, engaging introduction to the prion diseases. Philip Yam does a great job of presenting the varieties of views on BSE, CJD, and Kuru, and makes it clear to the reader that there are many riddles yet to be solved, and there is still a great deal of controversy surrounding these diseases.

However, he does not spend the entire book focusing on the controversy, and proceeds to delve into the details of prion theory, and possible therapeutic options.

Yam does a wonderful job of presenting the topic, and continues to provide stimulating and novel information on every page!

An easy read even for people without a scientific background. The author takes you through a thorough exploration of the threats of mad cow and other related diseases. You may never look at beef the same way again.

Peace, Love and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration was a book for myself when I was battling Lymphoma. It was a great deal of help and support for me. Since then I have given it to others diagnosed with cancer.

This is a great book for anybody but especially for cancer patients like myself. The book was very inspirational and uplifting. I highly recommend this book.

I just love Bernie Siegal, and admire his openness and willingness to speak out and risk the ridicule of the traditional medical community. It seems his ideas really are important in healing!

I've submitted essentially the same review for Love, Medicine and Miracles as for Peace, Love and Healing. I read Love, Medicine and Miracles first and then Peace, Love and Healing and also recommend that others read them in that sequence: Peace, Love, and Healing is very much a continuation of the earlier book. Having said that, the most important thing is for anyone facing a health crisis to read them both. The sequence in which they're read is less important than that they be read--and absorbed.

I was introduced to these books shortly after having been diagnosed with cancer by another person who was (and still is, unfortunately) dealing with some major health issues. Although I've read tons of stuff relating to cancer and, especially, treatments of various types and stripes, I can't think of anything that provided greater value and (even) guidance to me during those challenging days, mainly because getting the "head" right is half the battle--and the half of the battle that far too many completely neglect. One of the things that Bernie makes imminently clear to the reader is that he/she, the reader, has a great deal of influence over the course of his/her illness. That's an important message to someone feeling powerless. Plenty of powerful examples, thought exercises, etc. The messages are uplifting, hopeful, life-affirming, empowering, and above all, realistic.

Although I was vaguely aware of the mind-body connection before reading these books, I now understand that psychoneuroimmunology (if that is an unfamiliar term, you will become familiar with it by the time you've read Peace, Love and Healing) is real and can potentially be harnessed to the patient's great benefit: change the mind, change the body.

Naturally, I can't do justice to these books with a few short sentences here. But here's the bottom line: these books should be read by anyone facing a health crisis who sincerely wants to get well. But they should also be read by anyone who has a friend or loved one facing a health crisis. Read them yourself before you send them on to the friend/loved one. You'll find them valuable both for yourself and also for helping your friend/loved one deal with it. The books should be read by anyone facing a life-threatening illness, but their value transcends cancer (or other serious illness) self-help by a long shot, valuable as that is. Even if your present health seems to be good, you should still read these books. They will help you live more effectively even if you never get sick. And they will surely equip you to deal with a major illness if you ever have to face one.

Bernie Siegel writes in a very conversational-easy-to-read style in a book packed with information, facts, and understanding which is helpful for everyone regarding the connection between mind-body healing. Bernie Siegel helps us to take responsibility for our own health and to work as a team member with medical professionals in a co-operative style of relating.
Having fairly recently been diagnosed with an advanced cancer this book helped me to see cancer in a new light.
Everyone would bemnefit from reading this book for their health in general.

Congratulations on writing a straight-forward book that draws on the best of information from the field of Chronic Pain Treatment, Somatic Experiencing and Energy Psychology. It is no easy task to extract the relevant elements and show how they can be applied to this specific population. You have done an excellent job. This book will be an on-going resource for myself as well as my patients. Phyllis Mabbett, RN, PhD

As a psychologist I have treated chronic pain for many years. This is by far the best resource for learning to manage chronic pain that I have ever seen. The author combines informative and accurate information about chronic pain from medical science with the discoveries of mind-body techniques that can help in coping with pain. Amazingly, the author has been able to do this without excessive professional talk so the average reader can benefit from what she has to offer. James L. Helmuth, Ph.D.

This book is a great guide to finding ways to reduce personal perception of pain. The author makes no claims to cure the underlying problem but offers many options to help one manage pain. Each chapter has several options and each person can choose what combination of activites works for them. Highly recommended.

I think that Dr. Phillips has a clear and effective writing style and an abundance of knowledge about pain and healing. Her advice and case studies are interesting as well as helpful. Great book for professionals and for sufferers or caretakers dealing with chronic pain.

Phenomenal! Maggie Phillips has written an outstanding book on how to overcome chronic pain by using a variety of simple strategies. Here you create your own recipe--what works best for YOU! READ THIS BOOK and experience the help you've been seeking. --Dr. Fred Gallo, author of Energy Tapping for Trauma: Rapid Relief from Post-Traumatic Stress Using Energy Psychology

I have about 20 books on the Titanic and had lost hope that I would find anything new about this sea disaster.This book tells everything about the Californian's role and uses facts to back up every example. I loved this book!!!!!!

The only reason this book got 4 starts instead of 5 is the slight anti-American tone at times (for example, the US inquiries are treated as a almost a joke) and something in this much detail could not help but be tedious at points (the discussion of "port" and "starboard" lights comes to mind),but it is extremely well-done, leaves no point untouched, examines minutely any evidence in Lord's favor, and comes to the point of the matter- he saw what he knew "might have been" distress rockets and did nothing- and really, that is the end of it.

I think you should not only read this book, but the other side of the story to get a full picture - A titantic Myth. I think Lord is given too much blame. He was the scapegoat, and he was not given his full rights when the US interviewed him. That is without a doubt a fact. However, I can't help but believe he could have done more. However, he wasn't the one who hit an iceberg, nor the one who lost members on his ship.

No matter what your view is on this particular aspect of the Titanic tragedy, you cannot help but be impressed by this book. This is, without question, one of the best-researched Titanic books ever written. If you happen to come across this rare gem don't hesitate to pick it up, because it's likely that you won't see it anywhere else!

One may wonder why a book like this should have to be written. Clearly Lord is guilty as sin! On that cold April night he just didn't want to be bothered with a strange ship firing rockets in the distance. It was easier to do nothing, hoping everything would go away. But it wasn't so easy or comforting to deal with the blame that fell on him. How dare we blame such a responsible captain? But the facts are there. Reade goes through them step by step like a first class lawyer. This must be done because many still feel that Lord did nothing wrong. Like OJ Simpson's defenders, they believe what they want to believe. My only fault with this book was that it was not the thriller other Titanic books have been. It tended to bog down in jargon and nautical language.

I just finished reading this book this week.. Had the book for over a year.. not sure why I waited to read it.. It was an excellent book.. Throughly enjoyed it, couldn't put it down.. except to go to work. I cried when one of the flight medics gets killed by being hit by a car while working a MVA.. Just shows how much they put their lives on the line to save others.. They are by far the everyday heroes we never really get to meet, but they are on the streets and in the air to help save people who suddenly find themselves in trouble.. Speaking from experience from being involed in a MVA. Thank You.

This is one of the few books that I have had to read all in 1 sitting! I could not put it down. I laughed out loud, I cried, I clenched my muscles, my heart palpitated, I relaxed. Talk about an all around best read! Everyone should buy one to give for Christmas. Don't know whether you'd get a more true to life book than this one. Definitely shows the life of a flight nurse! A sequel to this story is a MUST! Hope Pat Jensen's fingers have time to fly over the keyboard another time or two.

I loved this book, i was on the edge of my seat the entire time, i could not put it down. I work in the EMS field on a volunteer ambulance service so this book was so realistic. I loved it.

I am hoping to be a medevac pilot in the army, so I thought I would read this book to get some kind of a feel for the civilian side of air ambulance. I found this book to be excellent. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the medical conditions and the way Pat paints such a clear picture of the medevac life. I would give the book 5 stars but some of the sappiness got to me at times. All in all, one of the best books I've read in a while.

While reading this book, I was unable to put it down. I felt like I was right there with the crew. I laughed aload and I cried while reading this book. It just kept you reading. I can not say enough about this book. I would refer this book to anyone to read.

While I am more of a fan of 5HTP than St Johns Wort,this book goes beyond the plant. This book does a great deal to talk about depression and teach people natural ways of improving their minds and lives.

As the Alternative Health guru at Lifetips.com, I am constantly looking for books and products to share with visitors to my site that can help take the mystery or confusion out of alternative/natural healing. This is definitely one of those items.

If you're looking for an easy-to-understand and well-researched book on a natural approach to dealing with depression, then this is the book for you. Dr. Cass shares case histories many might identify with and she has done her homework in deftly explaining the important factors one must understand to deal effectively with depression. She also provides great tips on nutritional steps and lifestyle changes that must go hand-in-hand if one is serious about defeating depression. This wonderful book CAN offer help to those struggling to get a handle on dealing with depression naturally.

I have found this common sense guide to using & understanding St. John's Wort invaluable. This ancient herbal remedy for lifting mood without the high cost of prescription drugs & their often debilitating side effects is the best treatment available for those who will follow Dr. Cass's guidelines. I have shared this book with friends & family. I can't think of a better gift for loved ones who needlessly suffer from Depression!

This is a great guide to the healing effects of an ancient medicinal plant that has gained great popularity in the last decade based on scientific findings. The author first looks at the problem of depression by discussing the biochemistry of the brain and the relationship between mental and physical health.

St John's Wort (hypericum) offers a gentle way of treating depression and other nervous disorders. Cass discusses the scientific proof of the efficacy of this herb as measured against synthetic antidepressants. The research is indeed encouraging and the plant's mild side effects provide a great advantage over the synthetic medicines.

The author explores the correct dosage for various problems like sleep and seasonal affective disorders (SADs) whilst pointing out the herb's anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties. Besides the well-known hypericin, St John's Wort also contains a host of other phytochemicals that play vital roles in protecting cells from damage, in repairing damage and in regeneration.

These ingredients include GABA, carotenoids, flavonoids, hyperforin, limonene, lutein, phytosterols, quercetin, quercetrin, rutin and xanthones. All parts of the plant, the flowers, leaves, stem and the oil are used in healing. One of the possible side effects of taking St John's Wort is sensitivity to the sun in certain people.

The book includes a bibliography, a natural medicine resources list, a protocol for switching a patient from an anti-depressant to St John's Wort and the regulatory status of St John's Wort in various countries. It concludes with an index. I also recommend Mind Boosters by Ray Sahelian and The A to Z Guide to Supplements by Phyllis A Balch for further information on herbal medicines.

I bought this book (and a bottle full of St. John's Wort!) after two deaths in my immediate family pushed me over the edge of depression. It talks about the different forms of depression, how St. John's Wort helps with the symtoms and who should or shouldn't try the herb. It gives a lot of study cases of people Dr. Cass worked with and also offers some statistical information on research. All of it is put in a very readable and enjoyable form and I finished the book in a couple of bedtime reading sessions (definitely important when you're reading about something that you hope and pray will help you with your current state of depression!) I highly recommend both the book and the herb to anyone thinking they may suffer from depression.

I am 62 years old and have always worked hard at leading a healthy life. I work out six days a week, train with weights, and play full court basketball three days a week. I have limited my fat and salt intake since I was 40. But I have had some problems that seem to come with older ages. This book really opened my eyes to all of the things I could do that I didn't even know about. I've only just finished the book and already I've added new things to my diet and adopted many of the wisdoms found therein.

I haven't been paining for at least one whole month. I was really shocked too. I have been to 3 doctors and had them check my legs so by reading this book I found out I had cold in my bones and arthritis. So thanks to this book, it really helps me.

If this tells you anything, to date I have bought 20 of the "Super Life, Super Health" books from Amazon. It is such a well written and informative book. I absolutely had to give this book to many people I know. I'm with Subway ("Eat Fresh") area corporate, and, as everyone knows, people go to Subway to aid in their quest for a healthier life. I do plan to buy many more of this same book for others. Health is more important than wealth!

I am a healthy 50-something male, with strong interest in preserving his health. But I cannot recommend this book too highly for the excellent quality of the writing. It gives a thorough, balanced, but easy to read, account of each topic. (Whoever the writer is, he/she comes across as an extraordinarily honest, balanced, decent, well-informed individual-- a saint and a sage rolled into one!)

Even the most esoteric medical research is presented with terrific clarity, and free of all unexplained jargon--this has got to be some of the **finest** medical writing for the laity i've ever seen. Neither does the author pitch to dummies--like so much of the advertising copy of the vitamin catalogs--for he has nothing to sell, nor does he speak over the heads of his readers.

This book contains much information for improving one's health and possibly extending one's life. Perhaps the problem with this is that there is so much that can be done that one does not know where to start. For example, there are numerous vitamins and supplements listed. Is one supposed to try to take them all? There are things as diverse as Vitamin B, Coenzyme-Q10, green tea, garlic, ginger, and selenium emphasized. No attempt is made to prioritize the supplements.

Exercise is listed as the closest thing to an antiaging pill. There is also a practical list of stress-busting activities that one can do at home.

There is a good table provided for substitution of foods with high fiber in place of foods with low fiber. Other tables give the vitamin contents of various foods. This book favors the low-fat over the low-carb approach to health. However, the hazards of a high sugar diet in terms of acceleration of aging are mentioned.

Not everything in this book is something one can do without a doctor's prescription. Apropos to this, there is a section on hormone replacement therapy for both men and women.

A safety net for anyone performing orthopaedic procedures weather a trainee or a specialist. Great detail and points out nicely potential pitfalls in a much better and more effective way than similar books. Very expensive but money well spent

Every resident needs to get this book. Excellent information and anatomy gives you a leg up and makes you look good in the operating room.

As a fourth year orthopedic surgery resident this book has been of invaluable help in learning and reviewing the classic surgical approaches to the muskuloskeletal apparatus and its associated anatomy. Its lenguage is clear and concise, further supported by superb graphics. The fact that this book is in almost every orthopedist's library probably speaks for itself. This is an absolute must.

This is a great book with most of the surgical approaches that I've come in contact with. It combines concise descriptions of the anatomy with graphics in a nice, easy-to-access way.

The arthroscopic chapters are a little lame but the classical, exposures are simply a must for any resident that want to learn the different exposures.

When comparing, I find that the latest edition hasn't added that much to the book and I wouldn't recommend getting the latest edition unless your very into colors.

I believe all hospital libraries should hold a copy of this excellent book. The price is rather steep for an individual and therein lies my only crib against this book. I had to fork over almost a month's pay to get my copy. On to what I think of the content.

Clear descriptions aided with crisp colour drawings make most exposures a breeze. This is an ideal book to look through before stepping into the OR. It is also I believe the only effort to approach anatomy from the orthopaedic surgeon's point of view. All good.

Bottom line: Con your hospital/department to buy it for you. If they refuse to play ball, start saving because you want this one on your desk.

I work in public health and struggle to find resources that are useful. This is a great book for everyone. There is no magic pill and there is no easy fix - but there are LOTS of ways to make things worse. Until we have changed our social norms, our environment, and the availability and ease to make healthy choices, it's going to be a long, tough road. This book is a great read that describes what it's like to struggle with weight - good for those of us who are lucky and think our 5-8 pound struggle is horrible, as well as those who struggle with real weight challenges and are ready to hear the painful truth of a child's experience. Well done, Abby.

An honest look at America's obsession with weight loss and how it affects the younger generation. The author, a former fat kid and fat camp survivor (though not a parent, as she acknowledges) explores various ways to lose weight from fat camps to nagging to behavior modification and surgery, among others. Sadly, there is no quick fix or even well-planned diet and exercise program that works for all, or even some. Due both to lack of willpower or incentive, and physical factors beyond the dieter's control, often the weight is lost then gained then lost again.

"Teenage Waistland" lets the young subjects speak for themselves. It is a fascinating look at a controversial subject.

Prepare to laugh, cry and cringe --- but also to learn --- as Abby Ellin leads us through the landscape of obese teen life. First, though, a confession: When I volunteered to read this book, I feared that I was facing a hard, long slog through a dry tome packed with scientific studies on how to help an overweight kid drop a few pounds. Instead, I could barely put down this lively read. Ellin keeps a page-turning pace as she skillfully weaves her own story as a heavy, weight-obsessed teenager through the stories of other such adolescents.

Ellin begins with her own family, who courageously support her by not challenging her right to tell the unvarnished truth about the ways in which her home contributed to her weight problems and food fixations. Interestingly, the family's attitudes toward weight resulted in the author's sister becoming anorexic. Even as Ellin grew larger and larger, her sister began dieting by third grade.

Ellin's grandmother was a major influence on her self-image, withholding affections when Ellin gained weight. On visits to Grandma's house in Florida, Grandma weighed Ellin daily. At home, Ellin's mother obsessed over her own weight, restricted her diet and exercised before stepping on the scales each morning. She taped a photo of an obese woman on the refrigerator door. Both grandmother and mother repeatedly drilled into Ellin and her sister the dangers of gaining weight. As a child, Ellin was devastated when her grandmother told her she couldn't come to Florida for a visit at Christmastime unless she lost 15 pounds. The ploy didn't work. Nothing really did, for many long, sad years.

Ellin spent six years at weight-loss camps. She lost weight but also learned more about dysfunctional eating and how to do it (one counselor sneaked Ellin out to buy a cart full of candy and cookies because "Your body's getting used to the diet. You need sugar to give it a jolt."). In describing her fat camp days, she tells us the story of the owners of weight-loss camps, beginning with her visit as an adult with the man who ran the first weight-loss camp Ellin attended. During her visit, she talks with young campers, giving us the first of many insightful conversations with teens seeking to lose weight. What they say about their parents can make a reader weep.

In TEENAGE WAISTLAND, we learn what has helped teenagers lose weight and, (heartbreakingly) more often, what has either not helped them or made them worse. Experts --- from fat camp leaders to directors of weight loss programs to bariatric surgeons, researchers and fat activists (and more) --- represent a variety of attitudes as each discusses the best way to help heavy adolescents. Ellin compassionately presents suggestions to parents on ways to support an obese child, all based on respect.

Although there is not a single solution to such a complicated problem, reading this book is informative and helpful. It is a horrifying and fascinating study in our culture's warped attitude toward food and weight. Even if you don't have a child with weight issues, TEENAGE WAISTLAND is an engrossing read.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)

This book was extremely helpful to me and my family. As the parent of an overweight child, Abby Ellin's insight as a "former fat kid" is a hands-on "what to do/"what not to do" primer for any parents dealing with these sensitive issues. You're never really sure what to do until you're faced with it head on and Ellin's book showed that it's the sensible approach that makes the most sense. Don't panic; don't over react (as is the most instant impulse). Just act sensibly. Well done!

Simply put, Abby Ellin "gets it". She had a childhood relationship with weight, food, and family that stays with her, regardless of what the scale says today. She candidly tells her story, which isn't always a happy one, but it's often hilarious. When it comes to the "fat kid epidemic", the author doesn't claim to have all the answers, but is very willing to explore a variety of solutions. Teenage Waistland is tragic, eye-opening, humorous and true. Once you read the introduction: Fat Kid Blues - you'll be hooked, just like the author is on Hostess cupcakes!