Way Books

This book has wonderful tips and how to's for the beginner as well as the experienced quilter. The illustrations are outstanding. There are excellent tips to improve your skills and a couple of interesting projects. As a hesitant appliquer but enthusiastic pieceworker I found this book gave me the confidence to attempt applique and be successful.

I love, love, love this book! It has wonderful instructions and terrific pictures to help you all along the way. I'm excited that I'm scheduled to take a class from Linds Jenkins who will be visiting my Quilt Guild in a couple of weeks. Now I will be able to follow along with this wonderful book. I really enjoy doing applique and hope to really master it with the help of Linda and her book

I loved this book because it's explanations are very simple and easy to follow. Everything I wanted to know about appliqué techniques! The steps are richly illustrated. It's very usefull and worth it.

This is a great reference for beginning applique. It was recommended by a cousin of mine who owns a quilt shop. There are lots of details and pictures along with great tips that take the fear out of teaching yourself to applique. It's cheaper than a class, and a reference for life.

I have been taking classes at my local quilt shop to learn hand applique and this is the one book that my teacher highly recommended to buy as a reference tool. It is absolutely wonderful and makes needle-turn applique a "Piece O Cake"

I programmed his trading system and contacted David Watts to see what he thought of it, it's not the holy grail but it does work for stocks and futures that are moving either up or down quickly and are about to reverse. This system is not one I choose to use because I'm comfortable with my own trading style (profitunity trading as outlined in Bill William's book "New Trading Dimensions" ) but it did confirm for me the general movement principles that all stocks, bonds and futures exibit...

It features several trading systems that can tell me when/where to buy, where to place stops, how to protect profits and when/where to pyramid mechanically.

Somewhat obselete now, but certainly an epic book when it was written. I can see elements of LBR, Victoria Pearson and Joe Ross from this book and it's fairly obvious they were influenced from it. Lots of very basic, logical price action and even the most experienced trader can pick up a few things here and there.

The best method I have ever tried for a position trader. Works best with high liquidity stocks and stock indexes on weekly data. Use ADX 14 and 20 MA to confirm the presignal. On stock index (S&P 500 and Ridex funds for the short part)I enter with a 1/4 at presignal if confirmed. This is a must buy text book. How come nobody says anything abot this method in any other books I've read or seminars attended. One of the best secrets kept together with "The Taylor Trading Technique" by George D. Taylor or "Steidlmayer on Markets"s last few pages. Good trading!

I programmed this system into Tradestation 2000i, it took me almost 3 weeks just to conceptualize how I would program all it's rules properly but after I finished I realized that this is really a gem, you can tell that the author really has an understanding of the structure of how the markets work, of course you will have to pick stocks or commodities that are already moving by using ADX or etc but this really is a good system especially in catching changes in the direction in trends hopefully I'll have it programmed for Metastock before the end of the year also. I don't use it myself I prefer Bill Williams method ("New Trading Dimensions"). There is no magic grail so again selection is important but the sytems holds it's own....

Reading this book gave me some insights into my own management style. All of us can use improvement, and this book has been a guide for helping me reflect on my decision-making methods. As someone fairly new to the world of business management, I found this book helpful and entertaining at the same time. It is a relatively easy read, with the exception of the "Afterword" and Appendix" chapters. The first is fairly profound, and forces the reader to think deeply about his/her business approach. The Appendix is largely mathematical, and was a bit difficult to follow, but in fact makes perfect sense.
In short, this is a useful and entertaining book for managers.

The approach here is unique: Categorize the mistakes managers and business owners make. Rather than a list of incorrect behaviors, this method produces some generalizations that are truly useful. I have read a lot of books that recommend specific actions to take, and a few that specify the actions to avoid, but none of them catagorized them as well as this book. I found I could take away the broad generalizations and apply them almost immediately to improve my management performance. Most other books bog the reader down with too many details that may not apply to a specific manager's situation.
It seemed to me that the specific behaviors listed within each category mostly served as illustrations and examples to be certain we would understand how to apply the categories. Also, there was humor to remind us that the first rule of management is to avoid taking ourselves too seriously.

The method the author uses is imaginative. He does not tell us what we should do to be a good manager. As he correctly observes, most good management consists of avoiding mistakes, and not merely applying some special technique. If we could all avoid the rocks, our businesses would not run aground. From my own experience, I can say that most of the management failures I have observed have been caused by blatant mistakes, whereas most of the management successes have been less about brilliance than merely avoiding dumb decisions and bad behaviors. This is well stated in this book.
What I find remarkable is the method the author uses, which is to put the mistakes in the form of hypothetical examples - people with names. This takes the hard edge off the somewhat sarcastic tone of the criticisms. While I don't care for sarcasm, Melden makes it work here. What especially makes it work is the accuracy: A lot of the people depicted are like people I have actually encountered during my career.
Finally, I have to compliment the middle chapter with its list of business cliches. This chapter was hilarious, and by itself would be worth the price of the book.

Nine Ways to Ruin a Business is written in a humorous tone, but provides some practical guidelines on the kinds of thinking and attitudes to avoid. By showing others' errors, it tells what kinds of actions we should stay clear of. Although I manage only a department, I believe the pointers in this book would be useful to managers of divisions, and even entire corporations. I have one suggestion for the reader. If you buy this book for a superior, tell him or her that you're sure they will find it hilarious. That should avoid damaging any egos.
A great book!

I had already read The 9 Ways of Working, and I assumed this would be similar. I couldn't have been more wrong. While I liked "Ways of Working", this was a much more useful book. It talks about actual behaviors, not just general ways of working. I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, but when I have been off my game, my management methods slightly resembled some of the persons depicted in this book. I can see more clearly now why some of my projects did not do as well as others. Another aspect of this book that I liked was the simple, straightforward description of bad method. It is a very sensible book, while remaining humorous.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Too often our views of parenthood come from what we see on the big and little screen: Woman tells man she's having his baby, followed by the birth and its afterglow. Then...nothing. But Oh, Baby! tells it like it is, looking at both the joys and the challenges. With its questions for discussion and suggestions for taking action, this book is both thought-provoking and practical. I highly recommend it for those who are new parents, pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant!

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (1/07)

Few parenting books tackle the emotional and relationship impacts of becoming a parent. "Oh, Baby!" does an amazing job describing the entirely new level of love you experience with your baby, the enormous sense of responsibility, and the many challenges you will face in various aspect of your new role as parent.

Focusing on "7 Ways a Baby Will Change YOUR Life in the First Year," the book is separated into seven aspects of your life that will be impacted with the birth of a baby. However, each section is further broken down into four to six subsections giving the reader sixty-seven ways a baby will potentially change your life! Each subsection includes questions to help stimulate thoughts and invoke discussion to help the reader assess the emotional and logistical challenges they have encountered and/or overcome. Suggestions are provided to encourage the new parent to become creative in overcoming straining relationships, internal and external conflicts, and spirituality.

The seven sections covered throughout the book include:

A Baby Will Open Your Heart Like No Other Can or Ever Will
A Child Helps You Develop a Durable, Reliable -and Authentic- Sense of Self
Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage: Surviving and Thriving as a Couple
Making a Living and Raising a Child, A Baby Will Change your Views -and Goals- on Both
A Baby Creates Family Ties -and Bonds That Bind
A Baby Will Cause You to Examine Your Beliefs - and Question Your Faith
Friends and Your Baby: You'll Make Many Friends and Lose a Few!

While it is easy to plan for and adjust to the logistical implications of being a parent, the emotional impact can be a shocking new discovery to parents. "Oh, Baby!" is not only a tool to help prepare the new parent for the challenges to come, it is an excellence source to revisit as you face each situation and are looking for guidance and understanding, or even just the reassurance that you are not alone in it. An excellent resource for new and pending parents and especially useful for parenting groups!

'Oh Baby!' should be mandatory reading for pregnant or brand new parents. This practical and realistic manual (riddled with true life accounts) helps prepare new parents for the challenges and delights of parenthood.

'Oh Baby!' covers how a baby will change you, affect your relationship, your career, your family, your social life, and your spirituality. The book is for both Mom and Dad and is very interactive with 'Questions for Discussions' sections strewn throughout the book, where both partners can discuss and write about what they've just read.

Parenthood is something that has to be experienced to fully understand, but 'Oh Baby!' does a splendid job getting new parents prepared for what's to come, minimizing the inevitable shock.

One might think I know all there is to know about a baby's first year, just having my third child. Wrong! Reading through Oh, Baby, I found myself agreeing with others as they described the various feelings you experience during this first year. I also found myself remembering the first years of my first two children and some of the hurdles my husband and I faced, and I realized that many other couples face the same things.

The authors do a wonderful job addressing the emotional and physical demands of having a child under the age of one in your house. They break the book up into seven chapters, discussing not only the challenges, but the ways a baby will enhance your life and your relationships with others. One chapter deals with how a baby will cause you to examine your beliefs and question your faith, while another addresses how to survive and thrive as a couple.

Scattered through the book are wonderful quotes on parenthood, marriage, and babies. Each section ends with wonderful discussion questions to help you examine your thoughts and feelings. The "Take Action" boxes sprinkled throughout provide great ways in which you may apply what you have read to your life.

Oh, Baby was an easy read, and I enjoyed all the anecdotes collected from various couples. I could identify with so many of their stories. Whether sharing the first year of life with your first child or your third, you will appreciate this delightful book. It offers something for all parents.

by Kara Flathouse
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in the career paths of women in the corporate world. That would include spouses of, grown children of, and parents of women. It is based upon Harvard research including in-depth case studies of both white and black women from childhood to the present day, career journeys one will find fascinating. When the reader returns to his/her workplace after completing this book, diversity will take on a more significant meaning. This book is also a useful tool in college career development classes. Rather than a dull read, it keeps the reader coming back for more.

If you are wondering why the Black woman in your section of your company doesn't seem to want to socialize with you or seems guarded around her White co-workers or why the White women in your organization get all riled up about sexism but are silent when it comes to racism this is the book for you. I recommend this book along with Divided Sisters for those who really want Black and White women to unite in the workplace. These two tomes will give you more than a clue. They'll give you guidelines as how to build a truly "diverse" workplace where everyone is welcomed AS THEY ARE and not as stereotypes others want them to play out. If you are a Black woman, you'll understand why you see your work status merely as a "job" and not as a career and why you feel so much like an outsider looking in at your organization.

The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is that I wanted more in-depth analysis of how the White female managers confronted the idea of Black women as equals (and not just on the job), something I've experienced that White women have a difficult time doing in the workplace.

GOOD BOOK. BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD AN INTERRACIAL FRIENDSHIP WITH A WHITE AMERICAN WOMAN. MY FRIENDS WERE EITHER EUROPEAN, ASIAN, AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN, SOUTH AMERICAN, OR BLACK. IM NOT EVEN INTERESTED IN CLOSING THE GAP WE'VE HAD BETWEEN EACH OTHER SINCE SLAVERY. AND EVEN IF WHITE WOMEN AND BLACK WOMEN ARE FRIENDS IN CORPORATE AMERICA, BLACK WOMEN STILL GET PAID LESS. ITS UNFAIR AND I DONT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH SOMEONE WHO THINKS THE WORD WOMAN, FEMININE, OR LADY MEANS WHITE.

If you are wondering why the Black woman in your section of your company doesn't seem to want to socialize with you or seems guarded around her White co-workers or why the White women in your organization get all riled up about sexism but are silent when it comes to racism this is the book for you. I recommend this book along with Divided Sisters for those who really want Black and White women to unite in the workplace. These two tomes will give you more than a clue. They'll give you guidelines as how to build a truly "diverse" workplace where everyone is welcomed AS THEY ARE and not as stereotypes others want them to play out. If you are a Black woman, you'll understand why you see your work status merely as a "job" and not as a career and why you feel so much like an outsider looking in at your organization.

The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is that I wanted more in-depth analysis of how the White female managers confronted the idea of Black women as equals (and not just on the job), something I've experienced that White women have a difficult time doing in the workplace.

Bell and Nkomo dive straight to the heart of the matter. They base their findings on comprehensive personal interviews of African-American and white women working as managers or executives. Ultimately, the authors hit the reader over the head with the obvious: People from strikingly different backgrounds bring profound personal differences to the workplace. Too often, organizations stupidly attempt homogenizing everyone into minor variations on the existing (typically---older, white, and male) leadership theme. Unusually (Bell and Nkomo cited no such cases), organizations may wisely embrace the differences so that the organization and its people benefit from a more perceptive and inclusive world view.

Folks who need not spend their working hours "fitting in" contribute (A) more (B) less to the organization. Leaders who accept their people for who and what they are get (A) more (B) less from their subordinates. Guess where the authors suggest the readers take their outfits.

What a great find! I am at a cross roads with my photography, and this book has really come in handy. It's precisely what I was looking for - like talking to a mentor. Highly recommend this book if you are looking for a bit of direction, inspiration or new ideas within yourself and your photographic passion.

Excellent! A great introduction for someone considering the study of photography. Takes an unusual, sort of psychologically analytical approach to the field, in addition to dealing with the specifics of education, equipment and the like.

It was after reading this book that I finally made the decision to study photography through the New York Institute of Photography where Chuck Delaney is dean. He came across as being a down-to-earth, no-nonsense expert in the field, and his NYIP course bore that fact out. Both his book and the course gave me more than they promised, something that is rare today.

The book takes a very holistic view of photography. Though this book isn't really designed to improve your ability to take a picture, it is aimed more at developing you as a passionate photographer. It ensures how you want to take pictures, develope style, and many of the nuances of photography.

This book could also be called "Zen and the art of being a photographer". So happy I decided to purchase this book. Chuck is encouraging, practical and humourous in his approach. This book generously answers the kind of questions you might ask a relative in the photo business before you launch in yourself, complete with the author's balanced views and opinions. Thanks Chuck.

I really liked the book. I'm a a NYIP student and it reads real close to the course. It's not 100% photography information as he also talks about some of his views on life. I subscribe to the same views so it didn't bother me. Overall, a great book. Lots of information for someone wanting a career in photography.

A rather small book but contains good tips on college & pro football betting.nice work!

If you are series about taking the next step then this book is for you. The author does a good job at explaining his philosophies and gives statistical data to back it up. Also, he does a good job with keeping the book from becoming a math book. He has a good sense of humor and keeps the book flowing. An easy read with tons of knowledge to gather from it.
Its a winner!

This football betting guide is a must own for the betting enthusiast who is looking for an added edge, the teachings in this book are nothing like I've ever seen before. Kudos to the author for this short but informative piece of reading.

A laundry list of evaluations in this tome. Learn who is really favored and why. Can you tell which team really dominated? What is one of the most telling stats you can pull from right from the paper?

GREAT BOOK FOR COLLEGE & PRO FOOTBALL TIPS. I JUST GOT INTO BETTING FOOTBALL MYSELF BUT FEEL THIS GUIDE HAS HELPED ME IN MORE WAYS THEN ONE. SO I DEFIATELY THINK ITS A MUST OWN FOR FOOTBALL BETTORS.

Evberyone has great ideas and can engage in conversations about the virtues of this and the problems and challenges of that. Debbe Kennedy has written the practical road map for implementing a successful program that taps into the unique genius of many people. The result is a handbook for successfully getting the best out of everyone. Given her vast experience and global perspective Debbe has the hands on experience and gravitas that undersatnds what is essential to do this successfully. Given the flat world we live in you will be consulting this book frequently over the coming decade. Thank you Debbe!

Stewart Levine, author, "Getting to Resolution," "The Book of Agreement" and co-author "Collaboration 2.0."

In the network-centric organizational models of our new century, collaboration with diverse individuals and groups across a variety of boundaries is absolutely essential and poses one of the greatest leadership challenges of our time.

In her book, Putting Our DIFFERENCES to WORK, Debbe Kennedy deals with the human element of this leadership challenge and does so with gusto and passion. While Debbe displays compassion and empathy for leaders grappling with this challenge, this is not a "touchy-feely" book. Rather, this book contains strategic as well as practical and pragmatic methods for developing a portfolio of leadership skills and behaviors. These methods are not of the "management trend de jour" variety. Instead, they are built around a proven process based on years of experience in the field.

Debbe also supports the material of her book through a variety of mediums including a blog and an online, global dialogue center. This latter is a virtual gathering place for people throughout the world to engage in dialogue about leadership, professional and personal development, and practicing the methods Debbe advocates in her book. For those of us dealing with the realities of the new world of work, it helps to have Debbe as one of our guides.

Debbe's book is required reading for leaders who want to bring out the best in everyone on their team. She outlines a true business imperative - that people are the number one source of new thinking and new ideas. It follows that when you create and leverage the strengths of a diverse team their different points of view bring a unique perspective to problem solving and innovation. This is how great companies come up with breakthrough products and services.

Debbe introduces a six step leadership model and the book is packed with personal stories from business leaders which help bring the model to life. The second half of the book focuses on best practices that give real life examples of the theory along with specific action steps that the reader can use to implement the model in their environment.

For those leaders who are looking for both strategic and tactical actions to improve their business, this book offers a refreshing and energetic viewpoint combined with solid research.

I own the hardcover version of the book Putting Our Differences to Work: The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance, but the book came to life when I was able to actually read the book as a PDF E-book (available at the publisher www.berrettkoehler.com/podtw). I am completely blind and I was very happy to find that the PDF E-book was accessible and read well with my screen reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed and found this book's fresh approach to leadership pioneering and inspiring. I love the true stories with key learning points from the many innovative leaders that are in this book. Debbe Kennedy truly knows the benefits of putting our differences to work and what it takes to be an effective leader.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to utilize and value the differences in their complete workforce and gain an edge on their competitors. If you are looking to be a better leader in your organization, citizen in your community or the world this book is for you. Being completely blind myself I truly embrace others who can see the value and extraordinary benefits of differences in people.

Bill Tipton

Too often diversity programs are seen as extraneous to the core business of the organization. In this powerful book, Debbe Kennedy offers convincing evidence that managing diversity is key to an organization's ability to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Using diversity as a strategic advantage requires that we know how to "put our differences to work" --how to align our different ways of thinking and seeing the world to create breakthrough products and solutions. The "Putting our Difference to Work Model" that Debbe describes and illustrates in this book can be applied by any leader in any organization. The examples and case studies she sites ground the model in the real world. She offers tools and techniques that help people with different ways of thinking come together to get things done. The "how to" information in this book is useful and easy to apply, but it is the explanation of why diversity matters that makes this book so compelling. Debbe makes it clear that putting differences to work is the key task of today's leader.

Millions of people want to get a book published. Yet they are unsure where to take their first steps and how to sort through the available possibilities. Do you take the traditional route or self-publish or use print-on-demand (POD)? Experienced author Helen Gallagher gives step-by-step advice and in the opening pages includes a large quote which says, "Attract a publisher if you can, but if not, don't wait your life away...Publish your book yourself."

Yet to many self-publishing is a scary proposition. How do you sell your book into the market and avoid a garage full of books (which don't help anyone--especially you the author)? Gallagher guides the reader to handle these questions with solid counsel. Then she covers the business of writing your book and marketing it to keep it alive and active in the marketplace.

Whether you have never been published or you are a seasoned author, you can learn some new tricks in Gallagher's book. I've read dozens of how-to-write books yet I often highlighted different pages in RELEASE YOUR WRITING. I plan to check out the websites and follow up on her suggestions. I recommend you do the same thing with the contents of this book. Don't just buy it and stick it on your shelf but study the pages.

A professional freelance writer and the author of "Computer Ease", Helen Gallagher draws upon her many years of experience and expertise in "Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way!" to provide an informative instruction manual that demystifies the publishing process, addresses the technological issues associated with publishing, and provides a profusion of effective, practical, immediately applicable marketing strategies to insure a book's commercial viability. Effectively organized into three major sections, 'Getting Published' covers contemporary changes in the publishing industry, the self-publishing option, Publish On Demand (POD) companies; and eBooks. 'You, The Word Processor' includes The Time to Write; The Writer's Toolbox; and 'Computer Power Tools'. The third section is devoted to the 'Business of Being a Writer' by focusing on book marketing and promotion, and keeping a book in print and available to the reading public. It should be noted that Helen Gallagher's writing style is conversational and engaging -- making it an ideal format for presenting her observations, ideas, and advice. Enhanced with an appendix listing writing resources, a glossary, and an index, "Release Your Writing" will prove invaluable and instructive reading for aspiring writers who have become published -- either on their own or through an independent publisher.

I admit it--although I have six books in print, I didn't know much about print on demand (POD) publishing, or what its benefits are. Gallagher's book includes everything you need to know to decide whether POD is right for you, and provides a wealth of information about how to choose the right POD publisher (love the side-by-side comparison chart of the top 10 POD firms) as well as tips on writing and marketing the book.

This book actually changed the way I think about POD--I now realize it's a great option not just for new authors, but for published authors who have out-of-print books they want to get back into the marketplace as well. Whether you're new to book publishing in general, or simply know little about POD, this is the book for you. It's a quick read, but I already have a number of pages dog-eared for future reference.

Kelly James-Enger, author, Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money (Random House, 2005)

If you're a writer who's looking for practical advice on how to write, publish, market, promote your book, and keep it alive once it's out there, Helen Gallagher's Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way! is the book for you. My yellow highlighter was flying off its 200 pages while I noted valuable tips on how to move forward with the publishing process. In fact, by the time I was finished reading this gem, nearly the entire book was highlighted. Furthermore, the book is written in such a down-to-earth tone that you'd better set an extra place because you'll feel as if Gallagher is sitting across from you at your kitchen table. So whether you're in the preliminary outline stage, in the midst of writing your manuscript, or giving it a final edit, read Gallagher's book before you launch yours. You'll be grateful you did.

Francine Pappadis Friedman
author of
MatchDotBomb: A Midlife Journey through Internet Dating

The information in this "action-packed" volume is tremendously helpful. My own book, Waltzing Australia, had been published before I found Helen's book, but I have still found it immensely valuable for the wealth of marketing ideas. I also appreciate the tips on using the computer more efficiently. This is a wonderful resource for any writer, traditionally published or self-published, because we can always use more tools -- and more market exposure.

I applaud the author for writing an intelligent, succinct, readable, upbeat overview of this irksome health issue. Patients who are newly diagnosed or who have not extensively researched the cause of their dry eye problems should definitely purchase this book. That being said, for someone like myself, who has already consulted ophthalmologists, am aware of my diagnosis, and have read numerous web articles on the topic, virtually all of the information was already familiar to me. However, I still unearthed one important nugget of information (that punctal occlusion using a cauterization process is reversible, and may be preferable to punctal plugs) which may be important for my future treatment. That alone was worth the price of the book, since my ophthalmologist had never mentioned this option. The book also contains a handy summary of the confusing variety of OTC eye drops and some good reminders about simple lifestyle changes that can be of great benefit. While any person with dry eye should initially consult an ophthalmologist to obtain a proper diagnosis, I just love books like this because doctors these days have so little time to sit you down and explain all of the strategies and treatment options that can be of benefit. Having this book several years ago would have been very helpful to me; it is a perfect example of why a small investment can sometimes be more worthwhile than a whole string of doctors' appointments.

This is a helpful book to understand dry eye syndrome's causes and management. This very common, painful condition can cause one to feel very alone, but its sufferers are not. Through education and action, discomfort can be reduced or eliminated.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!

Book Review: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press, 2007) by Steven L. Maskin, M.D.

Do you have dry eyes? Apparently almost 5 million of us do in the United States. Moderate cases are estimated at 20-30 million people. Common in the over age 50 group--7.8% of women and 4.7% of men are impacted by it. If left untreated, keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome, can lead to more eye problems, including blindness. Either the tear (lacrimal) glands under the eyelids aren't producing enough tears or the tears themselves are evaporating too quickly because of their composition.

Dr. Steven Maskin, author of Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome, says that dry eye syndrome is painful. Symptoms sometimes begin mildly and progress:

Achy or sore eyes

Redness, inflammation

Scratchy, grainy, gravelly feelings

Feeling of something in the eye

Burning, Stinging

Itching frquently

Contact lens discomfort

Nighttime dryness

Difficulty opening eyes in the morning

Blurred/ Fluctuating sight

Heavy eyes

Watery eyes

Excessive mucus discharge

Sensitivity to light

What are the causes? Researchers aren't quite sure, but some factors play significant roles:

LASIK Surgery

Live in a dry or windy area

Use the computer often

Use the eyes often for work or recreation

Drive long distances often

Smoke or live with someone who does

Use medications for allergies, birth control, or depression

Take hormone replacement therapy

Have had cosmetic eye surgery

Have worn contact lenses for many years

Suffer from specific illnesses: Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, ocular rosacea.

I've had a little dry eye syndrome periodically due to contact lenses, reading, and computer use, but hadn't really thought that much about it, until my friend had LASIK eye surgery. He is an emergency room physician who loves to scuba dive on his time off. The need to see underwater through a mask, without contact lense worry led to LASIK surgery and a severe case of dry eyes. Using lubricating drops often, the standard treatment in the United States and Europe, his condition slowly improved. Further detection and treatment for severe cases involves drugs, surgery, in-office procedures, and moisture goggles.

What can be done at home? Recent studies indicate that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids will improve the situation, possibly by 68% for women. Opt for salmon, tuna, sardines and other cold water fatty fish. Drink more water and reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine, a diuretic, encourages the body to eliminate water, whereas water hydrates the body. Avoid rubbing the eyes, instead blot them with clean tissue. Last, check in with the allergist, to identify an unknown eye-drying problem.

5 Stars

I'm at the computer all day, sometimes every day. A few months ago, my eyes started hurting, and on occasion would tear excessively.

I did some Internet digging and discovered Maskin's dry eye book. It opened my eyes, so to speak.

The first thing the book confirmed was that I had dry eyes. I also learned about the other syndromes and disorders I could be experiencing; I also discovered which of the over-the-counter drugs I should use --and which to avoid.

The book provided me with a wealth of simple tips I could use immediately to help reduce my dry eye problem. For instance, I lowered the height of my monitor and started taking breaks every 30 minutes. Obvious things, sure, but only after reading about them in the book.

Besides helping me understand more about dry eyes, the book also made me realize I needed to seek out a consultation with an ophthalmologist. (That alone was worth the price of the book).

The writing style is comfortable and easy-to-read, and it's remarkably thorough. I definitely have a better handle on the problem and realize it can be treated.

If you're having any type of eye discomfort -- as you probably do as you're on this page -- I strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Maskin's book.

Finding "Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome" was a Godsend for my eye dilemma. After over a year of treatment with several ophthalmologists, and after trying (time and again to no avail) their recommendations for eye drops, punctual plugs, Restasis and the like, this book was like an oasis in the desert. I even got to the point where I thought I must be imagining my pain and discomfort. After reading this book and realizing there were others like me - as well as the potential for significant improvement of my symptoms - I called Dr. Maskin's office and made the appointment for a consultation. I have just completed two surgical procedures since November and FINALLY, I feel like I have "my old self" back again!! Dr. Maskin is my hero. Thank you for making this a most special Christmas for me!