5 comments about The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming: And Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer.

1. This is a very moving account of one woman's ordeal with breast cancer. I read it in only a matter of hours; I was impressed with not only her courage and strength, but with the humor with which she dealt with cancer.
   
   Whether you have cancer, know someone who does, or simply are interested in finding a cure, this is a great read on the subject.



2. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29. Exactly 1 year and almost 2 months ago. Humor is what helped me through my year of hell. I had a masectomy, 16 chemo treatments and 33 radiation treatments. Mt new lift kit is scheduled for next summer. I tell my story to anyone that will listen. Jennie Nash hits it right on the nose. Funny, my name is Jen. Thank you..



3. As a mother of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, I found this book to be extremely helpful in offering me a glimpse into the dynamics of this disease. The emotional and physical pain of the author brings to the forefront how very devastating this disease is to all involved. I have bought this book as gifts for friends who have been diagnosed after a survivor recommended it to me.



4. I read this book cover to cover. It is very worth reading for anyone facing mastectomy and a choice of breast reconstruction methods. The author had a terrible time recovering from breast cancer surgery, but it is very important to distinguish between the physical difficulties caused by the surgery itself (relatively minor) and the physical difficulties caused by the choice of reconstruction (major). The large abdominal scar mentioned in another review is a feature of her "free TRAM flap" reconstruction, a reconstruction choice that can have excellent cosmetic effects when it works but is very physically costly otherwise. I recommend instead the books on breast cancer by Musa Mayer, who is more thoughtful (and also a survivor) and much more medically informative.



5. This book, The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming and other Lessons I Learned from Breast Cancer, was just what I needed. I was diagnosed with the dreaded BC three weeks ago. I went through a lumpectomy a week ago. I spent the last 3 weeks pouring over technical medical books, reviewing statistics, researching information on the web and learning as much as I could about the disease. I purchased this book on a whim, thinking it may give a perspective that would help alleviate the stress I was going through.
   I laughed, cried and also realized that I was not alone. The descriptions of friends and family mirror my situation as well.
   The book is now an all time favorite of mine that I hope others will read and also be inspired to tell their story.

5 comments about Daughter of the Queen of Sheba: A Memoir.

1. This book was written by someone from my hometown, thus I know the characters. She changed the names and the places, yet I still knew what she was referring to. She left out any reference to her two younger brothers so were my age. This book was written in a very choppy fashion...hard to tell her current experiences from her past experiences in her writing.



2. I basically just skimmed the last half of the book as she lost me early on. Too bad. A fascinating subject, just extremely badly written.



3. I trudged through 40 pages and basically determined that this whole family must be nuts and we read this for book group and everyone agreed this was not an easy book or an enjoyable one



4. I bought this book after watching Ms. Lyden's appearance on Larry King Live, in which she spoke engagingly and eloquently about her childhood, her mother's illness, and the effects it had on the family. Sadly, she speaks more effectively than she writes.

   Big words taste and feel good in our mouths, and it's fun to string a bunch together (this I know from personal experience), but after reading that style through a couple of chapters it got tiresome. Ms. Lyden seemed more interested in demonstrating her command of the English language than in telling her story.

   I was also disappointed by too-frequent and too-lengthy sidetracks into other aspects of the family's life (for instance, the whole trip to Mexico story could have been told in a couple of pages). I had the impression Ms. Lyden was trying to flesh out the book.

   For those interested in the subject matter, this is worth a try if you can find it second-hand or in the library, but not worth full price.

   I do recommend watching Ms. Lyden if you ever get a chance to see her being interviewed - she is an excellent communicator...just not on paper.




5. I am saddened to find so many unfavorable reviews of this memoir. Reading it, I was reminded of "Angela's Ashes," "A Beautiful Mind" and "Growing Up." I found Lyden's prose both poetic and evocative. I thought she portrayed her own family and herself with remarkable journalistic perspective, but also with compassion. I am amazed at the extent of Lyden's success in her attempt to describe her mother's mania, as well as the author's candor about her own life. There's no self-indulgence in these pages, only a long and difficult distance bravely traveled and recounted for us, so we can see the terrain through her eyes. To the critical reviewers, I say, "Let us read your life," and to Ms. Lyden an unequivocal, "Bravo."

5 comments about Across the Red Line: Stories from the Surgical Life.

1. I was a patient of Dr. Karl's back in April 2002. I was in my mid 30's and of course scared to death of surgery. Dr. Karl was the 4th surgeon that I had consulted. Once I met him, I knew he was the surgeon for me. His understanding of what I was going through, his grace, his medical experience. I could go on and on.
   
   When I heard he had written a book, I had to read it. As a patient of Dr. Karl's, when I was reading his book, I felt he was writing from his heart. There was no fluff in this book. Dr. Karl is a wonderful man, surgeon, person and spirit. I am sure Dr. Karl has touch so many people's lives. This book is a must read for patients and surgeons!
   Tammy (Brock) Cartiglia



2. I was totally engrossed with this book. I have read several books recounting the life of Doctors in training and although I also found those fascinating, this one was great because it came from a different perspective.
   I would sure feel much better facing a major medical need in my life with a sugeon who's understanding of the human condition is as keen as Dr. Karl's. Thanks for sharing you journey in medicine with us Dr. Karl.



3. If you have not read Dr. Karl's book you are missing this summer's #1 read. His insightful, thought provoking writing style takes you inside the operating room and so much more. I was deeply moved by his experiences and his notable style of writing about them.



4. naturally i give this 5 stars becaue the author is my uncle but it is truely a GREAT book a must read



5. A wonderful collection of stories about surgical life and how being a patient has made this surgeon a better health care provider. Karl does a terrific job of relating the hopes and fears that a surgeon has when performing his duties. The frailties and strengths of both patients and surgeons. Things that have gone right and things that haven't. The author has an obvious passion about his work and just as obvious compassion for his patients. Karl's unique writing style and skill really take the reader there. His descriptions of the feelings, moods and events are right on the mark.

4 comments about Look Up for Yes.

1. This book was recommended to my by the teacher of my CNA class in Fort Collins, CO. It was a very moving book... After being a CNA for 6 years now, I was finally able to read it. It refreshed my purpose and drive for going to nursing school. This woman truely has drive!



2. I thought that the book was exelent and that Julia could have talked more about her family and more about Goldwater. Overall she did a fantastic job at writing this book.



3. A nurse recommended the book to my sister. She said it changed the way she treats patients. My sister read it in one afternoon. It makes you think and reminds you to count your blessings!



4. Those who weap because they have no shoes should meet this woman who has no feet, no hands, no voice, no normalcy. And yet she greets the day with poetry and refuses -- against odds few people could bear -- to loosen her grip on reality, on the future, on hope. Where some autobiographical writers might seek our pity, Julia demands our respect. Where some labor to generate tears, Julia aims to generate cheers -- and at times outbursts of profanity. Her story is a fast, easy-to-follow read packed with flashbacks, present-day tales and, the most essential element of all, hope

2 comments about You Get Past the Tears: A Memoir of Love and Survival.

1. If you have any misunderstandings of aids, especially Pediatric Aids this is the most knowledgeable book to read and to educate yourself. From the moment in 1999 while I was watching the Essence Awards and heard Hydeia's acceptance speech for her award. I was automatically moved. I cried during her speech and I cried reading this book. I was sympathetic to her condition and was wondering what she must have went through as a child. She had a pretty good childhood and her mom was just so honorable to take on her and her little sister.



2. I really loved reading this book, what Mrs. Broadbent did for those two young girls was wonderful. I did feel bad for keshia and Mr. Broadbent, becasue they were neglected alot. I would like to know how Hydeia Is doing these days. I feel like I need the story to keep going, I now wonder about Hydeia All the time, I pray that she leads a long and happy life.

4 comments about When Clowns Cry.

1. Due to the nature of the diseases, FSH, Cogenial, Limb-Girdle, and Mysenthia Gravis, all of the Muscular Dystrophy family, the medical profession failed to recognize the symptons of these debilitating diseases and diagnosed this condition as depression which resulted in being in several state mental hospitals for years and given powerful anti-psychotic drugs causing hallucinations which reflected to a beautiful childhood. However, with the quick response of a didicated team of drs. from California the correct diagnosis of MD was discovered and treatment was given and the book tells of a beautiful love story as its ending. Not always the easiest read because of such a trauma but it shows the reader the awful consequences resulting from a physical illness such as muscular dystrophy mistaken by outstanding doctors for a mental illness.



2. I have just finished reading this book and am anxious to see it go to the top of every reading list and a movie, too. It is such a captivating read and also such a revealing study of personal experience in a mysterious world of the mind out of control because of mind altering drugs even if they are being prescribed by doctors. It was so very incouraging to see there is hope and life afterward. Frank Wray, I applaud you!



3. I found this book to not only be uplifting but also very rewarding. For those who face obstacles in their life, this book will surely be uplifting and rewarding!



4. It is one thing to have the courage this author has to have survived such a truama and, another to have written this true story and, yet another and most importantly to have the courage and stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. This inspirational book is one that will touch many lives and will live forever in ones heart. It is also a most beautiful love story that will make grown women and men cry.

1 comments about Doctors Who Followed Christ: 32 Biographies of Historic Physicians and Their Christian Faith.

1. Fabulous book! I have recommended it to many. Great insight into both the life changing contributions in medicine by some of our unsung heroes and their faith in Christ that lead them and sustained them.

5 comments about A Kernel in the Pod: The Adventures of a "Midlevel" Clinician in a Top-level World.

1. I've been a physician assistant for 13 years and was excited to read what turned out to be a well written, but very depressing account of my profession. I disagree with reviewers who think that the author's experiences are typical of physician assistants. If I would've had as many bad experiences in medicine as this guy did, I would've found another line of work.



2. After reading the review by the person who said there's only 30-50 pages about the PA profession in the first 260, I decided I would reluctantly purchase this book as those 50 pages were some of the few offered on Amazon about PA autobiography. In fact, that reviewer was wrong, and most of the book is about practicing as a PA. However, the author's choices about what to include seem odd. The book comes across as mostly venting about his mistreatment at the hands of various people, while he mentions only in passing attending conferences and his expertise in headache treatments. In the Acknowledgements, he mentions that he started publishing almost immediately out of PA school. Including more information about these aspects of his life would have made for a fuller picture of him as a person, a balanced view of the PA profession, and a more interesting story-line.
   
   That said, the venting seems totally justified. In fact, the book is out-right depressing. If this book were the only information I had about the PA profession, I would probably avoid being a PA like the plague.
   
   Also of note is the fact that the author seems to be a devout Christian, which may turn off some readers and attract others.
   
   The writing is casual and the book is a fast read. It is easy to skim large sections and then jump back in without too much loss.
   
   Overall, I would not recommend this book to those interested in becoming PAs. The professional experiences are a horror, and the section about the author's training is probably outdated as far as the application and decision-making process are concerned.



3. I found this book to keep my interest and to be very enjoyable to read. As a future PA I found the book sort of upsetting and could possibly turn many people off to the PA career path. I also found many of the author's actions to be very odd and did not agree with most of his religous/family/career choices. Even so, I really liked the book and would highly recommend it.



4. I laughed myself silly and then cryed with the Jones family. I think that life is sometimes stranger than fiction. I found it spellbinding. I think that Mike's ability to land on his feet at times when it seemed impossible to do so was remarkable. I would recommend for anyone (not just those in the medical field) to read as a comment how one person can overcome discouraging circumstances.



5. This book brought me to tears. Not because of anything related to being a P.A. Actually, about half of this book is about being part of a large, international mission. Having served with a large mission for 18 years (in some of the same locations Mike visited, actually) and gone through some of the same heartaches he and his family went through, I could really relate to the pain he experienced. It was wonderful to see that someone else had gone through it, too, and could do a good job describing what it was like. A good book for missions administrators.

2 comments about A DOCTOR'S WAR: Introduction by Pete McCarthy, author of McCarthy's Bar.

1. This short autobiographical account of an Irish doctor's World War II experiences is so riveting that I stayed up way too late to finish it. Dr. MacCarthy served in Europe and was then shipped out to the Asian theatre where he endured the unthinkable. The most striking things I took away from this book is how strong human beings can be in the face of terrible events and how good can triumph within each of us. As the preface said, if you went to a movie and saw all the things portrayed which Dr. McCarthy lived through, you'd think it too far-fetched to be true.



2. This book has been re-printed.
   
   New ISBN is 1903464706

5 comments about The End of Time.

1. `The End of Time' by David Horowitz
   
   I didn't think I could ever read anything more gripping from Messir Horowitz than `Radical Son' - `The End of Time' proved me wrong in that assumption. In this tract, his soul is laid bare for the reader. Each page is more intense than the last. You will find not a wasted paragraph, nor sentence, nor word. Feel Horowitz's pain, explore his literary mind, rejoice in his new beginning and ponder the paradox of life.
   
   This is a non-political book, making it one of a kind for David Horowitz. In my mind, it's the best work he has ever penned and will move you from the first sentence to last. You'll truly be better for having taken the time to read it.



2. David Horowitz, agnostic, reformed radical son and full-time bête noire of the progressive movement, has written a book, which isn't just an example of his protean powers as a thinker and writer but it's a beautiful exposition of his spiritual insights into some of the most profound yet ultimately unanswerable questions about human existence.
   
   And this work indeed feels more like an exposition than an orderly narrative. Much like the great mathematician Blaise Pascal's Pensées, a collection of his thoughts about God and existence that were literally sewn together, Horowitz examines Pascal's reflections and adopts the same patchwork style, which works well.
   
   When it comes to trying to comprehend the meaning of life and death within the context of an infinitesimal reality, Horowitz's brilliance, personal experiences and humility provides a wealth of valuable lessons that teaches us that the weight of consciousness doesn't need to be a burden, but it's an opportunity to discover meaning in a life that can only be meaningful when truncated by death.
   
   This is certainly a book worth reading by both believers and unbelievers in a higher power and the afterlife.



3. This book is a very good book if you are interested in learning about 9/11 and how it happened. This book had a very good story line and it has gone into a lot of detail about everything it talks about. This book was very insightful. I enjoyed to read this book because it told me how everything happened at 9/11. It also teaches you life lessons and it does this without trying to. It makes you think about your life. This book also teaches you to live your life to the fullest because if you don'you might run out of time. That was the cancer part of the book. The man thought that he couldn't get cancer but then he did. This tells you that anything can happen at anytime.



4. I think Horowitz's political persona obscures important facts about him as a man and a writer: He is very obviously an honest and courageous guy, and he also pens beautiful prose. This book will, in no way, disappoint: surprisingly, I found it to be a quite pleasant, thought-provoking rumination on a difficult subject that I, like most others, would normally have steered clear of. Had I not already been a fan, it is certain that I would have missed an important opportunity at personal introspection. (Thanks, David.)



5. David does good work here as usual. One of his
   frequent tacts is to simply bare himself to
   you in prose before making any comments on other
   matters. This book follows that formula to a
   greater degree.
   
   Horowitz is an agnostic, and I can identify with
   him on that. But the lament he writes is a bit
   ad hoc. He /does/ get the feelings and ideas
   very much right about how it feels to succeed
   but not have parental approval. And its sad
   to see someone at the top of his game still having
   to worry about paying for the big ocean view (if I
   ever get to that I'm hoping its not gonna be a
   matter for coffee and slips of paper with the wife).
   
   But Horowitz is one of the real deals.
   This guy's earned his politics in his body.
   
   I can understand the end of the story, with
   his new wife's ballon messages to his departed
   mother...but there needed to be a stronger
   finish, Is or Not Is. Though, I suppose, not taking
   /that/ stand is what Agnostic is all about.
   
   Good insights, though mostly for fans of the man himself.