5 comments about Voice for the Mad: The Life of Dorothea Dix.

1. I have read many biographies of Dorothea Dix, and this one is the best of the best! She was a fascinating woman of her age. Devotedly religious, she found a life similiar in many respects to Mother Teresa of our age - although Miss Dix was much more effective using legislation as a tool in her relief work. Her work with the mentally ill has been studied by many professionals in the field. David Gollaher brings all the available historical documents together in an easy-to-read format for the general public. I hope this book will be rereleased for a new generation of students, social workers, nurses and doctors. Highly recommended for any public or private library.



2. Gollaher paints a very dull picture of Dorothea Dix. There is not one colorful insight into this fascinating, world-changing woman. If there was even a hint of love or respect, or even curiosity about his subject, the author never reaveals it. There is an inexcusable failure on the author's part to make this famous lady 'touchable'. He discredits her faith with one stroke of his pen and rambles about the more cerebral parts of her life and work. Yes, she was interested in other things besides helping people but I don't care to know about how many bugs she collected and how many famous persons she socialized with. I want to know about Dorothea Dix! This was one of the most discursive, spiritless biographies I have read in many years. Read another biographer's account of this amazing woman, perhaps one that is written by a woman.



3. I bought this book after reading the following award citation it received from the Organization of American Historians: "VOICE FOR THE MAD provides more than a fine analysis of how and why a key northern antebellum reformer came to her reform, more than a well-written, sophisticated account of how a well-traveled reformer sought progress in Europe and the Americas, more than an illuminating account of how and why Americans created asylums for the insane. Gollaher's study also throws important light on how a woman outside the home could be an important lobbyist inside antebellum male legislatures; on how and why antebellum religion generated a white-hot reformist passion; on how and why reformist passion often stopped short, as in Dix's case, of anti-slavery; and perhaps most astonishingly, on how and why the Yankee woman as a reforming fanatic could succeed in Southern legislatures...[A] gem of a biography." Amazingly, the book is even better than this, because it reveals how a person was able to use her own demons -- her anger, her feelings of abandonment, her incredible nervous energy -- as sources of strength in the public arena of politics.



4. This is a great biography, if somewhat exhastive in its detailing of Dorothea Dix's incredibly energetic and productive life. What captivated me was Gollaher's ability to evoke Dix's essential sadness, something that went back to her early childhood and that made her self-aware yet remote from other people. Ironically it was her self-possession, her sense of being different from everyone else, that enabled her to related to the mentally ill and create a unique career.



5. I casually picked up this book, read the introduction, and was hooked. The idea that Dorothea Dix could fashion a political career -- sitting with legislators to draft laws, guiding bills through the House and Senate with personal patronage -- generations before women could vote, well, this amazed me. But more amazing is the whole first section of the book, in which Gollaher details Dix's terrible and depressing early life in New England. The strength in this book is how he connects the dots of her painful early life with her painfully successful career in Washington and dozens of state capitals around the country. I can't think of anyone who paid a greater psychic price for success. Her story is largely a tragedy, exquisitely told here.

3 comments about The Father of Forensics: The Groundbreaking Cases of Sir Bernard Spilsbury, and the Beginnings of ModernCSI.

1. Evans' writing is very compelling and pushes you easily along the dateline of modern forensic techniques. His storytelling skills are marvelous and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I am only part way through and find myself trying to savor every page by reading only a little at a time. I don't want this book to end!



2. Colin Evans has written a number of excellent books on forensics and this one is just as much of an edge-of-your-seat page-turner as the others, if not more so. The book's focus is on a subset of the many cases in which Britain's Sir Bernard Spilsbury was involved as the much revered, indeed legendary, forensic pathologist. The main highlights of Spilsbury's life are also included. The author's writing style is as witty as it is engaging, often tongue-in-cheek. The words that he uses to describing these many cases seem to be very carefully selected and put together. But it is much more likely that this excellent style of writing simply comes naturally to this most gifted author; I cannot praise it enough. This book will be indispensable to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted true crime stories in which forensics plays an important role. Very highly recommended!



3. I've read accounts of other forensic pathologists at the turn of the century, but this one is easiest to digest. It has a smooth reading style, lays out the crimes in sufficient detail that you can follow the 'plot' and then shows how Spilsbury and his associates helped lay the forensic groundwork for conviction. Cases include such well-known murders as "The Brides in the Bath," among others.
   
   Besides the fascination at watching the growth of forensics at the hands of the pioneers (Spilsbury doesn't get all the kudos in this book) you also catch a glimpse of the personal toll exacted by the long hours and hideous conditions.
   
   For readers keen to see a glimpse of early forensic technique and the men behind the emerging technology, I highly recommend Evan's informative book.

1 comments about Perfect Match: A Kidney Transplant Reveals the Ultimate Second Chance.

1. Janet did a marvelous job of giving an intimate over view of Hans' experience with chronic kidney disease and the ultimate gift of love from his brother. We especially liked the way she divided the chapters with the second part of each chapter as an analogy of Christ and his love for us. I purchased three of them-one for us,one for a dear friend who just received a kidney and one for the mutual friend who donated the kidney. Our friend who received the kidney said that reading Perfect Match was a
   spiritual experience. Thank you Janet and thank you, Lord, for inspiring her to write it. Sally and Bob Hoffman

3 comments about Hi Mom, Send Sheep: My Life as the Coyote and After.

1. This was a very quick read, and goes into something of the history of the person behind the Spurs Coyote, Tim Derk. He lived a double life, with a secret identity, for two decades until he suffered a stroke.
   
   As the Coyote, he performed feats of athleticism that were amazing, all the time showing the humor for which he was known. Only a few people knew his true identity until shortly after his stroke on Feb 13, 2004.
   
   The book is a quick read, easily completed in a single night and has several tales of the misadventures of the Coyote, and its actor. It is written very much as if the author was speaking to you, however it is somewhat disjointed jumping around from time to time, inside a chapter.
   
   The seven chapters are relative focused, each one detailing aspects of Tim'sis life. From the inception of the Coyote, to a number of injuries, to his hey-day activities, to the stroke, then to rehab, and finally to recovery, though that is obviously an ongoing issue.
   
   The book is inspiring, showing how much a person can accomplish if he puts his mind to it. Considering that Tim's stroke is central to the book, it still remains a relatively enjoyable read.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in mascots, and specifically to anyone who may be facing a tough time. It is also a must for any fan of the Spurs Coyote.



2. The reading is quick paced and engaging. One minute you are laughing, the next you are saying "WoW", or "Mmmmm"
   
   This book makes profound thinking easy to read!



3. A fascinating read and a great look at the king of NBA mascots. Whether hanging from the ceiling or making up hilarious bits, Tim truly set the bar for other mascots and athletic entertainers to follow.

5 comments about Kate's Journey: Triumph Over Adversity.

1. EXCELLENT BOOK/STORY OF A REMARKABLE WOMAN'S RECOVERY FROM A DEVESTATING CONDITION. I HAD READ THIS BOOK A WHILE AGO AND PURCHASED THIS AS A GIFT. VERY HARD TO PUT DOWN READ IN 2 DAYS!!! KATE IS A TRUE INSPIRATION TO ALL.
   ANY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!
   KATES 2ND BOOK IS EVEN BETTER!!!
   KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK KATE!!!



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it not only is a true story of a very remarkable woman, but it is also very educational and enlightening of what a stroke victim endures. Very hard to put down--a must read!



3. Working as a chaplain with people who have suffered from strokes this book was recommended to me. There are many people that I minister to who are trapped within their bodies and I wonder the effectiveness of my prayers, monologues, reading scriptures and news article to them since they can't respond. After reading this book my eyes were opened. To see what Kate went through and what she experienced in a trapped body I am encouraged to continue to be there and communicate with those who are trapped within their body. Excellent book. I would recommend it to not only those who work with people who have had strokes but to anyone who wants to know more.



4. If you only get a chance to read a few good books a year; you should make this one of them. Kate Adamson has an unbelievable story to share. Suffering from a devastating stroke at the age of 33, Kate fights her way back with sheer grit and determination.
   
   This is an inspirational story for stroke survivors, caregivers, and anyone else that has been touched by a stroke. Even if you haven't been touched by a stroke, it's a powerful read. Kate tells her story with honesty, humor, and courage. I give it two thumbs up and highly recommend it.



5. Ever said, "I have a terrible headache?" Did you feel it was the worst headache you've ever had. Then you must read Kate's Journey.
   
   This book should be in the home of anyone that has ever had a headache, in the library of every neurologist, and in the hands of every therapist or any health care official that encounters stroke patients.
   
   Kate's Journey delivers hope through an amazing story of recovery. In a clever and ingenious way, Kate interjects humor in the story of her recovery from a devastating stroke and the complete disruption of the life she knew.
   
   Kate's Journey provides the key to not living a self-fulfilling prophecy of hopelessness when you or some you love is told there is, "No Hope." Kate's Journey provides the warning signs of stroke to those who may be experiencing the onset of a stroke and are totally unaware, and incredible insight to family members and friends of those whom may have already suffered the tragic disabilities of stroke. Think you're too young? Think you're in great shape? Read Kate's Journey before it's too late.
   
   Wondering how I could ever read a book about someone's stroke, quickly turned into wondering how I could ever put the book down. It was witty and filled with Kate's actual thoughts. I was now getting first hand the pain and thoughts that were going through the mind of my own husband. He was now living Kate's Journey, her nightmare of paralysis and the inability to speak.
   
   I recommend reading Kate's Journey, a story of recovery and hope, in lieu of books that deliver a message of acceptance of a devastating fate. I prefer the "Never Give Up" message contained within the pages of Kate's Journey; a story of bouncing back against all odds. Which would you rather read? It could happen in the blink of an eye. Stroke -- paralysis, complete devastation. Will you be next? Maybe not; if you read Kate's Journey Triumph Over Adversity.

   I have found Kate to be as outstanding as her book.

1 comments about Broken Promises, Broken Dreams: The Stories of Jewish and Palestinian Trauma and Resilience.

1. If you are interested in understanding the stories of personal transformation of men and women who are fighting for justice in Israel and Palestine, this is the book for you. Dr. Rothchild shares her own personal journey as an American Jew who was raised to support Israel, but learned firsthand from working with peace activists in the US and in Palestine and Israel that the Palestinian narrative is powerful and transforming. Dr. Rothchild reports facts on the ground with insightful accuracy and in enlightening detail. If you keep an open mind, you too may find yourself challenging old assumptions and looking for new answers.

No comments about A Doctor's Path: Lessons I've Learned on My Journey through Practicing Medicine.

3 comments about My Eyes, His Heart: Encounters of a Medical Missionary.

1. This a awesome read. Well worth the price. Great for anyone thinking about short-term missions.



2. Dr Kuhn, in the Preface says that "Years ago I was challendged to ask God to break my heart with the things that break His heart." Few of us will have the courage or will to live such a self sacrificing journey in life. "My Eyes, His Heart" gives those of us who only dream of the journey a chance to feel a little bit of what Dr. Kuhn has lived for the last 30 years. It is a wonderful treat. Thank you Dr. Ted Kuhn.

   Heartwarming, heartbreaking, but above all eye opening.




3. This book contains twenty-three short (usually 2-3 page long) glimpses from the travels and work of Dr. Kuhn as a medical missionary to various locations in South America, Africa, and Asia. Each one gives a vivid sense of the place, the immediate physical suffering of the people, and the eternal spiritual joy they can (and in some cases do) have in that suffering.

   For me, this book is not so much about the work of missions, though it is about that, as it is about seeing the spiritual reality alongside what we perceive with our physical senses. This book is sad as it talks about the suffering of many real people. This book may move you to compassion for those around the world who suffer physically and spiritually without hope. But, whether or not you become a missionary to the far reaches of the world, I hope this book gives you a sense of the immediate and eternal together in everyone you encounter.

   The book is a very quick read and is well written. Since it is organized in a series of short chapters, it is easy to pick up and put down. This book will be of particular interest to those involved or interested in mercy ministries and missions.

1 comments about Nothing to Fear: The Key to Cancer Survival.

1. Hello. I recently sent this book to a friend who was preparing to go into surgery to remove cancer from his colon. Needless to say he was very apprehensive about the procedure and actually felt like his time on this earth had come to its natural end.
   
   Last night, I got the great news that the surgery went well and my friend is resting comfortably. His brother told me this book helped tremendously and gave my friend the hope and inspiration he needed as he prepared for this dreadful cancer removal procedure.
   
   There's nothing like direct, positive feedback. God bless my friend and here's too many more years of good living!

3 comments about America's First Trained Nurse: My Life as a Nurse in America, Great Britain & Japan 1872-1911.

1. This is a fascinating glimpse into nursing history and this is not a vanity press item as the previous reviewer claims - this is a FAMOUS book by Linda Richards, who was a great American pioneer for nursing and also for women - that has been published several times over the years by a number of differant publishers since the early 1900s!!!
   
   The fact that this is larger print with wider margins than the norm is a plus and not a negative for me as it makes it easier to read. At US9.99 for this genre it is hardly overpriced either...many other nursing history books that are far smaller cost a lot more.



2. The content of the book was mostly quite interesting, if a bit shallow. However, the print was large, there were wide spaces between the lines ... and I read the thing from cover to cover in less than an hour. Might to better to peruse this one from the library (if you can find a library that carries it -- it is a vanity press item) than to pay for it.



3. For anyone interested in the pioneers of nursing history this book is a must read. It poignantly captures the hard life of nursing in its early days but this is clearly overshadowed by the optimism, tenacity and intelligence of Linda King. She was America's first trained nurse, was the leading teacher of the first graduates of nursing in Japan and an innovator in nursing education and administration. As an academic and nurse it is a priviledge for me to know more about this woman through her writings, and it is wonderful to know that the book has been reproduced for future generations.