1 comments about Solomon Carter Fuller: Where My Caravan Has Rested.

1. Solomon Carter Fuller was an African-American physician who worked for a time with Alois Alzheimer -- the German doctor who gave his last name to what is now an all-too-common disease. Like many black men of his generation, he was a brilliant man of quiet dignity who was given too little recognition for his contributions to humanity. Today he is still little known, even in the narrow world of Alzheimer's pioneers; this book offers an engaging story and helps right an injustice.

No comments about Native American Doctor: The Story of Susan Laflesche Picotte (Trailblazer Biographies).

No comments about Florence Nightingale to Her Nurses.

No comments about A Journey Through Cancer.

No comments about Kid Rex: The Inspiring True Account of a Life Salvaged from Despair, Anorexia and Dark Days in New York City.

2 comments about Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

1. Finally a book written by one who fought alongside a loved one during that loved one's battle with cancer.
   
   Alvin F. Oickle's journal records for himself and his readers his odyssey with his wife from the time the original diagnosis of colon cancer was made until Irene's untimely death from the disease. Oickle begins by saying that this journal was begun in anger. No doubt the grieving process begins well before the actual death occurs.
   
   Along the way the reader gets a glimpse into Oickle's psyche as he valliantly battles at his wife's side. His anger, his hope, his joy, his frustration are all laid out.
   
   This is a book anyone struggling with dealing with a terminal illness of a loved one ought to read. The emotions that Oickle feels and shares are common among those watching a loved one die. The hope and advice Oickle gives is priceless.



2. Al Oickle has written a tremendously moving account of a family's courage, hope, love and faith as it faces together the death of the wife and mother. Covering only the last few months of the battle with cancer, the journal-style of the work brings the reader not only into the hospital room and the home but also into the minds and hearts of each of the members of this large family. Each one's response is different and changes over time. Reading it, one realizes how much we have learned about death and the dying from researchers like Kubler-Ross, for each stage of reaction to dying is seen in the husband's and children's journal entries. There are times of hope and times of despair, of anger and of resentment. Sometimes the account is minute-by-minute; sometimes there are summaries of days of sameness. The reader comes to know each member of the family and care about Irene, whose life is coming to an end. The author notes in his introduction that he first began keeping a journal out of anger at his wife's delay in seeking medical help when she first recognized a problem, but that his view was more understanding as time passed after her death. His compassion for her and forgiveness, both of her and of his own anger over her death, shine through this wonderful work. The book makes clear the importance of humor and fun and living life in the face of death, making every possible minute a recognition of the gift life is.

3 comments about Blow the House Down: The Story Of My Double Lung Transplant.

1. This is an engaging, lucid story by an intelligent man with heart and honesty ... not to mention a mischievous twinkle in his eye! While most of us have not suffered the wrenching health challenges the author recounts, this book is a good companion to anyone who is looking for friendship and encouragement on a hard journey. Certainly, care givers and family should give this book to those who want to know they are not alone in the face of cystic fibrosis, cancer, depression, or other hardships. Charlie knows the icy stare of mortality. And like a hockey ruffian, gives it a full-body check and goes out for beers afterward. Way to go, Charlie!



2. I was delightfully surprised at the effect this book had on me. I couldn't seem to put it down! I've had a rough time in the past 3-4 years but the ambition displayed in the book showed how differently one can perceive their troubles and turn them into triumph. I admired this portrayal of strength and tenacity.



3. Overcoming greats odds, the author elequently tells the story of his fight against Cystic Fibrosis that ultimately leads to a double lung transplant.

   Mr. Tolchin recounts the trials of growing up with CF and all the procedures, medical problems and hospital stays that he encountered. His tale includes all the medical staff and friends that support him during his journey and the importance humanity and human contact has to medical science.

   His story is one of triumph, and displays how important family and friends are to overcoming difficult situations. Charlie's not the only hero in this book. He is quick to point out all the people who inspired him along the way. It is here where the books succeeds and inspires. The team effort is unbelievable.

   Blow The House Down, is a book that has many lessons a reader can learn. The science and medical break-throughs involved with a double lung transplant are amazing, but the courage of Charles Tolchin, the love of his family and friends and the professional dedication of the medical staff is the real story here.

5 comments about Dreamwalk: A Survivor's Journey Through Breast Cancer.

1. This is a moving and wonderful book that is inspirational to read and that helps walk you through the healing process. The author has been admirably open and frank about her own life altering experience. She has altruistically shared a great deal that can be of help to others.



2. Dreamwalk: A Survivor's Journey Through Breast Cancer is the personal memoir of Rachael Clearwater, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer at age 48. Rachel underwent two mastectomies, and has since dedicated herself to easing the path of cancer patients. The challenge of living daily with a biological time bomb, sojourning through difficult times, the crucial support of friends and family and the difficult choices that take their toll, as well as wisdom borne of 20/20 hindsight, fill this powerful testimony. An inspirational tale of dedication and courage.



3. Rachael Clearwater was so on the mark with her book, DreamWalk. I am a 3 1/2 year breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed at 43. I also live in a small town. Her truth and honesty can be believed throughout. I experienced the majority of her fears, frustrations, anger, healing. This is an excellent book for the already diagnosed man or women, or anyone else who is just trying to educate themselves on the disease and how to detect it early, hopefully prevent it. Listen to her story. It may help you on your on "Dreamwalk".
   It is read quickly and packed with vital information.



4. Dreamwalk is a truthful, courageous, funny story of a breast cancer survivor. It is also the story of a life interrupted by and unwelcome visitor -- and how it all came out. The book can be read in one sitting -- and it would hard not to read it that way. Once I started it, I was lost in the story and forgot the cup of hot tea sitting beside me, the rain outside, and everything else about a busy life. Worth reading more than once.



5. This is a wonderful and inspirational book for anyone who finds him- or herself in the position of making--or trying to make--major medical decisions. While the author's recommendations specifically deal with breast cancer (and they are very practical and useful), her wit, wisdom and experience have much to offer anyone who is confronting or may confront a life-threathening illness and an authoritarian and often, unfortunately, methodical medical profession. The emphasis throughout, however, is positive. The author chronicles her medical challenges while exploring and celebrating the sources of her strength: her friends, her husband, her family, her hometown, her love of nature, her varied experiences as a dancer and educator. And always with humor! A fast but memorable read.

1 comments about Demon Doctors: Physicians as Serial Killers.

1. Demon Doctors: Physicians As Serial Killers by Kenneth V. Iserson (Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of the Arizona Bioethics Program, University of Arizona College of Medicine) is an informed and informative survey and study of physicians who became serial killers. Dr. Iverson addresses such critical questions as how doctors actually killed their patients, whether they share any common characteristics, and if there have been many physician-killers in history. The first volume in a planned series, Demon Doctors profiles eight of the most heinous physician mass murderers who violated the solemn oath to "do no harm" and exploited the patient-doctor relationship for their own nefarious ends. Demon Doctors is recommended for Medical History, Medical Ethics, and True Crime supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

3 comments about Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life.

1. I found this book to be inspirational. I also found it to be painful to read. The author faces his own iminent death and does so with great dignity. There are great lessons to be learned but it is nonetheless a difficult topic and a difficult read.



2. There is a peacefulness and great joy in this heartwarming story of fully living life even in the face of death. I am grateful for having had the experience of reading it and for the reminders of how to live life with gusto.



3. This is an excellant book which we coulde all learn from on bring all our relationship to victory.