1 comments about Swing Low: A Life.

1. I really enjoyed reading "Complicated" but this book didn't have quite the same tone as complicated. It was still well written, but a little maudlin. I like to have a break from feeling low myself, and I think people DO read to escape, therefore, I can't say all that much was wrong with the book. It just wasn't a clear picture like Toews' other book was.

1 comments about House Calls: The True Story of a Pioneer Doctor.

1. This picture book of brown tone illustrations is geared toward older elementary, based on the writing style. The story is about a pioneer doctor and contains illustrations of story items--e.g., blood-letting tools, whiskey, garlic--which Dr. Hutchinson uses. Factual details make this story real and could prompt much discussion.
   The story is told from the point of view of a girl who sees the many activities of the doctor, including his many roles in the community.

5 comments about Geography of the Heart.

1. AIDS memoirs became a rather popular genre in the 1990s. Geography of the Heart fits well into this genre, yet transcends the majority of these books, largely because of Fenton Johnson's deep, faith based observations and beautiful prose. The book is, of course, sad, yet the prose moves us to an understanding of the meaning of love and the factors which discourage us from entering into this most vulnerable state. It also talks about the deep transformation that occurs when we let down our guard and allows us to love, in spite of risks involved in all relationships. This is challenging as well as encouraging. I found Geography of the Heart to be well worth reading.



2. Two very dissimilar men meet in San Francisco, fall in love, and one cares for the other as he dies of AIDS in Paris in 1990. That's it, on the surface. But Fenton Johnson's exquisite memoir goes much deeper to explore the depths of a relationship that didn't stand much chance when it began. Rose, HIV+ but aware of his status, was asymptomatic when he met Fenton. Rose was the only child of Holocaust survivors whose father escaped the Nazis and hid for three years with broken vertebrae. Fenton, OTOH, grew up the youngest of nine in a Catholic family in isolated Appalachia.
   Johnson writes with crystal clarity of his working through fear, toward grief and into eventual emotional renewal.
   Beautiful.



3. Rarely does a book come along which changes the way you see things. Johnson writes with such command and passion that you are immediatly drawn into his world. I started this book when I was in low spirits and the book quickly made me see the brighter sides of life. Although, its about the death of the loved one the way Johnson writes it doesnt make it fall into the catergory of a b-rate tear jerker. Its more about coming to terms with love, death and life. The reasons to live are the central plot rather then the reasons to die.

   I weeped at times but at times inwardily smiled because Johnsons perceptions and fears are so human, just like the rest of us!

   I suggest this book strongly for all those who want to get a little closer to reality.




4. If you want to know the true meaning of "Love", read this book! Mr. Johnson has written a highly moving and emotional account of his life's journey with his (now deceased) partner-Larry Rose. Two men who came together from two extremely different upbringings shared a life a love together that few of us ever have a chance to have, yet we all yearn for. Their individual families histories alone are worth reading! The writing is strong and effective, although I did have a few problems with it in spots. I cannot deny feeling nothing but joy at having the opportunity to read this excellent book! In an age where the AIDS crisis seems to be forgotten this is an all to important account of how all lives have changed and is a great testament and history lesson to remind us all. Highly recommended!



5. I read a review of this when it first came out and felt that I had to read it. The emotion is so true and heartfelt. I felt the sadness as Fenton and Larry realized they would eventually lose each other because of AIDS. The story of their relationship is a testimony to the strength found in relationships of all kinds. This book helped me appreciate love and my sexuality. It's a must read for all who love life and want to feel how true homosexual love can be.

5 comments about Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life As an Animal Surgeon (Thorndike Press Large Print Nonfiction Series).

1. A delightful book showing Dr. Trout's skill with narrative. The ongoing stories, of Sage the dog with the stomach that was literally turned, and Barron, the dog with the difficult and sad diagnosis, gave the book shape and narrative curve. I loved the cautionary story about the cat who had swallowed something stringy. The tangential material, both about Trout's own life (a young man massaging a puppy to life) and weird animal lore (ferrets in one's pants), provided rich and rewarding reading.
   
   I do wish he'd had more cat anecdotes, of course, since I am a cataholic.
   
   One tiny criticism: an ongoing villain in the story is Sage's owner's daughter, who is an engineer and holds a doctorate. If she was truly as unfeeling toward animals as Trout paints her, she no doubt deserves the disdain with which he paints her. (And I wonder if she ever picked up his book and recognized herself). BUT: doctors of engineering with Ph.D.'s are just as much doctors as veterinarians or MDs. They hold lives in their hands as much as do doctors of medicine or veterinary science.
   
   Doctors of Engineering keep airplanes in the air and bridges from collapsing. The degree of doctor was invented before it was assigned by public opinion to medical doctors. So I wish Trout hadn't ended his book with the snarky comment, "Perhaps she {Dr. Hartmann} uses the title . . . to get bumped from coach to business." I have a Ph.D., but it sure never helped me get a better seat on an airplane! As to his supposition that she used the doctorate "to bully her way into our phone system," I have to ask if Angell Animal Medical Center is so elitist that the owners of poor dying animals have to bully receptionists to get information or help.
   
   The length to which I've gone in this screed might suggest I don't like the book, but I did like it, He does anecdote very well, and it's clear he loves both animals and the art and technology of surgery, maybe the latter a bit more than the former. He conveys both loves beautifully.



2. Nick Trout has written a charming "day in the life" account of being a surgeon in Boston's Angell veterinarian hospital. When I started I wondered if this was going to be nothing more than a serialized piece from Dog or Cat Fancy that had been expanded into book form, but my skepticism was quickly dispelled and I found myself charmed by both his sensitive and funny approach to both the pets and their owners. Anyone who owns and cherishes their pet would probably find alot to appreciate and identify with here.



3. This light-hearted memoir recounts a day in the life of a veterinary surgeon via a series of surgical vignettes intermingled with remembrances and reflections. The structure of the book is somewhat choppy, and there's very little momentum moving the story along. Nevertheless, this book is likely to entertain animal lovers or people curious about veterinarians, and it won't demand much of your brain power.



4. This was an enjoyable story, but the errors were like fingernails across a blackboard. The book does not appear to have been copyedited or proofread. One blooper reads: "When I first met Ms. Wicks, I was physically bowled over by her...tricolored silky fur and energy." I think maybe that should read "her dog's." A couple is described as "balling" their eyes out in the waiting room - what a picture that brings to mind! Punctuation is bizarre, and if one word can be confused with another, it is: reign for rein, peak for peek, etc. Of course, these are not the author's fault, but they did detract from the reading experience for me.



5. At first I found the jump-around style of storytelling distracting. I kept wanting it to read like the James Herriot books -- a chapter for this case, a new chapter for that case. Once I understood that the whole book was going to be back and forth, I was good with it and enjoyed the reading immensely. Of course, the back and forth style fits this book since it is one day of following Trout in the hospital. There isn't a definitive chapter between all patients, especially in surgery, what with post-op check-ups and all. And so the narrative is juggled in the same manner that Trout juggles between multiple cases at once.
   
   This was a delightful read. I loved to learn some of the updated methods and options for treatments in the animal world. Medicine is worlds beyond what Herriot practiced in his day! Trout has wonderful insight into the ways of both animals and their humans. Anyone who understands the bond between a person and his pet will enjoy this book.

5 comments about Second Sight.

1. Second Sight was recommended to me by a friend who knew of my interest in the psychic, and I am so happy she did...I could not put this book down, looking forward to sitting quietly each morning to read the next chapter in Ms. Orloff's life. A must read for anyone interested in the spiritual, psychic, or healing abilities. With this book, Ms. Orloff has inspired me to reach out and explore a long desired interest in my own psychic abilities and it's spiritual connection. Highly recommended!



2. I have been reading many different books dealing with healing, spiritual growth and energy medicine. Most have a variety of resources to offer and to guide you. In her book, Judith goes beyond techniques. She reveals the difficulties of growing up with a spiritual gift. And what makes her story so different from others is that Judith tells not only the beautiful side of what such a gift can give you, but also the challenges and the incredible responsibility that is imbedded in having psychic abilities.
   
   Judith's book gives you her own story in a clear, passionate and courageous way. She is a pioneer in revealing what most people may not understand; and even reject in an academic and professional setting. It is not easy in such a setting to advance your career and serve others in a meaningful way acknowledging that you have psychic abilities. Judith has been able to do that and has found a way to show others that is possible to have a career without ignoring or rejecting your psychic abilities.
   
   In a time, that many are trying to ¨have psychic abilities ¨ it is a blessing to find someone who shows that those gifts must be developed with a purpose different than just being special or have some power. As she correctly points out those abilities must be embedded in a deep connection with the divine within each of us.



3. It's like I can take a deep breath and relax now. Someone once asked me "How do you feel when you enter a room where there's a lot of fighting and anger?" My immediate response was: "I recoil and want to run out of there." I thought everybody felt this way. Granted we all feel things up to a certain level, but the notion that I feel more than most never occurred to me. Doesn't everyone? I thought. Learning I was not alone in my experiences was a huge relief and revelation to me. When I read Dr. Orloff's book I felt I had found me. I now knew who I was and could now just simply enjoy what once seemed like a curse. Feeling everything like I have been up to date without understanding it is "crazy making." I now realized no, it's a blessing, I have been given a whole 'nother level of awareness and depth. It is powerful. Hearing Dr. Orloff explain it through sharing her life- it blew the barn doors open. She talks openly about all her experiences as well as how she deeply respects her gifts and how she has combined these with traditional methodologies. Yes, there is a feeling of "safety" that she has credentials when reading this, but for me the true safety comes in how Dr. Orloff has chosen to use her gifts and live her life. She deeply respects what she has and is grateful for it. She does not misuse what she has and adds seriousness and credibility to her spiritual gifts.
   
   I bought a copy of this book for my sister as she feels things on the hyper-sensitive scale as I. My sister gets massive migraines and has been taking medication to manage this. After reading Dr. Orloff's story and learned how she went through a phase of medicating herself to "escape" until she new what to do with what she had been given, I related this to my sister. She opened up to me and told me more things that she had experienced as a child. I now hope that my sister will be able to understand herself an accept and enjoy these gifts she has been given.
   
   As far as I'm concerned Dr. Orloff is opening doors for people and allowing everyone to relax as well as respect a whole arena of the human experience that typically gets shunned, and until very recently even went punished. And the biggest tragedy of all is that these gifts have gone unused, denied and ignored by many and dismissed as sillyness or even crazyness of some kind. With this openess and understanding of what is really going on many can now not waste what they have been blessed with and can live incredibly rich, powerful lives. There's nothing to reject or push away. In fact, this is cause for celebration. Thank you for sharing your story, Dr. Orloff.



4. This is a incredible book. You will feel like you've met a new friend in Judith. This book shows that the physic is not a taboo but a beautiful spirtual experience. Everyone who reads this book will be grateful they did.



5. Judith Orloff has a deep mystical current running through this enchanting autobiography. She writes with candor and insight into the intuitive nature we all possess and -if we are wise- whose counsel we heed. Offering a guidebook, life story, and adventure -all in one book, this is highly recommended reading for anyone who feels the tug of spiritual awakening to our mystical potential. I used this book while teaching my college class and students all loved it! Well-written, credible, and delightful!

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.

2 comments about The Immune Spirit: A Story of Love, Loss and Healing; One Woman's Triumph over Breast Cancer, from the Mother of Meg Ryan.

1. This book is a richly detailed memoir of a particular woman and time... it is the story of the author, growing up in 1950's New England, who felt obliged to obey the dictates of her family, religion and society and who suffered the loss of her own self-worth. It is a fascinating portrait of a woman who discovered her true self through her life threatening illness and literally willed herself well. The author is a 28 year breast cancer survivor. The book has recently been honored with an Arts and Excellence award from the Heal Breast Cancer Foundation, which is studying it as part of their research programs. The book is in the reading libraries of hospitals and the author has been a spokeswoman for The American Cancer Society and The Susan G. Komen Foundation. The author describes herself as "a classic breast cancer personality who became a classic breast cancer survivor." The book is a deeply personal and inspiring account of one woman's triumph over lessons of her past in order to recover her health and a joyful future. I recommend it highly.



2. Meg chose to violate her mother's privacy, and I give her mother cudo's for speaking out and defending herself. Like Meg, Susan chose to leave an unhappy marriage; Unlike Meg, she was not making millions of dollars, and I am sure had to make some choices based on survival. How many of our mothers had the choices that MEG has now, my mother sure did not. Life is not perfect; nor is anyone. I can only hope Meg can avoid the pain of losing a parent one day without saying goodbye, like I did. I think the other reviews on this page do not show any depth of character- but then again, movie stars are "perfect", right? History indeed does repeat itself; good luck Daisy.

No comments about Sir Jason Winters Story: From Deadly Cancer to Perfect Health.

No comments about The Medical Millennium: 1000 Pioneers Who Have Contributed to the Development of Medicine Over the Last 1000 Years.

No comments about Mid-Life: Notes from the Halfway Mark.