1 comments about Overcoming OCD and Schizophrenia with God in My Life.

1. Chip Correll is in his late 20's and through medication successfully manages schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), two severe, biologically-based mental illnesses. The treatment success rate for schizophrenia is 65 percent, better than most people imagine. Central to Chip's recovery, however, is his faith in God and love for his family. The book is more than an autobiograph: it is a conversation a person with a courageous, optimistic spirit, who confronts an illness which most Americans, because of ignorance and fear, rarely ever engage (Keep in mind that many homeless people suffer from mental illnesses). The book is an expression of Chip's hopes, emotions and individuality. It may not be a best-seller, but it is authentic and interesting. Its most important revelation is that in most respects, Chip, like any person with schizophrenia, is much like any of us. He lives in Florida and owns a condo. He likes dogs. He likes to travel. He is a college graduate and former honors student. Although he must depend on Social Security Disability Income because of the severity of his illness, he volunteers writing press releases and short magazine profiles. He would like someday to work in public relations in the entertainment industry. In this work, he bears witness and speaks truths that we all should consider.

5 comments about Blindsided: Lifting A Life Above Illness - A Reluctant Memoir.

1. Mr. Cohen is a huge black hole; I once did not feel his love for his children...my impression is that he was after all a very lucky man. he managed to put up with a demanding career, had the big luck in a great woman and I think wonderful kids...Instead of bitching so much, be thankful Mr. Cohen for what you have! In other country or other financial situation you would be long gone.



2. Richard M Cohen is amazing person. I really enjoy read this book. I found it very interest and good.



3. This is one of my favorite memoirs. Mr. Cohen writes beautifully about a not so beautiful subject, chronic illness. I hear he has another book out and I plan to look it up and order it as soon as I finish this review. Thank you for giving a voice to chronic illness Richard.



4. I really didn't like this book..from the first page. I never did try to pick it up again. Not worth your time.



5. BLINDSIDED by Richard Cohen. This is not just a book for for those dealing with MS, Although it could be the story of my family. It is the story of a man and his family who takes the blows and then gets up and keeps on going. It may not be the path was originally planned but they find a way to go go on. It is an uplifting story to those who fight physical problems and despair and find a way to go on. God bless you Richard Cohen, Meredith Viera and your children.

5 comments about Inner Vision: The Story of the World's Greatest Blind Athlete.

1. For the last year of my life I have been wallowing in the depths of "I'm 40 years old and washed up". I was exhausted, stressed out, feeling useless and left-out/left-behind, and had given up on life. Apparently it was only I that gave up...God didn't. I met Craig only a few short weeks ago through a mutual friend and one of the first things I did was read his book. I just couldn't believe that we were the same age! Since then, we've become friends and I spend lots of time with him and his beautiful wife Patti and the children. The book is truly him and I'm encouraged to know that he's as real in person as he is in written words. It will be fascinating to watch this man over the next 40 years...if he can do so much as a young man, one can only wonder what he can accomplish as a mature man. I, for one, will be following him closely...for a blind man, he's incredible. But he has something called "Inner Vision" to share with us all and it's this inner-vision that you discover in his life story presented in the book. He's a true tower of inspiration! Read his book and you'll see! Do a search on the net too....Craig MacFarlane is a name that is known world-wide!



2. There is such a huge difference between motivational and inspirational books. Craig's is truly inspirational. I have the honor of knowing Craig, and working with him on several occassions. His book is truly a great story that is also easy to read. I recommend it highly



3. This is one of the most amazing person I know. I am in the Air Force and recently met him at a professional Military Education course on Dec. 5, 2001. He has accomplished so much and is so successful because of his personality. He gives credit to his parents for his determination and will. He is so inspirational, that it makes him one of the best motivational speakers around. His life story alone is a good reason to buy this book. One thing that you people must understand is that this guy has everything.....he is very successful with two degrees. He is world known! he could easily just sit home and relax and just spend the day with no fear..but he doesn't. He would rather travel the world and share his story and give motivational speeches because that is his way of giving back to the community...or the world. The only thing he doesn't have is his eyesight. What makes him special and I will always remember what he said to my class when asked if he would dissappointed if he ever got his eyesight restored because things would maybe not seem the way he imagined them, He said,"No, because one of the good things aboyut being blind is that you don't see race, color of someones skin, or anything of the sort. I get to know the person and only the person. I do not know racism, or prejudice. That would probably be the only thing that would disappoint me. The way people judge by the outside first...and that is not possible for me." Take those words and use them. Apply them to your everyday life. Oh and to let you know....he has hit a hole in one on the golf course. I saw it on video. He can do anything!



4. craig is my uncle and his book is extremely good! people are always criticizing him for something or another but i think you people are just jelous that he has found great success in never giving up. I have been around him my whole life and found him to be more of a father figure to me than my own dad and that means a lot to me. if you would like to hear an amazing story about the worlds greatest blind athlete read this book



5. Inspirational? Yes. Encouraging? Yes. Will young readers benefit from reading this book? Well, Maybe. My problem with the book, which young people will hopefully overlook, is the message that as long as you are pursuing your goals and doing what you want to do, no one else really matters. . .even your own family. In the book, Mr. MacFarlane raves and raves and dedicates many pages to his young son, "his best friend", Dalton. His daughter, who lives with Dalton's mother (Craig's x-wife), is mentioned once. I was reading the story and found it difficult to be encouraged by this man when all I could think about was: "What if that was my Dad? What if I was reading this book and hearing my Father sing my older brothers praises, and my name was mentioned once - almost customarily." Mr. MacFarlane's personal relationships are certainly not the issue here, nor are they neccessarily any of our business. As a parent however, I am concerned that a book which, will no doubt be read by many young people, is sending the message that parenthood is whatever and however you want it to be. That it's okay to have 2 children and cherish and love one, and treat the other as if they do not exsist. I came away from the book feeling that, although Mr. MacFarlane truly has a triumphant spirit and is a great athlete, he seems extremely self-absorbed, arrogant, and almost cocky. In todays society, where it's almost rare when a young father handles his responsibilities selflessly, and without question, the last thing we need is to send a message that selective parenthood is okay.

5 comments about Into That Good Night.

1. This is one of the best books I have ever read! I devoured it in a day. Beautifully written.



2. The simple title belies a great author and an even greater reading experiance.
   
   The author writes so that you actually *feel* you are there and know the streets and towns and things he speaks of and what you couldn't possibly see with your minds eye--he makes you feel with your heart.
   
   A"MUST-READ" for anyone who has ever had a death made worse, by things left unspoken.



3. Into That Good Night may well be the best book I've ever read. Having been raised in a small Texas town in the same era, it really hit home. Ron's story of life's experiences, of loves and losses, is a heart felt story that is enjoyable and easy to read. It is a wonderfully written story of growing up when racism was really becoming an issue in the south, of his beloved father's Alzheimers, and much, much more. I highly recommend this book.



4. THIS BOOK COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED ME. I LIVED IT ONCE, AND NOW I'VE LIVED IN AGAIN THROUGH RON'S EYES. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE OUR FATHER. HE TAUGHT US INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, HONESTY, AND LOVE WITH HIS QUIET WAYS AND GENTLY DEMEANOR. HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE TO ME. IT WAS SO HARD TO SEE WHAT HE HAD BECOME WHEN ALZHEIMERS TOOK OVER. HE HAD THE SAME SWEET DEMEANOR, BUT SOMETIMES DIDN'T RECOGNIZE US. IT WAS HARD, AND RON TOLD THE STORY BEAUTIFULLY. I CAN JUST SEE OUR DAD'S BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES TWINKLE IN PLEASURE. THANK YOU RON FOR THIS WONDERFUL GIFT. I LOVE YOU...DIANE



5. A memoir called Into That Good Night by Ron Rozelle,
   is the story told from Ron's point of view when he was
   growing up in Oakwood and even in his present day
   life. It talks about segregation in schools and in
   some stores throughout the town where he grew up. This
   book shows the change Ron goes through with his family
   when his mother becomes sick with lung cancer. Ron
   learns to appreciate his family much more as he got
   older and started to realize he won't have parents
   forever. He ultimately realizes this when his father
   looses his battle with Alzheimer's disease. You also
   see segregation come to an end in Oakwood as time
   progresses. You see the town where everyone knew
   everyone suddenly become very lonely and empty after
   most of the population got old and passed away. There
   weren't many people moving in to Oakwood because it
   didn't have many job opportunities.
   Ron wrote this book in a then and now format. Every
   other chapter switches, describing his child hood and
   what happened in the future. It is a little confusing
   but you catch on right away. It's very interesting
   this way because it keeps you wondering, "What
   happened to Ron".
   Ron's ability to describe things just painted a clear
   picture of what everything was like for him back then
   in my mind. He gets right to the point when he rights,
   it's not hard to comprehend or anything. That is what
   is likeable about his style of writing. He writes in a
   very appealing manner. Into That Good Night's main
   focus is about Ron's relationship with his dad.
   Ron and his father were very close because Ron's
   father is a very calm kind of guy. He doesn't show
   much emotion where as his mother is described as moody
   and not afraid to yell when something makes his mad.
   This is why he had more of a connection with his
   father because in many ways he was like his father.
   Ron is not quick to show emotion either. Ron and his
   father form a special bond.
   Ron graduates high school and is drafted in to the
   military. He gets shipped off to Germany for a year.
   In the mean time, his mother's health is decreasing.
   She is getting worse and the doctors say she doesn't
   have much time left. She started chain smoking when
   Ron was a kid and that led her to her deathbed.
   Fortunately Ron got to say goodbye to his mom right
   before he headed off to the airport to be shipped off.
   He felt that finally, he and his mother were at peace
   with each other.
   Ron and his dad form a strong bond after Ron gets
   back from the Army and gets his own apartment. His dad
   comes to visit him and they spend quality time
   together. A few years later Ron's father eventually
   re-marries and lives with his new wife. When Ron's
   father gets in his older years he starts forgetting
   things. His loss of memory starts increasing and he's
   even forgetting simple things like where he is. He is
   diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
   What is Ron going to do when one of the most
   important people in his life is starting to forget who
   his own son is. What is it like to die not remembering
   what your life was like and what your legacy will be.
   This story was very easy to relate to. It is a very
   easy understanding and likeable memoir of Ron Rozelle.

5 comments about The Plague and I.

1. I found this book (a first edition) in the dusty corner of a library in New York. The title intrigued me, so I had to check it out. I honestly do not think I have ever read a more enjoyable memoir....and about such a subject. There is absolutely no other book out there that describes a patients stay at a TB sanatorium. Sure, there is the Magic Mountain and various others that are tiresome and not REALLY and simply about a stay in a sanatorium....interesting, because so many people had that experience-and no, not everyone died. This is the only book of its kind and I am thrilled and honored to have accidentally discovered it. I was even more shocked to find out that she was Mrs. Piggle Wiggle...hey, I grew up with her!



2. as "The Egg and I"--her statement in that book that "I do not like Indians and I think we did a good thing in coming over and taking this beautiful country away from them." made my part-Cherokee blood boil--could write another that was so UNracist. While the author does use terms like 'colored' and 'Negro', those were (one can understand) the accepted terms in the 1930s, and while she records the racist attudes of some of the patients and staff, she apparently does not agree with them. She formed a close attachment with a Japanese patient--whom she later urges to go to college--and when an African-American (to use the accepted term of today) patient tells her that she doesn't mind being in isolation because the white patients don't want her as a roommate anyway, she thinks this absurd.
   
   It is difficult for us today to understand how very scary TB was back then. While TB is not unknown today, if caught early it is easily treated with appropriate medications; not so, then. The only treatment was a rest-cure with pallitive measures; many people recovered, but many did not. There were some surgical treatments (collapsed lung), but they were painful and not terribly effective. It was known to be contageous, although not nearly as contageous as many people thought it was. The nearest modern equivalent might be HIV/AIDS, except that the latter is always fatal.
   
   As other authors have mentioned, one hardly thinks that such a story would be funny, but BMacD is able to find humor in any situation. I've read all four of her books for adults and enjoyed them very much--even 'Egg'. That she was able to be discharged from the sanitarium after only about a year shows that laughter is, indeed, the best medicine.



3. If there's anything good about a disiplinarian TB institution in the 30s (not 40s), it's the opportunity to meet so many different kinds of people. Macdonald is an observer and nailer of people's quirks on a level with Dickens (both of them, Charles and Monica). I love this book. There's one thing I would like explained, though. American readers talk as if Macdonald's "racism" was an understood and obvious thing. I see no racism in this book. OK, she calls somebody "coloured" and another girl "black". She also mentions that her roommate is Japanese and her workmate an Eskimo. Is she racist for not using today's PC terminology? She praises the institution for accepting everybody and mixing them together. She quotes some racist comments from other patients, but doesn't say she condones them, in fact "Betty" in the book answers back and disagrees. Please, please, somebody tell me why it is currently PC to say Macdonald is racist?



4. I read this book long ago, have forgotten a lot of it, but just about every December I find myself singing "Deck the Halls in Old Crepe Paper, fa la la" etc. Used to confuse my kids no end. For those who haven't read it yet, look for the scenes of holiday celebrations in the old TB sanitaruims-- sad & funny.



5. This book is filled with an off beat sence of humor. It isn't the slap you in the face kind of humor but rather the kind of humor that hits you later. For example, I found myself smilingat something I read earlier in the day while cooking dinner. At the end of this book you feel like you know each of the people personally. I wanted a follow up to find out what happened to each person. It's that good.

   Basically this book is about Betty MacDonalds stay in a sanitorium while she had TB. She can take such a serious topic that could be pretty morose and turn it into something interesting and funny.

No comments about Dying for a Home.

5 comments about Falling: The Story of One Marriage.

1. Very good read. A tragic biography on how family life can take a wrong turn for no significant reason. I strongly recommend this book.



2. I remember reding about this book when it was first published, but really had no interest in reading about yet another failed marriage. Too depressing. But then after reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and learning that this author is her current husband, my interest was piqued. I LOVED The Glass Castle and was very curious about John Taylor as her husband. So I bought, and read, this book.
   
   I can sort of see why one reviewer here referred to the author as "whining".... But then don't we all when we go through the harrowing, nauseating experience of divorce? I did. And I'm not a whiner. I thought the author was just being as honest as he could. The only part I really didn't understand is what actually happened in this marriage to cause it to be so miserable for each of them. They got married, they did this, they did that, and then he was having an affair since he was so miserable. About what, exactly? Maybe his point is that it doesn't have to be anything specific in this day and age of demanding absolute happiness; anything less means d-i-v-o-r-c-e. Sad.
   
   In any case, I enjoyed the book because men usually don't write about this stuff.... and because I can see why he and Jeannette Walls were drawn to each other. I would have liked to read more about him and Jennette, but maybe that will come in a future book. I do believe that Jeannette definitely deserves a quiet, reassuring, stable marriage and it would appear that John Taylor can provide that for her.



3. After having read the book, then read some of the reviews, I was suprised at how outraged some people were at this story. This is probably the most realistic viewpoint about a relationship that I have read in a long time. Does that mean that every man cheats on his wife? No. Does that mean that every woman wants "maintennance" for the rest of her life? No. What it does mean is that sometimes people make mistakes (in this case, several of them), but they must go on. Granted, there were several times where I found myself angry at the author for his actions, but who am I to judge someone elses misfortunes, when we all have skeletons in our closet.



4. While the author's writing style is compelling, this story's narrator is not totally credible. The reader may find themselves wondering, as I did, whether this book is truly autobiographical, or a fictionalized and air-brushed version of "One Marriage." Either way, what about the WIFE's side of the story? Numerous infidelities prove that the husband in this relationship certainly lacked committment. It sounds to me as if he didn't think seriously about his marriage until his lack of conviction contributed to its end.



5. After finding that my boyfriend's mother had given him this book to read after he had a talk with her about marriage! I would just like to know how other readers would feel about this? I took it quite badly!

5 comments about Confronting the Cow - A Young Family's Struggle with Breast Cancer, Loss and Rebuilding (1).

1. Lisa Donner went through all the treatments for breast cancer. She died at the age of 36 leaving her husband Chris, the single-father of four. This is the story of her battle and his family challenges.

   Confronting the Cow offers hope, understanding and consolation to caregivers, cancer sufferers and their survivors. This is a very nicely produced book and a great tribute to Lisa. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com




2. In Confronting the Cow, Chris Donner does a superb job chronicling his personal experiences and his family's experiences following his wife's breast cancer diagnosis at age 34.

   His warm, personable, and at times humorous accounts of life's daily experiences allow the reader to step inside his very existence in a virtual sense.

   Donner shares his thoughts, fears, and techniques for supporting his wife, and their four children, who were all less than six years old, at the time the illness presented itself. In his book, Donner works through all of the human emotions and challeges that breast cancer provokes.

   He provides just enough technical information to educate the reader on the disease's symptoms and treatment while providing insight into the medical profession's response to the disease.

   While the book is powerfully emotional and moving, it leaves the reader with a sense of optimism and well-being.




3. Chris Donner writes an intimate, revealing, and honest account of his wife's struggle with breast cancer and the rebuilding of the lives of himself and his children after her death. The book brought tears to my eyes at times, but also laughter. It is a must read for those who are going through this or have gone through this, and for those who have not had the experiences of cancer in their family or with loved ones.



4. Anyone who has had an experience with cancer or any other terminal illness within their circle of family and friends will appreciate this book. As painful as it must have been to write, the author has done a tremenduous service to all of us who have been within the vortex of caring for a loved one who is dying. His honest account of the emotional, physical, and spiritual ramifications is affirming for those who have been through it, and enlightening for those who have not. From a parental standpoint, the insight gained into the minds of young children is incredible, as the author recounts his young children's behavior and reactions to their mother's illness, death, and absence. Although the subject is sobering, the story is told with warmth and humor, and you will find yourself laughing as you wipe away tears.



5. Are you concerned about a friend or relative who is dealing with his wife's cancer? If so, read this book.

   Donner takes on an daunting task here; telling his (and his four young children's) own story about dealing with his wife's breast cancer. He manages to tell an amazing, sometimes humorous, and devastating tale of attempting to bring himself and his four young children through the hell of losing a wife and mother to breast cancer.

   According to the foreword, the author wrote the book for the people who are experiencing what he experienced. Equally important are the insights for the physicians, relatives and friends of these families.

   The author's unique sense of humor balances the unpleasant subject nicely. I found myself laughing out loud several times. Not being much of a cryer, I even found a few tears trying to escape.

No comments about A Life Interrupted: Insights and Cure of a Depressive.

2 comments about Bill W.: My First 40 Years - An Autobiography.

1. This is an autobiography of Bill Wilson, one of the co-founders of AA. It is an edited transcript of recordings he made during September, 1954, at the Hotel Bedford in the company of a man named Ed Bierstadt. The book contains interesting anecdotes on Bill's first forty years of life. The purpose of his recording these stories was to describe his childhood development and how it related to his personality development and subsequent descent into alcoholism. It ends abruptly at his speech before the Oxford Group. The Afterword briefly describes the ensuing thirtysix years and contains many footnotes referring to other books of interest about Bill W and the history of AA. This book is very refreshing and avoids the controversies that plague so many of the other biographies recently published. To read the account of Bill's spiritual experience again, in his own words, is extremely compelling. There are also several appendices which flesh out many of the references in the story.



2. This is the story of AA co-founder Bill Wilson's first forty years of life set forth in his own words recorded at the Hotel Bedford during September, 1954. He is assisted by Ed Bierstadt. The book is a wonderful compilation of anecdotes told in Bill's own words in an effort to shed light upon how his experiences led to his personality development which contributed to his fall into alcoholism. It is refreshing and free of controversial arguments found in some of the more recent biographies. The description of his spiritual experience once again by the man himself is very uplifting. The afterword and appendices nicely flesh out this historical account of this truly special man to whom so many owe their lives.