3 comments about Rhonda - The Woman in Me: A Journey Through Gender Transition.

1. This is not at all the kind of book that I would pick up at a bookstore. I review business books, primarily, though I do read and review other genres from time to time. The book was given to me by the author when I spoke at a professional conference which she attended. I opened the cover on the plane on the way home...and couldn't put it down.
   
   This is a fascinating story of the conversion of a transsexual from a male body (Ron) to a female body (Rhonda). Since childhood, Ron had felt like he was a female trapped in a male body. This concept is difficult to understand and accept, but you'll understand much more as you read the exceptionally well-written account of this person's life. You'll learn so much about Rhonda that you will feel like you know her like an old friend by the time you reluctantly close the back cover.
   
   Reading this book opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart to a part of society that was totally foreign to me. The story was presented in a way that is not at all offensive, but offers a thorough explanation of Rhonda's life and her multi-faceted transformation. You'll experience the turmoil, the change process, and the joy Rhonda went through over a period of years. Because of the way she wrote her life story, this is much, much more than just a sex change story. It's a human story, filled with all the challenges, engagements, activities, and dedications of a professional faced with major decisions. You may relate personally to some of the aspects of Rhonda's life, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation.
   
   Rhonda's story, while an inspirational model for transsexuals, is also a motivational insight for all of us. As you move through the pages, you will be captivated with the writing style that draws you in as you learn what a friend experienced. It's a life story that may move you to make changes-though not as drastic-in your life to achieve your dreams.
   
   In my work as a management consultant focused on workforce issues, I found this book to be an eye-opening exposure to an aspect of diversity that had been outside my field of knowledge. I encourage you to read it to gain this appreciation for yourself.



2. I knew Rhonda as Ron and if anyone can succeed, she can. I have had the chance to talk with Rhonda and she is a sweet and beautiful person. The book is well written and you can almost feel the struggles Ron was going through. I was unable to put the book down. Good luck and "God Bless You".



3. This book is a must for all those interested in gender change operations. The personal story is classic for the trials and tribulations of individuals suffering with this problem. It is a story of personal victory told in a sensitive and warm style that all can relate to. I personally met Rhonda on a plane and saw her in transition. She is an attractive new person with charm and wit! I loved her story.

1 comments about Silvie's Life.

1. Beautiful book - inspirational about the meaning of life and death. Picked it up by chance at a used book store and I am glad I did

3 comments about In My Dreams, I Walk With You.

1. What an inspiration this book was for me. To travel all over and make people enjoy the game you love after over-coming many obstacles and handicaps...this book can inspire those who love golf, dogs, traveling, the pursuit of a dream! Truly, something I will remember



2. This is another of those pity party books. Really, just another poorly written book that has no redeeming qualities.



3. This is the first time I have ever felt compelled to write a review on a book that I have read. Please understand that I have known Dennis for over 30 years and that I may be a bit biased, but this is a book that is important for people to read. This is the story of a regular normal everyday person who has soared over what life has delt him. Dennis has found a way to follow his dreams and do the things that are important to him overcoming every obstacle in his way. The book evokes every emotion as you read about his life and his struggles. This is a great read for golfers and non-golfers alike with its lessons on how to deal with life. Buy it and share it with others.

5 comments about Songs from the Black Chair: A Memoir of Mental Interiors (American Lives).

1. This book is a great read. From the opening scenes of a suicide in a New England farmhouse to the following chapters that tell of youthful adventures and the descent into madness, Charlie Barber knows how carry us through what would have been tortuous material in less skilled hands. This book gives us a personal account of the terrors of mental illness and loss of control over ones thoughts and destiny. The slow path to healing, and the refreshing acknowlegement of how medications brought back his sanity are a welcome departure from the usual rants against the medical industrial complex. I also greatly enjoyed the view of the sleepy college town and the caring yet uncomprehending parents that all of us can identify with, both as teens and as uncomprehending parents. I highly recommend this book.



2. This book is little more than an embarassing catharsis from an author for whom no amount of privileged education succeeded in helping him to grow up. It surely reaffirms my own conviction that mental health professionals should continue in the direction of treating their work more as science and less as the virtually worthless "sympathetic listening" currently being peddaled as "social work."
   Mental disease deserves an informed, medical, scientific approach, not inane pop culture "I'm getting OK- you're getting OK" babble from people who can't deal their own demons, much less help others to deal with theirs.
   Mr. Barber's approach of sponging off of the troubles of others in order to feel better about his own inadequacies does little to help either side of the exchange. Don't bother reading this book unless you enjoy listening to someone feel sorry for himself. It's written by someone who been feeling sorry for himself his whole life, and he's singing the same old tune.



3. Songs from the Black Chair was awesome. Admittedly, it was more about the author's own struggles than about any of the people he has helped, but that's not a criticism... it is noted simply because the title, which suggests that the book will be about his patients, is misleading.
   
   All the same, it was a story that touched and moved me deeply. As do many primary care providers, I have cared for and treated the mentally ill almost 15 years, and what Barber writes about the need to simply LISTEN - and how the more highly-trained the professional, the less this ability - hits home very hard.
   
   Sadly, psychiatry today is no longer about listening to people; it's about categorizing their symptoms and then trying to abolish these with medication. In fact, the content of a sick person's hallucinations, fears, and dreams is no longer important; what the patient has to say to us, to society, is left uncovered, ignored, or derided. What would Freud and Adler and Frankl say?
   
   Buy it, read it -- be unsettled by it -- and pass it to a friend.



4. Does anyone really need to read more fatuous cries for attention like this? The song being sung here is "Oh, please, I have troubles, pay attention to me." Then the discordant refrain kicks in: "I'm so helpless, buy my book so I can I tell you how helpless I am, and I'll tell you about all the other people who can't cope."
   But it's the constant background whining of Barber's chorus that sounds the most unoriginal note, and is so embarassingly out of tune. Do we really need to feel sorry for yet another spoiled little rich kid complaining about how the everyday challenges of life were, and are, and always will be, just so, so, very difficult for sensitive little twits like him? Moreover, does anyone need to listen to immature moans posing as songs? It's likely the "American Idol" tryouts fulfill that particular need, or "empty chasm of emotional isolation," as they intone in the world of pseudo-psychological cliches.



5. This memoir was moving, almost beyond words. I was poignantly and thankfully reconnected to the reasons I most wanted to be a therapist many years ago. Mr. Barber's efforts have produced a work of distinction for its openness, sincerity. and fearsome humanity. Kathryn J. Mas, Ph.D.

4 comments about Second Act.

1. This is a good book for somebody who's going through this experience, but please be careful you haven't already bought it
   - we bought this book and "Don't Die of Embarassment" and they are the identical same book with different titles, which is why I gave it a 3star rating.



2. I absolutely love this book and could not put it down. Barbara's despair, pain, trials and triumphs feel real to the reader. Suddenly Susan suddenly becomes more interesting knowing Barbara and her elegance, grace and strength. I learned about this book from "Quiet Triumphs" written by Mary Alice Williams, another fine author.



3. I had an illeostomy in June of 1997 and could relate to Barbara Barrie's book.Many scenes such as losing blood,being told by the doctor that it is cancer,and telling the kids I was able to relate to.In my case the cancer was found much earlier and I did not need the radiatin or chemo.I gather Barbara as myself had ulcerative colitis and was not told how serious it could be.Her colitis did seem to flare up more when she was younger.Barbara seemed very aprehensive when told she will have to wear a bag,while I from the beginning said get rid of the cancer knowing that I would not have a colon or rectum and that I would be wearing a bag. Barbara, I truly enjoyed your book because I could relate to many of your episodes and feel evryone who undergoes a colostomy/illeostomy shoud read this book.Physicians,this means you too!!!! If I may add having an illeostomy now I feel I want to help others in this position and have become involved in the local Ostomy chapter.I suggested to have an Ostomy Awareness Day which will be held this week at a local hospital.



4. Ms. Barrie's book, like the remainder of her work on stage and screen, rings true to the depths. I read the book in one setting, within several weeks of giving a young man a colostomy - temporary, for him - and seeing the range of emotions he has dealt with thus far. Being in the Bible belt of West Texas, my patients draw on different sources and strengths, perhaps, but the depth of depressioon, and the vigor of the response is still here. On a practical note, it sure reopened my eyes as to how carefully one is examined as to nuance of speech, gesture, etc., in the exam or hospital room...always an issue to remember. Strongly recommended. John Gregg, MD

No comments about Once a Pickle.

No comments about Playing from the Heart.

No comments about Change of Heart.

No comments about Flying Solo: Reimagining Manhood, Courage, and Loss.

5 comments about The Question of David: A Disabled Mother's Journey Through Adoption, Family, and Life.

1. This was a very heartwarming story. Reading this book gave me insight to Denise. It's truly amazing everything her and Neil went through to adopt David. I thought it would be an "OK" book, but I was wrong. It was fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I reccomend this book for everyone, as everyone will find something in it to relate too.



2. I think this is one of the best books I have ever read. The author does a great job of taking you into her world. This is a must read for anyone with a disability who has ever been told they cannot do something. Also a must read for those without disabilities to see that the abilities of people with disabilities are limitless. I look forward to future books by this talented author.



3. Denise made me both laugh and cry - somethimes at the same time. This is a WONDERFUL book about determination, ingenuity and grit all combined with a non-stop sense of humor. Denise shows us how it is possible for people with severe disabilities to thrive dispite society's limiting attitudes. I loved the book.



4. This book is a touching look at motherhood and all of its challenges. As a first time mother, I related to the same feelings of inadequacy, doubt, hope and elation that Denise so poignantly describes. My hat goes off to the Jacobsons who share their aspirations and who serve as an inspiration for all parents and parents to be whether they are disabled or not.



5. The Question of David should be required reading for all adoptive and prospective adoptive parents. Their disabilities notwithstanding, the Jacobsons took on a huge responsibility with unlimited risk by adopting a child thought to have disabilities of his own. I laughed and cried and ached all through the story. As an adoptive parent of a child with ADHD, I found Denise's struggle with day-to-day issues an inspiration. How does she do it? Cheers to the Jacobson's and to David!