5 comments about City of One: A Memoir.

1. As a writer, and as someone whose own experiences of childhood loss and its aftereffects closely parallel those of Dr. Cournos, I found City of One both deeply moving and comforting. We who have the hole where the loving parent should be, we who deal with the myth and the anger and the quest for wholeness, understand every word. Not only does Dr. Cournos evoke the pain of the loss, but her honesty and her search for the strengths that can come from a tragic early life goes beyond judgment and pathology. It goes to the things that define our lifelong sense of who we are. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who wants to understand or who struggles with these issues.



2. It didn't occur to me that I would be so touched by Francine Cournos's book. I have an interest in child welfare issues, which is why I read it. She deals with a much bigger issue than foster care -- she writes about the voluminous effect that the loss of parents can have on a child throughout his or her life. Brava, Dr. Cournos. Thank you for sharing your life with us. This is a must-read for anyone who works with children in any arena.



3. As a psychiatric social worker this book gives an excellent perspective on the foster care system, how we would knew it and what it has become. In addition the book Dr.Cournos writes sheds an enormous light on the alienation of family and the reasons that alienation might occurr. It was a sad story with a shinning light ending.



4. As a psychiatric social worker this book gives an excellent perspective on the foster care system, how we would knew it and what it has become. In addition the book Dr.Cournos writes sheds an enormous light on the alienation of family and the reasons that alienation might occurr. It is a sad tale with a shinning light ending. As a mother who has almost lost a child to cancer, this book has inspired me to look ahead and consider all the possibilities, as Dr. Cournos has. It is a book that all should read.



5. This book moved and enlightened me. Cournos' story of surviving what every child fears most--the loss of both her parents--is raw, vivid, and remarkably compassionate given that she became a foster child through willful neglect on the part of her extended family. Cournos succeeds in transforming her own particular journey into a roadmap for others who want or need to understand what it is to be an orphan. Brave and beautifully done!

No comments about Ernest William Goodpasture: Scientist, Scholar, Gentleman.

1 comments about On Our Own.

1. Great inspirational story of friendship,business and transformation of two nurses who lead very different lives, yet merge them into a story of success after a very difficult time.

1 comments about Life, Love, and Reptiles: An Autobiography of Sherman A. Minton, Jr., M.D.

1. The fact that the author of this book, Dr. Sherman Minton, was my father may give me a slightly prejudiced view of this story. That notwithstanding, I can honestly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in herpetology, or just a love of animals and adventure. It is a saga of where something that began as a childhood hobby can lead a truly dedicated person.
   We discovered this manuscript after my father died in 1999, and we believe that it was very nearly, if not completely, finished. Our greatest regret is that our Dad did not live to see it published. For those of you who read the book, I would very much enjoy hearing your comments, and can be reached at brmcervantes@yahoo.com.

No comments about Red Tomatoes.

No comments about Matters of the Heart: Adventures in Sports Medicine.

5 comments about Dialysis : An Unanticipated Journey.

1. I found this book to be motivational! David showed my family how to be optimistic when everything seems to be slipping away. The book was well written and easy to read. I have referred it to people I work with as well.



2. This book will be an inspiration to all who read it. I picked it up and didn't put it down until I was finished. Be sure you have a box of kleenix by your side. The ups and downs of the auther and the love and concern shown by his family and friends will keep you reading and inspired to the end.



3. I am not a dialysis patient but a good friend of mine is and I really got a lot out of this book. David keeps his story on a light and informative note. His endurance and strength are an inspiration to many people who have to deal with illnesses or even with everyday life challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it to anyone who needs a boost and a few hours of quiet time and reflection. Thank you for sharing your story, David.



4. My fiancee bought me this book along with a few others on kidney disease after my grandfather was told that he would soon begin dialysis treatments. I am really grateful that I had the opportunity to read it. It is informative, enjoyable, and most of all, insightful. I have purchased 3 more copies --- 1 for my mother; 1 for my grandpa's two living sisters to share; and 1 for his nephrologist to keep in his office.
   
   Be aware that this is not a medical text or up-to-date "scientific self-help" book. It is Mr. Axtmann's partial biography, and his narrative is the story of his 30+ years on dialysis ... the highlights, low points, and anecdotes of a man looking back on many years of suffering --- but more importantly, many years of survival!
   
   Once you finish it, I think you'll feel like I do: that you have read a story not about a faceless kidney patient, but of the VERY REAL couple, Dave and Marlene, and the trials they faced and overcame! That is the strength of this book.
   
   I have learned so much from this short volume (appr. 130 pp.) that it's hard to describe it all. When I started trying to grasp my grandfather's problem, in order to help him as much as possible, I was lost. Now I feel much better (helped by **several** books, but especially this one) about the whole ordeal, and our chances of recovering as a family to a lifestyle which is mostly normal once dialysis begins.
   
   If this book has any weakness, it is that much of it takes place in the 1970s and 80s. Although Mr. Axtmann makes great effort to mention new developments and the procedures used today, one cannot help but feel that this is out-of-date if all you are looking for is the cold, hard facts of today's dialysis.
   
   However, if you can open your mind and heart in order to learn from the past, in order to plan for the future, I recommend this volume without hesitation.



5. I bought this for my husband, who has CRF. He asked me to get rid of it!!The information is so out of date & depressing. He was so upset by it, it freaked me out. Anyone thinking about transplants will be so confused because it is so out of date.

No comments about Ivan Pavlov: Exploring the Animal Machine (Oxford Portraits in Science).

1 comments about Personal Memoirs of John H. Brinton: Civil War Surgeon, 1861-1865 (Shawnee Classics (Reprinted)).

1. I think this book is a must read for all Civil War enthusiasts. This book is very descriptive and worth the money and time of getting it. I think that all persons that are literare should read this book.

2 comments about The Angel of Ashland: Practicing Compassion and Tempting Fate.

1. There is no doubt about it; Abortion is a difficult issue for a lot of people. On one hand you have the desire for justice of equal choice by all women, on the other hand you have a great desire to respect and preserve life. I am no different in that it is an issue that I've struggled with at both extremes (Pro and Con) for most of my life. I've concluded that there is no definitive answer that all can agree with. All we can do is to work at respecting life from all views and perspectives. This is why I've read this biography with a very open mind and frankly I'm glad I did!

   Having grown up near Ashland, PA I had an immediate interest to read a work by a local author about a local legend. I had heard of Dr. Spencer in hushed conversations of appalling outrage and contempt and I have also in conversations of heroic praise. I wanted to find out more about this "Angel" who dared take a stand and help women through a very difficult time. Meticulously researched and expertly told it is a stroke of luck to come across this text and hold it in my collection. Of all the biographies I have read, this work is one of the best. Genovese's use of descriptive prose and convincing speculation of events he could only imagine occurred is noteworthy of praise and attention. He portrays Dr. Spencer honestly and "re-members" him for the reader in such a way you feel like you know the doctor personally.

   This work is for you if you have an interest in the stories and legends of the Pennsylvania "Coal Region". This work is NOT for you if you seek to increase controversy with contempt or without an open mind. Read it as a story of a man who dared make a difference and succeeded with great compassion and non-judgmental understanding at a time where a woman's only choice was a wire hanger and certain death.




2. As a resident of conservative , sleepy Schuylkill County, I was amazed at the foresight and forward thinkingness of this physician. In a county of staunch Catholics, it surprised me that this happened anywhere during those turbulent times , much less here. Mr. Genovese presents this biography in a very straight forward manor that leaves the reader to make up their own mind about this controversial man and issue. As someone who generally does not read biographies, i was hooked from page one. An easy and educational read. Thought provoking