2 comments about The Mind Tree.

1. I have a 14 year old non-verbal autistic son and each time I picked up the book I was moved to tears. Reading Tito's book was, for me, like getting some insight into my son's thoughts. Tito's behaviors and fears matched so perfectly with some of my sons. Tito seems to be a very insightful young man. I found the book interesting, moving, even humorous at some points. I would definitely recommend that anyone who has a child who is autistic, or knows someone who does, read this book.



2. The Mind Tree is the best book I have ever read on Autism. For the first time I was able to understand what goes inside the mind of an autistic child. I first bought the book for myself, and subsequently have bought 5 copies for friends or aquaintances who have a loved one with Autism.

5 comments about Don't Leave Me This Way: Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry.

1. This is yet another insight into the hellish situation that exists when healthy people become incapacitated and end up in rehab or nursing home situations. (For comparison, read Joni Eareckson's autobiography and Stephen Thompson's Genesis: A Portrait of Spinal Cord Injury. Each one of these author's stories begin in different decades, but all, including Julia Garrison, describe first-hand similar experiences of dealing with a health-care system that is both abusive and neglectful).
   
   If Julia's family hadn't been there for her, including a devoted husband, mother and eight brothers, she would have quickly withered and died in a nursing home. A simple request for tampons was denied, and she was offered adult diapers as a substitute, because the home didn't stock tampons or even pads. It was far easier for the nursing home staff to have a compliant patient in diapers, rather than an ornery, loud and gutsy 37-year-old woman who refused to roll over and accept the cards that fate had laid out for her.
   
   The medical profession will move heaven and earth to save the life of an accident or stroke victim, but then doesn't seem to know what to do with the patients whose lives they have just saved. Julia Fox Garrison, with an insane will to survive, and surrounded by the love of her family, took charge of her own recovery and made her own plans for the rest of her life, the one she would have to live after she was discharged from the hospital and sent home.
   
   
   Garrison's book is must reading for anyone whose life has been altered by a single event. Life does somehow go on, and the book is blessedly free of the heavy-handed preaching that often accompanies the retelling of tragic true-life stories.



2. I read the first two paragraphs, stopped, and read them again. I then got up from my comfy chair, found my husband and daughter and read the first two paragraphs aloud to them. We were all blown away. The rest of Julia Garrison's story is just as breathtaking. I couldn't put it down. I cried hard twice and laughed out loud too many times to count. When I finished, I just sat for a long while with the book in my hands, looking at the cover, wishing for more. I'm the same age the author was when, without warning, she had a massive stroke, and her life changed forever. So I keep imagining myself in her shoes, wondering if I possess the courage, determination, and positive attitude Julia has, wondering if I would survive...and then thrive. I don't know, but I know this: Her story inhabits me now. And I carry her messages of positive attitude, dignity, and hope with me. This book should be read by everyone who has ever been a patient, everyone who has ever faced overwhelming obstacles, every doctor, and definitely every medical student. Have I left anyone out?



3. I am a rehab nurse and I just couldn't put this book down.
   
   Yes, all of the portraits are not flattering of folks in the healthcare profession. We must view patients as people, with all their likes, dislikes and quirks.
   
   I found it to be a very funny, uplifting first person account.



4. I really loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Although I've never suffered any of the physical impairments that the author has, her story is very easy to relate to. Not to mention that it serves as a reminder to all of us to never give up, and to never take anything for granted.
   
   Ms. Garrison's persistance is to be admired, as is her sense of humor through ordeals that have broken the spirits of many. Kudos to you, Julia, and may you never lose your courage, love of life, and wonderful spirit!



5. Julia Garrison Fox writes her experiences after suffering a stroke at the age of 37. This is a must read for all healthcare professionals especially those who work in the rehabilitation field. She pulls no punches and write candidly about what it feels like both physically and emotionally to go through a life altering incident. This is a wake-up call for all in the healthcare field, we are real good at treating the body but we sometimes forget the human spirit we are also caring for.

5 comments about Bryson City Secrets: Even More Tales of a Small-Town Doctor in the Smoky Mountains.

1. This is the third book of a trilogy by Dr. Walt Larimore who writes about his memories as a young husband, father, and doctor in the small town of Bryson City in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. As in the first two books, this one contains a lot of self-deprecating humor, such as when Dr. Larimore is coerced into being a bridesmaid in a "womanless wedding", a local fundraiser. There are humorous moments when Walt is called on to be a vet rather than a doctor, touching times of treating a blind man and his seeing-eye dog, and amazing incidents such as the first birth of triplets in the county. At the end, the story turns darker and the Larimores are faced with a difficult decision which they make through prayer and good advice from friends. This book and the other ones in the series are highly recommended reading.



2. I have read all of his books and they were most enjoyable. I have visited in that area many times and feel I knew places he was talking about. I also have enjoyed Deep Creek with my family. He is an excellent writer. I couldn't put the book down, couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Many sad things took place, but ended with a good satisfying ending, knowing all those involved would come through in being honest.



3. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I had previously read the first 2 books of Dr. Larimore, Bryson City Tales and Bryson City Seasons, and I enjoyed this book.



4. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two that Dr. Larimore wrote, possibly because much of it was material from the first two books. His insight as a Christian is wonderful though, and his response to problems faced by us all was uplifting and insightful. The book just seemed to be somewhat of a let down with regard to the story line.



5. I have been a long time fan of Dr. Larimore's books. The Bryson City books are very well written, informative, fun, sad; real life! It makes one feel like they are right there with the Larimore family and the characters are so life-like that we feel like we actually know them. The part of each book that I enjoy the most is the Spiritual aspect that is so much a part of Dr. Larimore and his calling to be a Doctor. He is very open about the huge part in his skills, patient relationships and healing the Holy Spirit is involved in. I hope that this won't be the last in this series of books, I look forward to getting to know this area, people and his wonderful family even better!

5 comments about Man, Interrupted: Welcome to the Bizarre World of OCD, Where Once More is Never Enough.

1. There were 2 things that struck me in particular when reading this book.
   One was James' honesty which enables the reader to acquire a rare and fascinating insight into the life of an individual suffering from such a disabling & severe condition.
   I learned a heck of a lot about OCD through reading this book & I found it most fascinating to read about James' real life experiences.
   Secondly was the humour that was rife throughout the book. James is clearly blessed with the ability to transform any scenario, no matter how daunting, into something so funny it just tickles you.
   I loved every word. Brilliant.



2. Until last week, I didn't know the slightest thing about him, or about his book, until he went and introduced himself through MySpace, something that led to the inevitable reading of said book, and something that I'm really glad that I did. It's 222 pages of one of the most incredibly well written, fresh and original books that you're ever likely to read, a word of warning though, it really will make you question yourself, and exactly how pernickety you are. We all have an OCD, we may not realise it, or we do, and it's just insignificant, but we rarely externalises our OCD, are never forced to justify it, or explain it away, usually we're able to sufficiently hide it enough to function, but it wouldn't take much for everyone to collapse under the weight of it, and only a small percentage could ever do what James Bailey did, namely building himself back up. All of the patients in his book really do stand out too, because they're chillingly real, but then I suppose that's because they actually are, but he's managed to render them better than anyone else could have. It really is like reading the transcript of a Docu-Soap, and I'm not talking about an episode of "Cops", but an English one, because it's unapologetic, and gritty. What James Bailey has written is brutally honest, and I don't think that I've ever read that level of honestly, that level of shameless exposure; he made me feel like I lived it with him. Reading this book made me look at myself a little differently, maybe a little more clearly, but it also made me a friend in James Bailey, and that was well worth the cost of a good book ;-)



3. Through my sister, I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with Mr. Bailey himself. Before reading his book, I did not know much about him, only that he was a very jovial fellow. So it is no wonder why my jaw dropped periodically while reading Man Interrupted. I could not believe that the events unfolding on the pages before me were from the life of this man whom I saw so frequently. The experience of being acquainted with Mr. Bailey and reading his book reminded me that everyone has a story of their own, explaining who they are, where they come from, and what trials they had to overcome (and Mr. Bailey's were no small feat). Man Interrupted gives great insight into a world that many people may not think about. At the same time it is hilarious, relatable, and touching. I actually laughed out loud, which is a rare occurrence when I read. It is one of the most engrossing books I have ever read, and is worth every penny and minute spent on it.



4. I was eager to read this book as I am every book on an individual's struggle with OCD. While a worthy effort, I didn't think the author spent enough time concentrating on his own OCD, and a bit too much time poking fun at his fellow patients' symptoms. I was disappointed in that aspect. Overall a very honest account, and I applaud the author for writing it, but his girl chasing habits and the amount of time devoted to that issue can get rather old.



5. This enlightening yet funny book takes you through the story of one mans recovery from OCD. A very entertaining easy read that will not only open your eyes to the many forms of OCD and the toll it takes on its sufferers, but will also show you ways of overcoming them. A brilliant read for all.

5 comments about Walk on Water: The Miracle of Saving Children's Lives.

1. I recently became a pediatric cardiac intensive care nurse. I never really understood what it was like to be a family, or cardiac surgeon until reading this book. It is so amazing that someone could write such as informational insiring book, that has no health background. It makes me proud to be a nurse for this type of unit.



2. Imagine opening a newborn baby's chest and holding his plum-sized heart in your hands, confident that you can repair it and give the child a healthy life.
   
   Meet Dr. Roger Mee, one of the world's top pediatric heart surgeons. Dr. Mee and his team at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio do just that, two or three times a day, five or six days a week. Author Michael Ruhlman spent a year as an embedded observer in this center of excellence, exploring an elite surgical specialty and the professionals who devote themselves to perfecting it.
   
   "Walk on Water: Inside an Elite Pediatric Surgical Unit" is the wonderful product of that year, and you won't find a more fascinating or inspiring story. Ruhlman gives us a satisfying mix of history, anatomy, biography, and personal interest.
   
   The unit specializes in the repair of congenital heart defects. Each chapter starts with a case or an individual, suffering from or exemplifying some condition. Then the author catalogues the development of treatment options for that condition. Finally, he returns to the clinical setting to finish the story.
   
   Ruhlman discusses medical politics and the story behind outcome statistics. What is the impact on a unit's statistics when that unit is a referral center for the sickest babies? How can a patient -- or a parent -- know the importance of the BEST care versus GOOD care? Thorny questions are raised.
   
   But this is first and foremost the story of New Zealand-born Dr. Mee and his team, and the huge demands they make on themselves every day for the sake of these babies who got an unlucky draw -- at least, unlucky until they come under Dr. Mee's care.
   
   "Walk on Water" is action-packed and sensitively written. If you are interested in medical non-fiction, you WILL be stunned by this book. It's a completely absorbing read and I highly recommend it.
   
   Linda Bulger, 2008



3. The book was absolutely excellent. Amazon and Woodys not so wonderful. Shipment was not shipped as promised and was not delivered as promised. After several emails, none returned by Amazon and one returned by Woodys the book arrived but at a much later date than agreed on. I won't order again from Amazon but I highly recommend reading this book! Absolutely Excellent!!



4. Roger Mee, the surgeon profiled in this very well-researched and well-written book, would be the first to tell you that he possesses no divine powers. As he stresses, and author Ruhlman emphasizes, the craft of surgery is in attention to detail. An interesting contrast is drawn between Mee, who strikes the reader as very down-to-earth, and a brilliant but difficult intern, who (after this book was published) took his own life.
   
   The book also contains excellent portraits of Mee's surgical nurse, the difficulties facing anesthesiologists when working with 5-pound neonates, and is very sensitive to the awful, gut-wrenching torment suffered by the new parents, who would rather be anywhere than inside a pediatric ICU.
   
   Ruhlman is at his best when writing about how difficult it is to do things right, as in his other great book "Wooden Boats."



5. My daughter was born with a heart defect in 2007. She had had one open-heart surgery by the time I was introduced by word-of-mouth to this book. I can't say how important it was to me as a parent to read this book. It gives an insider's view of the world of congenital heart surgery and if you are a parent who wants to know what doctors really think and do, you have to read this - if you are a parent who wants to put all of your faith in the perfection of doctors, then don't read it. My family is very grateful that things have turned out well for my daughter, who is now 15 months, and can't thank her healthcare team enough... but if she needs another surgery, we are going to go to one of the surgeons mentioned in the book. We'll fly her to another state - whatever it takes to get the very best care for her. I hope if you are looking at this book because someone you love has a heart defect, that things turn out well for you, too. What a living nightmare. Read the book.

5 comments about Recalled by Life.

1. As a newly diagnosed cancer patient, I found this book very honest, objective (believe it or not) and informative. I believe that Dr. Sattilaro's skepticism and his own critcism at times provides for an objective look at a Western doctor's experiment with Eastern philosophy. I understand first-hand many of the tests he underwent, even if the technology has changed somewhat, but what is most surprising is that Western medicine has not been able to make that much improvement in the last quarter century since this book was written. If we look at cancer as an immune deficiency and where cells go into overdrive, isn't it even conceivable that balancing your system could be of some benefit and that strengthening the system with good nutrition and exercise is better than weakening it with toxic chemicals? It's food for thought (pun intended).



2. I just want to point out that, yes, Dr. Sattilaro died in 1989, as one of the reviewers points out. However, Dr. Sattilaro died of pneumonia, not prostate cancer. I also met him in person about a year before his death. He had by then stopped following the recommendations he describes in his book and he was very weak. I'm not rating this book [...]because I don't want to influence anyone. Read the book and make up your own mind.



3. I have memories of my grandfather dying of cancer, so when I saw this book I immediately read it. This book is very inspirational and the author's story of surviving cancer holds your attention throughout. I like the fact that he didn't just talk about diet, but also mentioned how his faith helped him through. However I am not entirely sure if macrobiotics (the diet mentioned in this book) is the way to go for cancer patients. It is worth noting that Aveline Kushi (who authored a popular cookbook on macrobiotics) died in 2001 from cancer. While I do believe that diet is very important in the battle against cancer, I am unsure about the effectiveness of macrobiotics.



4. I knew Dr. Sattilaro personally from my days as a reporter in New York. I interviewed him when the book was published. He had the typical western skepticism and scientific approach and this was an asset in analyzing macrobiotics. His body was riddled with cancer, he was in excruciating pain and his own medical colleagues (he was president of the hospital) had given him up for dead. His adoption of an extremely low protein and no-sugar diet (and by that is meant no fruit juice, no honey, so sweets period, not just sugar) gave him relief from the pain and sent him into remission. He wanted it emphasized that he had also undergone western treatments including surgery and felt that helped too. The macrobiotic diet is not infallible. Disease is partly a matter of genes, diet and perhaps above all, the hidden thoughts, motivations and desires within our own psyche. But in my opinion, cancer cells need protein and sweets in order to grow, and they recede when denied those things. This book is a superb introduction to the subject. I give it five stars. Also recommended: "Healing Miracles from Macrobiotics" by Jean Kohler.



5. Dr. Sattilaro's book it well written, seems honest and is informative. However, the plural of anecdote is not data. For the sake of full disclosure, I have eaten a mostly vegetarian diet (no red meat or poultry with some fish) for 38 years. The simple diet at the core of macrobiotics makes good general health sense. It is not the prescription rather the fanaticism of the prescribers that I question. I have known very few people who make more absolute claims with less data than those who push macrobiotics. In my experience, their zeal fits them with religious fanatics of all flavors. but, like all doctors (and all witch-doctors), they bury their mistakes.
   
   As Mark Twain wrote long ago: "Be careful when you read health books; you might die of a misprint." I believe that resistance to absolutism and fundamentalism is a quality of life issue. As a general observation, fanaticism lowers the quality of life for the fanatics and for those around them. After I watched my dear friend, Bill Neal (a world-class macrobiotic fanatic), die of aggressive cancer complicated by macrobiotic-faith-healer misdiagnosis, I became more vocal in asserting that no approach to medicine can claim to have all the answers... especially those practices with almost none of the data.
   
   My dad's mother had 13 children. My grandmother died of a heart attack after carrying a big vacuum-cleaner up three flights of stairs at the age of 85. She said something I've never forgotten: "This world would be a far better place if people paid as much attention to what comes out of their mouths as they do to what they put in'em." There's more to good health than good eating. Believing that you have all the answers while possessing almost none of the research is bad mental hygiene that leads to lousy medicine.
   
   "Recalled By Life," is a good book. If you have cancer, or worry about getting it, certainly look at improving your diet, but don't fire your doctor; find a holistic healer, who did not skip medical school.
   
   Joey Tranchina, M.A.
   ... Lest anyone take this as professional medical advice, my Master's Degree is in poetry.
   
   
   PS. The title quote: "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime..." from Reinhold Niebuhr's 'Irony of American History," is very beautiful.

5 comments about Becoming a Doctor: A Journey of Initiation in Medical School.

1. As someone who's had 2 serious operations in just 6 months, I am now obsessed with all things medical/surgical. I did like this book for its "behind the scenes" look at what a doctor's training is like. However, if I had never had an operation at a great hospital with a great surgeon, with great results, I'd be afraid to go to the hospital, the way some of Konner's peers are described. Obviously, it takes all kinds, but I agree with the reviewers who felt that the more negative personalities received emphasis. But hey, we all have bills to pay, so who am I to argue?
   
   While many people criticized Konner for being arrogant and pompous, I was very surprised that no one noticed something that, to me, was disturbingly obvious; and that was his salacious descriptions of VERY young women. There is a passage in the Pediatrics chapter, I believe, where he describes, with great zeal, how attractive he found a 15 year old girl. You can almost hear him drooling as you read it. There is another spot in the book where he talks about listening to a teenage girl's chest with a stethoscope, and while he does say he feels awkward, you can't also help but sense he was diggin' it. Hope the old boy was able to wipe down the keyboard when he was done writing.
   
   There were some informative things in this book, but I'm glad I had a positive surgical experience BEFORE I read this book. I am a much bigger fan of "Complications" by Atul Gawande.



2. Although I did enjoy portions of this book, I was also particularly annoyed at his constant misogynistic tone -- women, be they patients or fellow physicians -- are often first described physically, with particular note paid to their attractiveness. It seems that Konner clearly believes he is superior to many of his co-workers, as he repeatedly interrupts the medical narrative to mention his status in the anthropological field. This isn't a terrible book, but it certainly isn't a book I'd recommend to very many people.



3. Konner's "Becoming A Doctor" chronicles the experiences, perceptions, & problems he had as a third-year medical student. Konner repeatedly remarks that he was much older than most of his peers as well as many of the residents, but what he doesn't explicitly articulate is his different perspective on patient care and, well, his compassion. He seems more idealistic than most of the other characters in his narrative -- I suspect this may be a consequence of his age & life experiences. Nevertheless, I enjoyed and appreciated the experiences he shared, especially since they are told from the perspective of a man in a different phase of life. There are several books that chronicle life as a medical student --- this is just one --- and this book ought to be regarded as one that deserves a peek for what it is: medical school as experienced from a well-educated man on the verge of middle-age.



4. This was an interesting book and I feel that I learned a number of things about medical school education. However, I must agree with the other reviewers that Mr. Konner is a bit of a narcissist and a little too pessimistic. If you can ignore his self-aggrandizing tone and slight pessimism, this can be a fairly interesting and informative read. As far as the literature on medical education, I can't say this book really stands out. I recommend reading "Intern Blues" first.



5. This book is not east to read and Konner make it worse but stuffing it with his psychiatric diagnosis.
   However: if you are a physician you would relive a lot of the nostalgia through this book. He also does portray what goes on the surgical floor and medical floors. Surgical residents are a conceited lot and they eventually learn their lessons in the real world. I was surprised that he was so miserable on the medicine floors so early on, that usually takes a few weeks. and that makes me wonedr if he is one of the 'touchy feely ' doctors who's medical knowledge is 'on the ventilator' but make for it by holding everyone's hand through 'the harrowing times'.
   suffice to say, people in the medical field may like it, I'm not so sure with the laymen.

5 comments about A Whole New Life: An Illness and a Healing.

1. A very honest emotional description of experiences while dealing with a cancer, a surgery, radiation, learning how to live with pain as a companion, learning how to live as a "gimp"--word used by the author, and many other superbly described experiences. Just the right touch, just the right doze. Very subtle and lithe. Joy to read.



2. 
   This is a book about severe illness and recovery. It is a true story of hope and healing told without self-pity. Price writes of being faced with a diagnosis of severe cancer of the spine. "Some vital impulse spared me needing to reiterate the world's most frequent and pointless question in the face of disaster - Why? Why me? I never asked it; the only answer is of course: Why not?"
   
   In the same candid, sometimes funny, yet always affecting words, the popular and prolific author tells of his battle with disease. First struck down in 1984, he suffered through surgery, days of agonizing pain and was eventually confined to a wheelchair, unable to function professionally or personally.
   
   He later sought treatment with a hypnotist at Duke University's psychiatric department with beneficial results. Throughout, Price gives credit to the power of prayer, which he calls "the first strong prop beneath my own collapse."
   
   This is not only the story of an illness and recovery, it is the saga of resolve when confronted with a frightening enemy, and it is a tale of family and friendships, the human network that supports us.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   - Gail Cooke



3. Should be mandatory reading of all Medical Students and Residents. Disease process as seen and documentd by a patient. The physical, emotional, and spiritual swings a patient goes through during a long protracted illness.



4. The best compliment I can provide is I'm buying more copies to give to friends. The book is thought provoking as well as extraordinarily uplifting.



5. THis is a great inspirational book for anyone suffering from a major life changing injury.

5 comments about Reaching Past the Wire: A Nurse at Abu Ghraib.

1. This story helped me to understand what it feels like to be a soldier and a nurse during war time.
   I would highly recommend it to nurses especially as it make you stop and think about the ethics of war time nursing.
   The book is and excellent read for non medical people as well. Plenty of heart stopping moments.
   It is also a very quick read as I was able to finish it in a weekend. The story never stops moving.
   Be sure to keep your Kleenex handy.



2. Great reading. You really have to admire her. News coverage what a bunch of BS.



3. Lt. Col. Germain in her memoirs spoke of great values that are easily lost in the battle field. She cared for her Iraqi patients and treated them with respect and dignity. She lived by a strict code of conduct when humiliation and torture of prisoners was taking place so close by. She made us all proud Americans by demonstrating our true values to those who disagree with us and certainly won their hearts and minds.



4. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Germain said about this book that she hoped "to put a human face on war, showing that it affects us all, no matter what side we are on." She also helps families of returning soldiers to understand some of their loved ones' re-entry issues. The story of Germain's Abu Ghraib experience is important reading, and Lounsbury has done a masterful job of professionally writing the narrative.



5. This book was so good, I could not put it down. It shows humanity in the face of war.

4 comments about Peeling the Onion: Reversing the Ravages of Stroke.

1. A must read for everyone! Robin's story of her journey with her father is heartwarming as well as information we all need to know. Not just a tale of a journey back to health it is also a story of a relationship between a father and a daughter. Beautifully written. I recommended this book to all my friends and also to my book club.



2. What a wonderful story told from a daughter's devotion, wrapped in Love. Robin shares with us all of the emotions, science, trials and triumphs of her journey to find more than a remedy but a healing for her Dad. If you know anyone who is suffering from a life of physical limitations, whatever the cause, have them read this book!



3. I don't know if this treatment is "for real", but it certainly sounds promising. I do know that there is research on this exact topic being pursued at Duke University (there were a number of posters on it in the neuroscience intensive care unit). I was interested in the family dynamics surrounding the author (her sister was the main caregiver and she had a brother, but he was seemingly removed from the situation by distance), but this was not discussed in any detail. Book was well written and resonably informative.



4. this story tells what one doctor does for his stroke patients. if more doctors use ultrasound like this, it is not widely publicized. some people have remarkable improvement.