3 comments about My Eyes, His Heart: Encounters of a Medical Missionary.

1. This book contains twenty-three short (usually 2-3 page long) glimpses from the travels and work of Dr. Kuhn as a medical missionary to various locations in South America, Africa, and Asia. Each one gives a vivid sense of the place, the immediate physical suffering of the people, and the eternal spiritual joy they can (and in some cases do) have in that suffering.

   For me, this book is not so much about the work of missions, though it is about that, as it is about seeing the spiritual reality alongside what we perceive with our physical senses. This book is sad as it talks about the suffering of many real people. This book may move you to compassion for those around the world who suffer physically and spiritually without hope. But, whether or not you become a missionary to the far reaches of the world, I hope this book gives you a sense of the immediate and eternal together in everyone you encounter.

   The book is a very quick read and is well written. Since it is organized in a series of short chapters, it is easy to pick up and put down. This book will be of particular interest to those involved or interested in mercy ministries and missions.




2. Dr Kuhn, in the Preface says that "Years ago I was challendged to ask God to break my heart with the things that break His heart." Few of us will have the courage or will to live such a self sacrificing journey in life. "My Eyes, His Heart" gives those of us who only dream of the journey a chance to feel a little bit of what Dr. Kuhn has lived for the last 30 years. It is a wonderful treat. Thank you Dr. Ted Kuhn.

   Heartwarming, heartbreaking, but above all eye opening.




3. This a awesome read. Well worth the price. Great for anyone thinking about short-term missions.

5 comments about Twin Voices: A Memoir of Polio, the Forgotten Killer.

1. The book was recommended to me by a mutual friend of the author. Her information is extensive and enlightening to a polio survivor (my husband). I didn't care for the format, where she used the "voice" of her deceased twin to tell his story from heaven. It was too cute, especially because he wouldn't be that articulate at his young age.



2. Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (1/08)
   
   "Twin Voices" is a memoir by Janice Flood Nichols about a specific life-changing event. In the fall of 1953, at the age of six, she lost her twin brother to polio. Janice contracted polio as well. She survived and overcame temporary paralysis. She went on to become a rehabilitation counselor. While her experiences as a youth shaped her adult life, she never thought that fifty years later she would be writing about the experience.
   
   Most people alive today have some memory of, or have at least heard of polio. Yet, to the surprise of everyone who has not kept up with polio research, including Janice Flood Nichols, polio is still an epidemic in Third World Countries. Although vaccines are available and worldwide eradication is possible, funding and education are needed to make this a reality. Knowing first-hand the devastation of polio, Janice was compelled to tell her story in an effort to educate and do her part to eradicate this deadly disease.
   
   "Twin Voices" is structured in a unique way. Janice invited professionals, friends, and family members to lend their voices to the story. Each chapter is by one of many characters, including those who are no longer alive, such as her twin Frankie and her parents. Other characters include the doctor who signed Frankie's death certificate, childhood friends, aunts, and cousins. Not only do the voices tell the personal side of the story, they also tell the history and facts about polio. The combination forms a nicely balanced book.
   
   I applaud Janice for writing this book. It was obviously not easy. But she was able to bring a perspective to the subject that not many people can. Janice knows polio as both a victim and a survivor. When Frankie died, a part of Janice died. Yet, on the other hand, when Janice survived, a part of Frankie survived, and this book is tangible evidence of that. "Twin Voices" is about so much more than polio. It is about the unique quality of twindom that Janice writes about so eloquently. Being a twin myself, that is the part about this book that intrigued me. Being educated about polio was an added bonus.
   
   I recommend "Twin Voices" to anyone who wants to read a well-researched book and touching personal look at the polio epidemic.



3. For those of us born after the 1950s, we cannot imagine the terror that gripped families every summer as polio swept through their communities, killing and crippling hundreds and thousands of people, particularly children. For six-year-old Janice Flood, polio became an integral part of her family history. In 1953, her twin brother Frankie died of polio, and Jan was left temporarily crippled by the disease. Although she was fortunate to regain full movement after intensive therapy, she nearly lost her son during his birth due to her physical deformities brought on by polio, and Janice suffers today from many symptoms of post-polio syndrome. Worst of all, though, she will always mourn the loss of a twin brother who never reached his full potential. From the age of six, she would always be a "twinless twin."
   
   Thanks to the development of the Salk and Sabin vaccines, polio was nearly eradicated in most industrialized countries, but the disease continues to cripple and kill people in many third world countries where vaccines are scarce. Having experienced firsthand the devastation that can be inflicted by polio, Janice Flood Nichols knew she had to tell her story and push for further efforts to vaccinate all of the world's children.
   
   Written through several "voices," including that of Janice, family members and friends, the doctor who cared for Janice and Frankie when they had polio, and even Frankie himself, "Twin Voices" is a fascinating read about the polio epidemic that swept the country, the frantic efforts to put a halt to its devastation, and the tragedy that befell the Flood family. This book brings home the fact that Frankie was a real little boy filled with a passion for life and all the joys that children experience. His family was, at first, shell-shocked following his death, but his twin sister Janice ultimately grew to find purpose in his passing through her work as a rehabilitation counselor for the physically disabled and her continued efforts to make sure that polio does not tragically alter the lives of more families like hers. It is also a haunting look at the "twin bond" that continues to connect Janice and her brother many years after their separation.



4. I knew very little about the polio outbreak in the 1950s but as a child I do remember being quarantined and not allowed to be with other children. After reading Janet's book I am so much more aware, not only about what was happening at that time, but what is happening now. I had no idea polio still exists.
   
   Janet not only lived through polio devastating her immediate family, but she has researched it thoroughly. "Twin Voices" is a story of Janet's life and experience; it is also book that gives the reader valuable insights. Her writing style is enticing to keep reading, her story is poignant, and her research impeccable.
   
   This a book not to be missed reading.



5. For those of us born after the 1950s, we cannot imagine the terror that gripped families every summer as polio swept through their communities, killing and crippling hundreds and thousands of people, particularly children. For six-year-old Janice Flood, polio became an integral part of her family history. In 1953, her twin brother Frankie died of polio, and Jan was left temporarily crippled by the disease. Although she was fortunate to regain full movement after intensive therapy, she nearly lost her son during his birth due to her physical deformities brought on by polio, and Janice suffers today from many symptoms of post-polio syndrome. Worst of all, though, she will always mourn the loss of a twin brother who never reached his full potential. From the age of six, she would always be a "twinless twin."
   
   Thanks to the development of the Salk and Sabin vaccines, polio was nearly eradicated in most industrialized countries, but the disease continues to cripple and kill people in many third world countries where vaccines are scarce. Having experienced firsthand the devastation that can be inflicted by polio, Janice Flood Nichols knew she had to tell her story and push for further efforts to vaccinate all of the world's children. With that in mind, she wrote the moving book, "Twin Voices: A Memoir of Polio, the Forgotten Killer."
   
   Written through several "voices," including that of Janice, family members and friends, the doctor who cared for Janice and Frankie when they had polio, and even Frankie himself, "Twin Voices" is a fascinating read about the polio epidemic that swept the country, the frantic efforts to put a halt to its devastation, and the tragedy that befell the Flood family. This book brings home the fact that Frankie was a real little boy filled with a passion for life and all the joys that children experience. His family was, at first, shell-shocked following his death, but his twin sister Janice ultimately grew to find purpose in his passing through her work as a rehabilitation counselor for the physically disabled and her continued efforts to make sure that polio does not tragically alter the lives of more families like hers. It is also a haunting look at the "twin bond" that continues to connect Janice and her brother many years after their separation.

2 comments about The Blind Doctor: The Jacob Bolotin Story.

1. The Blind Doctor is truly an inspiring story and gives hope to those who think something is impossible. It is very well written and is a "quick read." I believe that young people would benefit from reading this book--it let's them know to "dream big and go for it!".



2. The Blind Doctor: The Jacob Bolotin Story is the true-life story of Jacob Bolotin, born blind to impoverished Jewish parents in Chicago in 1888. Determined to be of service to others, Bolotin had a dream of becoming a doctor. He sold brushes and typewriters door-to-door to raise money, earned his passage through the Chicago College of Medicine, graduated with honors at twenty-four, and keenly trained his senses of touch and hearing to earn himself a name as one of the top heart and lung specialists in the city. Bolotin raised awareness about the plight of the blind, and the need to treat people with disabilities as productive citizens; he even started one of first blind Boy Scout troops in the United States. Though he died at the young age of thirty-six, Jacob Bolotin's exemplary life and his determination to overcome phenomenal challenges makes for inspirational and unforgettable reading.

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 Dr. Fisher's Life on the Ark: Green Alligators, Bushman, and Other "Hare-Raising" Tales from America's Most Popular Zoo and Around the World.

1. As a child, and still as an adult, I have always enjoyed seeing how things worked behind the scenes. Especially famous things, like theaters, bike factories, commercial bakeries. So it was really great to read this book and find out how it was to run a veterinary clinic, to be a zoo vet, and to get behind-the-scenes stories about life at the world famous Lincoln Park Zoo, especially from its 30-year director, Dr. Lester E. Fisher. Zoos are amazing places, and incredible things happen at them that the casual, or even the frequent, visitor will never see or hear about. Animal escapes, animal births and deaths, the movement of wild animals. This book is full of interesting, funny, and scary episodes of life in the zoo world. To top it off, we get to go on African wild animal photo safaris with Dr. Fisher in the latter portions of the book, and these trips give rise to a whole different kind of crazy and interesting happenings. This book will provide pleasure to all those who love zoos and animals, and also to those who simply enjoy engaging stories about the world and its inhabitants, human and otherwise.



2. Dr. Fisher's Life On The Ark is the autobiographical story of Lester E. Fisher and his adventures (and misadventures) arising from his responsibilities of being the director of the famous Lincoln Park Zoo. From the ups and downs of training at veterinary school, to safari adventures at Africa and around the world, to establishing a successful track record and legacy in gorilla breeding and much more, Dr. Fisher's Life On The Ark is a story of one man's real-life animal escapades, and his work to preserve and promote awareness while transforming one of the oldest, most-visted, and last free zoos in America. Highly recommended reading -- especially for animal lovers!



3. Every kid who grew up in Chicago in the 70s remembers Dr. Lester Fisher from his "Ark in the Park" segments on the Ray Rayner Show. Now, Dr. Fisher has written an interesting and anecdotal book about his years as head veterinarian and director at Lincoln Park Zoo.
   
   Here are his tales of gorillas getting out of their cages and being coaxed back in with snakes, of which they are afraid; of the polar bear whose fur turned green, and the polar bear who ate too many marshmallows; of the leopard who ate his own mate; of Prince Phillip visiting the zoo and getting ape waste thrown at him (and taking it very kindly); of the flamingo who flew away; of the chimpanzees who had "tea parties" - two of whom, Keo and June, are still living at the zoo. Fisher also talks about his appearances on TV, including the Halloween show in which he tried to pass his black cat off as a "Scottish wild cat." He ends the book with a long description of his African travels.
   
   The book is well-written and easy to read, and would be enjoyable for anyone interested in the inner workings of a major zoo. The photos are excellent - notice the spectacled bear and the gorillas. Chicagoans, of course, will enjoy this book even more. I wish he had included maps of the old and new zoo configurations, so I could see how things changed over the years, but that's a minor quibble from a long-time visitor.
   
   To sum up: You'll read about green alligators and long-necked geese, some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees, some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born, you'll enjoy this book even with no unicorns!



4. I love this book.
   
   None of the stories contained in this book are more than a few pages long, but each one is as fascinating and memorable as the last. Dr. Fisher's penchant for brevity may leave some readers wanting more details, but the the good doctor gives us just enough to get his stories across. His simplistic approach to storytelling gives the book an almost intimate feeling.
   
   The writing style may not be for everyone, but I felt like the pacing fit perfectly with the anecdotal nature of the stories. The whole book feels like you're sitting down with Dr. Fisher and he's just rattling off story after story about things that happened to him once. In some ways, it's the casual way that he talks about remarkable things (from taking care of Patton's dog to delivering a baby cow in the middle of a ferocious storm to tracking down escaped gorillas) that makes this book so interestings.
   
   Many of the stories are funny. Some of them are sad. All of them are fascinating.



5. This book tells some amazing stories of one man's experience with animals. I've met Dr. Fisher before and he is an amazing person. If you enjoy animal stories, I would highly recommend this book!

1 comments about Hildegard Peplau: Psychiatric Nurse of the Century.

1. To understand Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships, I decided to read this book. Since Peplau was a detail person and kept all kinds of records, this book is filled with fascinating stories of her life.Through her stories pictures emerge of who Peplau was, the state of nursing in the first half of the century and the importance of her theory for nursing. One of her goals was to change nursing from a job to a profession. Early on, there was no set curriculum for nursing. The stories you will read will change you and make you enthusiastic about the nursing profession. I believe this book will inspire nurses and anyone will find it a fascinating life story.

5 comments about She Went to War: The Rhonda Cornum Story.

1. I pinched COL Cornum's book from my boyfriend, curious to find out more about his boss. She jogs by my workplace almost daily, she seems frail and full of girlish energy. Recently,I met her at a LRMC function and she IS full of girlish energy. As she's a former POW, I was unsure what to expect. Since then, I've been even more curious about the woman my old mentor COL Ron Blanck described as "a woman to watch". That was back in '91 - we'd been following her release on AFN-TV from FARMC HQs during Morning Report. I was hungover but jolted out of my stupor by the respect in his voice. He later made it 4-star and respect was never something he's doled out like party favors.
   I've just finished her book (coincidently on the anniversary of her release thirteen years ago). It was staunchly pro-military and pro-American without resorting to gush-mode. It made me laugh unexpectedly, it made me run to my PC and download Lee Greenwood, it made me understand my former mentor. I took it to bed, I took it to breakfast and finally, I took it in the tub with me where I cried so hard at the reunion passage that I dropped it in the water. It was the autographed copy which she'd recently presented to my boyfriend on his birthday. I hope her sense of humour has rubbed off on him. If not, I'm in big trouble. Buy this book. Buy your own copy and buy some for your family. Then buy some for your neighbors. I need the karma points.



2. I'd heard that there was a female soldier captured during the first Gulf War, but I didn't know anything about her until I read this book. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Rhonda Cornum's strong personality comes through the pages of this book. Just her description of how she coped with her untreated injuries is impressive, and I second the person who admired how she kept her spirits up by singing in her prison cell. I hope if I ever found myself in as adverse a situation as she did, that I would be able to remain as courageous and confident throughout. Her description of the struggles she faced as a woman in the military is blunt without sinking into self-pity. An interesting and impressive slice of the first Gulf War, and a courageous role model and heroine.



3. I express my deep respect, admiration and gratitude for Colonel Rhonda Cornum's service to our country and the medical profession. She is a soldier's soldier. Her book is as entertaining and as inspirational as her career. Read it and it will change your life forever.



4. I thought I'd let readers know that now Col. Rhonda Cornum was nominated for promotion to Brigadier General today.



5. I got this book after the First Gulf War. Rhonda Cornum's courage as a POW is inspirational, especially under the circumstances in shich she found herself. It is well-known how the Ba'athists rotinely employed torture (real torture, not redefined torture) in order to get airmen to make statements critical of the Coalition war effort. In fact, the enemy we were fighting against at the time were barbarians who had no scruples when it came to the men and women who fell into their hands.
   
   An awesome book about an awesome Soldier.

No comments about Lessons Out of School: From Detroit Gangs to New Healing Paradigms - Life Stories of Dr. John E. Upledger.

1 comments about Jewish Doctors Meet: The Great Physician.

1. The stories compiled here are authentic and sincere. These are doctors, generously sharing their very personal accounts of how they came to discover, albeit reluctantly, the absolute truth of the love and saving grace of a very Jewish Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.
   
   These stories are written by doctors, not writers. That element alone kept the reading pace clear, quick, and thoroughly interesting.
   
   I am gentile. I learned a great deal about my Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ. Especially the seemingly insurmountable obstacles placed before the Jewish seeker of Biblical Truth; family, tradition, religion, indifference, investment, etc..
   
   I found the input near the end of the book by Ruth Rosen to be fascinating. Her perspective on faith was truly insightful. Her words have helped me articulate what true faith is. Rosen's commentary on Hebrews 11:1 ( A New Testament letter) became revelation for me. I am grateful to her for giving Glory to God by bringing this book to light.
   
   Finally; David Brickner's thoughtful rendition, describing the meeting of a desperate but faithful woman and the Christ, made those scriptures in the Gospel of John so much more relevant and meaningful.
   
   If you are a believer in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit you will be encouraged to fight the good fight of faith. If you are gentile and a seeker of absolute truth, you will find insight into the level of courage and surrender you will face if you are sincere in your attempts to grasp it. If you are Jewish and are being called by the Spirit of God to search, reason, explore, and discover who Jesus is, do not harden your hearts, but seek His face while He can still be found. Read this book. May God bless you right now.

No comments about When the Diagnosis Is Multiple Sclerosis: Help, Hope, and Insights from an Affected Physician.