1 comments about Cholera, Chloroform and the Science of Medicine: A Life of John Snow.

1. I am not reviewing this book,but I believe you have an error in the price. Oxford's price is $49.95 not $59.95. The correction categories do not permit me to enter this information.

1 comments about After the Flashlight Man: A Memoir of Awakening.

1. Nancy McCabe's essays are ample proof that the nonfiction memoir, when handled by the right author, is an art form rivalling fiction or poetry in power and even beauty. These essays are about violence and memory, how to experience a traumatic personal event and arrive at some kind of resolution. I first read McCabe's "Meeting Sophie" because I, too, am the mother of daughters adopted from China. When I loved that book, I ordered this one. Even though I haven't personally experienced rape or even near-rape (the Flashlight Man fortunately bungles his crime), I was so enamored of McCabe's writing that I read this book in a single night. Highly recommended.

3 comments about Blow the House Down: The Story Of My Double Lung Transplant.

1. Overcoming greats odds, the author elequently tells the story of his fight against Cystic Fibrosis that ultimately leads to a double lung transplant.

   Mr. Tolchin recounts the trials of growing up with CF and all the procedures, medical problems and hospital stays that he encountered. His tale includes all the medical staff and friends that support him during his journey and the importance humanity and human contact has to medical science.

   His story is one of triumph, and displays how important family and friends are to overcoming difficult situations. Charlie's not the only hero in this book. He is quick to point out all the people who inspired him along the way. It is here where the books succeeds and inspires. The team effort is unbelievable.

   Blow The House Down, is a book that has many lessons a reader can learn. The science and medical break-throughs involved with a double lung transplant are amazing, but the courage of Charles Tolchin, the love of his family and friends and the professional dedication of the medical staff is the real story here.




2. I was delightfully surprised at the effect this book had on me. I couldn't seem to put it down! I've had a rough time in the past 3-4 years but the ambition displayed in the book showed how differently one can perceive their troubles and turn them into triumph. I admired this portrayal of strength and tenacity.



3. This is an engaging, lucid story by an intelligent man with heart and honesty ... not to mention a mischievous twinkle in his eye! While most of us have not suffered the wrenching health challenges the author recounts, this book is a good companion to anyone who is looking for friendship and encouragement on a hard journey. Certainly, care givers and family should give this book to those who want to know they are not alone in the face of cystic fibrosis, cancer, depression, or other hardships. Charlie knows the icy stare of mortality. And like a hockey ruffian, gives it a full-body check and goes out for beers afterward. Way to go, Charlie!

No comments about The Bill Cook Story: Ready, Fire, Aim!.

2 comments about My Healing From Breast Cancer.

1. This books is more than about breast cancer. It deals with working with doctors, emotional wellbeing and nutrition. It is how every woman should treat herself all the time, not just when faced with a life threateing disease. Very informative and easy to understand



2. This book literally got me through the three weeks between my diagnosis and surgery. Dr. Joseph is a caring, intelligent woman whose personal experience and ability to articulate it are extraordinary. She covers standard and alternative therapies in a non-threatening and easy to understand way. The story of her spritual journey was remarkable.

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

4 comments about Learning How the Heart Beats: The Making of a Pediatrician.

1. I'm shocked no one has yet written their thoughts on this book, I was looking foward to reading them! I loved this book. Since I'm a pre-med major I figured I would like it when I started it, but I did not expect that I would be unable to put it down! It sucked me in from the frst page and I just could not put it down! I was reading it during my physics class, that's how much I loved it. The author really shows the humanity behind medicine and does an excellent job of recounting her experiences "becoming a pediatrician". Every account of every patient fascinated me, and made me even more convinced that I'm not just insane for being pre-med. This book really gave me something to look foward to. If you are interested in health sciences, I strongly encourage you to read this book, it's wonderful!



2. Dr. McCarthy has added to the somewhat tiresome tradition of Harvard Medical School confessionals. I read this book at the end of my second year of medical school (no, not harvard, thank you!) and found her stories hum-drum at best, pedantic, preachy, and underhandedly self-congratulatory at worst. In addition, Dr. McCarthy's editor clearly rushed through this one - there are numerous instances of convoluted grammer that detract from the flow of the prose. So in summary: if you're a premedical/medical student or a doc, just keep your eyes and ears open and you'll collect lots more meaningful experiences than this book could ever give you; and if you're one of those lay people who likes to life the medical life vicariously, put down this book and spend some time volunteering at your local hospital.



3. In this book, Dr. McCarthy has allowed her readers to look into her life as a pediatrician and learn from her successes and failures. I appreciated the balanced opinions she gave concerning both med school and her profession, and the decisions she has made throughout her journey. Overall, this is a good book to read if you are interested in medicine as a career.



4. I think this is a good book for anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The first half of the book (which takes place in medical school) is quite interesting as the reader gets a glimpse into the mind of the medical student and all the emotions she is feeling. The stories of patients that the author remembers are captivating. However, I found the second half of the book (which takes place during the author's residency) somewhat skewed as the author chose only to mention the worst cases she encountered. Also the chapters in the second half are short and the stories seem less complete, leaving the reader hanging at times.

No comments about The Absolute Truth And Other Uncertainties: A Remembrance.

3 comments about Beyond the Stone Arches: An American Missionary Doctor in China, 1892-1932.

1. "Beyond the Stone Arches" is the gripping story of a pioneer missionary doctor who served for four decades in a mission station deep in the interior of Fujian province. Each chapter could stand alone, for the scene changes from Imperial China to the shaky, new Republic in 1911, to civil wars, banditry, floods, plague and cholera epidemics - but through it all, Edward Bliss, Jr. tells the story of his father's daily work, his love for China and its people, his ventures such as raising milk cows so children could have milk, and his courage in the face of danger from Communist guerrillas, bandit gangs and rampant warlords. The book reads like an autobiography, for the author draws heavily on his own extensive interviews with his father and his father's letters, plus the author's own memories of childhood in pre-modern China. This is not a stereotype "missionary book!"



2. From what I've read of reviews and from what I know of the content of this beautifully written biography of a father by his son.



3. This is a wonderfully written account of a missionary's life in early 20th century China. Both educational and entertaining. Well worth the reader's time. Ed Bliss does the subject exquisite justice.

1 comments about Terry: Terry Fox and His Marathon of Hope.

1. I was initially given this book as a gift, knew nothing about it, but loved it. It's a great, well put together coffee table book, about an inspiring Canadian role model. As a Canadian export living in the States, it made me nostalgic for Terry Fox Runs from the past :). Highly recommended.