1 comments about Twice Wronged .

1. Twice Wronged is a heart wrenching account of one woman's journey through the medical maze of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gilda Arruda tells us the story of her sister who fights, not one, but two battles. First, she is diagnosed with lung cancer, and if that isn't enough of a life changing and devastating situation, she is forced to deal with incompetent and unfeeling doctors who treat her as if she were only an object, and not a human being. Ms. Arruda, who worked in the medical field herself, superbly conveys the frustration and anger that both she and her sister endure in dealing with such a cold and impersonal system.

   Having just experienced the death of my mother to this terrible disease, I was absolutely riveted by this story. Ms. Arruda's sister fights long and hard, not only for life, but for her own personal dignity. Even though I read this book while still grieving my own loss, I did not find it depressing or sad. Instead, I felt nothing but admiration for both sisters who showed so much courage during this supreme struggle. Gilda Arruda has done a wonderful service. Not only does she chronicle her sister's plight, she explains in the most simple, powerful, and straightforward prose, that cancer patients are people who must be respected, loved, and encouraged above all else. She also points out that what is so vital, is that each patient and their families, must be educated about the condition itself and the treatment options available. Patients should always be supported for whatever choice they make, rather than just blindly following a doctor's orders when they may not have been given all the facts or have been made aware of all the consequences.

   Twice Wronged is a chronicle that raises awareness about some of the pitfalls and hazards, both physically and emotionally, that cancer patients and their families encounter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has cancer, knows someone who is stricken with the disease, or has lost a loved one to cancer. Arruda not only does her sister a great honor by documenting her story, but also provides a special insight and understanding that will touch the heart of anyone who reads this powerful and moving account.

5 comments about The Joy Cart.

1. I want to thank Mr. Bartlett for writing a book that allows the world a glimpse into Jarrett Mynear's life. What an inspirational story! It captured my heart. I could not put this book down once I started to read it. Although it is a story about a young boy with cancer, it is more....so much more than that.

   Jarrett is wise beyond his years. His kindness, compassion and perseverance should be a lesson for all. Whatever the future holds for Jarrett, he has already managed to touch more people with his courage and his Joy Cart than most of us will ever accomplish.

   This book is an absolute treasure. I would highly recommend it. I would especially recommend it for anyone that has forgotten what life is really about. Jarrett's life is all about caring, love, sharing and paying it forward. What a wonderful legacy he has created.

   I truly expect to see this book hit the best seller list.




2. Marvin Bartlett invites the reader to the world of an incredible child. If only we would have an ounce of Jarrett's heart the world would be a better place! While it is sad that Jarrett has gone to a better place he left us a legacy of giving and this book is his record. It gives the reader a glimpse into the mind of a child that battled daily with his demons but acted like an Angel!



3. It can't be easy for an adult to write the true story of a youngster. Even if that youngster has achieved some manner of celebrity status, it must pose special problems for an older generation to write accurately and insightfully about its focus. And if that celebrity status has resulted from that youngster's caring humanity and unselfish acts in the midst of an ongoing life-threatening disease, writing the story must prove all the more difficult. Yet author Marvin Bartlett, anchor for the Bluegrass Region's Fox affiliate, has successfully overcome those difficulties in telling the story of Jarrett Mynear, an extraordinary young Kentuckian who, when faced with a disease that would eventually steal him from all those who loved him, chose to better the emotional and mental well-being of others who suffered like himself. Bartlett knows the story is so strong and moving that editorial commentary from himself is minimalized, and he maintains his discipline even in the secondary matters. For example, when campground owners hosting a group of children, all of whom are seriously ill, deny them the fun of shooting at each other in a squirt gun battle because these owners abhor war and violence, Bartlett merely reports the fact, confident that his readers will shake their heads. This is the story of a remarkable boy, and reading it, I suspect, will bring some relief to those distressed, and joy to all. Despite the sadness.



4. The Joy Cart is a magnitude of inspiration and witness to helping and reaching out despite pain and devastating turns. Even as an author, I have no words from being humbled other than that every one of us should take Jarrett as our shining example. We, as a public people, should be thanking the author, Mr. Bartlett, for taking the opportunity to share this tremendous character of one who rises above and reaches out to love. Let every one of us examine ourselves and strive to gain more of Jarrett's character in our daily lives. Let us not pass up the oppportunity to read and pass on The Joy Cart! -- reviewed by Stephanie S. Sawyer, author Facing Me



5. This book wonderfully documents the incredibly tough life of this amazing boy and shows why he changed so many lives (mine included) with his grace and strength during his short life. Having the opportunity to meet Jarrett Mynear before his death changed my life forever. Reading this book will surely have the same effect on you. Marvin Bartlett does a wonderful job capturing the true spirit of this extremely strong boy and his family. A MUST read.

5 comments about Brain-Damage: A Book About Overcoming Cognitive Deficit and Creating the New You.

1. Brain Damage is an amazing journey. Both the story and its author are testaments to the indomitableness of the human spirit in its quest for wholeness. However, the author's pilgrimage, compelling in its own right, is but a subplot to a recurring theme throughtout the book. This is a love story, marriage the way God intended it. "For better or worse, in sickness and in health"--vows often spoken but not always honored, expecially when tested the way these were. You will love this book, and you will love the way these two people love each other. Enjoy their journey, then I challenge you. See if you can ever again be angry with your spouse for ignoring the budget or failing to lower the toilet seat.



2. What can I say....I laughed, I cried (rest in peace, Shardak), and then I laughed again (out loud, alone in the room, 1 AM). I saw myself and wondered why anyone who has ever lost their car keys is not in the same program right along with the "Rehabbers". Dick shares some very personal moments with his readers (some of these things it would never occur to me to share with some of my closest friends). He really grabs you and makes you think.....and laugh....and cry.... I felt like I was sitting and sharing secrets with my best friend. Truly inspirational, in many ways!! Thanks for sharing yourself with the world!!



3. Dick Schmeltzof's very personal book, Brain Damage, is both heartwarming and informative. He treats a very serious subject with humor, wit and compassion. It is difficult to imagine the drastic changes that have occurred in Dick's life since the emergency surgery to remove a tumor on his pituitary gland. But through his carefully constructed narrative, we can "feel" his frustrations and also revel in the incremental -- yet moving forward -- progress that he makes. His is a story of great courage, hope and love; a lesson for Humanity. Thanks to Dick for sharing this moving and insightful story of life after brain surgery. Readers will laugh. They will weep. And finally, they will applaud this incredible human being. Dick demonstrates a real gift for storytelling through this book. Let's hope he delights us with "Brain Damage II".



4. This is one story that will inspire many people and give them hope for recovery from brain injuries. The author uses humor and wit and weaves his story of how he over came and coped with his "brain damge". It is a positive message about a serious concern. The book is a great read even if you do not have anyone in your lfie with brain damage - it really is about attitude and how you can cope with whatever happens to you in your life.
   
   I totally recomend this book to all readers. It will add something to your life in a positive way. It is uplifting!



5. As a psychologist for 30 years I have read many professional texts and self-help books. This is a valuable book for people entering the healing professions as well as for patients and their caretakers because, throughout, it touches on a man's path to recovering from brain damage. It touches on his creating a personal philosophy to see him through, skills he learned along the way, including self-assertion, and finally the love he's learned along the way.
   Dick Schmelzkopf's book, Brain Damage: Overcoming adversity with wit and humor, challenges us to observe what is, to most of us, the mundane choices of life, what to wear, doing chores, and handling finances through his brain-damaged mind. This book is a practical, no-nonsense, road map outlining the rehabilitation process of a brain-damaged man ... and more. In addition, the author describes what one can expect to experience along the way and shares his views that will help people understand what tools one needs on such a journey. It will make the trip easier for all who make this journey and those who accompany them. Reading this book illuminates our lives and can only make us more tolerant, compassionate, and caring. I'm a better psychologist for having read it.
   Philosophy
   From his first thoughts after surgery, Dick Schmelzkopf psychologically reframes how he sees life. Dick's advice to "Add Quality of Life to your personal credo" will shake the whininess out of anyone's "pity party." Many who have died on the operating table and are brought back to life also make this shift in their thinking through the transformational experience.
   Dick avoids sliding into non-productive funks when he admonishes us, "Don't beat yourself up ... Remember it and learn by it." Combine Dick's advice to us all that we "... need challenges and interests. If you don't have one, get one," with his personal stance, "I will never, never give up," which explains much of his success. Dick's dogged determination to master whatever functions his brain surgery left him is a model to everyone, with or without brain damage. Dick's prior work as a salesman has, I believe, contributed to his use of affirmations like, "I have a positive attitude that guarantees success." Dick adapted the adage, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade," into his personal mantra, "If you're given brain damage, write about it." In addition to being great rehabilitation therapy for him, it gives his life meaning and purpose that this book "... will give somebody an idea of how to help themselves or someone they love."
   Skills
   This book has many techniques for the brain-damaged person to use to enhance the quality of their life and the lives of their caregivers. His recitation of his abilities, pre and post- surgery, can be an instruction manual, both for the patient and for caregivers. Whether discussing the impact on his decision-making or judgment, Dick lays out the roadmap of how a brain-damaged person can regain control of whatever is left by the surgeon's scalpel. Dick constantly reminds us of the need for the acceptance of the "slow and arduous task" of rehabilitation by patients, caregivers and health care professionals.
   Dick teaches us by example. His strategy of linking his interests in darts to solving a math problem clearly shows how a brain-damaged person can learn how to cope. He serves up the problems he's had, like pattern recognition, then follows up with helpful hints for dealing with his "broken recognizer." Dick's rituals, for rebuilding his vocabulary, are his menu for finding and using what works for him. Dick's "Rule number one" for the cognitively challenged (and their caregivers) is proof that his "... pen is mightier that the surgeon's sword." Dick's comment about his re-learned poker skills are a warning to us all, should we ever find ourselves across a poker table from him.
   His determination to define himself in his new life is a triumphant assertion of the human spirit and will. Dick's response to people who treat him as less than equal is a prime example of a psychologically healthy outlook, succinctly put, that others see him as a person of worth and dignity, handicap be damned. Dick's admonition that "Brain-damaged means we may be a little slower in some areas, but don't count us out," works as well for those with an aging brain as it is instructive to caregivers and health care professionals alike.
   Love
   This book is as much a love story of two people committed to each other in ways only a few lucky people will ever experience. It emphatically says, "Take heart, caregivers," when Dick tells caregivers, "You are important," and you feel it when he says throughout the book, "Ain't love grand?" You will find this book is full of heart, love, compassion, humor and common sense that prove that to overcome a handicap, the wisdom of the heart trumps intelligence. Every time. The two pages discussing Grief is worth the price of the book alone. Its lesson is the power of compassion, love and illuminates the author's humanity, or, as his wife says, "ECCE HOMO," which translates as "Behold, A Man."
   Dick's rehabilitation journey is not complete, nor will it ever be. After a year of rehab work he has found, however, the best path for himself. He's currently busy on many writing projects. We wish him God-speed and Dragon's Luck.

No comments about Ryan's Story.

No comments about Dravecky: A Story of Courage and Grace.

2 comments about The Rustling of Leaves: An Adventure of Recovery.

1. This book is of interest because it reveals the obsession of the mind of a man that is a recovering alcoholic. In the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book there is a section that reveals that the "disease" of alcoholism and drug addiction is the obsessive "thought process" in the individual. Mr. Costanzo, by giving the readers his life experience of this phenomena, assist others who might find themselves becoming obsessed. This book was a joy to read. An exciting adventure into the mental and emotional process of a recovering alcoholic who moves away from "the program of Alcoholics Anonymous" and begins to "take his life back for himself," rather then depending on a Power Greater than himself. He travels back to emotional hell and comes back to warn us of the pitfalls. I think any person on a spiritual path would enjoy this book. Certainly anyone who is in recovery from either alcoholism or drug addiction would find the pages an eye-opener in regards to their own life in recovery... it uncovered some of my own difficulties in my recovery process.



2. Before I read The Rustling of Leaves, I had a few preconceived notions of what this story would tell. I thought It would be another one of those same old "rags to riches" tales that are so often told among various people in recovery. I thought it would be the average run of the mill epics that are often predictable and lacking any real human experience that has been done time and time again. I was wrong.

   Throughout the book, I found myself held captive by the honesty of Mr. Costanzo's situation. His battle with booze, the courts, the prisons and ulimately himself, was a reflection a man who had managed to survive through an incredable amount of pain and misery. He basicaly was in a place where he had no choice but to surrender to the people, places and events that led him to helplessness and a ten by fifteen foot cell in Folsom prison. He was locked up with nowhere to turn, except to his God and his wife. Thats when started to realized all the problems he caused himself and all of those around him were a direct result of his unwillingness to let go of his own will. That's when he finally stated his long spiritual path that led him to the love that he knows today. The message this reader received was hope. The way Costanzo outlined his understanding of the twelve steps his never ending relationship with God, was moving as well as entertaining. The most effective and lasting memory I have of this book is the timeless love story between Mr. Costanzo and his wife Ginger; it brought me to tears.

   In my opinion, this book would not only be help for those who are in recovery, but to the average reader that's looking for a story that will bring hope to the hopeless, faith to the faithless and joy to the joyless.

No comments about Time to Say Goodbye.

No comments about Hearing Dog: The Story of Jennie and Connie.

No comments about House of Tomorrow (Ulverscroft Large Print Series).

No comments about West to the Dawn: An American Woman's Adventures in Thailand Heal Her Wounded Soul.