health Books

This book was very thorough in explaining celiac disease. It was also very easy to read and didn't contain lofty sentences. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed, you should read this to get the whole picture. It's more than just not being able to eat wheat as so many complications can occur, which this book explains in full depth.

Having had Celiac disease for 20 years it is great to have such a wonderful explanation of the disease. There is much I knew already, but this presentation expanded and filled in the details and current research and understanding.

Informative text on Celiac Disease. Gives the whole scoop plus help in deciding what you can and cannot eat. Guides you thru what you can eat as well as where to get the products. Lots of references given. Medical contact references to get you started.

This is the third celiac book I have read since diagnosis and the best one so far. The authors do an excellent job of explaining what celiac is who gets it, and why it is difficult to get diagnosed. The information is presented clearly, in well-defined categories, and without resorting to jargon.

Symptoms are described in great detail, with other possible diagnoses given for each. Unlike other books which essentially tried to pin every symptom known to man to gluten, this book offers much more balanced information.

for those already diagnosed, there is much helpful information, including not only foods to avoid but much dispelling of myth about foods which are safe to eat despite common assumptions. The authors also discuss 'survival' strategies for coping with dietary limitations, what to do with celiac children, even the current state of celiac research.

This book is an excellent resource and I ezxpect I will return to it many times.

I was diagnosed with celiac disease in the fall of 2007, and I immediately went to the library to check out the most recent book on celiac disease. This was it, and it was so excellent I decided to buy a copy to have as a constant reference. This book has the latest information on celiac disease. Dr. Peter Green is the head of the celiac disease center at Columbia University; therefore, he is an authority on the subject. The co-author, Rory Jones, has celiac disease herself. The book was written with understanding and compassion, and the disease and potential complications are explained in a clear, easy to understand manner. If you have struggled with gastro-intestinal problems for years, and the doctors can't figure out what's wrong with you, you should read this book.

This book was very helpful in dealing with a narcissistic in-law family. I suppose I would have gotten more out of the book if it had been my family of origin. Lots of good information, at times a bit too technical for this lay-person, but overall an interesting and helpful read.

I also recommend "The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissistics" for those dealing with a malignant narcissistic in the family.

My mother is still narcissistic in virtually every relationship she has. I now recognize what it is about our relationship that leaves me empty. I no longer provide her narcissistic supply and I have established some clear boundaries with her. I can't change my childhood but I am aware of how it can affect me in my daily interactions and, armed with that knowledge, I have been able to be a better mother to my son.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who has to deal with a narcissistic family member; it doesn't necessarily have to be your parents. It could be a sibling, too.

This book was quite an eye opener for my husband and I. We actually read it together and was able to identify many of the issues addressed. We feel armed with the knowledge of what we are dealing with (as knowing is 1/2 the battle), but we are still uncertain as to how exactly to deal with the narcissitic parent/family system in certain situations. We plan to continue reading about this topic, discussing how best to be in control of our own actions/feelings, and moving foward past the narcissitic upbringing. This book was definitely the place to start.

The book was very imformative if you feel you come from the type of family written about

I have read this book recently and am amazed at how much it is helping me become a better person. The stories are amazing, the analysis is genius. I can't but help recommend this book for people who are interested in learning about themselves and how to improve themselves.

I was surprised that this book was copyrighted in 1998. It seems that we have just now caught up with what she knew back then about essential fatty acids. That part of the book is very good and I am glad that we have finally caught up with her on this.

I haven't tried any of her recipes but I it seems that many of the recipes do not follow her traditional Greek way of cooking. I mean canola oil, for instance, certainly is not a part of traditional cooking anywhere. It is a relatively modern phenomena. She also uses white sugar and white flour in some of her recipes. Come on! These things were not part of the traditional Greek diet. And, really, do you think they used low-fat dairy products. Give us a break!

If you would like help to improve the way you eat, you should read this book and keep it as a reference. This book stays in my waiting room and is in the waiting room of a number of cardiologists.

I found this book to be a fascinating, but very practical study of nutrition. It was presented in a way that is easily understood. It lays out a plan that the average person can apply to their daily life to change over to a healthy life style. I would say that reading this book was a life-changing event for me----I have also shared this book with my family and loved ones.

I looked into buying some books to discuss the Mediterranean/Crete/Omega diet. I did like this book the best compared to the others I had bought (Mediterranean Prescription, and The Anti-inflammation Diet and Recipe Book). This gave a worded description of how the author ate growing up and gave a concise way to think about what you are eating - think fresh and simple.
Like most "diet" books there are sections on why this works scientifically and some meal plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is helpful but I did skim the first few chapters. There is also a "food pyramid" and many helpful tables as to what you should try to fit into your diet.
I have been following the advice of this book (adapting the meal plans to what is doable long term for my spouse and I) and I can honestly say that I feel good, calm, and not hungry. Plus I love it that drinking a glass of wine with dinner is acceptable!
For people who are looking for a face lift on your diet, I do recommend this book.

Nothing contained in the book that hasn't already been printed about food and etc. They advocate Canola Oil over Olive and that is the first I ever read that. Other than that I wouldn't recommend to purchase it.

I have Lupus and was looking for a cleaner, something different daily eat book.

I love this book i remember seeing it when i was like in the 7th grade an she had that picture of her in the book with no make up on an even pointed out flaws an zoomed in on it an then showed what make up does to her to cover it up for a model to do that with the rumours you hear bout how cut throat they are an how they like to pretend there perfect i started an all new respect for Ms.Tyra Banks, this book goes everywhere from Make-Up tips to relationships an sex its a good book for those girls who arent sure how to cope with break ups to how to apply eyeshadow correctly an do evening an day looks i would suggest this to ALL women of ALL ages especially to those who have teenagers an young adults like myself who are still trying to figure out who they are an also know there not alone as far as doing crazy things when it comes to guys. Tyra also gives personal stories of her experiences of broken hearts an even her stories on sex, (Also she has A lot of pictures of her modeling pics an of her family an just home photos.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's more than just looking good. Yes, there is a ton of information on skin care, makeup, body care, etc, but Ms. Banks also includes self-esteem, sex, generosity, self-respect, smoking, alcohol, and more.

I expected a more frivolous book from a supermodel, but this is real quality. Tyra seems like someone you would know. She has such a friendly, sweet attitude reflected in her writing and is so humble.

This book is filled with pictures, lots of color, and is fun to read. Great book!

I fell in love with this book since its release and highly recommend it. Sure, it contains tons of photos of Tyra, but this is the very nature of her work, people... HELLOOOOO. And it's obvious this book was going to focus on her by its title, it isn't called 'YOUR Beauty, Inside Out', now is it? Anyways, looking at her never gets boring because the pics are all varying in style and purpose. If you're a fan of Tyra or appreciate sexy-yet-wholesome beauty & personality then you'll cherish this book. It's one-parts autobiography, one-parts pictorial, and 1-parts self-improvement advice, the works mixed together! I get a strong feeling that this was the intention of Banks & Blake and I think it makes for a unique and fun reading experience.

As a model myself, I found Tyra's book to be informative and fun at the same time. I suggest it to all women, especially young girls just getting into the "make-up scene".

This book covers everything from pre-teen awkwardness to dating responsibly. Tyra has done an excellent job not only talking the talk but walking the walk! This book should be released and for all to enjoy.

This was a hard to find book. However it was easy on Amazon.com. The book was in very good condition.

I am glad I am not the only one who has read and reread With Love Form Karen so many times. I have probably read this book more times than I have read any other book in my life. This story inspired me because like Karen I was born with a birth defect. I am not disabled but Karen's story gave me the courage to face the obstacles in my own life (they paled in comparison to what Karen faced). Marie does focus a lot on Gloria and I feel this as well as the tragic fire that killed three of Little Marie and Gloria's children lead to estraingment later on. The family is old world and very private and will not make their individual stories public. Today they would be on the talk show circuit and making a movie deal. I respect that but it would be nice to know what has happened to them. I always felt there should be a movie but that wont happen because none of the family members will take part in it.

I wrote a review of "Karen" and won't repeat myself here, except to say I love this book--I read it when I was in about fifth grade. I had always wanted to live in a family like this.

The reason I'm writing this is because of a review where someone criticized Marie Killilea for allowing Karen to practice walking (in her leg braces) by mowing the lawn, saying it was dangerous. Once again, you have to keep in mind the HISTORICAL CONTEXT of these books. I doubt very much that they had a gasoline-powered lawn mower back then. She was probably pushing a hand mower, a big heavy non-motorized thing which actually would provide stability for someone who had trouble walking, much like the walker on wheels that my grandmother uses.

"With Love From Karen" continues the true story of a girl, born in 1940 with cerebral palsy, and her family. This follow-up to the 1952 book "Karen" picks up five years after the end of the first book. Karen is now 12; the family has found a suitable house for their unique needs; and Gloria has officially joined the Killilea clan.

As with "Karen," I have read "With Love From Karen" many times since my teen years. Although I enjoy reading it as a continuation of Karen's story, I have never found it as compelling as the first book. Perhaps it is because the breakthroughs are different, or perhaps the writing is simply not as strong.

For those whose interest was piqued by the first book, I heartily recommend reading the rest of the story. If you have not been introduced to the Killilea's by reading "Karen," then you should start there.

The tone of this book is matter-of-fact tending toward upbeat. There are many anecdotes and stories that illustrate the Killilea family's interesting life. Some will make you laugh, others will make you roll your eyes; many will make you think.

A few important things to consider: The Killilea's were devoutly Catholic, and their attitudes and decisions reflect this as well as the era (1950's). The book was written long enough ago that the language and situations, particularly with regard to matters of educating the handicapped, may seem outdated and "wrong." Welcome to the world before the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act!

Readers should also note that the "C.P. work" in the book refers to Marie Killilea's work with United Cerebral Palsy, which she helped to found. She remained active with the organization for many years; read the book to learn more.

I am glad that I own this book, as well as the original "Karen." I am glad to have it on my bookshelf, where I can periodically pull it down, read it, and be reminded how lucky I am to be healthy and have a healthy family, as well as of how much (and how little) people have changed in the last 40 years.

Marie Killilea (1913-1991) wrote WITH LOVE FROM KAREN (a sequel to her first book, KAREN) about her daughter, born with cerebral palsy at a time when little was known about the condition and when many were puzzled over or even afraid of persons with disabilities. The Killilea family's endeavors to ensure Karen a healthy, productive life are great reading, even almost a half-century later. This book relates the adventures of Karen and her lively family from approximately age twelve through her entrance into adulthood. Keep Kleenex handy, because you're going to weep for sympathy and then you're going to howl with laughter. Mrs. Killilea writes with resolute faith, tenderness, and great humor. Although developments in treating disabilities (and people with disabilities) have greatly changed, you'll love the courage and warmth of this book and you may wish that children who happen to be born with disabilities could all have families like the Killileas.

When my 7 year old said, "I don't want to be here anymore." I was at a loss for words while at the same time welling up with tears. Not to alarm her, I questioned her to get more insight to the comment. She had wished she just went to sleep and never woke up, because she couldn't be good no matter how hard she tried. She was always in trouble, at home and at school. I knew right then and there I had to do something more that I had already been doing. But I didn't know what to do! So I went to the library and took out as many books allowed about ADD, ADHD, behavior problems, and all the other acronyms I would soon discover for what we were facing. I stumbled upon Dr. Demaria's book, "Stop ADHD, ADD, ODD, Hyperactivity: A drugless Guide to Optimal Family Health." Putting my daughter on medication was not an option at this point as I have heard too many horror stories about medicated children and that was a last resort after all else failed. Well a little over one year later, the power struggle has ceased and we are both sane again and she is doing so well and we both have peace and are both feeling good about ourselves unlike a year ago. With the help of the steps and suggestions in this book, my daughter and I now have the mother/daughter relationship one should have. We have changed our diet and are healthier and it was well worth it. It took some adjusting to, but when she started to notice the difference in herself and was getting possitive feedback from her teachers and myself, she came around. I even lost weight and inches which was a plus. I recommend this book to anyone who it at their wits end with any of these behavior issues. There is hope and you can do it for you and your child. Read more about Dr. Demaria and his other books at this link.
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When I first saw this book I thought... "18 days? Yeah, right." But I thought I didn't have anything to lose but a few dollars so I got it. We had tried all kinds of diets, vitamins, meds. Things would get better but not be entirely "back to normal".

I read through Dr. Bob's book, took notes, implemented some of the thoughts... I read the entry of one of the readers below that talked about the parasites and wondered if perhaps that was it for us too.

We had an appointment and saw a doctor. Parasites it was. Five days on a course of black walnut tincture and my daughter was a new child. She lost her diagnosis of ADHD the next doctor appointment we had. The teachers could not believe the difference. We are still in awe.

Thank you Dr. Bob. Without you and your book, my daughter would still be on Concerta. And the health of our family would never have been improved from your other recommendations.

For this and so much more, Dr. Bob:
THANK YOU !!!

PS We also HIGHLY recommend the daily devotional Dr. Bob has written. I don't have a friend who hasn't bought it after hearing some of the topics discussed in it - turning grey hair back, the hazards of peanut butter, better sleep, back pain solutions, bringing liver enzymes back to normal, migraines, and the list goes on and on with advice we had never ever heard before and my friends and I read A LOT of health books !!!

At first when I tried his suggested program I didn't think anything was different/changing so I stopped the supplements (about two weeks into it at least.) Boy could I tell a difference then! Going the natural route prevented from having to see a professional and going on Ritalin or whatever else they medicate with now. I don't use the program full time anymore but when I feel my attention waxing and feel spacey I start up the vitamin B and whammo my head comes back and I can focus again. I thought this book fantastic and recommend it to anyone. He describes what happens in the body and why the deficiency causes ADHD/ADD issues. Even if you don't have the syndrome the information regarding health and how the body benefits from various vitamins is informative.

Dr. Bob in his book is another one of those writers about ADHD who believes (sincerely) that supplements, food, good parenting, and so on is the correct answer for treatment of all types of ADHD/ADD. While certainly, the above would help almost any type of disorder, he never bothers to mention at ANY time when his idea did not work, (ie the vitamins failed to solve the child's problems)--so am I believe it is 100% successful?!! Amazing. My question for Dr. Bob is if pharmaceuticals do not work, then why can I name so many success stories from people who DO USE them. Oh, by the way, they do not work all the time. He is a convincing, good writer, he is just totally wrong. Also, he forgets that we now are seeing adults in their 40s still having the symptoms of ADD, who by the way had them first diagnosed in the 1-3rd grades. I would recommend his book, because it is well written and organized. And, all children do NOT need to take medications to modify their behavior. I do think our society at time has gone overboard with that notion. But his book is not the cure all with his omega oils and patented products he so often wants you to use. He has some very good ideas, and I took this into account. He says sugar impairs you immune system, which is abosolutely false, and has some other non sense he tries to pass on with questionable science to back it up. To me it appears as another one of those who believes you should avoid ALL medications at ALL costs no matter what. Also, how many cases a day does he "treat" for ADHD, and how does he deal with adults who have had it for so long. Does he, while flexing soft tissue as a chiropractor, take time out to express his feeling while giving a massage? ADHD/ADD is a long complex condition-- that foods and vitamins cannot "fix" so easily as this half life of 18 days he speaks about. It often involves moral and personal issues at home, that by avoiding sugar is just not going to cover. guyairey

My 3 year old son had been out of control for a long time. He had many symptoms of ODD. He had a short fuse and got angry easily. He always whined and wouldn't sleep through the night. Both my husband and I were at a breaking point, but knew we did NOT want to go the medication route. I always thought our family ate pretty healthy; we would limited our kids sugar/snack intake and we weren't a milk drinking family so I didn't think that my son's 'attitude' symptoms were food/mineral deficiant related. Boy, were we wrong!
While reading Dr. Bob's book I compared my son's 'symptoms' to those in the book. Dr. Bob's book has been a lifesaver! We noticed a difference in only 5 days!
We started w/ the nigtly salmon oil, added flax, changed to soy and rice milk and we are beginning to add vitamins and whole food minerals. We even started the program for all 3 my children.
This book has added a bright future for our children and has given my husband and I the peace in knowing we are actually getting to the root of the problam instead of just medicating the problem. Thanks Dr. Bob.

This book was excellent! It includes a number of recipes for easy to make beauty products. I shared the "basic cleansing cream" with friends and they loved it! And best of all, no chemicals, preservatives or skin irritants...and most of the ingredients are right in your own kitchen! Highly recommend this book!!

This book offers a wide variety of easy yet realistic recipes for your essential oils and homemade beauty products.

This book is the one you want for beginning natural preparations for beauty and health. The author provides a great deal of detail, and there are MANY recipes in the book. One word of advice, though: if you are a beginner, (as I am), I would advise reading chapters 12 through 14 FIRST. There is a wealth of information (such as definitions of the more technical terms the author uses that are not commonly known, resources, and information about the various herbs and botanicals, etc., in these chapters that would have made the book make more sense to me had I read these chapters first.). While still reading the book straight through from front to back, I was given a very LARGE Aloe Vera plant for my birthday for use with several recipes I wanted to try (creams, astringents, etc.). THEN, when I got to the latter chapters, I read that the author prefers using good quality COMMERCIAL aloe vera as opposed to the houseplant product as she feels that the houseplant gel does not blend as well with other ingredients. Not being particularly accident-prone with burning myself,and not being a sun-bather, I was disappointed to learn this and am now trying to come up with ways to use the ENORMOUS amount of aloe vera I now have. Also, I was prepared to start an herb garden including MANY of the herbs I had seen repeatedly throughout the book, just to learn that some of them are BETTER purchased, due to difficulty in growing, harvesting, etc). I am glad I found out BEFORE I had purchased too many of the plants and seeds. There are very good resources listed in these latter chapters as well,which can save you time in researching places to purchase some of the items. The author DOES mention that these resources are located in the book; however, as many people would do, I didn't stop reading to go back and look at the resources at the time. I wish I had have. Bottom line, some of the most helpful information for beginners is found at the END of the book. A lot of the book would have made more sense to a beginner at the time of reading it had the information in Chapters 12-14 been at the BEGINNING of the book. All in all, though, this is an EXCELLENT reference book with plenty of good information and recipes and I am certain I will refer to it often. It is definitely worth buying if you are interested in learning to make natural beauty and health products. I particularly liked the various first aid remedies and products that are safe to use on babies and the elderly. It's a VERY GOOD book.

book arrived as promised . and as written. My daughter in law is into all the "green" and natural and will love this for xmas

This book is what I wanted and more! Love it! Came to find out that the author is local and I may be able to take a class also!

I have tried to stop smoking many times. I have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for over 25 years. Each time I have stoped, I continued to crave cigarettes. Alan Carr's method for stoping smoking worked for me, I do not smoke now. I stopped in November of 2007. I dont crave it, I can hardly belive I ever smoked at all. This Method works so well, I have recommended it to many of my friends. Several have purchased the program and have also stopped. This was the best money I ever spent.

I thought this book was very informative,and yet unusual. He reverses your brain by opening our minds to the the brain-washing we were programmed from many years ago.I thought this book is quite incredible. I would recommed this book and Allan Carrs book on How to Quit Drinking as well to anyone who is considering quitting.It's a MUST HAVE!He is an inspiration and genius!

I don't usually write reviews but all the positive reviews about this book helped me make the decision to purchase it and gave me hope. So I hope this helps you.
I ordered this book out of curiosity and was very skeptic about the outcome. It took me over a month to finish it and I doubted myself the whole time. Yet after I finished reading, I put out the last cigarette and felt immediate relief. The first couple of days were a little strange, because I used to plan my whole day around smoking, but it turned out OK.I have more energy, feel better and even endure the company of smokers easily, without being tempted. This book is about putting your thinking in a different perspective, adopting a non-smoker's frame of mind.
Try it even if you're skeptic about it. You have nothing to loose and so much to gain!
I am getting it as a Christmas gift for all my smoking friends.

...and I am still free from cigarette smoking.

The writing style took a little getting used to, but I allowed myself to believe what it is saying, and I found that I was freed from my previously-held beliefs about smoking. "Cured" sounds far-fetched, but that's how I feel now. I smoked for 16 years, and of the many times I attempted to quit, this was the only successful method.

Try it, even if you don't feel ready to. After all, you can keep smoking while you read the book (indeed, the book instructs you to do so).

As a 15-year smoker, I have tried to quit many times, and have had partial success twice with the nicotine patch, quitting for 8-12 months before succumbing to nicotine again and starting back. I was very skeptical that anything short of a medically-prescribed shot or drugs could cure me of my addiction, much less a book. I tried Mr. Carr's book anyway based on the positive reviews here.

What I first considered a negative, was that Mr. Carr is not a doctor and has no professional training. I subconsciously assumed he was if he was writing a book about quitting smoking. He is just a man who used to be a chronic smoker who was able to quit. Several months after writing this review, I realized that this was a positive, since it seems that much of the medical community advocates Nicotine Replacement Therapy, and doesn't understand the true addictive properties of nicotine. This sounds like a ridiculous assertion to say that a doctor doesn't understand addiction, and I thought Mr. Carr was being pompous when he first made the same claim in his book, but given how many physicians smoke, and how many advocate replacing nicotine with nicotine, it is not so far-fetched. The second negative I initially gave this book was the minor annoyances at reading the book due to some of phrasing in it and how many times Carr repeats the same phrases and ideas. After reading it twice however, I realized that this is done on purpose to drill certain concepts into your head.

Carr's method is really just a mind set and a new way of thinking about smoking that makes it easy to quit. He doesn't focus on describing the dangers of smoking to you or try to scare you into quitting. The entire method revolves mainly around coming to the realization that you don't really like smoking, and that the only reason you do it is because you are a) addicted to nicotine b) brainwashed by social stigma. I have only been a non-smoker for a month but I am completely confident that I will never smoke a cigarette again. I am not worried about cravings, peer pressure, or the influence of drinking and being at a bar (my main problem in the past). Carr's method is different than what he calls the "willpower method," where you quit cold-turkey and see how long you can go. His book has completely changed my viewpoint on cigarettes and after 15 years, I finally realize how powerful nicotine is and how dependent I was on it. What's more, you don't even have to quit smoking while reading it. Carr actually recommends against this, and the book is so effective that by the time you finish it, you will want to quit smoking rather than be forced to.

After reading this book twice, the strongest advice I can give anyone is to FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS. If you haven't already (I had), do not quit smoking until you reach the end of the book. I can't stress this enough.

I strongly suggest anyone who is serious about quitting smoking to read this book, and then read it a second time to full understand it. It costs less than a carton of cigarettes, is a quick read, and likely will save your life.

As to the Audio CD Edition:

I previously read an earlier edition of "Easy Way" from the library, and have found that this 2005 edition is somewhat improved over the previous edition. I definitely recommend anyone considering this book to purchase the 2005 edition over an older one. I purchased this Audio CD edition because I wanted every single resource I could use to help me quit. It comes with two CDs, with about 70 minutes worth of material that they could have fit on one. The CDs are pretty worthless. 80% of them repeat the concepts in the book. That's it. Track 2 on the second CD does contain some new information that I found somewhat useful. It explains mainly how to deal with other smokers after you have quit, and how to deal with drinking after you have quit. Unless you are very addicted and think you really need it, I don't recommend the audio cd edition and would advise people to purchase The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method instead, as it has everything you need.

Absolutely everyone should read Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen! There is something in this book for everyone. Without reservation, I would recommend this book to every single one of my friends and family. This book is overflowing with boundless wisdom, delightful stories, and poignant memories. Remen's writing style exudes maturity, wit, and warmth. The content is brilliant, while the writing and presentation is equally engaging.

Remen's even cadence and steady, rhythmic style of writing lulls the reader into a calm and quiet state of mind - making it even easier to embrace and accept her thoughts and wisdom. Aside from the invaluable insight it offers, Kitchen Table Wisdom is beautifully written. Beyond her years of experience as a noted clinician, Remen should be recognized as a writer in her own right.

Remen's work pioneered a new genre of medicine - combining medical knowledge and experience with a psychologist's approach to healing. Kitchen Table Wisdom is a direct, accessible, and genuine account of her experiences as a practicing physician. Throughout the book, she heals her patients, not only in body, but in mind and spirit as well. While her book can't heal physical ailments, it will most certainly touch your heart and soul. Her work is astounding, and her direct, unwavering account of her experiences is both informative and eye-opening. Kitchen Table Wisdom is completely enthralling.

In short, this is without a doubt the best book I've read in a very long time. I dare you to try and read just one page. Once you open this book you'll be glued to it until the very last sentence.

There was a seeming dual purpose motivating the author to write this book. Remen is a medical doctor who basically tells the stories about how her professional experiences moved her closer to, rather than away from, emotional involvement with her clients particularly as it pertained to the connection between one's spirituality and recovery,amongst other things.
Remen also shares some very deep and moving stories that were shared with her by her clients once she became a therapist.
It's a wonderful read and will be helpful to anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and motivation.

Beautiful sweet touching book that helped me get me through some tough times. Celebrates the human spirit.

I recently had the privilege of hearing the author speak. she is an amazing woman.

For years I refused to read this book after a friend's recommendation thinking that it would be another "feel good" attempt . Boy was I wrong! This book is one of the most extraordinary pieces of writing I have ever encountered. I have read it over and over again many times (the stories are short enough that allow you to read at your own pace). It has actually become sort of a "guide to Life" for me. Furthermore, as story-telling itself goes, is simply masterful. Dr. Remen is a powerful communicator and her wisdom goes beyond "new age". It is a groundbreaking work about mystery, awe and Life with a capital "L".

Rachel Naomi Remen believes in the healing power of stories. She trained as a pediatrician and expected to practice traditional medicine much as her father and other male members of her family had done before her, but something happened to change her carefully planned course.

In the introduction to Kitchen Table Wisdom, Remen tells how her male colleagues frequently knocked on her office door to ask for her help with a crying patient. They believed that she, as a woman, would know what to do. Though she knew no more than they, she felt flattered that they came to her and felt that this helped her be more a part of their exclusive "Old Boys Network." She began to spend more and more time listening to patients share their fears and feelings of living with a terminal disease.

Since the age of fifteen, Remen has suffered from Crohn's disease. As she listened to her patients, she began to feel less lonely and isolated. Probably, her guidance and uncanny understanding of her patients stemmed from her familiarity with physical and emotional pain.

Kitchen Table Wisdom is a compilation of eighty-eight poignant stories that Remen heard over many years, as well as stories of her own life. Her stories demonstrate her belief that a larger process is at work in all our lives and that human beings are "unfinished, a work in progress." She believes we come into the world whole but lose faith in our wholeness and become discouraged by feelings of not being pretty enough, smart enough, etc. " ... our wholeness exists in us now," she writes, "Trapped though it may be, it can be called upon for guidance, direction and most fundamentally, comfort."

No retelling of Remen's stories can do them justice. One of my favorites is "The Question"--a story told by a patient named Tim (now a cardiologist) of his experience at the age of fifteen with his father, who was in the last stages of Alzheimer¹s disease. At the time, his father had not spoken for ten years and was totally helpless. Tim and his brother were alone with their father when he suddenly slumped over and fell to the floor. The brother was calling 911 when both boys heard a voice commanding, "Don't call 911, son. Tell your mother that I love her. Tell her that I am all right." With those words, the man died. An autopsy later revealed that Tim's father's brain had been entirely destroyed by the disease. Tim never stops wondering who spoke those final words. He tells Dr. Remen, "Much of life can never be explained but only witnessed."

The author believes that talking about and sharing one¹s feelings revives memories that can lead to important new insights about one¹s life, bringing about a healing that formal treatment is unable to offer. She says that Shamans believe illness is a direct indication of soul loss. The soul, she explains, is that which is aware of the sacredness we carry and the sacredness that exists in the external world as well. Losing our appreciation for our sacredness, living with sadness, with feelings of unworthiness can manifest illness.

"Life is the ultimate teacher...," she writes. "It is through experience, and not scientific knowledge or expert academic training alone that we learn our deepest lessons." In her lectures and writings, Dr. Remen likes to tell of a sign on the wall of a room in Florida where the elderly come to play Bingo. It reads, "You Have to Be Present to Win." And so it is in life.

by Duffie Bart
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

The Lord's Table: A Biblical Approach to Weight Loss (Setting Captives Free)
I lead a ministry for weight loss at a "Biker" Church; Rushing Wind Church currently in Colton. God has put together this awesome group of brothers and sisters who support each other in our walk to be all God wants us to be. We all have The Lord's Table in addition to our bibles to guide us in our walk. The Lord's Table has given us direction in achieving our goal and beyond. Please keep us in your prayers.
In His Love
A Sister-in-Christ

This study has taken me on a journey into understanding what the bible says about how to eat and how to live in a way that glorifies God. It teaches the importance of studying His word for help, strength and guidance as well as other aspects like having proper accountability. It's so easy to overcome overeating and other bad eating habits when you begin to change your focus from food to God. "Feast on the Lord" it teaches. Well, I say, "Praise the Lord for this study and the people who created it!" Seriously, this study has made a complete change in my life and I now face a healthier future because of it!

This workbook is awesome. It truly shows the biblical reasons for confessing our sin of overeating.
It has been a great help to me in my life!

This has been a very positive experience. It is more than a weight loss program. It is a spiritual growth developer. Weight loss happens as you grow closer to the Lord. It is wonderful. I plan to stay on it the rest of my life. I have lost 22 pounds but have a greater realization of approach to food.

I'm having a difficult time understanding a previous reviewer's comment that Mike Cleveland teaches in this book that his eating plan is the only acceptable approach (vs. Atkins, etc.). The following is a direct quote from The Lord's Table online course:

"Welcome to The Lord's Table! This course is a 60-Day program to help you gain control of your eating habits and to lose weight, if needed. Here is a suggested eating schedule to help you get up and running. The suggested eating days are like training wheels on a bike. Eventually you'll outgrow them, but they're helpful to get you started and you will feel more secure having them guide you. In The Lord's Table, this eating schedule is offered as a guide, not a requirement. Eventually you will develop your own schedule of eating that honors the Lord and produces weight loss or maintains optimum weight."

Doesn't exactly sound like he's saying his way is the only acceptable way to me - does it to you?

I find it frustrating that someone would not only misrepresent this author's teaching, but would cast aspersions on Mr. Cleveland's character as well. He "likes to toot his own horn" because he (supposedly) asked some who have been successful with breaking food's grip on their lives to come to this Amazon site and write a review? Sounds like getting the word out to me.

This is a wonderful program, with spot-on encouragement and firmly grounded Biblical teaching for those of us who find food has far too great a place in our lives. I highly recommend it.