health Books

Dawn Rochelle has lukemia and her 15th birthday is comming up she starts wondering if she will live to see it.Then she gets a big surprise her big brother comes to town Dawn soon finds out that teddy is getting married Dawn is so excited.When her lukemia takes a turn for the worst how much time will she have before her big 15 or the wedding or will she even live to see it?

I love the Dawn Rochelle novels. I love how the author goes into good detail.

For the past year, Dawn has been in remission. Though she has to be in remission for four more years to be declared "cured", Dawn's blood tests have been coming out positive, and life continues to go on. Then Rob, Dawn's older brother, arrives home from college with great news- he's getting married! His wife-to-be, Darcy, is pretty and nice. But Dawn senses that Darcy doesn't like her because of her cancer. At first Dawn wonders if maybe she's just feeling jealous of Darcy's perfect life and attitude, but when Dawn's cancer returns, with only a bone marrow from her brother to save her life, Darcy becomes more and more upset, which causes her brother to become upset, too, and Dawn is afraid that she is ruining her EVERYONE'S life with her cancer. But that won't last much longer if the transplant doesn't work...

This book was very touching. It talked about the closeness between Dawn and Rob, and Rob's loyalty to her in this rough time, when death is waiting at Dawn's door. It was very interesting, and was a page-turner for me. I ended up reading it from beginning to end in only one morning. Like the last book, it also talks about cancer, and is educational if you want to know what cancer really is. I recommend it to girls who love good books!

The second book of the Dawn Rochelle series...it was astonishing. The book is one true pageturner, and not only that, it brought me to tears. I cried twice in one day, as I've gone on directly to continue with the second book in the series since I got to read the first one.
Lurlene McDaniels has an unbelievably hypnotizing gift with words; she's truly remarkable. Once again, I recommend everyone who has the slightest bit of feeling in them to read it.
It's wonderful and heartbreaking.

I Want to Live is a really good book. I like this book because it tells you what it's like to have cancer. I don't think this book could be any better. If you were looking for a book I would recommend this one especially if you were a girl.

Dawn, the main character, was in remission, but then she needed a bone marrow transplant. Your going to have to read it yourself to find out what happens.

Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return
this was a great book. It's really scary from the perspective that it reinforces what we hear that we must take charge (or someone must do so on our behalf) of our healthcare options.

Into the Blue is a funny, touching, inspiring and educational ride that we all need to take to deal with what this life may hand us. Edsall and her sister did amazing work with their dad in a situation many of us have or will have to deal with. Buy multiple copies and send them to everyone you love.

This book is the fascinating story of two sisters and their dad who was suffering from a stroke. The sisters are determined to get him back to his airplane. In this book the author underlines the support a patient needs from his doctor for a fast and safe recovery. This book will definitely be a welcome read to any one suffered from a stroke.

After eliminating my coffee habit with the help of a wonderful coffee substitute made from soya beans called "Soyffee", I'm feeling so much better. My doctor recommended it to help lower my cholesterol and promote strong bones. It's available online at www.S o y c o f f e e.com.

I loved this book! The writing was so sharp and funny, and the story is heartwarming and hilarious, without being overly sentimental.

Susan Edsall does suggest you go off coffee slowly before you start the plan. This would minimize headaches during detox. I couldn't wait to get started so, of course, did it all at once and had the most horrible awful headache for 4 straight days. I finally broke down and had a 1/2 cup coffee one day instead of taking aspirin and that did the trick...for the moment.

You feel as if you've known the author and her family all your life after reading this book, and you really care about them.

OK, I'm humble enough to admit I was wrong. When one of my best friends, a Volvo-driving soccer mom if there ever was one, suggested that I read and PURCHASE "Into The Blue", I was skeptical at best. Scenario: author and sister rehabilitate stroke-afflicted father so he can - *gag* - fly again. Yet another "chick" book. Ho-hum.

So untrue. It's been a long, long while since I've been so entertained, overwhelmed, affected, whatever, by a memoir. Susan Edsall has a great gift for writing, and for viewing the world by crushing the rose colored glasses. If this were simply a novel about how our heroine pulls her dad back from the abyss, it'd probably sell a bazillion copies in the romance section. "Into The Blue" is not simple - not by a long shot.

First off, it should be required reading for every med student, neurology resident, or anyone who has contact with stroke victims. The start of Edsall's tale is pretty grim; not for what happened to her father, but for the reaction of the medical community to his plight - indifference, condescension, and that "oh well, that's what happens, nothing we can do" type of nonsense that we've all seen too well from supposed professionals who you'd think would have more insight and creativity to go with all that specialized education.

Love of a parent pushes the Edsall family into a series of tough decisions, but the neat part of this book is the places that they come to as a result of these mileposts. The author seems as surprised as the reader at times by the way in which her father's stroke and her family's actions cause her (and all of them) to reconnect in new and very meaningful fashion. Susan's descriptions of her relationships past and present with her mother, her husband and above all her sister Sharon are hysterical - and very moving. I could relate 80 percent of her patter to my own family, which was an experience both interesting and disturbing!

This is a tremendous piece of writing, worthy of wide distribution and discussion.

This book not only contains all you need to know about running but also goes into great medical and scientific details. Dr. Tim Noakes is a true schollar of sports science and had managed to blend the experience of many elite athletes together with medical research and scientific fact into a compact journal - the true Runners Bible!

I bought this book because I'm told it has everything about running. It does, but, as a beginner, it's not what I was looking for. It doesn't advise so much as educate. I can now tell you all about pronation and the history of waffle treads, but I'm still not sure what my next pair of shoes should be.

Excellent and thorough book though. I've read much of it.

This is a broad, sweeping view of running, primarily from the marathon and up. Noakes covers history, physiology, current runners, ethnographic issues, and several other topics. It is very readable and each chapter is well edited, so that it can stand alone.

Noakes own views also comes through - over-training did in Bedford and Hill. My only comment is that over-training does in every runner, but perhaps this is the cost of burning brighter rahter than longer.

There are several other subjects that can be lumped into all the other various purveyors of training thought - Hadd, Lydiard, Daniels, Canova. They are all directly or indirectly addressed here.

This is the ONLY comprehensive text touching on virtually the entire spectrum of issues surrounding running which I have found. Noakes has his opinions, but this in no way detracts from this fine read.

VERY detailed and explains WHY certain training recommendations are made. I'm a physician and was surprised how technical this book was. If you are not scientifically minded, this is still a great reference, but do not plan to read this cover to cover unless you took a lot of biology in college. I have used this book for help with an injury and the recommendations and explanations seem very sound. If you are merely looking for training schedules, there are other places to find them, but this book has a wide variety of "formulas" for race preparation. For serious runners, this book is a bargain. Probably cheaper and more useful than any running shoes or other equipment you are putting on your wish list.

Noakes's book on the "Lore of Running" covers just about everything, from what happens inside your muscles to training plans for various races, from biographies of great runners to how to stretch. Noakes seems to be writing both for the runner who wants a deeper understanding of the sport, and for the runner's trainer.

Despite the specialized nature of some of the subject matter, Noakes's writing is quite readable. If you like endurance reading and endurance running, treat yourself to this book.

The book is well-written, informative and has an excellent presentation style. It is quite up-to-date.

After I had hysterectomy 6 months ago, I started HRT as my doctor suggested. Then I started to worry about osteoporosis and began my search. I read another book about osteoporosis written by some M.D. I did not find the answer to my questions but I got very scared and felt I may have a fracture in any day now.

Then I read this book, mainly because of the many good reviews right on this site. Now the other book looks total trash to me. As other reviews states, this is by far the most ground-breaking medical related book I've ever read. I skip the detail because I would just repeat everyone else.

I'm very angry to my doctor who prescribed the HRT to me, knowing about the serious side effect( it's beyond side effect, it's a major effect), and if he didn't know about it, I would be angry all the same. He told me to take this for 9 years. I couldn't believe that this controversial trial happened several years ago and doctors still prescribe it for the same purpose.

This book made me realize that "Ask your doctor" "Talk to your doctor" commercials are just commercials, and that to doctors, I am merely another customer. Arm myself with the right knowledge may win in the end, but it's not at all easy to find the truly trustworthy medical information. So I was very lucky that I found this book, because if not, I'd still have continued that dangerous drug, and in 6 months who knows if I had a complication and died from it, nobody in my family would be suspicious about the drug I've been taking. And no doubt that I would have been depressed till the day I die.

I thank and have a great respect and appreciation to Ms. Sanson as well as to reviewers who took time to write an honest, genuine opinion in order to be beneficial to others.
I don't think I go see a doctor now, after I learned that those tests are not standardized internationally. How ridiculous is that I may be ill at one place and may be totally healthy at another place. (There are other amazing facts throughout the book.)

I'll try to maintain my body well using the suggestions from this book. I don't have to be told if I'm in what stage of illness with some unreliable method. I don't want to worry every day when I will be on a wheelchair. I just try to be careful with doing everything I can to prevent it, and there are plenty of it.

This book is an eye-opener. You'll have a whole new perspective on bone care and a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopoenia. Invaluable information for managing your bone health that can make a difference. I am not only confident in my previous decision to stop medication, but am making important dietary change that I wish I had known about 40 years ago. You'll find that milk isn't what your thought it was!

I wish I had read Gillian Sanson's book before I let a doctor talk me into taking one Boniva pill seven months ago. I had a terrible reaction and, because Boniva and all bisphosphonates stay in the body forever, I am still suffering from debilitating bone and joint pain. Ms. Sanson is right when she says not enough research has been done on bisphophonates. Her book provides a valuable public service. Now if only we can get doctors to read it.

This book completely changed my view about osteopenia and osteoporosis. Please, read it, specially if you're diagnosed osteopenia. I'm a very healthy woman and didn't have the habit or the necessity of taking any drugs since I discovered I have osteopenia. The doctor prescribed me Fosamax in order to try to avoid early osteoporosis. For the first time in my life I was taking a "serious" drug. I started to get fatter and fatter in my belly region. And then I read this book! It was my salvation and I'm back to normal healthy life.

After reading some of the enthusiastic and grateful reviews for this book, there is little that I can add. Clearly, everyone who reads Trisha's tale is able to extract something that aids female life in today's world. Apart from cessation of hot flashes following Trisha's suggestions, the most important information for me was that menopause does not immediately throw ladies into the visage of dried up sexless old crone. No one should start gulping hormones in fear of losing youth and good looks--Trisha has blazed the trail for all of us, looking much, much younger than her years and living and loving life.

I had heard about this book but when I went to get it in the hardcover it was out of print. Well, when it hit my local bookstore in paperback, I got a copy and devoured it in a few hours. It's been a lifesaver! Thank you Trisha for not making menopause into the negative journey that most books cast it as, and thank you for not only giving those of us who fear hormones a choice, but for so clearly setting forth a natural path that works. Since going on Trisha's regimen, my hot flashes are history, and I feel much better and in control (not to fail to mention 12 lbs lighter on the scale!)
With all the new news on hormones, this book is a MUST for any woman approaching menopause!

I have long been troubled by the two available sources of menopause advice: 1) questionable medical research relying on broad generalizations and possible drug company resources; and
2) women who have "passed through," and present their experiences as if they had just fought the Gulf War single-handedly.
I've never trusted "research" on HRT, and I'm very tired of the "rite of passage" horror stories.
There's also the unasked question--HOW DO WOMEN WHO ARE CURRENTLY VERY PHYSICALLY FIT AND EATING WELL FARE IN MENOPAUSE?
Those of us who have been following many of Trisha's suggestions for years are lumped in with all other women and told we're going to shrink/dry up/get fat/fall apart at exactly the same rate as the rest of the female population. I don't buy it. And I'm glad Trisha has written a quick, personable, and very readable book about the alternative opinions and options.
I'm 52 and I've been resisting HRT now for several years. I work out for an hour six or seven days a week--I'm a black belt in Shotokan Karate. I welcome Trisha's suggestions for the non-HRT path. I'm with you, Trisha!

Anyone facing menopause either directly or indirectly (you men out there could benefit from reading this book, too) should read Trisha Posner's account of her own battle with the changes being forced on her, and how she dealt with them. From the most common - hotflashes - to the least - auditory hallucinations (one which I have experienced) - Posner lists the symptoms and side effects of menopause in a highly organized and informative way.

Posner's own interest in a less clinical approach to menopause arises out of her family's history of breast cancer. She had a very real fear that hormone replacement might trigger cancer in her own body, and so she went out to research the alternatives. She's a professional researcher, and has done the research for her husbands books on history and current events. She is meticulous in her work and it pays off for her readers here in the assurance that she has thoroughly investigated the available information on each aspect of menopause.

While she never prosletyzes for any regimen, she does outline her own program very throughly (exercise, nutritional supplements, particularly soy; dietary changes) explains the thinking behind each point, and gives the reader an honest assessment of her progress. It is not her intention to persuade any of us that this is the right way, only to show that there are always alternatives to medical intervention for treatment of menopausal problems.

Her research is persuasive, her plan of action one that virtually anyone could follow. That doesn't mean that everyone will be won over to her way of doing things, but that's okay, too. The benefit of this book is in its wealth of information, not in any plan or magical formula. I recommend it for anyone who wants to understand this life passage a little better, and recommend it highly for those who want to take more control over that passage.

According to Posner, reducing fat intake, running, and weight training are a really great way to lose weight and reduce menopausal symptoms. She expresses great suprise about this, which makes me think that she slept through the 1980s. Who wants to pay for yet another book that discusses this subject in great length without adding a single new thing?

I found the author's perspective rather difficult to take. She repeatedly makes reference to her wealth, yet make no reference to how expensive her herbal recommendations are. She repeatedly makes the point that men are attracted to her still, that everyone is shocked that she's old enough to be going through menopause, and that her husband is the most supportive man on earth, which, frankly, he seems a bit creepy in the book.

If you're not bothered by her narcissicm and ignorance of excercise and diet information popularized in the 70s & 80s, you might find value in her herbal recommendation, so long as you can afford the hundreds of dollars it will cost you each month.

Instead, I recommend: New Menopausal Years : The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed.

I enjoyed this book because I am a cancer survivor. Mr. Jordan also
discussed and gave an inside look into political events that happened
events over 2 decades ago, which I found to be interesting.

I read this book years ago and never forgot this brave uplifting man as he fought his battle with cancer. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing today. His words will live on for anyone facing life's greatest challenges.

Not many books kept me up past my bedtime but this ranks as one of them. Jordan is frank, lucid and at times funny but I would prefer if he elaborates on his tenure as chief of staff further. I'm sure the conversation he had with Carter in his old car campaining for this little known person then would interest a lot of people...well he left that part out.
This book is about hope and doing something about it.

Hamilton Jordan tells of his inspiring victory over the deadly disease that affects us all in one way or another - cancer. He also tells the intriguing and compelling history of his brief tenure in the White House under Jimmy Carter as well as the inspiring story of his uncle, who fought racism in rural Georgia ahead of his time.

But above all, this book provided me with a shot in the arm while I was in the hospital for over a month with pneumonia. Feeling somewhat down, this book really lifted my spirits.
Jordan proves that a positive outlook and one deeply rooted in prayer and faith in God immensely helps those in dire medical circumstances. I am a walking monument and a true believer of the power of prayer and faith in God.

I highly recommend this book to everyone - whether you're sick or not. It is ineffably a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling after you put it down. A great gift to someone you love - including yourself.

I have several relatives with cancer,including my son who is a childhood leukemia surviver. I bought this book expecting to learn more about dealing with the diagnosis of the "Big C". I got that and much, much more.

This book is an inspiration for those touched by cancer, but also an inspiration to see how seemingly small decisions or details in life can a have huge impact. It also is an insider's view of what life in the Deep South was like in the mid-19th century.

Whether you read this book to better understand how to deal with cancer, how to face difficult circumstances in general, or how how a single person can make a huge difference in the lives of others, or just an interesting read you will not be disappointed.

This book was a fascinating autobiography of how becoming a `cyborg' made Chorost more human. A cyborg is "shorthand for cybernetic organism..., and is defined by WordNet as `a human being whose body has been taken over in whole or in part by electromechanical devices'" (7). He approached the book by explaining the human side of having a computer control one of your senses. Instead of thinking about the fact that he would be able to hear again, he was having trouble with the fact that he would not be in control of his hearing. It is a unique story detailing the process of cochlear implants, as he describes his fascination with computers, and his witty sense of humor all of which was complemented by his scientific background. It is a heart felt story that showed the life of a man adjusting to becoming a `cyborg'.

Chorost had been partially deaf his entire life relying on hearing aides to allow him to hear. The story starts off describing the tragic day of losing what little hearing he had left. He gave such distinct detail that you know exactly what he is going through. While he was thinking his hearing aide batteries were dying, he actually was going completely deaf. His hair cells are still intact and can be triggered with electrodes, which led him to be a candidate for cochlear implants. Contemplating the idea of having a computerized chip in his head was overwhelming and he gave an interesting point of view of his dilemma. To him, it was more than being able to hear again which is how most people would view cochlear implants; it was losing part of being human and being controlled by a mini computer scared him. The same kind of technology he was obsessed with was going into his body.

Throughout the book he talks about the struggles he had as a kid with his hearing problems and really explains his way of thinking. He really allows the readers to involve themselves with the story, and seems to say exactly what is on his mind about his new implant. He speaks of the foreign object in his ear and just spits out whatever thought come to his mind. It gives a vivid imagination of what he is going through and the side effects, so to speak, of a surgery of this kind. It shows the implications and hardships that have to be overcome to hear again. "The essence of the cyborgness is the presence of software that makes if-then-else decisions and acts on the body. It's the `acts' part that is important." His concern for not having control over one of his sense is a troubling matter for him. He is very skeptical about being `switched on' and when he reenters the world of hearing he feels like he is playing a guessing game in deciphering their words. The daily struggle of dealing with his new computerized hearing system was apparent.

Chorost went into detail about the anatomy of the ear and how the damage actually occurred to allow the reader to understand how the cochlear implants work. He keeps referring to being less human due to the non-control of this computerized system attached to his skull. He says sixteen electrodes are working to stimulate the neurons in the cochlea to decipher sounds control his hearing. "It was strange that I should be so stubborn about perceiving the world in one and only one way, because the exact thing I loved about computers was their infinite malleability, their ability to create worlds out of imagination "(75). After switching a few electrodes off, he was finally able to hear and distinguish sounds again like the difference between male and female sounds. "The software had not changed. The world presumably had not changed. What had to have changed was my brain" (86). He believes the brain is plastic and "when a part of a body changes, so does the area of the brain that controls it" (87).

He describes the everyday normal stuff he goes through as not being so simple and easy. For example, getting a cell phone was a large task because he has to find one that would not interfere with his processor, one that would enter a patch cable and then of course one that works in the area he resides. He even talks about the difficulty of his sex life and how that works out for him. His openness about his personal life might surprise or offend some readers, however, I loved it. This is because that is exactly how I write and would like to read a book like this. It allows for a deeper understanding of what the author is going through by learning various aspects of his life. He also goes into his longing for a group of good friends and the different ways he goes about doing it.

By adjusting to his implants, he realized they helped in more ways then he ever imagined. " The computer invaded the sacred domain of my body, yet to my own astonishment we learned to work together as a total system, mutually changing each other in the process. I fed it lithium-ion batteries; it fed me electrons. I altered its software; it repartterened the dendrites in my auditory cortex. We have literally reprogrammed each other" (156). "The one hundred and forty thousand transistors in my skull give me sound, but they cannot make me listen. Its only when I listen that my cyborg technologies make me a better human being" (183). Over the years, his hearing improved with the software updates. He attributes this improvement to neural plasticity, as his auditory cortex is completely rewired due to the increase stimulation.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of this book. As a partially deaf girl, I can closely relate to the author. The way he described hearing aide batteries dying and the way it sounds when you put a new one in is exactly what goes through my mind. It was cool to see how he really spoke what was on his mind and that other people know what I go though on a regular basis. I also enjoyed his detailed description about the cochlear implants because I was never sure how they actually worked. Due to his writing style, to "just read this book" is an understatement, it's more like you experience the book. This book was provoking, and well written with a unique writing style that was an enjoyable and educational read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that wants an extraordinary read.

Rebuilt: My Journey Back to the Hearing World

Michael Chorost does an excellent job of explaining the *human* side of cochlear implantation, offering a perspective that just understanding the mechanics does not. I found myself drawn into the book as he described his feeling of despair, as the little bit of hearing he did have mysteriously failed one day.

Chorost also provides an insightful view of life in the Signing community, and how the implant may ultimately result in its demise. While I don't agree with those who call this 'genocide', those chapters provided an interesting and thought-provoking point of view.

The book is not flawless. Sometimes the author's meanderings on life as a cyborg seem to have no clear destination in sight. But the perspectives provided more than made up for the occasional drift. As someone interested in Augmented Reality, I viewed these chapters as a sneak preview of what the next few years will bring.

I also found Chorost's discussion of his sex life to be gratuitous, by which I mean that had it been omitted, I wouldn't have finished the book saying "That was a great book; I only wish I knew more about what he did in bed." But others may find these passages make the protagonist more human. I guess that's what makes horse races.

All in all, definitely a worthwhile read if you're interested in getting beyond the electrodes and MIPs and understanding the human side of all this.

This is a very well-written book but it was very technical and dry in places. I still ordered my own copy of it since the subject matter is an important one for my family.

I have a CI too and I don't consider myself to be a cyborg or part computer. I consider myself lucky and fortunate to be in a time where this is possible. I lost my hearing suddenly before we left for a trip out west to the Rockies at the age of 34 and a young mom of twin boys that were not even two yet. Scary? Oh you betcha. I got mine for a variety of reasons but mainly because I needed to hear. Like the author of this book, I had grown up wearing hearing aids. So getting the implant was a necessity for me and one that I am eternally grateful for.

This book is very interesting in the aspect of technology and how cochlear implant works. This book would be perfect for my husband and dad to read since they love anything technical. But all the references to science fiction turned me off as well as his personal stories about his dating/sex life. I honestly don't care about that so that is why this is rated a three stars instead of a four. If they were trimmed out or modified, then this would be a four.

I really do appreciate the section on how the Deaf Culture changed from the year of 2000 to 2004 (or something like that). I did watch the movie, "Sound and the Fury" and for the first time in my life, I had a glimpse of what the Deaf Culture is about (not that I agree with it). This author went into more details (and got me to order more books on that subject) about something that has changed since I was a child. As a mother of a HOH child who may be a candidate for a CI, this book is helpful in sharing information that I may not get otherwise.

This is an interesting book and a great introduction to cochlear implants and how it affects one man's life and how it affects society today. It is a good read and a helpful one.

4/28/08

Excellent book for the hearing impaired and non-impaired alike. Much detail on living and learning to adapt in a hearing world. Highly recommended.

When I started going deaf, people often said "Well worse things can happen". That is certainly true. Deaf is not dead. But there is a connection that maybe only a poet should make, and Michael Chorost was deaf and is a poet, so he can speak with a poetic inner voice that rings true, even though I will never be able to hear anything really ring again. For now, I have not yet gotten a cochlear implant and simply struggle to hold on to my rapidly diminishing hearing by increasingly expensive and often frustrating hearing aids. Michael's story has helped me to better accept my loss: technology cannot give me back my hearing the way it was, but it can help, and I am certainly not dead. Indeed, compared to Michael and many others, I am really very lucky, since I had many long years of good hearing, and now I look forward to more years of great living even with the hearing loss. I thank Michael for helping me to gain a measured, realistic, perspective on my deafness. This is a book about living, not just about living with a disability.

This system of movement has assisted me to release old tensions that I was unable to access or release in any other way. Truely a way to rejuvenation.

The past few years I've been practicing various types of meditation and decided I wanted to combine meditating with movement, so I turned to the internal martial arts (Qigong, Tai Chi, Xiang Yi, Ba Gua). After speaking to several internal arts teachers from sound linneages, they all recommended starting with Qigong, and to spend at least half a year only mastering several postures before moving on to the other forms of the internal arts. I bought this book because Master Lam's method seemed in tune with this belief, and I was pleasantly shocked at the results of this book:

--The book says to expect changes over a span of weeks; after the first day alone my back felt more loose, stress free and relaxed then it had in years.
--I no longer have the need to drink caffeine in the morning to keep me up throughout the day.
--I've slowly started to be able to detect an actual physical presence of chi throughout my body (this is coming from a fairly rational/logical, non new-agey type of guy).
--My overall mood and energy has improved.
--I have a much more peaceful state of mind.
--My hypertention has been completely erased; I can calm anxiety driven behavior down much more easily, and have learned to control and regulate my breathing.
--It has helped my cardio activities, long distance running & basketball, immensely. I feel I have more endurance, more balance, and more confident in both sports.

I owe a huge thank you to Master Lam for publishing a book that is simply written and easy to understand, while containing a wealth of information about the forms, postures, breathing, visualizations, anecdotes, meridians, and other information about Qigong, and Lam's specialty of Zhang Zhuang in particular. I'm still shocked at how much learning these postures has improved my life and brought me both physical relief as well as inner peace. Highly recommended.

This book really does a good job of explaining standing (Zhan Zhuang) and Qigong to the beginner. My sifu had recommended that I do standing practice, and had taught me a qigong set, and I found that reading this book helped me along. Some of the things (such as the Ba Duan Jin qigong set) differ slightly from the way I was taught, but basically the book is right on the money, and does a good job of helping you understand what everything is for. I also like the warm up exercises before standing that he shows, they really do help. The book is very well illustrated also, which is a plus. Highly recommended, especially for anyone into internal martial arts.

This book is arguably the very finest introduction currently available to the practice of QiGong, especially for those who do not have access to a trustworthy living teacher. QiGong's burgeoning popularity has generated a plethora of both violently skeptical and credulously New-Agey essays. Rather than taking either on faith, you can actually experience internal Qi for yourself and make up your own mind as to its value, using this volume as a guide. Lam Kam-Chuen is one of a tiny handful of QiGong teachers who are fully qualified to write a practical instruction manual geared to the average Western person. For those who want to actually experience the truth about Qi for themselves rather than chew an academic cud of pre-digested dogma, this book is worth its weight in gold!

The Way of Energy provides a step-by-step, almost month-to-month introduction to the practice of Qigong.

Many Qigong books are too "Eastern" for Westerners to read, or are too technical/textbook like, spending many pages going over the meridians, cavities, times of day and orientation. This is required knowledge for advanced practicioners, but gets in the way and is intimidating for introductory students.

The Way of Energy starts of with a simple, straightforward standing meditation. After a brief introduction to Qigong, Part One introduces two standing positions, discusses how to start with a few minutes then work your way up to many, a good section on breathing and has an excellent section describing the sensations most people experience when starting Qigong practice (this section is worth the price of the book for most beginners).

Part Two (which the text recommends proceeding to after a few months) introduces the Eight Pieces of the Brocade Qigong exercies (called Ba Duan Jin in this text) and introduces three additional and advanced standing positions. The reader is instructed on how to integrate these two new pieces into their practice. While the Eight Pieces of Brocade positions vary slightly from other texts, their descriptions are excellent and their purpose briefly but clearly explained.

Part Three describes four advanced standing positions and imagery exercises for the practicioner to begin managing their Chi. The last part of the book describes how to integrate these disciplines into everyday life.

In summary, an excellent introductory step-by-step guide. For more technical works, I would recommend the Qigong Meditation series by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming (Embryonic Breathing, Small Circulation and the forthcoming book on Grand Circulation).

What a gem of a book. Nadine Haobsh has created the go-to bible for all things beauty. She covers everything- from salon etiquette, to what products to splurge on, and best of all, what items to save money on and buy at the drugstore. Every single item I have purchased that she has recommended has not disappointed me. Anyone honest enough to say that a $6 bottle of drugstore brand fashwash is better than the ones in high department stores is a hero in my book.

Before I read this book I spent over $125 in foundation, concealor, and powder. I had red, irritated acne-prone skin. Now that I am following her product advice, I am spending only $70, and my skin is the best it has ever been. Also, I was spending $35 a bottle for a salon brand of intensive conditioner. She recommended Aussie 3 Minute Deep, which only cost me $3! And best of all, it works even better!

My only complaint is that there is no sequel (yet) to this excellent book, as there are a few products she recommends that are now discontinued. But do not worry; she writes that if items are discontinued, what alternative to look for in clear detail so that you don't wander stores unsure if your choice is a match.

Finally, a book that gives you real beauty advice, saving you time, money, and puts the fun back into beauty. I have been introduced to wonderful new products, and have had so much fun using them while saving myself money. I could not recommend it more highly. This book is worth its weight in gold.

I just received this book and I am flying through it! It's very informative, and entertaining as well! The first thing I did was run out to Target and purchased some L'Oreal Elnett hairspray. I am glad it is now available in the US. The advice is fantastic. I love the hairspray! I am also a HUGE fan of Bare Escentuals. I can't wait to finish the book, and I look forward to future books! I will continue to read the book, use it as a reference, and try the recommended products to look the best that I can.

This is by far the most fun beauty book I've ever read. It gives you great beauty advice. It's written very well that it keeps you wanting to read and read! It's hard for me to finish reading books but this one was easy, entertaining and I actually finished reading it, something I don't do with most books. It has some funny remarks that made me laugh as well, which made reading it that much easier. If you're a beauty addict this book is a must read, the advice is so helpful!
- Patty

This book was amazing and I highly recommend it for all the girls out there who feel like they were out of the room when the "How To Be A Girl" Book was handed out to all the other girls. I never wore makeup and was honestly afraid of it before reading this book. How do you know what to wear, what colors work for you, and dear God, how do you apply it? Being to shy to ask my friends, because a 30 year old really should know these things, I foud my answers in Nadine's book after a beauty expert friend of mine mentioned it on her blog. What a difference! I am no longer terrified of going into Sephora, wear makeup daily and actually feel naked without it on, and feel so girly! It boosted my confidence because I tried new products that have helped my acne and made my skin shine! Overall, I've started taking care of myself, inspired by Nadine's book and pointed in the right direction by her. She gave me the tools I needed to take the initial steps towards beauty. Thanks Nadine!!!

I purchased this book because I was planning on doing my own wedding make-up, and though I thought I was well-versed an make-up application, etc., it turns out I didn't even know what I didn't know! Beauty confidential is chock-full of useful and time-saving tips, as well as information on what you should splurge on and what you can buy on the cheap. It is also entertaining and adorable. Nadine, herself, is also very willing to answer any personal beauty questions that you may have.

This atlas has real cadaver photos for all areas of the body. The fact that the pictures are real will help when studying for a practical exam in anatomy. The only negative aspect is there are around 50 pins per page which could be annoying when searching for a part you want to find.

The Color Atlas of Anatomy was recommended to me as a reference for designing implantables and surgical instruments.

As a non-anatomist, I found the illustrations and cadaveric photographs to accurately reflect my cadaveric surgical trials in the wet-lab.

I often referred to this atlas while designing an Achilles Tendon repair instrument and other orthopedic surgical instruments.

There are not very many books of this type of presentation to begin with so I must be careful here as to how I may sway your opinion of high priced books. Color Atlas of Anatomy has been a staggering companion to my study of Human Anatomy. After careful study of Grey's Anatomy for Students along with Clinically Oriented Anatomy I don't believe I was ready for what was presented in the fifth edition of Color Atlas of Anatomy. Astounding revelation. I don't know there may be a few of you that have actual access to Anatomy Laboratories but I must say everything is in the right place as far as what I was told in the books mentioned above but this book is something else as far as what you see is what you get. Color photographs make short work of any pedantic ravings of the layman's terminology. I never did get to go to any medical school in North America but I'm sure that any student there would agree there is no trick photography here.

There are 1158 figures with 1035 in Color and CTs and MRIs as well. All in 8 chapters and over 400 pages. This is not a book to leave out for the hackers to scoff and judge so keep it under your bed or better still in your locker at your Medical School.

Most of the Medial Schools that I want into have this required or recommended as a text and unless you can say something's changed in the last hundred days since 2007 all is as it should be.

I consider this book to be a must for any anatomy student. The pictures are exactly what you will see when you enter the lab.

In case it isn't clear from the description or title, this is an anatomy atlas made up of photos of actual human bodies. I don't know why we didn't have this in A&P. Fascinating, and a nicely produced book as well.