health Books

This is without a doubt the most inspirational book I've read. I've always been a huge fan of Tedy Bruschi's, and after this book I have a whole new respect for him and his family for what they went through. It's a great book for everyone, regardless of how they feel about the Patriots!

Never Give Up is the journey of Tedy Bruschi and how he went from Super Bowl Champion/Pro Bowl participant to hoping he could lead a normal life. Bruschi suffered a mild stroke that impaired his vision and ability to walk. He and his wife Heidi received a crash course in what it means to have a stroke and how it can impact your life.

Bruschi details how this event caused turmoil in his personal and professional life and how he went from being completely striped of any hope of playing football again to becoming a leading spokesman for stroke awareness. The book is well written and a very fast read.

This book is well beyond a book only for New England Patriots fans; it is a great inspiration for anyone who is facing adversity in their life. Highly recommended.

Truly insperational. I love Tedy Bruschi and this shows the heart of a true sportsman and a great person. This book is easy to read and a must read if you are a PATS fan at all!

I haven't finished the book, but what i have read is excellent. It was well written, and I felt it explained in the details of his life.

I am a HUGE Patriots fan and i could not put this book down. I am 14 years old and i have to read every single night and i was excited when i started to read this book. This book makes you think about what you have and the things that you take for granted. Even though the patriots lost the super bowl i got over it quicker than i would of since i had just finished the book. I liked the insight on what goes on and what goes through the NFL players head. You have got to read this inspirational book!

As someone who loves to cook, but doesn't have a ton of cooking skills or time, I found this book to be extremely easy to follow and fast. Most of the time put into these recipes is in washing and cutting produce. Every recipe I've tried has been delicious, with a huge range of flavors for every palate: Sesame Ginger Asparagus, Greek Style Scallops, Stuffed Peppers with Feta and Pine Nuts, Brazilian Style Seafood Stew, Quinoa with toasted pecans, fresh thyme, and dried apricots and cranberries, Yummy frittatas, Stirfrys, recipes for chicken, pork, lamb, beef ... Desserts and breads like, Gingerbread or Raspberry & Nectarine Cobbler & so much more.

I love just thumbing through this book just to gather more nutritional tidbits of information, and get inspired for the next meal. The pictures are enough to get to motivated. I also might add that I LOVE that this is a healthy cookbook, but there is nothing "diet" about it: they use butter, cheese, coconut milk, sauces, healthy oils and seeds and nuts, just in proper portions. And it's all about variety of flavors, textures, colors and the foods you regularly eat.

For anyone wanting to add delicious and good for you food to their plates BUY THIS BOOK! I'm buying a bunch of copies as gifts!

I got this book based on the positive community reviews I read and I was not disappointed. There are so many recipes in this book that I want to make. The Chunky Tomato-Vegetable Sauce on page 109 was absolutely yummy! It is now my husband's favorite pasta sauce! I thoroughly enjoyed the Vegetable Chili recipe on page 185. And everyone loved the Shrimp Curry with Asparagus and Snap Peas on page 94. In addition to the great recipes, the book has great informational sections on recommended portion sizes for the average adult (which is really important re-learning that I have had to do) as well as really important background data behind the science of the diet recommendations (look for this in the back starting on page 286). This is now my favorite cookbook and the first cookbook I consult when I am looking for ideas for what to make for dinner! I have enthusiastically recommended this book to both family members and friends!

I'm on Day 6 of a 30-day vegan challenge (just diet, not lifestyle). I just got this book last week and the timing was perfect. It has dozens of gourmet-tasting but easy recipes that are either vegan or easily converted--vegetable recipes, soups, salads, grains, and even some desserts.

Most of the recipes focus on plant foods (which is the whole point of "the new American plate"). The grains recipes often rely on intact grains, which I prefer over flours. The recipes are pretty simple but contain yummy combos I would never have done on my own, like quinoa with peas and sage, or roasted parsnips with sweet potatoes and apples.

The book has a nice layout, a thorough index, and photography that makes me drool (yes, over vegetables). I just wish I could find more books exactly like this one. I'd give it more stars if I could.

I've been cooking healthy for a while, but this is by far the best overall cookbook (healthy or not) I have come across. Everything I tried has been great. Even my picky daughter has bought a copy and lives by it, so whether you have gourmet tastes or plebeian like my daughter, it is a perfect cookbook.

It amazes me that the best healthy eating cookbook is also the best cookbook for modern American cuisine. My fiance bought this book about a year ago and I am consistently impressed by the variety and taste of the food contained within (it also helps that she is wonderful). My personal favorite: the couscous with raisin, apricot and ground beef.

I've read about 75% of the book and I am fascinated. This book explains wonderfully how movement is a part of posture. The explorations make you tune into your own body and the exercises are simply yet effective. I appreciate how she describes how and why posture affects the way our bodies feel and offers ways to be able to use our bodies in an efficient way. She definately proves that "no pain no gain" is not necessary and how little changes to every day life can make a great improvement in one's life. As a massage therapist, i've become more in tuned with body mechanics and this book is an EXCELLENT resource.

Book was suggested by a physiatrist as part of back rehab program. I found the chapter on strengthening inner core muscles very useful.

This was a great book loaded with valuable information and experientals. Lots of useful information for yoga teachers, movement therapist, PT's, OT's, and bodyworkers. I intend to forma class based on the experientals, lots of exercises and new concepts of proper movement.

I have learned so much from this book. I am sure with the the awareness and the knowledge gained from this book, I will be able to improve my posture in a healthy way. I can already see my dancing and my yoga practices improve as a result. I am so glad I read this book. Mary Bond's writing kept me interested the whole time. I will be buying more copies as birthday gifts to my family and friends.

I am a yoga teacher, and have read many books on the body. Anatomy books, posture books, etc. This book rocked my world.
I thought Pilates was sub-par to Yoga, but his book proved me wrong. We can all learn from eachother.
It will show you how everyday life affects your posture, spine, and outlook.
It's a MUST READ.

Not only is the content amazing for personal growth... it has a nice read-it-with-your-partner tone. A good way to foster honest and productive communication. A great gift for weddings!!

Okay, since I got this book in December... I've now read it cover-to-cover 6 times.

This book shoots straight, and doesn't "beat around the bush". Nina doesn't talk down to you... like you should know all this already. She talks to you, and on a level that's easy to follow along with, and to understand.

Now, I'm not saying I agree 100% with what she has to say... and I'd be lying if I said I did. But, Nina definitely opened my eyes, and helped me to look at my partner in a whole new light.

Not just sexually... but sensually as well.

Thank you Nina, for being so open... and teaching this "old dog" some new tricks.

Nina Hartley's book is the best book I have read about sex hands down. The book combines her years of experience in the adult industry and instruction into one fantastic guide. Nina Hartley gives not only how to tips but also gives advice on how to communicate with your partner and create intimacy. Ninas writing is candid ,easy to follow and intelligent. Anyone, whether just starting out or experienced will come away after reading this book learning something new and having fun with the new knowledge!
Who hasn't wanted to pick the brain of an adult star who does sex instruction also?

This book is definately not for just people who are beginners, it's for the pros too! Lots of very useful information on all sorts of adult topics. The writing is interesting while at the same time very informative. Since Nina is a nurse, she follows hygiene and safety very thoroughly. Not offensive, gawdy or overdone. It's definately not boring! Very to the point with LOTS of handy hints and helpful info. Covers every topic you want to know about but don't usually ask. Would totally recommend this to any adult looking to become more sexually aware. Very good!!! Worth your money and the time it takes to read...great for couples!

I first became a fan of Nina Hartley as a horny teen-ager coming of age in the 1980's and now, at age 39, I love her more than ever. This is because Nina is not just your typical porn actress but a sex positive feminist, swinger and educator committed to bringing to the public her message of sexual liberation, anti-censorship and personal freedom.

This book is divided into 18 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of sexual expression - cunnilingus, fellatio, toys, swinging, erotic bondage and many others. Each section is well written and with very detailed suggestions on how to improve your sexual technique, I actually felt like I should being taking notes at certain points. Most importantly, my wife and I have noticed that our sex life has gotten even better since reading it.

This book goes beyond just your typical sex guide because of Nina's expertise on human anatomy and sensual touch as well as her obvious intelligence and committment to the free exploration of human sexuality as part of the quest for a more happy and fulfilling way of life. Thanks Nina!

In Planet of the Blind, Kuusisto seduces his readers to step behind his flawed eyes and witness a world where nearly everything visual must be imagined, or, acquired through painstaking use of a single eye that is legally, but not completely, blind. His single "seeing" eye may be his Achilles heel throughout his childhood and youth. It is not until he is in his thirties that he acknowledges to himself and the world that he cannot see. Planet of the Blind could as easily be Planet of the Imperfect. Brilliantly written, both touching and often funny, this is a memoir about coming of age and coming to terms with oneself, imperfections and all, curable or otherwise.

Stephen Kuusisto, the author of the memor "Planet of the Blind," is a poet. You can hear it in every word he writes.

His moving memoir focuses on being legally blind and on the challenges he faced every single day trying to pretend he was a normal, "seeing" person. Along the way, you watch him grow up from an isolated, awkward child to a sensitive and extremely determined individual, one who lived in constant fear of being labled not normal, yet whose refusal to get help made everyday living a challenge to his own survival. At the end, he finally gains independence and normalcy in the form of a guide dog. It is a moment that brought me to tears.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written and inspiring memoir, which does read like a poem. It took me just a few hours to read finish it, it was so engrossing. It also opened my eyes to the world of the blind, a world I had never really considered before.

Thank you, Mr. Kuusisto, for sharing your story.

When I picked up this book, I was expecting an autobiography, a memoir of a blind person. I've always wondered how a blind person "sees" the world, so I was curious to read the book. What I got was something much more than a non-fictional account. The prose is absolutely striking, poetic, full of rich vivid metaphors. It inspired tears, and laughter, and rage, and awe in me at different points in the book.

This book is more than a non-fictional autobiography. It's a work of high literature. You will be enriched after having read it.

I was reccommended to read Planet of The Blind due to my interest in writing stories about people who had disabilities and about by own disablility for I'm visually impaired myself and I have an interest in writing. So I read Steven Kuusisto's book Planet of the Blind and found it very facinating and inspiring! I highly reccomend it! I'd love to know what is he doing now and is he still writing and speaking of the book?

As a legally blind person, who had totally blind parents, this vividly written book went a long way in helping me come to terms with my own situation. Like Stephen, for years I was in denial about my own limited vision and tried, successfully for a time, to "pass" as fully sighted. This is no longer possible and I have to face my own limitations head on, as Stephen finally does.

I recommend this book to anyone who would like to understand what living on the "Planet of the Blind" is really like, and for anyone who enjoys beautiful writing.

Paul Jellinek's Promise to Mary chronicles the author's travels through the northeast, south, and Alaska, capturing the spirit of "Faith in Action," a loose confederation of interfaith religious congregations who mobilize volunteers to care for the elderly and homebound. Told in the form of refreshingly original vignettes, an engaging portrait emerges of care-givers and receivers. We see the lines separating them often blurred, with some drawn to this calling by traumatic life events, leaving an indelible formative imprint on their life's experience.

Begun in 1993 through a series of nationwide grants awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the groups were started through seed grants to fund a paid executive to coordinate the volunteer base. The author's visits reveal that most of the original 25 have flourished more than 20 years, melding into the bedrock of community service in their individual locales.

The author skillfully remains the unobtrusive central character, through whom these voices are heard. The human toll exacted over a lifetime is examined in stories woven in a distinctly compassionate literary style. The author's gently probing questions are genuine and heartfelt. He gives voice to those whose eloquence, stifled by their infirmities, reveals their quiet perseverance and he allows them to express simply stated life-affirming truths.

Dr. Jellinek celebrates the nobility and dignity of those who populate the book. The overriding tone is decidedly redemptive and hopeful. Stories of great courage emerge as the unsung heroes of local community service manage time and again to marshal their inner reserves, drawing upon a fragile yet durable support network woven of member interfaith congregations and faith communities. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, largely under the radar. The stories call to mind the importance of small deeds which loom large in the lives of those whom they touch.

The nonthreatening imprimatur of "church" is time and again the narrow margin breached by wary "forgotten souls" who tentatively reach out for much needed help. Their simple but profound acts of faith and trust are to what the program owes its success.

This book should be required reading, especially for those embarking on a career in social work or community service. To read it is to be infused with a sense of all that is possible and to have one's faith in humanity restored, through a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of some of the finest people one could meet. The author succeeds in focusing a deserving spotlight on those remarkable people who populate our everyday lives, but whose heroic deeds are largely unknown, except to those whose lives are quietly transformed by their gentle presence.

This is a book whose power lies in the gentle yet compelling individual stories which emerge, revealing the humanity which lies within all of us. It is also a compelling journey of personal discovery for the author as well as a wonderful historical record of Faith in Action.




Dr. Jellinek documents the sustained viability of what remains a simple but profound formula for success - ordinary people accomplishing the extraordinary, when artificial barriers to human compassion, in the form of preconceived stereotypes are ignored and people are free to relate to one another on the most basic level. By entering this world with Paul as your guide, you emerge hope-filled and humbled by the extraordinary compassion his journey reveals.

Paul's caring and poignant sharing of his journey across the continent and through the years with Faith in Action is one that will warm your heart and hopefully inspire you to look closely at your own community. I will guess that you won't look far to find your own Mary, Gracie, Harold or Eddie Mae. But stop and look farther. Find what it is you can do in your own community and with your own neighbors to help - with or without a Faith in Action project. Paul will tell you from his own experience as a Faith in Action volunteer for many years, that you will get so very much more than you give.

Thank you Paul for writing this important anthology once again proving what a small group of very committed people can do.

Paul Jellinek is a masterful interviewer and storyteller. The amount of depth and detail he was able to uncover in the lives of those he visited in just a few short hours is incredible. For those who take time to assist neighbors in their communities, it is an affirmation. For everyone else, it is compelling work of non-fiction that will keep you reading on and on. It is truly inspirational. I would recommend this book to everyone.

This is a book with a mission. It accomplishes its mission and then some. It spreads the word about Faith in Action, a successful, 15-year-old national program that brings together local congregations of different faiths to provide volunteer help to elderly and disabled individuals. Through interviews with administrators, caregivers and those they help, the book enlightens the reader about the program and its life-altering accomplishments.

The interviews, combined with the author's observations, provide keen insight into many of our country's great challenges--racism, poverty, crime, drugs, isolation, loneliness, abandonment. They also show how Faith in Action and its remarkable staff and volunteers take on these challenges and make a difference. The book is instructive, inspirational, and motivating. Undoubtedly, some who read it will become volunteers themselves.

The book's style is entertaining and captivating. The author brings us along on his road trip to contrasting parts of America where he conducts his interviews--New England, the South, and the Last Frontier of Alaska. Through his writing we share the scenery, weather, accommodations, and food he experienced--the good, the bad, and the ugly. (On the good front, I long for a piece of the "...best slice of pie I had ever had at a restaurant." Inquiring minds should see page 217.)

Each interview is a personality profile. We are introduced to a bevy of characters--some endearing, some distasteful, all remarkable. Among the favorites are the indomitable eighty-five-year-old Miss Helen; Sylvia, who once excelled in the study of mold spores and now excels in administering social services; Kim, whose hard life has transformed her into an expert practitioner of compassion; Jamie, a former wild child turned nurse with unique experiences involving death and dying; and Rodney, a former gang member who has yet to recognize his power and purpose.

The book has a rare attribute--a wonderful use of humor. There are more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Always appropriate, humor is skillfully interjected throughout our journey with the author.

A Promise to Mary is reader-friendly. Because of its clever format--broken out by geography and interview--it can be picked up and put down as the reader's lifestyle dictates. It can be read in one sitting from cover to cover, enjoyed at the beach, or become part of a daily public transportation commute.

I owe a great deal to the book and its author. During my time reading the book, it became my travel companion, making my weekday commute a pleasure. My faith in the goodness of human beings has been reinforced. And I have added one more goal to my list of things to accomplish--becoming a Faith in Action volunteer. Thank you, Dr. Jellinek. Well done.

PROMISE TO MARY is a gem. With a narrative style that rings true, the very real characters are as complex and interesting as any in a work of fiction. The author's genuine, but realistic, empathy provides a welcome antidote to the "kumbaya"-tinged works common to the genre. It is enough to provide even the cynic with at least a modest insight into our shared humanity.

Having had a series of problems with newborn puppies, we found this book and accompanying DVD to be clear, specific and very informative on assisting us with newborn puppies where the bitch was unable to care for her puppies for any reason, or where we encountered problems with the puppies. I would recommend this book to anyone contemplating breeding their bitch.

Great book, wished I had it before my last litter. It is a terrible feeling not knowing what to do. This book at least has ideas to try. Thanks Myra Savant harris!

Just finished the book last week. It was well written and I am glad that I purchased it as my dog is due to have her first litter in 3 weeks. It gave a lot of practical advice and planning tips for just in case something goes wrong. I feel much more confident as a doggie midwife having read it.

I was so happy to find this book. I wish I had known the things that Ms. Savant-Harris teaches in this book back many years ago when I had bred my first bulldog and ended up losing almost a whole litter, even with the tube feeding that the vet had taught me. There are so many other issues with sick puppies that I was completely unaware of. Do NOT breed dogs unless you have read this guide cover to cover and have it in a handy place to refer back to many times, because you'll need it! Once your puppy starts getting sick you better know what to do or within hours he may be dead. A definite must have for breeders.

this book is a must have in your dog library. you will refer to it many times.

GOOD SCIENCE IN THIS BOOK BUT IF YOU HAVE FOUND YOURSELF TO BE CARB HYPERSENSITIVE, PROBABLY NOT A GOOD DIET FOR YOU.

I've lost 38 lbs. since I started this diet about a year ago. I hope to lose about 50 more. For years I tried execise and diets to lose but nothing helped me lose much. Because of the info. these authors revealed, I finally am doing what seemed impossible. Two tips help me. I eat a lot of vegetables at my first meal of the day. That way I'm full enough for the remainder of the day that I can keep my second tip. That tip is that I only consume 1400 calories per day. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this book!

I do not understand...I thought when you go on an anti-depressant it was suppose to help balance your unbalanced hormones and chemicals? I thought it was suppose to give us more serotonin, not less?? I was first put on an antidepressant when a doctor told me it would help give me energy (I was not depressed, I had a long battle with mono and still had fevers and fatigue). I gained about 60 pounds, did not get any energy, felt "odd", not quite myself. It was not fun. Eventually went off the pills for a few years. Then started having anxiety and not feeling very good (blood work showed my hormones were really unbalanced, had me in "post-menopausal" in some areas, even though I was only 30 yrs. old and still menstruating, but just my hormones in general seemed all out of whack),so I was put back on another antidepressant. I thought these meds were suppose to help us feel better, more calm, less stressed, sleep better, put us in balance, etc. Why do they seem to do little other than cause major weight gain? I am considering buying this book. If you follow the diet, does it help you more than antidepressants? Anyone gone off their antidepressants after following the diet for a while? (I'm not talking about those with bi-polar and major depression for whom the meds have truly helped and been benefical, but for anyone who has had doctors pop them on antidepressants when you weren't really depressed?).

I ran across the Serotonin Diet recently in a magazine article. The magazine gave a Cliff's Note version of the "pure carb" snacking concept. I at first dismissed this concept, me being a Low Carb convert. But, I have always struggled with binge eating. Even after losing 60# recently (low carb dieting) I was still not in control. Although I have maintained my weight loss it is a constant binge then diet cycle. I live in constant fear that I will lose the battle. I read this article on the second day of a 2-day binge. The next day I was resolved to be good on my diet to recover from the bingeing I had been doing. In the afternoon (my binges always hit in the afternoon and/or evenings) I could feel a binge coming on (uncontrollable urge to go get something "bad" out of the work vending machine). I remembered the article I had read and instead I bought a bag of Rold gold pretzels and ate those. I was astounded at how it filled me up and took the binge urge away - nothing has ever worked like this before in my life!! Absolutely amazing. The following day I again had the binge urge and again I bought the pretzels and again another binge was averted. It seems as though it takes time for these urges to go away (maybe they never do) but I now have a tool for fighting back other then willpower (which has never worked on binge urges)

I have just ordered the book and hope to learn more about how to make this a lifestyle and never have to worry about binging again.

This is fabulous. I find myself feeling much healthier by following the simple steps and regulated snacking. It really shocked me the difference this diet (now a lifestyle) made in my life. I feel better, my body functions better and in conjunction with yoga, the overall quality of my life has improved.

I bought this book for my husband who has always wanted to raise a small farm of beef cattle. He took the book along on our 2 week vacation to Europe and completely devoured the book! He loved it, says it's the best single book on the subject he's ever seen! He has now requested the same series for pigs. (We already have the one for chickens). Oh, our first calves will arrive in a few months!

This book is easy to read, conversational, and incredibly informative. I got some great ideas from it. Hard to put down....
Well worth purchasing!

Book is reasonably informative but about half of the book is simply on birthing cattle.....which is a skill that obviously is important, but not something that I expected in this much detail in what I thought would be more of an overview manual. So ended up being more technical and specific that I had hoped.

The book is thorough and simple, and covers every aspect of raising beef cattle. Well written, and interesting, too.

I wish I had this book in the beginning. I could just about cry when I realize all of the pains learning i went through trial and error. This book is right on to the point about handling cows.

A+++++++++++++++++++

Supreme Love: A Battered Woman's True Story
This is a story that was very compelling from the beginning to the end. Kelly was very honest and open in writing her story, and it is clear that she learned a lot of hard lessons along the way, while making a better life for herself and her children. This is an on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of story that shows how happiness for a family can turn ugly with abuse. However, her cloud does have a silver lining when she finds the love of God. Given the fact that Kelly did the book without an outside publisher/editor, it does have several grammatical flaws, but the story is so very intriguing that these can easily be overlooked. Overall, the story was a great read, which I would recommend.

Kelly has done a phenomenal job writing this book! With her bravery of telling the truths of her story, no matter how personal or emotional it may have been, she brought out the reality of what goes on behind closed doors.

-It opens the eyes of people who are blind to what kind of pain a battered woman goes through.

-It gives the survivors of domestic violence strength to know that they too can get through the pain of the past and go on to have a much happier and fulfilled lives.

- And it reaches out to the women who are still in a battered relationship, giving them hope (knowing they are not alone).

Which is why I just purchased another copy to send to a dear friend. I know this book will reach out and inspire her as well!

-Destiny

This is an excellent book. A book that will open eyes and raise awareness of what goes on in a home filled with domestic abuse, and how a victim copes, and how an abuser operates. This should be in the hands of every community official who can make a difference in fighting domestic abuse in their area. It should be in the hands of every victim of domestic abuse. If possible, it would be excellent to force every abuser to read, but most would never read it because they would not want to see themselves starring back from the pages of the book and confront their own demons. I am praying that this author will be able to start the ministry to victims of domestic abuse that she has the vision for!

I love this book! It provides so much insight into the life of a woman, and her family, and what they dealt with for so long while living with an abusive man. And brings to light how devastating emotional and mental abuse truly is, as well as physical. Kelly Cyr also does a wonderful job providing her readers with details of the surrounding countryside, as well has historical data. I am enthralled with this book, and suggest it to anyone who is now, or has lived with domestic violence, in any of it's forms, as well as anyone who would like more insight on the actual life of a survivor! KUDOS KELLY!!!

I just finished your book yesterday. I must admit that when I bought it from you at the fair I wasn't sure I'd ever even read it. When I finally started it a week ago I truly was unable to put it down. I haven't got much done this week.

I was really disappointed when I ran into you a few years ago and you said you wouldn't return to nursing. It seemed like a loss to our profession. After reading your book I have changed my mind. I think you need to write. Keep it up.

The book was just tragic. I had no idea you were in such trouble. I wish I could have been there for you, Kelly! Maybe if I had actually come to one of the parties you invited me to I could have seen it. Sorry. You know if you ever need anything again, please call. I know we didn't work together long and haven't kept in touch, but there are only a few people that I consider friends and you have always been one of them.

Love you,
Nancy

Posted for Nancy Elmer, Great Falls, Montana