Reviews (9)

A Deeper, Truer Look At Bipolarity (And A Young Woman's Life)...
I've re-read this book twice since discovering it.I continued to admire its emotional authenticity and intellectual clarity, which wind up allowing the reader to get beyond the wealth of misconceptions that surround bipolarity.This book goes way deeper and further than most personal-experience books on medical/emotional conditions.

Abandon all hope, ye who don't take meds.
Initially, I enjoyed the author's narrative style.To my dismay,the book quickly became a one-sided rah-rah session for big pharma.The author often states the necessity of educating oneself about their bipolar disorder and the need to comprehend the scientific side of mental illness.Unfortunately for the author there is no scientific evidence of a genetic factor for bipolar illness.The perpetuation of this illness in families could just as easily be attributed to environmental and behavioral factors.In fact, in pharmaceutical ads circa 2006 the best drug companies can do to cite this evidence (since it does not exist yet) is to say that theoretically, there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.Although there have been studies that document lower levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brains of ground-up mice, there has never been a scientific study that proves the role of neurotransmitters in CAUSING mental illness.
A Pleasant Surprise
This book was a very pleasant surprise. The author takes us through her journey of challenges & triumphs. While reading this book, because of what the author went through in her life, I was able to see when my bipolar disorder was triggered. It had never occurred to me, but I'd been put on an anti-depressant & it caused me to become manic. I realized this in the summer of 2005 and the mania had occurred in 1996.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Medical - General    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Women    7. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (245)

Excellent!
Having been with someone with several addictions - I got into reading self help books - this one I rate VERY highly - it explains well the trouble in recovery from addiction - covers drugs, alcohol and other addictions.Drew Pinsky is brilliant making it into a story of his life in treating patients with various problems.
Addiction smoke and mirrors
I have this book and I listen to Dr. Drew almost every week. I like him and I like most of what he says. On the other hand, he always seems to think that every adult life problem can be reduced back to some "abuse" during childhood. It is like a broken record. Someone calls his show and he "spot diagnoses" them in like 6 seconds as a child abuse "survivor". It is almost like self-parody.
A very compassionate work
I must say that I was incredibly impressed with this book. Having enjoyed Dr. Drew on Loveline and on his new round of shows on the Discovery Health Channel, I figured I'd like this book - I was right. It shows not only the struggle of his patients, but also his struggle as a doctor, showing compassion for not only his job but for his patients. The subject matter all in all is actually very uplifting and inspiring.
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Subjects:  1. Addiction    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Anecdotes    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    8. Essays    9. Medical - General    10. Patients    11. Rehabilitation    12. Services for    13. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    14. Substance abuse    15. Treatment    16. Biography & Autobiography / Medical   

Editorial Review

The name Alf Wight may not ring too many bells, but as James Herriot--the author who brought the British countryside into millions of homes--Wight certainly made an impressive mark. He grew up in Glasgow and enjoyed a boisterous childhood before deciding to embark on many years of training at the Glasgow Veterinary College. Wight finally qualified as a vet in 1939 and moved to the Yorkshire town of Thirsk to accept a position as assistant to Dr. Donald Sinclair--the man known to millions of readers as Siegfried Farnan.Read more

Reviews (33)

Just as nice in real life as he seems
In a time when family hostility and division is "in", it is a relief to read about the close, loving relationship Jim Wight had with his father, Alf.Some people may be a bit disappointed with the lack of scandal in the life of the "real" James Herriot, but I for one am glad that the veterinarian that we loved in "All Creatures Great and Small" was just as sweet and unassuming as he seemed to be in his books.I think this book is a beautiful labor of love to Alf Wight by his son, and it says a lot about the man that Jim Wight took the time to do this.I'm VERY glad he did, because I read another "biography" of Alf Wight that I thought was despicable.It was written by someone who obviously was trying to squeeze some kind of juicy dirt out of Alf Wight's life and just ended up unnecessarily (and I think cruelly) impugning Alf and his poor wife over very trivial matters -- because there really wasn't anything big.Finally, this book made me laugh out loud several times!You've gotta read about the real Siegfried.

Good as a memoir, less so as a biography
I enjoyed the book very much with one caveat.It reads as a very long eulogy.The author continually defends his father, especially the veracity of his stories, and continually asserts his perfection as a human being.James Wight clearly loves his dad and wants to cement his sterling reputation, but after a while this approach wears thin.There's little drama or conflict.Even his father's depression is glossed over.In short, the book is a fine tribute but lacks the analysis that I expect of a serious biography.

A must read for any 'James Herriot' fan
Having been an avid fan of the All Creatures Great and Small television series as well as proud owner of all the books by the fictional vet, I have to say I was overjoyed to read this book, because it set to rest some things I had seen and read that had become a part of the whole 'James Herriot' myth.Now I know Mr. Wight and appreciate the man even more because his son has written a thoughtful and thought provoking book about the real man flaws and all.Was surprised to learn that he was actually born in England but as an infant his parents moved to Scotland. For years like so many people I assumed he was a Scotsman.Was interesting to read of his upbringing, why and how he went to vet school and how his marriage resulted in children that would also go into veterinarian medicine.Its a great read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. England    6. General    7. Herriot, James    8. Medical - General    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Veterinarians    11. Yorkshire    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (54)

A place for everything and everything in its place
I recently found out that my daughter has aspergers.It was in some ways devastating and in other ways a relief.I understand now.This book helps me understand. Though i haven't quite accepted it, i am beginning to.Books like this one are essential in helping communicate the seemingly uncommunicatable.Thank you.

Do you understand?
I am diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and compared to Liane I have been a lot less successful at having a more mainstream life. If I don't tell people I have Asperger syndrome they think I am strange, stupid, and unpleasant. If I do tell people I have Asperger syndrome the first thing they always say is how `normal' I seem despite it. I guess telling people you have AS lowers their expectations of you and the standards they judge you by, totally altering their perception of what you are like. Asperger's Syndrome Thinking
I really enjoyed reading this book, because it gave me insight into the thought processes of people with Asperger's.This will definitely help me in interpreting my son's thinking and helping him get back on track, as he tends to be very literal in his understanding.The appendices were also very helpful and I recommended this for my nephew who is soon going to college and needs to find one that will support Asperger students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome    2. Autism    3. Autistic Disorder    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. General    7. Medical - General    8. Mental Illness    9. Patients    10. Personal Narratives    11. Popular works    12. Psychology    13. Specific Groups - Special Needs    14. Willey, Liane Holliday    15. in infancy & childhood    16. Biography: general    17. Coping with illness    18. Psychiatry   

Reviews (2)

A Joy to Read
The impact of the Johnson family -- and particularly the "gentleman rebel" at the center of Larry Foster's book -- on the community, the health care industry and society at large has been documented in a way thatis illuminating, satisfying and inspiring.Attention to detail, theproviding of context and respect for the subject, along with gracefulwriting, make this book a joy to read.

THE THOUGHTFULREBEL
The usual authorized biography is worthy but not worthwhile; the author has traded access for freedom to write what he damned well pleases.In this case, Foster, though not writing an "approved" or subsidizedbook, has given up nothing -- he knew and genuinely liked his subject,despite having worked for him. Robert Wood Johnson, NOT the Johnson whojust bought himself a professional foootball team, was both a gentleman anda rebel but he did establish for one of the premier American companies acredo which helped to build it and, even after his death, to keep it on theright course during the Tylenol crisis, a triumph of responsible capitalism-- and not incidentally of well-handled public relations . The authorminimizeshis own role in handling this potentially widespread anddangerous situation.The book is rare in its genre -- well written,humane, interesting, and valuable to anyone interested in top drawerAmerican companies, the economy, public health, public service, the livesof the rich, and more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1893-1968    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Business    6. Historical - U.S.    7. History    8. Johnson & Johnson    9. Johnson, Robert Wood,    10. Medical - General    11. Pharmaceutical industry    12. United States    13. Johnson & Johnson, inc.    14. Johnson, Robert Wood    15. Philanthropy & Charity    16. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation   

Reviews (8)

A Brilliant Biography of a Brilliant Doctor
Despite almost a century since his death, William Osler persists as the `the grand old man of medicine', a life devoted to doctoring and doctors, who has supplied inspiration for many generations of physicians in the United States, Canada, Britain and the Continent.
A Real Eminent Victorian
William Osler remains an iconic figure in American medicine.Osler is taken often to epitomize the physician who brings a crticial and scholarly approach to the bedside in conjunction with compassion and empathy.In this very well written biography, Bliss traces Osler's life, his achievements, and examines how he assumed iconic status and whether or not this status is deserved.Bliss is particularly well equipped to undertake this task.A well known specialist on Canadian history, he has written other fine books on medical history in a Canadian context. the good doctor
This is, quite honestly, a hefty tome, but no less may be expected when writing about the greatest American physician who ever lived. Bliss presents us with a detailed, well-paced, and engaging biography of Dr. Osler, from his childhood days in Canada to his final years at Oxford. Being both a student of medicine and a Baltimorean (currently), I took a special interest to the chapters devoted to his post as the first chief of medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1849-1919    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Canada    7. Historical - General    8. History    9. Medical - General    10. Medical - Physicians    11. Osler, William,    12. Physicians    13. Practice Of Medicine    14. Sir,    15. Biography & Autobiography / Medical    16. Biography: general    17. History of medicine    18. Medicine | History of Medicine   

Reviews (5)

Bryson City Secrets:Even More Tales of a Small-Town Doctor in the Smoky Mountains
I have read all of his books and they were most enjoyable.I have visited in that area many times and feel I knew places he was talking about. I also have enjoyed Deep Creek with my family.He is an excellent writer.I couldn't put the book down, couldn't wait to see what would happen next.Many sad things took place, but ended with a good satisfying ending, knowing all those involved would come through in being honest.

The darker side of Bryson City
This is the third book of a trilogy by Dr. Walt Larimore who writes about his memories as a young husband, father, and doctor in the small town of Bryson City in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.As in the first two books, this one contains a lot of self-deprecating humor, such as when Dr. Larimore is coerced into being a bridesmaid in a "womanless wedding", a local fundraiser.There are humorous moments when Walt is called on to be a vet rather than a doctor, touching times of treating a blind man and his seeing-eye dog, and amazing incidents such as the first birth of triplets in the county.At the end, the story turns darker and the Larimores are faced with a difficult decision which they make through prayer and good advice from friends.This book and the other ones in the series are highly recommended reading.

Both enjoyable and inspirational
If you've followed the story of Dr. Walt Larimore's medical practice in the Smoky Mountains from BRYSON CITY TALES to BRYSON CITY SEASONS, you won't want to miss BRYSON CITY SECRETS. This latest installment continues Larimore's enjoyable stories of small-town rural medical practice, and explains why he and his family mysteriously left the small town they loved to move to another state.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Bryson City    6. General    7. Medical - General    8. Medicine, Rural    9. North Carolina    10. North Carolina - Local History    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Physicians    13. Practice Of Medicine   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (56)

Not political, just good
I'm a college student who just finished reading the top 10 books of all time according to modern librarians. Upon finishing the list I decided to pick up this book... this book is better then anything on the top 10 list. Will future generations view the books as so? I strongly doubt it, but for those of us living today this book is defiantly more relevant and possible more important then say "The Grapes of Wrath". This is the "Catch-22" of the Iraq War written by an actual soldier. If your worried about it being a political book, so was I first, but I found myself offended on both sides of the political spectrum when it came to this book, which leads me to believe that it's not too one-sided at all.

Could Not Put It Down!
Read right through without sleep and never bored.Felt as though I was physically there within every chapter and could not WAIT to get to the next chapter.
Buzzell is a Natural Narrator
Buzzell's book, My War: Killing Time in Iraq, is significant, not only because of his outstanding story of becoming a soldier and spending a year in Iraq in a combat zone, but more importantly this book is a first look into a natural story teller. Buzzell could write about his observations from a trip to Walmart and I'll buy it! He has a knack for making the most mundane event interesting. He does this with his vivid account of his observations, his witty humor, and his use of the English language, which is like no other writer and makes his writing exciting and easy to read. Watch out for Colby Buzzell's future projects! Colby, don't let us down, imbed yourself in any situation and write about it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Buzzell, Colby    3. History    4. History: World    5. Iraq War, 2003-    6. Medical - General    7. Military    8. Military - General    9. Military - Iraq War    10. Military - United States    11. Military History - 1990-    12. Military Personal Narratives    13. Modern - 21st Century    14. Personal narratives, American    15. Biography & Autobiography / Military    16. Biography: historical    17. International relations    18. Iraq    19. USA    20. Warfare & Defence    21. World history: postwar, from c 1945 -   

Reviews (4)

Paracelsus too elusive for this biographer
I was very excited when I first learned that this biography was going to be published, because there is really not much out there about Paracelsus, and only a small portion of his vast number of works have been published in english.I read Manly P. Hall's small but masterful work, but there is not too much else, in print anyways and easy to obtain.
Pirouetting physician
If any age in human history can be called "pivotal" it must be the 16th Century C.E.Nearly every major social norm, from national law through religion endured significant upheavals.It was the time of Martin Luther, Erasmus, Copernicus, Thomas More, Calvin and a host of others.A nearly forgotten element was that of medicine.For centuries, the hold of Galen, through the Church, had dominated medical thought and procedures.Not until this pivotal time did a figure emerge that seriously challenged this monopoly.Philip Ball has produced a lively and informative biography of Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim - the man we know as "Paracelsus".
A fine recommendation for students of Medieval studies and early medical history alike
Paracelsus as a 16th century figure famous as a doctor of alchemy medicine, who gained a reputation in his times as both miracle worker and a fake. THE DEVIL'S DOCTOR: PARACELSUS AND THE WORLD OF RENAISSANCE MAGIC AND SCIENCE draws together all known about Paracelsus to provide an in-depth and detailed biography of not only his theories and importance, but the controversies surrounding his life and the Medieval world in general. A fine recommendation for students of Medieval studies and early medical history alike.
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Subjects:  1. 16th century    2. Alchemists    3. Alchemy    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. General    10. History    11. Medical - General    12. Medical - Physicians    13. Physicians    14. Renaissance    15. Science    16. Scientists - General    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (7)

Gibbs Great Insights
This is a powerful and insightful book. I did not realize how misleading the information had been during the Schiavo case.

A Powerful Book!!!
This book was written from the perspective of David Gibbs, the lawyer that represented Bob and Mary Schindler (Terri's parents). Mr. Gibbs advocates strongly for the "sanctity of life", as opposed to Judge Greer's "quality of life" view.Mr. Gibbs tells the "Behind the Scene story" the media misrepresented. Mr. Gibbs offers suggestions to help stop this travesty from happening again to someone whose "quality of life" does not meet up to the standards of others.

Excellent Book
Fighting for Dear Life by David Gibbs III is an excellent book. Gibbs is an attorney who represented Terri's parents in their fight to save their daughter's life from a cruel death by dehyration/starvation.He writes about his experience with Terri Schindler-Schiavo and her family.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Christian Ethics    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Case studies    5. Christian Life    6. Christianity - Christian Life - General    7. Coma    8. Ethics    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Medical - General    11. Moral and ethical aspects    12. Patients    13. Public Policy - Social Policy    14. Religion    15. Religious    16. Right to die    17. Terminal care    18. United States    19. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (3)

A good book in need of an update
This is a good book in an interesting format - a collection of comic strips that chronicles Lisa's battle with breast cancer. This format is more accessible for many who read comic books or strips. There are several strips in Lisa's Story that are NOT available on the King Features website.The strips are from 1999, the book 2000.In 2006, there was a "second chapter" in the story:recurrence. I hope that Mr. Batiuk publishes an updated version of Lisa's Story collecting all of the strips, including the ones from 2006.Now out of print, but definitely worth ordering at the available prices - I ordered one for me, and two for the local oncology center's lending library.

a cutesy/powderpuff look at primary, early-stage bc
Like so many breast cancer books out there, this one fuels one of the great myths of breast cancer today: Lisa survives the disease and they all live happily ever after. This and many of the texts on breast cancer tend to gloss over the reality: that no one is ever really safe from the possibility of their cancer returning. And if it does, there's really nothing funny about it. A book with wide appeal
As a woman surgeon who treats women for breast cancer, I was intrigued by this book. I found it delightful! It treats a serious subject with just the right touch. More importantly, it is loaded with insights into breast cancer, the way patients and health care professionals interact, and the reaction of family and friends. The front part of the book reprints the story of Lisa, who discovers a lump in her breast, copes with diagnosis, treatment - including surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstruction, and gets on with her life with a good sense of humor. The back part of the book has one of the best selections of resource material for breast cancer patients and their families that I have ever seen. This is not just a book for women - it's a book for their husbands and their families and friends. Finally, it's a book that medical students and physicians should read - it holds up a mirror to the medical profession and laughs gently at our shortcomings. Carol Scott-Conner MD PhD, Professor and Head, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Breast    4. Breast cancer    5. Cancer    6. Comic books, strips, etc    7. Consumer Health    8. Diseases - Breast Cancer    9. Medical - General    10. Women's Health - Breast Care   

Reviews (16)

Solid credentials but too abstract
--Dr Alvord writes about her journeys as a Native American student and physician.The book seems clearly designed for non-technical readers rather than the professional medical community, and there's little medical jargon. She uses her own difficult pregnancy and the death of a beloved grandmother as case studies in integrating Western medicine and Navajo ideas. READ THIS BOOK
I picked up this book and I could NOT put it down.What a wonderful journey described here....how she interlocks traditional medicine with Navajo, how harmony and positive spirit is such a process in the healing world.You will not be disappointed with this read. I have shared this with all those close to me.Make it part of your list

What We All Want in a Doctor
This book was recommended by a friend, and after I read it, I chose it as my selection for my book club.Living in the Southwest, the insight into Native American culture was especially educational.Alvord seems to confirm what so many of us as patients have been saying for years:give us a doctor who will take the time to get to know us on a personal level and treat the whole person.I would recommend this to men and women, young and old alike! What an amazing woman. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Ethnic Cultures - Native Americans    6. General    7. Medical - General    8. Navajo Indians    9. Navajo women    10. Social life and customs    11. United States    12. Women    13. Women surgeons    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (11)

Journey of Healing.
I should stress from the start that this book is extremely well written. It requires a special talent to combine scientific, clinical prose with personal, emotional and philosophical insight. This book is remarkable on many counts, but its value lies in Sacks' honesty, uninhibited rendering of the personal, by and while incorporating his desire to see his profession, neurology and psycho neurology, evolve from a largely `veterinary business", the dualistic approach to the mind as `mental' or `physical', to a science combining both approaches, in what he would like to call the "neurology of identity". In his terms, he would like to see neurology take "a great jump - to jump from the mechanical model, the "classical" model, it has espoused for so long, to a totally personal, self-referential model of the brain and mind". (p.189) This text eloquently strives in this direction. Quietly revolutionary
I must disagree with the reviewer who says Sacks is better when not writing about himself.His whole point in this book, it seems to me, is that we must speak from the "I" (the present consciousness) if we are to understand what he calls a neurology of the self.I think Sacks is one of the best writers working--he embodies the ideal of combining the humanities and the sciences in his eloquent, incisiveprose.I found this book quietly revolutionary in its attempt to write a new kind of narrative of the self.I read it in 24 hours and could not put it down.

on becoming a patient
On one level, this is a doctor-becomes-patient story, with the many revelations that come to those in medicine who suddenly find themselves at the other end of the stethoscope. For anyone who's been a patient, there's some satisfaction in reading stories like this in which an ill or injured doctor finds out "what it's really like" to be in a hospital bed and more or less at the mercy of the medical profession. Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. England    6. General    7. Health    8. Leg    9. Medical - General    10. Neurologists    11. People with disabilities    12. Psychological aspects    13. Sacks, Oliver W    14. Wounds and injuries    15. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Features

• Unabridged

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Animals    3. Audiobooks    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. England    9. General    10. Medical - General    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Pets    13. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    14. Veterinarians    15. Yorkshire   

Reviews (41)

Exciting, sad and frustrating
This book takes you where no one will go and where few have been; the past of a SEAL and the men whom he knew. It does so in a way that is exciting and at the same time sad and frustrating. Here I saw how politicians keep this elite members from doing their job the way they learned; with accurate effectivennes. It also shows the personal sacrifice these men go so we can sleep well. Wanna be Special Forces, Delta, SEAL's and politicians must read this.

Not what I was looking for
If you are looking for a book full of special operation missions that end up engaging the enemy, this is not the book.
Great love scenes in Warrior Soul
I loved this book.I couldn't help but skim past the missions onto the love scenes.The detail is great.But my only complaint is that thanks to you Chuck I threw away my option at getting a bs in Molecular Biology for Psychology(which is easy) at UCSD, just because I thought I was getting old and I have 2 little ones in preschool.Bad decision to give up on research.I'm going back to school to make myself useful when I am happy in a relationship because I like to cuddle.I married someone that didn't share the same interests as me.And when we met I asked him why he didn't try out for the SEALs.I guess I felt shy when I was down there on the island trying to hook up.Thanks for the tips on working in the chow hall well I think that was in the other guy's book and that's a good idea.I hope they hire me.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Medical - General    6. Military    7. Military - United States    8. Military Personal Narratives    9. Naval Organization And Administration    10. Navy    11. Navy.    12. Officers    13. Personal Memoirs    14. Pfarrer, Chuck    15. SEALs    16. United States    17. United States.    18. Biography & Autobiography / Military