Reader Views

Perplexity of Iran

Article first published as Book Review: Perplexity of Iran by Sohrab ChamanAra on Blogcritics.

Iran is one of the world’s oldest, continuous civilizations. Iran’s potential to negatively impact the U.S. and its allies came to the fore after World War II. Today, there is a wide-spread perception among Americans that Iran is the last vestige of the so-called Axis of Evil. While there is little doubt that the U.S. could readily defeat Iran militarily, the perplexing question remains: “What then?” In his new book, “Perplexity of Iran,” Kurdish Iranian-American Sohrab ChamanAra offers his own thoughtful and heartfelt answer.

Sohrab ChamanAra is a citizen historian, not a scholar. The 68 pages of content are straightforward and easy to follow - more of a lengthy essay than a book. And ChamanAra prominently clarifies from the beginning that the “information in this book is most often copied from Wikipedia…as this Internet Encyclopedia is the best English translation of the facts…accepted by all Muslim scholars.” He has done good job of paring down this scholarly writing. He is quietly passionate about what he writes and his motivation appears to be a genuine respect for humanity and a desire for world peace.

“Perplexity of Iran” begins by providing the reader with a relevant topline historical perspective on the strategic positioning of the Iran, within both its own geographical region and in relationship to the West. The author then moves to significant insights into the cultural and social relationships between specific groups within the country. ChamanAra refutes the perception of a relationship of violent conflict between the Shia and the Sunni, at the same time, confirming long-standing hatred between Wahhabi and Shia. He also explains the notion of a “proxy” war going on within the region between these two factions in which “…American troops could regard as bystanders.” ChamanAra wraps up his analysis of the information he presents by offering what he believes is the only true solution to the perplexity of Iran.

For the average westerner, especially Americans, the leadership and actions of the Iranian government and of certain radicals within the country, incites anger and hatred. “Perplexity of Iran” by Sohrab ChamanAra provides notable insights and explanations of the misconceptions - which fuel those emotions - about the social fabric of the country and of its people, particularly the admiration and high regard the average Iranian (certainly not the government) has for America. “Perplexity of Iran” might be considered by some to be too simplistic in its approaches. But it is, at the least, a thought-provoking, easy-to-follow primer, offering the personal thoughts of an upstanding Iranian-American, on a difficult and complex problem affecting us all. And it might just compel the average American to reconsider his or her own thinking on the matter.


Perplexity of Iran
Sohrab ChamanAra
Xlibris (2012)
ISBN 9781469168562
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (4/12)

Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence

Article first published as Book Review: Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence by Lisa Frederiksen on Blogcritics.

“Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence” by Lisa Frederiksen is a very important resource for professionals and persons involved with those with alcohol issues. The reader will be able to learn the difference between alcohol use, abuse and alcoholism. Three stages of drinking are discussed. Twenty-one myths about alcohol are presented and an appendix is included with additional information and resources. The material is presented in a very easy-to-understand manner that is backed up with referenced scientific evidence. By clearing up the myths regarding alcohol use and dependence, readers who are engaging in alcohol use might recognize patterns that could be leading them to dependence. Hope is also offered for those who are already alcoholics, but the treatment involved is much more extensive.

Persons who have to deal with those close to them who are abusing alcohol will receive a great deal of eye opening information that will give them a better understanding of their roles with these individuals. This also involves gaining an understanding of how difficult it is to deal with Second Hand Drinking (SHD). Learning about the three stages of drinking will help them identify which stage the drinker is at. The higher the stage, the more extensive the damage is to the body, especially the brain. This is why it is critical that this information be read as soon as possible.

Having a Master’s of Science degree in a counseling field that covers rehabilitation counseling, I was very impressed with “Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence.” By writing the material in such a concise manner and backing it up with resources, including a link to the author’s site, this book is the perfect tool for those who are in need of this information. This book should be required reading for those pursuing careers in substance abuse. I really liked that the author clears up the many myths that are circulating regarding drinking. Ignorance and misinformation about alcoholism is prevalent in our society and in the media. I once asked a recovering addict of drugs and alcohol at what point he felt a person was an alcoholic. He personally felt that a person didn’t have a problem with alcohol until they started waking up in their own urine. This man has a doctorate in Chemistry!

I am very happy to have had the opportunity to have read “Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence” by Lisa Frederiksen. I feel that it will have a huge impact on being able to deal with those who are users and abusers in both my professional life as a college counselor and in my personal life as a human being with friends who have issues.


Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence
Lisa Frederiksen
KLJ Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780981684468
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/12)

Gentling: A Practical Guide to Treating PTSD in Abused Children, Second Edition

Article first published as Book Review: Gentling: A Practical Guide to Treating PTSD in Abused Children, Second Edition by William E. Krill, Jr. LPC on Blogcritics.

The first edition of “Gentling,” by William E. Krill, Jr. LPC, published in 2009, was met with much praise by parents, clinicians, victims and others involved with treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)   in abused children, particularly those traumatized by sexual abuse. The second edition of “Gentling,” Published September, 2011, includes revisions and three new chapters on adolescents. Krill’s approach is still considered ground-breaking in its reliance on both compassion and empathy in his treatment model.

In the new forward of this second edition, Marian K. Volkman, CTS, and Editor, “Children and Traumatic Incident Reduction,” writes: “In today’s world of trauma-informed treatment, you might assume that an understanding of the effects of trauma, and abuse would be at the center of any population of traumatized persons. The treatment of children lags considerably behind that of adults in this regard.”

At the core of the broad-based advocacy for Krill’s approach is his simple definition of gentling as “the process of delivering the balm of gentle gestures.” The absence of this common sense component in conventional treatment methods has frustrated many, and readers with little familiarity with this subject will likely be taken aback by the current state of affairs in the treatment of PTSD in children and teens.

“Gentling” is clearly a resource book directed primarily to professional clinicians. Content includes an extensive appendices, containing profile and data collection forms, handouts, and ‘Quick Teach Sheets.’ But the book also includes specific chapters and content that will aid parents and foster parents, caregivers, teachers and school staff, and child protection services workers and judges. Krill’s uncomplicated, deliberate, and easy-to-follow writing style makes the book comfortably accessible to a wide range of readers.

According to the National Center for PTSD, child protection services get about three million reports of abuse each year. Of this total, they estimate that about ten percent involve sexual abuse. It is important to note that they also indicate that it is thought that two-thirds of child abuse cases are not reported. Given this assessment, there is no question that William E. Krill’s “Gentling” is relevant and important, even beyond the significant number of people who are currently touched by childhood PTSD resulting from abuse. The concepts of “Gentling” clearly appear to work, leaving no doubt that this book is a must- read for all those now engaged in this daunting struggle. I would also recommend “Gentling: A Practical Guide to Treating PTSD in Abused Children, Second Edition” to anyone who is concerned about the well-being of future generations of children.


Gentling: A Practical Guide to Treating PTSD in Abused Children, Second Edition
William E. Krill, Jr. LPC
Loving Healing Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615991068
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (2/12)

The Drug DUI Handbook

Article first published as Book Review: The Drug DUI Handbook by David N. Jolly on Blogcritics.

Mr. Jolly has written a very comprehensive overview of how the drug DUI process works. It is easy to read and understand. Mr. Jolly is an expert in the field and is a Washington State DUI defense attorney. In addition he has written several other books on the DUI and Drug DUI process.

" The Drug DUI Handbook" covers topics from field sobriety tests and DUI-drug investigations to how they determine results for a variety of popular drugs. One of the interesting sections included the 12-step DRE  (Drug Recognition Experts) protocol. The 12 steps include: breathalyzer; interviewing the arresting officer; preliminary examination and First Pulse. I was really amazed at the thoroughness of this assessment. Some of the drugs that are examined include: simulants; depressants; hallucinogens and narcotics. Another interesting point about the DRE is that it is done behind the scenes and most individuals who have been arrested never see this. This assessment can last up to 45-minutes, depending on the type of drug ingested.

One section I thought he should have expanded more on was investigating individuals over the age 60.  Many of these individuals have medical problems, take medication and because of their age cannot complete the tasks required successfully. Another concern was the author citing lengthy references within the text; it was very distracting when reading. My suggestion would put footnotes and add the footnotes in the back of the book.

“The Drug DUI Handbook”is an excellent resource for those working in the field, or families that have been impacted by a drug DUI. It provides valuable information to use when consulting with legal counsel and education awareness in a Substance Abuse Program. This is one reference when teaching my Advanced Addiction Counseling college class.


The Drug DUI Handbook
David N. Jolly
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432777647
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/12)

Tree Whispering: A Nature Lover’s Guide to Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants, and All of Nature

The subtitle of “Tree Whispering” tells the reader exactly what is in this concise and brilliant guide: Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants and All of Nature.  Compilations of stories, teachings, guides, exercises and information by both renowned Tree Whisperer Dr. Jim Conroy and Chief Listener Basia Alexander lead us through basic knowledge of how anything living can be communicated with.  Their conversational style of writing drew me in and I felt as though I was in a workshop with them while gleaning valuable information to add to my own knowledge and take my “whispering” to a higher level.

I’ve communicated with animals and nature for decades, listening to their voices.  For me, reading “Tree Whispering” confirmed that, yes, we as human beings can hear and respond to any living organism in this world, and probably beyond.  I resonated with Dr. Jim Conroy when he said “For years, I have been listening to trees and plants, learning how to come from their points of view.  To do that, I have had to check my ego at the door.  In other words, I have had to set aside my own personal point of view.  I have learned to ask the plants and trees what is best for them and to have humility in doing so.”  But, there is more.  We also have to be open to listen to what they have to say, what their needs are, and how we can help them.

For those that are just embarking on tree whispering, the authors give simple but powerful and effective exercises.  Through these potent exercises we, as human beings, if open and receptive, can successfully communicate with any living life form.  The Five Heralds presented are: BE the tree; ASK the tree; HEAL the tree; SAVE the tree; and, LOVE the tree. To me, this is no different than communicating with our own species:  other human beings. “And, Nature wants to be our partner.”

You can probably tell by now I’m thoroughly enamored with “Tree Whispering.”  I can’t imagine anyone not being so as well, especially if they are connected to Nature, or even have an inkling they may be. It is our birthright to treat Mother Earth’s offspring with care and love; it is the only way we can save our planet from destruction.  I encourage you, if you aren’t already, to reconnect to the sacredness of Nature.  “Tree Whispering” will help you do so, whether you are just embarking on this quest or have been communicating already; in both cases this book is highly recommended to take you to a higher level of consciousness and communication.


Tree Whispering: A Nature Lover’s Guide to Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants, and All of Nature
Jim Conroy, Ph.D. and Basia Alexander
Plant Kingdom Communications (2011)
ISBN 9780983411406
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (12/11)

Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God

There are not enough words to describe the incredible insight and thoughts that Jacqueline Rainey has shared in "Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God." Many readers may find, through her writing and her approach, it seems she was in their minds.

The format of this book is alternating poems (I like to call them words of wisdom) and stories in which she covers topics such as throw-away children; prostitution; drug abuse; losing one’s self to drugs and alcohol. In addition, Rainey addresses loss of spirituality and loss of being in touch with God. I loved the way she approached these various topics; inner thoughts that one might feel given any of these circumstances.

Many readers will be able to relate to these inner thoughts. As a person in recovery, my favorite story was “I Use To Be.” Many of the thoughts expressed were things I learned in recovery and I still use today. Many of us who are in recovery are often mad at God because we think He let us down; yet we never gave up hope and some of us got out of that lifestyle and found ourselves again.

Even though some of Rainey's poems and stories relate to specific high-risk behaviors, most everyone can relate. As humans, we question who we are, why we present abnormal behaviors or lifestyles and sometimes beg God to help us each day.

As a psychologist, I am thrilled “Through Whose Eyes” was written because it will help so many that are lost in their journey of life. Rainey's wisdom is non-judgmental and does not give advice; it is a reflection of living life on life’s terms.

Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God
Jacqueline Rainey
Strategic Book Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781612048550
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)

The Origin of the Baltic and Vedic Languages

Although I speak several languages, I have to admit that my knowledge of the Baltic languages is practically non-existent. During my visits to the Baltic States I’ve always felt considerably lost, since I was not able to understand even the most basic street signs, nor recognize any words. But I have to admit that I never gave much thought to the origins of the Baltic languages, and even if I would have, I would certainly not have sought a parallel with the Vedic languages. Yet the arguments, presented in “The Origins of the Baltic and Vedic Languages,” sounded very persuasive to me.

The author approached the subject through a method of comparative analysis, which involved the study of Dainas, the mytho-poetical verses from Latvia and the Vedic hymns of Rg-veda and Atharva-veda. While the Vedic hymns have been thoroughly researched by a wide range of linguists, the research on the Dainas have been severely limited, and the reasons for that became much clearer to me after reading the chapter on the Latvians, their history and their language.

While the chapters dealing with the similarities and parallelism found in the Dainas and the Vedic hymns were somewhat difficult for me to follow, since I am not an ethnolinguist, I nevertheless found a lot of interesting information in this monograph. I was fascinated by the way information gathered from those ancient texts really opened a window into a life so distant from us. There was great information on the migratory patterns and paths taken by the Indo-Europeans; and even on the social structure, with an emphasis on the fact that the Indo-European social structure was not quite as patriarchal as it was previously thought – and taught.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with the author’s conclusion about the Baltic languages being the oldest Indo-European languages in existence, the validity and true worth of the P.I.E. and some of the other deductions, I found the arguments to be well presented, nicely organized and written in a clear, concise and approachable way. While this is not a book that will attract a very wide circle of readers, “The Origin of the Baltic and Vedic Languages”will certainly be of interest to linguists, ethnologists and all those who possess an intensely curious mind.

The Origin of the Baltic and Vedic Languages
Janis Paliepa
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781456729028
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (8/11)

Divorce Stress Syndrome: A comprehensive review of divorce: its causes, consequences, and conclusions — drawing upon the lessons of 100 celebrities and others

When I received “Divorce Stress Syndrome,” I immediately called my husband to advise him about the presence of this particular book on my desk. With so many people divorcing all around us, I certainly did not want to risk him having a heart attack after seeing the title and thinking that we were possibly next. After all, as the author states in the introduction to this witty tome, 55 percent of first marriages, 67 percent of second marriages and 74 percent of third marriages end up in divorce.

So why, since I am not divorced nor divorcing, would I even read a book called “Divorce Stress Syndrome”? Well, first and foremost, I would like to keep out of the above mentioned statistics, and the more one knows, the easier it should be to avoid the pitfalls. And secondly, the factor which made me not only pick up this book, but actually finish it, was that reading it was a real delight. Let me start with the author’s unique perspective - both as a trained professional (lawyer–and professor) and as somebody who has divorced twice, he obviously speaks with a lot of authority. For somebody so well versed in this subject, it would have been all too easy for him to slip into “know-it-all” or preachy mode, or to make it sound so convoluted that few people could – or would want to – read it, but he deftly managed to keep the content approachable, easy to relate to and decidedly fresh. His oftentimes tongue-in-cheek style of humor was a welcome break in the otherwise rather somber topic, as were the references to many actors, celebrities, CEOs, politicians and other famous individuals who either ended divorced or got really close to a divorce.

“Divorce Stress Syndrome” is a very comprehensive resource for all issues surrounding the complexity of a divorce, from those which happened before it and likely contributed to it, to the technicalities of the process itself and on to the scary “new” world a divorced individual faces as a newly single-again person. It makes it abundantly clear that divorce is a process, that sometimes it can be halted and reversed, but only if both parties truly desire to resolve the underlying issues; and that sometimes things are irretrievably broken and no amount of wishing will repair the relationship. It also stresses that one should not rush into a new relationship too fast, since time to reflect and heal is a necessity. Most importantly, in my opinion, it teaches how to keep one’s dignity and maintain sanity during a truly difficult and challenging time in one’s life.

In spite of its title, I would recommend “Divorce Stress Syndrome” to a wide range of people, not just the freshly divorced ones. If you are in a relationship and thinking about taking the next step, this book just might point out some areas to consider before doing so. If you are married and facing tough times, it could well put things in perspective for you. If you are in the process of divorcing, it will remind you to dot the i's and cross the t's. And most importantly, its abundance of information, humor and slight irony are plain good reading.

Divorce Stress Syndrome: A comprehensive review of divorce: its causes, consequences, and conclusions — drawing upon the lessons of 100 celebrities and others
Dr. David E. Pastrana
Abruzzi Press (2011)
ISBN 9780578090832
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (9/11)

Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales (eBook)

As a young man just out of high school, author Mark Elswick experienced a devastating traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident. Although doctors wrote him off, he beat the odds, and not only regained his life, he discovered a single act that is critical to the recovery process for both patients and caregivers. This is a giving back book for Elswick on more than one level. He is donating a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each book to support TBI research. But, his kindest gift, given to all who will read “Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales” is the book’s collection of humorous short stories. Elswick writes in his preface that he hopes to “...entertain you with humorous stories taken from my life, but also to sprinkle in some more serious stories about my traumatic brain injury incident and other survivor stories.” His aim is true; he hits the mark!

While the book targets multiple audiences, the short stories will especially entertain the diverse reader population that can relate to a single parent, in this case the author, living the challenges of raising his daughter. Elswick also hopes his personal stories will provide much needed stress relief and an emotional pit stop for daily caregivers. There are many amusing books, blogs and articles out there chronicling the “Dad raises daughter” scenario. What creates point of difference for this book is Elswick himself and his stream of consciousness writing style. Elswick is quaintly macho - a source of humor in itself, and his story telling is based almost entirely on a streaming dialog in his mind, in which he encourages the reader to join. Among the stories included just for amusement and laughs, I laughed out loud at “Red Flags of Age, Frogger Shopping, Newborn to Dad: No Multi-Tasking and In Front of Me? (‘Listen punk! If you ever kiss my daughter again, there will be consequences that you won't like.’)” 

The stories which explore various aspects of TBI are sprinkled in, as directed by Elswick. The design is seamless, a result of the author’s clearly established persona, giving the reader a feeling that they are having a relaxed, informal conversation with the author. Among the best examples of these stories is “Little Brooke: A TBI Story ALL Parents Need to Read.” In fact, Brooke’s story will be compelling for anyone who reads it because it awakens the realization that on any given day, anyone could be affected by TBI. This is the story that is most likely to stimulate a greater interest learning more about the brain and the buzz around TBI. And it that regard, Elswick hits the bull’s eye again.
 
I like Mark Elswick’s book a lot. My own personal commitment to being of good humor every day is buoyed by these stories. And, I understand that we are not likely to care deeply about a problem like TBI unless we are familiar with it.  Elswick’s book compels me to care; to contemplate how I would cope if TBI affected me or someone I loved some day; how I can help those affected now? As Elswick notes, “Learning about traumatic brain injuries can, and does, have that big an influence on one’s thinking.”

So, as of this writing, I am officially announcing my own support for Mark Elswick, the writer who won his own battle with TBI and is now giving back of himself to those who are continuing or just beginning theirs. “Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales”offers an “edutaining” read on a subject that is anything but humorous. And it underscores the importance of embracing now the devastation of TBI among the general public, as well as in the face of our affected troops returning home. In the opening paragraph of this review, I mentioned that during his own experience, the author discovered a single act that is critical to the recovery process in general. As the patients and caregivers echo in their stories, that act is support. I highly recommend you begin giving yours by reading the book.

Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales (eBook)
Mark Elswick
Modern History Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615999026
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (8/11)

SAD: Suicide, Alcohol & Drugs in the Entertainment Industry

The author has written a very comprehensive and detailed book about suicide and substance abuse in the entertainment field. While we know that this particular culture isn’t the only one having problems, they are the most publicized.

His first six chapters cover suicide, addictions and drugs.  He also gives a historical view of drugs and their power over individuals along with current statistics. He then discusses problems in the entertainment world- parties, fast crowds and substance abuse. Sometimes sudden fame overpowers individuals and to escape reality they begin to use. In Chapter Five he discusses a few famous entertainers who are now “resting in peace.” Janis Joplin who began with a low self image until she gained fame, yet never stopped her “fast lane journey.” John Belushi partied nonstop; he died when he was thirty-three. We have all seen on the news how actors go in and out of rehab like it was a shopping mall and we can expect more to meet their maker due to making unwise choices.

In Chapter Six the author provides numerous pages to those who have lost their life to these activities. His point in providing a full chapter on these individuals is to show how many lives have been lost to SAD. I believe I got more impact from him sharing a few stories than to take the time to scan through several pages of names, dates and how they died. However, I do see what Mitchell was attempting to do. He is not using scare tactics; he is providing facts and valid information.

The latter part of the book is composed of sections that cover topics from abuse to bullying to religion. The author provides concise information on each of these topics as well as how to handle it. I see this as more of a self-help section for individuals to learn new ways to cope with events that happen in their lives.

This book captures the essence of drug misuse in the entertainment industry that readers can learn from. “SAD” is full of details that shows us how people in the entertainment industry are no different than anyone else. Awareness is the key and Mitchell is providing us ways to become conscious of what really is going on and be able to address the issues.

SAD: Suicide, Alcohol & Drugs in the Entertainment Industry
John Mitchell
Maple Creek Media (2011)
ISBN 9781937004422
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)