Reader Views

Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illness – Body, Mind & Spirit

Article first published as Book Review: Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illness by Katina I. Makris on Blogcritics.

When a healer and a health care columnist spends several years completely baffled and in absolute torment, chances are that her mysterious flu-like illness is something that is truly difficult to diagnose. It took Ms. Makris five years to receive a correct diagnosis, and a long time to even partially recover from it. Her journey is described beautifully in “Out of the Woods,” which encompasses both her memoirs and an eye-opening “Nuts and Bolts” section on signs, symptoms, and available treatments for Lyme disease.

There were many valuable lessons to be learned from this beautifully written book. Some were rather obvious ones about cherishing what we have, since it could so easily be gone the very next moment, the importance of having a good support system and the need to work with one’s doctor(s). Then there were those that should be obvious, but many times are not, like the importance of being persistent in trying to get your point across to the doctor when one does not feel that the real issue is being addressed. Nobody knows us better than we know ourselves, and nobody else can say with more certainty whether something is working for us or not. Perhaps the most important issue was the holistic view of treatments – it is vitally important that all facets of the issue are addressed adequately, since good results simply can not be achieved without proper balance. Many of us would do well to read – and reread – the section on importance of real, true rest to the healing process. It might sound limiting and difficult to achieve, but Ms. Makris illustrated really well how essential it was to her effort to get well again. And let’s not forget the “there are no coincidences” factor – if one even remotely believes that, one would be hard pressed to find a more fitting story to exemplify it.

I wish this book would have been published years ago, when several people close to me were diagnosed with Lyme disease. They were lucky to have at least received the correct diagnosis rather early, yet their recovery was difficult and very lengthy in each of the three cases that I know of. I am certain that quite a lot of the information from the Part Two of this book would have been a great help to them, and I am simply grateful that the book is available to anybody who needs it now.

“Out of the Woods” by Katina I. Makris should be required reading not only for patients struggling with the Lyme disease, or those who suspect that Lyme might be the cause of their problems, but also anybody who has been struggling with any debilitating chronic disease, as well as for those who provide care for such patients, regardless of whether they do it in a professional or amateur capacity. Ms. Makris’ descriptions of her struggles with even the simplest tasks were frighteningly eye-opening to me, and I can only hope they will make me more understanding and more tolerant in the future. Moreover, I greatly enjoyed Ms. Makris’ writing and her vivid descriptions of things, people, and events in her world. She made it come to life in full color.


Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illness – Body, Mind & Spirit
Katina I. Makris, CCH, CIH
Elite Books (2011)
ISBN 9781600700712
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (2/12)

5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness

Article first published as Cookbook Review: 5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness by Camila V. Saulsbury on Blogcritics.
Eating healthy has been a push in this country, not only by activists but also First Lady Michele Obama. Her influence has been in the limelight while raising consciousness in many communities and cultures. “5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking” follows in the footsteps by providing healthy recipes. The Introduction says “This book offers simple, delicious recipes that use ingredients with a proven track record in enhancing health or offering protection from diseases. The positive health benefits of the foods used in the recipes have been well established and confirmed in trials across the world over a period of years.” After reading this excerpt, I was ready to start testing.
For the purpose of the review, we are asked to test three recipes. The first recipe I tested was “Broccoli Carrot Slaw with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds.” The dressing was made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, agave nectar, Dijon mustard and salt. This was tossed into a combination of shredded broccoli stems, shredded carrots, chopped green onions and dried cranberries. It is suggested to chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours. The sunflower seeds are sprinkled on top just before eating. Served with a crusty roll, this made a great lunch. It’s simple to make and nutritious as well.
The second recipe I tested was “Pineapple Mint Chicken.” The cubed chicken breasts were sprinkled with a combination of ground cardamom, lemon zest, salt and pepper. The next step was to cook the onions in the skillet and when done adding the chicken until white all over. The pineapple, pineapple juice and broth were added and simmered until the chicken was cooked. Before serving, the dish was sprinkled with fresh mint. I served this dish with brown rice. What a delightful dinner dish! The sauce was slightly sweet from the pineapple and the chicken pieces were tender. The cardamom added a distinct flavor that was very pleasant. I’ll be making this dish again.
The third recipe I tested was “Asparagus Penne with Goat Cheese.” I used gluten-free penne as a substitute with great results when I added to it softened red onion, asparagus pieces, hot pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, crumbled goat cheese and gradated Romano cheese. The dish was pungent from the lemon juice, yet delicate with goat cheese. The dish was wonderful; very tasty and palatable. I added a side green salad making a light dinner on a hot day.
Scatted throughout “5 Easy Steps of Healthy Cooking” are blocks with “Healthy Know-How” and “Health Note.” Many of the recipes have text as well as tips and “nutrients per serving” charts. The beginning of the book gives common nutrition terms, explains nutrient analysis, and suggests ingredients for healthy cooking.
I commend Camilla V. Saulsbury in taking the time and making the effort to compile this cookbook. With focus on healthier eating, I recommend it to anyone that wants to make changes in their diet to include natural, chemical-free foods. Wellness is the key to longevity and it comes from pure, clean food; this cookbook, “5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness,” will give you the direction.


5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness
Camila V. Saulsbury
Robert Rose Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780778802969
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (4/12)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart

Article first published as Book Review: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I've Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic's Mood Chart by Derek Thompson on Blogcritics.

Except for being personally diagnosed, every aspect of my life is touched by people with bipolar disorder. From friends, to family, to my students, it seems like this disorder is more common than most people would think.  Many years ago, before it was well known, a close friend’s mother was diagnosed with it. Her symptoms were severe. When my friend’s sister and nine-year-old son also received the diagnosis, I tried to learn as much as I could about it from her. One thing that always stayed with me was that she said, “Imagine that the rest of the world is crazy and you are the only normal one.” This was what she felt her family members were experiencing.  I always tried to keep this in mind when working with my students who are bipolar.   Reading Derek Thompson’s memoir, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart,” about dealing with this disorder was truly a blessing for me because I feel it will help me deal more effectively with my students who have this diagnosis.  The more I can understand about what it is like to experience this, the more effective support that I can provide to them.  Providing the proper support can help have a huge impact on them completing their educational goals.

Organized in blog entries, Derek tells his personal story by organizing the symptoms into sections rather than chronologically.  I felt this idea was incredibly creative and seemed to help the book flow better. I would have expected it to seem disjointed, but since each entry stands alone, it was actually very helpful to do this in this manner.  Organized as a mood chart, he breaks the book down into three sections with differing levels of severity which are reflected by colors of the rainbow. The first section covers depressed, then normal and finally elevated (manic).

I really admired the author for writing in a manner than included a great deal of both insight and humor.  Readers will find themselves captivated by his experiences and the fact that he is able to maintain a sense of humor about all that has happened to him.   The amount of personal information that he shares is also extremely helpful because I felt that by sharing everything, even the embarrassing experiences will help others relate to him, and in turn gain a greater understanding of the experience of being bipolar.

I also think that “Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart” will help remove some of the stigma associated with being bipolar. Obviously, it isn’t an easy mental health condition to have to live with; however, reading Derek’s story will help people who don’t have it understand that the ones who do are human beings who deserve compassion and respect for having to ride the rollercoaster that they are on.  I highly recommend this book for people who are diagnosed with it, and for those who deal with those who have it, including both professionals and loved ones.  Derek Thompson’s memoir has had a huge impact on my life, and I really appreciate his willingness to put it all out there.


Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart
Derek Thompson
CreateSpace (2012)
ISBN 9781467935234
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

A Doctor’s Journey: A Collection of Memoirs

Let’s face it - there are many issues with the medical field, i.e., bedside manner, treatment options, or support. In "A Doctor’s Journey: A Collection of Memoirs," Frederic A. Mendelsohn, M.D. gives accounts of several patients that he has worked with and how his continual support and try anything attitude has helped families or patients. Often in our rushed society, medical insurance coverage and lack of concern seem to convey the idea of “Let them go-why waste the time?”

Dr. Mendelsohn is so different from this.  He is dedicated and will give his last breath to help in any way he can, even if the results are not what he wanted. Through the 10 Chapters, Dr. Mendelsohn discusses cases that have had an impact on him (few of many) - how he questioned himself about what he was doing and how he dealt with colleagues who really didn’t care to follow his pattern.

Readers will laugh, cry and pray through these stories. You will get mad at certain attitudes of other medical personnel and will fight to the end in your own mind. With our never-ending budget cuts, we are seeing such a change in our medical professions; however, there are many who really care and want to do what is best. This is a story of such a man; he is compassionate, questions his skills at times and is a firm believer in the human spirit that heals or deals with death.

As I was reading this incredible book, “A Doctor’s Journey,” I questioned myself and my profession and what I really wanted to do. Do you stick to your own beliefs and values as a professional or do you let others make that decision?


A Doctor’s Journey: A Collection of Memoirs
Frederic A. Mendelsohn, M.D.
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432769277
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)

Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury

Article first published as Book Review: Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child's Traumatic Brain Injury by Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie on Blogcritics.

Following her own child’s harrowing traumatic brain injury Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie wrote a highly acclaimed book which emotionally and passionately documented her nightmarish journey as mother and caregiver. In that book, “Unthinkable: A Mother’s Tragedy, Terror and Triumph Through a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury,” published in 2010, each chapter, written with deep emotion, is concluded with tips for coping and participating throughout the process. It was these rational tips that offset the unbridled emotion in that first book.

In the Introduction of her new, follow-up book, “Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury,” the author has excerpted these tips to create a concise yet thorough caregiver’s companion. Coskie’s priceless experience make this book a valuable resource for dealing with an unthinkable, life-changing event for which none of us is ever prepared.

Coskie presents her tips in ten sections. The first group of tips addresses the steps and components of preparedness. The advice offered in this section is not unlike that which is generally recommended for any medical emergency. But, the reader is cautioned not to assume that brain trauma events are like other medical events. Section 2, “Traumatic Event,” will abruptly and jarringly dismantle that false assumption. And from that point forward, the reader will be riveted by information that might make some readers simply give up and set the book aside.

But read on we must if we, our child and our other family members are to have any chance at all of surviving one of the most horrific and unthinkable occurrences that can befall us. Not only should primary and secondary caregivers and other family members read this book, so should doctors and medical services providers involved in the process.

Each section of tips following Section 1 in “Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury” continually startled me with relentless “slaps in the face” of reality. But I feel blessed for having had the opportunity to read the book and I am grateful that Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie had the strength and passion to share her experience and lessons learned. Otherwise, who would have known?


Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury
Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie
Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781936214419
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (11/11)

A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change

Article first published as Book Review: A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change by Harold L. Lamma II on Blogcritics.

If there has ever been a book that I knew absolutely nothing about by reading the back cover, it’s this one.  Author Harold L. Lamma II gives nothing away with the two obscure sentences meant to entice his readers on to purchase his new release,  “A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change.”  Once you begin reading, though, Lamma’s intent is very clear.

“A Master @ Life!” is a pointed discussion of Lamma’s spiritual beliefs and an imploring appeal for his readers to follow suit.  He begins by urging them to take responsibility for their actions and if they don’t like where their lives have taken them, to make some big changes!  He utilizes various scriptural references but, for the most part, paraphrases Biblical text and incorporates it into his chapters.  He also shares examples of his own negative life experiences and how following these guidelines has helped him overcome some very difficult personal obstacles.  Once taking responsibility is covered, he goes on to such subjects as making decisions, watching how you think, looking to God, incorporating a ‘can do’ attitude in all things, and having a purpose and direction in life.  Further, he says that by living this way, one can find abundant living.

Lamma presents his opinions with passion and confidence from the first page of the introduction on through the last page and his ending remarks.  He successfully incorporates a warm, genuine tone in his writing style, one that conveys sympathy and concern for his readers.  I felt like I was reading a long letter from an old friend instead of a generic how-book on personal growth and spiritual living.  With this in mind, I think “A Master @ Life!” would be a good read for either the individual or a small group study – perhaps a Bible study, for example.  While “A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change” can be quickly read in an afternoon, I believe author Harold L. Lamma II’s intent is for the reader to slowly incorporate each chapter into their lives with deliberate actions and an intent to change for the better.


A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change
Harold L. Lamma II
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432770716
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (1/12)

Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C

Article first published as Book Review: Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C by Meg Stafford on Blogcritics.

When Meg Stafford discovered that she had breast cancer, she began sharing her experiences with friends through her “Breasty Business Updates.”  These emails allowed her to journal her feelings about what was happening to her, and it also gave her friends an avenue in which they could provide her with support.   These updates eventually evolved into “Topic of Cancer.”

Keeping an incredibly positive attitude, Meg educates us on what happens once a diagnosis of cancer is made. She shares her feelings, her medical experiences and how her family was also affected.  Following her two-year journey, we learn the ins and outs of cancer treatment.  For the most part, Meg’s experiences with medical personnel were extremely positive. I suspect that her positive attitude helped with this.  Her treatments with radiation and chemo were not easy. Neither was the experience of having her physical identity shift because of the hair loss and the loss of her breast.  The reconstructive surgery was very involved and time consuming.  She also had to deal with an unrelated medical problem with her hand which also resulted in more surgery.  Instead of focusing on the negative, Meg focuses on the positive.  I felt like I was celebrating with her as she got her hair back, and at the completion of each treatment.

Having had two cancer scares this year, one involving the breast, my gratitude towards having negative test results increased exponentially.  While Meg maintained an upbeat attitude about what she was going through, I don’t think I could have been as strong as she was.  I was able to develop a much greater respect for the experiences that my friends, who have survived breast cancer, have gone through.  What strong women they all are.  While Meg educates us with her story, she also teaches an incredibly valuable lesson in that we should not stop celebrating life, no matter what we are hit with.  Her exuberance for maintaining a fitness routine, and trying not to miss work was incredible.  Those of us who are not ill should take this as a message to appreciate what we have now, while we have it.

“Topic of Cancer” is a must read for people who have or are experiencing breast cancer, and for those who are close to them.  I would also highly recommend this book for women’s reader groups. I can’t imagine anything more valuable for a group to read. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to read Meg Stafford’s story.


Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C
Meg Stafford
Virginia Martin Press (2011)
ISBN 9781936214365
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/12)

The Pregnancy Power Workbook: The 200+ most important questions to ask about your pregnancy

Pregnancy can be daunting and downright scary on top of being an exciting time in a woman’s life.  Authors Camilla Bicknell and James S. Betoni hope to take a little of the intimidating parts out of this live-changing event with their book, “The Pregnancy Power Workbook: The 200+ most important questions to ask about your pregnancy.”  By compiling this information in a workbook format, they hope to create an atmosphere of empowerment and strength so that their readers will feel much more confident about their journey into motherhood.

“The Pregnancy Power Workbook” begins by flooding the reader with the over 200 questions promised in the subtitle.  These questions are organized in chapters by timeframe:  ‘The Weeks and Months Before Conception,’ ‘Weeks 1 to 4,’ ‘Weeks 5 to 8,’etc, etc.  Each question is notated in a box which provides ample room for the reader to jot down notes or answers.  However, it’s not until after chapter 12 that readers get even an inkling of actual information out of the book.  Starting on page 87, the authors begin by tackling all of chapter one’s questions (chapter one began on page one).  I found this to be extremely frustrating as I found myself having to regularly flip between over 80 pages in the book to get from where I was reading to where I needed to write answers.  Further, I would have had to keep two different places marked in the book if I were to put it down and come back to it later.  This frustration could easily be overcome organizing the book differently - put chapter one questions with the chapter one text.  Additionally, I think inundating the reader with over 200 questions at the very beginning and before supplying the valuable information needed to answer those questions, overwhelms and confuses.  Breaking down appropriate questions and text into manageable blocks would much better serve someone who’s hoping to truly use this as a workbook throughout her pregnancy.  

While the organization lacked, the editing and content excelled in “The Pregnancy Power Workbook.”  I found some of the information to be what I might consider ‘obvious’ or ‘common sense’ items (i.e., the section ‘will mind altering substances affect my baby and my pregnancy?’) but I also view this as a responsible inclusion..

The Pregnancy Power Workbook: The 200+ most important questions to ask about your pregnancy
Camilla Bicknell, RNC, WHNP and James S. Betoni, DO
Power Health Press (2011)
ISBN 9780578079561
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (11/11)

The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself

Article first published as Book Review: The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself by Dr. Barry Borgerson on Blogcritics.

Unique features in the format of “The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself” added to my reading enjoyment and helped me understand and assimilate the concepts introduced. I especially enjoyed the explanatory callout boxes, the clever illustrations created by Dan Nelson, the highlighted key thoughts, the bulleted lists, and the thought-provoking quotes from recognized leaders.

Dr. Borgerson’s new material on the auto-self, the underlying principles, and suggested improvement techniques offer the reader the empowerment to transform undesired habits,  to conquering our auto-self, and to improve aspects of our auto-self in order to achieve specific goals.

The book is filled with powerful real life stories, examples, and case studies which demonstrate the effectiveness and fundamental principles introduced throughout the text. The patterns reflected in these cases are an important aid to helping the trainer/reader examine their own automatic activities.

This is not a book for cursory reading but a study guide for application and transformation.  Although I found some of the material repetitive, this may be an intentional teaching tool used by the author to help the reader retain, understand, and assimilate the information. Dr. Borgerson introduces a lot of new terminology directly related to the concept of auto-self.

Over the years I have read any number of self-help and motivational books. Many of these have encouraged me to take positive actions steps. Dr. Borgerson’s approach intrigues me as it goes further than self-help to enable the reader to move beyond motivation to transformation and positive lasting change.

“The Auto-Self” is an important guidebook for training leaders in industry, business, and education, as well as life-coaches and their clients. I plan to keep my copy readily available for personal reference, motivation, application, and ongoing transformation.

The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself
Dr. Barry Borgerson
2-Selfs Publishing Company (2011)
ISBN 9780983815013
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/11)

Diabetes Warrior: Be your own knight in shining armor: How to stay healthy and happy with diabetes

Diabetes is a scary thing, and having been told that you have it probably made you feel like you are in for a tough fight. That’s why I can clearly understand where William “Sir Lee” Dubois found his funny and rather accurate description of diabetes as a dragon, and a person fighting it as a knight in shining armor. With a diagnosis as scary as this, humor is much appreciated, and bringing some levity to the situation even more so. Yes, diabetes is a dragon and yes, we can fight it, particularly when we arm ourselves with the correct weapons and a proper armor. Yes, there is a lot of information out there, and a lot of it is extremely confusing, or controversial, or way too technical for a regular person to understand. Therefore I greatly look forward to any book that puts the matter in proper perspective, and makes diabetes less scary and better understood. Information is definitely one of the best weapons in keeping such a dragon under control.

Having said that, I would be hard pressed to be particularly enthusiastic about “Diabetes Warrior: Be your own knight in shining armor.” While the truly cute illustrations and the parallels between knights fighting dragons and individuals fighting diabetes made me smile and chuckle often, I did not find a great deal of real information in the book, or at least not anything that has not been said before, and with more authority and better explanations. Yes, we have to test, it matters for sure what and how we eat, the doctor is your ally, moving your behind will keep you in better shape, diabetes is a complex disease, therefore we have to pay attention to all parts of our body – and even the mind; medication tends to be a necessary evil, don’t forget your eyes, feet and teeth... All of those facts are true, and they are certainly written in a very engaging and entertaining style, but I actually did not find a single piece of new information in this book, and I happen to think that Mr. Dubois’ approach is a bit too cookie-cutter for most people with diabetes. All of us should take blood pressure and cholesterol pills? I would like to think that this is an issue that should be decided between the patient and the doctor, and only after careful evaluation of pros and cons and after exhausting all other, less drastic options. Then there is a chapter on nutrition... If there is one thing that I have learned from this disease, it is that we are truly all different. What “triggers” a high glucose reading for some of us will hardly impact the others, and vice versa. Making blanket statements about proper serving sizes is a risky proposition at best, and forgetting to mention how often those portions should be eaten (as in the case of meat) does not do any favors to our hearts or other organs.

As much as I have enjoyed the cheerfulness of this little book, “Diabetes Warrior,” I would not recommend it to anybody who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes. The veterans amongst us might find it an amusing read for an afternoon, but I can hardly see anybody carrying it around to refer back to it on a daily basis, so I am also quite perplexed about its tiny size. A book this small is awkward to hold and difficult to read, and unless it is a carb counter, I simply fail to see why a more common and reading friendly format was not used for it.

Diabetes Warrior: Be your own knight in shining armor: How to stay healthy and happy with diabetes
William “Sir Lee” Dubois
Red Blood Cell Books (2011)
ISBN 9780982225745
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (10/11)