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)

Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt!

Article first published as Book Review: Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt! by Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D on Blogcritics.

Kenneth J. Thurber’s “Do Not Invent Buggy Whips” is one of those books that truly make you think. It matters little whether you are an aspiring inventor, an old hand in this field, or simply a curious individual with an insatiable desire to learn, there will be plenty to astonish and amaze you in “Do Not Invent Buggy Whips.”

While I certainly found the theory of invention and reinvention captivating, particularly since this book was written in a clear, concise and easy to follow manner, I got even more involved while reading parts 3 and 4, which deal with application of concepts and examples of product strategies respectively. There were a lot of rather nostalgic moments involved, since some of the ideas that already need to be reinvented were such important discoveries or new products in my own past. I had to laugh time again about the way I first misread the title itself as well. Being somebody who is always dealing with a computer, my first thought on seeing the word “buggy” was something with a lot of bugs, the computer type ones... Granted, the whips threw me off immediately there, but it still took me a moment to associate the word buggy with a horse drawn vehicle, which just shows you how quickly things, including language, change and need to be updated and reinvented.

The word “reinvented” brings us to the main premise of the book, namely the need for the inventions to be relevant and the simple truth that many of the formerly great and valuable inventions simply aren’t that any longer. Kenneth J. Thurber describes a clear path of how such a process should be designed, put in place and implemented to disrupt the status quo on the market and bring in considerable success along the way. While he never promises to make the reader rich, and I certainly found that to be a wonderful departure from the style of all too many so called self-help books, he creates an easy to follow and quite reasonable outline of how one should approach this type of invention/reinvention and which factors one should pay particular attention to.

“Do Not Invent Buggy Whips” by Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D., is a book that should find a permanent place on the bookshelves of those who always strive to better products – and ideas, and who are not afraid of hard work and some animosity along the way. Mr. Thurber’s models and ideas certainly could help a wide range of entrepreneurs, not only the inventors, therefore I would recommend this book to anybody in any kind of a business who wants to remain relevant and successful.


Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt!
Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D.
Digital Systems Press (2012)
ISBN 9780983342434
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/12)

Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write

Author coach Anita Rochelle has written a new book for aspiring authors drawn to the memoir, autobiography and how-to genres. Rochelle grew up in a journaling-rich home environment. Her book, “Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write,” paints a passionate and compelling portrait of journaling as an ideal way for writers to move their life and their writing forward in productive and gratifying ways.

The book’s content is presented in three parts. The first part offers a thorough explanation of journaling, how to define a journal’s objectives, and how to realize the role of journaling in the processes of self-discovery, self-improvement and preparation for the development of the framework and writing skills one needs to create their book. The second part of the book, the most engaging part for me, focuses on the in-depth exercise of reflection and self-discovery, which is at the core or the journaling process. The final part of the book reflects Rochelle’s thoughts on both the near and long-term benefits of journaling and makes the case for the value of incorporating journaling into one’s life as a never ending process.

The book’s “weight” is somewhat puffed up by the inclusion of a substantial number of blank, lined pages in the middle part. However, each of these pages presents a question/step in the reflection process at the top of the page that is relevant. For some readers, these blank pages may “jump start” their engagement with the process and help to dispel their real or perceived writer’s block.

Anita Rochelle does not try to conceal that this book is a plank in her own marketing platform. The writing in part one comes close, on a few occasions, to marketing hype. But her passion for journaling is so seemingly genuine that I did not find this a distraction. In fact, on balance, I found “Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write” to be a positive example of an “expert giving back book.” Even if you don’t aspire to writing a book, Rochelle still might turn you into an enthusiastic journaling fan.


Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write
Anita Rochelle
The Write Image (2011)
ISBN 9781610050623
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (11/11)

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)

Soulmate Proprietors: How To Run a Business With Your Spouse and STAY Married!

Article first published as Book Review: Soulmate Proprietors: How To Run A Business With Your Spouse And STAY Married! by Danelle Brown on Blogcritics.

In her new book “Soulmate Proprietors,” author, consultant and business coach, Danelle Brown grapples with the question of whether spouses can run a business together and still stay married. Many have tried and failed, some losing both their business and their marriage in the end. But after casting a wide net of interviews among a diverse range of “small business families,” Brown reached the conclusion that despite a high degree of difficulty, not only can this arrangement work for spouses, there is indeed much to celebrate for the entire family.

Brown had a passion for writing this book that was borne out of necessity and intimate knowledge of the subject. Together with her husband, Marcel, she is co-owner and marketing director of MB Tech, Inc. which provides technology consulting services to small businesses and individuals. She is also the president and founder of Queen Bee Consulting which helps family and couple-owned companies grow their businesses. Danelle Brown is immersed in the issues she writes about.

“Soulmate Proprietors” is basically a comprehensive, well-organized and easy-to-understand how-to guide. In addition to the wise and relevant counsel of the author, each of the book’s seven chapters includes interview excerpts/case study comments from real spousal partners who were interviewed by Brown in preparation for writing the book. Each chapter also includes a “Soul Searching Questions” section that provides an important self-check summary to help the reader measure their understanding of the issues presented and promote reflection on those issues about which they have concerns. Each chapter is informative, entertaining and well written.

In Chapter One, “In It to Win It,” the author’s straight talk sets a strong, all or nothing standard for those contemplating running a business together. This challenge is echoed throughout the book, which proceeds to address the numerous issues involved such as is do you want to be in business with your spouse and is your marriage strong enough to make it work, how to divide your talents so that roles are clear, channeling stress to build a stronger relationship, dealing with the reality that the business becomes part of the family, bringing balance to your work and personal lives, and the fringe benefits of working with your spouse. And as Brown points out near the end of the book, believe it or not, this simply sets the foundation for a successful business with your spouse.

Danelle Brown says she really enjoys talking to people and helping and mentoring them. “Soulmate Proprietors” clearly shows this is so. Her writing style is warm and conversational, her counsel is candid, and her words are thoughtful and caring. Whether you’re just beginning to consider the possibility of starting a business with your spouse, or at whatever point you are in running a business together, I believe this book can help you. I know it would have made a difference in my attempt. Ignore this book at your own peril.


Soulmate Proprietors: How To Run a Business With Your Spouse and STAY Married!
Danelle Brown
Queen Bee Consulting (2011)
ISBN 9780982925706
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)

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)

Master the Markets with Mutual Funds: A Common Sense Guide to Investing Success

Article first published as Book Review: Master the Markets With Mutual Funds: A Common Sense Guide to Investing Success by Jon R Orcutt on Blogcritics.

Anything to do with stock markets has always been scary and completely foreign to me, and I will be the first to admit that I never understood any of the financial mumbo-jumbo connected to investing. Therefore I was even more surprised that I actually enjoyed reading “Master the Markets with Mutual Funds” by Jon R. Orcutt, and that it just might have given me the little push needed to gather the courage and one day take a step in the direction of investing.

The book is divided into three distinct sections. The first one deals with the basics, explaining to the potential investors how markets should fit into their life, and also teaching them what kind of investors they are by nature. The most important lesson that I’ve learned from this first part was that investing can be very emotional, and in many cases actually is nearly overly so. The author deftly discussed this topic and presented arguments that sounded very convincing and realistic. This part concluded with a description of mutual funds and the importance of knowing what type of questions to ask before making decisions.

The second part was a very hands-on and detailed strategy section, complete with numerous pages of tables, which at this point in time are still very confusing to me, but I am certain that they would make lots of sense to any investor. There the author explained why he believed his investing strategy made sense, and documented his views on rebalancing with hard numbers.

The last part offered even more practical advice on implementing those strategies and the best ways of doing it, concluding with the statement that the ultimate success lies in the investor’s own hands. The author has graciously provided the reader with the tools, advice and suggestions, but each individual will have to make his or her own decisions based on their particular situation. I’ve particularly liked the author’s honesty, since he clearly stated several times that he can not and will not promise any miracles, but simply help you by pointing out the most obvious obstacles to success and the easiest ways to avoid or eliminate them.


Master the Markets with Mutual Funds: A Common Sense Guide to Investing Success
Jon R. Orcutt
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432781453
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (12/11)

Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse: A Biblical Textbook on Abusive Narcissistic Families, How They Operate, and How to Deal With Them

In her book “Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse” Sister Renee Pittelli explains narcissism, narcissistic behavior, sociopaths, and abuse as a personality disorder. She helps the reader recognize and understand the nature of these abusive relationships and offers practical principles and approaches for dealing with narcissistic family members.

Sister Pittelli uses many illustrations for her own experiences of being verbally abused by her birth parents, of how they used exploitation, criticism, and manipulation to intimidate and control her both as a child and as an “adult child.”

She also describes dozens of case studies, personal stories, and testimonies of survivors who have moved on from being victimized by abuse, humiliation, betrayal, and abandonment to build normal intimate relationships, fulfilling happy lives as they apply the practical principles, examples, and scriptural admonitions and promises set forth in the book.

I found the chapters on abandonment, limits, and boundaries, especially informative, describing reasons for abandonment, the abusers motivation, and in providing important counsel for gaining respect, setting and maintaining limits, and learning to say “no.”

Sister Renee Pittelli’s credentials as a victim’s advocate, an Adult Child Recovery Mentor, an established author, and founder/director of a ministry dedicated to counseling the victims of Adult Child Abuse are validation of her qualifications to author this material.

The sheer volume of the book (630 pages) may be intimidating for the average reader; however, the comprehensive nature of the text including the well-chosen Biblical references with practical application makes this a fitting resource as a text for counseling ministries, lay counselor or mentor training.

The book is well organized, formatted with significant thought-provoking lists, well balance Scriptures and applications. Sister Pittelli’s writing is articulate, psychologically sound, and theologically accurate, culturally relevant.

“Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse” is an important resource, it serves as a reminder to the victimized reader that they are not alone in being victimized. This is a significant book to be read, processed, assimilated, applied, and re-read.


Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse: A Biblical Textbook on Abusive Narcissistic Families, How They Operate, and How to Deal With Them
Sister Renee Pittelli
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432766566
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/11)

A Cookbook for A Knucklehead: Bachelor, New Graduate, Beginner, and Other Spoiled Brats

Let’s make one thing clear at the very beginning – “A Cookbook for A Knucklehead: Bachelor, New Graduate, Beginner, and Other Spoiled Brats” is a quite useful starter cookbook for just about anybody, not only for spoiled brats of all varieties. When I think back to my very first steps in the kitchen, I can assure you that I would have been really grateful for a cookbook such as this one.

Let me start with the good things about it first, and there are many of them. This book is great fun, whether you ever prepare any recipes from it or not. The author’s sense of humor is quirky and very endearing, and the book is an amusing read, particularly the info in the side bars. From the purely practical sense it is an extremely functional book. It starts with the basics on anything a new cook needs to know, from the proper utensils, measuring and seasonings to instructions on some basic cooking techniques. Those, as well as the recipes which follow, all have very descriptive photographs, which will be a very valuable help for any beginner. The recipes are organized in a clear and understandable way, and that makes it easy for a new cook to decide on the dish to try next. The directions are clear and concise, and they make very sure that the cook has everything ready before starting the actual work. If the photographs are sometimes a bit blurry, that only adds to the charm of the book and the underlying message of “everybody will be able to achieve those results.” There are no fancy garnishes and no ambitious plating, but the food still manages to look appetizing.

On the not so great side, at least for me, are some formatting issues. I found the ultra tiny print in the “A Bone from Pennie” and “Ingredients” sections extremely difficult to see, but then, maybe all knuckleheads are young and have 20/20 vision. Some of the fonts, particularly the one used in the Introduction and the beginning of each chapter, are difficult to read, and somewhat unnecessarily fussy for a basic cookbook. There were also some proofreading issues, particularly the improper (and unnecessary) placement of the apostrophe in words “entree’s” and “omelet’s.”

Overall the good in this book very much outweighs the not so great, and I would highly recommend “A Cookbook for A Knucklehead: Bachelor, New Graduate, Beginner, and Other Spoiled Brats” to aspiring cooks. It would also make a fantastic gift for anybody who is venturing into the oh-so-scary world of cooking. If all else fails, the new initiates could always put the last chapter to good use – the selection of cocktails in there requires no cooking at all...


A Cookbook for A Knucklehead: Bachelor, New Graduate, Beginner, and Other Spoiled Brats
Harold W. Pearman
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432755508
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (12/11)

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)