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)

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)

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)

Citizen Soldier: An Overview of the US Military Reserve Forces

Article first published as Book Review: Citizen Soldier: An Overview of the US Military Reserve Forces by Blaine A. White on Blogcritics.

It’s difficult to find books that walk you through the process of joining the military, and it’s even harder to find something to use as a guide for the Reserve forces of the various military branches. White’s “Citizen Soldier: An Overview of the US Military Reserve Forces” fills in that gap by introducing the paths that are available to anyone considering the possibility of wearing a uniform.

The choice you make regarding the branch of the military you wish to serve in won’t affect the usefulness of this book since the content covers all the Reserve branches, including one known as the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), which I had never heard of before reading this book. You’ll also discover a few little-known details regarding the various military branches, which might possibly affect the path you choose to take. For example, did you know that two of the Reserve units are under the command of the state governor first and the United States president second, while the remaining branches are exclusively commanded by the president? It was something new to me.

The author is serious about his commitment to the military and his passion easily shows in his writing, yet he doesn’t completely sugar-coat things. He explains the importance of being in good physical and mental shape, and he does advise asking the recruiter every question you can think of so that you don’t become one of those disillusioned enlistees that says he, or she, was “tricked” by their recruiter; when it comes to something as serious as serving your country, there is no such thing as a stupid question. The difference between entering the military reserves as an enlisted person or an officer are also explained, with information provided on how to transition from one to the other if you decide to take a route that’s different from the one you originally chose.

The book is well-written and flows smoothly, with a natural progression that’s easy to follow. If you, or someone you know, is considering a future in the Reserves, I would highly recommend they read “Citizen Soldier: An Overview of the US Military Reserve Forces” by Blaine A. White because the information tucked within these 212 pages could prove to be a valuable learning tool.


Citizen Soldier: An Overview of the US Military Reserve Forces
Blaine A. White
AuthorHouse (2012)
ISBN 9781468545463
Reviewed by Marty Shaw for Reader Views (3/12)

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)

Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance

Article first published as Book Review: Keep Dancing: Life May Not Be the Party We Hoped For, But... by Rosie Giesie on Blogcritics.

Author Rosie Giesie has been through more than most people should have to endure in one lifetime.  Having to bury three children and dealing with kidney failure and a transplant might be too much for many people.  Somehow though, Rosie and her loving husband, Gene, kept their heads up, their hearts light, and their feet moving.  In her new book, “Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance,” she tells us how she managed through the roughest of times.

“Keep Dancing” is part autobiography and part collective memories from friends and family members.  Giesie begins by giving her own background in life and moves on to her marriage and the eventual birth of three boys.  It doesn’t take too long before a genetic kidney disorder is discovered and two of the boys have passed from complications. The third remains healthy and free of kidney problems but he contracts AIDS and dies at the age of 33.  Giesie and her husband, now empty nesters in the worst possible way, must come to terms with the lingering guilt, the ‘what ifs,’ and the ‘whys’ of their unthinkable situation.  But they learn to dance though it all.  The book ends with several story submissions from various family members and friends, remembering the last son to die, remembering the boys as they were in life, and remembering Giesie’s example of faith and strength.

“Keep Dancing” reminds us that despite (or in spite of) overwhelming obstacles that may make us feel like we simply cannot go on, it’s still possible to glean happiness out of life.  Touching and emotional, Giesie takes you to the brink of heartache and back again with positive perspective and a profound drive.  Those dealing with personal tragedy – especially the loss of a child - in their lives will find a sympathetic tone and style in Giesie.  While containing some minor editing issues, the book moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader interested throughout.  “Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance” is an easy afternoon read.


Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance
Rosie Giesie
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432771799
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (1/12)

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)

March Forth: My Journey through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery from Breast Cancer

Hearing about breast cancer, Susan G. Komen and the ‘Race for the Cure’ are commonplace in our fast-paced world of information.  However, do we really know what it means to endure this diagnosis?  To play waiting games with medical tests or paperwork games with insurance companies?  What about the physical, mental, and emotional battles which go along with chemotherapy?  Author and cancer survivor Marci A. Schmitt spells it all out in her book, “March Forth: My Journey through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery from Breast Cancer.”

“March Forth” is an eye-opening personal account of one brave woman’s life-changing experiences with breast cancer.  Told from the first person, Schmitt includes every step in her journey toward freedom.  After having to watch her mother die of the same disease, she ‘marches forth’ at each chapter’s end as obstacle after obstacle seem to line up and obstruct her path to good health.  After two mastectomies – and not even at the same time – Schmitt maintains a playful wit while looking the unimaginable in the eyes and holding on where most of us would think we would surely fail.  Her vivid descriptions of chemotherapy horrors brought many tears to my eyes and helped me better understand how debilitating these treatments can be on the human body.  Thankfully, the book ends on a positive note with Schmitt alive and doing extremely well.

“March Forth” is a beautifully inspirational read for anyone having to go through cancer themselves as well as those hoping to be a supportive and understanding friend for someone else.  It gives the down and dirty on what someone might expect when dealing with this disease but it also presents advice on how you could effectively help someone going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  These recommendations can potentially assist in lessening any awkward or uncomfortable moments where someone may not really know what to do or say to be empathetic.

Schmitt is exceptional in recounting her story, describing her situations with detailed clarity, organizing her thoughts, and letting her strength and faith shine through her words.  She describes ‘chemo brain’ towards the end of her story but I didn’t find anything random or foggy about her.


March Forth: My Journey through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery from Breast Cancer
Marci A. Schmitt
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432776008
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (12/11)

Wisdom Is Not Enough: Reflections on Leadership & Teams

Jeff Appelquist is someone that many people interested in the subject of leadership would like to sit down and talk with. A former U.S. Marine Corps rifle company commander, he is a successful entrepreneur, consultant and speaker and the founder of President of Blue Knight History Seminars. In his new book, “Wisdom Is Not Enough,” Appelquist again interprets moments in history to modern-day leadership lessons, as well as especially noteworthy lessons from today’s leadership battlefield. This book underscores his unique ability to find his lessons in diverse places.

In his first book, “Sacred Ground, Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg & The Little Bighorn,” Appelquist mines true-life events and stories from the Civil War that provide lessons for aspiring and experienced leaders in all fields of endeavor. That book won the Writer’s Digest International Awards first place prize for nonfiction. “Wisdom Is Not Enough” offers timeless lessons from an even broader range of historical, world events, and from the latest current events.

The book’s content is provided by a powerful assemblage of forty articles by the author for the Dakota County Tribune Business Weekly written over a period of eighteen months from the spring of 2009 to the fall of 2010, and as Appelquist notes, “a tremendously difficult time when both the American and world economies struggled mightily.” The articles are divided among five groups: “Decision Making,” “Strategy,” “Communication,” “Relationships,” and “Learning,” with eight articles in each group. Each article explores an aspect of leadership or team dynamics through unique perspectives.

Although an avid historian, Appelquist’s writing style is not academic. He brings history and current events to life through his engaging knack for storytelling. Every article offers intriguing insights and introspections and practical lessons that demonstrate how today’s leaders can become great leaders who consistently develop teams that perform at a high level.

In “Wisdom Is Not Enough” Jeff Appelquist offers powerful proof to explain why. And his carefully considered articles provide compelling answers to what is. Like his first book, “Wisdom Is Not Enough” gives the reader a stimulating, original take on leadership. I highly recommend.

Wisdom Is Not Enough: Reflections on Leadership & Teams
Jeff Appelquist
Beaver’s Pond Press (2011)
ISBN 9781592983735
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (11/11)

Liana Tips: Or More Than Most People Want To Know About Vines, Vine-Like Plants and Other Ramblings, Volume 1 of 2

“Liana Tips: Or More Than Most People Want To Know About Vines, Vine-Line Plants and Other Ramblings, Volume 1 of 2” is a collection of detailed information, drawings, and lists about these fascinating types of plants.  True to her title, author Gwen Kirtley Perkins supplies more than most would ever want to know.  She organizes the plants into different types of habitats, such as ‘watery,’ ‘wet,’ ‘moist,’ ‘dry’ and more and then further breaks down each category into very specific conditions like ‘field edges,, ‘forest edges,’ fence rows,’ etc.  There are also lists of rare vine species, native and introduced ones with regard to ‘invasive’ qualities, toxicity in humans and various animals, folk medicine uses, and an a myriad of other uses.  She continues the book with how to identify stem, leaf, flower, fruits, and other physical characteristics.  The book ends with a list of vines found in the Southeast portion of the United States and the scientific names in Latin.

“Liana Tips” is also an autobiographical account of Perkins’ journey into the world of vines and plants in general.  She speaks often of her childhood and of her marriage.  I had mixed feelings about these digressions.  While it was charming, it took the book off-topic quite often.  Just as an example, the ‘Introduction to this Book’ didn’t start until page 36, much further in than a typical intro section would be expected.  Another potential issue was that it was a mixture of fact-based information with personal opinion or preferences.  Her word ‘liana,’ for instance, is what she uses for ‘vines and vine-like plants.’  She’d come to use this term by discovering the word, ‘lianes’ (pronounced ‘lie-aye’ ns).  “Not particularly liking the harsh sound of that word and wanting a softer one, [she] kept looking.”  She later came upon the Spanish word ‘liana’ but changed its pronunciation to sound ‘more southern sounding.’  With this in mind, I would have a difficult time recommending this book to someone looking for fact-based information on these types of plants.

I did find the information written with a passion indicative of a deep love of the subject.  Obviously, Perkins is an adoring fan, even a bit obsessive, when it comes to these plants.  This gave the book an endearing quality.  There is no doubt that “Liana Tips” will be a treasured account of the 92-year-old author’s various hobbies and interests for her family and friends. 

Liana Tips: Or More Than Most People Want To Know About Vines, Vine-Like Plants and Other Ramblings, Volume 1 of 2
Gwen Kirtley Perkins, PhD
Wheredepony Press (2010)
ISBN 9781981825236
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (10/11)