Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology   2. General   3. Perfectionism (Personality tra   4. Perfectionism (Personality trait)   5. Personality   6. Psychology   7. Psychotherapy - Counseling   8. Rehabilitation Counseling   9. Self-Help & Practical Interests   10. Self-Help / General   

The consequences of media saturation are the basis for an urban nightmare in Lullaby, Chuck Palahniuk's darkly comic and often dazzling thriller.Assigned to write a series of feature articles investigating SIDS, troubled newspaper reporter Carl Streator begins to notice a pattern among the cases he encounters: each child was read the same poem prior to his or her death.His research and a tip from a necrophilic paramedic lead him to Helen Hoover Boyle, a real estate agent who sells "distressed" (demonized) homes, assured of their instant turnover.Boyle and Streator have both lost children to "crib death," and she confirms Streator's suspicions: the poem is an ancient lullaby or "culling song" that is lethal if spoken--or even thought--in a victim's direction.The misanthropic Streator, now armed with a deadly and uncontrollably catchy tune, goes on a minor killing spree until he recognizes his crimes and the song's devastating potential.Lullaby then turns into something of a road trip narrative, with Streator, Boyle, her empty-headed Wiccan secretary Mona, and Mona's vigilante boyfriend Oyster setting out across the U.S. to track down and destroy all copies of the poem.

In his previous works, including the cult favorite Fight Club, Palahniuk has demonstrated a fondness for making statements about the condition of humanity, and he uses Lullaby like a blunt object to repeatedly overstate his generally dim view.Such dogmatic venom undermines the persuasiveness of his thesis about mass communication and free will, but thankfully, Palahniuk offers some respite here by allowing for sympathy and love, as well as through his razor-sharp humor, such as his mock listings for Helen's possessed properties: "six bedrooms, four baths, pine-paneled entryway, and blood running down the kitchen walls...."At such moments, Lullaby casts a powerful spell. --Ross Doll ... Read more

Customer Reviews (171)

Wonderful read, but the underlying message comes out garbled
Lullaby is one of the best books I've read in a while. Does it have a deep, important point to make that I should ponder for a very, very long time? In a word, yes. At the end of the day, though, it doesn't matter all that much whether you "get it" or not. It's insanely well written (emphasis on insane), and while the plot is typical convoluted Palahniuk it never leaves you behind. While things that happen in Lullaby might seem somewhat random, there's always a method to the madness. I took a star off because of that deep, important point--it's very vague. Fight Club had a real message, Survivor had a real message, and Invisible Monsters had a real message. Lullaby's thesis, for one reason or another, eludes the reader. The basic ideas are there, but they're never really pulled together. There are compelling questions raised about power and humanity--but that's all they are. Even if the message escapes the reader, it's still a four-star book. Read it if you love black humor and unique plots.

only Chuck can tell stories like this
An audible plague. A book written in "peter tracks" bound with human skin, nipple included. Counting 1, counting 2, counting 3...
"Lullaby" tells the tale of 4 deranged characters (one named Oyster for goodness sake) who travel cross country in attempt to destroy all remaining copies of a culling poem, a poem that if read aloud kills the listener. The journey begins as a quest to save the innocent from unnecesary deaths, but quickly turns into a power struggle between those who know the poem and those who know of the poem. There's a difference, and that difference is the center that "Lullaby" revolves around. Save books by burning books, save lives by killing. All these oxymorons make for an incredible read that won't let you put it down, especially if this is one of your first or second Chuck books. If not...
Chuck's stories are uniquely his own, and while "Lullaby" is filled with plots, observations (television is filled with laughing dead people)and analogies that could only be made by him, "Lullaby" was, well, too Chuck. No one writes like him, but perhaps he should experiment a little and apply his style to characters that don't have so much in common (and I mean all of his characters, not just those in "Lullaby") - the book just didn't seem new.

observer of the absurd
What first fascinated me was the "culling song" plot element. Really the only part of the synopsis you need to know is "The consequences of media saturation are the basis for an urban nightmare in Lullaby. Assigned to write a series of feature articles investigating SIDS, troubled newspaper reporter Carl Streator begins to notice a pattern among the cases he encounters..."

You don't need to read more as it will give away some plot points that are nice to discover rather than having them exposed on the dust jacket.

The culling spell leads to even more old world spells which when used in modern day have some interesting applications... so of course I suggest it because it has magic and as one review put it "it's chock full of eco-hippie rhetoric and nihilistic tendencies".

But I also found some beautiful paragraphs about color - yes it was the artist in me that drooled over these - and moments of startling profundity that awaken the reader to the absurdity of modern culture and make you wonder whose world is crazier - his or ours. This is a modern day Film Noir pulp detective story - complete with haggard-life-weary detective. It's got a lot of dark and dry humor and is a little gritty.

Half way through it get even more surreal and though I finished it I thought there were two books under one binding... I was not as enthralled with the second half. In Fight Club I identified with Marla (yeah say what you will) in this one I'm just an observer of the absurd.

Give it a peek and see what you think. But if you did not like or see moments of profundity of the counter culture statements in Fight Club you won't like this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - Horror   3. Horror   4. Horror - General   5. Horror fiction   6. Incantations   7. Journalists   8. Sudden infant death syndrome   9. Fiction / General   

Customer Reviews (74)

The most comprehensive fibromyalgia book available
I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia or mps, is seriously affected by the disease, and who has a pretty good ability to deal with details and medical information. For those with fibromyalgia who are looking for a less overwhelming book, there are other good ones out there for you. That being said, if you do have a serious case of fibromyalgia or mps and want to be a good advocate for yourself within the medical system, this is the book to have.

In detailed and comprehensive terms the authors explain what these conditions are, what they aren't, how they are diagnosed, other common symptoms (this is the section that you will most like if you have fibromyalgia or mps--who knew about mosquitos being drawn to us!) and several great sections on coping, keeping journals, how to cope with the dreaded "fibrofog," medicines, and how to work out home, work, and travel issues.

If you have fibromyalgia or mps you will constantly refer to this book, and will be glad you made the purchase.

A Lifesaver....
Until I read this book I felt totally hopeless. I have chronic pain from some obvious sources, but also have other "unexplained" pain. My pain got worse and I got more depressed. Then one day I read the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. I went to the library, found and checked out "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome", and it changed my life! On page after page I found validation and explanations for my weird pains. Once my Orthp Dr saw how many correlations there were, he had no choice but to formally diagnose me with FMS/CMP syndrome. I understand so much more now about my body thanks to this book. This truly IS a survival manual. If you are in pain, and want answers, buy this book. The text is easy to understand, NOT overly technical,and the many diagrams are very helpful too. The author knows first-hand how we suffer, as she also has this condition. Thanks Dr. Starlanyl!

An owner's handbook to a fibromyalgia suffering body
My title for this review should be the title of this book.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1993 and I have felt I was fighting in the dark, usually having to teach my caregivers about the disease rather than the other way around. I read what I could but still did not understand why there seemed to be so many things wrong with me. This book has become the light in my darkness. It explains in clear and simple layperson terms exactly what fibromyalgia is and does and why it causes so many disparate symptoms. It also tells me ways of dealing with all the aspects of this disease. I wish I had this book years ago. It would have saved me much suffering and anxiety. I am buying copies for my caregivers and my relatives and my friends. Yahoo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness   2. Diseases - Musculoskeletal   3. Fibromyalgia   4. Health & Fitness   5. Health/Fitness   6. Myofascial pain syndromes   7. Health & Healing   

Customer Reviews (12)

If you are looking for a great book -- this is it!
Until now, there has never been a book about Asperger's Syndrome by a teenage with AS specifically FOR teens with AS. But Luke Jackson, a thirteen-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome from England, comes to the rescue with his cool new book, Freaks, Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence. Like a breath of fresh air, he writes in a breezy, witty, easy-to-understand style, to reassure teenagers that having AS (or High-Functioning autism).

First, he introduces the reader to his family, then goes on to introduce himself, including his obsessions (the big one being computers, of course!), the things that he has collected, such as pencils and then he talks about the ways he accommodates his sensory problems. One of the most ingenious is to use a balaclava, to provide the deep pressure that he needs to shut out extraneous noise and other stimuli. He goes into the minutest detail about the difficulties he experiences in school, including the literal interpretation of what he hears from the teacher, bullying, the problems involved with homework.

One of the minefields that is socializing and figuring out the subtle nuances in Freaks, Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome is the one on dating. In this chapter, Luke gives important tips on attracting kids of the opposite sex and on dating itself, including looking as clean ad attractive as possible, being tactful, and giving that person a compliment, such as, "I like your tie!" The overall theme of this little gem is that having AS and High-Functioning autism is a POSITIVE thing. "Different is cool!" To Luker Jackson, AS has more good than bed-creative, original thinking, a tendency to follow the law to the letter, and a real desire to learn and discover things about a specific interest-the makings of a future Einstein or Picasso.

When I read this book, I got the wonderful feeling that we are more "normal" than not, and that "normal" is really an arbitrary standard, set by each society and not a hard and fast rule. Three cheer to Luke Jackson and his nifty book for teens with AS!! This should be in every school library and in every home of a teen with AS. Need I say more? Oh, and one more thing . . . this book has a glossary of idioms, to help teens with Asperger's Syndrome understand the English language a little better.

All teachers should read this book!
Luke, the young writer of this book, has done an excellent job in showing what goes on in the minds of kids with Asperger's syndrome and also to some extent, autism. I am a former art teacher and never read up on such conditions,however, every teacher, especially school coaches, should read this book because Luke has some very specific advice for them in relation to teaching, especially teaching AS kids athletics. I could relate to his chapters on bullying--my son was a very bright boy, an early reader, who was constantly taunted in junior high school for being "gifted." He would sometimes come home in tears and only after an hour of watching Star Trek reruns could he calm down and feel the relief of being home from school. NOw he is graduating from Harvard, so the joke is definitely on the bullies who are now janitors. Ha, ha! So I know where Luke is coming from about bullying. Never let them beat you, Luke. You are a marvelous, very gifted young man who will go very far in life. You just be YOU and never waver from that. If friends come into your life, it will be because they like YOU and not some false idea of a different you. You should never have to change for people to like you. God bless and I hope to hear more about you in future books. I want to read more about AS and autism, too. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to AS knowledge. People can learn so much from people like you who are not ashamed to discuss a condition they have. Great job and as they say in England, Well done indeed.

The jury is still out
The jury is still out on exactly the what, when, and how of Asperger's Syndrome. We all know by now that autism is one end of the spectrum and A.S. is the other, but even with that information most of us are still at sea with what to do about it. FREAKS, GEEKS AND ASPERGER SYNDROME is one of the best and most informative books to come out in a long time--if ever. There have been quite a few books written on the subject lately, some fact, some fiction. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT comes to mind. It's a book by Mark Haddon and is written through the eyes of a teenage who is autistic. Then there's THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD--another work of fiction that deals with an "unusual" child. We're never really sure if the main character has Dissociative Identity Disorder or Asperger Syndrome, but the effect of his "oddness" is clear. Enter this book: FREAKS, GEEKS. NOT a work of fiction, but a riveting work that should be read, not only by parents who think their child may have this syndrome, but by really everyone. For who's to say WHO has this and who hasn't? What is the difference between someone who simply refuses to conform to society's rules and someone who "can't help themsleves" when it comes to socially unacceptable behavior? This book will shed some light on that, and a few other things. It's well written and contains a host of useful ideas, whether intentional or not. And humor--the book has humor and insight. Can you imagine if only we had known (fully) of this syndrome years ago? What a difference in people's lives this would have made.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of your experience with this syndrome. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1988-   2. Asperger's syndrome   3. Biography   4. Education   5. Family relationships   6. General   7. Jackson, Luke,   8. Mental health   9. Patients   10. Psychology   11. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent   12. Special Education - Communicative Disorders   13. Jackson, Luke   

Customer Reviews (4)

Power Cards is an excellent new approach to helping kids.
I have read and re-read the Power Cards book with great satisfaction. This new approach to working with some of our special kids is wonderful and I have found that these concepts really work. They are well thought out and easy to do. I hope that everyone will give this concept a try, especially when it seems nothing else seems to work.

A behavior strategy that's fun to create and easy to use!
The Power Card Strategy has become one of the most effective strategies we use in our school. It is intrinsically motivating to students because it incorporates a student's special interest or favorite character into a story that helps them understand appropriate behaviors. The Power Card story is fun to develop because the student's favorite TV personality, cartoon character or real life hero explains the importance of using the appropriate behavior and explains how to display this behavior by following the listed steps. This resource has many examples of the Power Card Strategy and walks you through writing your own Power Card story and Power Card. It is an excellent resource for teachers, parents and other professionals who are involved in shaping children's behaviors.

Power Cards- What a strategy!
I am a special eduacation teacher in Illinois and work with children with autism spectrum disorder. I mainly work with children with high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. I have used the Power Card book several times and my district is adapting the strategy as one that really works with this population. My students can relate to their "obsessions" while learning rules- it's perfect! I have seen a significant increase in several target (preferred) behaviors with many students with autism and AS after the Power Card stratedy was implemented. I am big fan of this book. It's easy for anyone to use and I highly recommend it to parents and professionals. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting   2. Autistic children   3. Education   4. Social aspects   5. Asperger's syndrome   6. Autism in children   7. Motivation (Psychology)   8. Behavior disorders in children   9. Special Education - Socially Handicapped   

Customer Reviews (2)

Precision movement matters!
Having harrassed the author for close to four years I am pleased to say that this text represents what might best described an a "hinge in history". I agree that the concepts and examination items might be challenging for those used to a "cookbook" strategy but I am sure Shirley will agree that she did NOT invent anatomy or kinesiology! Systematic clinical examination, identifying movement deviations from mechanical precision and optimising efficient movement patterns are not large leaps of logic. Major car manufacturers and airlines have been doing this for years; analyse patterns of wear and tear on components and see what lasts the longest! However, humans in their comfortable/familiar patterns don't invest in the valid and rational practice of prevention and damage analysis. I know UK colleagues will take the path of least resistance when trying out the exam items within this book and say "Well it doesn't predict chronicity!" or "What about psychosocial factors?". To them and the pain biology fanatics I say this...when viruses, bacteria, trauma, genetics and family relationships have been analysed, what are the three primary drivers of nociception? Bogduk delineated the mechanical deformation model of nociception; Sahrmann has now thrown down the gauntlet with the movement paradigm to support or negate. Roll up your sleeves, break a sweat and join those of us liberated from surreal Southern Hemisphere skeleton pushing. Active rehabilitation with empiricism, determinism and a healthy cynicism! This text gives content and not just theory/process models - try telling a student that clinical reasoning is a valid model when they don't know what to look for!

Long awaited text for expert practice
Physical therapists like myself have been waiting for a text from the author for over 10 years. Definitely a text for someone well versed in the anatomy and mechaincs of the musculoskeletal system. This text is written in clear categories and deals with problems in three general areas. It takes effort and analytic thinking to understand the myriad of motions listed in the text. A CD with actual demonstrations would help immensely in seeing all the factors the author is illustrating. The introduction covers very complex ideas made as simple as possible by the author. I would recommend this text for any movement specialist but I would caveat my recommendation with the warning that hard work is needed to really grasp the techniques listed in this text. This author is saying things that need to be learned by movement specialists and only can be applied by an expert. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Physical Therapy   2. Anatomy   3. Diagnosis   4. Exercise Therapy   5. Medical   6. Medical / Nursing   7. Musculoskeletal Diseases   8. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation   9. Rheumatology   

Customer Reviews (2)

Ways to use special interests for people with ASD/AS!
I have read all three of Temple Grandin's books. Each offers a different look at what it is like to experience Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In "Developing Talents" Grandin provides the readers with insight into how parents and educators can assist people with High Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome (HFA/AS)achieve success.

Presented in an easy to read format,this book focuses on using one's strengths, natural talents, and special interests to gain
employment and lead successful lives. This book offers helpful strategies to promote such things as addressing sensory needs in the workplace as well as creating a portfolio to showcase one's talents.

In today's society, having marketable job skills is a must. This book gives a proactive look at some of the challenges faced by people with HFA/AS. It is important for parents and educators to introduce the concepts of the book early in the educational careers of these students as the skills are life skills in addition to career skills.

Fills a much needed void!
As a parent of an adolescent with Asperger Syndrome, I found this book easy to read and understand, with practical how-to instructions and guidelines for preparing my son to enter the work force. I really liked the emphasis on developing social and communication skills that are found throughout the book. This is one I will recommend to friends and relatives as well as my son's educators. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Career/Job   3. Careers - General   4. Interpersonal Relations   5. Learning Disabilities   6. Psychology   7. Vocational   

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc   2. Medical / Nursing   3. Muscles   4. Musculoskeletal Diseases   5. Myofascial Pain Syndrome   6. Myofascial pain syndromes   7. Orthopedics   8. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation   9. Rheumatology   10. Science/Mathematics   

Customer Reviews (10)

Healthy Digestion the Natural Way
This book clearly explained and identified sooo many misconceptions I had about the digestive system. I was thrilled with the information I gained and have already put into practice new ways to deal with my personal digestive problems. The results of this change to a natural way (no drugs) has improved my well being a 100 fold. Thanks to the author for writing this book and for the recommendation of this book in a local paper.

Nurse's recommendation
Dr. Lindsey Berkson's digestion book has given me inspiration and motivation to travel the road to sound health for not only the body, but for body, mind, soul and spirit. As a registered nurse, I found Dr. Berkson's book an excellent resource for healing that gives abundant, ready to use, practical information on health for the whole person. This is a book that I do recommend to my nurse colleagues as well as my patients because it is written with great knowledge, wisdom, gentleness and warmth. Thank you Dr. Lindsey Berkson!

Inspirational for believers
An inspirational but practical guide for persons concerned with their digestive issues. Natural remedies are stressed to get the best out of what the nature has to offer and what the digestive system truly needs. Other titles/authors of interest to the readers may be "Natural Stomach Care", "Digestive Wellness" and "Your Gut Feelings". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment   2. Diet / Health / Fitness   3. Diet/Nutrition   4. Diseases   5. Diseases - Abdominal   6. Gastrointestinal system   7. General   8. Health & Fitness   9. Holistic medicine   10. Indigestion   11. Naturopathy   12. Health & Fitness / General   13. Popular medicine   

Customer Reviews (3)

The best
I was diagnosed with PCOS about 4 weeks ago after dealing with the awful symptoms for 9 years. I immediatly bought this book and loved it. It explains everything you need to know about PCOS; symptoms, treatments, and much more, if you have PCOS and feel the need to know everything there is to know about your condition you have to have this book.

Help and hope for women with PCOS
This book is the first to embrace the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit for women with PCOS. It offers hope and help and suggests that being diagnosed with PCOS can in many cases be a good thing. PCOS offers a rare opportunity to see the future and change it through lifestyle changes and complementary therapies and medicines if needed. Looking through the window of PCOS this book offers an abundance of hope, knowing that the symptoms of today can be managed and complications of tomorrow, such as diabetes, heart disease, infertility, can be prevented. A solid performer I'd recommend this book to any women with PCOS.

excellent self-help tool
A great addition to the PCOS literature out there covering all the old ground but also adding in new and extremely helpful information about diet and self help techniques. It's beautifully written and clear and consistent throughout. As a PCOS sufferer myself I highly recommend it to other women with PCOS. Good to know that at long last this complex condition is being taken seriously and given the attention and respect it deserves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness   2. Diseases - Genitourinary & STDs   3. Health & Fitness   4. Health/Fitness   5. Infertility   6. Popular works   7. Stein-Leventhal syndrome   8. Women's Health - General   9. Women's health   

Customer Reviews (1)

Friendships Are Relationships
I found Drs. Gutstein and Sheely's new book very helpful for implementing the Relationship Development Intervention curriculum for our son who has Asperger's.

The Activities were presented in a very user friendly format in a step-by-step manner. The corresponding Objectives were clearly stated, and it will be easy to monitor his progress. I know that these objectives will be beneficial when planning for his IEP at school next year.

I've always wished that our son came with a manual....well now I've got one. Thanks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome   2. Autism   3. Autistic children   4. Developmental disabilities   5. Education   6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   7. General   8. Mental Health   9. Pediatrics   10. Rehabilitation   11. Rehabilitation Therapy   12. Social skills in children   13. Special Education - Socially Handicapped   

Customer Reviews (8)

Good, but ready for the next edition!!!!!
I agree with the reviewer that was frustrated by the constant reference to "Autism" instead of "Asperger's". The fact that the TITLE of the book is "Asperger's" makes it all the more surprising, and difficult for us who purchased it for our AS kids to constantly encounter this term. I also want to warn parents that although this is a great book, it is CLEARLY FOR OLDER KIDS--- LIKE 9/10 YRS AND UP!!!! I purchased this for my 6 year old and it was WAY over his head, even with me trying to explain it. Also, so much of it is set up for the kids to do worksheets, and this just isn't possible until they are older. I have returned it, but am hoping that by the time I want to purchase it again in a couple of years, that the constant references to "AUTISM" will have changed, or the title of the book will have, to "AUTISM, what does it mean to me!!!!" (I am hoping for the former!) Waiting for the next edition......

Wish I had found this years ago
My son was only diagnosed with AS three years ago at the age of 10, but we have made much progress in the last three years. We are experiencing difficulties at school and I have been searching for ways to help him. This book has so many ideas and strategies, it's almost hard to know where to start, but I believe we will find what we are looking for in this workbook. What is so wonderful about it that it draws the child in, but provides much more for parents and teachers, also. Don't let the price discourage you, it's well worth it!

An Excellent "TEACCHing" Tool
How I wish I had had this book as a child. This is a good teaching tool for helping children with Asperger's understand their "undefined differences," make peace with them and explain them to other people. I like the way the book emphasizes the point that "different" does not necessarily mean stigmatized.

This work does a great service in making efforts to remove the stigma often associated with Asperger's. Although Asperger's is a neurological "difference" that IS on the Autism spectrum, it is not "autism," per se. Many argue the point that it is a form of autism, or a "milder form," but that question remains open. What IS known about Asperger's is that it is INDEED a spectrum condition and that it DOES share some autistic properties. Sadly, "autism" is such a highly charged term that it often eclipses the different challenges people with Asperger's contend with. This book does an admirable job of addressing this issue.

I highly recommend this one for all people whether or not they are on the spectrum. It has good information and paves the way to acceptance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family relationships   2. Children with Special Needs   3. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent   4. Autism   5. Autistic children   6. Asperger's syndrome   7. Education   8. Special Education - General   9. General   10. Autistic youth   

Customer Reviews (3)

Clear Explanation
Unlike "An Asperger Marriage", this book offers explanation and advice in hopes of developing understanding. My wife has found herself repeatedly experiencing "Aha's" as it becomes clear to her that I am not just an odd duck. If you only buy one book about relationships in context of Aspergers Syndrome, THIS IS THE ONE! I hope you find as much help and encouragement as my wife and I have.

A must-read for anyone in such a relationship
My partner and I are both on the autistic spectrum, and I can't even begin to describe how valuable this book was for me (she hasn't read it yet, but plans to do so soon).

The first half is mainly about diagnosis. That didn't apply in our case, since we were already diagnosed, so I don't feel qualified to comment on that setion. The second half, however, is a gold mine of information on how to address one of the most important parts of any relationship: communication.

Those on the autistic spectrum communicate differently from the "neurologically typical". This book gets right into the "meat" of this matter by clearly and frankly explaining the different ways in which an "Aspie" (one with Asperger's Syndrome) interprets and uses language. It also explains strategies for both parties to use in bridging the communication gap -- rightly observing, by the way, that the Aspie partner needs to make an effort just as much as the non-Aspie partner does.

In addition, "Other Half" notes some other potential problems that may occur in your relationship (e.g., odd compulsive routines and how to deal with them) as well as certain strengths your Aspie partner will probably bring to your relationship that can be difficult to find in others.

If you or your partner have Asperger's Syndrome, this is not a book for you to miss.

Validates and gives practical ideas when living with this
This book is extremely helpful and supportive for those who have a Asperger spouse or significant other. It is very straight forward and tells it like it is. It was wonderful to know that I was not the only one who had to manage so many different aspects of our family's lives, but is realistic in explaining why it is necessary.

The book in not depressing, but realistic in the difficulities and benefits of this type of relationship. A good book to help you take charge and make sure that YOU also take care of yourself and know when to ask for some help.

I think this is a must read for anyone who lives with someone with Aspergers. It will really explain many of the things you may already do to support your spouse and why they work so well. This book would have saved me a lot of time and tears when I first got married. A quick read and excellent book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases - General   2. Health & Fitness   3. Health/Fitness   4. Asperger's syndrome   5. Patients   6. Relationships   7. Marriage   8. Family & Relationships   

Customer Reviews (29)

The best book out there on RSI!
This book is excellent! As a long time RSI sufferer, I found this book to be a great source of information and hope. It is very well written, and it is clear that the authors have an extremely thorough understanding of repetitive strain injuries. The book describes a theory of how RSI develops, and how it can be treated most effectively. I also learned quite a bit from the case studies of six RSI patients, and was heartened by their successful recovery. Most importantly, the authors outline a very practical and understandable treatment approach. I am now following this suggested treatment, and am very optimistic that I will recover from my four-year battle with RSI. If you have a computer-related injury, I recommend that you buy this book now!

Important Buy for *ALL* Computer Users
As a computer professional for the last 15 years or so I have come to understand, first hand, the concepts presented in this book. Presented here is a method to repair and prevent damage caused by repetitive strain injuries in the work place that involves no drugs or surgery! This book is a must read for anyone who works with computers on a regular basis, whether they are currently feeling painful symptoms or not. The simple stretching and ergonomic suggestions in the book will help keep the strain injuries away, and the comprehensive diagrams for self administering many of the muscle based massage technics can be quite helpful to those with pain who do not have the time for regular Physical Therapy visits for similar or even less effective treatments. Once the pain is gone, the previous ergonomic and stretching methods can be used to help keep one relatively pain free depending. of course on one's future vigilance. As someone who relies solidly on my hands and ability to perform detailed work each day for my profession and my hobbies, this book is a godsend. When my own painful symptoms began appearing, my fears of surgery and possible loss of mobility were left behind by this new method to resolve problems that many computer users face. To go one step even further, It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is written in language that does not require a medical degree to understand and gain benefit from it. Did I mention that no surgery is involved? :) All in all an excellent resource.

best book I've seen, in years of lookin'
This is a terrific book. I've been an RSI sufferer for eight years and it's the best I ever read. Damany & Bellis stay humble about the things they don't know.

They provide just enough structural and physiological information to help the reader anchor themselves in a real understanding what's going on. A lot of the books spew out a lot of muscle names and nerve names kind as a way of groping for credibility, without really making sure that information is something the person can use.

They're open to the ambiguity, and lay out alternative explanations, for some of the big imponderables in RSI -- such as why some people get injured others don't, or why some recover and others don't.

They have pretty darn good descriptions of the nerve glides and stretches and so forth that a person needs to do. One of my great frustrations with even skilled physical therapists is that they describe a stretch and then walk away, without giving the patient good instructions that that they can follow when they get home.

The most important thing of all is this: the book seems honest and clearheaded and genuine, and it's clear that they're really interested in helping to move the ball forward in understanding RSI. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies   2. Business Life - Health/Stress   3. Diet / Health / Fitness   4. Health & Fitness   5. Health aspects   6. Health/Fitness   7. Human-computer interaction   8. Microcomputers   9. Overuse injuries   10. Popular works   11. Work-Related Health   12. Health   13. Computers   14. Carpal tunnel syndrome   15. Hand   

Customer Reviews (9)

Excellent text
I found the information quite thorough. It is written in a user-friendly way, easy to understand. I bought this book because it was listed as a reference for the chiropractic practice part 2 exam. This book helped me with the locations of the trigger points. Sometimes the chiro boards like to ask questions on trigger points. However, Leonardi's book: National Board of Chiropractic Part II Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers and National Board of Chiropractic Part III Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations are excellent for board exam preparation. These three books are needed for the part II and Part III of the boards.

The ultimate in drug-free pain relief!
As a Clinical Massage Therapist at a hospital, I use these books almost daily. In fact, I just ordered my second set. . . The first is so threadbare it's barely usable. ANYTIME I have a patient with a pain that I can't immediately identify I grab my Travell's. This set is an absolute BIBLE for anyone in the health care industry. Travell and Simons have esentially written "The Instruction Manual" for elliminating myofascial pain by going to it's source!

Janet Travell, MD and David Simons, MD were absolute pioneers when it came to myofascial pain and it's treatment. What makes these books even more amazing is that they were written a full quarter of a century before doctors even acknowledged that myofascial pain actually exsisted. . . What makes them interesting is that, in this, the most current edition, they have re-evaluated about 65% of the sites that before would only be considered for cortizone or saline injection and now recommend these areas be attended to by a Massage Therapist. They even go into strong detail as to stroke, direction and stretching. There are still plenty of sites that they recommend for injection, but only in a last resort situation.

The chapters are laid out in an incredibly easy to understand manner, though that's not even the beauty of the book's design. If you know the name of the muscle in question, you simply look inside the front cover; the muscle are all listed with their coresponding page numbers next to them. Don't know the name or not sure which muscle it is in the group? No problem. You again open the front cover and there, in 5th grade simplicity, are charts for all the areas covered in the book. Flip to the area in question and look through the diagrams. When you find (in the super well drawn diagrams) the pain you are trying to treat, you are given, not only several treatment plans, but etiology and most likely direct verve aggravation associated with the pain.

My only problem with the set is that the book are not as well bound as maybe they could be for the price. You'll notice, however, that it didn't have enough of an impact on me to give it any less that a perfect score.

I STRONGLY recommend this book for ANY health care practitioner that deals with pain control and alleviation.

A Tour de Force
Janet Travell MD and David Simons MD spent a lifetime studying the patterns and treatment of muscular and soft tissue pain in patients. It is a specialty in itself, and provides an amazingly detailed review of anatomy. These books are the bible on the subject written by the "mother" and "father" of the specialty. There will hardly be a day in the professional life of a busy primary care practitioner, rheumatologist, orthopedist, neurologist, physiatrist or physical therapist when these books will not be used. The more one knows of this field, the more revelations one gets into those difficult chronic pain patients. The etiology and muscular complexity of the huge field of "tension headache" syndromes now become clear. With these books you will have the tools to diagnose and treat effectively (usually dramatically) the entire spectrum of myofascial pain from head to toe, muscle by muscle. Why do so few physicians know of this vital area of medicine? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases   2. Handbooks, manuals, etc   3. Medical   4. Medical / Nursing   5. Musculoskeletal Diseases   6. Myofascial Pain Syndromes   7. Orthopedics   8. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation   9. Rheumatology   

Customer Reviews (14)

Eye Opener and Life Saver
This book opened my eyes to the many symptoms that plague me as an aging male. Most people think of testosterone as solely a sex hormone, but this book reveals all the other things that testosterone does to keep you living long and well. I take THOR-Plex regulary and watch my diet (with testosterone in mind), and exercise...much of which I learned in this and other books from Amazon. Get the book, you'll undoubtedly learn quite a bit from it. If you're over 40, I hope you're going to read this book or something like it - soon!

A very interesting book
I read this book after being formally diagnosed with testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) at the relatively young age of 34. For me, testosterone deficiency tied in with a long battle with severe, medication resistant clinical depression, not with "anti-aging" issues or self esteem/virility issues of middle aged men. It was the only book I could find that seemed to address the issue of testosterone deficiency. Written by a Medical Doctor gives it more credibility, I try to avoid reading books of this sort that are not written by MDs.

Once I started reading it, I found it fascinating. I didnt realize testosterone is responsible for so many things. I also didnt realize the importance estrogen plays in the male...many males with low testosterone also have high estrogen levels which is a bad thing. Dr. Shippen explains how you can naturally lower your estrogen levels, which is good for male health. And he also explains how to naturally increase testosterone, although he fails to mention heavy strength training which I always understood was a hallmark of "naturally" increasing testosterone levels.

This book is really more oriented for the middle aged male who has hit his "mid life crisis" or "male andropause" as Dr. Shippen likes to describe it. In my opinion, its not really oriented for men who are truly hypogonadal (not producing enough testosterone and flunked formal lab tests). It is an anti-aging book, but it has lots of information thats useful for any male who doesnt want to end up getting hypogonadal at some point. Dr. Shippen describes the details of testosterone replacement therapy.

I find it odd that there arent a lot of other "me too" testosterone replacement books on the market. It seems like there would be more interest in this subject.

I really was amazed at the total lack of mention Dr. Shippen placed on exercise and especially strength training to maintain or improve testosterone levels. Thats my only complaint with this book.

Important Book
This book helped save my marriage. I was suffering from low sex drive, poor performance and general malaise and irritability. A doctor suggested I have my thyroid level tested, but it was normal range. Viagra only gave me massive headaches. Then an article I saw suggested this book. It is very readable and informative, but most of all balanced: It does not advocate testosterone treatment as a cure-all for everyone or everything. I had my blood retested, and discovered that I had a severe case of testosterone deficiency. I began the treatments advocated by Dr. Shippen. It took trying several different methods of application (because my level was so abnormal), but within about 8 months, my testosterone levels were normal. Thank you Dr. Shippen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climacteric, Male   2. Diet / Health / Fitness   3. Health & Fitness   4. Health/Fitness   5. Hormone therapy   6. Male climacteric   7. Men's Health   8. Testosterone   9. Therapeutic use   10. Health   

Customer Reviews (1)

Exquisite photos combine with candid prose
This wonderful volume about children (and their families) touched by Down syndrome is an inspiring and candid look at their dreams and goals, illustrated with original and beautifully styled photos of the children. It is a celebration of the beauty of children and how much alike all children are, regardless of their limitations, perceived or real. I can't decide which kept me from putting this book down - the photos or the stories - both were awesome. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Necessary reading for all women!
In her book "Screaming to Be Heard," Dr. Vliet presents compelling information on women's health concerns that have, for many reasons, been overlooked by the medical community. She discusses common health problems suffered primarily by women, and the relationships of these problems, both known and suspected, to a woman's hormonal levels. This book contains information related to women's health for a lifetime, not just for those seeking answers to illness. It is a valuable reference, and will be a treasured and dog-eared addition to the home library.

only a starting point
I read this book more than once, as well as Women, Weight, and Hormones, had a consult with dr Vliet and must say this book is a well researched starting point but that since then I have found other books more helpful. I suggest the excellent book by Uzzi Reiss MD, Natural Hormone Balance for concrete suggestions that addressed some problems I developed during NHRT treatment, Dr John Lee What your doctor may not tell you about menopause, and Alan Gaby's book on osteoporosis. It is my experience that without a well thought out plan of attack and a doctor who really listens, you end up in side effect city. Thanks to Dr Reiss I now am able to implement something that really works in balance with my body.

I wish I had never heard of this book
The author of this book recommends transdermal estradiol (estrogen) patches as a relatively "natural" therapy for various problems, including the treatment of hormonally-driven migraine headaches. Inspired by her recommendation, I asked my gynecologist for a prescription. When I started on it, I had just had a check-up and was told then that my uterus was normal. After a year and a half using the patches, I was told my uterus had grown to the size it would be if I were 3 to 4 months pregnant, all stretched out with three large fibroid tumors! My gynecologist recommended surgery.

Aside from the headaches, I had been perfectly healthy before taking the transdermal estradiol. My gynecologist told me this is something estrogen does -- makes the uterus and fibroids grow (not that he said one word about this when he wrote out the prescription!)

If there was a warning about this in "Screaming to be Heard," I sure didn't see it. I have read on the web that this particular form of estrogen is the most potent at making fibroids grow. (Do a search for "Fibroids and Estrogen Therapy" and you can read the same article by Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek which I read.) I wish I had never seen this book. Not only did the estradiol patches cause fibroids tumors to grow, but it only took the edge off my headaches -- not nearly as much help as I later found in another book I bought at Amazon called "Heal Your Headache" by David Buchholz. I would have been much better off if I had skipped reading "Screaming to be Heard" and kept looking elsewhere for better recommendations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness   2. General   3. Health & Fitness   4. Health and hygiene   5. Health/Fitness   6. Women   7. Women's Health - General   8. Health   9. Hormones   10. Perimenopause   11. Progesterone   12. Premenstrual syndrome   13. Estrogen   14. Menopause   

Customer Reviews (3)

Great resource for parents and professionals
This manual provides a tremendously useful resource for anyone involved in teaching conversational skills to individuals with language-based disabilities. There are pre-requisite skills a student must have, so this is probably not going to be the first book you start with if the student has few verbal skills. It is, however, the book that you will build up to and use extensively during that "middle" ground on the way to completely fluent conversational and language skills.

This book couldn't be more on target!
Teach Me Language really zeros in on the areas of difficulty which our children with Autism and related disorders are up against. As a mother and educational advocate of a son with "high-functioning autism," I was thrilled to find this user-friendly educational tool that helps our kids "fill in the blanks." It provides a wonderful curriculum that can be used in collaboration by teacher/speech pathologist and parent, thereby offering our kids a very solid program. I've found the suggested instruction/therapy schedules (similar to lesson plans) particulary helpful.

Teach Me Language
A Real Winner! This book is an excellent resource for parents and therapists who teach language to children with autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other related developmental disorders. Instructional friendly explanations, games, and cards teach language skills used in school and in life. The key feature that I really like about this book is that all information is very visual and structured. This book targets the areas of social language, general and functional knowledge, grammar and syntax, written expression, and academic concepts such as sequencing, problem-solving, time and money. Once a child has some basic vocabulary and can answer simple "what" and "where" questions, this book should be in your hands! Activities in this book are practical with children from kindergarten through the teenage years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autistic children   2. Language disorders   3. Language acquisition   4. Early Childhood Education (Special Education)   5. Communication   6. Children with Special Needs   7. Special Education - Learning Disabled   8. Family & Relationships   9. Language arts   

Customer Reviews (9)

CLASSROOM-Specific TS Info for Teachers!!!
I love this book, which I have found invaluable in educating my son's teachers about the disorder. It is basically a compilation of information that any well read TS parent has probably found in 20 different locations, but for the novice looking for a thorough overview in one book, "Teaching The Tiger" goes a LONG way toward increasing their TS education. It gives practical advise re behavioral interventions that work, and more importantly those that DON'T.

I find teachers are more receptive to this book because it is written specifically for teachers (rather than taking advise/instuction from a parent). I've found it to be quite credible and informative to them. I believe the answer to stigma, ignorance, and misinformation (ex: the 20/20-60 Minutes/media representation of TS), is education. This book provides it, specifically aimed at giving teachers tips on dealing with TS in the CLASSROOM environment. My son's teachers have been really grateful for these TS-specific insights.

If you can afford the $35 for this book, DO! It is a worthwhile investment into making your child's educational road a smoother one. In the meantime, you may be able to do what I did. I borrowed a copy from the library and made photo copies of the most relevant chapters for each teacher/aide involved with my son. I also either showed them the book itself or made a photocopy of the cover, in case they wanted to purchase/borrow the entire book themselves. If you have a good relationship with the principal or school librarian, suggesting that the school purchase a copy for the staff library is also practical.

Those are my two cents, on "Teaching The Tiger". "Taming the Tiger" came first and provides a similar compilation of info for parents and others learning about TS. I hope you'll check out these books for yourself.

AMM

Formula approaches not best for ever changing conditions
As a parent of children with TS, I obtained this book for teachers to have a better understanding of techniques in the classroom. Consistently, I came across teachers who would apply the techniques uniformly and dismiss the "it depends" approach which is critical in dealing with TS... from the standpoint that the condition is ever changing in an individual, and it is different from one person to the next. (Too many teachers would say, "Oh I've had a TS child before"... I have *two* as well, and they and the *effective* approaches in teaching them couldn't be more different from one another.)

For example: putting a child near the front of the room for attention issues and to help them keep on track... may be devastating for a child who does not want their tics on display, and of course not necessary for the child who tics but who does not have attention issues.

Seating arrangements need to be assessed INDIVIDUALLY for every child; and for those with TS, it needs to be assessed more than once... the condition is dynamic, not static, (it waxes and wanes), the techniques need to be dynamic too. Too often I see the techniques gleaned from the book used statically and never re-visited throughout the academic year as to wether they are working, and/or if they are needed at any given moment.

The book doesn't necessarily indicate static approaches, it just seems to me that once the book is read, (or skimmed is more likely what I found to be the case by our educators), that the educators we've dealt with will focus on one erroneous technique that may have nothing to do with our child's current needs or situation, and claim that they are modifying their techniques for our child with TS, with no consideration as to the effectiveness. Or worse, (from our child's standpoint), they will read about *behavior* approaches when in fact our child has no associated behavior issues, (the book tends to lump different but sometimes associated conditions like ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, Mood disorders - and offer techniques without clearly delineating if the symptoms are TS or from other conditions), and the resulting assumptions as to the root cause of any given *in-classroom* behavior can have a devastating impact on a child with TS, especially if *intention* is thought to be behind *disruptive* behavior.

Don't use this book unless you plan to delve deeper into your student with TS, and their exact manifestation of symptoms, and their pattern of symptoms and then be prepared to re-visit the THEN resulting specific application of techniques, on a continual basis, other wise you can do more damage than good by ASSUMING that you are applying techniques covered in the book, when in fact you may not be addressing the specific situation your student finds themselves in, in any given week, in any given hour.

The plan needs to be flexible, use the book ala carte or for brain storming solutions... don't apply it like a recipe, your ingredients will always be different with a TS student.

Eye-opening Book!
This was an eye-opener. I am a supply teacher in NB, Canada since September 2002. I am currently doing my Bachelor of Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. I will finish in Dec. 2003. I am taking an awesome and very interesting course called "teaching exceptional learners in a regular classroom". For a essay paper topic, I chose "tourette syndrome". This book was VERY useful for me when doing my paper and presenting the information I discovered about Tourette Syndrome!! It's full of great information and has opened my eyes and changed my attitude in a positive way toward exceptional learners! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit   2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder   3. Attention-deficit-disordered c   4. Attention-deficit-disordered children   5. Education   6. Education / Teaching   7. Education Of Mentally Challenged Students   8. Handbooks, manuals, etc   9. Special Education - General   10. Tourette syndrome in children   11. United States