Editorial Review

Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. If you could pile all HeLa cells ever grown onto a scale, they’d weigh more than 50 million metric tons—as much as a hundred Empire State Buildings. HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions.

Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.

Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia—a land of wooden slave quarters, faith healings, and voodoo—to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells.

Henrietta’s family did not learn of her “immortality” until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family—past and present—is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.

Over the decade it took to uncover this story, Rebecca became enmeshed in the lives of the Lacks family—especially Henrietta’s daughter Deborah, who was devastated to learn about her mother’s cells. She was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother? Did it hurt her when researchers infected her cells with viruses and shot them into space? What happened to her sister, Elsie, who died in a mental institution at the age of fifteen? And if her mother was so important to medicine, why couldn’t her children afford health insurance? 
          
Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences. ... Read more

Reviews

Thank you for this beautiful tribute to Henrietta Lacks, February 5, 2010
Wow. This book should be required reading for scientists and students of life. The true story of Henrietta Lacks and her family has finally been told, beautifully, in this book. The book encompasses science, ethics, and the story of a family who was terribly wronged in the pursuit of scientific research. I could gush about this book for pages but I'll try first to hit the main points of why this book is so remarkable in list form for the sake of brevity:


1. The author clearly developed a strong relationship with the Lacks family, which was absolutely critical to ensuring the story was told accurately and with the respect to Henrietta Lacks that was so deeply deserved.

2. The storytelling is amazingly moving despite the need to convey a lot of scientific information. It reads like fiction.

3. Ms. Skloot's research into the science is impeccable.

4. The book is FAIR. It presents the unvarnished truth, obtained DIRECTLY from as many prinicpal people involved in the story as is humanly possible. It would have been easier to simplify the story into heroes vs. villians, but Ms. Skloot deftly handles all sides of the story.


For some detail: I have worked with HeLa cells in the past, but did not know even the barest information about the story of Henrietta Lacks until a few years ago. It simply was not common knowledge, until a few less ethical folks released her name and medical records to the public. This obviously should not have been done without the express permission of the Lacks family, which Ms. Skloot obtained. In the past, others have not been as ethical. The book covers Ms. Lacks' early life, how her cells came to be harvested, and what happened to both the cells and her family afterward.

The contributions of HeLa cells to science are absolutely staggering and cannot be over-stated. The sections where the science was described were clear and accurate. With the story of Ms. Lacks' family interwoven, this book was fairly close to perfect. I found myself moved to tears several times because of the fate of the Lacks family and Henrietta's daughter's indomitable spirit. I do not think anyone but Ms. Skloot could have written this book. She worked with the family for over a decade in order to get the story right. This was critical, as the family had been wronged too many times in the past.

Thank you for this astounding work of art. I will be donating to the Henrietta Lacks foundation in honor of the entire family, and I hope many others will read the book and be similarly moved.

Captivating, engrossing, fascinating, heartbreaking, englightening...ALL in one stellar book!, January 16, 2010

2010 Non-Fiction Award Winner?, January 8, 2010

Absolutely superb, January 17, 2010

A fantastic effort about the life of a forgotten woman, March 14, 2010
Henrietta Lacks was born to an impoverished family of in rural Virginia in 1920. Her family worked on the same tobacco fields that their slave ancestors did during the preceding century, and after her mother died she grew up in her grandfather's dilapidated log cabin that served as slave quarters. She left school after the sixth grade to pick tobacco for ten cents per day on the farms of local whites. Henrietta had her first child with her first cousin Day at age 14, and they eventually married and moved to a small town outside of Baltimore during World War II so that Day could work at Bethlehem Steel for less than 80 cents an hour.

In early 1951, Henrietta went to the gynecology clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital after feeling a "knot" in her womb. After she was taken to a "Colored" examination room, the gynecologist on duty found a firm mass on her cervix that seemed cancerous, but was unlike anything he had ever seen. He sent a slice of the mass for analysis, and Henrietta was soon diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Henrietta returned to Johns Hopkins a few weeks later, where she underwent treatment for cervical cancer. She was given a generalized consent form that gave permission for her doctors to perform any operative procedures necessary to treat her illness. However, she was not told that one of the staff gynecologists was collecting specimens of clinic patients with cervical cancer for a clinical study, and biopsies of healthy and cancerous cervical tissues were taken from her during her initial procedure. The cancerous cells, which were named HeLa after the first two letters of Henrietta's first and last names, proved to be the first human cells that could be grown indefinitely in a nutrient broth, and the Johns Hopkins researchers were overjoyed at this long awaited success.

The treatment she received at Hopkins was state of the art, but was unsuccessful, due to the aggressive nature of her primary tumor, and she succumbed to her illness several months later. The researchers wanted to acquire more specimens from her tumor ridden body by performing an autopsy with biopsies. Her husband, after initially denying a request for an autopsy, was misled into agreeing to allow the Hopkins pathologists to perform a limited autopsy, after he was told that the doctors wanted to run tests that might help his children someday.

The HeLa cell line was provided to scientists and organizations worldwide for minimal cost, as neither the researchers nor Johns Hopkins profited from the first immortal human cell line. However, a number of companies made millions of dollars by mass producing HeLa and selling them at a much higher cost. HeLa was used in numerous important biomedical studies, including the development of the Salk polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh in the mid-1950s, cancer and viral research projects, and studies of the effects of weightlessness and space travel on the human body by NASA.

During this time Henrietta's husband and children were completely unaware that her cells had been harvested for medical research by the Hopkins doctors. By that time most of them were living in poverty in Baltimore, and were unable to afford basic health insurance. Articles about HeLa began to appear in medical journals and in the lay press, but it wasn't until 1973 that the family accidentally learned about the HeLa cell line. The family was contacted by Johns Hopkins, so that their cells could be analyzed and compared to those taken from Henrietta 22 years earlier. Once again they were misled into believing that the purpose of these tests was to determine if any of her children also had cancer, which caused Deborah, Henrietta's oldest surviving daughter, many years of anguish.

Once Henrietta's name was released in the media, the family was besieged by journalists and others wishing to profit from her story, causing her husband and children to become distrustful and wary.

Rebecca Skloot became interested in Henrietta Lacks after hearing about the HeLa cell line and its forgotten host as an undergraduate student. She spent many months and countless hours attempting to contact the Lacks family, and she slowly but painfully gained the trust of Deborah and her siblings, after she promised to tell the family's story alongside the history of HeLa.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a fantastic achievement, given the hurdles that Skloot had to overcome to obtain information from the Lacks family, Johns Hopkins, and the other key actors in this story. In addition to an in-depth history of this ordinary yet quite remarkable family, she provides just the right amount of information about HeLa and what it meant for biomedical research, along with information about informed consent from the 1950s to the present, the effect of race on medical care in the United States and the views of African-Americans toward medical experimentation, and the biology of cancer. The book is meant for a lay audience, but it would be of interest to those with a formal medical background. I found the book to be a bit overly sentimental and personal at times, but this is a very minor criticism of a fabulous book.

5 star story, February 17, 2010
Just so id doesn't sound like I damn this book with faint praise, let me say that this was an excellent story told well (for the most part). I'll save the synopsis for others. Needless to say, Henrietta Lacks' story is just as gripping as the science that was done with her cells. You will most likely enjoy her story (as I did).

My criticisms:

The author spends a rather substantial portion of the book describing her own efforts. It didn't add to Henrietta's story and leaving it out would have made for a better, more concise narrative.

Black people were treated inhumanely to say the least (go look up the Tuskeegee Syphilis Study, for example). At the risk of sounding callous, this is well trod ground and some of it could also have been omitted for the sake of brevity without losing any of the story's impact.

Lastly, there is an implicit condemnation of the doctors that took her cells (the author does say that this was "common practice" at the time). I can tell you that as a former cancer patient who has been biopsied more times than I care to remember, once a doctor removes something from you, it's gone. They are not going to pay you for it.

Those criticism aside, this is a worthy read.

An astonishing scientific, sociological, racial exploration--and an engrossing work of art, December 28, 2009

Good try, but could have been better, July 31, 2010
I'm a big fan of science and medical non-fiction, so when I saw the rave reviews for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, I was excited to read it. It started off strong; I'd give the first half five stars. The oral history of the Lacks family was fascinating, and I loved reading about how the cells got their start in the lab. When the author introduced the adult family (Deborah, et al), I felt a strong sympathy for them and what they'd been through. I was already recommending it to friends, anticipating that the second half would be as good.

However, once I got to the second half, it went downhill considerably. The writing was fairly tight in the beginning, keeping all of the stories woven together in a comprehensible way, but seemed to unravel as the book went on. When I read the introduction, I didn't understand why Skloot was so defensive about inserting herself into the book (in my experience, medical non-fiction authors do it all the time), but I soon realized why - because by the second half, the book becomes less about HeLa, science, history, and ethics, and instead turns exclusively into a memoir about Skloot's dealings with the family. And at this point, the family became unsympathetic and insufferable. The writing became repetitive, somewhat informal, and ridden with unnecessary details. One reviewer called this book "deftly written" and I'd have to disagree. The second half gets one star.

The book ended on a strong note, with the Afterward. The Afterward took us back to questions of bioethics. As I was reading it, I wondered why the Afterward was a separate part - couldn't it have been woven into the second half of the book?

In short, I thought this book was merely ok, but as the reviews show, a lot of people loved it. If you think that you're one of the people who will love it, read it. If you're looking for a book that's just outstanding, look somewhere else.

Is Immortality really worth the price?, January 21, 2010

Two different books, August 25, 2010
I enjoyed the first half of the book. It was informative and educational. The second half - not so much. It took a bad turn with the introduction of Deborah and their trip together. The author depicted her as a woman who has the mind of a hyperactive 5 year old with ADD. "Oh my god. . . . I did this to her?" Maybe. Maybe not. The book went from the scientific and factual to the land of superstition and sensationalism I was left with the impression the book was a collage of facts and embellished observations. It's a good idea to leave your readers for a desire for more. I was left with a desire for less. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Emperor of All Maladies is a magnificent, profoundly humane “biography” of cancer—from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence. Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee examines cancer with a cellular biologist’s precision, a historian’s perspective, and a biographer’s passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with—and perished from—for more than five thousand years. The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance, but also of hubris, paternalism, and misperception. Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out “war against cancer.” The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist. From the Persian Queen Atossa, whose Greek slave cut off her malignant breast, to the nineteenth-century recipients of primitive radiation and chemotherapy to Mukherjee’s own leukemia patient, Carla, The Emperor of All Maladies is about the people who have soldiered through fiercely demanding regimens in order to survive—and to increase our understanding of this iconic disease. Riveting, urgent, and surprising, The Emperor of All Maladies provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of cancer treatments. It is an illuminating book that provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer. ... Read more

Reviews

OFF THE CHARTS
You remember the scene in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"? From the top of the bluff looking into the distance at dusk, Butch sees the lights of the pursuing posse which doesn't stop tracking them even at night and says "How many are following us? They're beginning to get on my nerves. Who are those guys?" In the same threatening way cancers have been dogging human beings since the dawn of time, and although we now know quite a lot about cancer we still don't really know "who are those guys" or how to shake them. And they sure are "beginning to get on our nerves" as Butch said. Almost one out of four of us will eventually wrestle with cancer -- the defining illness of our generation -- and lose our lives in the process. Until it catches up with us most of us will try to ignore this fact, just as when we were very young children alone in our bedroom trying to go to sleep at night we tried to ignore the monster that we sometimes feared might be lurking in our bedroom closet.

Enter oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee who almost parentally takes us by the hand to give us the courage to open with him the door to that dark and foreboding closet in order to see what is really lurking inside. Since eventually most of us are going to have to wrestle with this monster anyway -- either as a victim or as a loved one of a victim -- looking intelligently and closely into that dark closet does diminish fear and enhance wise perspective. And on this incredible journey into the depths of that darkness, what an absolutely marvelous guide is this modern day Virgil called Siddharta Mukherjee as he leads us on this long and often harrowing journey through the swarth that cancer has cut through mankind throughout time.

Mukherjee is a veritable kaleidoscope. Turn his writing one way and you experience him as an exciting writer of page-turning detective stories or mystery stories; turn him another and he's a highly effective communicator of cellular biology; turn him a third and you get superb science writing; turn him a fourth and he has the grandeur and broad sweep of an excellent historian. It's hard to believe that this one book, combining all of these appealing characteristics, is the work of just one man. And underlying it all is his sterling medical training and credentials which have been enumerated often elsewhere.

The book itself is a tour de force. It is the first book of such extraordinary scope regarding cancer. Its architectural structure brings to mind Melville's Moby Dick and how effectively and artfully Melville braided together the three strands of his great classic: a grand adventure story, the technology of whaling, and a treatise of humanity and philosophy. Equally effectively does Mukherjee weave together all the various facets of this iconic disease throughout history, from describing cancer from the patient's perspective, to viewing the never ending battles of physicians and medical researchers with cancer over the centuries, to examining the mysteries of the cellular nature of cancer itself and what really goes on in there, to the pro and con impact of this never ending plague on the spirit of the individual human and on our race as a whole, to peering into a crystal ball for a glance of cancer's and our future together. While doing all of this the alchemy of Mukherjee's writing continually turns science into poetry and poetry into science.

Simply put, it is so good, and so incandescently clear and lucid, and so powerful, and so engrossing, and so easily consumed that you will not lay it down without someone or circumstances forcing you to.

Had I read this book in my teens I would have found my life's career. I can only imagine that while you are reading this book, somewhere there will be some very young teenage girl or boy who will also be reading it at the same time you are, and who will become totally hooked by this book just as you will be, and who will go on to make a career in cancer research, a career that might provide the breakthrough that humanity has been searching and hoping for all of these many centuries. Thus although you will never know it, you will have "been there" at the initial motivation of that person and thus indirectly present at the earliest genesis of the eventual great idea.

This book has THAT potential. It is THAT good.

Kenneth E. MacWilliams

The Burden, The Mass, Onkos
In the United States one in three women and one in two men will develop cancer in their lifetime. Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee, a medical oncologist, has written a definitive history of cancer. It may be one of the best medical books I have read. Complex but simple in terms of understanding. A timeline of a disease and those who waged the wars. In 1600 BC the first case of probable breast cancer was documented. In the thousands of years since, the Greek word, 'onkos', meaning mass or burden, has become the disease of our time. Cancer. The title of the book, is "a quote from a 19Th century physician" Dr Mukherjee had found inscribed in a library book that "cancer is the emperor of all maladies, the king of our terrors".

As a health care professional and as a woman who is six years post breast cancer, Cancer has played a big part in my life. I used to walk by the Oncology clinic, and quicken my pace. I used to give chemotherapy to my patients, before it was discovered that the chemo was so toxic that it needed to be made under sterile conditions and given by professionals who specialized in Oncology. Dr Mukherjee, wisely discusses cancer in the context of patients, those of us who suffer. After all it is because of the patients, the people who have gone before us, who have contracted some form of cancer, they are the base of this science.

Dr Mukherjee started his immersion in cancer medicine at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. He relates the beginning of the study of ALL, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, by Dr Sidney Farber in 1947. Dr Farber, a pathologist at the time decided to change his focus and start caring for patients. He was given a medication to trial for ALL, and though most of his patients died, some survived to remission. This opened his world and with the help of Mary Lasker, and Charles E Dana, philanthropists, they opened one of the first clinics that specialized in cancer care and research, The Dana Farber Cancer Center. Dr Mukherjee gives us the timeline of ALL and lymphomas and the medications that turned into chemotherapy. The development of specific care for blood cancers and the emergence of AIDS and patient activism. He discusses the surgery for breast cancer. It was thought that the more radical the surgery the better the outcomes. We now know that lumpectomies have an excellent outcome. But, women before me had a radical removal of breast, chest tissue, lymph nodes and sometimes ribs. The lesson learned is that breast cancer is very curable now and all those men and women, the patients who suffered, gave us the answers and cancer care has moved on.

The onslaught of chemotherapies changed the face of cancer, and the 1970's served us well. In 1986 the first outcomes of cancer care were measured. Tobacco emerged as an addiction and soon lung cancer was a leading cause of death. Presidential Commissions ensued, politics entered the world of cancer, the war against cancer and the war against smoking. The Pap smear was developed, and prevention came to the fore. The two sides of cancer, the researchers and the physicians at the bedside, who often thought never the twain shall meet, recognized the importance of research to bedside.

The story of the boy 'Jimmy' from New Sweden, Maine, became the face of childhood cancer. The Jimmy Fund, a Boston Red Sox charity in Boston, is still going strong today. 'Jimmy' opened the door to the public for the need for money and research, and care for those with cancer. We follow Dr Mukherjee with one of his first patients, Carla, from her diagnosis through her treatment. He has given a face to cancer. We all know someone with cancer, those who survived and those who did not. Cancer prevention is now the wave of the future.

"Cancer is and may always be part of the burden we carry with us," says Dr Mukherjee. He has now written a "biography of cancer" for us, those without special medical knowledge. However, he does go astray in some discussions such as genetics. I have an excellent medical background, and found I was floundering at times. As I discovered,and Dr. Mukherjee agrees, our patients are our heroes. They/we withstand the horrors of cancer, and the horrific, sometimes deadly treatments. The stories of his patients make us weep, and the complex decision making about their care make him the most caring of physicians.

The 'quest for the cure' is the basis of all science and research, and Dr Mukherjee has written a superb tome in language that we can all attempt to understand. The biography of Cancer. Cancer may always be with us,Dr Mukherjee hopes that we outwit this devil and survive.


Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-13-10

Jimmy Fund of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The (MA) (Images of America)

Early Detection: Women, Cancer, and Awareness Campaigns in the Twentieth-Century United States

The Everyman Book of Cancer
The brilliance of this book is the effortlessness with which the author draws the reader into the world of cancer and keeps him there as a tourist or witness. Dr. Mukherjee's engaging style, precision of prose and overwhelming compassion imbue this work with an energy that carries the reader along a ride like none other.

Whether the reader is a basic scientist or sociologist, a patient or healthcare provider, a philosopher or philanderer, this book will appeal, entertain and educate.

A remarkable achievement.

"Cancer was an all-consuming presence in our lives."
Siddhartha Mukherjee's monumental "The Emperor of All Maladies" meticulously outlines the trajectory of cancer (derived from the Greek word "karkinos," meaning crab) over thousands of years, starting in ancient Egypt. In 2010, seven million people around the world will die of cancer. Many have experienced the horrors of this disease through personal experience. The author provides us with a global view of this "shape-shifting entity [that is] imbued with such metaphorical and political potency that it is often described as the definitive plague of our generation."

In "The Emperor of All Maladies," we meet a variety of patients, doctors, scientists, and activists. We also hear the voices of such iconic figures as Susan Sontag, author of "Illness as Metaphor," and Alexander Solzhenitsyn, whose "Cancer Ward" is a desolate and isolating "medical gulag." Cancer is such a complex subject that it can only be understood by examining it in all of its facets: through myths, the anguish of its victims, and the untiring efforts of its adversaries, both past and present, some of whom were well-meaning but horribly misguided. Mukherjee says in his author's note that he has made an effort to be "simple but not simplistic." In this he has succeeded.

Ancient physicians thought that such invisible forces as "miasmas" and "bad humors" caused cancers. Many years of experimentation, studies of human anatomy, laboratory work, and clinical trials have shown cancer to be a "pathology of excess" that originates from the uncontrolled growth of a single cell. Cancer is "unleashed by mutations--changes in DNA that specifically affect genes that incite unlimited cell growth." What treatment to use--surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches--is rarely an easy decision. Equally significant are the efforts of public health officials, who seek to reduce cancer's mortality through early detection (mammography and colonoscopy, among others, are screening methods in use today). In addition, cancer may be prevented by encouraging people to avoid environmental carcinogens such as cigarette smoke.

This elegant and heartrending narrative is far more than a biography of a terrible malady. It is also a story of paternalism, arrogance, and false hope, as well as inventiveness, determination, and inspiration. We meet Sidney Farber, who pioneered a chemotherapeutic approach to leukemia in children during the 1940's and helped launch "the Jimmy Fund"; William Halstead who, in the nineteenth century, disfigured women with radical mastectomies that, in many cases, were not curative; Paul Ehrlich, who discovered a "magic bullet" to combat syphilis from a derivative of chemical dyes; Mary Lasker, a powerful businesswoman and socialite who zealously raised money and political awareness in what would become a national war on cancer; and George Papanicolaou, a Greek cytologist, whose Pap smear "changed the spectrum of cervical cancer." Mukherjee constantly moves back and forth in time, showing how the past and the present are closely interconnected.

Throughout the book, Dr. Mukherjee's keeps returning to one of his patients, thirty-six year old Carla Long. In 2004, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells. Carla would have a long road ahead of her, one filled with pain, fear, and uncertainty. We look to the future with cautious optimism that even greater progress will be made in our never-ending battle against a treacherous and multi-pronged enemy. Mukherjee is a brilliant oncologist, gifted writer, scrupulous researcher, and spellbinding storyteller. "The Emperor of All Maladies" is a riveting, thought-provoking, and enlightening work that deserves to become an instant classic.

All In favor say "Aye"
There seems little left to say so I'll take a different tack, look to another facet of this book and its author.

Today I heard Dr. Mukherjee interviewed on the Terry Gross show (Fresh Air - NPR), where the topic, the book, was biased in favor of the author ... and a wonderful treat it was. While I am interested in cancer and progress toward cure, the fascinating aspect of today's experience was the man himself. In all the interviews of all the interviewers I've listened in on - mostly literary in nature - I've never heard a more articulate responder than Mukherjee. He's a poet. His choice of words slice in toward meaning like the scalpel itself. He avoids vagueness and ambiguity, courts acuracy and precsion like no one I've heard. He is a treat just to listen to, never mind his insights into the disease, it's history and possible future.

I ordered this book today in order to get more of his artistry but I wouldn't discourage those seeking the phycician's prowess - that is there too. If I should be in that 25% that ends up with cancer, I would hope Dr. Mukherjee would be there to consult with me and console.

As magentic as a biography can be
As a work of scholarship, this book is just tremendous. Mukherjee traces the history of our understanding of cancer from 2500 BC to present-day. He writes of political battles for public attention, incredible wiles in the biology of the disease, and schisms among the researchers sent to conquer it. All major developments are present and sourced in sixty pages of footnotes. From this grand historical scope, Mukherjee has crafted a tight and coherent narrative that I found very difficult to put down. I'm aware of no lay-account of cancer with anything approaching the level of depth present here. This book is one-of-a-kind.

Like anything so vast, it isn't quite perfect. Certain structural changes would benefit fluency, though they've no impact on my unqualified recommendation.

* More humanizing characteristics and quotations. Smaller researchers, and occasionally even key players, are summed by little more than what they've accomplished. There are perhaps a hundred contributors that Mukherjee covers, but with exception to a handful that have had tens of pages devoted to them or some peculiar eccentricity, they're interchangeable and unmemorable.

* A more even balance between discovery and those stricken by cancer. Mukherjee is at his best when he's describing the struggles of his own patients. These stories are touching, personal, and an intensely interesting ground-level foil to the bird's eye view of much of the book. The retrospective of cancer discovery is so vast and detailed that these rare moments where the story reverts to the present can feel like an oasis.

Roughly half of The Emperor is comprised of five and ten-page vignettes where Mukherjee poses a question ("If XY, then could XYZ ... ?") and resolves it with the travails of a researcher ("Person Q, a scientist at H, noticed ..."). These accounts are often gripping, especially as advances accelerate in the mid-1980s, but sets of four or five in a series are enough to cause my attention to drift.

* A different ending. In the final chapters, Mukherjee suggests he'd originally intended to conclude with the death of a particular patient. By serendipity, that patient was still living in late 2009. Given the great strides in cancer survival and the sense he conveys that genetics may well provide the magic bullets that so occupied the fantasies of early researchers, concluding on a high note would have been within the spirit of the book. Instead, Mukherjee describes another patient that did in fact die. This person was not previously introduced. She was a better fit for the narrative, but including her account for that purpose didn't strike the right tone to me.

Structure aside, I'd like to have seen Mukherjee become more of a prognosticator in later chapters. I was reeling at the sheer mass of information on display by the last page, but I also felt as if I'd accumulated a great depth of trivia with little binding glue to the present. There probably aren't a hundred people alive in a better position than the author to comment on the state of cancer research, to predict, or to theorize in new directions. But these insights are spare.

These points aside, if you've even a tangential interest in cancer or biology, Mukherjee's opus remains a must-read.

Spectacular insight into the most feared of all diseases
This is a spectacular book. I read 100 books a year and this is definitely in the top 10. It is very, very well written and, in some ways, it is like a mystery. The way the book is written, we follow the stream of research and clinical medical treatment over 150 years. It's like feeling around in the dark for a bomb that we know will go off. It is simultaneously horrifying and compelling. I am a doctor and think I am compassionate towards my patients. This book increased my compassion 10X. What surprised me the most was the politics involved in attempting to cure a disease that potentially affects everyone. Surgeons want to cut and oncologists want to drug. They each have their turf and don't want to give it up. The fact that 50% of all men and 33% of all women will get some form of cancer before they die is a very sobering one. The section on the evilness of the tobacco industry was particularly illuminating. I can't put the book down and will truly be sad when it is finished.

Fantastic insight into the science behind medical research
Great book, I will read it again. I love learning and understanding the thought processes, errors and vast achievements of all aspects of scientific research, particularly medicine. This book does not disappoint. The author leans somewhat heavily on his thesaurus, be prepared to dig around in the dictionary. However, great history and insight into the scientific method. A fascinating peek into the mind of a scientist and a clinician. Must read.

The New Standard for Cancer Stories
It is difficult to even imagine the stacks of reports, articles, notes and interviews that Dr. Mukherjee processed to produce this fabulous book. Each page explains, in very readable prose, complex, arcane subjects. For anyone looking for reason to hope that their cancer is curable, this book is trove of stories of lives saved and changed by the work of cancer researchers.
This book will be referenced in other works for a long time. ... Read more

Editorial Review

She charmed America with her smart, likable, down-to-earth personality as she campaigned for her husband, then vice-presidential candidate John Edwards. She inspired millions as she valiantly fought advanced breast cancer after being diagnosed only days before the 2004 election. She touched hundreds of similarly grieving families when her own son, Wade, died tragically at age sixteen in 1996. Now she shares her experiences in Saving Graces, an incandescent memoir of Edwards’ trials, tragedies, and triumphs, and of how various communities celebrated her joys and lent her steady strength and quiet hope in darker times.

Edwards writes about growing up in a military family, where she learned how to make friends easily in dozens of new schools and neighborhoods around the world and came to appreciate the unstinting help and comfort naval families shared. Edwards’ reminiscences of her years as a mother focus on the support she and other parents offered one another, from everyday favors to the ultimate test of her own community’s strength—their compassionate response to the death of the Edwards’ teenage son, Wade, in 1996. Her descriptions of her husband’s campaigns for Senate, president, and vice president offer a fascinating perspective on the groups, great and small, that sustain our democracy. Her fight with breast cancer, which stirred an outpouring of support from women across the country, has once again affirmed Edwards’ belief in the power of community to make our lives better and richer. ... Read more

Reviews

"The World Was Wide Open To Us"
In Elizabeth Edwards' extraordinary memoir she traces the careers of many of her friends and acquaintances, who like her, were children of military families, had lived all over the world and to whom "the world was wide open." Ms. Edwards, as most Americans now know, saw that world shattered when she and her husband John Edwards lost their son in a freak automobile accident when the young man was only 16. Then there was her diagnosis with breast cancer just before the 2004 Presidential election. Ms. Edwards writes with remarkable honesty about those two events as well as the 2004 election. She was once a Ph.D candidate in English at the University of North Carolina before she switched to law. The result is an extremely well-written memoir, parts of which are almost to painful to read. She always refers to her son as "my boy," words that speak multitudes. Her thoughts on grief are every bit as good as what Joan Didion had to say on the subject in her recent THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING.

Some of Ms. Edwards' conclusions: She came to accept a God that does not intervene in "accident, disease, violence." It may not be the God we want but it is the God we have. She also reminds us that as in the case of Cain and Abel, "no one will step in and protect the pure from death." And as much as we love our families, we cannot spare them from pain.

Ms. Edwards' candor about her diagnosis and treatment of cancer is also an inspiration to us all, whether we have had cancer or are friends or family of cancer patients. That inspiration has been returned to her more than the Biblical fourfold as she has received over 65,000 messages of support from people of all walks of life; she prints some of them in the chapter "Washington: The Hospital."

Equally at home reading a Henry James novel or shopping at Target, Ms. Edwards is the good neighbor we all want to have. You have to adore someone who tells you she colors her hair and goes to a "workday" luncheon for Senate wives dressed in overalls and sneakers because she assumed, incorrectly of course, as one Senate wife showed up in a suit with "sequined lapels," that "workday" meant some sort of work.

This memoir is not like anything else you'll read by someone whose family is connected with national politics. It will make your believe all over again in the goodness of people.

Wonderful Story from a kind & caring woman
I knew nothing about Elizabeth Edwards when I first purchased this book but now I have a deep respect for her and her family. This book is not political in nature, it is just the story of her life which at times is wonderful and at others is truly heart-breaking. Mrs. Edwards is an eloquent writer and the stories just flow out of her. You can feel her pain on the pages as she discusses the loss of her son and the uncertainty about finding out she had breast cancer.
Mrs. Edwards has truly had an interesting life starting in Japan as a military kid and up to now as a presidential candidates wife. You will feel like you know her as a personal friend after reading this book and I feel she is one of the most genuine people you will ever find.
This is really a good read and I recommend it to anyone.

Saving Graces
Elizabeth is an amazing woman. This book is an inspiration to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child and the "BIG C" diagnosis. Her story is the story of many women. It is well written. I gave this book to my mother as a gift with the instruction that I wanted to borrow the book as soon as she finished it. She started reading and couldn't put it down. My mother is 85 years "young". She loved the book, as did I. Great read and very inspiring. It doesn't matter who you are, what you have, where you live.....Her loses and how she deals with them make for an awesome read.

A courageous and remarkable woman who is making a difference - An exceptional book!
"Saving Graces," by Elizabeth Edwards is a gift to all women. Elizabeth Edwards was in the midst of her husband's vice-presidential campaign, giving speeches throughout the country when she became concerned about her own health. One day while taking a shower, she noticed a lump in her breast. That morning, Elizabeth Edwards knew she was remiss by neglecting her regular mammogram examinations. Through reading her book, more women have learned the dire consequences of not being tested on a regular basis. "Saving Graces" will inspire many women to get a mammogram to help detect any abnormalities before they become cancerous. As soon as the election was over, she was immediately treated by experts in the field. Elizabeth was diagnosed as being in the later stages of the disease. Her fight for life was to begin. But we are talking about a woman of strength, courage, faith, and tenacity. She is also a witty, intelligent, and a remarkable woman with an optimistic spirit.

After all, she had suffered the worst tragedy a parent can experience. She and her husband, John, had lost their precious teenage son, Wade, in a car accident. Now, she was about to battle another nightmare. This gripping book will inspire, educate, and stir your emotions. Elizabeth Edwards doesn't hold back, but tells her life story with honesty and courage. Men will also enjoy her story as she tells of her life growing up as a military "brat", raising her children, and helping her husband during his political campaigns.

Elizabeth Edwards believes in the power of community coming together to help each other in good times and bad. Through a sisterhood of community with other women throughout the country, she was able to stand up to the adversity that faced her. Through "Saving Graces," she gives hope, strength, support, and friendship to women battling breast cancer and other diseases. She also gains solace and strength from other women.

There aren't many women like Elizabeth Edwards. I was honored to meet her when she was on the campaign trail in 2004 in NH. I shared my story and book of how my elderly mother was transfused with HIV contaminated blood during heart bypass surgery. My 66 year old mother felt like a "leper" and kept her infection a secret for fear she would be rejected due to the stigma of AIDS. Elizabeth Edwards felt my pain, and tears flowed from her eyes as she hugged me. Now, I have the opportunity to read "her" story. Through it, I gain more strength and courage to deal with everyday struggles.

This book will help anyone dealing with any kind of adversity. It will save lives of thousands of women who put off having mammograms due to inexcusable reasons. Mrs. Edwards speaks from her heart and soul. She is a genuine and sincere woman filled with empathy. Thank you, Elizabeth for sharing your heartfelt memoir. You are a courageous woman who has taught us the importance of reaching out to one another in love and understanding. You are a "first-class" lady who shared your trials and triumphs through your heartfelt story. God bless you. I highly recommend this book.
Nancy A. Draper (Author) A Burden of Silence: My Mother's Battle with AIDS

Excellent Book!
I loved this book so much that I bought copies for several friends. Elizabeth Edwards writes with heartbreaking feeling about the death of her son, Wade, and of her fight with breast cancer. In spite of that (or maybe because of it), the book ends up being one of hope. Ms. Edwards also is an earthy, humor filled author, who writes with such a natural style and honesty that you feel as if you are having a conversation with someone you like very much. Highly recommended.

the true story of a remarkable "ordinary" woman
While her book was a fine read in its own right, especially for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one or faced a battle with cancer, it also gave such insight into the real lives of a politician's wife and family. But from the very first pages the political story plays such a minor role to the story of a loving, damaged family and the peril faced by its narrator. It must have been very therapeutic to write this--it is certainly cathartic to those who read it. Elizabeth Edwards needed to tell her story and she told it with a grace and candor. I hope the pressure of another campaign does not take its toll on her recovering stamina and health. This world needs Elizabeth Edwards.

An incredible book written by an exceptional human being!
After reading this book I am so amazed and inspired by this woman. Not only is her intelligence displayed, but also the purity of her heart and soul. Every sentence that i read brought out an emotion in me of some kind - maybe a tear or deep concern, but many times a laugh or a smile. Repeatedly as I was reading, I would feel almost as if I was in her house with her, sitting at her kitchen table having a cup of coffee, and talking together - listening to her speak the pages of her book. I don't like to include this...but I will. Because of the respect I now have for this woman, I believe with more strength and certainty in her husband as a person of great character, true heart, and strong leadership ability. (After finishing the book, I spent some time reading up on Senator John Edwards. I did not have much knowledge of him prior to this.) Saving Graces shares pieces of a woman, her husband, a marriage and a family that our nation would be blessed to have moving into the white house after our next election.

A Wise Woman with words of compassion
At times Elizabeth Edwards is so raw in her anguish that I want to put the book down and call her..if I only had her number. At other points she is so frank and honest that I feel as if she is sitting at my kitchen table, and I am the only one she is talking to. And then there are those wonderful moments of humor. How not to feel that she is my new best friend? This is a book I have already bought for my mom, who still copes with losing a child and who knows too well what cancer means to a family. I have a copy for a friend who lost her only child in an auto accident and her husband to cancer. And I will continue to buy more copies of this book because it is not about loss. It is about what happens the next minute and the next hour and the next day and the next week. It is about how we all need one another, but Elizabeth Edwards writes it so much wiser than I can. It is about what saves us. As she writes, and as readers will quickly understand, "You know". If you want a wonderful book about what brings us closer together, in a time of so very much that seems to divide us, then buy this book. Even better, buy several copies and give them to those people who are your community, who provide that saving grace to you. And if you have the inclination, this teacher reviewer would love to have more parents imitate Elizabeth Edwards and read the books their kids are being assigned to read in high school. Just think about the wonderful conversations you can have.

10 stars at best!
I watched Elizabeth Edwards on Oprah and went out the very next day to purchase the book. I couldn't read it fast enough. What an amazing woman! I would definitely recommend this book to a mother who's been devestated by the loss of a child. As a woman who has lost an infant, I was deeply touched by her story. The loss almost devestated my marriage, but we stayed strong. I wish I'd had the type of inner circle of friends she had. From reading this book, I learned no matter what obstacles we face in life, it's never too late to pick up the pieces and live your life to the fullest!

Great memoir, charming, and impressive-Read this book
Elizabeth Edward's book is a gripping and endearing journey through the
events, mostly tragic, unfortunately that have toughened and tempered this
fiesty, funny, and interesting woman who has bared her soul and her family's
history for us to read. Ms Edwards is a classic American, a military "brat"
uprooted and relocated into a gregarious, sympathetic and wise woman who
bears the scars, and holds tight to the lessons and prizes that she has gleaned
in a way that should inspire us all.
The book is also a real tear jerker, a lesson in reponsibiliy, and a serious
warning about the joint dangers of putting off a mamogram, and taking our
healthcare, social welfare, and security for granted. This book is also
full of a thousand reasons Elizabeth Edwards should be our first lady.
... Read more

Editorial Review

The New York Times and international bestseller-now updated with the latest research

Anticancer has been a bestselling phenomenon since Viking first published it in fall 2008. Now, a new edition addresses current developments in cancer research and offers more tips on how people living with cancer can fight it and how healthy people can prevent it. The new edition of Anticancer includes:

• The latest research on anticancer foods, including new alternatives to sugar and cautions about some that are now on the market

• New information about how vitamin D strengthens the immune system

• Warnings about common food contaminants that have recently been proven to contribute to cancer progression

• A new chapter on mind-body approaches to stress reduction, with recent studies that show how our reactions to stress can interfere with natural defenses and how friendships can support healing in ways never before understood

• A groundbreaking study showing that lifestyle modification, as originally proposed in Anticancer, reduces mortality for breast cancer by an astounding 68 percent after completion of treatment

• New supporting evidence for the entire Anticancer program

... Read more

Reviews

"Enjoy the benefits of medical progress and the body's natural defenses.", October 2, 2008
In "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life," French-born psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. David Servan-Schreiber discusses his fifteen-year battle with brain cancer. Although conventional treatments worked initially, the cancer recurred. Fortunately, he has been cancer-free for the past seven years, and he attributes his success to an anti-cancer regimen that, he asserts, boosts the body's natural defenses. Dr. Servan-Schreiber does NOT encourage cancer patients to reject their doctors' advice concerning surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. However, he does believe that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by making changes in one's diet, level of physical activity, psychological attitude, and environment.

This book is an informative and eye-opening look at the mechanisms of cancer, explained in a way that a layman can understand. There are many helpful charts, tables, and illustrations that clarify the sometimes technical information about the latest research on the genesis and progression of cancer. The author maps out how rogue cells are nourished and conversely, how they can be starved of the nourishment that they need to multiply. Although researchers have undoubtedly made a great deal of progress, Servan-Schreiber assures us that we have a long way to go before we can declare victory over the many types of cancer that still plague mankind. In addition, he includes well-chosen quotations from literature (such as Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich"), philosophy, and other physicians and scientists to illustrate his points, some of which deal with our fear of dying without having lived a full and meaningful life.

"Anti-Cancer" is a personal, touching, instructive, and thought-provoking. Whether or not the reader is interested in adopting the author's recommendations concerning diet, exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle changes, no one who completes this book will ever think about cancer or about the human body in quite the same way. Servan-Schreiber is not a new-age charlatan who advocates far-out therapies. Everything that he suggests is based on solid and well-documented research, and he includes numerous citations from scientific journals.

Although no one wants to confront a fatal illness, Servan-Schreiber contends that his battle with cancer has had a positive aspect. "By exposing life's brevity, a diagnosis of cancer can restore life's true flavor." Forced for the first time to look into his soul and evaluate his approach to living, he realized that he had been caught up in a treadmill that allowed him little time to appreciate the importance of mind-body equilibrium, inner peace, relationships with loved ones, and personal fulfillment. Everyone, no matter what the state of his or her health, can benefit from this stimulating and provocative work.

Connecting the Dots, October 24, 2008
A REVIEW OF ANTICANCER: A NEW WAY OF LIFE by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, Ph.D.
Viking Penguin, 2008. 258 pages. Hardcover, $25.95.


Mind and heart come together in this remarkable book, making it a must read. As a person living with cancer I found it impossible to put down. Servan-Schreiber, a physician and neuroscience researcher, co-founder of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 31 years old, received treatment and went into remission. Eventually though, he had a recurrence. After the recurrence he started to look into natural approaches to prevent or help treat cancer. The book is both a memoir and a riveting journey through recent developments in the ideas about cancer. We learn about his personal story and how he slowly transformed himself from a laboratory scientist mainly interested in writing papers into a proponent of an integrative approach to cancer treatment who is keenly interested in human beings. He does a marvelous job of connecting the dots in widely dispersed areas of knowledge-all relevant to his interest in cancer and our natural defense mechanisms.

Key ideas presented are: 1) everybody has cancer cells in their bodies, but not everybody develops cancer; 2) we must include the concept of "terrain," our whole being, in any discussion about cancer; and 3) at this point in history, we cannot attempt to deal with cancer without the tools of conventional Western medicine. Based on these ideas, he presents an updated view on cancer growth and how to mobilize our vital mechanisms and use the resources of the body to defend ourselves.

Chapter 4, "Cancer's Weaknesses," presents some of the current thinking about the immune system, inflammation, and angiogenesis. He discusses "natural killer" cells (NK cells), white blood cells that attack cancer cells, and activate their self-destruction. The more active NK cells are the more they can stop tumor's growth. It follows that we must do all we can to activate them through a healthy diet, clean environment, physical exercise, and stress reducing activities.
The discussion on inflammation is clear and concise. Inflammation is the normal process that our bodies use to repair tissues after a wound. But, as it turns out, inflammation can be diverted to promote cancer growth, as if cancer were the outcome of a wound repair mechanism gone wrong. Cancer cells need to produce inflammation to sustain their growth and block the natural process of apoptosis-the suicide of cells. As Servan-Schreiber aptly puts it "Thanks to the inflammation they create they infiltrate neighboring tissues, slip into the bloodstream, migrate, and establish remote colonies called metastases" (page 37). Dietary imbalance in the ratio of essential fatty acids has led us to an incredibly higher consumption of omega-6s oils compared to omega-3s, which increases inflammation.
Judah Folkman was a surgeon whose great contribution to cancer research was to highlight angiogenesis, the fact that tumors need new capillaries to feed themselves and expand. Tumors hijack blood vessels by producing a chemical substance that attracts them and stimulates them to grow new branches. Though it took quite a while for Folkman's ideas to be accepted, how to block angiogenesis is now one of the central areas of cancer research. There are some foods, spices, and herbs that reduce angiogenesis and diminishing inflammation will also prevent new vessel growth.
Servan-Schreiber gives very practical suggestions about these three areas of knowledge, so that we can stimulate our defense mechanisms, while receiving conventional treatment. Just this chapter is worth the price of the book!

In discussing the contribution of the environment to the cancer epidemic, Servan-Schreiber writes about the typical Western diet, the changes in farming and raising animals during the last century, and the chemical contamination of our planet since the forties. Sugar and white flours dominate our diet and raise rapidly the level of glucose. Insulin and IGF-1 (insulin Growth Factor 1, a powerful growth hormone) are released to allow glucose to enter cells. Insulin and IGF1 also promote inflammation. He argues convincingly that we should eliminate sugar and white flour from our diet.
There is a detailed section about anticancer foods in daily practice. Servan-Schreiber has been influenced by the work of Richard B�liveau, at the University of Montreal. B�liveau, a cancer biologist working in medical pharmacology for twenty years, shifted to working on diet, through a series of interesting circumstances that I won't tell you about here. Read the book! It is a fascinating story and it has led to the concept of anticancer foods, like phytochemicals, components of some vegetables/fruits, which have antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidants properties. They also act as detoxifiers of the body. There is also a wonderful description of the research on traditional spices, like turmeric, by Professor Bharat Aggarwal at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center. A key substance called nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is secreted by tumor cells, it promotes cancer cell growth and spread. The whole pharmaceutical industry is trying to find out drugs that inhibit NF-kappaB. Servan-Schreiber points out that two substances that do so are available easily, catechins, found in green tea and resveratrol, found in red wine. And as it happens, turmeric is also an antagonist to NF-kappaB. He also states that since the pharmaceutical industry and the food industry are not interested in any changes we badly need "... public institutions and foundations to finance human studies on the anticancer benefits of food" (page 115). Indeed!

The book emphasizes the importance of a healthy mindset that will stimulate the will to live in cancer patients and the need to find support, to deal with emotions, and to find ways to relieve stress. There is a lot of work going on about the link between psychological factors and the immune system. White blood cells can detect the presence of stress hormones and react according to the levels of these hormones in the bloodstream by releasing inflammatory substances. Natural killer cells can be blocked by stress hormones, and become passive instead of reacting to viruses or cancer cells. Feelings of helplessness can influence directly our immune system. Meditation, yoga, and other practices that develop awareness and attention to the present moment can help the body's harmonious functioning and in so doing stimulate the life force that keeps us healthy. Our bodies need touch and physical exercise, we can benefit from massage, and we must increase our sense of connection with others that it is so important to give meaning and purpose to our lives. A holistic approach needs to take all the dimensions of living into consideration and Servan-Schreiber pushes us to leave nothing out of the picture and to pay attention to our inner selves so that we can live fully and gracefully.

The book ends by stressing three points: the importance of our "terrain," the effects of awareness, and the synergy of natural forces. This last point is important. The body is a system in equilibrium, each function interacts with all the others. If we just change one of these functions the whole is affected. So, we can start with one thing, diet, psychological work, whatever makes sense to us and nourishes the will to live. Awareness in one area will automatically lead to progress in others, and little by little, the equilibrium will shift to greater health and will make changes easier. Finally, he addresses an important point, the worry that some oncologists have "not to give false hope." He turns this idea around, and points out that "...this comes down to restricting ourselves to a conception of medicine that withholds the power every one of us has to take charge of ourselves. As if we couldn't do anything to protect ourselves actively against cancer- before and after the disease. Encouraging this passivity creates a culture of hopelessness" (page 203).

One reservation that I have about the book is that the discussion about chemical contamination of the environment seems weak in comparison to the depth with which other topics are discussed. This is an area where individually we can do very little. This needs to be addressed at a system level, and in fact it is beginning to happen. For instance, in Massachusetts, the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, a coalition of over 160 organizations, has relentlessly pursued legislation that will require the use of Safer Alternatives, when feasible, to dangerous chemicals. This year, the Senate voted unanimously in support of this but the House did not get to vote. The law will be introduced again in the 2009 legislative session. Keep an eye on it.

The book has eight pages in color on glossy paper that summarize visually the information about foods, inflammation, contamination in fruits and vegetables, effects of certain foods on specific cancers, detoxification, and an anticancer shopping list. And a list of ten precautions for cell phone use. Very useful!

If you want to take a look at Servan-Schreiber go to [....] and look for the video Anticancer, in English. He conveys intelligence and warmth. I highly recommend this book for everybody.

Rita Arditti

A Must-Read for Everyone!, September 6, 2008
Being a mom of two small children, I rarely have time to read a book from start to finish without interruption. However, the day I bought this book I had read 40 pages in one sitting and only put it down because the hours sped past midnight before I knew it! I'm very impressed with how Dr. Servan-Schreiber is able to break down extremely complex subjects in cellular and molecular biology in such a way that everyone can understand them. Cancer runs in my family, so I'm always trying to stay current on the science of living healthfully in order to avoid it. This book explains vital information about how to do that. It thoroghly describes what cancer is, how it behaves, and what things are necessary for it to grow. Then Dr. Servan-Schreiber shows you how to deprive a cancer of those things, thus avoiding mestasteses and prolonging life.

Given the cancer epidemic we are currently experiencing in the West, I truly believe this is an important book for everyone to read. You won't regret buying this one.

Why Don't We All Get Cancer?, September 28, 2008
From: www.BasilAndSpice.com

Book Review: Anticancer: A New Way of Life (Viking, 2008) by David Servan-Schreiber

Both an informational book and an autobiography, Anticancer begins with the premise that all of us have cancer in our bodies, but not all of us will develop the disease. The author, David Servan-Schreiber tells his story of how he discovered his own brain cancer while testing an MRI machine, how he felt about his diagnosis, and what issues he faced. This autobiography is truly fascinating as Servan-Schreiber lowers the privacy walls surrounding his life, to allow us in. He has been a cancer survivor for 16 years. David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and cofounder of the Center for Integrative Medicine.

As a physician who has also been a patient himself, Servan-Schreiber wants the West to know what the recent discoveries in the world of cancer research are and how they can benefit us. The major points of Anticancer:

* The Western diet creates conditions for the disease.
* Our bodies are making defective cells all of the time.
* Each of us also has a body designed to fight the process of tumor development.
* Sugar and stress do feed cancer.
* There are physical effects from feelings of helplessness and unhealed wounds which affect our ability to restore our health.

Benefits of reading Anticancer: Servan-Schreiber explains:

* How to find the right blend of traditional and alternative care
* How to minimize environmental toxins
* How to reap the benefits of exercise, yoga, and meditation
* How to learn about ways to achieve life balance and good nutrition to combat it
* How to develop a science-based anticancer diet

Servan-Schreiber places a major emphasis on our food. Many cancer patients, relying on their oncologists' advice, believe that they can eat whatever they wish, thinking it will have no bearing on their wellness. Servan-Schreiber states that this simply isn't true. He outlines the importance of food and its synergy with the body showing the research behind eating well. Key topics include refined sugars, red meat, fats, organic, garlic, turmeric, and toxins.

Also included within the book's middle is an Anticancer Action Plan, for quick reference. The Plan highlights foods to eat regularly and is well designed. (The number one vegetable is garlic.)

Anticancer also discusses how to avoid toxins, the need for exercise, how our mind and body works together, how to overcome fear, talking about death, and notes the recent research into cell phone risks.

Anticancer should be read by everyone. It is a tool for cancer prevention, and a wellness guide for those living with the disease. Anticancer offers considerable scientific-backed research to support its lifetime living plan. The only negative--it wasn't published quickly enough. I have personally recommended this book to others who live with cancer.

5 Stars

Superb!, September 10, 2008
David has written a profoundly important book and has also told a very important personal story. All too often we are intimated by both doctors and by the simple statement from a doctor that we are no longer a person but have become a disease. Having been deeply involved in the medical and pharmaceutical world myself I followed the same path as David has when I was diagnosed 6 years ago with 'terminal leukemia' and given two years to live. That I am writing this review demonstrates the essential truths in this superb book.

My story,The Journey of a Newly Diagnosed CLL Patient, is told at CLL Topics (www.clltopics.org)

Thank you David for doing a much better job of moving from your own experience to helping others learn from your expertise and experience.

Traveling on the same path..., September 23, 2008
When I stumbled upon this book I was simply amazed to read that the author had asked the same questions I asked my doctors and he received the same answers I got which was "there is nothing you can do for yourself". Grrr...

I searched and searched the internet for answers as I wanted to fight my cancer or at the very least make a big improvement in my survivability. In time I learned to change my diet drastically (adding omega-3 via flaxseed oil), exercise daily, get out into the Sun, and learn to meditate to reduce stress. I now follow the Budwig protocol which basically agrees with the author's suggestions.

I wish I had found this book sooner as it would have shortened my search for answers. Nonetheless, I love the book and highly recommend it to everyone who needs a good dose of reality about cancer.

Give this book to everyone you know!, September 4, 2008
Since I picked up this book I can't stop thinking about how many people in my life need to read it. My list just keeps growing! It breaks everything down about the disease so you really understand what's going on, and it has such great, practical advice. He's been through it himself, and his story is just amazing.
Cancer is really scary, but reading Dr. Servan-Schreiber's story and reading about the research, you get a sense that you're not helpless, and you want to share that with everyone you know. And even though I'm not into charts and graphs, seeing how thorough he has been and how much he relies on medical and scientific data for his advice - it's clear that this guy is for real.

Have bought a dozen or more copies so far..., November 3, 2008
Last year at age 48 I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis in the liver and lymphs. Frankly, I was given several months to live. I've rewritten my prognosis and have stunned the doctors. I am their "poster child" for recovery... How did I do it?

After enduring three major surgeries, two "near death" experiences, and over $600,000 in medical bills in one year, I have pondered my recovery more than most...

This is "the" missing link as far as I'm concerned. Modern oncology does very little to address those things other than standard allopathic treatments. There's much more as this book will attest!

Buy it for yourself and your loved ones but let me get another dozen or so first... LOL! This is a great book. You need it. Everyone does!

wonderful to read but has a few mistakes...., November 3, 2009
This book was wonderful for me to read. I am a cancer survivor and am cancer free long after the time I should be gone and this book puts all the truths I found for myself about diet and emotions and living cancer free in an excellent format and sequence. It took me years to find all that information. What a joy it would have been to have had this book at that time. I give this book three thumbs up!

Okay, I am adding this note to this review and downgrading it to a three because of some misleading information mostly regarding the use of sugars. The author recommends avoiding sugar and honey, etc and going with agave and zylitol. I did a bit more research and it is hard to beat the health benefits of honey so I diasgree with him on that one and I tried zylitol and got horrible stomach pains. It is a total mess in my mind. As for Agave, new research says it isn't as low glycemic as it has been touted to be and it does not have the health benefits of honey. My recommendation is go low on sugars and when you have to, use honey. Forget Agave and Zylitol.

Super, But Would Like More Information, September 18, 2008
I've had 8 female friends diagnosed with cancer in the past 2 years. These friends are aged from 30 to 49, do not smoke, do not drink heavily, are not overweight, and all but of them one has children. Needless to say, I wanted to learn more about cancer and how it might affect my family. I immediately started reading this book after it was delivered, and could not put it down. There were a lot of "aha" moments for me while reading this book. I feel like I've learned a lot about cancer and how I might be able to ward it off. If I had one suggestion on how to make this book better, I would ask the author for resources on locating foods he suggests eating. For instance, I've had a difficult time finding organic grass-fed dairy products. One local natural foods store did have organic milk made from grass-fed cows, but it was unpasturized. Because I have little kids, I'm wary of an unpasturized product. That unpasturized milk was the only grass-fed dairy product I found after looking all day at several markets...no cheese, yogurt, etc. Also, no employees at the markets knew if their organic poultry was grass-fed. Since I live in Sonoma County, California - an area where "local" and "organic" food stores are popular - I thought getting these foods would be easy. So far, it hasn't been that easy. I would love to know how and where the author shops, so I can feed my family the same wholesome food. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Cancer. Hepatitis. Migraines. Arthritis. Heart Disease. Emphysema. For years, the medical establishment has called these chronic or life- threatening diseases "incurable." But now, the Gerson Therapy offers hope for those seeking relief from hundreds of different diseases. Juice your way to wellness. One of the first alternative cancer therapies, the Gerson Therapy has successfully treated thousands of patients for over 60 years. Now, in this authoritative revised and updated edition, alternative medicine therapist Charlotte Gerson and medical journalist Morton Walker reveal even more on the powerful healing effects of organic fruits and vegetables. Not only can juicing reverse the effects of many degenerative illnesses-it can save lives. "The Gerson Therapy" shows you: How to beat cancer by changing your body chemistry; Special juicing techniques for maximum healing power; and, How to combat allergies, obesity, high blood pressure, AIDS, lupus, and other diseases. This unique resource will help and inspire anyone who has ever said, "I want to get well. Just show me how.""The Gerson Therapy" offers a powerful, time-tested healing option that has worked for others - and can work for you! ... Read more

Reviews

Read this book on Chronic Disease first, October 12, 2001
A Highly Recommended First Book On The Use And Application Of Alternative Medicine/Natural Healing for Chronic Conditions.

This is the book that I would first recommend for anyone wanting to understand the use of alternative medicine for the healing of any chronic condition including cancer I would also highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating the use of conventional medicine as well because of the excellent material on the disease process and the potential for using this or some other alternative therapy in a complimentary or combination process of natural and conventional healing. The issue in addressing healing of chronic diseases is for the person with the disease and their family to be sufficiently unformed of the causes and all possible treatment possibilities so that they can make informed and responsible decisions about their total treatment. Other therapies and approaches could be evaluated as to how well they addressed all of the healing concepts detailed in this book.

"The Gerson Therapy" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to the multitude of books that address healing of chronic conditions including cancer by using natural or alternative means. The specific approach is healing by a combination of high quality nutrition and total body detoxification. The Therapy is a total program and does require significant life style changes at least for the detailed therapy. Actually, lifetime lifestyle changes will be required to remain healthy, but these are easily done once one has gone through the detailed therapy.

This book accomplishes several needed functions. The Gerson Therapy is brought up to date, (the therapy is over 60 years old), with the latest information including program modifications for people who have had chemotherapy, for people who are in an extremely weakened state, and a modified program for non cancer chronic conditions. The information is provided in a highly readable and understandable format. The book details the background, theory, and enough specific cases to establish credibility without being overbearing. In fact most of the case studies are used to detail understanding of the therapy. The book does not sugar coat the difficulty of healing using natural therapy and states that the Gerson Therapy may be the most difficult to follow of the many that are available. All of the information required to do the therapy either on one's own or in conjunction with a qualified clinic or practitioner is provided in easily accessible section. (There is some redundancy in some of the specific sections but this redundancy eliminates the need to search for needed information for people who are following the therapy). The number of recipes is expanded from previous books, and this is a welcome addition for anyone who has followed the therapy. The mental aspects of natural healing are now addressed and are given a separate section in the book. Finally, many tricks and techniques needed to make the therapy more workable are included. The bottom line is that the book is both informative and is useable as a day to day guide for anyone deciding to do the therapy.

I feel qualified to make these statements about this book because three years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and after much research and discussions with conventional and alternative practitioners, I chose to first start with the Gerson Therapy. The results have been wonderful with the cancer having gone in remission after about 18 months and numerous other problems have responded to the therapy as well. I have not had to revert to my back up plan of conventional medicine. Yes the therapy can be difficult to follow particularly because it is highly restrictive on food, requires time to make fresh vegetable juices several times every day, and requires time to do the detoxification procedures. And yes, the diet has different taste due to the salt and fat restrictions, but one quickly get use to the different tasee However, to be healed without permanent side effects is well worth the effort and the required life style changes. While I had excellent support materials available, this book is still a significant improvement to the available literature. I found nothing in this book that I had a problem with and with the improvements that have been made, the book deserves the five star rating

The process of natural healing is not easy, requires attention to detail, and continued study to avoid setbacks through the process. This new book on the Gerson Therapy will provide information that can assist the decision process and will provide up to date information on the therapy's application.

Outstanding Resource !, April 9, 2003
Much like the previous poster, I also suffered a degenerative disease. I did the research for a cure while healing from some conventional radiation therapy. I began the Gerson Therapy (GT)as indicated in this book in part, started feeling stronger and got into it full tilt. I must admit, Dr. Max Gerson MD, the author's father, hit the nail on the head in terms of a curative therapy. His is some heirloom information and techniques that have survived because they work.

If you need to buy a book on how to get well from degenerative disease, this is the first choice. Get started now. Begin now. Disease as simple as arthritis, and as tough as cancer respond to this therapy. I know from personal experience also. The program is nutritional and detoxification with minimum supplements. The book informs as to what and why and when to use what. They do not sell vitamins, or expensive publications, just straight forward truth.

I also, particularily for Multiple Myeloma or Plasmacytoma patients, but cancer patients generally, highly recommend the book, 'Living Proof', by Michael Gearin-Tosh, published 2002. It is a wonderful narrative of how to approach cancer treatment written by a man diagnosed MM but who did Gerson Therapy and lives.

Do it, get well, and write your own review ! I'll be checking back from time to time. God Bless.

This book is so valuable!!, December 28, 2005
The Gerson Therapy saved my life.
I was diagnosed with SLE ( Lupus), and there was nothing that the M.D.'s could offer me, except Prednisone...which was urged upon me.
Through the fortunate advice of a friend, I read the Gerson book...and to make a very long story short, I decided to do the program.
Let me just say here, in rebuttal to the first reviewer of this book, that NOWHERE in this book does it suggest that on should JUST do coffe enemas. Quite the contrary. If one is doing coffee enemas, it is essential that one ALSO be drinking the juices.
In fact, if one is serious about getting well, it is absolutely essential that one do the program to the letter- not just some elements.
I stayed on the Gerson program for two and one half years. Hard? Yes.
But I came out of it healed.
I went into the program so very sick, hair falling out, skin sores, terrible joint pain, failing kidneys.
That was more than fifteen years ago , now, with no recurrance. And I neved did take the Prednisone.
I did the Therapy at home, with the Gerson book as my guide. ( The Gerson staff, in terms of support and more information, were my telephone angels.)
So, while my experience was not with cancer, I most certainly will recommend this book to those who suffer from auto-immune disorders, and also to those those who simply are interested in knowing how bertter to preserve and restore health.

The Gerson Therapy... by Charlotte Gerson, March 19, 2006
An indispensable aid for those wishing to use the highest cure rate therapy for cancer yet devised. The incredible cures for many degenerative diseases wrought by slight variations of this program are also described in this book. With the recent opening of a Gerson Therapy center in Hawaii, and with the Baja Nutri Care facility in Las Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, what's not to love about this amazing chance to survive the deadly big "C"? With a cure rate under 10% in America, why not go with the Gerson Therapy, with almost ten times the cure rate? This book is logical, orderly, and well thought out. It is not "easy reading," but it is certainly essential reading for our day. The present rate for cancer is five of every twelve alive today. Doctors are already predicting that the rate will increase yet again. Be prepared. Know how to prevent cancer, not just cure it.

Update 12-15-2006. My wife began the Gerson Therapy for stage 4A Malignant Melanoma in October 2005. She is quite healthy today and her cancer markers are perfectly normal according to her monthly blood work. She has at least 10 months remaining to stay on the full Gerson Therapy. She has already out-survived 7 out of 10 patients with her diagnosis from the same start date who were or are undergoing "conventional" medical treatment. Conventional treatment odds for her five year survival are 1 in 200. Gerson Therapy gives her 80 chances out of the same 200. Yes, there are other therapies out there, but it is a minefield that can kill you if you land on the wrong therapy. The Gerson Therapy has about a 75 year history of great overall success. It is definitely not 100% though. Check the history of whatever others you are looking at. But whatever you do, remember that your health decisions are in your hands alone and that your life is a precious thing. Don't let anyone scare you into wasting it.

Not the only way, March 13, 2006
I found the book to be a litte condradictory. It acknowledges that other alternative therapies have cured terminal cancer via nutrition life style changes. It later leads you to believe if the protocal is not followed to the letter your cancer will return. This is simply not true. Whole foods is the key and detoxification. I know of a man who dissolved over 50 tumors in his body thru eating more fruits and veggies and coffee enemas and suplimentation of vitamins and minerals not mentioned in this book. He also has not juiced one drop of veggies or fruit.

The protocal I believe is way to strict and discouraging to cancer patients. Asking a terminal cancer patients to take in 13 glasses of juice a day is way more than they can take. They likely give up and sucumb to the cancer.

"Beating Cancer with nutrition" is an excellent alternative and can be used in conjuction with some of the treatments in this book without the burden of juicing and living by the kitchen. You dont have to be a slave to your home to heal.

There is great truth to The Gerson Therapy but it is unfortunatly out dated. There are other therapies out there that work just as good if not better and are not nearly as combersome and demanding. Max Gerson was a genious of his TIME.


Update: UPon further research of other existing therapies I came to the conclusion that the Gerson Therapy although very difficlult is the most effective. All the other Cancer therapies have seen good results but nothing like the results of The Gerson Therapy. The hard work is worth it for your life. I know juice 13 times a day and feel better than ever. Dont take a chance use the proven therapy not all the spin offs.

This book should be read by everyone!, July 3, 2006
Fantastic book! If you are at all interested in optimum health and well being or know someone suffering healthwise, this is a must read. It will change your life and the way you look at the food you eat. CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES CAN BE CURED-This book will tell you how. I have recommended it to all my family and friends.

The only answer for cancer, June 26, 2007
Were I so unfortunate as to find myself with a cancer, this is the only program I would follow. Forty years ago my prognosis was a life expectancy of maybe 3 months -- if I was lucky. Arteriosclerosis was then considered by medical doctors as irreversible, yet here I am, 40 years later, because someone pointed me in a different direction, one very similar to Gerson's. I bought several copies since you run into the incurable all the time. We live in a sick society -- in more ways than one.

This info should be common sense, August 12, 2009
If you haven't done your research on Dr. Max Gerson you should. His work is well documented you just have to search. See in America we aren't just told about this stuff. The people that do make a great profit off the sick do a great job of keeping this material hidden. Watch the movie "Dying to have known."
It's sad that the government can tell us how we can get better. Only surgery, chemo and radiation are PERMITTED by our government as health options. Wow.

Gerson - What you still don't understand, May 9, 2009
What's not to understand. Why cure cancer completely?? Or for that matter all ill fated illnesses? Please take a moment and realize the money involved in just so called "managing" illnesses. Companies that make medical equipment, special food products for various illnesses, doctors pressured to meet their patient quota, hospital responsibility to their institutions and their employees. Doctors despensing drugs because that is all they can do to keep their jobs, or seek alternaive medicine practice. Do you really think anyone but your family members really cares whether you live or die because of radiation or chemotherpy? The hard fact is that YOU ARE nothing but a resource for them via your insurance company - The hard fact is that they will never cure cancer completely or any serious illness - They need you to be sick, or else they don't have a industry. Yes some do get results and get better - but they have such a long way to go - and they will take their sweet money making time doing so. Diatebes association is a very lucrative business now - When I called and asked what they are doing in terms of research and curing - she was speechless - yes she did not know how to answer. Same with the MS society, and new societies are cropping up now to take advantage of your donations - DON'T GIVE BECAUSE YOU ARE PAYING THEIR SALARIES- Gerson is a great program. Remeber, garbage in - garbage out.

Proven but controversial natural healing, November 9, 2008
After reading some of the book, I ordered literature from the organization. I do not recommend ordering most articles as they are testimonials and self-promotional literature w/ little substance, unless someone needs inspirational documentation of the natural approach to healing.
Out of the expensive charges for 3 documents, only one was helpful with actual research information. As for the book, I do recommend it as it offers a positive alternative to conventional medicine that does not offer the cure rate that the Gerson Therapy offers. The therapy has a greater success rate and long-term survival rate than conventional medicine.
But if one chooses to go this route to healing and survival, it is expensive; if you determine to use home therapy, realize that the local markets may not offer the recommended organics to support a full regimen the book dictates. The therapy has been labeled quackery by the medical profession. However, after researching the multiple approaches to disease management, control, and eradication,
the author's approach seems to be more legitimate. Should all conventional medicine be shunned? The answer is left up to the individual. A high potasssium diet can lead to other illnesses beside the one illness a person is treating.
But this approach cannot be ignored or called "quackery". It is an alternative that has worked for over 60 years. The TRUTH in natural healing appproaches is in the middle between conventional and natural. Book highly recommended. The therapy takes us away from the modern assumptions that we are NOT what we eat. We are what we eat.. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In Knockout, Suzanne Somers interviews doctors who are successfully using the most innovative cancer treatments—treatments that build up the body rather than tear it down. Somers herself has stared cancer in the face, and a decade later she has conquered her fear and has emerged confident with the path she's chosen.
Now she shares her personal choices and outlines an array of options from doctors across the country:
 
EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
•without chemotherapy
•without radiation
•sometimes, even without surgery
 
INTEGRATIVE PROTOCOLS
•combining standard treatments with therapies that build up the immune system
 
METHODS FOR MANAGING CANCER
•outlining ways to truly live with the diease
 
Since prevention is the best course, Somers' experts provide nutrition, lifestyle, and dietary supplementation options to help protect you from getting the disease in the first place. Whichever path you choose, Knockout is a must-have resource to navigate the life-and-death world of cancer and increase your odds of survival.  After reading stunning testimonials from inspirational survivors using alternative treatments, you'll be left with a feeling of empowerment and something every person who is touched by this disease needs…HOPE.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews

Invaluable information for those diagnosed with cancer!, January 29, 2010
As a professional environmental biologist who has had health as an avocation for over 40 years and been critically reading about cancer and cancer treatments, both standard and alternative, for over 20 years, I highly praise Suzanne Somers for having the courage to compile the interviews in "Knockout" with physicians who have had successes in treating cancer patients using alternative methods.

Over the past 30 years, I have known many people who were diagnosed with cancer: Practically none lived for more than a relatively short time-- months or short years of continual or intermittent chemical treatments that made most of the last part of their lives physically miserable ( at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.) Had I personally known ANYONE who survived long-term after standard treatment of breast, lung, or pancreatic cancer, or brain tumors, I might have put more credibility in it, but I haven't. The only "survivors" I have known had lymphomas which standard treatments can successfully treat (a fact mentioned in "Knockout".)

Cancer is not something that attacks us from outside the body like a virus or bacteria, but rather something that the body creates in response to an external insult (radiation, toxin, e.g.) or internal imbalance (nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalances, e.g.). It only makes sense that if the body can create cancer, it also has the capability of controlling or removing it given the right kind of support from a physician: That is what the doctors interviewed in "Knockout" have been doing: supporting the body and its immune system to control or fight the cancer. Do I think that all the treatments presented in the book are of equal value in treating cancer based upon what I've read over the years? No. But most are based on good science, practical experience and success, and are highly consistent with the scientific studies and reports that I have read. It is to Suzanne's credit that she did not "pre-judge" the various treatment alternatives but leaves that task up to the readers.

I have only one criticism of the information provided in "Knockout" and that is some of the comments made about pesticides and "organic" produce. Two or three of those interviewed made blanket and inaccurate statements and assumptions about pesticides (it's obviously outside their area of expertise.) Few people know that the EPA for many years has required extensive toxicity testing of pesticides by independent, EPA-approved laboratories using standard protocols--including testing of reproductive effects over multiple generations--before they will approve a product label; that the pesticide label use requirements provide a 100-fold protection factor for human safety; that chemical companies today generally won't even pursue approval of new pesticides that are highly toxic or dangerous; or that manufacturers of the hormonally disruptive and persistent organochlorine pesticides such as DDT, were prohibited from selling them in the US some 30+ years ago. Few people know that some "organic" growers use "natural" pesticides, some of which are considerably MORE TOXIC AS APPLIED and more environmentally persistent than a good number of the commercial, standard pesticides, and which generally have not undergone the extensive EPA-required testing of standard, commercial pesticides.

Rather than buy nothing but organic produce -- which many people cannot afford -- I recommend buying fruits and vegetables grown in the USA where only EPA-approved pesticides can be used and where states are required to test and certify all commercial pesticide applicators to ensure pesticides are applied in accordance with the product label. (Violations result in loss of applicators' licenses). No such strict controls exist in some foreign countries that regularly ship produce to the US. I am also highly dubious of "organic" claims for imported produce. (I avoid buying products from other countries when I can get the same products grown in the USA, organic or not.)

That said, however, anyone diagnosed with cancer who does not examine and seriously consider at least some of the alternatives presented in "Knockout" to the standard "cut, poison, and burn" treatments (all of which can seriously compromise the very immune system needed by the body to fight the cancer), runs the risk of laying down like a lamb to slaughter in the face of standard cancer treatment. Being well informed and playing an active role in selection of cancer treatment may make the difference between life and death.

"Knockout" is a major accomplishment and a valuable contribution to all those who face a diagnosis of cancer, and one that I hope readers will take seriously. Suzanne should be highly praised for facing the highly lucrative and entrenched cancer industry head on!
Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who Are Curing Cancer--And How to Prevent Getting It in the First Place

An Education for All of Us, October 20, 2009
Knockout:Interviews with Doctors who are Curing Cancer--And how to Prevent Getting It in the First Place, by Suzanne Somers, is a must-read.

The book begins with a foreword by Dr. Julian Whitaker who challenges the very paradigm of curing cancer--that is, of removing or destroying it--with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, Instead, she writes, the challenge to curing cancer lies in stopping the cells from dividing; do that and the cancer disappears.

Somers relates her harrowing story of her gross misdiagnosis that occurred in November 2008. She woke up covered in hives and was rushed to the hospital. She was told that she had cancer throughout her body. The hellishness of the experience prompted this book, because Somers explains that if she--a health advocate, best-selling author and famous person could get so mistreated, it can certainly happen to anyone.

Shockingly, the medical community has made little strides in curing cancer in 60 years, and it will soon be the second leading cause of death in our country.

The purpose of this book is to educate us on the alternatives to the traditional treatment of cancer--surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and to prevent cancer from happening in the first place. As a cancer survivor, this is a topic close to Somers' heart.

There are chapters on the sad state of Western medicine, and how most of us poison ourselves daily--with drugs, chemicals in our food and more.

The crux of the book are the interviews with alternative doctors. They are divided into two sections--doctors curing cancer and on preventing it in the first place.

Some examples from the interviews:

* One doctor interviewed said that mamograms increase the risk of breast cancer.

* Sugar and artificial sweeteners feed cancer and help it spread.

* Tumeric is one of the most powerful cancer inhibitors. (One note on tumeric--several years ago, I read that there is a significantly low incidence of Alzheimer's Disease in India. Studies proved it was due to the high consumption of tumeric. Lately, I read that tumeric is great in preventing inflammation, increases memory, and a whole bunch of other fantastic qualities. You can buy it in capsule form if you don't eat much of it.)

The final chapter is advice for those who do choose traditional treatment to combat cancer.

The resources include integrative health practitioners listed by state.

I appreciate that Somers interviews a variety of doctors to get all kinds of advice. For those suffering from cancer and for those hoping to prevent it, this book provides solid alternative choices to traditional therapies that don't seem to be working.

This book provides hope. Highly recommend.

Author of HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT and SELL YOUR HOME FAST IN A BUYER'S MARKET

Deserves careful reading., November 19, 2009
I decided to read this book after watching Suzanne Summers on TV with Larry King. Suzanne was very passionate about her conviction but the program left me with a number of unanswered questions and I hoped that reading this book will clear some of mine doubts...

Unfortunately I cannot say that I am now, after reading this book, much smarter than I was before. To start with, Suzanne's story at the beginning of the book is bizarre to say the least. Could that all be true? Could so many doctors be so wrong all at the same time? Possibly, but maybe Suzanne omitted some facts detrimental to the story to make it for a better read. We will never know...

Some of the reviewers do not hold punches and simply call Ms. Summers greedy salesmen "selling snake-oil, and laughing all the way to the bank!" I don't think so. I think the opinion that "she is selling unproven remedies not recommend by any accredited institution" can only be spread by the proponents of so called "conventional" medicine - the establishment. Keep in mind that there are Charlatans in both conventional and alternative medicine who will exploit patients.

The main problem that I have with conventional medicine is that it is focused on treating symptoms but it is absolutely failing in prevention of diseases. The oncologists may be relatively good in treating some cancers but they offer nothing in the way of prevention. I cannot say conclusively that Suzanne is right in her approach but she at least brings our awareness to the potential prevention protocols.

I think this book deserves careful reading. I am not saying that I agree with everything Suzanne Somers says, she may be wrong, but her findings definitely deserve proper consideration. I have studied some of the doctors she is promoting, and I find it very hard to disagree with Dr Blaylock. He is not promising any miracles and he backs his opinions with solid data. I encourage you to get a good look at them. I was surprised to learn that Suzan failed to mention in her book Dr. Tombak. His book "Cure th e Incurable" sheds a lot of light at a number of "incurable" diseases, cancer being one of them. You will find that there indeed exist successful alternative treatments of diseases written off by conventional medicine as incurable.

Guess What?, November 2, 2009
Here's a bit of information that most of you aren't aware of, most especially the "dead heads" who are still living in the 1950s when everyone thought their doctor was God and that every pill and medication was a sure-cure.

Oncologists of today have a pretty slick set-up with Big Pharma. Bet you didn't know they get as much as an 86% kickback from the chemotherapy that they prescribe. They are the only specialty that has this handy little system. They have a limited set of cancer drugs that they prescribe,which gives them a percentage back of the drug's cost. If they prescribe a drug that they aren't signed up with, they do not receive the kickback. I suggest you do your due diligence on this one. Congress should be asking "What the????" and putting a stop to this practice. So if you have cancer, your oncologist has a vested interest in giving you the drug he/she makes money on. Google "Oncologist's drug kickbacks" and get educated. Those of you with limited functioning brain cells can continue to criticize Suzanne Somers all you want from your wobbly soapbox--those of us who have been down the cancer road with devastating results and have had the wake-up call to look further and farther than the nearest idiot with an MD behind their name have found information that will curl your hair. Get off your self-satisfied backsides and wake up to 21st Century reality. Those of us who know better will continue to encourage Ms. Somers and others who are willing to pull their head out of the sand and find new answers to our current health care dilemma. No one seems to ask why we continue to get sicker as a nation with all the dollars going down the medical/pharmaceutical rathole. And then there's the health insurance debacle... A story for another day.

Knockout, December 6, 2009
Do not dismiss this as some kookie new age book. It can save your life or lives of those you love.

Super work by a personality who is both keenly interested and knowlegeable. Given the importance of the alternative approaches to preventing and treating various cancers, this book is one which every family should have and READ...BEFORE this may strike...if possible.

The beauty of it is that there are very viable and proven methods outside conventional medicine with its routine " cut and chemo" approach. Even the concept of "not curing" is brought into question, where many have safely arrested its negative developement and lived for decades beyond, by attention to health, nutrition and bioidentical harmone support. Finally, there are serious questions about some surgical approaches actually causing cancerous cells to begin circulating , resulting in spreading tumors.

This book has both questions, not always possible to answer, and new answers not possible to ignore. Plus, it is a fine personal narrative of considerable experience with medical practices. some obviously of the "cookie cutter" variety. She has experienced first hand the numbing verdict where one prognosis fits all, and the end result is short term hopelessness and traditional treatment's expensive but wasted efforts.

However you do it...used book...paperback now...library...borrowed or new..read it. Then decide.

From where I sit..., February 13, 2010
I'm not a medical practitioner, but I am familiar with the "standard of care". After my 62 yr-old husband was given 2-4 months to live by a famous research hospital, we found a prestigious transplant surgeon who would operate. Almost 60% of his liver was removed, but two suspicious lymph nodes were found by scan (which may have been post-surgical inflammation). His oncologist insisted he start "preventive" chemo. So just 6 weeks after surgery, when his liver had barely begun to regenerate, chemotherapy began. One of the drugs was Gemzar given by IV... and mentioned in this book as a sort of placebo! Another was a very expensive drug take orally that caused numerous side effects and eventualy destroyed his liver.

A holocaust survivor is exactly what he looked like! Five months into chemo he was admitted for severe abdominal pains and dehydration. While in the hospital he experienced septic shock, exploratory surgery (that he wasn't expected to survive)and three stints in the ICU. 2 1/2 weeks later, two Drs who were on-call for the weekend, diagnosed him with liver failure. His other eleven specialists had missed it. He slipped into a hepatic coma the following day and was gone in 48 hrs.

Our medical bills totaled over $600,000, so we were fortunate to get some financial aid from the hospitals. That was 1 1/2 yrs ago and I'm still paying the rest and in danger of foreclosure. At least he got an extra year of life with the surgery, but he should have never been given chemo in the first place! The irony is that I did so much research and I've been getting "Life Extension" magazine for years, but somehow missed the offer to call them first! Their research and their founder (William Faloon) are highly respected. Make your own opinions about the author, but don't miss the point. The fact that he personally encouraged Suzanne to write this book gives the interviews credence in my opinion. It's a book everyone should read in case they ever need it.

A Patients Guide to Alternative Cancer Treatment, October 30, 2009
This book dramatically presents the remarkable successes of some of the Alternative and Complementary Medical Doctors have used for the treatment of cancer. The book is loaded with valuable informatio and tips for ALL patients, regardless of what therapy they ultimately decide to use. Dr.Stanislaw Burzynski,MD discovered antineoplastons, that have had amazing success, making it a uniquely valuable discovery that unfortunately is not being used by other practitioners, since FDA has not approved it yet. Dr.Nicholas Gonzalez,MD uses of pancreatic enzymes, nutrition and coffee enemas that have shown promise, but it requires a lot of work on the patients part.Dr.James Forsythe,MD is also a Homeopathic Doctor in addition to being a board certified oncologist. He became a homeopath after seeing that patient using alternative therapies were doing better than his patients using chemotherapy radiation and surgery.Salicinium is a homeopathic that blocks sugar metabolism. Sugar pronotes cancer growth. Sugar should be avoided by cancer patients. I was amazed to find out that there are some tests for determining which chemotherapy is kiely to be most successful with your type cancer. He also uses oxidative therapies. Dr.Jonathan Wright,MD explains the use of bioidentical hormonal theraapy, in which the doctor neasures and balances the hormones so as to promote anti-cancer properties. This turns out to be very complicated and too detailed for me to summarize, but it is a very informative discussion. There are also good tips on foods like brassica vegetables such as broccoli,cailiflower and brussel sprouts that promote anti-cancer responses.
Dr.Steven Sinatra,MD a cardiologist and psychiatrist makes some keen observations about the importance of the state of positive belief in the patient that the patient will triumph over this cancer. A suprising observation was that the lung is the organ most susceptible to grief from emotional upset.What starts as a lung bacteria ot tuberculosis can end up as lung cancer, and that crying is one of the most healing emotions and relieves tension in your vocal chords and lungs,tears contain endorphins and they can heal. Compassion and touch are the healing tools of nature, the cancer patient must use them.
One of the most readily available and easily administered therapy mentioned briefly in the book is the one referred to as Flaxseed Oil and Cottage Cheese. This was pioneered by Dr.Johanna Budwig,PhD a biochemist from Germany. It is more complicated and involved than the description, it is really a comprehensive dietary and lifestyle regime revolving around the provision of Omega-3 fatty acids in Flaxseed combined with the sulphurated protein in cottage cheese. A good list-serve is available for detailed instruction at [...] with excellent moderators to help you to implement it.
But if you are afraid to trust alternative and unconventional therapies you can gain tremendous insight into using the best proven nutritional and drug therapies described by Bill Faloon of the Life Extension Foundation. Mr.Faloon is a layperson who has extensively studied the vast medical and scientific literature on health treatments. He presents both alternative treatments and mainstream conventional treatments supported by the scientific literature, some of these are approved by the Food & Drug Administration, others are not. But too many doctors are not familiar with some of the peer reviewed medical literature in their field. Here you will find it.
The book has a large Resources sectiongiving names addreses and phone numbers for Doctors Clinics and Institutes for Doctors practicing Alternative and Complementary Medicine throughout North America,Belgium and the Bahamas.
There is also a list of Compounding Pharmacies.
The only thing missing is the footnotes to support these therapies. The section listing Books by or about Knockout doctors, especially those by Dr.Jonathan V.Wright,MD will have many of these citations. His research is always very well documented.
Arnold Gore
Consumers Health Freedom Coalition


I

Finally someone with a voice is blowing the lid on the conventional cancer treatment scam, November 16, 2009
I am so grateful that someone who has an audience, a voice, is finally speaking out against this corruption that murdered both my parents!

The "war" on cancer has created a $200 billion a year industry that has only improved its success rate by 5% since the 1950s. A mere 2.1% of those taking chemo will be alive after five years. (If you die one week after the five years, you are considered a success!) Oncologists give hope to their patients, claiming their tumor will likely respond. Yet what they mean by "respond" is a few months added to a person's life. Yeah, let's mortgage the home, spend off the kids' college fund, all so you can live 3 months in bed, too sick from the chemo to do anything but sleep! Yet, as long as oncologists are following the protocol that gives big bucks to big pharma (and the docs also get kickbacks!!) then they cannot be arrested. It is legal. It is murder, it is robbery, it is fraud--but it is legal.

Now, here are these alternative doctors. They can be harassed for not going by "standard of care" even though they are healing 70-80% of their patients. By harassed, I mean some have to move their clinic to Mexico. They are called quacks. In the past, they even had to go to jail. ...And by healing, I mean the patient is cancer free for 20, 30 years! At a small fraction of the cost! Yet, the insurance companies do not pay for it (calling it "unproven"--even though chemo has been proven--proven to FAIL!)

When I saw all the one-star reviews on Amazon, I was reluctant to buy the book, thinking it might not have anything I didn't already know. A quick scan revealed that these people hadn't even read the book, but just had a bee in their bonnet and probably work for drug companies. The book is excellent. I have read several hundred books on health, and found myself marking something on nearly every page. I intend to give this book out to everyone I know who gets the C diagnosis.

The book contains Suzanne's own story and 2 diagnoses of cancer (1 false); several chapters on the sinister mainstream cancer business; interviews with doctors who have great success treating cancer--even stage IV, and even the tough ones like liver or pancreatic cancer; and interviews with doctors on how to prevent cancer. It's all cutting edge material. I especially liked the interviews with Dr. Burzynski and Dr. Gonzalez (who uses enzymes and is a raw food advocate).

I myself wrote a book which includes many testimonials on people who used the raw food diet to reverse cancer. You see, we already have a cure for cancer! It's called the immune system. It just needs to be supported with proper nutrition, rest, and a break from toxins. To add chemo to someone with cancer is like cleaning your kitchen with mud and trash. Hello, people! Wake up!

Your HEALTH or Their WEALTH?, November 30, 2009
"Knockout" is the new world-beater from Suzanne Somers. This book will end the Nazi-like American Medical Establishment. I got my copy from the local B&N Bookstore, but i see you can get one thru Amazon for about half what i paid.

Anyhow, if it were one hundred dollars, it'd be worth it. Not only if you have or had cancer, but if you want NOT to get it. Suzanne has been thru the mill, winning her battle against cancer and living to tell about it... despite the eforts of ME (Med Establishment), including American Cancer Society, AMA, and Big Pharma... all making Million$ on chemotherapy, radiation, donations, and surgery.
Wake up folks! Instead of running around with pink ribbons, for heaven's sake learn about saving people from cancer thru alternate health that work...not the Establisment paradigm that's sending us to cruel, torturous death. Suzanne tells how to save ourselves.

Thanks Suzanne!, December 6, 2009
By now I have read about half the book, and as expected, I consider it excellent. Apparently many books like this one are needed for enough patients to stop accepting advice of doctors with a serious conflict of interest. Before that happens no health care reform or fund raising to stop nasty maladies will do any good.
Congratulations Suzanne! You are helping to get enough of us towards wanting a change for the better! One reason I bought the book is that I have been aware for years of most of what you say. I don't care about minor details. But I am happy that you may reach one million people! I wonder which size is the critical mass that will force improving the situation. But you are helping to reach it.
I am a subscriber of some of these doctor's health letters. I also contributed to Dr. Burzynski legal expenses when Dr. Whitacker made me aware of the serious blow that real medicine was about to suffer. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Suzy and Nancy Goodman were more than sisters. They were best friends, confidantes, and partners in the grand adventure of life. For three decades, nothing could separate them. Not college, not marriage, not miles. Then Suzy got sick. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977; three agonizing years later, at thirty-six, she died.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The Goodman girls were raised in postwar Peoria, Illinois, by parents who believed that small acts of charity could change the world. Suzy was the big sister—the homecoming queen with an infectious enthusiasm and a generous heart. Nancy was the little sister—the tomboy with an outsized sense of justice who wanted to right all wrongs. The sisters shared makeup tips, dating secrets, plans for glamorous fantasy careers. They spent one memorable summer in Europe discovering a big world far from Peoria. They imagined a long life together—one in which they’d grow old together surrounded by children and grandchildren.
Suzy’s diagnosis shattered that dream.

In 1977, breast cancer was still shrouded in stigma and shame. Nobody talked about early detection and mammograms. Nobody could even say the words “breast” and “cancer” together in polite company, let alone on television news broadcasts. With Nancy at her side, Suzy endured the many indignities of cancer treatment, from the grim, soul-killing waiting rooms to the mistakes of well-meaning but misinformed doctors. That’s when Suzy began to ask Nancy to promise. To promise to end the silence. To promise to raise money for scientific research. To promise to one day cure breast cancer for good. Big, shoot-for-the-moon promises that Nancy never dreamed she could fulfill. But she promised because this was her beloved sister.
I promise, Suzy. . . .  Even if it takes the rest of my life.

Suzy’s death—both shocking and senseless—created a deep pain in Nancy that never fully went away. But she soon found a useful outlet for her grief and outrage. Armed only with a shoebox filled with the names of potential donors, Nancy put her formidable fund-raising talents to work and quickly discovered a groundswell of grassroots support. She was aided in her mission by the loving tutelage of her husband, restaurant magnate Norman Brinker, whose dynamic approach to entrepreneurship became Nancy’s model for running her foundation. Her account of how she and Norman met, fell in love, and managed to achieve the elusive “true marriage of equals” is one of the great grown-up love stories among recent memoirs. 

Nancy’s mission to change the way the world talked about and treated breast cancer took on added urgency when she was herself diagnosed with the disease in 1984, a terrifying chapter in her life that she had long feared. Unlike her sister, Nancy survived and went on to make Susan G. Komen for the Cure into the most influential health charity in the country and arguably the world. A pioneering force in cause-related marketing, SGK turned the pink ribbon into a symbol of hope everywhere. Each year, millions of people worldwide take part in SGK Race for the Cure events. And thanks to the more than $1.5 billion spent by SGK for cutting-edge research and community programs, a breast cancer diagnosis today is no longer a death sentence. In fact, in the time since Suzy’s death, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has risen from 74 percent to 98 percent.

Promise Me is a deeply moving story of family and sisterhood, the dramatic “30,000-foot view” of the democratization of a disease, and a soaring affirmative to the question: Can one person truly make a difference? ... Read more

Reviews

Encouraging, inspirational and informational, August 28, 2010

Two Sisters, One Promise, September 20, 2010
..."The only singular truth about breast cancer is this: there is no singular truth about breast cancer. Our best strategy is to respect and listen to one another, share what we learn, reach across the aisle, and make women's lives a higher priority than political agenda. Because I guess there actually is one absolute truth about breast cancer: There shouldn't be any." ...from Promise Me page 25.

I moved to Peoria for my nursing education during the years Susan G. Komen was diagnosed with and later died from breast cancer. Our paths never crossed.

Then in the early 1986 a buzz around town started about a Cancer race to be held to honor a young woman who lost her fight, but whose family would not let her memory vanish when other women of all ages were engaged in the same battle. It was the first annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in her hometown with 800 women. Now every Mother's Day Weekend thousands of women and men walk/run from the Metro Center to help fund and find a cure. May 7, 2011 will be the 26th year. A crowd of 25,000 (including men)are anticipated. Some will be young mothers pushing strollers, others link arms holding their heads up as proud survivors, a number will carry signs with printed pink names in memory of loved ones who are no longer beside them, and still more come in hope to funding and finding a cure.

The Promise did not end with just a race. There are five SGK screening centers in Peoria alone, including the 15,000 square ft Susan G. Komen Breast Center that is a screening and diagnostic service center for all of central Illinois that is located on the second floor of the medical building where I am also employed on the 4th floor. Every morning women of all ages ride the elevator with me and stop at the 2nd floor. Their faces tell their stories, some expect good news, others bad. Most are strangers, but some have been my co-workers, my friends. I have my own annual screening performed there too, always with fingers crossed.

Over the years I wondered about the personal story of the two sisters, their immediate family and their Peoria roots. This book tells the story of a close knit, loving family who were devoted to each other. We should all be so lucky to have Susan and Nancy's immediate and extended family as our own. The Goodmans never met a stranger. Beginning with Ellen Goodman's sense of community responsibility, she demonstrated her dedication to others in a hundred different ways. The impact of the individual. A lesson that was not lost on her daughters. The book details all the fundraising and business expertise needed, the forethought and implementation required in the day to day operations and plans for future of the SGK organization. The book related how Nancy faced and fought her own personal battle with the demon breast cancer. On a lighter note, there is a beautiful love story between Nancy and her husband Norman.

Not only has the Peoria community vastly benefited from SGK but countless women thoughout the world have been educated, screened, diagnosed and treated thanks to the Promise given to Susan by her little sister, Nancy.

Participate. Get a "breast buddy" to remind each other about a monthly self-check and annual screening. Walk/Run in your local SGK Race for the Cure and enlist 10 friends to join. Volunteer at your local chapter. Pick this book for your next Book Club read and discussion. Give a copy of the book to your best friend.

Give a copy of the book to your sister.

Two sisters, one promise.

Remarkable.

Moving, Inspiring, and Beautifully Written, September 18, 2010
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to read a pre-publication copy of PROMISE ME, and I loved it so much that I immediately ordered a hardcover copy to keep, along with one for my own sister. It's hard to do this book justice in a brief review because it moved me on so many levels. First, I enjoyed it as a heartfelt, sometimes heartrending look at the relationship between Nancy Brinker and the vibrant force-of-nature that was her sister, Susan. (There was so much more to this incredible young woman than the breast cancer that took her life!) The book also paints an inspiring portrait of the determination, perseverance, and organizational know-how that have gone into Nancy Brinker's tireless efforts to keep her promise to her sister and change the lives of so many women around the world. A third strand - one I enjoyed immensely - looks at the history of the treatment of breast cancer (from unspeakable to outspoken) through the lives of so many courageous and inspiring women. (There was even a section dealing with the oft-ignored incidence of breast cancer among men and the progress made in that arena.) Without ever for a moment overwhelming me with data or making me feel preached at, the book managed to impart (through so many powerful stories) information that could save many lives.

I can only imagine how much more meaningful PROMISE ME would have been had my life, or those of my closest friends or family members, been touched by breast cancer. But every woman has a vested interest in eradicating this disease.

If you enjoyed it as much as I did, you, too, may end up buying a copy for your sister as well as yourself.

Inspiring, September 26, 2010
This book will have you mesmorized from the very first page to the last..

The love between these sisters, the amazing parents they had and the journey they take in the name of breast cancer research is truly amazing!!



P.S. I am Mailing a check to the Susan G. Komen foundation in tomorrows mail!!

Amazing! Totally recommend, October 19, 2010
Don't walk, RUN to buy this book. I loved every page. Nancy Brinker is a huge inspiration and this story was so touching. I saw it listed as a New York Times best seller and decided to check it out. I loved learning about the founder of the pink ribbon - and how one person can make a huge impact on the world while inspiring so many others to join her promise. I just ordered 5 more copies to give as holiday gifts. Thank you Nancy Brinker and Susan G. Komen for the Cure for all you do to fight for the future of me and my daughter.

OUTSTANDING, October 9, 2010
This book gives a marvelous history of the treatments of breast cancer through the ages, and updates to current times.
The book made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry, gave me hope.
Through it all, there was evidence of a love between sisters that was refreshing.
The book is finished.
The work is not.
Wonderful read!

Promise Me - A Promise Made - A Promise Kept, October 7, 2010
Promise Me is that once in a lifetime book that brings together a promise made, a plan conceived, and a promise kept. Nancy Brinker and Joni Rodgers give life and love to a family, and a foundation. A fantastic chronicle of a dream, a promise and a world waiting for pink revolution. Nancy Brinker and Susan G. Komen together make a great story. Nancy Brinker and Joni Rodgers together bring that story to life. FANTASTIC!

Incredible and Outrageous at the same time!, September 28, 2010
I'm a breast cancer survivor, along with my Mother, and this is the book has educated me more than anything else. This book makes me want to raise my hands and fight like no other. The outrageous history of women and families affected by this disease is eye opening and we must never stop fighting. What an incredible storyteller, magnificent visionary and heartwrenching caregiver of all the women in the world wrapped up in one person named Nancy Brinker.

Touching view on sibling love and devotion., October 18, 2010
I loved this book!
I enjoyed reading about Susan and Nancy as children
and their adventures together. The love and dedication of Nancy, to eradicate this horrible disease is so very touching.
Being a two time cancer survivor, I was so moved by the story. I walked the year before the campaign was launched in the US.
NOW.. it's so moving to see the enormity of the various walks to raise money and awareness.
One person can make such a huge difference in this world of ours.
These two girls were raised well by their wonderful parents.
They were taught to always look up and to never look down on others less fortunate.
God Bless this beautiful family..

promise me, October 17, 2010
An excellent book about how one woman`s fight for life and her devoted sister changed the breast cancer movement--Excellent book- ... Read more

Editorial Review

The #1 New York Times bestseller with legs as strong as itsauthor's.

Lance Armstrong is one of the most talked about- and inspirational-sports figures of all time. He was Sports Illustrated 's 2002 Sportsman of the Year-and now, after hisrecord-shattering string of Tour de France victories, some are proclaiming him the greatest athlete of all time.

This is the book in which he shares his journey through triumph, tragedy, transformation, and transcendence. It is the story of a world-famous cyclist and his fight against cancer. ... Read more

Reviews

What an amazing book!, May 24, 2000
I'm a woman. I'm not a cyclist. I've never had cancer. I read mostly fiction. But this book absolutely blew me away. So much more than an athlete bio, this is a wonderfully told, brilliantly written story of a real American hero. The play-by-play cycling coverage is fascinating even to a non-cyclist and the detailed discussion of Lance's illness, treatment, and recovery is beyond inspiring. The look inside Lance's childhood, his love life, his amazing journey into fatherhood, and his role as a cancer activist is what brings the whole story home. So much more than a story of athletic achievement and cancer recovery, this is a story about triumph of the human spirit. I can't wait to root for Lance in this year's Tour de France and in the Olympics. Hopefully we'll be cheering him to victory for years to come. I have been talking about this book to anyone who will listen to me. Listen to me. Buy the book. You will not want to put it down. It is a story you will never forget.

A nice evenings read, July 13, 2000
I'm a physician and a bicycle racer and when I heard that LanceArmstrong had metastatic testicular cancer, my first thought, likemany in my field, was "He's dead." But Lance Armstrong's story has the happy Hollywood ending nobody expected four years ago. This isn't Shakespeare, but I found it to be compelling reading (a stay up til you finish it kind of read). I am especially appreciative of the insight into the human condition, how one responds to adversity by either giving up or fighting back. Many of his homilies such as "turning negatives into positives" struck a nerve with me, as I've come to expect setbacks to be followed by unexpected success because it's happened to me so many times. I'm pleased that the book is so popular, because maybe the rest of the world will stop thinking people like me aren't such freaks riding our bikes 50 miles in January. It offers a glimpse into our sport that most people don't get to see. But I mostly hope others find the human message of hope as inspirational as I did.

Truly Inspirational - A Must Read For All, July 2, 2000
I had and beat testicular cancer just like Lance Armstrong, so I could truly relate to the incredible obstacles that he described in his amazing book.

This sincerely is an amazing story. I just wish I could have read it when I was going through my intense radiation treatments in my recovery, because I feel it would have made things easier for me. In his book, Armstong brings this disease into the public view, and allows people to see that it truly doesn't have to be a part of death, but, in fact, a part of life.

There are many stories within the book. His childhood, his attitudes towards his father figures, his early racing career, his battle with cancer, the stuggle to get back on top of his game, his love life, and, his extemely personal march towards fatherhood. Each and every one of these minor stories gives an overall inspirational journey into Lance Armstrong's remarkable life.

The writing is nicely detailed and allows for a good, easy-flowing read. The racing-scenes are action-packed, and make you feel as if you are right there on the bike with him. Armstong tells his tale using candid language and relates his stories of life with honesty and a pure heart. This book is a true inspiration to anyone. Please read this book. You cannot go wrong.

That's MY book, too., December 11, 2000
After recently recovering from Cancer, my wife suggested that my "story" would make for a great book. I told her that there aren't too many people who would want to read about a nobody from New Jersey who went through a miserable experience with Cancer. I'd have to be a "somebody." Well, Lance Armstrong and Sally Jenkins wrote my book.

When I most recently saw media coverage of Lance's story and book, I was angry. I didn't want the public to believe that Cancer had a hollywood ending if you work hard and don't give up. There's nothing hollywood about Cancer and I resented the attention Lance was receiving. Then, I read the book.

IT'S REAL. Through the wonderfully constructed words of Sally Jenkins, and the raw, honest sentiments of Lance Armstrong, this book tells it like it is. Lance Armstrong is just like anyone else who happens to be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He is not a hero. He is not superhuman. He is human. And, in this book, he doesn't pretend to be anything but that.

This book takes you through all of the emotions of being a cancer patient; fear, sadness, anger, resentment, pity, hope, and so on. Though every patient is different, Lance's feelings echo those of myself and countless others who are in the survivor's club.

As a marathoner, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lance's cycling career. However, you don't have to be an athlete to appreciate his incredible drive, determination and accomplishments on a bike.

His story both on and off the bike is truly inspirational.

This book is for cancer patients and survivors. It is for their families and friends, who just can't fully understand what it is like to endure the physical and emotional challenges of the disease. It is for athletes of all skill levels, shapes and sizes. And, it is for ANYONE who needs a little perspective on just how precious life really is and what's important.

Thanks for reading.

A life cycle., August 15, 2000
Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About the Bike" resonates with the boundless, Tour de France-winning energy of its author. Armstrong tells his story with honesty and simplicity in a way that made me want to hear and know more, and not shrink back from the details of what it's like to have testicular cancer. As he talked about the person he was before and after fighting cancer, I could feel the post-cancer Lance emerge in the book - a person who woke up to what a difference people make in our lives, and what a difference we make to other people and to ourselves. I really like the following quote from the book: "The one thing the illness has convinced me of beyond all doubt --more than any experience I`ve had as an athlete--is that we are much better than we know."

I owe a great thanks to a reviewer of this book from Jersey City. The review spurred me on to read this book as well as another book she recommended "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work" by Ariel and Shya Kane. I've read many books that have pointed the way to a great life, but this one went right tothe heart of the matter - that trying to fix yourself keeps you stuck in the places you'd like get out of, but getting into the moment will set you free. Don't miss either of these books.

Essential Reading for Cancer Patients as Well as Athletes, June 14, 2000
This is one of the most inspirational biographies I have ever read, and comes from the truly remarkable life experiences of a determined young man. I loved every word!

Early in the book, Lance Armstrong says ". . . that cancer was the best thing that happened to me." He goes on to say, "When I was sick I saw more beauty and triumph and truth in a single day than I ever saw in a bike race."

Overcoming cancer and becoming an athletic champion in the grueling sport of bicycle racing require a toughness of spirit, mind, and body that is hard for most of us to imagine. This inspirational book portrays beautifully how one can start with the right spirit and overcome enormous obstacles.

Although his doctors told him he had a 40 percent chance of surviving stage three testical cancer, this was mostly to keep his morale up. After he had recovered, his doctor admitted that is chances were around 3 percent, instead.

While he was being treated for the cancer, no one thought that he might ever race again. He did decide to go through treatments that would leave open the possibility that his lungs (affected by the cancer) would still be functional and his coordination (through delicate brain surgery) would be unaffected. Within two years, he had won the Tour de France, a grueling race he had never done well in before he had cancer.

Growing up, Lance Armstrong had little reason to suspect that he would become one of the world's greatest athletes. He was well into high school, still trying pretty unsuccessfully to make the football and swimming teams, before it became clear that he could become a significant cyclist. Pleased with the money that success brought, he had a tough time building the attitude of a champion to go with his remarkable endurance skills. Overcoming cancer helped him with that, as well as seeing the beauty around him.

He met his wife at the press conference to announce the beginning of his foundation to fight cancer. They were married during his recovery, and recently became parents through the miracles of modern medicine.

Of such wonderful stuff are role models made, something we have too few of these days.

The story is told in a very open and matter-of-fact way. He is not trying to make himself into something that he isn't. Clearly, his purpose in writing this book is to help all of us fulfill our potential rather than to glorify himself.

Please share this book with people who need this inspiration.

It's not just about the biker, either, December 18, 2000
Wow! I just now finished the last page of Lance Armstrong's incredible story, and I had to share my thoughts and feelings. At several times throughout reading this book, I found tears welling up in my eyes (a bit self-consciously, as I did most of the reading in public places). I was touched and moved by the honesty of Lance's telling of all the aspects of his experience, as a champion bike-racer and as the conqueror of an almost-surely fatal disease, but mostly of his growth and unfolding as a person, his expanded awareness of the difference he has made and continues to make in peoples' lives.

In the last chapter, Lance says "The one thing the illness has convinced me of beyond all doubt--more than any experience I've had as an athlete--is that we are much better than we know. We have unrealized capacities that sometimes only emerge in crisis."

This statement sums up the sense he gives throughout the book, that it is not in fame or unparalled achievement that we can experience life's greatest satisfaction, but in the simple connections with our fellow human beings, in sharing our weaknesses and strengths, our joys and fears, life's daily triumphs over whatever "obstacles" appear. It is a lesson in living day by day, moment by moment, and not giving up, no matter what.

I expecially enjoyed the description of traveling in Europe with his future wife during his recuperation from chemotherapy, and really seeing the places that he had only raced in before, experiencing them in a totally new and unexpected way, by sharing them with the love of his life and seeing them through her eyes.

Another book that has profoundly impacted my life is "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work, a book about Instantaneous Transformation" by Ariel and Shya Kane. In a remarkably open and relaxed style, the Kanes explore through their own experiences what is possible when living in the moment, which is: love, satisfaction, joy, health, wealth, success in business and personal relationships, and freedom from the mechanical patterns that we all acquire as we grow up. I have seen all of these aspects blossom in my own life, without "working on" them, since reading the Kane's book. I am embracing the miraculous life that shows up every day, rather than bemoaning the one I thought I should have had. Buy and read this book! It's a personal handbook on having a great life!

Whether You Know Who He is or Not, May 18, 2000
A friend of mine passed me this book because I follow bicycle racing, but as the title implies, there's more to it then that. Lance Armstrong and Sally Jenkins do a great job of telling a story that one minute sounds super human, and the next, painfully human. Lance Armstrong's story before his fight with cancer would have been incredible enough. His struggle to simply stay alive and how that transforms his outlook on life is what makes this story fascinating. On the light hearted side: if you've ever listened to Lance Armstrong during a TV interview, you'll appreciate that none of his style is lost in how his story reads.

Lessons from a Hero, May 21, 2000
For those not inclined to reading anything, this is a quick read, not because it is simplistic (which it is not), but rather because the story is engrossing and ultimately, uplifting. For those not knowledgable about the world of competitive cycling, after reading this book you may find yourself tuning into this summer's Tour de France just to watch Lance do what he does best - living life.

From the opening sentence, Lance Armstrong makes it clear to his audience that this is not a book about the Tour de France (even though it is the subject of the longest chapter in the book), nor about cycling (though it serves as the constant backgrop of his story). Lance takes you with him, day by day, into his personal struggle with cancer, chemo, and near death. But he also shares the romance of finding true love and the personal gratification of winning the ultimate cycling challenge, the Tour de France. The book is filled with personal lessons found previously in other writings such as "Tuesdays With Morrie" - enjoy life, love those close to you, never quit.

In a time when role models are scarce, Lance Armstrong emerges as a true hero for all generations.

Inspirational, July 18, 2000
I read this book in one day because it was damn good. I wanted to covet every word written; it's about hope, it's about survival and it helps to know a little about the most grueling athletic event in the world - the Tour de France. How this man survived a major illness with a 2% chance of survival and got on his bike the very next year and won is a force of determination beyond human comprehension. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A must-read for every dog lover—a short, tender, and uplifting tale of a cancer survivor and the life lessons shared with him by his beloved family dog.

Our dogs come into our lives as “just the family pet,” but before we know it they become drinking buddies and fuzzy shrinks, playmates and Cheerios-munching vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks and sleeping partners. And, in their mys­terious and muttish ways, our dogs become our teachers.

When Dana Jennings and his son were both seriously ill—Dana with prostate cancer and his son with liver failure—their twelve-year-old miniature poodle Bijou became even more than a pet and teacher. She became a healing presence in their lives. After all, when you’re recovering from radical surgery and your life is uncertain, there’s no better medicine than a  twenty-three-pound pooch who lives by the motto that it’s always best to play, even when you’re old and creaky, even when you’re sick and frightened.

In telling Bijou’s tale in all of its funny, touching, and neurotic glory, Jennings is telling the story of every dog that has ever blessed our lives. The perfect gift for animal lovers, What a Difference a Dog Makes is a narrative ode to our canine guardian angels. ... Read more

Reviews

What a difference a small book can make, September 5, 2010

For the inner dog in all of us, September 8, 2010

For the Love of a Dog and Life, October 21, 2010

WOW...COULD I RELATE TO THIS WORK. A Wonderful book of love and healing., November 24, 2010

Inspirational & Introspective, November 16, 2010
Jennings' command of prose truly shines through in this inspirational story about dealing with sickness. I have been following Dana on the NYTimes Well Blog for the past year or so and was delighted to hear about this book. He approaches topics no one else is able to - ones everyone else is afraid to broach. But he leads his reader through an examination of life via the most unique of lenses: a decrepit poodle, for instance, or maybe a mysterious black cat lurking behind the garage. Anyhow, I truly recommend this book to anyone who not only is interested in a good narrative, but also a magnificently gifted stylist. Dana has simply outdone himself here. I truly believe that. This is the perfect gift for the holiday season.

"Dogs Live in The Eternal Present", October 26, 2010

great book, October 5, 2010

Editorial Review

Sukie O’Leary has survived breast cancer, a career change and a whole town of nosy neighbors...

But can she survive the searing attraction for the local hockey hero who’s owned her heart since childhood? Does she have the strength to survive the one night of passion they’ve promised each other without getting burned? Or should she listen to the whispers of her knowing heart– and take a chance on love. ... Read more

Reviews

Excellent New Romance Author, November 16, 2008
This is a great book by a new author on the "romance" circuit. The characters were very appealing to me. The female is a smart, funny, hip woman of strength, with a touch of sarcasm in her. Someone I felt I could identify with - not like the ditz's in a lot of other romance books. The story line is modern and realistic - even the intimate scenes were realistic, as things, of course, don't always go as `smooth' as one plans, just as these characters found out. I'm hoping this author produces more in the near future. I'm a big fan.

"OH, MY" .........Ice melting Hot Hockey Player in this book will melt your heart., August 5, 2010
Wow,
This story really had it all. God I'm such a sucker for "been in love since their childhood" romances that I read the info sheet and loaded it up on my kindle.

Sukie has had breast cancer. She quit a big, well paying job and with the help of her Brother Sean O'Leary(gotta love the names!) she opened up a yarn/knitting shop. Sean has been best buddies with Eamon Houlihan, big time Hockey Pro, since they were kids. Sukie was always the little sister tag -a- long.
No one knew she fantasized about Eamon since oh, like forever and same goes for Eamon with his hidden feelings for Sukie.
What started out as a no strings attached one night stand offer from Sukie to Eamon-then it's let's go back to just being friends--turns into the expected results that generally follows the "friends with benefits" incident.

No strange circumstances or elaborate plot lines, just good 'ol fashioned tender heartfelt romance. (with nice-not trashy- sex)
I loved Eamon from "Hello" and Sean's love for his sister is well portrayed. Sukie is written like someone you want to hug and make your best friend forever. This is a very sweet story with a "kleenex required" label.
Enjoy---I Did.
Thanks Kelsey! I'll be looking up more of your stuff.

All Of You, June 9, 2010
All Of You by:Kelsey Maxwell
I loved this book!
Sukie O'Leary is a young women who had it all, when she got breast cancer. She give that all up for a easier life. Eamon Houlihan is a pro hockey player "who plays the field". These two have known each other since childhood. Eamon is Sukie's brother's bestfriend. They find love and it is a great story.

A Good Read, November 16, 2008
I absolutely loved this book! It had everything a romance novel should have in it. There were interesting characters, clever situations, and a wonderful touching story line. It even had a little bit of sports in there! I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait to see what Kelsey Maxwell comes out with next!

Great Read, September 14, 2010
highly recommend. great price. enjoyable story line with a few tears here and there.

Well written and fun!, December 12, 2010
I really enjoyed the characters in this book as well as the authors style of writing. It was funny, smart and realistic in regards to the dialogue. It was a quick easy read and I hope to see more from this author soon! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Your Soul’s Plan (which was originally published under the title Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?) explores the provocative premise that we are all eternal souls who plan our lives, including our greatest challenges, before we are born for the purpose of spiritual growth. Through compelling profiles of people who knowingly planned experiences such as AIDS and cancer, parenting handicapped children, deafness, blindness, drug addiction, alcoholism, losing a loved one, and severe accidents, this book shows that suffering is not purposeless, but imbued with deep meaning. Working with four of the country’s most gifted mediums, author Robert Schwartz reveals the significance of each individual’s soul plan and allows us a fascinating look into the “other side.”

Each personal story focuses on a specific life challenge, organized by type for easy reference. Accessible both to those familiar with the metaphysical aspects of spirituality and to the general reader, the moving narratives that comprise Your Soul’s Plan help readers awaken to the reality that they are transcendent, eternal souls. With this stirring book as a guide, feelings of anger, resentment, guilt, and victimization are healed and replaced by acceptance, forgiveness, peace, and gratitude. ... Read more

Reviews

Fascinating and Important Book, March 5, 2007
"There is a need to create limitation, as the soul uses limitation in your realm for growth. As you experience limitedness, there is a need to overcome frustration, work within one's own parameters, and focus energy--an energy that cuts through the density in your realm and creates spaces of light and a higher vibration." - From Courageous Souls

At some point, everyone on Earth has asked "Why?" in the face of difficult circumstances. Why did my fianc� die in a car accident? Why is my mother an alcoholic? Why is my son Autistic? Why do I have cancer? Why is my brother a quadriplegic because of a diving accident? Why do some people die at the hands of serial killers or suicide bombers?

Like existential detectives, many of us try to wrap our heads around life challenges and, ultimately, find out "whodunit?" Was it because of a nasty devil wanting to afflict? Is a capricious god punishing me--or is the wheel of karma catching up? Is negative thinking the root of my illness?

What if NONE of these scenarios was the case--but, in fact, we CONTRACTED our life challenges before incarnating?

In his book Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?, author Robert Schwartz takes readers behind the veil of forgetfulness into the conversations and decisions that have taken place "between lives". Interviewing about a dozen people who have experienced loss, illness, accidents, and addictions, Schwartz explores the idea of agreements made before birth to learn and experience certain life lesson--and coming to know our true selves.

In addition, the author facilitates sessions between these individuals and several mediums. These mediums access the Akashic Records (an etheric "book of life" that records every thought, word, and action) for information on pre-birth planning sessions or "channel" messages from their spirit guides about specific agreements.

Echoing the case studies of hypnotherapist Dr. Michael Newton, author of the books Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls--as well as the children's book The Little Soul and the Sun by Neale Donald Walsch-- Schwartz maintains that Earth is place of duality where powerful creators incarnate in order to learn through opposites. A candle surrounded by brilliant light can only experience darkness by entering it.

"Who but the most power of souls could conjure an illusion that appears real to its very creator?" he asks. While we're on the other side, we consult with members of our soul group and guides and agree to perform certain roles--all for the purpose of soul growth and experience. By incarnating on the Earth plane--being born--we enter a "river of forgetfulness", as Caroline Myss describes in her book Sacred Contracts. We forget so we can have a powerful "remembering".

If we accept that each human has contracted particular life lessons such as parenting a disabled child, losing a loved one, participating in an addiction, or experiencing an illness, then the concept of being a "victim"--either of a negligent person, system, or god--is neutralized. Even more than that, there is a sense of meaning and empowerment that enables the personality to move forward, heal, and even contribute to the well-being of others and the raising of group consciousness.

Courageous Souls parts the curtain on the great stage of life, revealing the elaborate play and agreed upon roles that humanity acts out here on Earth--all motivated by deep love and respect for one another. Schwartz writes:

"We love the souls whom we plan our lives. During our earthly existence, they may be people who complicate matters, cause us stress or worry, or even become our `enemies'. When not incarnate the estranged husband and wife, the abusive parent and neglected child, and the warring ex-business partners are loving friends. They care deeply for one another and will often reincarnate together in an effort to master lessons unfinished in previous lives."

Of course, empirical verification of the stories and channeled information relayed in Courageous Souls is impossible, but so are, ultimately, any assertions made by a sacred text, religious leader, or jaded philosopher. One thing I know for sure: ALL of us tell stories to ourselves (and others) that attempt to explain why things happen as they do. Many of those interpretations of "the facts" come from outside us, such as the doctrines of religion or the mores of a culture.

So if we're all telling stories about what we're experiencing on Earth in the attempt to explain situations or create meaning, why not tell ones that embolden, enlighten, and inspire? What is accomplished by playing the victim, wallowing in blame, or becoming entangled in mind games of "woulda, coulda, shoulda"?

What IS has already happened--and how empowering is the idea that we all are playing our roles brilliantly--and that we will embrace all the actors on the other side, congratulating them on their performance and their act of service!

If these ideas sound like the kind of reality you would like to learn more about, then I highly recommend Courageous Souls by Robert Schwartz. By allowing us, the readers, to eavesdrop into pre-birth planning sessions and post-"trauma" interviews, we are given a precious gift of comfort, peace, and meaning--urging us forward in our unique destinies with the knowledge that none is a victim...and EVERYTHING can be used for our highest good.

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

A New Way to Look at Life, March 10, 2007
In "Courageous Souls" Robert Schwartz not only discusses the concept of pre-birth planning, but he also provides an in-depth look at both the pre-birth planning process (which occurs while in spirit before each incarnation), as well as the various reasons a soul may have chosen the particular challenges they're dealing with in this lifetime.

What I found particularly interesting were the personal interviews the author did with several participants & the subsequent sessions with various mediums/psychics to assess each person's pre-birth planning sessions. Together these sessions provided background information regarding each person's challenge & the reasons their soul chose that challenge for this lifetime. The types of challenges discussed include: physical illness, parenting handicapped children, drug addiction & alcoholism, death of a loved one, & accidents.

Reading this book allows one to consider a whole new way to look at life's challenges - a way where each challenge does in fact serve a purpose, and a high purpose at that! A way where there is no reason to blame or judge or hate - because we're able to recognize that each person on this earth is also serving a purpose.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in spirituality & the concept of pre-birth planning - it's truly inspiring.


P.S. This book also offers the names & contact information for the psychics/mediums who worked with the author on this book - a great addition for those of us who would like some assistance in accessing our own pre-birth planning sessions!

Pondering the Possibilities Outside the Box, February 27, 2007
Robert Schwartz is an eloquent spokesman for his explorations in the realm few of us have even considered, much less explored fully: the concept of pre-birth planning as a convention of souls who make decisions about incarnation - place, time, circumstances, and challenges - that will heighten the overall improvement of not only their repeated growth in the process of rebirth but also the gift to the betterment of mankind.

Schwartz' manner of writing is so tender and so lacking in preaching that he gradually draws the reader into his realm of thinking in a way that allows us to suspend any doubt or prejudice we may have about spirituality or after life or universal karma. He uses conversations with people who share their experiences of living with such 'handicaps' as physical illness, parenting handicapped children, deafness and blindness, drug addiction and alcoholism, accidents, death of a loved one and alters the word 'handicapped' to 'challenges'; 'Challenges are mirrors that reflect to us our feelings about ourselves. In that sense, they are gifts. Wisdom allows us to recognize them as such.'

In addition to discussing the above challenges with particular people who have them, Schwartz introduces us to mediums and channelers who channel the souls of the people we meet, allowing Schwartz to relay to us the conversations between the spiritual world and the physical world. In this very quiet manner Schwartz offers an explanation as to why 'untoward events' happen: his conversations with the various people he shares (for instance the autistic child or the parent of that child) allow us to consider that these choices are made in the spirit world prior to our birth and that these challenges offer the opportunity to separate the physical self-centered being from the choice to make the situations examples of growth, and of revealing love to those around us.

Schwartz takes no credit for the information he presents in this book. His drive is to open doors to us the readers to consider his findings and philosophy as a means to learning more about how life and the spiritual world are enmeshed. 'I have learned from the wise nonphysical beings with whom I have spoken...Through them I now understand the immense power of this most elemental truth: that we are not our bodies...If you also know that you planned your disability, that it indeed has a deep significance, then your life may become a quest to uncover that meaning. Suffering is lightened, emptiness replaced with purpose.'

Writers such as Robert Schwartz challenge our inside the box thinking, encouraging us to suspend prejudice and the state of being uninformed to enter the arena of growing spiritually. The beauty of this enormously moving book lies in the simplicity of the style Schwartz has chosen to communicate. This is not a sensationalized series of speaking with the 'great dramatic s�ance', this is instead a welcome to another way of viewing our lives - this one and the ones that have been and will be. Grady Harp, February 07

Planning our Lives, May 19, 2007
After reading this book, I have no more questions about how I planned my life. I also gave up blaming anyone for anything. it is completely clear that I requested my best soul friends to participate in my life. Out of their great love for me they agreed to play certains roles for me to support my soul's learning and my soul's evolution.
This book shows there is nothing to forgive as you asked for every situation in your life.
Maybe you only need to forgive yourself for being so hard on yourself.

Robert Schwartz has a clear style. it is easy to read.
This book will change your life....it is a must.

Perspective Shift, March 15, 2007
If you truly want a shift in your perceptions, read this book. If you truly want to move away from judging others, read this book. If you want a soothing balm for your weary soul, this will sooth and rejuvenate. It is beautifully written, thought provoking, profound and moving. It spoke to me at just the right time in just the right way and I will never forget what Mr. Schwartz has laid out so amazingly on these pages. I have honestly never read anything like it, the only other comparison I have run across are Dr. Newton's books on this subject. This one is put together in an altogether more approacable way. WHAT IF this is all true, WHAT IF these are the explanations that have so defied our LOGICAL reasoning of human behavior since the beginning of time - why else all the suffering and pain? WHAT IF this beautiful, perfectly orchestrated scenario where EVERYTHING has a purpose, no matter how it looks on the "outside" were in fact, the true reality. Just for the mere fact of expanding your awareness, shifting your perspective if only a tiny bit - this book would be well worth the money spent. The ideas contained within it's pages are enough to actually change the world, and I don't say that lightly. If we all REALLY understood that we all came from the same loving source, are made up of the exact same powerful energy, will return to the same source and we are only here to learn love in all of it's wonderful manifestations, where would all the hate, fear, anger, jealousy fit it. It wouldn't. I submit to you, one day this book will be on every table in every home, it might be a 100 years or so, but one day !!!

Couageous Souls is a Definite Winner, February 27, 2007
Robert Schwartz has written an exceptional book. It provides insight on why bad things happen to good people. It is a book filled with fascinating information. I read it slowly because I had to stop, think, and digest impressions while I had an Ah Ha experience. I underlined about half of the book since I thought the ideas were so exceptional and important and I wanted to understand/remember them.

On divorce Schwartz writes: "We often plan to be friends or even spouses with other people for finite periods of time. Since we have no memory of these agreements, we may view the end of a friendship or marriage as a negative event. It is not. We part ways with others when we have completed our plans with them." Schwartz is referring to what he calls pre-birth planning where everyone plans their lives here on earth.

Schwartz relates stories about people with a physical illness, parenting a handicapped child, deafness and blindness, drug addiction and alcoholism, death of a loved one and accidents to make his points. He makes his philosphy and ideas come alive with truth and sensibility.

If you have ever had a physical illness, lost a loved one, or had an accident this is a must read. If you want to understand the meaning of any of your life challenges this is the book for you. I would consider this a must read for everyone - no matter your faith.

Powerful Way to Move from Anger, Guilt & Victimhood to Forgiveness, Peace & Gratitude, September 17, 2007
Have you ever wondered why life can sometimes seem so terribly unfair? Why it can be that whereas some people are born healthy and strong to loving, supportive families, others suffer terrible misfortunes, sometimes right from the start? Your Soul's Plan author Robert Scwhartz takes this age-old question to an entirely new level when he challenges people to look deeper, past the so-called "bad" experiences, to a rich tapestry of hidden purpose and meaning.

The idea of pre-birth planning is central to Your Soul's Purpose, as four spirit channels and mediums assist Robert Schwartz and ten clients in the process of sorting through a variety of setbacks, hardships and traumatic incidents to find an underlying sense of meaning, love and insight. Just as many traditional therapists often suggest people transition from feelings of anger and betrayal to forgiveness, peace and gratitude, Schwartz provides a very special sense of seeing divine order everywhere. Robert Schwartz views how those "less fortunate victims" of circumstance are not to be pitied, but instead to be respected. These people have achieved desired experiences that allow them to show great fortitude in living difficult life plans, which are all designed in wisdom, and based on love.

Your Soul's Purpose points out that little is as it seems, and reminds us to view our lives through the awareness that we are much more than our bodies, that we are truly eternal souls who know a level of responsibility at the soul level where no one is a victim and all is deeply interconnected As One. Robert Schwartz writes, "I have come to see our world, despite its anguish and heartbreaks as inherently beautiful. I sense a sweetness in life. I feel it -- everywhere."

In a world where little is as it seems on the surface, Your Soul's Plan provides a fabulous and much-needed compass for those of us seeking to regain the deeper awareness of our core spiritual strength. Highly recommended!

Perhaps it is a friendly universe after all., January 3, 2007
It is said that Albert Einstein once commented that the question of whether or not the universe is a friendly place was the most important question facing humanity. Robert Schwartz has written a book that not only comes down, strongly, on the side of friendliness, but also provides accounts of just how friendly it is.

Robert has interviewed ordinary people who have experienced great life challenges. He has paired these people with mediums who have the specific abiltiy to tap into pre-life planning sessions and what some refer to as the Akashic Records. The results are a glimpse into the possible meaning of what often seems senseless pain and meaningless challenge.

In the shamanic and spiritual work I have done with people for many years, I have often been confronted by clients with questions about how their lives, in total, and lives, in specific detail, can be explained in a way that is meaningful and suggestive of that friendly universe to which Einstein referred. Often I have been sought to assist them in sorting through what they have perceived as obstacles or challenges and what they have experienced as physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual pain.

I have discovered that many people find it perplexing to wrap their brains around the concept that we humans are typcially seeing but a minute part of a grand scheme, as if able to access but one dimension in a multi-dimensional, infinitely interconnected web of meaning. I believe that Courageous Souls can be of great help, as it opens the door to accessing more of those dimensions in a very concrete, understandable, and useful way.

This is Robert's first book of what I hope (and expect) to be a series that gently and beautifully--sometimes also startlingly--adds to our understanding of the agreements we make before we step into human form.

Give yourself a treat and buy this one now..., March 14, 2007
There are no "accidents"! If you have been led to finding out about this book as I was, do yourself the favor of buying it. It has helped me understand so much. I had already had exposure to many of the ideas and concepts in the book, but the way that they are presented is truly unique and enabled me to see my own lessons when reading through the interviews. Thank you, Robert!

Be prepared to change your perception of your life, March 21, 2007
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/07)

What if we planned our life challenges before birth so that we could use those experiences for our growth? The author, Robert Schwartz refers to this as "pre-birth planning." "Courageous Souls" is written with this idea in mind. Some of those experiences that we call "d�j� vu" might actually be memories from our pre-birth planning. If you know that you made an agreement prior to birth, to face difficult challenges, it will help you adjust your perception about these challenges in a positive way. It is hard to be stuck in a victim role once you realize that you made the choice to learn from the events that you are dealing with. Schwartz says that, "In writing `Courageous Souls,' I set out to teach what I most needed to learn."

Ten people were interviewed for this book. Respected channelers and mediums were also used to help investigate the spiritual side of these questions. The author himself had many sessions with mediums to gain a greater understanding of the challenges that he chose during PBP. Contact information for the channelers, mediums and people interviewed is listed in the appendix.

The chapters are set up according to the challenges being faced within them. The two that touched me the most were, "Parenting Handicapped Children," and "Deafness and Blindness." I teach people that are disabled and learning why they might have chosen to be disabled really, really touched my heart and made me feel better about their hardships. Schwartz says, "Life challenges are a particularly powerful means of creating feelings which are in turn, vital to the soul's self-knowing..." "Courageous Souls" is an incredibly powerful book; it should be read by everyone. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Beating Cancer with Nutrition. Sugar feeds Cancer: diet and supplements can starve tumors· Nutrition makes chemo and radiation more toxic to the tumor while protecting the patient. Nutrition changes underlying causes of cancer, improving outcome for cancer patients regardless of other therapies. Why Beating Cancer with Nutrition is unique: The book was developed after working with over 500 cancer patients and organizing 3 international symposiums on the subject. The information contained in BCN is both scientifically backed with references and clinically proven in the hospital with patients. This information helps cancer patients to improve quality and quantity of life. BCN had been translated into Japanese and Chinese and is being translated into Korean. BCN had become a home study continuing education course for registered nurses. BCN 2001 version will contain a 72-minute audio CD version in response to the requests from tired cancer patients who said they needed and audio version of the book to get started. BCN had sold 110,000 copies in 7 years in print, which is impressive for small publishers. Why Patrick Quillin is Unique: For the past 10 years, Dr. Patrick Quillin has served as the Director of Nutrition for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He is an internationally respected expert in the area of nutrition and cancer. He has earned his bachelor's, Master's and doctorate degrees in nutrition and is a registered and licensed dietitian ( RD & LD) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) with the American College of Nutrition. ... Read more

Reviews

If someone in your life has cancer, this book is a must!, March 26, 2003
I would like to first of all explain I am not a doctor, nurse or nutritionist. The only letters associated with my name are Mrs. I?ve been married to a wonderful man for the past 32 years and he was diagnosed with cancer five months ago. Not just in the colon, as we were originally told, but surgery found it in his liver, spleen, stomach, upper and lower intestines. The surgeon told us that there was too much cancer and he didn?t want to start ?cutting him up?. I was not going to sit back and just let him be taken by cancer. I purchased ?Beating Cancer with Nutrition? by Patrick Quillin, PHD, RD, CNS after reading a pamphlet, written by him, that I picked up at the local supermarket. I immediately started my husband on supplements that were recommended for the various symptoms he had. Our oncologist told us the liver is the best measure of the amount of cancer and that the tumors in the liver shrink in direct proportion to the amount of cancer in the rest of the body. The tumor on his liver was 13cm by 10cm at the time of the first CAT scan. His second CAT scan, four months later, shows it is now 9cm by 7cm. Yes, my husband is getting chemotherapy in addition to the healthy eating and supplements. He has gained back 20 of the 50 pounds he lost and is in better health than he has been in years. His tumor markers have dropped from 75.8 to 20.5 in 2 months. I have no reason to believe that he won?t be free of cancer.
I have read this book from cover to cover and have seen what putting Dr Quillin?s advice into use can do. If you, anyone you love, care about or know are faced with cancer, you owe it to yourself and to them to read this book, put his words to the test. It?s not hard to understand. I have only a high school diploma and a strong desire to bring my husband back to health. All you need is a desire to beat cancer and as Dr Quillin says ?Hope, Optimism and a Fighting Spirit?.

It' worth it!, March 18, 2004
Beating cancer with nutrition is giving the reader all the background information about cancer and how to best fight it. In addition, Dr. Quillin outlines his approach for nutritional therapy. The reader can choose to buy the supplements seperately or can buy Immunopower, a combination of powder (for shakes) and pills. Yes, Immunopower has been developed by Dr. Quillin and is quiet expensive. But buying seperately (and I have tried to do this) is even more expensive. Unfortunately, cancer is not an easy or cheap disease to fight. Dr. Quillin talks a lot about Immunopower in his book, but only because it truly is the best thing out there to fight cancer.
I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in Sept. 2002. At the time, I only underwent chemo without any additional nutrition therapy. My cancer metastasized and by January of 2004 I was back in chemo. This time, I had met some increadible cancer patients who had battled cancer with the help of Immunopower. I started to take the supplements myself right away. My tumor has since dissapeared!! My doctor called it highly unusual. I am 38 years old, mother of a 5 and a 9 year old boy. My doctor initially felt, that I might at most have 2 years more to live. He is now more confident than even I am, that I will live to see my own grandchildren. My husband is now taking ImmunopwerEZ, just as an insurance.
Health, unfortunately, is not cheap, but rather worth every last penny.

Get your information here!, July 10, 2001
Dr. Quillin's book is a must-have for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and want to do something about it!

Not only will you learn HOW nutrition can positively influence your cancer outcome and recovery, you will be able to APPLY that knowledge! The research-based alternative healing options are dose specific and easy to understand. The summary section and CD are added values to this already information-packed resource and have been designed to provide a short cut lesson for those who don't have the time or energy to take in the entire contents at once. Noreen Quillin provides insightful, practical lessons in the art of cooking and food preparation. Interesting case studies, well designed graphics, and an improved format round out this impressive text.

As an oncology nutritionist, I use the nutritional approaches described in Dr. Quillin's book on a daily basis. Science tells us they work. My patients' results show me they work. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy today.

This book saved my life, September 16, 2005
My husband bought an earlier version of this book almost 7 years ago when I was given 8 weeks to live. The uterine cancer had metasticized to my lungs and bones. I had a large tumor on my pelvic bone which caused excruciating pain when I walked and even at rest. We followed the book exactly and yes, we bought the Immunopower which was very expensive, but you can't put a price on your life. The only thing I did differently was avoid all meat entirely. I still do not eat meat. My oncologist calls me his "miracle" patient. I've been cancer free for 7 years even though my oncologist said I had a very "aggressive" cancer and it definitely would return. Organic veggies, a juicer, Essiac tea, Immunopower and lots of prayer saved my life.

Excellent except for...., November 9, 2004
Dr Quillan has written an excellent book. Especially the nutrition aspect. My only complaint is that there are literally hundreds of supplements to choose from. For me, it was a little overwhelming.At times, it felt like searching for a needle in a haystck. After suffering through BRUTAL chemo for 12 treatments that made me DEATHLY ill, I am convinced that I could not go through that again. The oncologist predicts this rare form of lymphoma will be back in about 5 years. So, I consulted a naturopath to help direct me, and to my surprise almost everything she currently has me on is found in Dr. Quillan's book. Plus, I have never eaten healthier in my life. Thank you Dr. Quillan! I hope to prove the oncologist wrong!

The most comprehensive book on cancer available!, July 23, 2001
I've been doing cancer research and seeing patients for years- It is unbelievable that potentially life-saving information is overlooked by physicians every day. Patrick Quillin has managed to pull together the information that doctors and patients NEED to know most. The book is concisely written for patients and well-referenced for physicians. WARNING: Beating Cancer with Nutrition is not for the average person- unfortunately, "ignorance is bliss." Many people are sitting back waiting for scientists to figure out why chemo and radiation aren't working, but refusing to take an active role in their healing process or listen to alternative theories. This IS THE PERFECT BOOK for those who want to make changes but don't know how or where to start. Patrick Quillin is undoubtedly one of the nation's leading experts on cancer!

Welcome to your new bible, September 14, 2001
If the Head of Nutrition of the Cancer Institutes of America says something, you have to think he knows what he's talking about. If Linus Pauling says the information in this book is clinically proven, you have to listen! A person hit with a cancer diagnosis is initially lost, scared, and relying completely on his/her MD. That MD is probably an excellent mechanic, vital in the process, but has probably had zero training in nutrition or immunotherapy. He may even look askance at alternative and foreign medicine. Also, alternative, vitamin, supplement, nutrition, immune system information is scattered, word of mouth, attacked by the FDA, confusing. NO MORE. This book Organizes and presents all this disparate material, cites research, tells you what you need to be doing Now. It goes much further. The sections on misconceptions, toxic vitamin doses, best-to-bad foods are invaluable. The executive summary at the front is a great idea, the boxed stories of cures and the motivational blurb are written by a man who really cares and knows this stuff works. Finally, not all your food has to go through a blender, Thank you, Noreen. This is a wonderful book, your roadmap for taking charge of your health and defeating your illness. Buy it immediatly, get out some paperclips and a highlighter and change your life.

If you or a loved one have cancer...then this a must read!, March 29, 2003
My husband and I had the pleasure of spending a day with Patrick Quillen at the Cancer Survival Forum in late January. It was a most enlightening day of facts on nutrition and how to handle and possibly beat cancer. The day was of course based on Patrick's Beating Cancer with Nutrition book. He and his wife, Noreen, filled our day and head with many facts, recipes and "food for thought" that was beyond valuable.

Upon returning to our home and reading this book, we immediately put to use the strategies we obtained using supplements and nutritional facts. I am delighted to report that with Patrick's program and ongoing chemotherapy, my ovarian cancer is on the verge of remission! I feel confident that once I am in remission that I will be able to stay this way with Beating Cancer with Nutrition as a part of my ongoing health program.

Victory through Nutrition, April 26, 2000
Although the Quillins often get bogged down in technical terms, they provide a zinger every few pages which keeps the reader on the edge of his seat. For example, I was startled to read that 40 percent of cancer patients die from malnutrition and not the disease itself. The authors suggest that the underlying conditions for the disease must be addressed. Good nutrition, exercise, attitude, and the detoxification of essential organs such as the liver must occur. Cancer spreads as a result of a lack of oxygen, sugar feeding, immune suppression, and toxin overload. Thus, the cancer patient should avoid foods containing processed sugars, and practice breathing from the diaphram. Conventional therapies include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery as well as a host of alternate therapies such as macrobiotics and herbal remedies. The authors further believe that by using aggressive nutrition, the patient is able to bolster his immune system. Besides suggesting vitamin supplements, the authors present specific recipes which contain the essential cancer fighting nutrients. The book does a good job in offering helpful advice to improve the outcome in cancer treatment. Lastly, there is an appendix of physicians who use nutrition as part of cancer treatment. This book is most definitely a valuable resource.

Beating Cancer With Nutrition, September 21, 2003
This book is the lifeline for anyone diagnosed with cancer. My father was diagnosed in January 2003 with renal cell carcinoma, metastatic. The doctors gave him less than 6 months to live. We tried a variety of the things mentioned in the book, including essiac tea, vitamins, and a nutritional diet. It had spread to his liver, spleen, and lung. Since reading and following the wonderful examples and advice in this book, my father is now working and living a productive life. The doctor was amazed and said not to change a thing that he was doing. Since he had had heart surgery and was a diabetic, many treatment options were not available. Other than interferon, he only utilized the information in Dr. Quillins book. That was enough to stop the cancer growth and give him another chance at life. Thank you Dr. Quillin for this wonderful book and the invaluable lifesaving information within.
Cynthia Haire ... Read more

Editorial Review

This easy-to-read alternative treatment guide could save your life. Outsmart Your Cancer explodes the myths about alternative cancer treatments and explains why non-toxic methods are more effective than conventional ones. This second edition of Outsmart Your Cancer includes new chapters, an audio CD with inspiring recovery testimonials from cancer survivors, and an incredible amount of valuable information. Twenty-one different alternative methods are discussed along with real-life stories of people who completely recovered from a variety of advanced or late-stage cancers using alternative approaches. The book explains why alternative methods work better than conventional toxic treatments and presents details about the scientific basis for them, including the amazing formula called Protocel, which has produced incredible cancer recoveries over the past twenty years. ... Read more

Reviews

The Best Way to Save Yourself from Your Cancer, November 5, 2004
You have just been diagnosed with CANCER! The big "C." It's not someone else - it's YOU, and if you just sit there stunned, you will DIE!! - Miserably! You must do something, so you start asking around to find out your options.

You have only two:
1. Let someone else decide what is best for you and give in to chemo, surgery, radiation, and all the accompanying medical horrors.
2. Take matters into your own hands, and save yourself.

If you decide to take charge of your own life, start by reading Outsmart Your Cancer. It is the result of some amazing research by Tanya Harter Pierce. This information would take years to find for yourself. The book is complete with information on all the major alternative non-toxic cancer treatments available today.

This is a wonderful book. I am still alive today because I used one of the approaches described in Outsmart Your Cancer - I chose the Protocel treatment because it is backed by solid science, and it is a therapy compatible with my busy lifestyle. The book has an excellent description of Protocel, its history, how to take it, and how-and-why it works.

Almost 18 months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer (the tumor was larger than a big, solid walnut). Hoping to ward-off surgery, I went for chemotherapy. It was a lethal combination of three of the most deadly concoctions ever devised by humans. The side-effects are unspeakable.

After 5 months of chemo, there was little change in the tumor, and radical surgery was indicated. Somehow death was not as scary as the radical surgery, radiation, and more chemo. I refused. Two days later I read Tanya Harter Pierce's description of Protocel, and I got my life back.

If only I had read Outsmart Your Cancer before the chemo, I would have saved myself a lot of physical pain and heartache. Instead, thanks to Tanya's book and Protocel, I have not needed surgery and the tumor is almost gone. I still have my energy (I am doing pilates and taking tango lessons).

Outsmart Your Cancer tells you all you need to know to evaluate these different treatments and how to get back to health. It is a real bargain, - complete with contact information, names, and numbers. You will find your time and money was well-spent.
--Liz M

OUTSMART YOUR CANCER - MY SECOND BIBLE, May 24, 2006
Being faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer, and knowing I would never use anything that traditional medicine had to offer, the information in this book was invaluable to me! Out of the treatments covered in this book, I chose to use a Product called Protocel. Everything I needed to know about it and how to use it was in this book, and that includes having a clearer understanding of the industry that's been built around cancer, and why people aren't told about effective alternative treatments by the medical world. All testing shows I am now cancerfree, and I tell everyone about this book and everyone about Protocel. I was alarmed to see one gentleman say that there is never anyone who survives cancer with an alternative treatment. I talk to people all the time who have used Protocel and won their battle, as well as other treatments. And I also take issue with someone who said the book was great, but you had to take selenium. If you are going to chose one of the treatments in this book, you don't mess around - you follow the do's and don'ts in each treatment. And one of the don'ts in using is Protocel is you DO NOT take selenium. OUTSTANDING BOOK - LIFESAVING TREATMENT!!! THIS DYNAMIC DUE SAVED MY LIFE!

If nothing else, you learn a heck of a lot about cancer, June 11, 2007
Most people who read this book either have cancer or know someone with it. If they're reading this book they must already have some idea that the conventional treatments (slash, burn and poison) have limited success and significant risk of doing more harm than good.

Ms. Pierce is especially good at explaining how statistics are skewed to make products look good when they are backed by "Big Pharma". Patients are apparently told to take a toxic chemical because of a good "tumor response rate", when the truth is that you often cannot kill all the cancer cells before you kill too many normal cells. Then the ones that survive live to another day and because they are a special breed with resistance to the chemo, they multiply and come back stronger than ever. I have seen this myself in a friend who went through several chemo treatments and then died. I also know a few people who were successfully cured of cancer by chemotherapy, however they were all young people suffering from either Hodgkins or testicular cancer (like Lance Armstrong). These cancers are likely curable because they affect mostly the young and the young are better able to live through the poisoning effect. I have often thought that there must be less dangerous cures for older, less vigorous people, although slower. Well, here they are in this book.

Contrary to what some may think, Ms. Pierce doesn't completely reject the conventional treatments, as they might be useful in situations where the slow method can't work because of the fast progression of the disease. However she gives useful information and questions to ask the doctor so that a patient may determine if this is necessary and also may determine if they are being put through misery for nothing because the chemo may not really have much chance of helping. It is useful to know that rejecting a horrible treatment is more valid than one might be led to believe when talking to physicians may be more interested in protecting their behinds from liability than quality of life. They may tell you that something is better than nothing and that something needs to be backed by Big Pharma.

The alternative treatments discussed are certainly not "snake oil". Every treatment she chose to cover is based on research which identifies differences between cancer cells and normal cells. The products exploit this difference to make cancer cells self-destruct. I immediately identified some of the research as corroborating with articles I have read over the years in the science sections of mainstream newspapers, such as the Wall Street Journal.

Will they cure you? She always says that there are no claims that any of the treatments will cure everybody. What they do claim is that the cure rates are better than those of conventional chemotherapies, once you account for the misleading nature of chemotherapy "cure" rates. The alternative treatments claim that when you're cured you are actually cancer free, whereas the chemotherapy cure rates count anyone who is still alive five years after diagnosis, even if they still have cancer and are about to die five years and two days after diagnosis. Why is this convincing? Well, if you believe that big business will skew statistics in order to recover a big development investment and make profits, then you have to think about this. It's true that nobody is interested in spending hundreds of millions on trials of a substance which is so readily available that they can't sell it exclusively. Until medical care is provided on a non-profit basis I don't believe we will seek out effective, inexpensive treatments which can be self-administered instead of controlled by expensive physicians.

I also found this book to be a very easy read, despite the technical nature of her discussions. She is clear and often offers analogies which get at the meat of the concept. I give it an A+!

A Must Read, May 20, 2007
Quite possible the best alternative/complementary cancer book ever written.

It discusses in sufficient detail easily obtainable and effective over the counter treatments such as Essiac, Flaxseed Oil and Cottage Cheese, Cesium High Ph Therapy, and numerous others. Yet it does not cause distraction by discussing ineffective treatments. The information on Protocel alone was well worth the price of the book. The importance of nutrition and maintaining a proper Ph balance in the body were also discussed. I was disappointed that oral Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy and AHCC were not mentioned in the book as these can be quite beneficial complementary treatments.

It gives example after example of people who have beaten terminal cancer for ten years or more using the alternative treatments mentioned. The cancer was not simply in remission, it was completely gone. In most cases the cancer survivors had been terminal and had no hope of success with conventional therapy. It also tells you exactly what regimens people combined such as using Coral Calcium to help beat their cancer.

The book is extremely well written and gives many references. It tells you how to obtain the various treatments and where to obtain follow up information. The book discusses theories of what triggers cancer and how cancer cells behave such as cancer being anaerobic and resembling trophoblast cells.

I think this book has considerable value in developing a strategy to reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as overcoming it.

The Best Book on Cancer Alternatives I've Read, November 22, 2004
If you have cancer, or are helping a loved one with cancer, you will want to read this book! I have read numerous books and websites on alternative cancer approaches and none so far has compared to Outsmart Your Cancer. Every chapter amazed me with new insights. But what really thrilled me was finding out about some truly powerful alternative treatments - such as the formula called "Protocel"-- that I had NEVER heard about before, but that could rid the body of cancer even in many late-stage, metastasized cases. Other treatments, like "Cesium High pH Therapy", were ones I had already read about but had only learned of the original form of it. It was quite impressive to read that a much more assimilable and effective way to do administer cesium has recently come out and involves the little-known use of liquid ionic minerals. Plus, the chapter on "How to Evaluate Conventional Methods" gave me more practical information for weighing the pros and cons of mainstream cancer treatments than I'd come across before - including 8 very helpful questions to ask your oncologist about the treatment he or she is recommending. I believe that anyone who reads this book will be amazed at how much they learn and will feel they have treatment options at their fingertips that are effective, obtainable, and affordable!

Best cancer book I have seen!, April 13, 2005
If you or someone you know has cancer, this is the book to start with. Easy-to-read look at: causes, twelve effective, alternative non-toxic "treatments", emotional and nutritional issues, and a closer look at the real ineffectiveness and dangers of conventional treatments(surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy). Includes contact information for obtaining each alternative treatment.
Main part of book is 384 pages followed by Recommended Resources, Five Big Environmental Cancer Triggers, References, and a thorough Index.
Alternatives are thoroughly explained and range from simple dietary methods to special supplements to clinics to go to for a range of treatments. These alternatives vary greatly in their difficulty and frequency of use and in their cost, but all are less expensive than conventional treatments both monetarily and in the toll they take on your body. These amazingly effective alternatives not only Outsmart Your Cancer but work by improving your overall health!

THIS BOOK IS CLEARLY " LA CREME DE LA CREME " !, May 21, 2006
It has been most encouraging to learn that more and more people are searching for and seeking alternative methods and therapies to not only treat, BUT TO ACTUALLY BEAT, the cancer disease. There has been very substantial progress in recent years in the field of Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments for Cancer That Actually Work.

Many people are also aware of the facts that conventional therapies ( Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy ) that have been used for years and years to treat cancer leave much to be desired, and,in fact, it must be said that the track record of treating cancer with these conventional therapies must be described in an overall sense as dismal, at best.

When this Writer learned recently that I had lung cancer at almost 70 years of age, I decided very quickly that I would most probably not subject my body to the rigors and destruction that is very ofter associated with cancer treatment using conventional therapies.

I went immediately to a " crash " program of buying almost every book that I could find on the subject of Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments for Cancer, and have spent countless hours online doing Research on this subject in recent months in an attempt to learn everything that I possibly could, as fast as I could.

And then, "VOILA", there appeared Tanya Harter Pierce's EXCELLENT BOOK entitled, " OUTSMART YOUR CANCER - Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments That Work ". My Son found this book and made me aware of the book. It was abundantly clear after looking this Book over for only a couple of hours that this Author had written without doubt a book that must be considered " La Creme De La Creme " in this area of Alternative Non-Toxic Cancer Treatments.

It is also clear that the Author must have done vast amounts of Research, and the " picking of the brains of many, many very knowledgeable people " before even starting to write this Book.

This Book has it all. It is 1) Complete - the Book covers every available Alternative Non-Toxic Treatment for Cancer that is known at present, 2) Detailed and Thorough - each topic is presented in sufficent detail including additional websites, references, etc. that the Reader can understand clearly the topic at hand, and thereby determine at least preliminari;y if that particular thereapy is for him and/or her and 3) Very Well Written - this Author has an excellent writing style that makes this Book both easy to understand and interesting to read.

It is certain that this Author has become an expert in the field at hand, even if she might not have been when she started this project.This Writer has been very impressed with this Book, refer to the book essentially every day, and have no doubt that I will have probably commited most of this Book to memory within the next 2-3 months. This Book is just that good.

It is my strongest recommendation that every person who has cancer should purchase " OUTSMART YOUR CANCER - Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments That Work " immediately, and study the Book from Cover To Cover and, in fact, to live with this Book. This recommendation is also intended for those cancer patients, who either have already completely their conventional therapies, as well as those who are in the process of undergoing conventional therapies.

Finally, this Writer recommends this book to any and everyone who simply wants to become informed and knowledgable in these most important areas.

If this review sounds to you like I am most impressed with this Author and her Excellent Book, YOU WOULD BE CORRECT.

Larry Durrett
The Woodlands, TX

A Bright Light in a Sea of Darkness, November 30, 2004
For those of us who are fcing the challenge of cancer for the first time "Outsmart Your Cancer" is that bright light that separates factual information from hype and marketing.
It took months and more internet surfing than I care to remember, plus aggressively marketed literature, promising "valuable information", before I found this book, which is the only book on alternative, non-toxic, cancer treatments that is thoroughly and well researched, objective and written in plain, layman's language.
I strongly urge everyone facing this deadly disease to read this book in order to come to an informed decision relative to the appropriate treatment for your circumstances. Buy it now!

Extremely, EXTREMELY highly recommended!, December 23, 2006
In my oppinion, reading this book could very easily mean the difference between life and death. This book is extremely well written (and believe me when I say that I am a perfectionist), and it gives several resources for each aproach to cancer. What I think is great about non-toxic treatments is that they won't poison you like chemo, so you can saturate the blood with such substances, and not die... which of course is in contrast to chemo that usually kills you before the cancer gets the chance. Almost all of these treatments are combinable, and many of the ways to "outsmart your cancer" are unbelievably effective on even the worst forms of metastasized cancers, which promisses radient hope to even the most hopeless cancer patients out there. Many people do not yet know that cancer does indeed have numerous characteristics that healthy cells don't have, so outsmarting cancer is a simple task. Cancer gets it's energy anarobically from fermentation rather than by oxygen, so it makes only 1 ATP molecule per glucose instead of 32 that a healthy cell would make. Cancer is the only type of cell in the human body that has a negatively charged protein coating on it... it is the only cell that produces chorionic gonadotrophic hormone in any abundance... etc. My point in this is that cancer cells are very different from normal cells, and there are dozens of ways to effectively "outsmart them"... in this book, Tanya Pierce does an excellent job explaining the why behind some of the most effective therapies available anywhere. I rate this book as superb because she explains the why... WHY these therapies are so effective. She also gives the factual supression of these therapies in a very subtle tone that I think any nonbeliever in these therapies would find refreshingly interesting. The supression is obvious because if you researh anyone that practices any of these therapies, they have all been sued for no reason by the NCI, AMA, and FDA, and virtually all of the practitioners with PH D's that have dedicated their lives to helping people have been driven out of the country, and harrassed. There is a pattern here... the people that care the most are assalted... the people with the best cure rates are harrassed, and driven out of the country... virtually all of them. Why? Anyway, I learned a lot from this book, and others like it, and my hat is off to the author. Very well written.

What an eyeopener!!, January 19, 2006
This is an awesome book. Ms. Pierce obviously thoroughly investigated not only the alternative treatments but also provided some shocking statistics and evidence that we are being played by the big drug companies and the government agencies (FDA, AMA, ACS, NCI)which regulate the big bucks Cancer Industry. My husband was diagnosed with stage 5 prostrate cancer July 2005 at the age of 42. Conventional medicine has failed us and offered little hope of recovery. I'm not about to just give up and believe what our HMO is telling us.

This book is loaded with practical advice and references various non-toxic treatments as well as outlines costs, where to obtain the treatment, etc... I Would highly recommend it. Orginally I was planning to purchase the Natural Cures book but thanks to reviews on this sight which indicated that Natural Cures was just alot of ranting and didn't provide information on the actual cures, I was delighted to have found this book instead. ... Read more

Editorial Review

EVERY MAN NEEDS THIS BOOK!


Each year, more than 200,00 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.The good news is that more men are being cured of this disease than ever before.


Now in a revised second edition, this lifesaving guide by Dr. Patrick Walsh and ard-winning science writer Janet Farrar Worthington offers a message of hope to every man facing this illness.Prostate cancer is a different disease in every man--which means that the right treatment varies for each man.Giving you a second opinion from the world's top experts in surgery, pathology, urology, and radiation and medical oncology, this book helps you determine the best plan for you.Learn:

• What causes prostate cancer--your risk factors, including heredity, diet, and environment


• How some simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can help prevent or delay the disease


• Why the digital rectal exam and PSA test can save your life--and when to get these tests


• The latest treatment options: from Dr. Walsh's "nerve-sparing" radical prostatectomy to new radiation techniques, laparoscopic procedures, and new drugs that are revolutionizing treatment of advanced cancer


• The most effective methods for maintaining continence and potency after treatment.

Reviews

Read It BEFORE You Need To, December 15, 2007
If you've already gotten a PSA "score" of four-plus, the utility of this book will be to help you evaluate your treatment options pragmatically. There are no miracles being promised - no secret knowledge - beyond the miracle of modern scientific medicine. The tone of Dr. Walsh's writing, however, is fraternally supportive and optimistic without denying the gravity of your condition. My strenuous advice would be to read the book, at least to skim it, before your all-important visit to your urologist. You WILL have questions to ask, so they might as well be good ones.

If you are a lucky guy who doesn't NEED such a book just yet, you're the very person who should read it. Evolution has made a serious botch of the prostate gland (speaking metaphorically, of course) and most men are living long enough these days to experience the woes of UNdesigned body parts. It's not entertaining reading. But it should be sufficiently uncomfortable to make you take the PSA testing schedule earnestly, and to consider such changes in your diet and life style as MIGHT help forestall the need to evaluate treatments. Dr. Walsh is not a preacher, but he does present evidence that the meat-centered modern diet is a factor in the humongous rate of prostate cancer in Europe and North America.

If you are the spouse or partner of someone who suddenly needs this book, you WILL need to understand the 'situation' and this book will help you be helpful. You can get all the same data and all the same suggestions on-line, but Dr. Walsh's book winnows most of the chaff from the useful grain, plus it will save you and your Man from being the target of spam designed to make money from your dilemma or to persuade you of a point of view.

Lots of doctors and lots of 'survivors' recommend this book, which has been updated this year. I haven't found anything more appealing, and I've looked.

Gleason 8 gives 5 stars, July 17, 2007
This is not the book that I ever wanted to expected to be buying, but it's been an incredibly valuable resource as I make my way through Cancerworld, prostate division. Dr. Walsh is a legendary surgeon and a pioneer in nerve-sparing surgery who also proves to be a lucid and informative writer. He pulls no punches, but he also gives the plausible and practical reasons for being hopeful in the face of a prostate-cancer diagnosis. The book is indexed very well, which I found very helpful in trying to zero in on certain topics rather than reading sequentially, and each chapter starts out with a concise and effective synopsis.

The best book on a male cancer, July 4, 2007
This is an updated edition of what has been the best laymen's book on prostate cancer, something that one of three men will experience in their lifetimes. But prostate cancer is not a death sentence or anywhere close if it's diagnosed early, evenin aggressive cases.Survival ratesfor those caught in the early stages are nearly 100 percent i.e. no recurrence in five years. Walsh is from JOhns Hpkins, considered to be leader in prostate cancer and urlogy generally.

Don't wait until you get prostate cancer to find out something about it, because if you don't ever have it, someone you know will. It will hep if someone knows something about it who isn't in a panic. In the meantime, make sure you follow reasonable advice on being tested.

There are alternative treatments bt there's a number of variables.You'll find most of it here. And ou'll get some idea of what you should look for from your own doctor - including whether you need a second opinion or another physician.

The oter good news is that there are prostate cancerns where treatment can be delayed indefinitely. It's just that most of us aren't qualified to make that judgement. Buy it. Read it.

Best Resource Available for Prostate Cancer, July 28, 2007
A friend dropped off the first edition of this book the evening I got my diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. I found the book to be informative and balanced, with very good medical information to guide my decision making steps. After consulting with two surgeons (where their individual recomendations were in total alignment with Dr Walsh's comments) I chose to have a robotic Radical Prostetectomy. This book prepared me for the surgery and has been an invaluable guide for my recovery. I bought several copies of the revised edition and have already given two of them to other people recently diagnosed with Prostate cancer.

Amazingly helpful, January 17, 2008
I received "the call" from my urologist four days ago. He asked me to stop by the office and pick up this book. I was there first thing the next morning and despite its 500+ pages, had read it (and several chapters many times) by that afternoon. If you want to be well-informed about the options facing a person diagnosed with prostate cancer, I cannot imagine a better resource.

When I first saw the size of this book, I thought "how much is there to say about this?" I now know. Read this book to be prepared with the questions you will want to ask your doctor.

And if you are the partner of a prostate cancer patient, read this book to understand the very serious decisions that need to be made. Your understanding of the issues and support of the ultimate choice about treatment will be invaluable.

I can only say - thank you Ms. Worthington and Dr. Walsh. You have provided me with the kind of information I feel I need to begin this challenge.

Concise and Thorough...Up to date, September 9, 2007
Excellent overview of the entire spectrum of this disease. Very up to date info as of mid 2007 on most topics. As an MD afflicted with this problem I found Walsh's book more useful than medical review searches, texts, etc. Well organized and understandable to a reasonably educated lay person.

Facing the inevitable, May 14, 2008
By the time you are purchasing this book you probably are on your way to having a biopsy or, more likely, have received the report and its not good news....This book is the most comprehensive of all that I've looked at since my own biopsy, though one warning is to keep in mind that surgical techniques have still improved even further since the book went to press a couple years ago....The stress on incontinence after the radical prostatectomy may be overwrought -- or at least I became overwrought with anxiety until I actually spoke with several men who have had the procedure (robotic surgery) in recent months. Compared with those who shared their stories with me who had surgery four to seven years ago, it seems like night and day. So maybe talk to a few folks before reading this book, or else you are likely to despair more than you need to. Very well written, filled with all the detailed information you'll want to know.

Shines Light on the Dark, September 9, 2007
Having just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I began searching for any information I could find. In early stage cancer, you have to make a decision on surgery or radiation therapy. The doctors can't make that decision for you. You need accurate and timely information to make an intelligent decision. You also need to understand the jargon associated with this cancer and its treatments such as BTH, IBRT, IGRT, Gleason Scale, PSA levels as well as complex and simple PSA. They all relate to survivability depending on the course you elect. If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed, this book is an absolute MUST READ. With it I made my decision!!

The Complete PC Book, February 27, 2008
Well-written, easy to read, well organized. Everything you need or want to know about prostate cancer and your choices for dealing with it.

A Must-Have Book for Any Man Over Forty, November 28, 2007
Dr. Patrick Walsh and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins are widely recognized as the medical profession's leading experts on prostate cancer. The Second Edition of this classic guide is up-to-date, authoritative, and comprehensive. It contains everything you want to know about prostate cancer, from prevention through prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. All this information is remarkably well organized and accessible. The book contains twelve chapters with titles like, "Do I Have Prostate Cancer?" and "What Are My Options?". Each chapter begins with a short table of contents and a one or two-page summary (kind of like those "Cliffs Notes" you used in high school). The book also includes a full golssary and a detailed index.

If you have had a needle biopsy and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer the Partin Tables and Han Tables in Chapter Six will permit you to determine, within specified statistical limits, the extent of your cancer and the likelyhood of a cure. For the majority of men this information will be good news. The Partin and Han Tables alone are worth more than the modest price of the book.

Despite the technical nature of the subject matter, the book is easy to read. Dr. Walsh's co-author, Janet Farrar Worthington, is a gifted writer. The analogies she uses to put medical terminology into lay terms are absolutely delightful. There is nothing funny about prostate cancer--my Dad and my grandfather both died of the disease. However, I found myself chuckling more than once as I read this wonderful book. Thanks Dr. Walsh; thanks Janet.










... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Book For All Women, February 24, 2000
First I want to say that Dr. Love's book is not limited to information about breast cancer but has extensive information on all aspects of breasts.

I was given a copy of Dr. Love's book after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it became invaluable to me. Frequently I had to set it aside for a short time because the information was so frightening, but cancer and its' treatment is a frightening experience.

The information she provided allowed me to ask important questions and make good decisions about the choices available to me. I had good doctors, but they did not go into some of the details I needed to know such as: odds of recurrence with lumpectomy vs. mastectomy; which chemotherapy drugs produced what side effects; why radiation?

She also provided information that allowed me to better understand the idiosyncrasies of breast cancer and my particular prognosis.

Breast cancer research is producing such promise with new drugs and procedures, that there is no way a book can be published with "the latest" information. Still, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Love's book to ALL women--whether they are interested in breast feeding or are facing difficult decisions about breast cancer treatment options.

Some major flaws, October 8, 2005
This is probably the most comprehensive source of information on breast cancer and other breast issues that most of us will ever find, and it manages to avoid the cloying "good girl" kitch of those horrid pink websites. For those reasons, it is the best place to start educating yourself. Buy it.

BUT, be aware that it has a few major faults. Dr. Love spends a great deal of time pointing out the side effects of the three major treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Many of these side effects are not temporary or fixable, but are permanent and life threatening in themselves. This is especially valuable knowledge since most doctors and those pink websites downplay or totally ignore disabling and potentially fatal problems such as lymphedema, secondary cancers and heart failure which can result from these standard treatments. I strongly suspect that all the attention paid to hair loss (which will grown back in, for crying out loud) is there to distract potential patients from the real problems.

Dr. Love also lays bare the dismal statistics on the efficacy of chemotherapy given to non-metastatic women (2-9% of women are actually helped - an eye opening figure to most of us who probably thought chemo "saved" 50 or 60 women per hundred). These are not statistics that the pink groups or your oncologist are eager to have you know.

However, after spending pages and pages warning us that chemo is dangerous and not especially effective, she then just says "Oh, but go ahead and have it." Why? After imparting so much frightening information, I'm not following her thought process as to why chemo is a good deal for non-metastatic women, and I think she owes her readers a fuller explanation of why she, and the rest of the American medical community, have come to this conclusion.

In addition, although she loves statistics (and so do I), she too often lapses into anecdotes that are frightening or bizarre or in other ways not very helpful. She also, at very critical times, as in discussing heart damage from radiation and chemotherapy, abandons statistics altogether and just says "seldom" or "infrequently". Well, what does that mean? 2-9% of women helped qualifies as "seldom" in my mind, yet to Dr. Love those are great statistics to gamble on and accept chemo.

Lastly, remember that Dr. Love is still a doctor, she is not your best gal pal, and as such, has a very different way of assessing the treatment plans. One of the most chilling anecdotes in the book is when she refers to a (non-metastatic) patient of hers who underwent chemo (2-9% efficacy rate) and ended up needing a heart transplant thanks to Adriamycin. Dr. Love just shrugs it off with, well at least she was alive to need the heart transplant, with no concern for the quality of life this woman was left with.

In sum, there is much good information here, but you will need to search for some specific answers elsewhere. And the knowledge she does give you may make it harder, not easier, to make decisions. But knowledge is always harder than trusting ignorance.

Not the best! Try Your Breast Cancer Journey instead., November 14, 2001
This book is promoted as the best book to use for breast cancer. It is not. Skip the book, and visit the website to see photographs of women who have gone through the surgeries. The first half of the book is about basic breast anatomy and development, and not about the choices needed now. The second half of the book suffers from three problems: old statistics that do not take into account changes in treatment, too much detail on rare complications and types of disease, and too much detail about recurrence. Not recommended.

The most serious flaw is that it uses outdated survival and mortality statistics that do not take into account the current treatment protocols. The result is unnecessary fear and panic. There are no good statistics on ten-year survival rates, because the current treatment protocols have not been in use for ten years. The development of changes in chemotherapy, antibodies, and hormonal therapy is changing so rapidly that for at least the next twenty years there will be no good ten-year survival rate statistics. Even the five-year statistics do not give the current picture. Dr. Love only gives one paragraph's worth of guidance on how to interpret the statistics. This can result in resignation and fear, just when one should be preparing to live well and fight hard.

The second flaw is that Dr. Love's frustrations with the imperfections of medicine and the slowness of change of the medical system come through. She spends lots of detail on rare complications of surgery, and rare possibilities of recurrence. She agonizes over the fact that any lives are lost. I want that knowledge and compassion in your team. I do not want to sift through this detail when I need to get information on which to base decisions.

The final difficulty is not a flaw, but a portion of the book. As a newly diagnosed survivor, I wanted to know what I should do next, what will happen next, and how I can detect any recurrences. Ido not need an entire section for women who have recurrences. Fewer than half of women who have breast cancer get recurrences, and right now, I need to concentrate on what I can do to prevent one, not how soon to arrange for hospice in case of recurrence.

Instead, try John Link's Survival Manual, or, best of all, Your Breast Cancer Journey from the American Cancer Society

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, May 22, 2000
I bought this book for my sister when she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. This became a bible to her - she referred to it at every point - surgery, radiation & chemotherapy and every set-back during treatment. She lives in the UK and had me send several books to her friends and later to her gynocologist (all diagnosed with breast cancer). The gynocologist believes it to be the best book written on breast cancer.

Low and behold if I wasn't also diagnosed with breast cancer this year. This is a huge book and I found I could only read the parts that were significant to me at the time. Knowledge is power - and this book definitely gives every reader this! It gives strength to make decisions and understand the options. Dr. Love explains how some women choose not to follow treatments recommended - and how they still survive. Yet, how others follow standard treatment and for no rhyme or reason the cancer returns. (There were just a couple of examples mentioned). Dr. Love gives you all the facts. I did not find her book scary - I want to know whatever I can! There are many charts giving info on studies. I found the chart showing the recommended treatments were right on for what both my sister and I were recommended.

Without a doubt I feel that Dr. Love's book (and her Website with live chats with specialists) has helped me tremendously. I am sure I would have felt lost without this help. I highly recommend this book!

The single best resource on breast health, October 8, 1999
Like many of the other reviewers, I picked up Dr Love's book (1st edition) when I was diagnosed and undergoing treatment for Breast cancer. (I then picked up the 2nd edition when going through a recurrance "scare", a year or so later.)

I found her text exhaustive but not exhausting. She's a straight shooter which I found essential when people are reluctant to give you hard truths.

I read several books throughout my treament, I continue to keep an eye on the literature even though I've been cancer free for 3.5+ years. My opinion is unchanged. If you can only buy one book, buy this one!

re: the previous reviewer who didn't appreciate the "horror" stories of unlikely recurrances and cases of extremely fast progression. Dr Love was making the point that cancer can be unpredictable. She therefore refuses to predict how long a patient has to live. In addition to the "scary" examples, she gave several encouraging examples of people who according to conventional wisdom should have been dead long ago but continue to defy the odds.

. . . with a warning, December 2, 1999
This is the first book I bought when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the "bible" for women with the disease, and recommended by them for newly diagnosed women. And so many breast cancer patients can't be wrong.

The book is chock full of great information. But for those of us diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, that information is so scarey and hopeless sounding that I began to wonder if I should even bother with treatment! I would never recommend the Breast Book for an IBC patient. (In fact, I warn them off, and I have talked with other women with IBC who had my same reaction.) I agree that it's important to be a "straight shooter" and give all the information, but to deny hope is a terrible thing -- especially in a field where the odds change every day, as new drugs and treatment regimens are discovered and implemented. No book on breast cancer will ever be truly "up to date." By the time it's published and available to readers, the research is at least a year old. But if Dr. Love wants to tell us how grim our outlook is, she also needs to point that out. (In fact, by the time I was diagnosed her book was sadly out of date with regard to IBC survival rates, which had skyrocketed with new treatments.)

So, yes, a very good reference book, but one to be avoided by women newly diagnosed with IBC (and perhaps some other advanced breast cancers).

One of the two best books available, December 7, 2000
This is an excellent book, and well worth reading. But it's probably the second book to read, behind "The Breast Cancer Survival Manual : A Step-By-Step Guide for the Woman With Newly Diagnosed Cancer" by John Link.

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 5th of this year. Fortunately, she found it herself, through self-checking, and we live in an area where two of the world's best breast cancer treatment groups are located - the Breast Care Center in Orange, CA and the Memorial Care group in Long Beach. As of yesterday, we were fortunate to discover that, eleven months later, through a combination of surgeries and chemotherapy, the scans that were done last week on the liver, lungs and bones all came back negative, so we hope to have many more years together.

Dr. John Link is the friend of a friend and we consulted with him on treatment. As part of the consultation, he also gave us a copy of his book, which is very readable and understandable. It's particularly good at giving guidance on how to put together a treament program that's right for you as an individual.

The Susan Love book is excellent, particularly as a reference for all the information you want to know when your life or the life of someone you love is at risk. The difference between the two is that the Link book provides a great overview and a guide for getting treatment, and the Love book is the reference for all the stuff that you want to look up when you have a question. And if you're like us, you'll have lots of questions because this is all very complex and it's very difficult to decide on what the best approach will be for your individual situation.

Excellent; very thorough and "on-point"., August 23, 1998
I am a 39 year old mother of four teenagers. In April of 1998 I was diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS) in my left breast. Boy, was I really scared. My mother died from breast cancer. I was introduced to "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" when I went to see my doctor about a lump in my "right" breast that had suddenly appeared six weeks before, it turned out to be benign. It was the then, undetected, accidentally discovered "mass" in my "left" breast that had LCIS! I underwent a fine needle aspiration which led to an excisional biopsy in each breast, and am now fine with no further treatment necessary. At the very on-set, my surgeon recommended Dr. Love's book to help me completely understand LCIS and what to expect during surgery and after. I found Dr. Love's book to be extremly helpful in allaying my fears and dispelling my misconceptions about breast cancer. Her book is very detailed, direct, honest, and compassionate. The chapter on LCIS with its diagrams took me step by step through the process of what was about to happen to me, from surgery, to recovery, to the emotions that I would experience. There were no surprises! My surgeon keeps a copy of Dr. Love's book in his waiting room on the table at all times and always recommends this book to his patients. I now recommend Dr. Love's book to my family, friends, and my other doctors too. Thank you, Dr. Love, for taking away my fear of "not knowing"!

buy this book, but don't read it after dark, March 21, 2002
I bought this book when my partner was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago at age 32. We have both relied on it as a source of information throughout her treatment, and it has served that purpose well-- it is very complete and up-to-date. This book is often referred to as a "bible" for women with breast cancer, and I can see why.

However, we both found this book profoundly frightening in a way that we did not find other breast cancer books-- even ones that cover similar material. I think this may be because, unlike the authors of most breast cancer books, Dr. Love has not had cancer herself. As compassionate as she may be in person, her tone as a writer is sometimes cavalier. I am sure that as an MD she has had to distance herself in order to treat women with breast cancer, and unfortunately this distance comes through in her book. At first I thought that my reaction to her writing and her statistics was just because the diagnosis was so new and frightening-- but it's still true now, a year later.

This is a fabulous resource-- probably the best-- but don't read it alone, or when you're feeling particularly scared or pessimistic.

Very Informative, October 6, 2003
After my devastating diagnosis of breast cancer 6 months ago, my surgeon recommended this book to me. It answered almost every question I had regarding my treatment options. It's a lot to digest all at once, so I have just been reading it chapters as they come up in my life. The surgery section is very helpful, and details the whole process from beginning to end. Dr. Love doesn't sugar-coat anything, so some of the information can be hard to digest, but if you are looking for honest, straightforward answers, this book is very helpful. ... Read more

Editorial Review

When Merril talked about his dream of playing in the NFL all he heard was, that will be too hard, you can't beat those odds, it's impossible,and son don't put all your eggs in one basket! That inspired him to write Find a Way and put it on the top of the wall above all his goals.Find a Way would become a life-long philosophy that helped him achieve his dream of playing in the NFL, but also has helped him deal with the near loss of his hand as a young boy, the loss of his mother at a young age, overcome severe head trauma and battle and beat cancer.It has also become a parenting tool and helped him realize the magic that exists in all of us! ... Read more

Reviews

Totally motivated, October 25, 2010
I read this book in just a few sittings. I was completely enthralled. Merril has an amazing story of perseverance. He's overcome so much adversity it's just amazing. I recommend this book not only to football fans but to anyone that's faced a tough time in their lives.

Impactful and Entertaining, October 24, 2010
I was glued to this book the moment I started reading it. Each story that describes the 'Find a Way' mentality is nothing short of intense and/or entertaining, inspirational, and certainly impactful. I have personally recommended this book to many of my family members and friends, and would recommend this book to anyone looking to read an amazing life story or seeking personal improvement.

Great book and well written, October 20, 2010
This is a great inspirational book that goes through the goals and challenges Merril has faced during his life. Very well written book that has some great lessons on how to set goals and approach life.

MN

Love This Book, October 15, 2010
Merril what a sad but yet soooo positive book! I can now see why you are who you are. If I ever meet you I will give you the biggest hug ever!

An inspiring read, September 28, 2010
"Find a Way" is an interesting and inspiring read. I say "interesting" because I read it when I wasn't planning to - I picked it up to look it over and put it down several hours later. As a childhood Steelers fan, I was first drawn in by the Steeler stories but then Merrill Hoge's story began to inspire me personally. The title "Find a Way" is exactly the theme of the book. So I recommend it if you are looking for an enjoyable read that is at the same time meaningful. ... Read more

Editorial Review

According to Dr. Rashid Buttar, author of The 9 Steps to Keep the Doctor Away, "Ty Bollinger's book, Cancer-Step Outside the Box, is an extraordinarily thorough and courageously well written book, brought to fruition by the dedication of a son for his departed parents. I found it difficult to put down this exceptional book once I began reading it and plan on recommending it to all my patients suffering from cancer who seek treatment at our clinic so that the light of truth and hope contained within this book can shine brightly on them as well."

In the words of cancer survivor, Brad Matznick, “I am not a journalist, that’s Ty’s job, so I won’t drag this out ... I am a cancer survivor and this book was a huge contribution to my survival (it’s one of the best books on the subject). Ty is a rebel... maybe even somewhat eccentric, but you can’t ignore what he’s saying. Read this book if you or someone you care about has cancer ...‘nuff said.”

With satisfied readers in over 50 countries world wide, Cancer - Step Outside the Box is a roadmap to successfully treating cancer and regaining your health! This book is chock full of the most effective, non-toxic cancer treatments in the world. Truth be told, there are many potent and well-proven alternative strategies for preventing and treating cancer... without surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation (the “Big 3”). Inside this book, you will find a wealth of information that your doctor probably doesn't know. Here's why: while at medical school, doctors learn a very drug-intensive style of medicine, because multinational pharmaceutical companies (“Big Pharma”) funds the medical schools. As a result, most doctors are still thinking “inside the box” when it comes to cancer treatments. The “cancer box” is largely the creation of Big Pharma attempting to peddle their poisons (such as chemotherapy) in an effort to increase shareholder profits. Sadly, these profits are generated at the expense of cancer patients.

In the words of radio talk show icon, Jeff Rense, “I have been involved with so called 'alternative approaches to cancer' for a long time. This book is 'the Bible' - buy it and you will be amazed. It is a masterpiece." This book succinctly explains the facts and deceptions about cancer and cancer treatments, it documents multiple cases of persecution and suppression of effective natural cancer treatments, it details the most potent advanced cancer treatment protocols, and it clearly explains the relationship between nutrition and cancer. The author is not a medical doctor. He is a “researcher” who has compiled the most concise, easily readable, comprehensive book on alternative cancer treatments and health. This book is a “gold mine” of information, helpful to cancer patients, those attempting to prevent cancer, and health care practitioners alike.

According to Dr. Pavel Yakovlev (Oncosurgeon in the Ukraine), “the material in your book is enriching and hope-giving for clinical practice … I made many notes while reading it to be applied to my work.” Elaine Hulliberger, breast cancer survivor, states: “I had terminal cancer and used Ty Bollinger's information on non-toxic supplements and the nutritional information along with traditional medicine. Anyone who has cancer, or knows someone with cancer should get this book and read it from cover to cover. I'm alive today because I did.”

Reviews

Greatest Cancer Book I've Read, September 15, 2006
Ty Bollinger taught me many things about cancer I didn't know. Coming from most people, this would be a mild compliment. Coming from me, it is somewhat more than that. You see, I have studied natural cancer treatments every day for the last eight years. I've written two books and 100 newsletters on the subject. I've given 25 workshops around the country on Beating Cancer-Gently. I "coach" about 10-12 people a week on the phone. They are people who have read one of my books. I coach them on the details of "what I would do if I were them."

Ty's research and writing are superb. He has collected all the data on the history of alternative cancer treatments and prepared this vital information for you in a very readable style. I will read this book a second time shortly to make sure I didn't miss anything. If you or a loved one have cancer, you MUST read this book. There is no other book which presents this subject in layman's language with the throughness of Ty's book.

Please do not let Ty's completely sincere expression of his religious beliefs turn you off. If you do not agree with it, please read the book anyway. There is no bias here, except against the corruption of Big Pharma and Big Medicine and the government agencies which support them.

What makes this book so superbly useful is that Ty gives you the complete explanation of the background of the treatment -- who disovered it, exactly how it works, what type of cancer it should be used for -- and then tells you how to order the substance or contact the clinic or medical professional who can administer it. Believe me, you cannot find this information in as complete and current a form anywhere else -- not even in my own books.

Just buy it. You won't be sorry.

Bill Henderson
Author, "Cure Your Cancer" and "Cancer-Free"

What a great book!, April 2, 2010
This book is great. Not only does Ty Bollinger outline some of the alternative cancer treatments that have been working for people, but he also gives some great general health advice that is extremely helpful. We bought many to give to our friends and loved ones because we believe the information Ty shares is not only helpful but extremely important in our cancer-ridden society. I highly recommend that you buy this book and read ASAP.

An essential read if you use standard medical services, January 11, 2007
This is a remarkably good book. I am pretty fussy about the books I read, and every now and again I find a gem. This is one of those gems. It is a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from a layperson with no medical knowledge through to trained medical doctors who want to further their knowledge of cancer. It is exceptionally well written by the author - Mr Ly Bollinger - who looks at the medical field as an outsider `looking in' because he is a CPA Accountant by profession. His motivation was driven by the loss of his parents and other family members from cancer over the prior 10 years. Bollinger explains his search for cancer solutions, and finds what many other researchers have found before him, that is, cancer in the USA is controlled by powerful vested interests whose aims and objectives are `at odds' with the author and his family. When Bollinger looked for innovative cancer solutions for his family, he was dismayed at how the American Medical Association (described by many as the trade union office of the medical profession) and the FDA, persecute any health professional with innovative solutions for cancer.

Most American people think - and rightly so - that if innovative cancer treatments are found, then their doctor would know about them, and use these treatments for their best health. Not true. Any doctor who uses a new approach for cancer will lose their license to practice medicine in the USA. Simply put, doctors are not authorized to try innovative cancer solutions (even for terminal patients who are told they have 3 months to live) as their job is to practice medicine as taught at medical school, and innovation is not part of their charter

The author of this book is a CPA and has a financial accounting background. This is ideal because the medical industry is really just big business, and to navigate the health sector requires a solid business and financial background, which the author has. The expression `follow the money trail' is very applicable to the medical field when you realize that the fortunes of many of our biggest companies are linked to the huge amount of money consumers spend on medical treatment. Author Ty Bollinger should be commended for writing this book. I genuinely feel for him as a person, someone from a deeply religious family background, who learned early in life that most people are fundamentally good and that our aim in life is to be fair and honorable. It is clear that the medical sector has let him down badly.

This book stands out because it is so compelling and enjoyable to read. It's easy to relate to this book, because the author shares his experiences with his parents in a very emotional way and make you feel as through the characters were your own parents and family. The book deserves five stars, because of its compelling insight into cancer treatment and the flaws in today's healthcare system.

UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT, April 2, 2010
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN A GODSEND.IT TOOK GUTS AND DETERMINATION FOR THE AUTHOR TO RESEARCH AND WRITE THIS BOOK.I AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE IDEAS AND CURES IN THIS BOOK.THERE ARE SO MANY THAT WORK.I WISH WE HAD THIS BOOK MANY YEARS AGO THEN I MIGHT HAVE SAVED MY MOTHER AND BROTHERS.I MYSELF HAVE USED SOME OF THE INFO WITH MIRACULOUS RESULTS.I HAVE ALSO LOANED THIS BOOK OUT TO MANY OF MY FRIENDS.THE LAST FRIEND DIDN'T RETURN IT BUT I KNOW IT WAS UNINTENTIONAL AS HIS THOUGHTS WERE WITH HIS AILING FATHER WHO IS HIS HERO.SO I JUST WENT AND BOUGHT MYSELF ANOTHER ONE THE UPDATED VERSION.GOD BLESS YOU TY BOLLINGER AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!!!!!

Breath of fresh air, April 2, 2010
We need more alternatives. As a cancer patient for two years, I use both alternative and traditional treatments and read everything I can find. Cancer patients need Bollinger and other authors like him.

Excellence in Truth, April 2, 2010
Ty Bollinger's book is superior. He covered what you want to know about cancer and other important medical information. I'm telling my friends about this wonderful book. He takes out the fear of cancer and instructs people to learn and practice excellent health programs. This is the best health book I have ever had or read about. I read his book and went to the health store.

Wendy Marie

Alternative cures and choices, April 2, 2010
Ty Bollinger's book is the gateway for everyone to understand cancer is not a death sentence. We have all been lied to by doctors and big pharma.
I continue to share this book and refer those that I know that have cancer, that there is hope.

Truly Eye Opening Book, April 2, 2010
By far, THE most up front and helpful book I have ever read. It's such a shame I didn't know about this book and the alternative cures it provides to such a devastating disease, before my uncle passed away from his cancer.
I recommend this book to every one, whether you are sick or not.

Fabulous, April 2, 2010
I have read this book thru and find it very enlightening and confirms most of my thoughts on the subject. I read and reread portions, it is a very easy read, almost like a novel.

Inspirational!, April 2, 2010
Not only does Ty Bollinger tell it like it is, he says it from the heart. In today's modern world, reliable information is very hard to come by. Ty you are truly a gem! Thank you. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Every year almost a quarter of a million confused and frightened American men are tossed into a prostate cancer cauldron stirred by salespeople representing a multibillion-dollar industry. In this flourishing business, the radical prostatectomy is still the most widely recommended treatment option. Yet a recent and definitive study in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that out of the fifty thousand prostate operations performed annually, more than forty thousand are unjustified. But this is no surprise given that 99 percent of all doctors treating this disease are surgeons or radiation therapists. The appalling fact is that men are still being rushed into a major operation that rarely prolongs life and more than half the time leaves them impotent.

Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers is a report on the latest thinking in prostate cancer therapy: close monitoring–active surveillance rather than surgery or radiation–should be the initial treatment approach for many men. There are three stages of prostate cancer and this book will provide accurate information about how to distinguish between them: Low-Risk, which requires no immediate treatment; Intermediate-Risk, which will benefit from surgery, radiation, and/or hormonal therapy; and High-Risk, a type that does require immediate treatment with a combination of therapies. In a unique collaboration, doctor and patient provide a wholly new perspective on managing this disease. Ralph Blum’s account of his personal struggle, together with Dr.Mark Scholz’s presentation of newscientific advances, provides convincing evidence that this noninvasive approach can be crucial in preventing tens of thousands of men from being overtreated every year. Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers serves as an indispensable map through the medical minefield of prostate cancer. ... Read more

Reviews

A thorough treatment to be used with caution, July 14, 2010

Good Advice? Or Not?, June 27, 2010

An Interesting, Helpful Study, June 27, 2010

honestly, my friend had already made up his mind, September 28, 2010

a must read book for low risk prostate cancer patients, September 21, 2010
Don't let the seemingly flip title of the book put you off. This is a serious examination of the treatment of prostate cancer. It is well written and loaded with information on alternatives to radical treatment of the disease. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April of this year. A biopsy revealed stage 1 cancer with a Gleason score of 6 and a PSA of 5.1. My first reaction was "get it out of me" and both urologists I consulted agreed. I was all set to make arrangements for a radical prostatectomy. My wife and brother both called me to tell me to listen to a segment on NPR on prostate cancer. It was a short piece about this book. I purchased and read it and I am now consulting with my GP to undergo active surveillance or "watchful waiting". There is an extended bibliography with capsule reviews of the books for those who want to be better informed. I have been to one seminar and read three books on prostate cancer and spent countless hours on the internet. This book is without a doubt the best source of information on the subject I have encountered. If you are considering radical treatment and have been diagnosed as a low risk stage cancer patient READ THIS BOOK. It will change your life, literally.

Best Book for Men Newly Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, September 20, 2010
Prostate Snatchers is the best book for helping newly diagnosed men decide what to do about their prostate cancer (PCa). Co-written by one of the best medical oncologists specializing in PCa (MOSPC) in the USA, it contains many gems of cutting-edge, authoritative information. Below are some of these gems, which, unfortunately, only a small minority of PCa patients have seen:

There is not one but three basic categories of PCa--Low-Risk, Intermediate-Risk, and High-Risk.

High-Risk, also known as "aggressive," should be treated aggressively whereas Low-Risk often can be safely managed with no treatment.

A typical scenario after a primary care doctor refers a patient to a urologist because of an abnormal PSA test and/or digital rectal examination (DRE): The urologist biopsies the patient's prostate and finds PCa. The patient views this finding as a death sentence, panics, and feels pressured to get rid of his cancer immediately. He avoids taking time for second opinions and agrees quickly to have the urologist cut out his prostate (radical prostatectomy or RP)--an aggressive treatment.

Unfortunately, of the 50,000 RPs done in the USA every year, more than 40,000 were not necessary. That is, the vast majority of PCa patients would have lived as long without having their prostates removed.

RP is no longer the most effective treatment for PCa. Radiation therapy (RT), another aggressive treatment, has evolved into being at least as effective. If the patient consults a radiation therapist for help with making a treatment decision, the doctor is often, of course, biased in favor of recommending RT.

A third type of PCa doctor is a medical oncologist, who is trained to treat all types of cancer. Their training in PCa treatment only focuses on advanced disease. Early-stage disease is left to the urologists.

Medical oncologists treat some PCa patients with testosterone inactivating pharmaceuticals (TIP, also known as "hormone blockade" or "androgen deprivation therapy"). TIP has its own set of side effects but, unlike RP, RT, or cryotherapy, the side effects are often reversible when the medical oncologist discontinues the TIP. And he then, depending on the PCa's response to the discontinuation, may re-start the TIP a year or two or three later.

Only a minority of urologists are as skilled as MOSPCs in providing TIP.

Of the more than 10,000 medical oncologists in the USA, only less than 100 are MOSPCs.

MOSPCs often do a more comprehensive evaluation of PCa than some urologists. In addition to PSA tests, DREs, PSA velocity calculations, and PSA density calculations, they may use spectrographic endorectal MRI (S-MRI) scans, color doppler ultrasound scans, and PCA-3 urine tests to determine the risk-level of a patient. These tests also help monitor a patient's PCa (known as "active surveillance" [AS] or "watchful waiting").

The comprehensive evaluation also helps to determine whether the paient should have an immediate initial biopsy. If the patient has had a biopsy, the evaluation may reduce the number of repeat biopsies needed for AS.

Chapters by Ralph H. Blum, a patient of his co-author, vividly illustrate the struggles of and benefits received by a patient who educates himself about PCa, finds the right doctor, and avoids blindly following his and other PCa doctors' advice. Blum's knowledge and story of his 20-year PCa journey is likely to calm many patients, instill hope, and empower them to take charge of their journey.

Blum traveled from the USA to the Netherlands for a Combidex MRI because it was the only place that performed the scan. My guess is that no more than 10 percent of PCa patients are able to take the time off and/or pay for out-of-state/country trips for tests or second opinions. The book did not acknowledge this obstacle to obtaining state-of-the-art help.

Snatchers adds much to the meager literature on the role of the MOSPC in working with Low-Risk patients and helping patients decide on a treatment.

The preliminary international list of MOSPCs might help some patients find the right doctor. Also helpful are a glossary, annotated bibliography, and lists of acronyms and websites.

Snatchers replaces my former #1 choice, A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient's Guide (2nd edition, 2005) by Stephen B. Strum, M.D. (a distinguished MOSPC) and Donna L. Pogliano. Snatchers is easier to read and understand; more up-to-date, of course; and destined to become a classic, which is the status of Primer.

If you read both books, you are likely to arrange more effective PCa consultations, monitoring, and treatment than without the books' authoritative knowledge.

My qualifications for this review are 10 years of reading authoritative PCa literature; participating in PCa internet forums; leading PCa support group discussions; seeing the MOSPC co-author of Snatchers every three months for nine years; consulting other PCa doctors; undergoing biopsies, S-MRIs, Color Dopplers; avoiding aggressive treatment (on light TIP--Avodart only for both my benign prostatic hyperplasia and PCa); writing my PCa story (prostate-cancer-story.net).

Lawrence J. Bookbinder, Ph.D.

Maybe the most important book you'll ever read, September 4, 2010

Good News for Men, June 15, 2010

Good perspective, food for thought, no silver bullet, August 20, 2010

Excellent men's resource, August 7, 2010

Editorial Review

(Twin Streams) Consumer text discusses the power of good nutrition to those fighting cancer. Identifies everyday foods with cancer-fighting properties and how best to prepare them, which nutritional supplements can help, how certain fats and oils enhance the body's natural defenses, and how flavonoids can help the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Softcover. ... Read more

Reviews

Very comprehensive - stands out from others on the shelf, July 17, 2004
I bought this book because a friend of ours has prostate cancer and I wanted to be more informed. There are a lot of titles on the "shelf" in this area - nutrition and cancer, vitamins, supplements, megadoses, minerals, what to eat and what not to eat. Some of them have extraordinary claims for cures. There are a lot of philosophies on diet, which doesn't help a cancer patient when they need sound information rather than opinions and beliefs about food. Perhaps there would be less of this confusion if conventional medical treatment started to use nutrition as a part of mainstream cancer treatment.

I must say that I am really pleased with this book. As I get into it, the content gets better and better - a sign of a well informed and thorough piece of work. Dr Blaylock is very realistic about his purpose and doesn't make extraordinary claims. Instead he systematically reveals & explains the current research about vitamins and supplements, always in the context of cancer. He has a prevailing view that "fresh is best" and qualifies this. It seems to me he also has a hopeful tone, which is sometimes missing from practitioners.

I have always been interested in the findings and ideas of Dr Linus Pauling (eg see ISBN 094015921 and ISBN 0380702894) and also Dr Abram Hoffer (eg see ISBN 1550820788). Pauling has been decried by some (though the results of these two doctors' work speak for themselves). For me, this book represents in part a confirmation of their ideas, although the book is less prescriptive than the above and has a broader perspective on diet.

One of the central themes in this book is the immune system, and how to strengthen it. Blaylock is careful to indicate where certain foods or supplements actually encourage rather than inhibit cancer growth. He is also good at providing ammunition for the patient to be able to face some of the resistance that arises from physicians who are dubious about the role and value of nutrition in treatment.

I gave this book four stars not five, for a couple of reasons. If there had been a summary or tables or suggested outline programme to help the patient construct their own nutrition regime, this would have hit the bell! As it stands, I will dig through the chapters and index to glean a summary of points to put into an action plan. I was also hoping to find a website with some level of currency and discussion about the book - patients asking questions, an updated resource list, general advice, a blog perhaps, or supplemental material. In a word, 'support'. (See http://www.russellblaylockmd.com).

Overall, a very good book: readable, thorough, very comprehensive, practical and a good reference - recommended.

Great guidance from a cancer doctor, August 21, 2004
Dr. Blaylock has gathered all the information you need to understand the importance of combining natural substances with your cancer treatment. He describes all chemotherapy drugs in great detail.

I was lucky enough to discover this book just as I was leaving home to travel to Fort Worth, Texas. I was going there to help a young man convince his ex-wife that nine different chemo drugs were not going to cure their 7-year old son of his leukemia without supplementation with natural substances. While my wife drove, I read Dr. Blaylock's book. It was as if he were speaking directly to me and the ex-wife. He explained, for example, that none of the drugs being used on Jeffrey had ever been tested together for harmful synergies. None of them had ever been tested on children.

When I gave Dr. Blaylock's book to the ex-wife at the courthouse in Fort Worth, I said a prayer that she would read it. She did. She withdrew her case against her ex-husband and they worked out a natural regimen for Jeffrey. It worked. Within a few weeks, Jeffrey was back to normal after being near death. I atrribute his survival to the information in this book.

Bill Henderson
Author, "Cure Your Cancer"
http://www.GetAndStayWell.com

Astonishing help for cancer patients! Wow!, February 20, 2006
this book is astonishing in it's clarity and logical (and fairly current c 2003) presentation of many, many practical and simple things to do nutritionally and supplementally to support the cancer patient to help their body fight the cancer. All the author's claims seem to have solid references provided. I have done health research for a few years and this book stands out as probably the best (true and useable) I've ever seen. I'm particularly keen on this subject as my dear mother recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. I'd recommend this book to anyone. It is true,
"eat your broccoli", but also many practical recommendations are made on supplements to take some of them new to me, and info is provided where to get them also. This book is a one-of-a-kind, must read for anyone concerned with overcoming (or avoiding) cancer. Buy the book for your loved one or yourself, as soon as possible. The word I have for this book is astonishing. I marked mine up a lot to underline key things. There's so much there.
Thanks for oppty to post my review. John Shell, Virginia

No cancer patient should be without this book, July 16, 2007
I so far have taken one piece of advice from this book and it has improved my quality of life so much that I can't wait to try more.

I am undergoing some really rough chemo treatments. Round 1 chemo left me achy and pretty much in bed for most of a week. My doctor told me there was nothing they could do for the fatigue. I looked at Dr. Blaylock's book and he recommended a supplement called Propax with NT Factor. I started taking it (with my doctor's permission) a few days before round 2 Chemo and the improvement is remarkable.

Dr. Blaylock also gives a lot of advice for any number of chemo side effects as well as ways of fighting cancer with nutrition. My advice is to buy this book - it is well worth it's price.

Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients, February 13, 2009
I have been in the Medical field (RN, ER & ICU)for about 40 years. I am SO TIRED of watching you people DIE! I don't care what disease you have..the best way of helping yourself is through YOUR DIET! It is scientific and it is documented! Most Doctors don't know...don't believe it..and won't tell you..after all...there is no profit in it! If you have a Doc that does...KEEP HIM/HER! About this book...take the word 'Cancer', out, and put any disease or condition in place of it...this is about cleaning yourself up so your body can heal itself. (Did you know most cancer patients die from 'malnutrition', NOT cancer!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!SAVEYOURSELF! This book tells you how to do it. Please pass this info along, you might save someone you care about.

EXCELLENT INFO ON SUPPLEMENTS TARGETTING TUMOR SUPRESSION, January 15, 2008
My 43 year old husband was recently diagnosed with terminal lung cancer as a result of his radiation treatment 10 years ago for his Hogkins lymphoma. He underwent 4 months of chemo and also was fortunate to consult with a oncology nutritionist who recommended various supplements, some used in Europe for cancer therapy and not classified there as "supplements". My husband has the rarest type of lung cancer and it is typically described as the least responsive to chemo. The supplements recommended by the nutritionist target tumor supression, and angiogenesis (the ability of a tumor to create it's own blood vessels and spread). I bought this book because I was wowed and awed by another book of his, "Nutrional secrets that will save your life", or something like that. That the author is a neurosurgeon got my attention as someone I could likely trust to adequately research what supplements are effective for cancer. The book is easy to read and explains the action of the cancer fighting supplements, and is appropriate for readers without a medical background. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning how to not only safely fight cancer (and without all the side effects of Western medicine) but also how to prevent cancer and increase their overall immune system.

A life-changing book, December 22, 2007
I wish I had read this book before I went through radiation and chemo. Even so, it has been a tremendous help to me in controlling my metastatic disease. It really gave me hope and a feeling of empowerment. It changed my life and very well may prove to have been a major turning point for the better in my health.

I have a fairly good science background so this book was a piece of cake for me to comprehend. However, many folks might find a few of the medical words a bit technical. If so, just move on. The big words are not essential to understanding the important points. You will get some very valuable information from this book.

Thank you Dr. Blaylock.
L. Cole, working on getting my MS in nutrition at age 52.

Dr. Blaylock - One who speaks & writes from long experience, January 10, 2009
I'm not a cancer survivor; and don't want to be! That's why I got this book. To minimize my risk of having cancer.
I'm a fan of Dr. Blaylock and have seen him talk on this and other subjects. He is not only well qualified but communicates on an understandable level without being condescending. The technical stuff is there complete with references if you want to search it out. He is not the typical pill-pusher we've all been to. He understands as well as any doctor or biochemist how the body functions and the intricate interactions that take place. He firmly believes that a person must take charge of their health and not just leave it up to others.
This book is not only well written, it is well organized with a good index and useful appendices. It is also not a three-ring circus act selling miracle tonics like you often see on TV. An excellent guide for better health and a longer life.

THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ, November 21, 2008
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. IT IS VERY EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND. HE GOES INTO DETAIL ABOUT VITAMINS AND SUPPLIMENTS AND THE CORRECT FORMS TO BUY. THAT WAY YOU DONT WASTE TIME TAKING VITAMINS THAT YOUR BODY ISNT ABSORBING. MY DAUGHTER HAS BRAIN CANCER AND I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE EQUIVELANT TO A CANCER BIBLE. I THINK EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD CANCER OR WHO HAS CANCER NOW OR EVEN WANTS TO PREVENT THEMSELVES FROM GETTING THIS DEADLY DISEASE SHOULD GET THIS BOOK. IT WAS SO INTERESTING I READ THIS 300 PAGE BOOK IN LESS THAN 2 DAYS! MUST HAVE!!!!!!

Excellent Resource for Cancer Patients, October 28, 2008
I was familiar with Dr. Blaylock, as I subscribe to his newsletter. Actually, much of the same information appears in his newsletter. As a breast cancer survivor, I found the information in this book to be as valuable a resource as any I have seen. As a physician who does not accept contributions from drug manufacturer's, he presents an unbiased outlook regarding fluoridation of water, chemical additives to our food, among other foci. He is a strong proponent of supplementation with vitamins, minerals and other natural, non toxic materials. I recommend this book to anyone hoping to use less toxic means to avoid cancer recurrence, or anyone hoping to avoid a future cancer diagnosis. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The much-anticipated, explosive expose of how cell phone use damages brain cells, especially in children, by one of the world's foremost scientific experts in the field.

Devra Davis presents an array of recent and long suppressed research in this timely bombshell. Cell phone radiation is a national emergency. Stunningly, the most popular gadget of our age has now been shown to damage DNA, break down the brain's defenses, and reduce sperm count while increasing memory loss, the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer. The growing brains of children make them especially vulnerable. And half of the world's four billion cell phone used by people under twenty.

Davis, the founding director of the toxicology and environmental studies board at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, takes readers through the dark side of this trillion-dollar industry. Health experts have long been frozen out of policy-making decisions about cell phones; federal regulatory standards are set by the cell phone industry itself. Cell phone manufacturers have borrowed the playbook of the tobacco industry. One secret memo reveals their war plan against reports of cell phone dangers.

Among a host of fascinating characters, Davis introduces Om P. Gandhi, a world expert on how cell phone radiation penetrates the human brain. Once a consultant to major cell phone companies, Gandhi now refuses to work with them. Franz Adlkofer led the multi-lab study that showed once and for all that brain cell DNA is unraveled by cell phone microwave radiation-and, as Davis dramatically portrays, it nearly cost him his career.

As this eye-opening call to action shows, we can make safer cell phones now. Why would we put our children at risk of a devastating epidemic of brain illness in the years to come? ... Read more

Reviews

Everyone Must Read - Amazing Book!, September 29, 2010
The book is beyond amazing. Very well written, accessible for a broad readership, and very well researched and documented. It addresses a crucial issue with tremendous medical and public health implications worldwide: the increasing danger that humankind faces from the use of radiofrequency-emitting devices, such as cell phones, which is taking shape as the most important public health crisis of our time.

After reading this excellent book written by Devra Davis, you will learn a lot about published and well-known facts from the scientific literature, facts that have been known, sometimes for decades, but the telecommunication industry does not want you to know them. Some findings described in this book come from as long as 4-5 decades ago, and reveal that radiofrequency, the same type of radiation that is emitted by cell phones, causes serious harm to the human body. The book will reveal how both scientists and the industry have, for decades, known about the adverse effects that radiofrequency causes on the brain. It will tell you how radiofrequency is, in fact, being used in clinical medicine, to allow drugs to penetrate into the brain of cancer patients, where they kill tumor cells. If radiofrequency can be used in this way, to allow medication from the bloodstream to penetrate the brain and treat tumors, imagine what happens when the same radiofrequency allows all the chemicals and toxins from the blood, which are normally kept away from the nervous system, to enter the brain and cause disease!

This book will also tell you how SAR, which is used to measure the absorption of radiation emitted from cell phones, was developed for the adult male who is over 6 feet tall, weighs 200 pounds, and uses the phone for a 6 minute conversation. What happens to males who have a different body type, to women, or to children, is anyone's guess, but it is clear that the they absorb much more radiation than SAR values of the respective phones indicate.

This book is a pillar of public health, and should become an indispensable reference for anyone who is interested in the health and well-being of our generation and of generations to come. After you read it, you will realize that you will need to read it again, and then again. The wealth of information and the evidence that Devra Davis presents in her important book, are something that every human being should share with everyone they know. Buy this book, and recommend it to everyone you know and care about - the information that you will learn is empowering and it will allow you to make the best decisions for your health, and for the health of your family amd friends.

I was expecting much more, November 21, 2010
I recently started giving a lot more consideration to the things around me: electric and magnetic fields, soaps, cleaning chemicals and, yes, microwaves like ovens and those emitted from phones. I have a doctorate degree in science and have written papers myself. It is no mystery at all that a lot of research in every field is distorted by politics, money and industries. The author spends an inordinate amount of time detailing the history of cell phone research and how it wasn't really valid or how it was manipulated by the cell phone industry. OK, I get that. Thanks.

So why a 2 star review? First of all, it was very boring to read chapter after chapter about cell phone research - I thought a portion of the book would be about that, not close to 80% of it. Second of all, it didn't really answer many of the nagging questions which it claimed to answer. The book says right in the title, "...and how to protect your family." For having that right in the title, I was amazed that her advice was limited to a few pages in the very last chapter. By the end of this book, I thought I would know a lot more about the technical issues of microwave exposure and how to minimize it. She mentions that you should not keep a phone on your hip but doesn't really say why or how important that is. I have to carry a phone with me for work emergencies, for example. I can't turn it off...ever. What should I do?

Here are examples of what I wanted answered: I was hoping to find out how much radiation a phone in standby transmits, how this might affect me and how far my kids should be from a phone on standby. I also wanted to know more about those huge cell towers you see around the neighborhood. How bad are those? What if I can see one from my house, is that a problem? Also, I heard that if you connect a wired headset to a cell phone it actually transmits radiation right to your head through the wire. Maybe that's an urban legend, but I thought she would explain how much safer that may or may not be. How about the Bluetooth headsets? How much energy do they transmit? These are the real questions for those of us who use and are exposed to cell phones. I have many more questions that were left unanswered. Knowing about how the cell phone industry is corrupt is all very interesting, but I need some practical advice here! So if you are looking for that too, look elsewhere.

I will also mention that her writing style was not what I expected based on her past books and credentials. It seemed rushed, poorly thought-out and poorly organized. She would talk about some scientist or research and then talk about it again like it was the first time 3 chapters later. She would jump chronologically from things that happened in the 60s-70s when Motorola was developing cell technology and then jump into something in 2005, only to jump right back to something before Motorola...none of which made sense or kept me on a logical timeline. This made the chapters just drone on and on and I found myself just skimming a lot midway through the book. At some point I felt like the publishing company was rushing her to wrap it up, so it ended up being unrefined and way too wordy for the information she was trying to get across. This book could have had half the words and it would not have lost anything.

IN CONCLUSION: A poorly organized book which is VERY heavy on what the industry has done to hide the truth about cell phones and almost NOTHING on how to actually protect your family from it.

Dynamite! Do your brain a favor and read..., September 30, 2010
This is THE best book on this vital topic. Davis can really write, and she's been talking with many of the key scientists. Prof. Om Gandhi used to work with Motorola but has been an independent professor for decades. His work on how microwaves penetrate deeply into a child's brain raised many eyebrows, but what he says here is just devastating. Similar info from Prof. Adelkopfer in Europe, plus a great intro into the work of Dr. Sam Milham.

Anyone can understand this book, but scientists will be most surprised by how much they learn about the mechanisms of damage (still not completely worked out, but the smoking guns are plain to see).

The weakest part is the appendix on how to protect yourself. Too much emphasis on using a headset. That does reduce the intensity of the microwaves, which should protect you from the diseases Prof. Olle Johansson has studied, but not nearly enough to protect from the nerve damage and blood-brain barrier penetration seen by Prof. Salford; in fact, it could make that worse. Even those making only 2 calls per day must consider themselves to be at risk based on the behavior changes seen in the study led by Prof. Kheifets.

I'm a scientist and I have read these papers, so I wasn't shocked. I already knew cellphones were deadly and already canceled mine years ago. But I did learn some important things and was pleased to get the inside story from these researchers. I'm sure this book will be condemned by the same old people (Prof. Bob Park, Ken Foster, etc. Note they will all have military backgrounds if you read their resumes). But to attack this book they're going to have to dismiss some of the strongest researchers in the field, many who were formerly funded by industry, plus the former head of the WHO...

Just heard the author on National Public Radio - Buying the Book Now!, September 28, 2010
I am listening to Public Radio and the author makes a strong case for being very careful how we use our cell phones. She makes a point to warn that children should not be using cell phones without "ear buds" - to keep the radiation away from youngsters' developing brains. She also warns that keeping a cell phone in the pants pocket can damage your reproductive equipment. She states that tests show young men who keep their phones in a pants pocket have reduced sperm counts. Her arguments are clear and presented without fear mongering - she states she has and uses cell phones. However, she uses ear buds and recommends keeping it off or away from your body until you need to use it.

This is kind of a "pre-review" and will update this when I actually finish reading the book...

Damaging the Cell Phone Industry for Good, October 18, 2010
Devra Davis has launched a vicious one-woman attack on the cell phone industry....

Dr. Devra Davis, the former head of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh, now a visiting professor at Harvard, has pretty much launched a one woman attack on the cell phone industry. I should also say: it has been the most devastating attack that the industry has ever experienced. It has already changed the industry. I know the good people selling us our wireless world and particularly those little hot boxes called cell phones don't like her right now--but she is actually doing more for the cell phone industry than anybody else today. She is making them face the truth. She is making the nation face the truth. These miracles of freedom, which we love and value, are causing brain cancers, and the consumer is going to have to be given better information, and soon trial lawyers will have to be suing the companies, and then competition, real competition based on important needs such as staying healthy, will take place, and we're going to get safer cell phones. In the end, with her new book Disconnect, Dr. Davis has launched a devastating attack on the cell phone establishment--and its already causing them to go up in flames. But that's good. They need to burn on the truth for now. I would really like more and more intelligent people to read her book and become aware. This is an issue wherein coming aware will do a whole lot because it will change your habits. I didn't know I was doing bad things with my cell phone either but reading her book taught me I certainly was. We all owe her our thanks.

Wonderful, important book, October 7, 2010
This is an issue that affects all of us, but it also seems to be one nobody really wants to think about. This book looks at the science, spin, and history of the biological effects of microwave radiation. The wireless industry's PR machine has largely succeeded in pigeonholing this issue as a conspiracy theory in the same league as Obama-as-secret-Kenyan-Muslim. This book is important because it's the first book on the subject written for the general public by an accomplished mainstream scientist with impeccable credentials.

People who are interested in this may also be interested in a new documentary about the subject by a former 60 Minutes producer:
Full Signal Documentary | Americas Version (NTSC)
[...]

For good general info on the topic, see:
[...]

Wow, October 30, 2010
Everyone should read this book, especially parents. It's very eye opening and will make you think twice before getting your kids a cell phone (and other wireless gadgets).
This book was worth every penny.

Life Saving Book-Morally Obligated to Read!, November 22, 2010
This book by Dr. Davis an impeccable scientist with a distinguished career is literally life saving for anyone who is not aware of the quite serious risks that cell phones pose for both the quality and quantity of our life and our ability to reproduce. If you have a child with a cell phone or a teenager with a cell phone you have a moral obligation as a parent to read this book. This book helps one understand the actual bonafide scientific research that has been conducted, the influence and tactics of the Telecommunications industry and the bastardization of Science by corrupt and dishonest scientists. Some may not like the narratives the author weaves of all the history and internal politics of the science community and industry others will appreciate it. Regardless the facts within speak for themselves. This is a life changer. I am literally buying copies to give away as a charity.

Finally the Truth, December 3, 2010
Who is this Lorne Trottier writing? He's a millionaire with a vested interest in the continuation of cell phone an WiFi radiation. He's one of the few who write little footnotes thinking it makes brain cancer go away. Why doesn't he write his own book instead of slumming on the comments page of this one? Devra Davis is perhaps the most important journalist of our time. having a PhD. gives her major credentials. Sharing a Nobel Prize is pretty good cred as well.
Read this book! It will save your life.

The sad truth told by an articulate brilliant scientist, November 9, 2010
I know many people dead or dying from brain cancer attributed to their cell phone use. Every human being who uses a cell phone or buys one for their children or grandchildren MUST read this powerful book. The author is brilliant in how she goes about describing the science and how the industry is hiding it from the general public with cooperation with our federal regulatory agencies. This is another example of industry regulating government. You will be outraged and you will, hopefully take the precautions mentioned and tell others.
This is a great book to buy for your friends and family for Chanukah and Christmas- what a loving gesture that would be!
Citizens have the right and the need to know the truth. Thank you Devra Davis! ... Read more