Disability-and-Health Books

Very impressed with the current information found in this book - there are many adult ADD books on my shelf, but this is in my top 3 books for everyday referals...worth purchasing!

Murphy's "Out of the Fog" was published in 1995 -- that's 11 years behind the times! While he might include some informative and interesting stuff here, ADD/ADHD research is piling up with new insights and implications for personal and social-political use.

The very best new work out there, as of 2006, is Thomas E. Brown's "Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults." Brown, a psychiatry prof at Yale's School of Medicine and the associate director of the Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders, hasn't written a self-help guide here; instead, he's crafted the best overview of current thinking about ADD. He answers doubters -- and, refreshingly, discusses why a number of doubts about the very existence of ADD exist.

If you really want to know about ADD, this is the book.

After completing this review, I realized that if you have ADHD (like me), you may need to take a break in order to make it through to the end.
I am experienced reader of books on the subject of ADHD. The first thing I noticed about the book was the small font and paragraphs which extended very close to the edge of the pages. This is not ADHD-friendly. That said, an effort is made to use summary paragraphs. However, as most all ADHD books feature blocking information, summarizing, and reviewing. I tend to expect this rather than appreciate it. Another feature of the book which threw me off (repeatedly): randomly placed (long and winding) case studies (e.g. "Amy had just been diagnosed ...).
Per the DSM IV, "ADHD" is the proper term and covers three sub-types. The term ADD is no longer used (it's a sub-type under "ADHD"). The author explains this and then, states: "In the interest of simplicity, we will use the term ADD to refer to all three forms." I stopped and scratched my head ... does he believe his reader base to be so inattentive as to render them unable to deal with an extra letter to describe the very condition about which the book is written? That leads to the second question, does simplicity really call for the incorrect labeling of the subject matter of you book? Lastly, even before the DSM IV change, "ADD" as a label leaves out hyperactivity (and combined) - making it simple, but wrong. Why not refer to it properly and in doing so, encompass the entirety of those with the DSM IV's definition of ADHD?
Okay, this guy is old school and wants to save "H" for "simplicity" of reading. I moved on. Shortly thereafter, I got the sensation that I needeed to break out the pom-poms. I don't read about my ADHD to learn all the "wonderful" things I can accomplish despite my condition. At this point, I was becoming impatient. I flipped to the front of the book and noted it is still on the first version which is dated 1995. I knew the medication chapter should make for some useless reading. I had to flip to the chapter covering medication to find out just how useless. As expected, the chapter is pitifully outdated. Without getting specific, I will just let you know that the chapter spends most of its time on Ritalin as the AD(H)D medication and Prozac as a good anti-depressant. Don't waste your time. "Scattered Minds" by Adler (2006) offers medication information to such a greater extent, that fact alone would justify choosing "Scattered Minds" over "Out of the Fog" if you had only once choice.
So, why the 3 stars - kinda high based on my gripes, huh? I set aside my "ADD" label annoyance, worked through the small font and crammed pages, long and winding case studies, and woefully outdated medicaion infomation. What I found is this book offers very useful coping strategies for Adult ADHD. The book also does an excellent job of identifying problems ADHD creates (which leads to the coping advice). The author knows the subject very well. In this regard, the book is better than average.
I have to mention the book's information regarding how to cope with everyday life. You need to take advantage of technology's cutting edge equipment: "computers, fax machines, calculators, and voicemail." Wow. The calculator? It sure is an improvement over that time-intensive abacus.
Those with ADHD will find the layout of this book poor to the point to classify it as a non-starter. If you desire to understand a loved-one's condition, you would certainly benefit from the information (except medication and technology) provided. If you are looking to get your ADHD life under control, I suggest "10 Simple Solution to Adult ADD" (Sarkis, 2005) because it is laid out with the intended audience in mind. It is a quick hitting, information intensive read. (Yes, Sarkis also calls it ADD - oh well.)

After completing this review, I realized that if you have ADHD (like me), you may need to take a break in order to make it through to the end.
I am experienced reader of books on the subject of ADHD. The first thing I noticed about the book was the small font and paragraphs which extended very close to the edge of the pages. There is an effort made to do use summary paragraphs so that the ADHD reader can stay focused. Most all ADHD books feature blocking information, summarizing, and reviewing. I tend to expect this rather than appreciate it. Another feature of the book which threw me off (repeatedly): the randomly placed (and long and winding) case studies ("Amy had just been diagnosed ...). There are too many of them and they are too long. Remember your audience.
Per the DSM IV, "ADHD" is the proper term and covers three sub-types. The term ADD is no longer used (it's a sub-type under "ADHD"). The author explains this and then, states: "In the interest of simplicity, we will use the term ADD to refer to all three forms." I stopped and scratched my head ... does he believe his reader base to be so on short concentration we will be unable to deal with an extra letter to describe the very condition about which the book is written? That leads to the second question, does simplicity really call for the incorrect labeling of the subject matter of you book? Lastly, "ADD" as a label leaves out hyperactivity - making it simple, but wrong. Why not refer to it properly and in doing so, encompass the entirety of those with the DSM IV's definition of ADHD?
Okay, this guy is old school and wants to save "H" for "simplicity" of reading. I moved on. Shortly thereafter, I got the sensation that I needeed to break out the pom-poms. I don't read about my ADHD to learn all the "wonderful" things I can accomplish despite my condition. At this point, I was becoming impatient. I flipped to the front of the book and noted it is still on the first version which is dated 1995. I knew the medication chapter should make for some useless reading. I had to flip to the chapter covering medication to find out just how useless. As expected, the chapter is pitifully outdated. Without getting specific, I will just let you know that the chapter spends most of its time on Ritalin as the AD(H)D medication and Prozac as a good anti-depressant. Don't waste your time. "Scattered Minds" by Adler (2006) offers medication information to such a greater extent, that fact alone would justify choosing "Scattered Minds" over "Out of the Fog" if you had only once choice.
So, why the 3 stars - kinda high based on my gripes, huh? I set aside my "ADD" label annoyance, worked through the small font and crammed pages, long and winding case studies, and woefully outdated medicaion and technology infomation. What I found is this book offers very useful coping strategies for Adult ADHD. The book also does an excellent job of identifying problems ADHD creates (which leads to the coping advice). The author knows the subject very well. In this regard, the book is better than average.
I have to mention the book's information regarding how to cope with everyday life. You need to take advantage of technology's cutting edge equipment: "computers, fax machines, calculators, and voicemail." Wow. The calculator? It sure is an improvement over that time-intensive abacus.
Those with ADHD will find the layout of this book poor to the point to classify it as a non-starter. If you desire to understand a loved-one's condition, you would certainly benefit from the information (except medication and technology) provided. If you are looking to get your ADHD life under control, I suggest "10 Simple Solution to Adult ADD" (Sarkis, 2005) because it is laid out very well for those who struggle to keep focus. It is a quick hitting, information intensive read. (Yes, Sarkis also calls it ADD - oh well.)

This book has been very helpful so far. It is giving me new ways to think about old problems. I'm only half-way through, but am trying to get a handle on the time management/organizational problems with the help of one of the strategies suggested. I would imagine that most of this information would seem very obvious to the "normal" person, but to those of us who are "in the fog", it is invaluable. Thanks for writing this book Dr. Murphy!

R. Simmons, St. Charles, MO.

This is a great book on dealing with ADD. It is easy to read and full of useful information for dealing with loved ones with this disorder.


The ironic thing is, though...if you actually suffer from ADD you will probably not be able to get through this book.


So I suppose this book would be best for people who don't actually have ADD.


Wait, I got it!!


Make this a "books on tape". That would work!

This book is useful for parents looking to get a good understanding of the mechanics of ADHD and some ideas on how best to tackle it. The book is very technical in places but it offers some practical advice.

Great book for medical professionals and those who have some background in ADHD. Good for others, but can be a bit more complicated. Personally I found it very informative.

This book is one of the top three in my ADHD library, which is rather extensive!

Read the editorial reviews above, from some of the field's top experts, to see how highly Brown's colleagues regard his work and this book.

Having attended Dr. Brown's lectures many times over the years, I was glad to see that this printed presentation is just as engaging and clear as his lectures.

Highly recommended!

Gina Pera, author, advocate
Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stoppingthe Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHDRollerCoaster.com

This book is excellent and a must-read for any one interested in the effects of ADD on not only learning and academic achievement, but intepersonal dynamics, management of finances, and advancement in the workplace. Rather than providing either excuses or stigmatizing explanations, Brown provides scientific and anecdotal evidence for a complex, neurobehavioral profile of the executive functioning difficulties for those persons with ADD.

Seller had excellent communication about status of order. Fast shipping. Very professional and courteous. Saved $ over retail. Highly recommend this Seller!

This book is great at mapping out pain and explaining how to extinguish trigger points through direct pressure and stretching exercises. A must have for any bodyworker.

As a Bodyworker, this is a fabulous book. It has helped not only myself, but my clients have benefited greatly as well. It is an easy read and can be of great help to the layman.

I was very interested in this book based on the reviews. I was able to look at it at the library before buying it. To my surprise, almost everything in the book requires two people. The book is more like an instruction book for a physical therapist. If you are looking for a book that you can use by yourself, I highly recommend The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies.

I tried to find specific conditions in the book - and the procedures to follow for treating them. I couldn't even figure out the procedures to follow when reading them - the writing just isn't very clear.

If there is any organization to this book, I couldn't detect it. The author is very enthusiastic about the material and gives lots of her experiences with her patients. That's nice, but judicious editing, better organization and clarity is what this book needs.

This book is huge, there is so much to cover and they tried to put it all in one book. This may be an expensive one but is well worth the money as it is a comprehensive overview of rehabilitation.

The book arrived in perfect condition, brand new and the complete transaction was smooth and easy. Great job. A +

It is very helpfull for license eaxame in Canada and USA...there is no other text which can replace this one.(it is all inclusive)
If you are going for any physical therapy exam then you have to read it.
It is also a very important refrence which should be In your practice near to your hands or at least in your library.

This book is good, specially because it talks about the micro, but it wasnt what i exactly expected to be!

It is a book that is indispensable for the first year of the residence. It is practical, complete and helps to systematize the information. It is a means of very important introduction to the rehabilitation. Highly advisable.

PROS: Each section is just a few pages, so easier to stick with it. I read one or two little sections a day. First day, after reading, cleaned out some files, so that was a plus.

Much of it did speak to me. I understand what she was talking about.

A little TIP: I once had a friend tell me anyone can clean during a commercial and that stuck with me. For anyone having trouble focusing on the mundane, I found it easier to clean during a commercial or set a timer for 5,10,15 minutes and make a game out of it. Can I wash these dishes during the next five minutes? Can I vacuum one room? It helped me.

CONS: It is a little long-winded. Seems to go over certain information more than is necessary, yet at times, the useful information is a little too simplistic. BUT over all, think this is well worth the read.

This book really gives some concrete suggestions to try and also gives you the reason you need to try it that way; and it really makes sense. Great book.

This 278 page paperback book by Lynn Weiss Ph.D. is essentially a field guide for adults with ADHD, but without pushing the ADHD part. Dr. Weiss who is one of adult ADHD's pioneering authors and a champion of the brain diversity model of ADHD has done a solid job of presenting her arguments and strategies in this book. The first portion of the book looks at the emotional consequences of growing up with this specific type of brain wiring (ADHD) and suggests several strategies for undoing damage to self-esteem and identity.

The rest of this book focuses on a wide variety of essential life skills and is definitely geared towards adults who are suffering from ADHD related difficulties such as organizing, time management, and financial skills to name but a few. The Strategies Sections have been well organized and broken down into five main topic areas; Organizing in New Ways, Following through to Success, Behaving Yourself, Using and Protecting Your Sensitivity, and Succeeding at Work.

Although I do not completely share the author's views, I have found this book to be extremely valuable, both personally and with clients. The breadth of the book is outstanding in that it covers such a wide range of topics, and they are extremely easy to locate and understand. The book is laid out in a way that allows readers to flip through it and pick out whatever topic is of importance or interest. For example, if you are experiencing issues around clutter you can just pick up the book, open it and go to the section that tells you how to deal with clutter. As is always the case the book is certainly not a panacea, but it will help jumpstart the reader's ability to better manage their negative symptoms, as well as build on their strengths.

In terms of presentation and lay out the author has done a very good job, the pages are all two columned with well bolded and italicized portions, and there is also ample room for note taking in the margins.

This book definitely makes my top 10 list of adult ADHD books and is an essential part of any well stocked adult ADHD library.

In terms of criticisms I only have one and it is that there is no index in the book, which is an oversight I just do not understand. Though the book is well laid out and has a well developed table of contents indexes are still vital, because they help individuals who have a hard time making their way through entire books, allowing them to hone

This is actually a very good book for ADHD, but needs a better introduction to explain how to use it. It also isn't for the 'neuotypical' who reads things beginning to end.

Dr. Weiss, for all her patience, understanding and compassion needs to have someone explain to her that medication is not the antichrist. Taking meds doesn't mean you're 'giving in', or handing yourself over to the majority brainwiring. It's like wearing glasses (borrowed from Dr. Holliwell (sp?) who could use some of this explained to him as well). She also needs to know that most people don't experience ADHD as a gift, and it doesn't make people who experience it more special, artistic, creative or better than anybody else. She seems to feel that because people have ADHD and feel the world differently, that means that our way is somehow better or more meaningful. It isn't. It's just different, and a lot of adults and children will get along much better once they accept that. Along with this book, I recommend any number of books that talk about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). These can supplament this book in helping people accept the world and themselves, so the process of maturing can be assisted along; seeing as maturing is something everybody needs and ADHD goes double. You're NOT special for experiencing ADHD, just different, like everybody else.

I've been researching ADD for over a year now and was in need of some practical suggestions to cope...and found it in this book...written in a down-to-earth, amusing manner, it is one of the best books I've run across for help in a while. I recommend it.

This book came to me when i was about to give up, no-one seemed to understand me or possibly believe me,it has highlighted so many areas.. the words, "is anyone listening" lets one feel that there is hope and that there are others out there in the same situation.Autism with asperger traits or aspergers alone,there is something for all who have a spouse with the syndrome.This book does give a voice to the frustrations and lonliness that we feel,also how our spouses feel,broadening our understanding and giving us more insight,a must read.

Having a son with Asperger's Syndrome as well as a husband with Aspergers Syndrome, I find that resources which shed full light upon our difficulties are few and far between.
It is tragic and criminal that people who have Asperger's Syndrome are so frequently overlooked by health professionals and labelled too "high functioning" to receive any health/disability assistance. It is also tragic that the families of such people are left alone to deal with the day to day struggles that someone with Asperger's Syndrome can suffer from.

This book clearly demonstrates that families, as well as the people with Asperger's whom we love so dearly, need much more help and support than we are given. HIGHLY recommend this book to families as well as health professionals who are working with Asperger's Syndrome.

Finally! A book full of people that understand what it is like to live with and love someone on the spectrum. As the wife of an AS husband, this is so refreshing. Learning more about AS really helped our marriage. I am always so surprised to hear the inevitable people on the spectrum complaining that they will not change or learn at all - I guess they're perfect. Both the NT partner and the AS partner have to be accomodating; otherwise, AS people wouldn't have *any* family or friends left to share their lives. If I can gently remind my husband to give a little eye contact, and he knows it is something I find helpful or even romantic, then he is happy to go the extra mile. It's great to read a book that can shed some light on this. Any adult, NT, AS or otherwise should be mature enough to grow and work on things that are a problem for family members. NTs shouldn't have to do all the sacrificing, and I think AS folks with this attitude are stuck in childhood.

In the beginning of this book they define the root of this book which is the Cassandra Phenomenon or the "invisible walking wounded." The organizations invented term for the disorder Asperger adults give those close to them. Wow! This says we Aspergers are a mess and doesn't give any great advice. It just says if there not diagnosed get the loved one or friend diagnosed and if your depressed join the club we are to! You have to be kidding. My boyfriend who is typical in all ways and is a doctor agrees the idea to have a book to support the supporters of the Syndrome especially adults is incredibly needed but this book does a poor job. One story I remember is a complaint story of how a wife can't understand her husband with Aspergers and hates it so much they divorce and never speek again with no regrets on her end. If you need a support book of Inspiration for someone like this maybe try Diagnosing Jefferson by the leading international publisher on the syndrome called Horizon.

Maybe I'm biased because I'm autistic myself, but I had to throw this book away after the poem where the author described being married to her autistic husband as being chained in a dungeon then the next article proceeded to describe a family's autistic son as probably the worst thing that had ever happened to them - I wonder what life is like for the autistic people living in these situations?! I'm so glad I read this before I went to a FAAAS conference - I might have gotten lynched! Don't waste your money with this book . . .

Granted, I understand that it is frustrating for families living with those with autism - I live alone for my own benefit and that of potential roommates, but, especially for people who are married to someone who is autistic - if it is that bad, get out of the relationship - I know a couple where the husband is autistic and the wife is bipolar who have been trying to make their marrige work for 40 years and have failed miserably . . .

If you want to know what it is really like to be an adult autistic, go read something by Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, Dawn Prince-Hughes, Jen Birch, Edgar Schneider, Jerry Newport, or all the other wonderful authors who have taken the time to write books - if you want a positive example of a family dealing with autism read 'A Thorn In My Pocket' by Temple Grandin's mother (who's name I don't have in front of me) - don't waste your money on this one

Great product A Journey into the Deaf-World. I ordered this book for a class, and received it in a timely manner. The book arrived in time for the assignments that I needed to complete.

I found this book to have alot of information that was quite interesting. The beginning was very dry and boring, after that very informative yet this book was pretty one-sided. Not a quick read either

The book is just filled with so much information regarding the deaf-world.

I have been working with the deaf for over 20 years and had no idea the nuonces of the ASL language.

I recently started talking sign language over again just to catch up.

You will begin to really understand how little the hearing understand about the deaf world.

I highly recommend this book for those who truely want to understand the deaf culture.

I am a CODA and have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This book goes deep into the heart of numerous issues. I will admit, there are portions of the book that seem to be dry, but within a few paragraphs it becomes riveting. I have learned so much about the world I grew up in and appreciate the honest and straight-forward material. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about Deaf people, Deaf culture, and deafness.

An excellent book, which spans the subjects of Deaf education, history, culture, communication, language, and social interaction.
Very enlightening as to the aspects of everyday life for a Deaf individual. This book opened my eyes to how it would feel to be Deaf, living in a world controlled (for the most part) by hearing people.
For those studying to be interpreters, or the casually interested reader, this book will be a wonderful addition to your library.

Everyone needs to be aware of the benefits of HBOT.

First,I bought "Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy" by Richard Neubauer when I heard HBOT is an effective treatment for diabetic foot wounds. I was sensitive to the subject having had a 92-year-old aunt die (unnecessarily I believe) of a diabetic foot wound in 2005. No one in her nursing home, her doctor's office or in a nearby wound care center mentioned the word "hyperbaric" to her even though HBOT had been available for years at a hospital 30-minutes away in the adjacent county and had been approved for payment by Medicare for several years. The wound care center offered to amputate her leg and she refused. Although at her age she undoubtedly would have eventually died of something else, she needn't have suffered such a painful death.

After I read a second book, "The Oxygen Revolution" by Paul Harch, I wondered if any doctors in my county were aware of the benefits of HBOT. I phoned the doctor who ran the HBOT facility in the adjacent county and a he emailed me the names of seven doctors in my county who had referred patients to him. All but one were surgeons. None were general practitioners.

At this point I decided to take a proactive stance, and purchased sets of these two books and gave them to the nursing directors of the eight nursing homes in my county. They were appreciative and a portion of them had some knowledge of HBOT. At one home they spoke of one of their diabetic foot wound patients who several months earlier was referred to the HBOT center in the adjacent county and was now at home, cured. Also, I discovered that the local wound care center that in 2005 seemed not to know of HBOT, was now installing two HBOT chambers at their own facility.

While HBOT is not a cure for all conditions, in conjunction with other treatments it often brings about amazingly improved outcomes. About a dozen conditions are approved for treatment by Medicare. These conditions are usually treated at hospital-run HBOT facilities at nearby wound care centers. The many dozens of other illnesses not yet covered by Medicare must be paid for out-of-pocket and are usually treated at the much less expensive privately operated HBOT facilities. One is located in another adjacent county to mine, also about 30-minutes away.

While the authors of these two books recommend always using an HBOT facility that has a doctor on the staff, the doctor director of my nearest hospital-operated facility speaks very highly of my nearest privately-operated facility and its safety noting the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) who operate their equipment are fully qualified to deal with anything that might occur.

To the best of my understanding, Medicare approved injuries include carbon monoxide poisoning, healing of radiation damaged tissue, impeded healing of wounds due insufficient local blood flow and cyanide poisoning plus much more.

Insurance sometimes cover bones and tissue that are difficult to heal, swelling of the brain (cerebral edema), crush injuries, burn injuries and drug resistant infections.

Conditions not yet approved by Medicare for which improved outcomes have been reported include stroke recovery, cerebral palsy, autism, coma, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, Lyme's disease and many, many other maladies.

If any of this sounds interesting to you, Google "HBOT and hyperbaric oxygen therapy" and learn more. Meanwhile I fully recommend these two books on the subject.

With the high cost of medical care and drugs, improving the healing process
could not be better. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are breaking down doors
in areas of infection, altzheimers, brain tumors, auttistic disorders,
diabetes, arthritis, and list goes on. The upper class is now even purchasing private home hyperbaric chambers. People who fly a lot or
even NASCAR drivers are turning to these oxygen treatments for detoxification. It is no longer only for scuba divers needing emergency
care for the "bends". If you dont know what this new exciitng breakthrough
is all about, this book is a must have.

Authoritative and well written. Pretty broad coverage of a complex subject, not real deep in parts, but very useful nonetheless. An essential text for anyone interested in recent developments in hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The Oxygen Revolution is a dynamic book about HBOT. It is a must for anyone interested in HBOT therapy. The first three chapters are critical readings for anyone and then you can pick the chapter that deals specifically with the aspect you are researching such as stroke victims.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is researching solutions for medical problems.

No, the insurance physicians are paid to perscribe drugs, office visit costs, etc. Doctors are in business for themselvels too. They have to bring in patients to get paid by insurance companies. Make Sense?

Without drugs, what would they offer that the insurance companies would pay for. Nothing. Pharma has a headlock and a tight one on the AMA. What can we do? They donate hundrends of millions to medical schools - Speak out and discuss so the word revolves around the world.

each page appeared to be to busy, which made me exhausted, not motivated for whatever of interest on that page. there were not going to be any hidden secrets, so the art work and written contents could have been played with more to see how to catch a readers eye , who had been there and done that. i think with some help on these things the book will be of value to someone with back conditions.

I've purchased this book and her New Back in Action book as well. Both are very good; these books should be issued by doctors to every sufferer of back pain. Few if any doctors or chiropractors provide a thorough explanation of what causes back pain. Sarah Key's books are among the most thorough and informative sources on the subject. I only wish I had purchased them years ago. Before you have endless treatments let alone surgery, I recommend reading this book to 1) fully understand the mechanics of the back, 2) educate yourself on the causes of back pain and 3) learn some helpful exercises that may help you reduce or eliminate your back pain on your own.

I have had a problem with my sacro-iliac joint, where the pain permeates into the lower back. I tried the exercises from the book which included using the backblock, for months. It did absolutely nothing for me.

Good marketing though.

After years in the wilderness I found Sarah Key and the Back Sufferers' Bible. I have been to hell and back with my back pain ....spent the last 2 years with a string of neurosurgeons, PTs, and Chiropractors and none has taught me more or helped me more than this book. Sarah explains how the back works (with great diagrams) and how it goes wrong and concrete steps to help yourself. I had a spinal fusion 10 months ago and have had a tough recovery. None of the exercises my PTs gave me provided the relief that Sarah's did. Following her protocol I had significant relief in a matter of days. It left me wondering where the hell has the rest of the "back world" been....she's got the answers. Noone else I have encountered gave me as much information or specific help....and she did it all the way from Austrailia! I am a true believer in her program and give this book and her methods my highest recommendation.

I just wanted to say thankyou for the back sufferer's bible. I have sufferred from minor back problems for years. Last year it got a lot worse and I spent many painful days getting many different opinions from doctors & trying to understand my problems. Unfortunately I didn't "discover" the back
sufferrers bible for many months. When I finally did (4 weeks ago) it was like a breath of fresh air as it really agreed with many of the feelings I had about my own problems and clarified a whole lot more. I sufferred from what was diagnosed as an L4-L5 prolapse and spondylolysis of L5, but feel that this is not quite correct or not the whole story. I was recommended for
surgery due to sciatica and loss of feeling in my left leg, but managed to avoid it by getting a second and third opinion. I am steadily getting better via self help, but have some way to go yet.

Many Touretters will say that Tourette's gives rhythm to not only movement and speech, but thought and life as well. This book, with its energetic, pulsing, and sometimes explosive rhythm, certainly seems to bear that out.

The author, who has Tourette's syndrome himself, describes the way Tourette's interplays with and shapes his life, in an integrated way even when he sees it as an interference. He meets people with varying kinds and degrees of Tourette's, along with Oliver Sacks, a famous neurologist who studies people with Tourette's.

As a person whose tics are too mild for me to really consider them a part of me, I found it interesting to see what life is like with tics that integrate themselves into every part of a person's life. I noticed parallels between the attitudes of some Touretters toward Tourette's and the attitude of many autistic people toward autism, where there's not as much of a line to be drawn between a condition and a person's personality as a purely medical/disease model would make it sound. This book was both interesting and genuinely enjoyable to read.

Taken from the perspective of an author who lives with Tourette's Syndrome, Lowell Handler provides one of the most vivid everyday observances to a most uncontrollable disorder. What most people have little grasp on, Handler often uses humility and humor to set examples of how only one living with this handicap can describe.

Tourette's Syndrome is usually spotted early before the age of eighteen, found to impair males more than females (almost three to one). Tourette's creates involuntary movements and tics that usually cannot be controlled by the person. Vocally, inappropriate language and animal sounds is the most common dysfunction towards the disorder's spontaneous combustion.

Twitch & Shout gives an inspirational account of a man that survives triumphantly, documenting the good and the bad as an author, photographer and moviemaker, on top of personal and love interest. People with Tourette's lead normal and healthy lives, but the journey sometimes is not. Feeling comfortable means comprehending the diagnoses. Handler evokes a great deal of self into the findings of this book.

SIDENOTE
Handler filmed a documentary also called Twitch & Shout before the book was published. This can be found at select local libraries on a VHS format. The video shows some different perspectives that the book cannot illustrate. VERY RECOMMENDED.

Twitch and Shout is a fascinating, moving, and informative account of an artistic young man (the author) who confronts his Tourette Syndrome head on, deliberately living at full tilt in defiance of the much misunderstood disorder.

Moments of transcendent prose alternate with hilarious and sometimes sad memoir.

As an artist and advocate of mastery, I appreciated how the author's challenges shaped his journey, bringing him numerous triumphs, as photographer, author, friend and lover. With objectivity and grace, he discovered that Tourette informed part of who he was, and acted almost as a language or culture, at times a heightened state.

I was moved by this perspective, and aspire to its message, that we should not only accept our rough edges, but see them as the parameters of our genius.

I was so impressed with the frankness and openess of this book. Handler allows its reader into a world that there are not many doors for those without TS. He helps the reader explore the humor of TS, the complexity of TS and the comradery between Touretters. This book is profoundly honest. It is a must read for those readers interested in Tourette Syndrome.

I was very disappointed that the author spent so much time using TS as an excuse for his immoral lifestyle. I'd rather not have read about his sex life & drug use.

The book almost seemed to give the impression that all of us who have TS (yes, that means me too) go around living this way.

The book actually did have a few pages that were worth reading so I gave it two stars rather than one.