Injuries Books

If half of what the Doctor says in this book are true, then maybe we as fans should stop and think about who we revel as heroes and for what. Dr. Robs book is a great read, I finished it in two days, It should be said that this could apply to any team in the NFL. Al Davis loves to win and will go to any length to get there but that applys to every owner and head coach (With the exception of the Bidwill's (Arizona) of course) I find it fascinating that players go to such extremes but that is all part of the glory, The deaths of Mike Wise and Lyle Alzado remind us that the game is everything to these men and some cannot handle being without it or are a casulty of what happens when the cheering stops.

This book takes on more meaning in light of recent injuries and player's petitions for more health care after retirement. I bought it because it deals with the Raiders mostly, but the same medical issues could be from any team in the league.

Doctor Rob Huizenga (MD) puts us on the sidelines as recounts his job as team internist for the L.A. Raiders from 1983-1990. Huizenga describes what he saw, including acohol abuse, steroid use, plus how some NFL players need pain killers to get through the season. The doctor describes treating players on the sidelines, injecting them with pain killers during breaks in the actions, and arguing with the team orthopedist about the extent of player injuries. Readers may smile at the author's description of colorful defensive lineman Lyle Alzado, but not at receiver Bob Chandler's hospitalization for an injured spleen. Chandler (46) and Alzado (43) both died young, the latter attributing his cancer to steroid usage and warning others to beware. We don't know if football caused their demise, but Dr. Huizenga quit his job due to conflicts between medical ethics and the needs of his team.

This eye opening book makes us fans face the darker side of football. I liked that the author had suggestions for making the game safer, and one suspects that weight limits, better padding, and banning steroids might help.

I am in the field of sports medicine and an avid football fan. I must confess to despising the Raiders. However, this was an good book. It does give you some insight into the professional football training room, but you do have to remember that it is written by an M.D. It is smattered with the author's love of self. It is not dripping from the pages, but it did leave an off taste in my mouth. I am certain we are not getting all of the facts, and definately not both sides of the story. Still, it is mostly a good book for those interested in sports medicine or football in general.

For anyone interested in pro football and medicine this is the book for you. Not only is this book chocked full of behind the scene stories but there are enough humorous stories about some of the outrageous things that go on to fill a second book. The author also describes the problems with starting a medical practice, the lenghts teams will go to be sure their players are on the field, steroid abuse, his disgust at some of the things he witnessed. Over all the book has the propensity to change the way an individual watches pro ball. This was an informative, sometimes shocking, sometimes funny, sometimes sad account of life as a professional football player.

".....Science and Practice of Strength Training is an OUTSTANDING REFERENCE AND TEXT that not only presents the scientific principles behind strength training, but also provides practical recommendations for optimizing muscular strength and development....."
[from the book of the back cover]

I am very satisfied with this book.It's very interesting scientific strength book who attempts to join scientific strength approach with one side and practice on the other side.Book is very influenced from work dr.Zatsiorsky with weightlifters and throwers in former Soviet Union but I am also interested in non linear periodization from dr.Kraemer.
Many thanks to autors

As the name implies, this book is a scientific analysis of the practice of strength training. Rather than the typical myths advocated by publications such as Men's Health and other popular sources for training information, this book provides the scientific foundations for strength training. It helps cut through the many myths surrounding strength training and provides in depth scientific analysis by one of the world's leading biomechanists, kinesiologists, and strength training experts. Zatsiorsky has influenced the weightlifting, powerlifting, strong man, and sports training worlds as well as academia. He describes theories as well as methods. This book belongs on the shelf of any serious student, professor, coach, or athlete. I, myself, am a tennis player and have benefitted greatly from this book. Clearly one for the ages, this book is excellent. Worth at least 100$.

I read this book upon the recommendation of Louie Simmons from one of his
[...] articles. I can safely say that this is one of the best books out there. It contains legitimate research and case studies of ELITE world class athletes. You won't find a perfect program here, because no such thing exists... Rather, you will find principles that you can employ to your training and research results based on other world class athletes (most notably Olympic weightlifters).

Best part of all, the text isn't infested with bodybuilding magazine type advice that distorts many trainees philosophy. The bottom line is that 3 sets of 8-12, pre-exhaustion and pyramid sets among other techniques are flawed and ineffective for elite strength athletes and Olympic athletes.

A great book on strength training for beginners and veterans alike. You don't need to be an exercise physiologist to understand it and yet the information is complete and extremely helpful for athletes and coaches at all levels

A nice book. Easy to read and well-laid out. Not much to say about impotency controversy but virtually every basic cyling issue is otherwise covered. It helped me figure out my knee pain which I appreciated!

Anyone who rides can benefit from the great information and tips found in this book. You'll also learn about common bicycling injuries.

This is a great book for all who ride. It gives us a heads up on the common riding ailments and suggested treatments/preventions.

For the most part, there are two kinds of riders in the world: 1) people who ride, ride with others, and have expert knowledge based on experience, and 2) people who read and talk about riding, buy only the best and most expensive equipment, yet have trouble with such simple tasks as navigating obstacles or managing heat loss. The No. 2s out there are obsessed with weighing pasta, exact calculations of cadence, heart rate, aerodynamics, and shedding single digit grams from their bicycles. The No. 2s also make the No. 3s (novices who just want to ride more) nervous about taking on an event or increasing their distance because they're convinced by the No. 2s that they haven't the expertise or elite equipment needed to ride 'seriously.'

This book dispells the witchcraft of cycling. It's about what practically happens to a person when they take up cycling even semi-seriously--particular ailments and stress disorders; simple explainations of how muscles, the circulatory system, blood, and body chemistry all work as it relates to cycling; and the low-down on even the most minor of performance enhancers, such as vitamin overdosing and sports drinks, which he doesn't particularly recommend and tells you impartially why you should or shouldn't use them as well as provides the home cookin' alternatives to expensive gels, drinks, and the like.

BOTTOM LINE: Authoratative yet practical, this book applies equally to the Sunday afternoon 10 mile "epic" rider as well as the 'professional' rider. It will explain everything from the benefits of beer to why you get butt cramps, and will never make such rediculous recommendations as "buy a more expensive bike" or belittle the relatively small amount of riding you No. 3s out there do.

It's the 'obsessive compulsive' free guide to healthy cycling for all levels of riding and riding experience.

The author makes statements that are no longer valid, current, or that are flatly inaccurate. One diagram stated that muscles attach to bones by a ligament. This is not true. Muscles originate and insert into bones via a tendon, with some tendons longer or shorter than others, and with muscle/tendon transitions having different anatomies. This is important in understanding injuries and how to treat them. Arnie also opens up the topic of nutrition with the USDA Food Pyramid, another problematic scheme, since we now know that a high percentage carbs diet of breads, cereals and pastas is a source of stripped-down carbs, not good quality carbs. The medical advice for treatment of painful conditions is outdated. NSAID medicines are now known to have deleterious effects on our bodies. Current research suggests that NSAIDS interfere with the healing of tendons. And, especially for neck and back pain, chiropractic should be the first choice, since it has been demonstrated in several studies over the years to be safe and effective. Lance Armstrong couldn't have performed well without his chiropractor...
The author seemed to have a boiler-plate approach to presenting information. Hopefully his next edition will be more current and clinically accurate.

Howell Equine Handbook of Tendon and Ligament Injuries (Howell Equestrian Library)
A great little book with easy to understand explinations. Simple clear pictures. Great reading for any one with an tendon / ligament injured horse. There are repairable with time.

This book is very, very basic. I bought it because I thought it would go into more depth and cover more topics. It skims the surface and nothing more. I was disappointed by it.

Found this book very basis, mostly common knowledge among horsepeople. Would be a good book for the first time horse owner, otherwise not very helpful.

This book is an invaluable source of information. The illustrations really added to my understanding of Doctor Schultz's explanations so that I thoroughly understood the issues surrounding my horse's lameness. Because of this I could speak intelligently to my vet and get a better perspective of the injury and its implications. There is no better book on the subject. Robin Levine

This little book is packed full of all the information you may want to know about horse's tendons and ligaments. As well as delving into injuries as per the book title, it also explains the structure, mechanics and function of the tendons and ligaments in relation to the rest of the anatomy. There are good chapters on common injuries, diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

There are several case studies, discussion about peripheral topics such as travelling boots and bandages and an excellent chapter devoted to the equine foot, where the relative merits and perils of different hoof angles and shoeing techniques.

Ray Bourhis has written a shocking expose' of the games and scams of the insurance industry. In my experience as a claims adjuster, I've found that policyholders and claimants try their best to be nice. At the same time, because they don't usually read their policies, they are completely at the mercy of the insurance companies in the claims process. The insurance companies, for the most part, control the claims process. That is, unless you know how to take control of the claims process. Bourhis chronicles the bad faith of the companies. Knowledge is power, and once you're informed, you can do something to protect yourself. Great job, Ray!

The author gives us an inside look at what happens when someone goes through the process of filing a disability claim and being denied benefits. This book does an excellent job of preparing you to handle a very difficult process that could lead you to personal and financial
disaster.

Ray Bourhis has done a masterful job of telling the story of his client, Joan Hangartner, (and several others) in their battle with the Unum-Provident disability giant. This book is an easy read that will terrify anyone who is thinking about making a claim against a disability insurance policy. As Bourhis points out, Unum is no worse than any of the others--the disability insurance companies have "done the math" and figure out that denying valid claims and forcing people to litigate for years if very profitable for the companies.

The disability insurance companies don't care about getting hit every once in a while like the massive verdict he got on behalf of Dr. Hangartner... their profits are still enormous. Bourhis also does a great job (discouraging as it is) of showing how most states lack any real "bad faith" laws that can be used to discourage the disability insurance companies from continuing to look after themselves before their insureds. Finally, Bourhis accurately shows that there is no effective meaningful oversite of the insurance industry by the federal government.

Simply, it takes lawsuits like his to break down the veil of secrecy that the insurance companies hide behind.

In short, if you like to read legal non-fiction, (and you like, for example the Gerry Spence books about his trials) then you will enjoy this book

When you read this book it is very clear that Mr. Bourhis is writing it from a plaintiff's attorney point-of-view. Which is fine, just accept that fact when you read the book and know that the book is very one-sided and filled with only partial truths.

In his book he slays insurance companies, UnumProvident in particular, for not being fair, objective, or reasonable in their claim handling practices. Mr. Bourhis is neither fair, objective, nor reasonable in his depiction of insurance claims.

Mr. Bourhis clearly thinks a lot more of himself and his legal prowess. His writing skills, however, leave a lot to be desired. I had to laugh at some of his descriptions of UnumProvident employees. Example - "I don't know where insurance companies find these people but Ryan seemed like yet another excessively clean-cut looking guy - the kind of fellow you might expect to see wearing a white uniform and selling ice cream cones at Disneyland."

What did you think, Mr. Bourhis, that insurance companies only hire the "wolves in sheep's' clothing"? Did you expect all claim examiners to look like witches and ogres out to terrorize the villagers and eat their children? This is, after all, another vicious attempt by insurance companies to charm and disarm the claimant so they can swoop in for the kill, you know.

You will also notice how he refers to the employees primarily by their last names in an attempt to de-humanize those individuals. If they seem less human - less like your brother, sister, neighbor, or friend - it is a lot easier to hate them and vilify them as he has done in his book.

Insult to Injury" focuses on a disabled chiropractor driven to the brink by an insurance company (UnumProvident) that unjustly denied her claim for benefits; the "good news" is that Bourhis and his associates were eventually able to right the wrong after a long legal battle made incredibly difficult by the company's calculated mendacity and the industry's success in prior lobbying of Congress and state legislatures.

When Dr. Hangarter first purchased her disability policy from Paul Revere Insurance, companies made their profits primarily on double-digit investment profits. However, the market changed and the companies found themselves under increasing pressure. In the meantime, Dr. Hangarter was injured providing treatment to a patient, and despite significant efforts at treatment, had to give up her practice and rely on disability payments from Paul Revere. Eventually Revere was sold and then became part of UnumProvident, and Dr. Hangarter's world was turned upside down.

New corporate leadership was brought in and began a deliberate policy of searching for ways to deny benefits - goals were set, customers were lied to regarding whether they could appeal and what was covered, expert testimony was slanted through incomplete information, documents destroyed, and the disabled often forced to go through lengthy, risky, and expensive litigation to collect. Possibly most frustrating of all (to me) was the fact that even when the company lost, it simply continued the same practices with other customers, and made it as difficult as possible for those victims to learn of the firm's already uncovered pattern of deceit.

Eventually because of all the resulting bad publicity UnumProvident's CEO was "forced out," given a $17 million payment, and all his cronies were left behind. Not much of a victory for truth and virtue. Meanwhile, President Bush touts his efforts and legislative victory to make righting such wrongs more difficult, and most state insurance commissioners and laws remain toothless. (California was a fortunate exception.)

"Insult to Injury" also goes a long way towards explaining why large punitive damages are sometimes necessary in the absence of innate corporate honesty and laws that mandate such.

And now we're reading about insurance companies and how they are managing to not pay Hurricane Katrina victims.

After reading an article about William Bonadio's book, "Julia's Mother" in my local newspaper I knew I had to read it. Too many books are written about hospital experiences and stories of tragedy in the ER. This book was amazing! The stories Bonadio told were so incredibly touching it really makes you think about your own life. Too much do we think of doctors as those people on "the other side of the fence," that don't really know what we are feeling. Bonadio proves to us that yes, doctors do feel too. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

I was initially drawn to this book because I remembered Dr. Bonadio from his residency in Cincinnati. He was always a very intense, hardworking, caring physician. His book brought back many memories of similar situations I have encountered as a pediatric emergency nurse. His descriptions are very vivid, and written in a style that draws you completely into the story he is telling.

An amazing collection of stories from a children's emergency room. Bonadio allows reader to see not only the gripping details of events but also his feelings about his patients and his work. Doctors are not often this forthcoming. I was especially taken with his awarness of the impression he was giving to anxious parents with his body language and facial expression as he worked over their stricken baby, deeply moved by his search for words to tell Julia's mother that her child had died.

I read this as part of a research project, but wholeheartedly believe that this book would be fascinating to any reader. Bonadio's skill as a writer is phenomenal. I hope he writes other books, even novels, in the future. My guess is that he will.

Dr. Bonadio shares pieces of his medical career and of lessons he has learned. It was fascinating to learn of his medical school career and of all the insecurities a doctor-to-be would have. The lessons he learned from his patients and their families are invaluable. His compassion is heart rendering. My only complaint is that the book was too short. I really wanted to know Dr. Bonadio and his life better. Will there be a sequel?

I enjoyed this book more in hindsight than in actually reading it. Be forewarned -- this isn't strictly about the pediatric E.R. There's a lot in here about medical school and other experiences significant to the author. The book is more a long philosophical rumination about and reflection on the importance of doctors.

There is a certain tone to it that I couldn't quite pin down but that I found off-putting. Maybe it is the distance of an extremely disciplined, intelligent, and dedicated human being trying to relate to all the rest of us poor slobs. He even admits that is why he chose pediatrics because he couldn't stand dealing with adults (I didn't hold this against him--it's why I used to teach preschool--but it stung to see it in print from a man who is supposed to care about people). I was impressed by the hard work that goes into being a doctor. I knew about this but it was important to hear it again. You may have read about it or seen it before in medical movies and books, but the personal take on it here gives it a newness that impressed me. If you're looking for brief and many stories about chaotic and dramatic medical tragedies like in the t.v. show ER, you won't find it here. But if you are interested in reading one man's insight into his demanding and difficult career, this will make a very absorbing read.

What a beautiful book. I felt her pain and her triumph. I recommend this book to everyone. I was truly touched by Samantha Dunn.

I read a lot of memoirs and this one was very scattered. I couldn't keep track of where the author was a lot of the time. She grew up in many different places and she must have adopted that way of being--because that has become her writing style. I thought the cover looked good; but in this case 'don't judge a book by its cover.'

...you'll love this book. Dunn never met a comma she didn't like. After a while, her lack of attention to form becomes irritating. It's not just a stylistic affectation--it's an affront to her readers. I felt like asking the publisher for my money back. Is it too much to expect that the publisher give the book a decent copy-edit before asking customers to pay good money for it? Despite this gaping flaw, the story is interesting. Just don't expect a finished product.

NOT BY ACCIDENT: RECONSTRUCTING A CARELESS LIFE is a very well written, indeed it's a beautifully written, book. The language used just keeps you flowing along through the story, which is absorbing in its own right. The book presents a tale of facing death, of tearing apart assumptions, and of deep insights revealed which profoundly change a life. We see guilt, sorrow, growth, hard work, heroism, in fact, almost every emotion runs through this book especially the one needed most: appreciation. Samantha Dunn is to be commended for the way in which she presents the events unfolding around her life, and the sterling use of our language, crafting the structure of words and sentences into something profound. You will not be disappointed if you read this work. I predict a literary prize in its future.

I happened upon Not By Accident, at a yard sale of all things. This was a very lucky find. Samantha Dunn is an incredibly talented writer. Her story is courageous, honest, and intelligent. Her stoic and quirky humor propelled me on with an odd curiosity, only to watch her become vulnerable and naked in her healing process as well as her writing. I loved her internal musings and mental wanderings, it made me feel less alone, as though I were a part of a greater whole. I have recommended this book to many people and plan to read Failing Paris, if this is any example of what Samantha Dunn is capable of, I'm there.

About 10yrs ago, I developed CTS....pain was similar to electric shocks at some moments...desperation and internet searching found the Rossiter method.... a few weeks of determination found complete relief and I've never experienced any further discomfort. btw...I'm an Electical Designer who spends 8-10hrs/day on the 'puter; plus 5-10 hrs/week on the home 'puter...

Half of this book explains Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI), and the other half describes exercises to overcome RMI. I never read the half that explains RMI. I just read the half that describes the exercises. I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and was wearing a cast 24 hours a day. My doctor was ready to start injections and then maybe surgery. The exercises in this book completely cured my problem with no medical treatment needed. I then gave the book to my doctor.

I am sorry, some people say this book helped them but I found the exercises to be very tedious and ineffective. It was actually a pretty upsetting experience, because it was all so uncomfortable to do, and I really needed to find a solution to my Repetitive Strain Injuries but could not.

Finally I discovered The Triggerpoint Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies (which saved my life) and It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Suparna Damaney & Jack Bellis (which is essential for anyone who has a computer-related Repetitive Strain Injury). The MindBody Prescription by John Sarno also gave me a different perspective, though it didn't help me personally as much as the others a lot of people swear by it. If you happen to live in Los Angeles they are all available from the library, I don't know about other cities.

Oh, and Sharon Butler's book, Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also good for teaching gentle stretches. In the end, it was this collection of books that told me all I needed to know and now I have completely recovered. But unfortunately the Rossiter Way did not help me at all. I'm giving it 2 stars just in case it has some merit I missed.

As a musician, I play the piano about 30 hours per week. This became difficult with the onset of tendonitis and carpal tunnel symptoms. I did these exercises daily for about 6 mos. with a personal trainer and physical therapist. I now live symptom free! Thank goodness I said no to the cortisone injections! I highly recommend it to anyone with similiar problems. You can be healed with this system of exercises.

I had a chronic clenched muscle on the left side of my mid back for about 7 years. Some days it would be no problem, some days the pain was almost totally debilitating--I couldn't sit still for more than 5 minutes, which was a huge problem since I spent most of my time on the computer or at a drawing table. I tried chiropractic, massage, rolfing, yoga. Nothing gave me long-term relief. Then I found this book through my rolfer. I was skeptical about the back exercises, because you work on the thighs, not the back at all. Well, after doing the back exercises twice, the pain was gone. Entirely. Doing them once every three months now is enough to keep me pain free.

The exercises on the arms are fantastic for relieving carpal stress. Both my girlfriend and I have had periods of intense computer activity where we can feel the tightness building dangerously. But running through the forearm, bicep and shoulder stretches offers *instantaneous* and sustained relief.

It seems too simple. But it works.

I liked this book. This is a simple, typical horror book. The characters aren't very deep- Josh-A manly father who has lost his beloved wife, Sue- his daughter who's a little genius and Chris- his son who's hyperactive. There are numerous families in horror films/books with a very similar structure.
The Pinson family moves into a property in the countryside after the mysterious, bloody death of a relative who used to live there. Josh, who came from NYC, ignores the warnings of the neighbors about his land being haunted and settles in. He is ruled by rationalism. Soon enough, strange things begin to happen...deaths, near deaths, weird deseases, ghosts, animals going mad, walking sekeltons and everything you can imagine.
The big flaw of the book is the ending, which tries to make the book more than it really is. This is not a philosophical book. Inserting 10 pages of heavy philisophical ideas is just NO GOOD, especially when these 10 pages are the last pages of the book.

The book was spooky, easy and fun to read, if somewhat unsatisfying.

I can't remember now why I was randomly searching through Piers Anthony's books - I had mostly given up on him years ago when I realized that after the first couple of books in any given series (Xanth, Apprentice Adept), that series would devolve into repetitious silliness and idiocy. Maybe it was in hopes of finding another gem like Firefly (which is another amazing read, if you can find it). Well, I ran across this book and was immediately intrigued and set about to find it. I'm glad I did - I couldn't put it down. It starts out slow - setting a mood, slowly inserting more and more elements that just don't quite belong. Joshua Pinson, the new owner of the property, is a rational man - a computer programmer - and finds it harder and harder to explain away the occurrences, although he continues to attempt to do so, not wishing to give in to the superstitions of those who live in the area concerning his property, and especially the large tree under which shade his new house sits. Finally during an extended rainy period things seem to hit a sort of critical mass . . . but I don't want to ruin anything, so you'll just have to read it for yourselves. I highly recommend this book for those who like a good ghost story, a good mystery, a good scare, or just a well-written book. You won't be disappointed!

Piers Anthony demonstrates his competence at horror novel writing. This story enthralls almost immediately, about a father and his two children taking refuge from The Big City in a safe, rural setting. Anthony builds empathy for the plight of the family, who have just lost their mother to NY crime. But as he does this, he begins to insert elements into the rural Florida setting that don't quite fit, that can be explained away at first, but then ...

I won't give anything away, but this could have made a great X-Files episode. Anthony demonstrates that he can run with King or Straub with this story. His characterization is much deeper than usual, but he doesn't neglect his perversely creative ability to plot beyond the lines.

Great bedtime reading for city dwellers. Not certain I'd read it at all if I lived in an old house under an old tree, miles from anywhere ...

There was a day when Piers was known for more than his stupid and silly fantasies, and this is one the best books from those times. Much of the scenery and background is taken from his real life, but here he creates more suspense and drama than I've ever seen in any of his books. The characters are real and believeable, the writing is tight and descriptive, and the overall suspense of the book keeps you turning the pages until the very end -- where the book goes from suspense/horror to outright light fantasy. But hey, I'm not complaining, at least it's not some cope out, splatter the wall with blood ending that Stephen King has come up with a hundred and one times already. I highly recommend this book to all who are even remotely interested in this genre of writing; it is not, however, for those who are incapable of conceiving of literature beyond Xanth.

Okay, first of all, I like this book. I enjoyed the read just like I enjoy reading most of Piers Anthony's books. Shade of the Tree cleverly ties together all the essential elements for a proper horror story - bitterly cold weather, forebodingly sharp objects, hallucinations and nightmares, and an increasing sense of isolation and doom. I will also add that the two children in the novel are superbly written and manage to seem both realistically childish and yet reasonably mature without ever edging too far off either spectrum.

That said, the story DOES have its issues. The father's stubborn refusal to adjust his lifestyle in the face of the supernatural is jarring - he doesn't deny the existence of the ghosts that fade in and out of his sight by chalking them up to hallucinations (which would be a credible response), but rather he accepts them as real and as a potential threat. However, this tacit acceptance is the end of his response - he doesn't take steps to actually DEAL with the ghosts (ideally, by moving out and taking his two children with him) or to try to minimize their affect on his family in any way.

Piers also falls into the two major flaws he introduces into pretty much every other book he's written. The first flaw is that of the "Perfectly Pert Patty" character - Piers is never happy until he introduces an impossibly buxom barely-legal type which must, of course, be introduced as a flawless physical specimen every time she enters the scene. No mere "Bonnie showed up at the doorstep," for Piers - it must be "Bonnie showed up at the doorstep and she brought her stunningly spectacular breasts with her," or not at all. Yes, the story needed a maternal figure, but I'm not certain that a 19-year-old Sophia Loren look-alike was mandated. But I digress.

The other major flaw that Piers can't help but introduce is his need to reduce everything to a computer-analogy. A telepathic tree is not a computer, and trying to describe it as such in a novel otherwise completely devoid of such sophisticated devices is extremely jarring. And, of course, we're left with such amusing sentences as "a telepathic being, even a tree, was easier to accept than the supernatural," leaving us to muse what, exactly, is "natural" for Piers that a telepathic tree who summons mental ghosts and zombies to kill people ISN'T supernatural.

Again, it's a fine book. I gave it four stars - I like it, it was worth the $1 I paid at Half Price Books, and I'll even probably read it again someday. Just be aware that there are problems, but if you like Piers Anthony, the problems are ones you've dealt with before and you'll muddle through like I did.

A whole bunch of short stories from surfers around the world. Some sad. Some funny. Some very in-ya-face. But all a good read. Keep it in the glovebox of your car to read when you're sitting on the sand waiting for the swell to arrive.

heads and shoulders above most surfing books. Really great writing, short stories, great topic of course.

This book is very well written and worth the money. Many of the characters and stories are news worthy and the presentation is compelling. There are some photos and the chapters are well constructed and easy to get through for old surfers (like me). My only suggestion to make this book better is that some of the stories were not that big of a deal. I felt that the author could have waited a bit longer and filled it with 100% exciting stuff. But it is 95% there now so don't hesitate to buy it.

Surf stories are always the best things surfers write about. Maybe because they are such interesting people who usually sail along in the tradewinds of life but still find themselves in the most extraordinary circumstances. This group of stories nailed the genre just right, the way Steve Pezman explained the mystery of the trestles situation in the Nixon years, Matt George's very strange experience in Northern California, and on and on. I would lend it to one of my other surfer friends, but I will want to read it again and again year after year. This is a book you would never want out of your possession, but keep it in the car, take it to the beach and pass it around but be sure to get it back. What a treasure. Have any more stars?

This book expertly delves into the surfing subculture with stories that every surfer can relate to. I have never surfed Trestles, but the stories of what went on between the surfers and the military base were hysterical. Even non-surfers I read it to found it extremely entertaining.