Patients-Rights Books

If you have read William Colby's book Nancy Cruzan, The Long Goodbye, you will find his latest book equally informative. Mr. Colby provides an excellent medical history that has brought us to our current debate about killing vs. allowing individuals to die. He shares recent cases and offers insight to both sides of the issue. This book should be read by anyone who has been faced with making end-of-life care decisions and by all who want to ensure that their end-of-life care is clearly understood.

Between author William H. Colby's role as the attorney for the family of Nancy Cruzan - who fought for the removal of her feeding tube, when she was in a Persistent Vegetative State 15 years before the Schiavo case dominated national discourse - and "Unplugged"'s subtitle, "Reclaiming our Right to Die in America", you might expect unsubtle advocacy. Colby doesn't give it, however; and although he talks about being impartial at excessive length, he does stick to the facts when the 3 individual cases (Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, and Terri Schiavo) on the right-to-die issue he discusses are brought up.

The most valuable part of the book was the grounding Colby gives in the evolution of Medical Technology and the role this has played in the debate and how it's arisen; it's striking how new these issues are and how much they are dependent on technology. PVS patients weren't sustainable at all in the past - the term wasn't even coined until 1972 - and the different between the extensive surgery for a feeding tube for Quinlan and Cruzan, and the simple procedure for Schiavo, is vast; it may get even simpler tomorrow. Given that debates have turned on how extreme the measures taken are - and how hopeless a situation is - the moral debates are going to continually change as technology develops, a situation Colby illustrates well.

He also shows the potential pitfalls in living wills and the legal mess that still surrounds this issue; his solution is a power of attorney form and discussion with your loved ones. Giving them the power to make decisions and extensive knowledge of what you wanted is a good; a united family with clear knowledge of your desires is unlikely to have trouble carrying them out. Even if the point in the book is repeated ad nauseum.

The book is repetitive, though this is not always his fault - he provides a necessary accounting of the Schiavo case, which can't avoid covering the endless repetitive and futile appeals. All in all, "Unplugged" covers a lot of useful ground that was missed in the shouting atmosphere surrounding the Schiavo case; brief tie-ins of related issues (such as assisted suicide) add to the use of the book not as taking another side in the debate but giving information you can use decided where you stand and what you should do about it.

"Unplugged" is a book everyone who is going to die should read. It tells you what you need to do to make sure your wishes are respected when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Doing that will spare your loved ones unnecessary anguish. This book, believe it or not, is an engaging page turner and my 90-year-old mother just read it. We took its advice, talked about her wishes, and she now has a notarized health care power-of-attorney, giving us both much peace of mind. All this thanks to Colby's wonderfully written, timely, important book.

unplugged delves into timely and essential subject matter with an entertaining, informative, wondrful style of writing. colby's insight to this pertinent topic is beneficial universally, as we all must confront these circumstances at some point in our lives.

The right-to-die debate is once again tackled; this time by a lawyer who represented Nancy Cruzan in the first right- to-die case heard by the Supreme Court. While Nancy Cruzan's struggles were chronicled in a prior book by Colby, Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right To Die In America offers a broader perspective on the topic, moving beyond Cruzan's struggle to offer answers to legal, ethical, medical and personal issues involved in the debate. Court records, interviews and the authors' own experiences lend to the discussion of current laws, proposed changes, and their effects on society.

"Stepping Out of the Bubble : Reflections On the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy by James P. Krehbiel is an amazing and outstanding book that provides help and direction to the many people that are suffering from problems described in this book.

I was amazed at how many of the problems and challenges, that the author writes about, are problems and challenges I have seen many people suffer with.

The counseling theory and practice information in this book provides a direction for people that have a problem and are willing to go to counseling and risk moving forward in their journey toward finding personal growth and development, and eventually stepping out of the bubble.

Many people have problems and challenges that they never seek help for and they and their loved ones continue to suffer. This book goes a long way in bringing the thought of counseling to people and helping people to better understand the counseling process.

To author James P. Krehbiel thank you for writing your great book. I am convinced your book will help many people and because of your book many more people will step out of the bubble. I recommend this book very highly and also feel it would be a great college text.

After reading Stepping Out of the Bubble a year ago, I went back and read it again for a second time. I was able to pick up even more information this time around that helped me understand and overcome some of my own internal conflicts. This is a book you can read at any point in your life and always find information that pertains to that particular moment. Krehbiel has a way of explaining things that others may consider unexplainable. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just a guy like me, this book can and will change your life.

For me, "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" was reminiscent of the renowned books of author, M. Scott Peck, in the style of presenting profound insights into sensible, easy-to-understand language and clear ideas an average person can relate to. Practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and author of "Stepping Out Of The Bubble", James Krehbiel proficiently shares a portion of his expertise, condensing great weight into accessible and workable solutions for a more fulfilling life's plan.

The "bubble" represents our security and comfort zone, but it is also the inner place where we store the pain of our past experiences and the unpleasant reality of that not being made conscious which keeps us bound in unhealthy and self-defeating patterns. Staying within this bubble limits our emotional responsiveness as we numb ourselves to the coexistence even as unresolved issues unconsciously filter forth. To step outside of the bubble is to courageously examine the contents in all honesty and to face life's reality outside of the bubble. Once outside the bubble, one can move forward to experience life in more emotional depth, fullness and passion. "Being a fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are," explains author, James Krehbiel.

With brilliant and compassionate understanding, Mr. Krehbiel briefly details methods used and pertinent case examples within his therapy practice. "Self-regulation is a goal of therapy. I educate people in the fact that all the answers are ultimately within." "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" strives to do the same, by giving information on how we become trapped in the bubble and how beneficial the making of conscious choices to leave, can be.

Some of the many topics included within this book are: being assertive, characteristics of an "authentic" person, the integration of each of our different personality parts, the difference between true guilt and false guilt, setting boundaries, addictions and addictions to "manic" relationships, awareness (staying in the moment or mindfulness), grounding, honoring one's inner voice, panic attacks, OCD and mood disorders. The section regarding kids and parenting was exceptional, in my opinion, and I found many points about discipline that made much sense. Also appreciated was the section relating to religion (dogma) versus faith (spiritual) as well as what needed to be said about pop culture.

I enjoyed reading "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" and would recommend it to anyone. It is enriching and inspirational.

James P. Krehbiel's Stepping Out of the Bubble was a fascinating read. I found myself underlining various passages. His explanation of how we get stuck in the bubble (comfort zone), and how we find our way out is powerful. It provided me with hope as I move through my own personal journey. I found myself experiencing an emotional reaction to many of the case examples and concepts he explored. He definitely hit some "hot buttons" in my life. But Mr. Krehbiel also provided specific guidelines and tools for stepping out of the bubble. At one point he says, "Courage can be defined by those who live outside the bubble as opposed to those who live in it. I like to compare stepping out of the bubble to wading into the water."

His chapter which includes ideas on multidimensional thinking is appropriate in today's political climate. He indicates that true dialogue takes into consideration the appreciation for differences in opinions. He makes some profound statements about pop culture's affect on the lives of today's children. He also gives parents tools and resources for assisting their children in bettering their behavior. The book ends with a resounding "yes" to life with a hopeful, powerful way of perceiving and reframing life's problems. This was an excellent book!

Stepping Out Of The Bubble by James P. Krehbiel, Is an outstanding book on Counseling Therapy. Krehbiel, is able to put life patterns and fears into perspective so that the lay person can fully understand the mystery that most think is behind counseling. His approach to show that so much of what we seek answers for is within ourselves and with the right counsellor we can become free and step out of the Bubble or Bubbles that a lot of us are in.

This book should be a gift to every teen and their parents, no home should be without it.

It always struck me as odd that one of the so called "cures" or inhibitors of cancer was poison (chemotherapy). Why would you want to poison your body in order to get healthier? "Forbidden Medicine" confirmed my suspicions and put me on to a more logical path.

Jimmy Keller, while not a medical doctor, appears to be gifted in not only detecting cancers, but in eliminating some and putting others into remission. His use of Tumorex to shrink tumors has been an effective natural medicine and is a non-toxic cancer treatment.

After reading "Forbidden Medicine" and given the decision of traditional over non-traditional and non-toxic therapies, there is no doubt in my mind that I would choose the latter. Read the testimonials alone, at the end of the book, and you decide for yourself.

It is a travesty of justice that Jimmy Keller is in jail, while many could be benefiting from his knowledge and the positive results of his treatment. Ellen Hodgson Brown, lawyer and author, has brought to light the injustice of Keller's sentence and has revealed the more sordid side of the pharmaceutical companies and the American Medical Association's attempts to block alternative medicines to treat cancer.

Someday, hopefully soon, conventional medicine (allopathy) may begin to discover how to successfully treat cancer. Until then, there's a lot of money being made by a cancer industry with powerful, immensely well-funded support. "Forbidden Medicine" is about a little, credible guy on the alternative side who helped a lot of sick people, saved lives and who, in so doing, caused the wrath and weight of corporate and federal forces to be arrayed against him. This true story is not only a great read but preserves important information about some little-known alternative health treatments.

I found myself getting really excited while reading Forbidden Medicine. I would be looking forward all day to reading more. Someone should make a movie of this book. Jimmy, once good looking but now disfigured by surgery yet still charismatic, would make a great protagonist. Yet,even better, he is real and his story is true. I began the book for the information on cancer. As I read I would be saying "Yes, I've suspected that all along" like pieces of a puzzle fitting together. The author's writing style is friendly and easy to read. I enjoyed the way we can relate to her and the way she takes us back in time. But it is knowing the truth that makes this story exciting - exciting and sad and frustrating. Thank you, Ms. Brown!

This book is a great read - I simply could not put it down! I have long been aware of the influence of Big Pharma and the medical industry on the suppression of alternative therapies that have potential to alleviate much suffering. This book demonstrates very clearly the extent to which they are prepared to go to exert their power and control over `the little guy', but perhaps more importantly, the clear and present danger of the co-operation of government at all levels in the execution of their control mechanisms.

It is so very important that the public continue to be educated about the insatiable and repulsive greed of multi-national corporations that underscores so many aspects of life, but particularly in health, nutritional and agricultural industries. It will only be when there is a critical mass of informed individuals that there is any hope of these manipulations being overturned. It is so very important that the struggle for the freedom to choose be maintained.

Ellen Brown has done a great job and `Forbidden Medicine' makes a very important contribution towards that end. Yes, it would make a great movie, but The Powers That Be would probably not allow it!

"A Sea of Broken Hearts" is a valuable resource for the public, health care professionals and health policy makers. John James, Ph.D has suffered the greatest loss imaginable - the loss of a child - due to the limitations in our medical system. Instead of retreating and living in sorrow, John James has made a brave and conscious effort to carefully and methodically re-examine every aspect of his son's flawed diagnostic process to expose the actions that cost his son his life and that place all of us at risk.

This book details the practice of Cardiology and the many errors that plagued his son's interaction with the system, including misdiagnosis, miscommunication, the failure to utilize known medical guidelines and diagnostic tests not being performed properly. Mr. James also discusses the many actions that the reader should take to ensure that their cardiac care is appropriate, safe and thorough.

Mr. James goes one significant step further and offers solutions including a comprehensive outline of a national Patients' Bill of Rights. In doing so, John James tells us a tragic and compelling personal story and begins a vital public awareness campaign. "A Sea of Broken Hearts" is a moving tribute to his late son, Alex and one that will help save the lives of many people.

A Sea of Broken Hearts by John T. James, who has a PhD in pathology, is a tragic story of a young athletic man who lost his life at age 19 after receiving care in several medical facilities and by several doctors who all failed to diagnose a serious, preventable heart condition. The book is a case study that methodically reviews his son's medical information with solid support from medical research literature. The story unfolds clearly showing malpractice, incompetence, and concealment, including revisions of his son's medical records. The evidence is an indictment of the medical system where doctors are not required to effectively continue their education, no effective oversight or recourse is available for patients for malpractice, and inadequate coordination among providers occurs. He documents that 300,000 deaths a year can be attributed to doctor or hospital errors. Also the USA placed next to last among 13 developed countries in a cited study of health care quality, which certainly supports a need for change in the country we assume has the best medical care in the world. James recommends positive actions that patients and legislatures need to pursue to improve medical care. The recommendations for change with a Patients' Bill of Rights have far reaching implications for our health care system. I encourage others to read the book, especially anyone who has experienced problems obtaining health care, and for legislators and special interest groups focusing on improving health care.

This book is a must read for anyone who has ever been under the care of a physician in America! This book is a heartbreaking story painfully pulled from the ashes of a father's grief. However, the story does not attempt to bash the American medical system; rather point out some major flaws that thousands of Americans have paid for with their life. The failures of the state medical board and other elements of the healthcare-accountability system are well demonstrated in the text. When I read this book, I felt compelled to share my thoughts with others. This book demonstrates that we can no longer afford to be afraid to question a physician's advice and qualifications! Your life (and your family's lives) depends upon you! While the book may appear to be unkind to those doctors who are unprepared to care for their patients; it recognizes that there are many excellent physicians in our current system.

"A Sea of Broken Hearts", tells the story of how death came to a college-age runner (Alex) because of uniformed, unethical, and profit-driven medical care. The story is told by his father, a medical scientist who expresses shock and dismay as he discovers the nature of his son's medical care. As a reader, you are empowered by being given the opportunity to decide how Alex's care should have differed from the care he actually received from doctors. The failure of Alex's cardiologists to gain his informed consent before invading his body was especially troubling; especially since many of us have signed these informed consent papers in a matter of seconds during a medical crisis. The documentation of technical points is organized and thorough, yet easily understandable to the non-scientist, leaving no doubt in the reader's mind that Alex's life could have been saved.

I found the figures to be extremely helpful, but each must be studied to make the medical pieces fit together. The "indictment" of Alex's healthcare providers is expanded in later chapters of the book to include the community of cardiologists. The author points out many unrelated examples of lapses in cardiologists' care for their patients which are documented in leading medical publications. Some of the blame for the poorly prepared medical doctor can be found in the weak continuing education system that physicians use to maintain their professional competency. The side by side comparison of pilots', mechanics' and physicians' continuing education was especially disturbing. In the end, the reader is finally left with some hope that the healthcare system can be fixed, but serious legislation, including an enforceable, and truly protective, patient bill of rights will be necessary.

This is the story of a tragic loss of young life. But even more, it is the story behind that story. John T. James is a NASA physicist whose 19-year-old son Alex died mysteriously of cardiac arrest shortly after undergoing invasive cardiac tests. In his quest to find out what happened to his son, James turns a scientist's eye on the medical care Alex received -- and did not receive -- in the weeks before his death. In the process, he exposes the shocking inconsistencies of the practice of cardiology in particular and medicine in general. Among other shortcomings, James documents the lack of strong medical standards, the lack of effective credentialing of medical doctors and, most dismaying of all, the institutionalization of this sorry state of affairs in the medical regulatory establishment. The accumulation of evidence is thorough and incontrovertible, as are James's proposed solutions. If you want to know the nuts and bolts of why medicine so often falls short of its goals, and what we can do about it, you need to read this book.

For all the information packed into this book, it reads like a rich and compelling narrative rather than a stuffy textbook. Care plans for three critically ill patients are debated by a diverse panel of experts from around the globe. The debate is lively and energetic, engaging and candid. Geared for anyone with an interest in healthcare, it goes beyond clinical medicine to consider ethics, the law, and the three individuals behind the Three Patients.

An interesting book, probably unique in its kind. Dr Crippen is an intensive care specialist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who in 1996 started an international internet discussion group (CCM-L) to deal with many issues involving critically ill patients. More than 1,000 members have enrolled. This is exceptional in the sense that for the first time health care professionals and providers from all over the world were able to interact and exchange information and opinions in such a direct, facile, almost immediate way.

A fundamental problem - As the population ages and life may be "artificially" extended with the use of sophisticated and often expensive technical support, ICU availability and costs have become an issue of growing public importance and concern. Dr Crippen created three hypothetical patients and asked critical care providers from all over the globe to offer their comments on their management. The result is this remarkable book which is surprisingly easy to read despite the use of specialized terminology. Different perspectives based on different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds emerge as the reader proceeds. A physician from South Africa describes the huge demand for ICU beds and the limited availability. Physicians from India and Russia underline the importance of the patient's social and financial status and what impact this may have on future decisions related to hers/his critical care. A physician from the Netherlands describes the universal coverage health system available in his country and how the decision for further care rests primarily on the physician's medical judgment. A physician from Israel tries to achieve a balance between religious constraints and futile care. And at the end of the book, non-physician critical care providers contribute with vivid descriptions of pertinent cases and with their perception of futility. Among them, a hospital chaplain describes how she helps her patients deal with the fear of the incoming inevitable death by bringing them closer to a picture of a God who is love, mercy and compassion instead of fear, punishment and revenge.

It is evident throughout the book that one of the major issues shaping critical care costs and distribution in the USA is unlimited patient autonomy and overzealous litigation. Increased physician mistrust on behalf of the patients is stated as a major cause of this phenomenon. Whereas many physicians outside USA would assume a role conceived as paternalistic for the USA standards, patients in the USA are often offered a menu of available option regarding their future critical care treatment ("Mr. Jones, in case your breathing worsens do you want us to proceed with mechanical ventilation? In the event your heart stops, do you want us to start chest compressions?" and so on... )

Under the editing of Dr's Crippen, Kilcullen and Kelly a balance and an answer is sought. It is not an easy task but the team involved is one of the best international teams available. I highly recommend this book. It underlines once again the concept that a good question is often more important than the answer.

From Dr. Hoyt's chapter "Globalization of Critical Care"
"There is only one way to explain the birth of this book. That is CCM-L..., an electronic bulletin board that is devoted to critical care medicine), and Dr. David Crippen, one of the book's editors. An avowed nonconformist and refugee from the 1960's, Dr. Crippen has connected intensive care unit (ICU) physicians from around the world by means of the Internet. He has singlehandedly, without commercial sponsorship, woven a network of international intensivists. Nothing like this has ever occurred before. All readers of this book are being treated to a unique experience."

I might add a historical irony. One of Dr. Crippen's ancestors was Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen. This man was the first criminal to be arrested in 1910 via the use of wireless technology. The earlier Dr. Crippen had murdered and disposed of his wife, then sought escape by going on an ocean liner with his mistress (disguised as his 12 yr. old son). The Captain grew suspicious (he saw the "father and son" holding hands and appearing amorous) and wired back to shore. This then led to a spectacular arrest as a member of Scotland Yard traveled on a faster ship and arrived in time to board and arrest Dr. Hawley Crippen. The papers at the time had a field day and this case was part of the "inspiration" for the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window" starring James Stewart, Gene Kelly, and Raymond Burr. Now at the turn of another century we have yet another Dr. Crippen again making history via the use of a new "wireless" technology-- the internet. And the issue of death is involved. But instead of the sensational and criminal death of one person, we have the issue of death and dying in ICU's all over the world.
The four issues interwoven and discussed throughout the book are 1) patient autonomy, 2) beneficence (providing benefit), 3) nonmaleficence (doing no harm), and 4) distributive justice. Does patient autonomy imply not only the right to refuse treatment, but also to insist upon whatever aggressive therapies they may desire (and may have looked up on the internet)? Could we provide more benefit by trying to ease suffering during the end of life as opposed to prolonging life by a matter of days to weeks? To what extent do patients, on the surface appearing calm and sedated, actually suffer as we apply futile resuscitation efforts in their last days? If we are to formally apply some legal formula for the just distribution of critical care resources, is this a decision best left for medical professionals? Or is it a political and ethical decision for the public at large? Those looking for easy and short answers to these questions will be disappointed with this book. Many of the chapter's authors take divergent viewpoints.
What I found interesting was how several authors pointed to a historical trend in the USA. In the old fee-for-service era, when all provided technology and service was very lucractively billed, it was the families whom were going to court to have futile life support terminated. Now, in the new era DRG's, capitation & shrinking reimbursement, it is the hospitals and MD's whom are seeking to legally no longer provide futile care. This seems to imply that there has always been an economic foundation as to the determination of what constitutes "futile care". If we are discussing the compassionate and just application of medical technology and service then "futile care" may be seen as one thing. If we are talking about the provision of billable medical services then "futile care" may be seen as quite something else.
If this book has any one failing in my opinion it is that the issue of Palliative Care isn't addressed adequately. I feel this issue warranted a full chapter at least. While "palliative care" was mentioned in passing by several contributors, a more in depth look at the international differences would have been quite revealing. In many countries Palliative Care is it's own specialty. "Doing everything" is usually meant to do everything in regards to prolonging life, not doing everything to ensure a good death-per many of our default biases. Indeed a recent SCCM pamphlet I received in the mail, titled "ICU, Issues and Answers" and meant for family members of ICU patients, answers the question ""What is meant by `doing everything' with the following.
"'Doing everything' implies tht any and all appropriate therapies will be utilized in order to preserve life." The pamphlet goes on to describe how MD's aren't required to offer therapies that would be medically ineffective. But what if we expanded our definition of "doing everything" to include effective and compassionate end of life care. That care may not be "critical" in the technological sense, but certainly it is "intensive" from the standpoint of patient need and clinician time, energy, and professionalism.

One chapter is by an RT and is titled "Advanced Medical Technology and End of Life, A Respiratory Care Practitioner's Perspective by David Walker, MA RRT. Mr. Walker eloquently describes a "day in the life" of a Respiratory Therapist.
Another chapter is titled "End of Life Care in the Intensive Care Unit" by Gabriele Ford CCRN. Ms Ford paints a rather disturbing picture of what it is like to oversee the provision of futile care.

This is one of the most interesting and riveting books I've read in a while. It is a book which deserves to be both read over again as well as passed around. No ready-made solutions pop out of the book, but I assure you that your cerebral matter will be quite stimulated.

For all the information packed into this book, it reads like a rich and compelling narrative rather than a stuffy textbook. Care plans for three critically ill patients are debated by a diverse panel of experts from around the globe. The debate is lively and energetic, engaging and candid. Geared for anyone with an interest in healthcare, it goes beyond clinical medicine to consider ethics, the law, and the three individuals behind the Three Patients.

This is a great book for anyone who's going to have a baby. I wish it had been out before my first pregnancy. I heard all these stories about epidurals, how they're bad for babies and bad for mothers and mess up childbirth...and they were all untrue! But, I didn't know, so my first childbirth was just miserable. If I had read this book before, I would have known better. This Dr. Hill explains things so clearly, he makes them easy to understand. What I like best is he doesn't tell you there's just one way to do things. He tells you how things work and what they feel like so you can make up your own mind. Now my son is getting older. I hope he doesn't ever have to have an operation, but if he does I will read the chapter about anesthesia for children three times. I really liked this book.

When my surgeon recommended that I get this book, I didn't even know there were anesthesia choices I had to make or that would be made for me! Not only did this book make those options clear, it showed me that I did want to discuss them knowledgably with the anesthesiologist, who was surprised but enthusiastic when I did so. This concise work is clearly written and well organized, so that you can not only easily find the answers to your questions, but also determine what you want to or should be asking as well. Brief anecdotes also give an honest 'preview' of what to expect during a surgical experience, from the time you put on a gown until you're out of the 'recovery room'. This familiarity factor eliminated much of the anxiety I'd expected to experience and alone was worth the price of the book. Chapters on anesthetics and kids and childbirth as well. Highly recommended!

I have long family history of schizophrenia , so this book really help me to understand the vast medical and non medical aspect of this mysterious decease , and how many phycatrist misunderstood the patient . Instead clinicians this book is of great help for families having schizophrenia patient in them , to understand the right and better treatment. It also helpfull for humsan right activists working towards more human liberty.

Dr. Richard Gosden, a researcher in mental health from Australia, has produced a refreshing, easy to read analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of Schizophrenia by modern day psychiatry. This book is must reading for clinicians, be they psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or psychiatric nurses. Gosden presents a clear account of the development and problems associated with both the old neuroleptic medications and with the new "atypical" neuroleptics used to `treat' Schizophrenia. He presents a clear and easy to understand account of how these drugs lead cumulatively to both Tardive Dyskinesia and to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Dr. Gosden debunks the genetic and biological-chemical theories of Schizophrenia and presents an excellent summary of the psychosocial theories. He also presents a remarkable expose of drug research in mental health. The last part of this work describes the problems psychiatry faces with informed consent. Dr. Gosden focuses upon the human rights issues and deprivation of liberty that are usually present as a result of the Schizophrenia diagnosis. The book is clear enough to not only be an asset to mental health professionals, but also is easily understood by the lay public. I highly recommend it.

First let me say that Patti and Ray Grose are close friends. My wife and I have known them for over twenty years and we can say that Patti has written openly and honestly about who she is and how caring for a relative with Alzheimer's has affected her life.

In this, her first book, she writes with the clarity and flow of an accomplished author. Her style is straightforward and clear. Her first-person account of being her mother-in-law's primary caregiver is compelling. It is a fast read and, surprisingly, a page-turner. I was moved by the openness and vulnerability that Patti displayed in her description of events. I was touched by the deep love and heartfelt care she showed her mother-in-law, especially during very difficult times. I was inspired by her determination to do everything possible to assure the health and well being of her husband's mother.

This book was an eye-opener. It was the first time I became aware of the level of difficulty that a family faces when dealing with a loved one who develops Alzheimer's. I found the book so helpful in understanding the toll that Alzheimer's takes on the patient's family. Patti even wrote out a list of helpful hints at the end of the book. On another level the book exposed me to the denial I experienced in not understanding what our good friends were going through, why they were not available for meetings, for social events.

In my opinion, this book is a must-read for any family or caregiver associated with an Alzheimer's patient. In her preface Patti is clear about her goal, "Hopefully, it will bring a message of understanding, hope and worthy advice to the reader." She accomplishes that mission.

Aside from its content, this book is interesting because the Munch Estate rescinded permission to use its present cover. The book is being re-issued, so the few copies with the original Munch painting cover will be rare.

Author Hal Alpiar teaches consumers how to ask the right questions when choosing a physician for themselves or a family member. We are careful about choosing banks, restaurants, mechanics, but too many of us simply put our trust in anyone with an M.D. degree.