Editorial Review :

The last thing Samantha wanted when she entered Scot High School was to be noticed. On the other hand, Johnny Jay, another wheelchair student at Scot, was a fighter, battling to obtain accessible school washrooms for the both of them. To Johnny’s consternation, Sam refuses to help in his cause.

To Sam’s astonishment, the marathon committee refuses her entrance in a 26-mile marathon because of her wheelchair. It was only then that she began to see the frustrations Johnny felt. She was rudely bolted out of her dream world and into action.

Customer Review :

What can YOU do?

I must have read this book right after it was first published. I found it in my English teacher's classroom.
The problems in this book: inaccesible public schools, and inaccessible public events aren't supposed to happen anymore, even though everybody knows it does in some places.
Sam and Johnny approach their similar problems from different venues, and yet both are successful.
It is great to see a book like this has been republished.

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Editorial Review :

The author's early years were steeped in farming, country and rural life in Ireland which he loved and lived for. Disability, and it's unbelievable effects for himself or his family never entered his head.

But in 1985, at the age of twenty his life was drastically changed forever following a horrific road accident as was that of his family.

This book truthfully but painfully tells the story how the author coped with total paralysis and dependency for almost every need as a result. It tells about his experience of a full years of hospitalisation. And recalls the shear struggle to rebuilt his life and at the same time watch the devastating effect it had on his elderly parents.

The author's appalling experience of living in institutions, and his crusade at raising awareness of disability issues and seeking rights for people with disabilities is truthfully written about as well as his experience and struggle in furthering his education, getting employment and essential adequate services.

In spite of all the author's challenging, campaigning, hardship and struggle for disability rights in the last twenty years, this books also tells of the very worthwhile, full and joyous aspects to his life which has won much achievement.

All in all, it is an amazing story which everyone must read.

Customer Review :

No review yet

Editorial Review :

Nose to Nose is a memoir about healing. Recovering from emergency surgery in a foreign country, Barry Schieber finds himself buying a puppy to bring back to Montana. He had never thought of owning a dog, any dog--let alone one that will soon tip the scales at over a hundred pounds.

Once home, wherever they go, Moritz draws people to him. Sensing something therapeutic about Moritz, Barry comes upon a way to share this quality with others. So begins their partnership for weekly volunteer visits at a local hospital.

As this chronicle unfolds, the reader comes to appreciate, with Barry, how a seemingly simple interaction with Moritz leads to healing and to engaging in the lives of others.

Customer Review :

a beautiful, subtle, and deeply touching book.

Nose to Nose is a slim volume but within its pages lies a wealth of insight on the human condition and what it takes to understand and appreciate the extraordinary beauty and meaning in what seem to be mundane events. Schieber does not beat you over the head with his observations, rather he lays them gently in front of you, much as his dog Moritz gently lays his head on a childs leg, apparently doing nothing but nevertheless bringing an obviously healing energy with him. Schieber doesn't even ask that you take up his offerings, he just puts them there and leaves it totally up to you. Perhaps it's his Buddhist background at work (he was once Dean of Nyingma Institute in Berkeley, the teaching arm of Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, one of the first Tibetan Lamas to come to the U.S.), but whatever it is, he succeeds in permeating his book with the same gently penetrating energy that seems to emanate from his pal Moritz. In his End Note, Schieber makes clear the subtlety of Moritz's healing presence and the power of his being. Listing briefly a few of the kinds of experiences he has with Moritz and following each of them with the words "nothing much, " Schieber adds this: "Before long, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be once again reunited so intimately with life. Thank you, Moritz." And so this book, that also has the ability to reunite us with life, with the incredible beauty of the mundane that slips so quickly by as we look for something more important, more meaningful, more gratifying. Yes, Thank you Moritz, and thank you Barry Schieber for such a peaceful and gentle reminder of how much we miss as we wander often so blindly through this wonderful life. Nose to Nose is the kind of book that you either "get" or you don't, but believe me, its well worth taking the chance.

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A must-read for dog lovers

Nose to Nose is a reflection of how one beautiful, charismatic Bernese Mountain Dog named Moritz shows a capacity to comfort and distract from human suffering.

The book chronicles author Schieber's trips with Moritz to visit hospital patients in Missoula, Montana. Patients feel instant rapport with the huge friendly dog and come to life during Moritz's visits. A woman paralyzed on her left side spontaneously hugs Moritz with her left arm. The dog plants his paws on the bed of a moaning three-year-old in a cast and touches noses with the child, who breaks into giggles.

Thank goodness, Author Schieber doesn't attribute miracle healing to Moritz. But the dog's simple presence provides distraction from illness and brightens the spirit.

Nose to Nose is an easy read. I finished it in one sitting. For its deceptively simple style, the book offers profound insight. The story is moving without being sentimental. A must for anyone who appreciates the powerful bond between dog and human.


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great dog, so so book

As an advertisement for the bernese breed, this is great. As a book, it is very superficial. I too have bernese as therapy dogs and have been doing it for years. Mr. Schrieber needs to do more than 12 visits to really get into it. Also, he needs to delve deeper into his feelings. I think it is wonderful that he will travel such a long way to do this work, it is very important work. A little more work on the book would have been good.

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Heart Warming

This is truly a wonderful and moving book. It made me laugh and cry. If you are a dog owner and lover, you will love this book and relate to it. If you don't own a dog, you will want to adopt one after you read this book. This book, written by Barry Schieber, is written from the heart. I highly recommend this book for people of all ages.

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Editorial Review :

Raising a child with a neuromuscular disorder can be a overwhelming experience for even the strongest parent or grandparent. Dr. Charlotte Thompson, a leading authority in pediatric neuromuscular disorders, draws on her 38 years of experience treating children with muscular dystrophy, spinal atrophy, congenital and mitochondrial myopathies, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, and all the childhood neuromuscular disorders. Her book provides not only medical facts but much practical advice on how to cope with the many challenges of day-to-day parenting a child with neuromuscular disease.

Dr. Thompson discusses how to cope with the initial diagnosis of a neuromuscular disorder and then suggests ways to get beyond the shock, numbness, and anger that may occur. She describes each of the principal diseases giving the history, signs and symptoms, the usual course, outcome, genetics, and any possible treatments. Subsequent chapters offer advice on when to ask for a second opinion about the diagnosis, how to navigate the medical maze and work with a child's medical team. Tips on finding the most appropriate school placement and developing an individual education program (IEP) are invaluable Dr. Thompson stresses the importance of taking one day at a time and insists that parents must care for themselves. She offers suggestions for developing family closeness and even how to make time for fun. Wise advice from parents of children with neuromuscular disease is inserted in boxes throughout the chapters. A large appendix gives resources state by state and country by country.

There is no training that prepares you to be the parent of a child with a disability, but Raising a Child with a Neuromuscular Disorder should be a great help to parents, grandparents, and anyone who cares for a child or young person.

Customer Review :

A must-have book for the affected family, w/minor flaws

Raising a Child discusses all the forms of muscular dystrophy, so JDMS only gets scant treatment. Even so, most of the book is useful and practical. The introduction suggests it not be read cover-to-cover, but used as a chapter-by-chapter reference to find advice on the specific topics covered. Each chapter does stand alone in this way, but parents with a newly-diagnosed JDMS child may want to read the first six chapters right away.

The book begins with a description of common reactions to an initial diagnosis: shock, numbness, denial, anger and grief. There are good suggestions for handling these stages, including dealing with stress and having creative and enjoyable outlets for parents and children. Another very useful chapter follows: the author thoroughly discusses getting a correct diagnosis and finding a primary doctor who is both caring and knowledgeable. The author warns us against doctors who are arrogant or controlling or who don't take enough time to diagnose a rare condition. In this case, a second opinion is called for. And in many cases, a specialist may be the best doctor for your child, an option that should be discussed and also should be covered by your insurance.

Choosing and communicating with your medical team is crucial, and there are common-sense suggestions such as keeping a notebook, using a tape recorder, and keeping a record of tests. One critical characteristic of good medical professionals is they seek out and respect the observations of parents and children. Parents can also help foster good communication, and there are good suggestions in this area: being on time for appointments, using good phone manners, and giving an occasional thank-you note or small gift.

You'll find some good information on dealing with insurance companies in one chapter, including keeping a meticulous paper trail of medical information and insurance documents and finding help, if needed, in handling insurance problems.

The author presents some very wise advice on maintaining a perspective wider than the disease; both by remembering your child's other mental and physical health needs and by considering the recreational and emotional needs of all family members who are affected, including the parents. One contribution to your child's sense of well-being and independence comes form his ability to do things for himself, so every step you can make in that direction is very important. Detailed discussions of hygiene, assistive devices, travel and safety considerations make this part of the book very practical.

The author includes tips on coping with the emotional ups and downs of your child. Often, children can only express themselves by bad behavior. The best way to deal with children's anger and fear is to pay attention to non-verbal as well as verbal cues and let them know you understand. In some cases, outside help may be a good idea. Other strategies for parents are realistic goal-setting, focusing on what the child can do, and letting him take as much control as possible. Along the same lines, children must be treated as normally as possible, and this includes discipline. There are practical suggestions for mealtime discipline, chores and acknowledging triumphs.

One important chapter for school-age children with muscle problems talks about helping parents and children cope with the delicate balance between having their needs met and being as normal as possible. In this case, parents often have to be a strong advocate for their child, sometimes meeting reluctance on the part of the school. At times, it takes a great deal of attention and monitoring. The whole issue of over-all advocacy for your child is also discussed, with pointers to help, including building a support system and using professional advocates when necessary.

Other chapters deal with keeping a healthy outlook, living in the present, and dealing with the possible death of your child. A glossary includes a discussion of genetics, disease information and possible chores for children.

There are several notable omissions, in this reviewer's opinion. Faith is only mentioned as an afterthought, while most parents find it an important part of coping with a childhood disease. The author's specific knowledge of JDMS is not impressive. Most troubling, though, is the lack of any mention of the Internet as a possible source of information, advocacy and support. Not one e-mail address or link, or support site is listed. For a book published just a few months ago, this is an egregious failing.

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This book save my son's life

Dr. Thompson was right. The entire body is a muscle. I followed her words and got a base line exam from every profession. Since my son looks good I was told not to worry. Although, many were surprised that he could walk. I kept asking what about his heart, lungs, gi and eyes. I was told not to worry.

I made the appointments with the cardiologist, geneticist, gi, pulmonary, optical. It was no surprise, my son had a hole in his heart, was aspirating, has mild cortical visual impairment. My family (father and uncle's) are misdiagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) and we have Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.

Just as Dr. Thompson states, "Don't let any doctor tell you that a specific problem is just a sympton of the disease/condition. Get a proper opinion from a professional in that area."

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Editorial Review :

New York is a unique city where you can eat out inexpensively without compromising taste or quality. The authors asked New Yorkers to tell them about their favorite low-cost restaurant. The ground rules were simple. The food had to be good and the prices had to be $15 or less before taxes, tip, or wine. It had to be a place they would want to go back to. The response was overwhelming! New Yorkers were eager to share their favorite haunts and discoveries.

Over 80 recommended restaurants reflecting the diversity of New York-including the boroughs: Chinese, Italian, Ethiopian, Cuban, Japanese, Cajun, Polish, West African, French, Middle-Eastern, American regional, Russian, Peruvian, Indian, Thai, Ukrainian, Mexican, and more. Plus seafood, vegetarian, kosher, deli, bistros, and cafés.

Customer Review :

Don't leave home without it!

This is a restaurant guide for those of you looking for really good food with a wide variety of ethnic cuisine and without the ridiculously pompous nature of your typical five-star. If you go out to eat for the snooty service and to drop a bunch of money, don't buy this book. However, if your focus is on the quality and variety of the food you are eating, with fancy service as a secondary concern, this is the book for you. That is not to say the restaurants in this book lack decent service....Many have excellent service and swanky locals. Some may also have dismal decor and downright cranky staff (read hole-in-the-wall). But they all have great food in common. One of the great things about New York is experiencing the wide variety of flavors and cooking styles available in this melting pot. You won't find me in New York without this book close by.

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