"Having a terminal illness is supposed to make you extremely wise and evolved.... Unfortunately, I just can't get my head around Zen meditation, and seem to be stuck in, 'Why did I eat the fishfingers that Lola spat out when I can't fit into my jeans any more?'... Still, one of the women at my support group recently lost a lot of weight. On Monday night, she died." --Joan Price
Book Description
By turns humorous and heart-rending, an unforgettable account of a young woman's spiritual triumphs over breast cancer in the last year of her lifeRuth Picardie was only thirty-three when she died, a month after her twins' second birthday and just under a year after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. For Ruth, a journalist, it seemed natural to write about her illness. She published only five columns for Observer Life magazine before she became too sick to continue, but her moving, funny, and very human account drew a huge response from readers all over England. Before I Say Goodbye juxtaposes these columns with correspondence from readers, e-mails to her friends, letters to her children, and reflections by her husband and her sister. The result is a courageous and moving book, entirely devoid of self-pity, that celebrates the triumph of a brave and wonderful woman's spirit. An international bestseller in England, Picardie's sobering yet ultimately life-affirming book is destined to become a classic.
Customer Reviews:
A LOVING TRIBUTE BUT THE PIECES DID NOT FIT TOGETHER........2006-08-05
I have great sympathy for the family of the author. Living with cancer and losing a loved one to cancer are enormous tests of faith, courage and emotional stamina. This I know, for I, too, am living with cancer. The book is an excellent tribute to a courageous woman; however, I did have a major problem with the book. The book reads similar to a diary. Obviously, the e-mails and messages contained in the book meant a great deal to the author and her family. However, the the messages have little meaning to the book's reader. It felt like I was reading a stranger's mail but only getting bits and pieces that did not connect. The feeling was similar to listening to one side of a telephone conversation. We know nothing of the people who wrote these messages and e-mails; therefore, it was extremely difficult to relate to any of them, other than we all know they had compassion for the author and felt her loss. Overall, the book was a nice way of remembering Ruth Picardie, but it read like a jigsaw puzzle - a piece here, a piece there, but nothing fit together.
not what I had expected.......2005-01-19
This book was not the book I had hoped to have bought. I enjoyed some of her emails, the writings by her family, or from readers. However, for anyone who can identify with this statement, it was not an edifying book for me. I expected her to die, of course. That was obvious from the title. I did not expect to find that she was an atheist, as was many of her friends and spouse. Death is difficult, but as a Christian, I know that when our objectives on Earth are fullfilled then our time here is done. I would be totally devastated if I didn't have the hope, the peace of knowing I have a heavenly Father who loves me, hears my prayers, and never allows me to walk thru this journey alone. How sad to find she most likely left Earth without knowing this peace. For me, this book had many positives but sadly, dieing an atheist was not what I had anticipated. Maybe I needed to read it, if for nothing else, but to appreciate what a blessing and comfort my Christianity is for me.
Helping put my diagnosis and prognosis in perspective........2001-08-16
I was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, Grade IV, and given a prognosis that was not exceptionally good. This book helped me put my feelings and emotions into perspective and better understanding, and it has helped family members who have read the book do the same. I enjoyed the book so much that I have ordered an extra copy to give to my Neurosurgeon in the hopes that he will find it worthy of having residents and medical students do required reading of it, in the hopes that they too can benefit from the patient's perspective. An excellent book of great value, but not an easy read for those diagnosed, or their families, with life threatening illness and disease.
Very sad book.......2001-05-18
First of all, I don't understand why so many people believe books should be "life changing". I'm saying this because, when reading the previous reviews about this book, quite a few people have mentioned that they expected this book to be life changing: and it wasn't. Why do all things written by cancer patients & such have to be life changing? That's one question. And why do the things they say have to be relevant to everyone? That's another question.
Ruth Picardie was a person with her ups & downs, her good qualities & her bad qualities. One thing that should be immediately noted is that she never intended for a book to be made out of her emailing with friends. Or maybe she thought she had more time, which would enable her to continue writing her columns & make a book out of them eventually. Sadly, her illness caught up with her. So "Before I say goodbye" is just a collection of personal emails, letters from Observer readers, & her 4-5 columns for the Observer. The columns are definitely the best writing in the book, & that's how it should be, since it's the only writing intended for publication.
For some reason, I was more touched by the emailing, maybe because the ordinarity of the messages showed me (as if I didn't know...) that commonplace things happen to people with cancer, even as they do to you & me. If you turn that around, it also means that cancer happens to commonplace people, again like you & me!! Obviouus, isn't it? But denial is a very strong force, & it's so natural to believe things like this cannot happen to you. If for nothing else, then just for this, "Before I say goodbye" is very chilling & terrifying. I for one read it in one sitting, yesterday night, & ended up finding it difficult to sleep afterwards...But on the other hand, this book also gave me a sense of perspective about my life & its problems.
Another thing I should mention is that there's an interesting afterword by Ruth Picardie's husband, which gives a much fuller picture about the family & the way they all dealt with Ruth's condition. During the course of the book, lots of questions are left unanswered, which is natural since the book, as I said, is not really a book, but a collection of different pieces of writing. So Matt's writing puts everything into place. It's also a truthful & painful piece of writing.
If you're generally interested in this subject-matter, John Diamond's "C: Because cowards get cancer too" is on the top of the list, & also "Dancing at the edge of life" by Gale Warner. These are much more complete books. It's very sad that Ruth's writing never had the chance of developing into a real book. Time was cruelly stolen from her & from her family.
It Could Have Been My Mother.......2001-05-02
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and in November of 1998 she died, aged 44. I watched her becoming helpless, obedient, clildlike and frequently found myself wondering "Who is this woman and where did my mother disappear to?"
Reading this book helped me understand what happened to her and that it was not unusual for a cancer patient to become that way. In other words: She did not become a freak, and obviously that is a great comfort to know. My mother was still in there somewhere.
This book will make you laugh and cry. It will break your heart and increase your understanding of loss and death.
This book should be required reading everywhere!
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The International Encyclopedia of Pet Care: A Practical Guide to Choosing and Caring for Your Pets
David Alderton
Manufacturer: Howell Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
| Baking
| Canning & Preserving
| Cooking by Ingredient
| Culinary Arts & Techniques
| Drinks & Beverages
| Gastronomy
| General
| Meals
| Natural Foods
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ASIN: 0876055471 |
Book Description
Need to know what to feed your chinchilla? How to design a hutch for your rabbit? How much light you iguana needs? Youll find the answers to these questions and hundreds more in The International Encyclopedia of Pet Care. In this comprehensive volume, author David Alderton gives thorough care advice for every pet imaginable. Each section has expert information on:c Selecting and buyingc Housingc Feedingc Handlingc Behavior and trainingc Breedingc Health CareCharts, illustrations and step-by-step photos make the amazing amount of information in the book readily accessible. The design is colorful and contemporary, making this tremendous resource as visually compelling as it is informative.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!.......2000-08-29
This is a truly great book, it cover every pet. Lots of information and great pictures too.
Book Description
Handknitting and crochet are taken to a whole new level with the fashion-savvy designs provided in this book. Stitch techniques for knitting and crochet include prestrung and hoisted-atop stitches, single- and double-crochet, and half-double crochet. Each technique is then demonstrated with an exciting range of masterful designs that feature a sparkling array of beads strategically nestled among the stitches. Beaded projects are accompanied by easy, step-by-step instructions and illustrations and include Fair Isle and cabled tunic sweaters, a short-sleeve pullover and vest, felted slippers with a beaded-star pattern, and dazzling jewelry. Also shown are ways to mix techniques and add beaded accents to pockets, collars, scarves, socks, vests, and even pillows. Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels will find inspiring projects and a feast of possibilities for one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
Customer Reviews:
Exquisite Patterns.......2007-08-07
This book is geared towards intermediate or advanced knitters who want to take their projects to a whole new level. Beads add an entirely new dimension to your knitted pieces. I am a jewelry designer who enjoys knitting and this book brings together two of my passions. The instructions and drawings are very clear. My favorite patterns are the Ethereal Lace Tunic and the Grace Kelly Collar. Both are simply gorgeous! If you love beads and knitting or crocheting, you will enjoy this book.
Knit and Crochet with Beads.......2006-07-06
Very informative book. Gave some great ideas on how to add beads to some of my projects.
Lily Takes the Mystery Out of Bead Knitting.......2006-03-08
Who else but Lily could do it? I have knitted beaded purses on 0000 needles, but never considered knitting a beaded garment until reading this book. Lily explaind every way that it can be done in clear and precise language, with excellent pictures and charts. The patterns are glorious! Patterns for sweaters and shawls and really beautiful items that are truly one of a kind. And not knit on itty bitty needles either. You don't don't need a magnifying glass to knit these beauties! I am working on the Vargas Girl Sweater in pale blue Rowan cashmere with gold and copper beads, a large investment, but the results are gorgeous!! This book is a must have for the truly glamorous knitter!
Beautiful Designs and Outstanding Instructions.......2005-09-29
Inspiring and instructive. As always, Lily's instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for techniques that are new and a little different. The projects are stunning and quite "finish-able." And Lily's "signature" sense of humor keeps you company while you create and learn. A winner.
More knit than crochet.......2005-08-10
I had great hopes that crochet would have equal parts of knit and crochet and boy was I wrong. For you knitters, it is about 75% knit and 25% crochet. I just expected more balance and didn't get it.
Product Description
Imbalance? Infection? Dis-ease? Not up this garden path! A must for folks who face a challenge to the immune system, this herbal with free seeds teaches how to make all kinds of remedies to fight dis-ease and maintain high level wellness with plants you grow yourself. Stephen Buhner, editor. #3 in The Garden Remedy Series.
Book Description
Whether it’s the tang of ozone in the air just before a rainstorm, the homey smell of freshly baked bread, or the inspiring scent of roses, natural aromas are everywhere with us, influencing our moods, and informing our perceptions. But natural aromas are capable of much more. Science is just beginning to reveal how aromas affect our bodies as well as our spirits, and what once seemed far-fetched–that you can treat many common ailments with nothing more than a pleasing smell–is now being taken seriously by many in the medical community. Yes, you can smell your way to good health, and now Aromatherapy For Dummies shows you how.
This down-to-earth guide takes the mystery out of essential oils and other aromatherapy tools, and shows you how pleasing scents can cure what ails you and enhance your life at home and at work. Among other things, you’ll discover how to:
- Safely and easily treat hundreds of common ailments
- Increase f ocus and concentration
- Relieve tension and relax
- Improve athletic performance
- Enhance romance
- Sniff out the right essential oils
- Create fragrant essences in your kitchen
Under the expert guidance of one of America’s leading botanical experts, you’ll bring the wonders of aromatherapy into your own life. Kathy Keville provides clear, concise, scientifically informed explanations of how plant essences can support body, mind, and spirit. She offers common sense advice on everything from therapeutics and cosmetics to the recreational uses of essential oils. And she supplies:
- Easy-to-follow instructions on how to select genuine aromatherapy products
- Symptom Guide–simple and easy remedies for 60 common conditions, listed alphabetically by symptom
- Aroma Guide–an A-to-Z guide of fragrant plants used in aromatherapy
- More than a hundred recipes for everything from oily skin to indigestion that you can whip up at home in five minutes
The world is full of natural fragrances that can help you feel better, work smarter, play harder, and relax. It’s time to get well with the healing power of smell, and now Aromatherapy For Dummies shows you how.
Customer Reviews:
Hats Off To Kathi.......2005-10-12
First I wish to thank Kathi for approaching the subject using language that is practical, down to earth and hands on. I've re-read this book numerous times and always find another piece of information that has helped me to build upon a new blend and has prepared me for a more scientific study of essential oils. I would dearly love to hear her speak in person.
A good beginning book on aromatherapy.......2005-02-07
Although being well versed in herbal remedies I had not explored the world of aromatherapy healing so I picked up this book. It is stock full of information. It contains the basics, how when and why to use essential oils, oil decriptions, some oil mixtures, oils to avoid etc. I wish it did have pictures however. Also as a reference book it may take you a minute to find the information because there is so much of it, where as other books are more compact and straight to the point.
Good overview.......2004-11-12
Thinking about learning more about essential oils and aromatherapy? This is the place to do a quick perusal to determine whether you want to know more. Kathi Kaville, Director of the American Herb Association, has prepared a book for the beginner or the merely curious.
Ever wonder about the ingredients in your favorite perfume? For years, I've worn Channel No.5 and come close to adoring the scent on me and others. What's not to like- it consists of essential oils from sandalwood, vanilla, rose, ylang-ylang, neroli and bergamot and other fine oils. Of course, having worn this perfume for so long, as did my mother, I also know the perfumers use a very special rose (and plenty of it) and that the way the perfume is mixed affects the scent. I also know that the version sold in many department stores in the States is an inferior grade. You have to buy the blend that has not been overly diluted with alcohol.
One of the aspects of this book I truly appreciate is the overview of all the different uses of essential oils. Essential oils can be used medicinally for sure or as health and beauty aids. You can also use them as household cleaning products. For example, you don't have to use moth balls to protect your woolens, you can use a blend of essential oils (including cedar oil) and they will smell better in the spring. Also, you can use oils in the dishwasher, the clothes dryer and other places around the house. They will impart a clean fresh smell that makes the visitor think you've been cleaning like mad.
This should be the first book you should read !.......1999-10-15
I was looking at several aromatherapy books before actually buying one. I must have looked at dozens of books..Being a beginner, this was by far the most entertaining and educational book out there on aromatherapy! Many books are very informative, but not a particularly interesting read. In this case, the humour and easy going manner of the book makes you want to read on and on. The chapters are well organized, and there is even a symptom & oil directory. If you are just beginning, this is the book to start your aromatherapy collection!!!!
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Matter Mind Spirit: Twelve Contemporary Indiana Women Artists
National Museum of Women in the Arts (U. S.)
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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United States
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ASIN: 0253213223 |
Book Description
Matter Mind Spirit brings together twelve contemporary Indiana women artists whose works blend physical, intellectual, and emotional intensity. This illustrated catalog demonstrates the range of media and techniques used by women artists in Indiana today. The artists come from all regions of Indiana and include Betsy Stirratt, Charlene Marsh, Karen Thompson, and Bonnie Sklarski.
Average customer rating:
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Patrick Henry Callahan 1866-1940: Progressive Catholic Layman in the American South (Studies in American Religion)
William E. Ellis
Manufacturer: Edwin Mellen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Irish
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ASIN: 0889462437 |
Books:
- Feeding The Vikings
- Ferns of the Vicinity of New York
- Finding Wildflowers in the Washington-Baltimore Area (Johns Hopkins Paperback)
- Flora of Tropical East Africa - Anthericaceae (1997) (Flora of Tropical East Africa)
- Flowers in Britain Wild,Ornamental and Economic and Some Relatives in Other Lands
- Fungi of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh
- Genera of the western plants
- Genetic and Biochemical Aspects of the Development of Datura (Modern Problems in Ophthalmology)
- Genetic Control of Self-Incompatibility and Reproductive Development in Flowering Plants (Advances in Cellular and Molecular Biology of Plants)
- Genetics and Morphogenesis in the Basidiomycetes
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