Reviews (20)

Very thorough, not well proofread
This book is very thorough, and although it seems a bit alarmist, it's apparent that the information he covers could really become necessary in terms of a major disaster. My primary criticism is the in the editing. The author continually uses the word "loose" when he means "lose," for example, and it's an error that's found throughout the book. It makes me cringe when I see it, but when you get past things like that the information is valuable and it's well presented.
Disaster Preparedness Books
If you're like I was, you're looking through the various disaster preparedness books wondering which one is best. I have worked my way through 7 of the most popular books and offer a shared review of all of them here. I hope this comparison helps you make a decision.
The best?
I picked up this book after having read it some time ago. Reason is I chanced to read these reviews, and I'm stunned. Best book on the subject, perhaps. However, I've yet to read one book, on the subject, worth the price. Please, do yourself a favor and use the price of this book as partial payment for a Red Cross course. Very much of the content is common sense, and more important, time is valuable - don't waste it on this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. General    3. Health & Fitness / Safety    4. Disaster relief    5. Emergency preparedness    6. Health & Fitness    7. Safety    8. Safety measures    9. Survival   

Editorial Review

Each hour, 75 women are raped in the United States, and every few seconds, a woman is beaten. Each day, 400 Americans suffer shooting injuries, and another 1,100 face criminals armed with guns. Author Gavin de Becker says victims of violent behavior usually feel a sense of fear before any threat or violence takes place. They may distrust the fear, or it may impel them to some action that saves their lives. A leading expert on predicting violent behavior, de Becker believes we can all learn to recognize these signals of the "universal code of violence," and use them as tools to help us survive. The book teaches how to identify the warning signals of a potential attacker and recommends strategies for dealing with the problem before it becomes life threatening. The case studies are gripping and suspenseful, and include tactics for dealing with similar situations.Read more

Reviews (220)

The Gift of "The Gift of Fear"
The book is not an easy one to read. The subject is real, the examples are deeply difficult, but the truth in it will, as they say, set you free. You'll find yourself growing stronger and stronger with each chapter. On the very last page, at the very last period, you'll close the book and realize that you are a completely different person than the one who began it.
Interesting book on understudied topic
De Becker's book is an interesting introduction to a topic that we rarely give critical thought to, namely our survival instincts, fear, and ways of coping with dangerous situations that most Americans are likely to face.The dangers that De Becker talks about are more likely to affect women and celebrities (i.e. stalking, rape), but he also talks about robberies, teen suicides/murders, intra-family crimes of violence, etc.He repeatedly talks about how predictable crimes are based on people's past behavior, as well as the simple measures we can use to determine whether or not strangers likely mean us harm or have intentions other than those stated by them.My main critique of the book is that it sometimes came off like a big advertisement for his firm, which specializes in security services and consulting rather than as a guide for everyone.Nevertheless I recommend the book, especially for younger and middle aged women.

Great information for everyone
This is a book that I frequently talk about with my family and friends. I think most people can relate to the situations and Gavin De Becker teaches you how to interpret your fears and react. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Personal & Practical Guides    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Psychology    5. Safety    6. Self-Help    7. Violence in Society    8. Cognition & cognitive psychology    9. Self-Help / General    10. Stalking    11. Crime    12. Domestic Violence    13. Violent crimes    14. Fear   

Reviews (24)

Character Assassins Love Anonymity
When I see a book review from an anonymous self-styled critic impugning the motives or integrity or background of a book author,I am reminded of the adage that 'cowards hide in the shadows of their own dark spirits.'
Junk science of the worst kind
Randall Fitzgerald is a senior editor of Phenomena magazine, a publication which deals with extraterrestrial life and the supernatural.
This book should be manditory reading for the human race!
This book is to theprocessed foods industry what Al Gores, "An Inconvenient Truth" is to global warming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Drugs    4. Food    5. Food And Beverage Additives    6. Food Science    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Nutrition    10. Popular Culture - General    11. Popular works    12. Safety    13. Toxicology    14. Family & Health    15. Health & Fitness / Nutrition   

Reviews (1)

Safety above all else
Although this book may not cover EVERY detail about back country survival, it definitely gives some good pointers whether a person is in a large group or a small one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. First Aid    3. First aid in illness and injur    4. First aid in illness and injury    5. Mountaineering injuries    6. Outdoor Skills    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation   

Editorial Review

Avoiding hyperbole while writing about a possible medical catastrophe is no easy task, but David Kirby has created a fine balance of investigative and personal detail in Read more

Reviews (96)

!!!
Excellent book. For those who are still not convinced about the link between mercury and autism I strongly recommend the book "Mercury: The Winged Messenger".

I read it twice, and I'm still angry!
A lot has been said about blatant coverup and shoddy science exposed in this book by David Kirby.It looks like there's some movement now, certainly at least in part due to this book.The Senate just passed the Combating Autism Act of 2006, and it's now on to the House.
Explanationsfor Autism Epidemic
I thank the families mentioned in this book. Each one tried to help their autistic child and wanted an answer to what caused Autism.Some of them started SafeMinds as a result of their research and inquiries.I was born in 1977 and have an ASD so the possible thimerosal in vaccinations causing the Autism epidemic in the 1990s would not explain me. Thimerosal (p. 48) is 49.6 percent organic mercury used as a preservative in vaccinations.Organic mercury (p. 48) is the second most toxic substance on earth. Forget about "polluting" our air and water, and ask why are we putting toxic materials into children?People are more important than the earth! For some reason The Center for Disease and Control and The Institute of Medicine along with Lilly (a vaccine manufacturer) have not cooperated with them in answering their questions or giving them help. Why would Dr. Thomas Verstraeten go to Belgium in 2001 after leading a study on vaccination datalink study on thimerosal, be told not to answer any contacts from people in America about vaccinations, and to escape subpeonas (p. 341)? I appreciate Congressmen Dan Burton (R-IN) and Dave Weldon (R-FL) for listening to these families, holding hearings (I have called their offices to thank them), and talking the CDC and IOM into getting the public answers to autism and thimerosal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autism in children    2. Complications    3. Developmental disabilities    4. Epidemiology    5. Etiology    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health Care Issues    8. Health/Fitness    9. Medical / Nursing    10. Public Health    11. Safety    12. United States    13. Vaccination of children    14. Medical / General    15. Popular medicine   

Reviews (37)

FearLess by Gavin DeBeckker
This book was purchased and sent to Iraq to my grandson
Great Quick Read
Quick easy read.I wish I had read this right after 9/11 as it has taken me some time to come to the same conclusions this book offers.Even though that is when this book was written to be read, it didn't hurt to get some reasurance I am now on the right track.I like de Becker's style. He seems like a real classy guy.

Excellent Ideas
Another hit from Gavin De Becker.Once again his common sense, see-it-for-what-it-is approach is on the mark.After reading this book you will not look at the news media the same, if you care to look at it much at all!The scare tactics thrown in our faces every day take on an almost comical appearance when you see them for what they are.Do yourself a favor and do as the title suggests, read this book and fear less. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American    2. Current Affairs    3. Fear of crime    4. General    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Prevention    8. Psychological aspects    9. Safety    10. Terrorism    11. United States    12. Current Events / American    13. Health & Fitness    14. Emergency preparedness   

Reviews (20)

Thank you Jim Johnson
Physical therapist (P.T.) Jim Johnson's The Multifidus Back Pain Solution is a straight forward, educational and hope inspiring read that has been effective in helping me address my lower back and leg nerve pain.
Great Overview of Approaches Used For Back Therapy
I found this book to be an excellent guide and would highly recommend it to anyone starting their own journey in addressing a back injury.It's short, but it has a lot of good information very well presented.While the author does focus on the multifidus muscle, the book gives a very objective overview of how to handle back problems in general, from generic lower back pain to pain associated with herniated disks.He also helps lay people understand how the medical profession categorizes back injuries to put them in their proper scope.The book describes several exercises, but not anything beyond the scope of the multifidus.More exercises would have been a great addition, but the book isn't about all back exercises.Anyone with a serious back injury should see a physical therapist for guidance.What I found most useful in the book is the short mention of steroid injections (epidural), which seem to be questionably useful.The author could have elaborated more on the appropriateness of them, as it's hard to compare your own situation with those in studies (ie: how many millimeters is the disk bulging).I also liked the fact that the author provided select references for the types of issues most lay people would be interested in viewing.In my own experience, I've learned that a muscle imbalance is most likely the cause of my L5-S1 herniated disk, and it took 14 weeks and a good number of visits with various practitioners to come to that conclusion.

the little know multifidus muscle
I had 2 herniated discs.Went through chiro, massage, p.t., cortisone injections....then i read this book and began following the exercises in it.The MacKenzie method DID NOT work for me, it only created more pain.This book was extremely helpful to me.Surprisingly, my massage therapist recommended it, not my physical therapist, orthopeadic, or chiropractor.I am fully healed without surgery and running marathons!I recommend this book to any average person who wants to have a better understanding of how to strengthen your back and core! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chiropractic    2. Consumer Health    3. Exercise    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Pain Management    8. Exercise & workout books    9. First aid for the home   

Editorial Review

Be warned: In many ways this is a terrifying book. It deals with a subject--violence against children--that most of us never want to consider. But, as Gavin de Becker stresses, such situations, though rare, can occur, so all parents must deal with the facts in order to protect their children properly. De Becker's aim is to create awareness of potential dangers and provide parents with the knowledge necessary for prevention and control. As he emphatically states in Read more

Reviews (99)

Not Much Info on Exactly How to Keep Your Children Safe
This book starts out strong.The author's premise is that women possess the instinct to sense when something is wrong and should listen to it.Also, women should let their wild brain take over and not use rational thought in a danger situation.Most striking to me was his assertion that women are victimized due to wanting to be "nice".He is completely on target with this.
new lessons for parents teaching confident children
What I really liked about this book was that it taught you what specifically to look out for.This way you could stop worrying about random stuff.Then it teaches you how to teach your children the lessons we never learned growing up.Like, it is a skill to learn to talk to strangers.A skill that takes practice and knowledge in knowing which strangers are safer than others.It builds confidence skills instead of instilling fear in children.I was always taught not to talk to strangers and to look for a police officer if I ever needed help.Like this book points out; what are the odds of a police officer being there at that moment?Not likely.This book teaches parents to listen to their own intuition and to also teach your children how to always listen to theirs.That sounds simple, but it isn't.Written well; a quick read.

I want to believe, yet . . .
I have such mixed feelings about this book.The author, Gavin de Becker, certainly does have an impressive list of credentials, and his site at gdbinc is impressive.The basic premise of his book "Protecting the Gift" is that evolution has provided humans with the instincts needed to warn us of dangerous situations/people, and to defend ourselves/others when they can't be avoided.The difficult part is relearning to listen to them.He points out that our society puts a high value on rationality and largely devalues instincts.Consequently, as we grow older, the mounting pressure to ignore our instincts usually wins out.This line of reasoning seems reasonable to me and I find his presentation convincing.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Children    3. Conflict Resolution    4. Crimes against    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Parenting - General    10. Prevention    11. Safety    12. Safety education    13. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. Critical Care    3. First Aid    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Medical / Nursing   

Reviews (1)

Good for review, but not complete
My experience with First-Aid books has generally been very positive. I've used the series during my studies for all my USMLE steps, and they've been very helful.
Read more

Subjects:  1. First Aid    2. Medical    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Pediatrics    5. First aid & paramedical services    6. Medical / Pediatrics    7. Paediatric medicine   

Reviews (4)

Can't Wait for New Edition in December 2005
Great book.As an educator, it was the best one on the market.It only lacks current data, but the new edition coming in a couple of months should take care of that.

Safety and Health for Engineers
I just passed my ASP and this book was an excellent introductory text.While it is understood that many other reference have to be used, I recommend this book as one of the first you review.

Good idea, but flawed execution
Although this text does cover a wide range of safety topics, it is somewhat dated and contains a farly large number of typos.Therefore, the reader has to be careful.The book needs to be updated and the typographical errors corrected.If that were to be done, it would definitely be a five star book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - General    2. Engineering - Industrial    3. Industrial Health & Safety    4. Safety    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Engineering: general    9. Mathematics and Science    10. Occupational / industrial health & safety    11. Safety in the home    12. Technology / Engineering / Industrial   

Reviews (28)

A blend of fitness and self-defense
I have to start by saying that I love this concept.I am so tired of hearing products pushed in the fitness industry.The latest ab machines, cardio machines, etc. are all pushed as if no decent workout existed prior to their invention.David Kahn gives his readers a path to a phenomenal workout using nothing more than a few feet of space and their own body.Now there is NO excuse.You have enough room to perform these workouts in your own hotel room, and if you don't you can always walk outside.
And after 30 pounds less....
I originally got into Krav Maga as a mean to help me reduce weight while doing some type of "useful" workout.I mean by useful some type of workout that I could get something out from it besides the original purpose of losing weight.In this case it was personal defense.
The very best Krav Maga book you can buy!!
A truly inspirational book!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Krav maga    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Safety    7. Self-defense    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Combat sports & self-defence    10. Exercise & workout books   

Reviews (2)

Great resource for your OEC course.
As an Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor and owner of my own training agency, I looked forward to receiving my copy of Outdoor Emergency Care, 4th Edition.After reviewing the new textbook, I found the layout and scope of information greatly exceeded my expectations.The new color photos, illustrations, skill drills, charts, box features, scenarios, and end of chapter reviews are outstanding and are a tremendous improvement, compared to the previous edition. All form, little function
Lots of flashy colors and photos but little or no structure to the content.Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. Emergency Medicine    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Outdoor medical emergencies    6. Sports Medicine    7. First aid for the home   

Reviews (6)

Great resource!!
So one day while on Amazon, I happened to stumble upon this book. After reading other reviews, I decided to purhcase it. First of all, it is a SUPER easy read! I read it all in one day, though I always return to it for more info/resources. I love that she provides recommendations for mostly every product that she recommends having in your hair maintainence stash. I went out the next day and made some purchases and used it that night. I will be sure to come back later on to add to my review on whether or not my hair grew/improved, but so far, so good. Definitely purchase this book.

Informative, Educational Easy to Read!
I really enjoyed this book. I've read many hair care books, however I recommend this book if you want a no nonsense approach to growing long hair.I enjoy the regimens that she sets in place for healthy, stressed, and damaged hair.She seems to have really researched hair thoroughly.Unlike Cathy Howse book she does not offer her own products (she doesn't make her own).Cathy seems to be too militant and indifferent and her hair isn't all that long. Unlike other books, Ms. Smith explained the hair stages, and structures very well.She even gives suggestions on good products to use.Yoga is against my religious beliefs, therefore I did not read that portion of the book.Overall, I think this is a great solution to the problems associated with African American hair, and I highly recommened it.

Great book!
I purchased this book during late spring 2005 when I was dying to find an easier way to deal with this thick stuff on my head. :-)I loved the chapter on giving your hair an extended break for maximum hair growth....I followed her suggestions & got my hair done in African Curly Twists; as opposed to braids.I wore my hair that way from June 1 2005 until September 29th (I got it redone mid July) & my hair practically grew like weeds....@ least 2 1/2 to 3 inches in some places!I love her suggestions on extra conditioning (more than once a week) & massaging with essential oils.Now I have even more"thick stuff on my head & I'm lovin' it! Get the book. :-) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Care and hygiene    3. Hair    4. Hairdressing of African Americans    5. Hairstyles    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Safety   

Subjects:  1. Chemical warfare    2. Diseases    3. Emergency Medicine    4. First Aid    5. Handbooks & Manuals    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health & Fitness / First Aid    9. Health Risk Assessment    10. Medical    11. Medical / Diseases    12. Medical / Nursing    13. Microbiology    14. Reference   

Reviews (1)

Asbestos Legal Aspects
It isavery usefull book to people involved in litigation agaisnt asbestos companies. It allow you tousethe long experience in this subject carried out in USA and other countries and the Companies strategiesfor avoiding their liabilities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asbestos    2. Asbestos industry    3. Asbestosis    4. Consumer Health    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Health    7. Health aspects    8. Law    9. Safety    10. Toxicology   

Reviews (3)

keep the age in mind
This is a well written babysitters guide. Just keep in mind that many states require that babysitters be 13 years old and have a babysitting class. If you aren't sure about your state's requirements (or didn't realize they existed), call your local department of Family and Children's Services and ask them the home-alone and babysitting age requirements.

So, you want a night out?
Before you entrust your precious children to a babysitter, have them read this book. It is an indispensable and practical guide for babysitters.
Nice
This book is really good.It teaches you how to change diapers and things like that.It gives you step-by-step instructions for everything.There is even a first-aid section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babysitters    2. Babysitting    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child care    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. First aid in illness and injur    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Parenting - General    10. Reference    11. Health & Fitness / First Aid    12. Parenting & Childcare   

Reviews (3)

Every dog owner should have this book
"First Aid for Dogs" was one of three similar books I bought and is clearly the best, by a head and shoulders margin.It has almost 200 pages of information about a variety of conditions that can occur at home, in the neighborhood, or in the field.It makes very clear wha