Rating: 
Summary: A Book That Needed To Be Written
Review: "A Reluctant Memoir", the subtitle states, but this truly is a book that needed to be written, by the author and for the reader. The philosophy that emerges on these pages could only result from actual life experience. Richard Cohen has courageously chosen to forego his personal privacy to share his hard learned insights. "Privacy belongs to those who feel they cannot reveal limitations they will not admit to themselves.", writes Cohen in this "must read" for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of living and loving.
Rating:
Summary: Puts everything in perspective
Review: "Anyone battling chronic illness understands the power of family support and even the groundless fear of being left," Richard Cohen says. Cohen, whom I had never heard of before reading this book, puts everything in perspective in this eye-opening and introspectively candid look into not only his life, but that of his spouse Meredith Vieira and their 3 children. At times shocking, revealing, humorous, instructive, as well as cathartic, Blindsided makes for an incredibly refreshing read for anyone who has suffered through a chronic illness or hospitalization(such as myself) or who simply enjoys a profoundly uplifting memoir. Cohen will surprise you with his surprising candor and dry humor. Especially amusing was his unbridled disdain for the ostensibly helpless light in which Ladies Home Journal cast him in after interviewing Meredith. Making him out to be a pitiful invalid and Meredith as the incessantly weeping caretaker was far from the truth, Richard says. As a true testament to his unwavering resolve, he has chosen to live his life to the fullest that he possibly can -- regardless of his medical limitations. "Personal strength, in the end, wins out. My hope never dies. And, still, I call myself an optimist. I believe that in the end, my life will be better."
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Needed To Be Written
Review: "A Reluctant Memoir", the subtitle states, but this truly is a book that needed to be written, by the author and for the reader. The philosophy that emerges on these pages could only result from actual life experience. Richard Cohen has courageously chosen to forego his personal privacy to share his hard learned insights. "Privacy belongs to those who feel they cannot reveal limitations they will not admit to themselves.", writes Cohen in this "must read" for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of living and loving.
Rating:
Summary: Puts everything in perspective
Review: "Anyone battling chronic illness understands the power of family support and even the groundless fear of being left," Richard Cohen says. Cohen, whom I had never heard of before reading this book, puts everything in perspective in this eye-opening and introspectively candid look into not only his life, but that of his spouse Meredith Vieira and their 3 children. At times shocking, revealing, humorous, instructive, as well as cathartic, Blindsided makes for an incredibly refreshing read for anyone who has suffered through a chronic illness or hospitalization(such as myself) or who simply enjoys a profoundly uplifting memoir. Cohen will surprise you with his surprising candor and dry humor. Especially amusing was his unbridled disdain for the ostensibly helpless light in which Ladies Home Journal cast him in after interviewing Meredith. Making him out to be a pitiful invalid and Meredith as the incessantly weeping caretaker was far from the truth, Richard says. As a true testament to his unwavering resolve, he has chosen to live his life to the fullest that he possibly can -- regardless of his medical limitations. "Personal strength, in the end, wins out. My hope never dies. And, still, I call myself an optimist. I believe that in the end, my life will be better."
Rating: 
Summary: EVERYone Should Take a Look ...
Review: ... at BLINDSIDED, Richard Cohen's memoir about living with serious illness. Because although its specifics are about living with multiple sclerosis, its generalities are simply about living ... and dealing with whatever is the very serious "stuff" that dysfunctions each of us and those we love. Perhaps due to his background in journalism, Cohen spends most of the book in his head -- dryly analyzing and explaining and at times distancing himself from the reader. But late in the memoir, he dips into his heart to dramatize his dark emotions of shame and anger (after which he apologizes for "complaining"!) -- and it is then that the reader finally sees him sympathetically and is drawn into his specific story. There is a strong thread of anger in the memoir. From the chip-on-the-shoulder anger of youth that may have led him to activism and on to journalism, to the reactive, look-what-you-made-me-do outbursts that he attributes to illness rather than to his own constitution. Ah, but the fact that we all have similar constitutions is why we can identify with him. I'm not sure Cohen "gets" the universality of his experience -- but readers do, and will all learn much from it.
Rating:
Summary: A great story
Review: A great story of how MS can affect a person's life. Sad but definitely a good read. wwr@virginia.edu
Rating:
Summary: I Did It My Way
Review: After listening to the author's wife, Meredith Viera, on the Barbara Walters' interview, I purchased this book by Richard M. Cohen, a survivor of multiple sclerosis and colon cancer, because he deserves to be heard. He is strong through adversity. His wife is his best friend, his loyal partner, and obviously wants to share the inspiring story of her admiration for Richard Cohen and the strength of their family. Mr. Cohen develops his "reluctant memoir" as he refers to his book, in a realistic way. All of us will face some sort of adversity at one time or another during our short time on this earth. Read this engrossing story in order to learn this man's coping mechanisms. He continues to deal with worsening symtoms of this disease, teach his children to be understanding and compassionate towards others, work constantly on being optimistic in the face of uncertainty about his medical conditions, and give his opinions and insights on just about everything. The effects of this progressive disease on his wife and three children are told with honesty and concern. He is a skillful writer, an independent thinker, and discourages any sympathy one might have for him. As I read this timely book through in just two sittings, I counted my blessings and gave thanks to our God for His peace which passes all understanding. None of us are promised a "rose garden" in this life, but we are promised a "Presence" to comfort us, if we ask. There is no mention in this book of a spiritual journey. I hope he writes another book with a mention of that type of journey as well as a thanks and a mention of all those who have assisted and encouraged him these past 3 decades - for without them, I doubt he could be the "overcomer" he daily strives to be.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing, but a good read.
Review: Cohen is a fine journalist, and he has written an engrossing memoir. But I have to say I found it interesting more for the behind-the-scene descriptions of big-time television journalism, than his exploration of illness. The description of his physical/emotional experience is realistic and occasionally moving. However, there is precious little insight offered; his coping strategy can be summarized in one word - denial. There is nothing profound here, but it's a good read nonetheless.
Rating:
Summary: Expect reality, not inspiration
Review: Cohen paints a well-rounded, realistic, unsympathetic portrait of his life. Especially gripping are the passages that describe his conflicted feelings about being a disabled husband and father. It is both heartbreaking and sobering to read his disclosures about how his children react to their father's condition when they are together in public. Even if you're physically whole, read this book to remind yourself how BLESSED you are.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone wth MS or any chronic illness!!
Review: Having just read the very last sentence I have tears in my eyes from the strong emotions I feel upon it's end. Words can't describe how well written and truly honest this book is. It will touch your heart and soul. This book will take you to places within your psyche that are so painful, gut wrenching and raw you will wonder how Richard could write in ways that you have always felt but were unable to put into words. I have MS and have read many books on the subject of living with a chronic illness. This is by far the best. If you or your family is living with illness this book is should be on the top of your reading to-do list.
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