Shaman, M.D.: A Plastic Surgeon's Remarkable Journey into the World of Shapeshifting

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Summary: Save your money from buying this book and take your own trip
Review: Dr. Bruce likes to refer to "scientific studies" to substantiate some of her claims without citing the source of these supposed studies. The most preposterous being the "study" about the "randomized" trial to test the effectiveness of long-distance prayer, presumably the Harris et al study done in 1999. These and other studies such as the Columbia Miracle study in which it was reported that women prayed for from thousands of miles away by strangers were more likely to become pregnant than those who weren't are studies that have turned out to be a fraud.
Although the book is interesting when Bruce talks about her family and her reasons for studying shamanism, her details and descriptions of the visions are just too freaky.
I also don't buy what she says about a person being able to genuinely change from without before changing from within. I think this claim is only used to justify her career.

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Summary: Incredible - Mating of Science and Shamanism
Review: In this incredible book, Dr Bruce relates her experiences in bringing together the medical sciences and the healing powers of tribal shamans. She writes eloquently and passionately about the mating of these two worlds that up unitil now have been considered as very different and even opposed to each other. She has bridged that gap and has the courage to tell us how she did it and why. This is a must read for any one interested in medicine. the healing arts, anthropology, and the remote cultures of the Amazon, Africa, Andes, and Himalyas. An amazing and magical book!

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Summary: An education
Review: This book was not only poetic and fascinating ... it was an education on so many levels. Must read if you are interested in shamanism, alternative healing, or the plight of the human spirit.