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Summary: Our stories define us, and Ms. Remen's is powerful.
Review: I picked up this book and couldn't put it down! In our closed-door society, reading this reminded me that our stories are what make us human, and sharing them with others is the true gift of intimacy. This book brings that point home poignantly.
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Summary: One of the most life-affirming books I've read
Review: I work with doctors who are forced to schedule patients at 10-minute intervals and find it difficult to maintain the personal touch that is such an important part of healing. I have given this book to many associates, not only to help them remember the importance of the spirit and caring in medicine, but to give them healing and a lift for their own spirits. I have read and reread this book many times in the year or so I've had it, with fresh thanksgiving and appreciation for the author each time. I received the book as a gift for joining an organization...and I feel that the gift was truly heaven-sent! I agree whole-heartedly with the reviewer who said it should be required reading for all associated with the healing arts...and that goes for nurses, receptionists, and all staff members as well as the physicians. I wish EVERYONE could read it and share the love of human-kind with which this book glows. I look forward to Dr. Remen's next book!
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Summary: Every DOCTOR should read this book!
Review: In KITCHEN TABLE WISDOM Dr. Remen reminds readers that the true heritage of medicine is to "serve life." She says we serve life "not because its broken, but because it is sacred."The stories in this book come from her experience not only as a physician but as a patient with a long term chronic disease. Dr. Remen illuminates the differences between curing and caring, between fixing and healing. Her voice offers hope that the true spirit of medicine can survive
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Summary: Every DOCTOR should read this book!
Review: In KITCHEN TABLE WISDOM Dr. Remen reminds readers that the true heritage of medicine is to "serve life." She says we serve life "not because its broken, but because it is sacred."
The stories in this book come from her experience not only as a physician but as a patient with a long term chronic disease. Dr. Remen illuminates the differences between curing and caring, between fixing and healing. Her voice offers hope that the true spirit of medicine can survive
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Summary: Evocative!
Review: It's difficult to believe Remen is trained as a hard-nose physician. The book is eloquent and very touching. Remen shares her stories with simple words and ideas, and ends up creating a profound effect. Reading this book is like sharing in the rich tradition of storytelling at its best. Indeed, the read is passive, like the stories are being orally conveyed by a soft-spoken sage. Remen does not preach nor does she try to manipulate emotions from the reader. It does not carry the pretentiousness of a "Chicken Soup..." publication. The careful reader will see that Remen still struggles with the paradoxical world and emotional taffy-pull of a Philosophy-Undergraduate-Turned-Physician. In fact, the book seems therapeutic for Remen in the middle of her own quest to self-discovery. I highly recommend you share in Remen's quest, it will offer you momentary, security-blanket-style warmth. As a prospective medical student, I found the book helpful in shaping my own perspective about healing and health care, but most importantly found it to be a springboard in developing myself as a compassionate caregiver. Kudos, Ms. Remen!
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Summary: A Stirring and Deeply Moving Encounter
Review: Naomi Remen's simple, accessible book is full of kindness, self-revelation and concern for living life fully and meaningfully. Her own gradual awakening is powerfully shared and beautifully real. Her unique voice comes through in every line. I especially liked the self-cointained stories and short chapters. Despite a very busy schedule, I was able to read one or two stories at a sitting, and then savor them for days. Warmly recommended. A wonderful gift.
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Summary: Being a cancer survivor, this helped...
Review: Rachel Naomi Remen has suffered years of physical problems on her own. She offers good insights that work for people of all philosophies, faiths and religions.I am nearly four years in remission from Hodgkin's Disease, with other health complications. I'm doing essentially ok now, but it never hurts to go back to this book every so often. She can lapse into some platitudes and cliches, but her intent is genuine and her philosophies are essentially sound. Some may find her a bit "new age". Some people find that off-putting (I can at times, depending on who's writing it.) I find her "new age" based on years of sage wisdom passed on to her, not to mention her personal experiences. She is a compassionate person. This may not be the book for everyone to read, but it certainly is worth a try. If you don't like the book, give it to someone wlse who might benefit from it. (People are different and approach illness and crisis in so many ways.) Peace to all who read this, especially if you are going through rough times.
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Summary: Phenomenal!
Review: Rachel Remen writes in such a style that you feel you're sitting with a great friend who's sharing these heart-warming, enlightening stories with you. A co-worker of mine would read this book while in flight. Every time we would get off the plane she was in the most positive mood, and would tell me how incredible this book is. I bought it and she was right. This is probably my 5th purchase of this book as a gift. Thanks Rachel, I can't wait for your next book!
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Summary: Very helpful for those who grieve or have chronic diseases
Review: Rachel Remen's book was a source of comfort and inspiration in dealing with great grief over the loss of a loved one. More recently, Rachel Remen was present through her stories as a group with Lupus shared our own stories of healing and sought comfort in sharing. She and her book are inspiring !
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Summary: Doctor's Experience with Crohn's
Review: Recently released in paperback, this bestseller is written with compassion and understanding by a physician who has had Crohn's Disease since her early teens. Simply the fact that she became an M.D. in the face of such adversity is an inspiration. She relates true stories of healing, coping, and offers her experiences with IBD and other medical problems we all face in life. The stories she relates really motivate and help develop the faith in your ability to better heal yourself. A touching, uplifting book. I highly recommend it
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