Rating: 
Summary: Stereotypical junk science
Review: There's a thriving industry of panicmongers who see the opportunity to make a buck or a reputation in finding danger everywhere. Ms. Simontacchi appears to be such a person.
It doesn't take much for the critical reader to see that the author has either little understanding of science or chooses to mask whatever understanding they have in order to sell their book.
For example, Simontacchi writes "At the turn ofo the century, heart disease was so rare that many physicians had never treated a heart patient." This is true, but Simontacchi fails to point out the reason: most people didn't live long enough to develop heart disease. Life expectancy for white males born in 1850 was 38.3 years; for those born in 1900, it was 48 years. A white male born today can look forward to a probably life expectancy of 75 years. In short, the frequency of heart disease today has much more to do with overall improvements in controlling disease and litle to do with what we eat.
As Ben Wattenberg pointed out years ago, the "epidemics" of cancer and heart disease is the "good news": people are living long enough to develop them.
Simontachhi's fantasizing of a "healthier" past is also evident in another statement: "[o]ur great-gandparents mostly drank water out of the well or the swift-flowing stream. Indeed: and they also died in droves of cholera and typhus. Again, this has nothing to do with food. It is an attempt to sell fear and nothing more.
As ix typical of junk science tomes, Simontacchi provides many bibliographic references. However, even a superficial examination indicates that many of these so-called sources may be biased, unscientific or simply be the same sort of junk science the author is peddling. For example: "Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods." The source of this damning statement? The Aspartame Consumer Safety Network, whatever that may be. Such groups are often controlled by trial lawyers and fearmongers who stand to profit by their activities.
There is no shortage of examples which at least put the "science" of Ms. Simontacchi's claims in grave doubt. In my opinion, "The Crazy Makers" is junk science and should be repudiated by intelligent people.
Jerry
Rating: 
Summary: Should be required reading for every teacher
Review: A fabulous book, very technical at times, but brutally honest. It has given me the true ammunition for explanations to my childrens questions as to why they should not have such an such junk food. It is very convincing to pull out the right page and read the info to them. I am a former psychiatric nurse of children and adolescents, and I wish I had had this information then, I think it could have made a world of difference in their treatment. As a mother of four, from ages 21 months to 13 years, and being pregnant also, the information covers my family in every way imaginable. I intend to send a copy to my sons principal at his middle school, because I feel that these are the people who MUST read this book and become instrumental in implementing improved eating habits in schools, and increasing awareness in both students and parents.
Rating: 
Summary: Looking forward to reading the book
Review: Haven't read the book and am not looking for doctorate on brain nutrition. However, I've already understood the information in this book for a long time. It's gonna be a must read for anyone who's "medicating" and wondering why they're not well as yet - or wondering why they've exhibiting symptoms of different illnesses... Am glad this encyclopedia of nutrition is available Will finish this review when I've read the "one stop source for nutritional information" - and has confirmed my suspicions that doc's already know food creates their profits... Well done for letting the "cat out of the bag"...
Rating:
Summary: Excellent in many ways
Review: I read this one with great interest and found much that made me think (and re-think) my family's diet. However, there were also some sections of this book that could have been omitted, many repetitions and more than a few recipes that my family wouldn't touch (and for good reason, the food was tasteless).
However, I was able to use the author's suggestions of good foods to make my own meal plans and I found her information about the typical American diet to be intriguing and worthwhile. She also provides fascinating research about how food affects mood and how children and adults with ADD, depression and other conditions may improve their mood and behavior by dietary changes. All in all, a worthwhile read with some uneven sections.
Rating:
Summary: No Wonder We're All Somewhat Crazy
Review: Like most people, I try to eat right. I read labels and avoid Nutrosweet, MSG, and other suspect additives. And yet my energy level is low, I experience mood swings and occasional sleeplessness. I observe children who are anxious, moody, and have a difficult time in school. And I wonder what we are doing wrong that we have such problems. But it was by chance that I picked up The Crazy Makers How the Food Industry is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. This book both frightens the reader as it describes the bizarre results of our poor diets and offers an easy solution as it clearly and factually explains what vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs are essential for physical and mental development and growth and what food products and additives not only are non-nutritive but actually harmful to growing bodies and minds. The book is easy to follow, cites credible studies of daily requirements and actual nutritional content, offers recipes for entrees and snacks that not only satisfy but fortify the body, and lists sites for puchasing healthful foods. The extensive Notes section is a complete bibliography for anyone interested in health and nutrition. This book has been added to my cooking and health collection and I expect to consult it regularly.
Rating:
Summary: Looking forward to reading the book
Review: Simontacchi spells out in detail what is wrong with the modern American diet and what it is doing to the health of our brains. If only half of what she says is true, this country is headed for a mental health train wreck of massive proportions. Though she occasionally makes a statement that is unsupported by evidence and her views on soy are somewhat contradictory, I'm still giving this book five stars, because what she has to say is vitally important. Essential reading.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: The book is wonderful and does a great job of explaining why nutrition is so important for the brain.As a father and a professional mental health counselor that works in a public school I have seen the VERY inadequate routine that takes place in schools today when a student is having a problem. The process is basically lets get the kid to a Psychiatrist and get him on medication because it shows that the school is doing something and then relieves the school of any liability. No one questions whether the medication is good for the student or not.
This book should be required reading for every school Principal and School Psychologist in the nation!
Rating:
Summary: Changed the way I look at food!
Review: This author very clearly and concisely lays down the argument for why so many people and children are developing diseases and ailments at a record rate. It all can be traced back to what we put in our mouth. How many of us actually sit and read every label of what we eat? How many of us know what all those additives and "natural flavorings" are made of? Ms. Simontacchi made me think twice about what I eat, what I feed my child and the way I approach food shopping in general. This book changed my life, I will never feed any of my future children formula or baby food!
Rating:
Summary: Not Junk Science
Review: This book has influenced me in no small way, and since I first read it several years ago and made various changes to my diet, my family and I have reaped so many very real rewards.
I no longer shop in the "center" of the grocery store except when absolutely necessary. I choose fresh produce, dairy, and breads instead and I compose simple meals with the ingredients: brown rice, grains, vegetables, real butter, etc. They take even less time than various "instant" products I used to use.
My family has, and especially I have, experienced redoubled energy, concentration, psychological calm, weight loss, regularity, steady sleep habits and many more benefits leading to our happiness and well-being. Ms. Simontacci may not have all the research -- but she has noticed these benefits in her subjects and they cannot be denied. The science to back up all of her claims is out there and has been stated by nutritionists and backed by research and experience over and over again. Aspartame, for instance, has been found unsafe on many fronts, and not just by some extremist sect as one reviewer claims (see "Excitotoxins" for more info). Most importantly, this book raises questions like, "shouldn't we at least be examining what we put in our bodies and feed our children?" I refuse to one day tell my kids not to do drugs, but the next day feed them non-nutritive, "non-food." ALL chemicals affect our metabolism, and potentially our brain health -- not just certain chemicals. That's what food is designed to do. Otherwise, we wouldn't need it!
The suggestion that we begin eating real food again is not crazy, but common sense that our society overloooks every day. Whether we consciously know the reasons why nutritious food is helping us or not, the benefits are there, and our bodies will do the work. Anyone claiming this book is "junk science" is probably in the food industry, and a "Crazy Maker" himself.
Rating:
Summary: Drive thru windows won't save you now!
Review: This book will inspire you to eat better. It will make you shudder to think of spooning boxed foods and other Typical American Fare into your child's mouth. It's what you're looking for when you say "I know I should eat better...but just once won't hurt." or "Well, its not the best...but its not THAT bad." It may also help you to understand and ultimately overcome health or emotional problems linked to nutritional deficiencies. But, it only gets you started. You will still need to figure out how to maintain a processed food free lifestyle. It gives some basic pointers, such as starting the morning with a protein drink, and adding salads to your diet. But this is just a starting point...it will give you the extra support you need to turn your back on bad habits but not the tools to replace them.
If you want the answers to *why* its that bad, or need something to convince you to eat better...read this book. If you want to know why your kids are driving you crazy...read this book. But then, get some good books on healthy cooking and follow through with a lifestyle change. I'm hoping Carol Simontacchi writes a second book...for those convinced but not sure where to go from there.
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