Rating: 
Summary: A great book to give to someone who's ailing
Review: An easy to read, entertainig, compilation of short vinettes and advice from one of my favorite writers. Some of the chapters originally appeared in Maeve's column in the Irish Times, which she used to chronicle her recent hip replacement. It is filled with humorous and matter of fact ways to deal with illness head on. Not a novel or short story....so regular readers may be a bit disappointed, but a delightful tidbit for to share with someone who is sick, or to read yourself.
Rating:
Summary: A great book to give to someone who's ailing
Review: An easy to read, entertainig, compilation of short vinettes and advice from one of my favorite writers. Some of the chapters originally appeared in Maeve's column in the Irish Times, which she used to chronicle her recent hip replacement. It is filled with humorous and matter of fact ways to deal with illness head on. Not a novel or short story....so regular readers may be a bit disappointed, but a delightful tidbit for to share with someone who is sick, or to read yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely disappointing
Review: At their best, Maeve's books contain wonderful warmth and humour. This one, sadly, falls far short of that promise.For example, various sections (such as the one on how uncomfortabless with being undressed means self-obsession), rather than being witty or understanding of a patient's pain and fear, seem instructions on how to be a "good patient," to cause doctors or nurses maximum convenience. Many of those who are ill have found that doctors are not the nicest of people with whom to deal, and there is nothing to make a patient feel comfort or empathy in this book. The little "poem" about telling about eating, smoking, and drinking is far from funny. I would not dream of giving this to anyone who was ill. The copy I'd intended to present ended up in my recycling bin.
Rating:
Summary: Laughter is still indeed the best medicine!
Review: Having had hip replacement surgery myself recently, this book was sent to me by a friend, both of us familiar with Maeve Binchy's books. I can't begin to tell you how each page brought tears to my eyes from laughter as I related to her stories of elastic stockings, "invalid" gadgets from walkers to commodes, the unfailing compassion of overworked nurses, and the embarassment of those wonderful hospital gowns! Wendy Shea's illustrations were hysterical reminders of hospitals and then the long awaited recovery period. You both deserve 10 Stars!
Rating:
Summary: Laughter is still indeed the best medicine!
Review: Having had hip replacement surgery myself recently, this book was sent to me by a friend, both of us familiar with Maeve Binchy's books. I can't begin to tell you how each page brought tears to my eyes from laughter as I related to her stories of elastic stockings, "invalid" gadgets from walkers to commodes, the unfailing compassion of overworked nurses, and the embarassment of those wonderful hospital gowns! Wendy Shea's illustrations were hysterical reminders of hospitals and then the long awaited recovery period. You both deserve 10 Stars!
Rating:
Summary: Does laughter cause aches and pains?
Review: Many years ago, the writer Norman Cousins, wrote a now classic book about the part laughter and humor played in his recovery from a life threatening illness. And today, its as if Maeve Binchy continued this premise when she wrote her newest book, Aches and Pains. Maeve Binchy is primarily known as the best selling Irish author who writes wonderful tales filled with memorable characters. Some also know her from her meaningful columns which appear in the Irish Times. But now readers everywhere will be introduced to a very different Maeve Binchy as learn about Binchy as a patient when she first had surgery to replace her hip and then during her recuperation. And readers will have an extra bonus from the illustrations done by Wendy Shaw who had the same operation as Ms. Binchy. The book is really funny, filled with all sorts of advice on how to survive a stay in any hospital and some anecdotal dopctor and nurse stories. And strange as it may seem, Binchy and Shaw make it a pleasure to read about their confinements. Consider reading this book to see how it is possible to make light of your aches and pains or think about giving this as a gift to somebody who is also recuperating. And an extra benefit is that all of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be contributed to the Arthritis Foundation.
Rating:
Summary: Does laughter cause aches and pains?
Review: Many years ago, the writer Norman Cousins, wrote a now classic book about the part laughter and humor played in his recovery from a life threatening illness. And today, its as if Maeve Binchy continued this premise when she wrote her newest book, Aches and Pains. Maeve Binchy is primarily known as the best selling Irish author who writes wonderful tales filled with memorable characters. Some also know her from her meaningful columns which appear in the Irish Times. But now readers everywhere will be introduced to a very different Maeve Binchy as learn about Binchy as a patient when she first had surgery to replace her hip and then during her recuperation. And readers will have an extra bonus from the illustrations done by Wendy Shaw who had the same operation as Ms. Binchy. The book is really funny, filled with all sorts of advice on how to survive a stay in any hospital and some anecdotal dopctor and nurse stories. And strange as it may seem, Binchy and Shaw make it a pleasure to read about their confinements. Consider reading this book to see how it is possible to make light of your aches and pains or think about giving this as a gift to somebody who is also recuperating. And an extra benefit is that all of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be contributed to the Arthritis Foundation.
Rating:
Summary: Warm Cheering-Up Medicine for Those with Routine Illnesses
Review: Most of us make lousy patients. I'm told that physicians are the worst. We think the worst. We miss what we can't do. We take it out on everyone around us. In short, we need to lighten up. Maeve Binchy and Wendy Shaw ended up having hip replacement surgery around the same time, and compared notes. They realized the patients needed something to cheer them up. This little, light-hearted, warm book is just the ticket! I think it is the best book gift I have seen for those going through normal illnesses. I wouldn't recommend it for people with serious, life-threatening situations. An inspiring book about miracle recoveries would work better there. Lance Armstrong's new book, It's Not About the Bike, fits the bill for many cancer patients, for example. Here's what's in this book. It begins with an explanation about Ms. Binchy's hip replacement that includes having to face up to the need to lose weight, stop smoking, and cut way back on the alcohol. In a witty fashion, she makes great good fun out of her own fears and foibles. You can't help but like her for it, and begin to laugh at yourself a little in your own past experiences with doctors, nurses and hospitals. From there, she goes on to provide witty lists that would cheer anyone up. One of my favorites was full of put-downs (that everyone has thought, but never said) to one's roommate in the hospital. No, you won't say these either, but you'll probably break up laughing as you think about this list every time you look at the other patient. There are lists for what gifts to ask for, things to do when you get home, what tasks to give visitors, and every other imaginable circumstance. The book is enjoyable both for its humor, and its good humor -- showing you how to look on the bright side. One of my favorite sections was the story about the woman who thought she was having a heart attack, and ended up getting a lecture from a third year medical student (serving as a waitress) about all of the other things it could be that are not so serious. Smile! You'll feel better when you do!
Rating:
Summary: Warm Cheering-Up Medicine for Those with Routine Illnesses
Review: Most of us make lousy patients. I'm told that physicians are the worst. We think the worst. We miss what we can't do. We take it out on everyone around us. In short, we need to lighten up. Maeve Binchy and Wendy Shaw ended up having hip replacement surgery around the same time, and compared notes. They realized the patients needed something to cheer them up. This little, light-hearted, warm book is just the ticket! I think it is the best book gift I have seen for those going through normal illnesses. I wouldn't recommend it for people with serious, life-threatening situations. An inspiring book about miracle recoveries would work better there. Lance Armstrong's new book, It's Not About the Bike, fits the bill for many cancer patients, for example. Here's what's in this book. It begins with an explanation about Ms. Binchy's hip replacement that includes having to face up to the need to lose weight, stop smoking, and cut way back on the alcohol. In a witty fashion, she makes great good fun out of her own fears and foibles. You can't help but like her for it, and begin to laugh at yourself a little in your own past experiences with doctors, nurses and hospitals. From there, she goes on to provide witty lists that would cheer anyone up. One of my favorites was full of put-downs (that everyone has thought, but never said) to one's roommate in the hospital. No, you won't say these either, but you'll probably break up laughing as you think about this list every time you look at the other patient. There are lists for what gifts to ask for, things to do when you get home, what tasks to give visitors, and every other imaginable circumstance. The book is enjoyable both for its humor, and its good humor -- showing you how to look on the bright side. One of my favorite sections was the story about the woman who thought she was having a heart attack, and ended up getting a lecture from a third year medical student (serving as a waitress) about all of the other things it could be that are not so serious. Smile! You'll feel better when you do!
Rating: 
Summary: The Perfect Gift for a Friend in the Hospital
Review: Need to visit a friend facing surgery but don't know what to take him/her? Maeve Binchy has the perfect little pick-me-up. A humorous 99-page volume of witty dos and don'ts for patients and visitors alike will bring a smile to recuperating faces. Learn how to annoy the patient in the next bed, how to have friends and family attend to your every whim, how to cope with hospital food, and much more. Fans of Maeve will also be treated to insights into this wonderful author's life---her bare-all experience in a nudist colony, her childhood fears, her own hip replacement surgery.
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