From the establishment—the Arthritis Foundation itself—a worthwhile, realistic look at the help to be had from alternative therapies. For years, Horstman acknowledges, the Arthritis Foundation has cautioned against remedies offered by those outside of the medical mainstream. Here, the Foundation acknowledges survey results showing that many arthritis sufferers already use unconventional therapies, and would like help finding reliable resources for such treatments. Accepting this development, Horstman provides help in sorting out the choices. She is both sympathetic and realistic about the problems: “There is no cure for most kinds of arthritis, and the limited treatments available can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated and depressed.” In fact, “Chronic disease can grind the joy and meaning right out of your life.” Complementary medicine can’t treat most acute illnesses, replace conventional medical treatment, or cure chronic disease, cautions Horstman. But what acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicines and other such disciplines can do is promote wellness and general well-being, prevent other illnesses from occurring, ease such symptoms as pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression, and increase the effectiveness of conventional remedies. For each of the various therapies, Horstman explains what the basis for treatment is and how it is used, reviews any scientific evidence documenting its effects, explains how to find a reliable practitioner, lists the probable cost, and offers further resources. Typical signals of the quackery that often accompanies new treatments include any mention of secret formulas or of the words “amazing,” “breakthrough,” or “cure.” Overall: careful, sound, and useful suggestions for help and comfort.
Pub Date: Oct. 12, 1999
ISBN: 0-912423-23-4
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Longstreet
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1999
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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