by Lois Maharg ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 2013
A friendly, informative guide for those seeking a good night’s sleep.
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A thorough guide to the physical and psychological aspects of insomnia.
The National Institutes of Health estimate that 10 percent of the population suffers from chronic insomnia, and yet at least two-thirds of those afflicted do not seek medical help. Instead, the condition wreaks havoc on their physical and emotional states, often beginning in childhood and continuing through adulthood. An insomniac herself, Maharg ably combines memoir with reportage, talking with other sufferers and parsing through a barrage of medical advice on the subject. She’s particularly adept at relaying scientific information clearly, as when she explains the negative effects that a lack of sleep can have, not only on the ability to curb fears but for finding pleasure in positive events. She quotes one expert as saying, “Sleep resets the magnetic north of your emotional compass. With sleep deprivation, you’re all gas pedal and no brake.” A large portion of the book is devoted to combing through the historical and contemporary solutions to the problem. While those afflicted were long told it was simply something in their heads, current practice treats insomnia much more methodically. Maharg excels when she reports on specific treatments that are popular today. For instance, readers will appreciate the detailed way she discusses the many sleeping pills on the market, summarizing their pros and cons. While she may not have very much new to say on the subject—there are, after all, numerous books on the topic—her book is accessible and the information wisely chosen. She doesn’t merely tell readers to exercise, but gives them suggestions for specific exercises. Maharg is also judicious in that she offers her opinion yet recognizes that the proper solution varies from person to person. She does not, for example, live and die by the 8-hour rule or think that one approach—e.g., pills, yoga, sleep restriction—is the end all, be all. And finally, her message is one of optimism and hope combined with a dose of perspective. While her sleep is still only “on the fragile side of normal,” she says, “I’m light years beyond where I was before.”
A friendly, informative guide for those seeking a good night’s sleep.Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2013
ISBN: 978-0989483711
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Fine Fettle Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 25, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
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
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
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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