Average customer rating:
- The story of a unicorn manipulated
- Real Life Story of a Tragic Beauty
- A look back
- fabulous
- Yet another manipulator
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The Killing of the Unicorn: Dorothy Stratten, 1960-1980
Peter Bogdanovich
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0553251643
Release Date: 1985-09-01 |
Customer Reviews:
The story of a unicorn manipulated.......2007-08-08
In The Killing of the Unicorn, the life of Dorothy Stratten is told extraordinarily subjectively by her one-time lover, Peter Bogdanovich. Bogdanovich published this tribute to the young, beautiful Stratten in 1984, four years after her murder, and then promptly married Stratten's younger sister Louise, who is 29 years his junior. The prose is colored by Bogdanovich's blind, revisionist devotion to the deceased model/actress and his extreme anger at Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner.
The central thesis is Bogdanovich's animosity towards Hefner, who Bogdanovich holds responsible for ruining Stratten's career and causing her death. Bogdanovich and Hefner tangled early on when Playboy published nude photos of Bogdanovich's wife and Last Picture Show star Cybill Shepherd. Bogdanovich was paranoid at the Playboy mansion that everyone was mocking his divorce from Shepherd and celebrating Hefner's victory. He outright blames Hefner for his divorce. When he met Dorothy Stratten, he was convinced that she and the other Playmates were virtual prisoners to the whims of Hefner, dying their hair and changing their appearance to appease him. He is convinced that she looks miserable in her Playmate of the Year pictorial, because she was under the control of Hefner and her husband, Paul Snider.
Dorothy Stratten began an affair with Bogdanovich on a New York movie set while she was married to her first husband, Paul Snider. Opinion on Snider is unanimous: he was a hustler who used Stratten as his meal ticket out of Canada into Hollywood. Snider became obsessively controlling as Stratten's career took off, ultimately kidnapping, torturing, and murdering his wife when she announced she was leaving him.
What Bogdanovich fails to see, in his rosy re-casting of Stratten as his one true love, an angel on Earth, is that he, too, contributed to her demise. Bogdanovich writes that their meeting was destined and he claims to have had a vision of her death. He excuses his other dalliances at the Playboy Mansion and casts himself as a pure being who tested Stratten to make sure she was leaving Snider for the right reasons. He fails to realize that he, too, was another man, like Snider and Hefner, controlling Dorothy Stratten. He fails to notice that his book is not about Dorothy, but about him, and his vision of who he wanted Stratten to be. When he published in 1984, one would think that a man this heartbroken might never remarry or look at another woman--but, surprise!, he married his lover's sister just a few years later.
This book is not a good biography of Dorothy Stratten, but it is an excellent primary source on a twisted love triangle of obsession and death. Read this as a companion to the impartial Village Voice article about Stratten, and to the lawsuits Hefner has brought against both Bogdanovich and the makers of the movie Star 80 for their portrayals of him.
Real Life Story of a Tragic Beauty.......2006-02-03
I just finished this book and it touched me very deeply. Dorothy's story has always touched me deeply since I first heard of it.My heart breaks for Dorothy. This young woman was taken under terrible circumstances way too early. Its sad that 20 years of life was all that she was able to live.She seemed to have a love for life.It also saddens me to know that few people seemed to ever really look beyond her beautiful exterior and get to know the real Dorothy inside-the kind, good natured girl who loved to read and write poetry.This book is the ultimate love story. And Peter's love for Dorothy is epic.I don't think he has ever gotten over her.The part of the book where Peter was notified of Dorothy's death is heartrending and will never leave my mind.I have to say though that I don't agree with all of Peter's beliefs and conclusions.Peter seems like a nice guy , but maybe in his grief he lashed out.I guess when you suffer such grief over the loss of someone you love so much, its easy to feel that many people are to blame in some way.I think the one ultimately responsible is Paul Snider because he pulled the trigger. I don't believe or agree that Hugh Hefner or Playboy are culpable at all for Dorothy's tragic death.Sure, maybe her being in Playboy helped lead up to the circumstances of Paul killing her, but he could have snapped and killed her anyway even if she hadn't been. Who knows? Paul had his own obsession with Dorothy right from the very beginning.Paul Snider was the one who approached Playboy about Dorothy , not the other way around. There are allegations in the book that Mr. Hefner once pressured Dorothy into a sexual encounter, but from what I understand , the source of the story- actor Patrick Curtis has since recanted it.Its hard to discern the true story. I do wonder though why Hefner would have to pressure any woman for sex. It seems like he has always had many woman vying for his attention.
The book is a lovely tribute written with such love about a beautiful , sensitive woman that was taken far too soon. It was a real pleasure to find out more about Dorothy. May we never forget her.
A look back.......2004-07-22
I have reread this book since I wrote my original review in 2000. I have had ups and downs in my life, spread out over 29 years, and it hurts to think about the ups and downs D.R. went through in only 20, and how many she missed out on. I still stand by my original thoughts, that Peter, even with best intentions, should have allowed Dorothy to grow up first before trying to rush her into another marriage-a marriage we all know never happened. He seems to miss the glaring reality of it all: His fury is obvious reading the book, at Hefner, at the men who used Stratten, molding her into the image of the perfect male fantasy. Yet on page after page of his memoir to her, she is nothing short of a "goddess", an angel, a mystical creature! No, no she wasn't. She was one in a trillion perhaps, but she was still just a woman. She had feelings, dreams, desires, aspirations. She was more than her crystal blue eyes, perfect body, and luminous hair. I wish Mr. Bogdanovich had seen to her as a daughter, not a lover, and saved her from Hollywood and Playboy for good. How hard would it have been to send her back home, unbleach her hair, and enroll her in college courses. If she was truly as intelligent as people say, wouldn't she have used her brains and sweet nature to be a wonderful teacher? But no, Stratten was too beautiful. I don't know what her career would be like today. Would she have married Peter? Would she still be an actress? The questions are so hard to think about. But for anyone who reads "Unicorn" without a pinch of salt in hand: Peter himself wonders if he will still love her when she is disfigured temporarily by sarcoidosis. Is that...love?
fabulous.......2000-07-04
I was so interested in reading this book that I couldn't put it down. Everything that happened to Dorothy was awful, her life was a shame and what happened after her life (how her baby sister married Peter) was, I think, pretty sick too. Of course, that's only my opinion, Peter seems to have loved her and Louise too, what happened between them happened between them. She was very very lucky to be able to be in Playboy and for that I'm sure she is admired by many. At least by me. Her brief life was over before it really began, for that I feel for her. The book was great, it made me really care about Dorothy and what happened to her. I'm very glad I read it and would recommend it to ANYONE. I also hope Peter feels as good and as fulfilled as he can after writing this book, because it really did explain the real Dorothy and introduced her to millions of people, even if it was too late. Her death was terrible and what happened to her was disgusting to even think about, but that's Hollywood for you.
Yet another manipulator.......2000-06-09
It's really a shame that Dorothy's entire life was spent searching for a father figure: she found plenty of them--Hef, Peter, Paul. She never had a chance to find herself. I am sure Peter loved her, in the way he could possibly love a little girl, so perfect and beautiful and adoring, but not yet a woman. Peter Bogdanovich is narcissistic and egotistical. Dorothy didn't need another man to mold her and make her the perfect woman. She needed to get away from all of them and discover HERSELF. Who SHE was. Spend time with her family--the sister who had her taken away too soon and then marries her sister's lover. The tragedy the Stratten family has endured is palpable, but I believe Peter Bogdanovich had as much a part in her death as Paul did. He was the lover who enraged Paul. Not that there had to be one--Paul had made up his mind any number of scenarios that Dorothy had no control over--and that weren't true. But instead of letting her get on with her life, Peter instantly sweeps her up into a romance she wasn't ready for and it probably cost her her life. She was manipulated her whole adult life for the pleasure of men. I'm sorry she never knew, as I have now, an adult, healthy loving relationship. I think about the horror she went through that last night of her life, and wonder how these "men" can wash her blood off their hands.
Book Description
A family with secrets---is murder one of them?
Membery Place has been the home of the Calvert family for over one hundred years. Below it, set in a forest clearing, is a modern, award-winning house designed by architect Mark Calvert, one of Alyssa Calvert's three sons.
Mark's wife, Francesca, has been conscious of an intriguing element of mystery surrounding Bianca Morgan ever since Chip, the eldest Calvert brother, brought her and her child to live with him at Membery. No one, except possibly Chip, knows anything about her previous life. Bianca remains an enigma---and then one day her body is found in a pool beneath a waterfall on the estate.
The three brothers have always been very close, but the subsequent inquiry now reveals that they all had their own secret connection with Bianca. Could one of them have had reason to kill her? Perhaps Jonathan, to save his career as an international cello soloist; Mark, to save his marriage---or even Chip?
The focus of the inquiry shifts dramatically when Bianca's nine-year-old son goes missing. Has the child too been killed, or has he been abducted because he saw his mother's murder? The fruitless search for Bianca's killer and the kidnapper forces Francesca to take matters into her own hands, determined to resolve the mystery of the Calvert family.
Customer Reviews:
Good mystery.......2006-07-20
Eccles is a very good writer, in addition to being able to plot out an excellent mystery story. From the first page she sets the mood very well and doesn't rush through building the aura and relationships that drive the plot. Hope to see more of the same from her.
terrific homicide investigation .......2004-12-03
Fran Calvert is taking a walk on her husband's family estate when she finds the corpse of Bianca (Biba) Morgan near a refreshing waterfall. Fran knows that Biba and her nine years old son Jasie were brought here by Fran's brother-in-law Chip. Reflecting on the deceased Fran realizes she also knows almost nothing about the victim. She also worries that her spouse architect Mark is no where in sight and Jasie is missing.
The family led by the matriarch Alyssa clings to the belief that an outsider killed Biba. , Inspector Dave Crouch and Sergeant Kate Colville investigate the death and quickly find ties between Biba and the third son international cello star Jonathan and Mark; they believe an inside job. As the cops dig deeper into the family, the pretense of upper crust affinity begins to unravel as each Calvert has their own agenda.
This English cozy is an enjoyable police procedural that combines insight into a family through the investigation. Fans will appreciate how cleverly Marjorie Eccles reveals her cast especially the hidden roles they mask from others while the two police officers strip away their veneer. The who-done-it is a terrific homicide investigation that also serves as the background to a deep family drama.
Harriet Klausner
Amazon.com
Slumming it out of their native Eire for a spell, Morgan Llywelyn (1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion) and Michael Scott (Irish Folk and Fairy Tales) have turned their erudite scholarship and lyric prose to the far south: The Etruscans recounts a mythic tale of the Rasne, the "Silver People," a prosperous and sophisticated culture dwelling in what is now Tuscany that was forced out by the rise of Rome (or rather absorbed, as was the custom in those days).
Reminiscent of other well-crafted historical fantasies (such as Guy Gavriel Kay's two-part Sarantine Mosaic), the duo takes a simple but compelling story arc--buttressed by meticulous research--and brings it alive with a restrained infusion of magic and fable. The universe of the Rasne/Etruscans hangs between three worlds: "Flesh is tied to Earthworld, Spirit to Otherworld, Death to Netherworld." Scott and Llywelyn's characters exist at the intersection of these balanced but competing planes, always aware and influenced by the supernatural in otherwise mundane lives, caught between good and evil, life and death. The historically sound plot catches the Rasne just as Rome is rising to power; a young Etruscan girl is raped by a demon (a siu), but through the arcane influence of her forebears, her super-powered offspring will prove to be a hero of the ages--a man the Romans will know as Horatius. Skillful prose and moving characterizations carry the day for Llywelyn and Scott, making The Etruscans a worthy read, likely to become a classic for fans of the genre. --Paul Hughes
Book Description
In the early days of the Roman Empire, the noble Etruscan civilization in Italy is waning, Vesi, a young Etruscan noblewoman, is violated by a renegade supernatural being. Outcast then from Etruria, Vesi bears Horatrim, a child who carries inexplicable knowledge and grows to manhood in only six years. But a savage Roman attack leaves Vesi unresponsive and Horatrim homeless and vulnerable, and he travels to Rome where his talents confound powerful businessman Propertius, who arranges to adopt Horatrim as a son, changing his name to Horatius. And all the while his demon father is seeking him to kill him, for Horatius is a conduit through which the demon might be found and destroyed.
Customer Reviews:
Magical fantasy, some borrowed bits.......2004-06-09
A peculiar book, borrowing quaint Etruscan traditions to make an interesting entertainment. Typical of this is the way Horatrim is recommended into Roman society by his interesting ideas on drainage and building - a dramatisation of Roman culture borrowing from Etruscan. But it is a magical fantasy. And I don't see that it has any connection with Livy's legend about the Brothers Horatii other than the family name.
Mythic proportions against a lush milieu.......2001-07-28
....It is as fine a novel as any of Llywelyn or Scott's other work. While the characterization here is acutely archetypal, excusing it readily from Proustian descriptive depth, it is truly memorable. The dark goddess Pythia is absolutely Lovecraftian in her gross morbidity and utter vileness. Hero Horatius strides manfully from the literary gene pool that spawned Odysseus, David, Beowulf, and Superman. The sensuously depicted settings easily bring Dante and Milton to mind. This is masterful storytelling at its finest from two of contemporary fiction's best.
A release from boredom.......2000-05-26
Although usually not a big fan of fantasy, I found this story to be exciting and almost impossible to put down. Ms. Llywelyn and Mr. Scott have done a superb job of writing with their descriptions of the netherworld, its dangers and pitfalls . The premise that Horatrim's ancestors bestow upon him the powers needed to overcome all odds and to defeat the powers of evil are certainly in keeping with the modern idea that we all inherit certain qualities from our forbearers. I hope that there will be a sequel to this book as I really want to know what happens to these characters in later life.
A gore/ghost historical fantasy.......2000-05-22
The caldron of this historical fantasy roils with the ingredients that go into the making of a genre-specific brine: A sprinkling of Etruscan, Roman, Greek and Egyptian mythologies; overdoses of action; spicy thriller-type dialogues, short and poignant; and chunks of raw meat (literally!) In spite of all the spice and gore, the soup turns out a bit watery -- with some remarkable exceptions. There is the splendidly horrific descent into the Netherworld, described with with Danteesque flair and the quality of an epic in its own right. There are metmorphoses left and right: a fantastic creature may change shapes several times, from a griffin to a dragon to a serpent, and so on in stunning sequences of transubstantiations. Incomprehensibly, some of these marvelous scenes end in sophomoric punch lines, as, for example, when the hero Heratius, after his epic struggle of penetrating the Netherworld to rescue his mother, exclaims, "We did it, my friend! We did it!" (p. 330) How can an editor overlook a slip from style? There are other, similar slips, at times nudging the narrative to the edge of kitsch. Luckily, the vigor and the color of most of the narrative make up for faux pas. The authors are to be complimented for their unrelenting assault on our senses. Visions are blood-curdling, and olfactory realism is so punchent that it may drive a reader to the bathroom to quickly apply deodorant. (Not since Norman Mailer, ANCIENT EVENINGS has there been such a prodigious attack on our nostrils.) The historical foundation of the plot is fair. The authors do a fair job in sketching the ethnic diversity of Italy during times B.C.: Romans, Etruscans and,somewhat vaguely, Teumetians. They also cover the ancients' division of the universe into Earthworld, Otherworld and Netherworld with their respective denizens, emphasizing the fluidity between the realms and the possible transmogrifications -- a feat for the New-Age minded and those steadfast Christians who still confuse the Inquisition with a panel of enlightened anthropologists. In sum, this is an entertaining book with historical insight, though the style is a bit too hectic for my taste and neglects opportunities for more contemplative and uplifting moments. Also there is a certain psychological superficiality that impedes the chance for the reader's identification with the emotions of the protagonist Heratius. Nonetheless, knowing only too well the harrowing demands made on authors of historical fare, I sincerely appreciate what Llyewlyn and Scott have accomplished.
A Nice Fantasy.......2000-04-29
This is a fun book. It doesn't have any deep meaning, the authors don't plumb the depths of their characters, but it's fun anyway.
I enjoyed the depiction of the Netherworld and the Gods. It held my interest throughout, which was a refreshing departure from recent books that I had to slog through.
The plot never gets bogged down by dialogue or endless descriptive narrative. The authors keep it moving quickly from page 1 to the end.
Not the best book I've read lately, but far from the worst.
Book Description
The primary contributing psychologist for the Dr. Phil Show gives parents innovative solutions for ADD that go beyond drug therapy—with nearly 100,000 sold in hardcover.
“Based on my trust in Dr. Lawlis and my respect for his integrity and unselfish desire to help people, I have every confidence that you will find powerful answers in this important book.”
—from the foreword by Dr. Phil McGraw
Every year, 17 million new cases of attention deficit disorder, or ADD, are diagnosed in children. But medications designed to treat the disorder don't work for many children and often leave families frustrated and searching for more options.
In The ADD Answer, Dr. Frank Lawlis draws upon his thirty-five years of experience as a clinical and research psychologist to show parents how they can reclaim their central role in healing their children with comprehensive step-by-step advice on dealing with the problems of ADD. His approach blends the latest medical, nutritional, and psychological treatments that can increase brain function with expert insight into the emotional—and spiritual—support kids need.
Including assessment tests geared to help parents understand their child's particular needs and practical information on proven treatment options, The ADD Answer explores:
• The role of nutrition in treating the disorder
• The positive effects of counseling and goal setting
• Advances in the field of biofeedback
• The importance of sleep, and much more
An inspiring and essential guide, The ADD Answer will help every family facing the challenges of ADD create a more loving, healthy environment necessary for their child to thrive.
“Dr. Lawlis's book is an essential reference for parents because it brings to light all of the proven alternatives. I highly recommend it.”
—Larry Dossey, MD
Customer Reviews:
Many ideas not often presented.......2007-09-14
I'm not sure (but not surprised)why this is getting such hostile responses. My son has been managed effectively through many of the techniques described here. I can't believe that these ideas are that controversial, but it's much easier to shove a pill down your kids throat and hope for the best. Is the negativity an attempt to quell your own guilt? A child will likely improve with stimulant medication because - guess what??- It's stimulating parts of the brain that regulate attention and impulse control. but what are the long-term effects of this? We do not have much longitudinal data (following people long term) to accurately guage the effects. Ever seen a long-term meth user? It's not pretty and Ritalin is in the amphetamine family. Granted, Ritalin users often take much smaller doses, but often takes it long term. I have known several kids that if I were their parent, I would medicate them, as their quality of life (school, home, and social) was significantly effected. However, for a mild/mod case, such as my son, I have found these strategies very effective. Most important to him: FOOD COLOR, sleep, & structure. For those that do not believe in the food color connection,we could do a little test: I could feed my son several packets of Go-gurts and send him to your house for the night. I would find you in the fetal position the next morning. Food color is PETROLEUM-BASED, people - why is this controversial???? Should this be in any of our bodies? Why has the diagnosis of ADHD exploded? The gene pool has not changed that much - points to environmental factors to me. Anyway, I highly recommend this book, as well as "The Gift of Adhd" by Lara Honos-Webb. Good luck and remember that children with this disorder would not choose these problems and need our help and willingness to help them find the keys to managing it.
loved it.......2007-04-04
I have read alot of stuff on ADHD and it was great to finally read a book where you can tell the author really cares about kids and actually looks at each child's case individually. There is no doubt in my mind that nutrition has something to do with it for alot of these kids!
Disappointing.......2006-08-29
I have a 19 year old son that has been on stimulants since age 5. The stimulants work but we're always searching for a better, easier and cheaper solution. We've tried all types of naturals treatments and biofeedback but they did not work. I was hoping that Lawlis' book offered some new insights into ADD and it's causes and treatment. However, I was disappointed to read the same old suggestions about nutrition, diet, biofeedback, etc. I don't disagree that some people benefit from these treatments but Dr. Lawlis didn't present any new ideas.
From a Parent's Perspective.......2005-10-20
I have a 14 yo son with ADHD and I've read too many books on the subject. I took my son off all meds a year ago because the cure was becoming worse than the diagnosis and realized that the meds were masking his emotional problems even though he went to Psychciatrists and Psycologists, Pediatric Neurological Behavioralists-the list seemed eternal.
One thing I learned very quickly is that the Dr.s never really understood. They knew-they saw-they treated, but that is not living with it. Dr. Lawlis brings in his own experience with disabilities and gives a compassionate understanding to the fustration parents and children themselves feel, and offers insight and solutions.
As for the "Snake Oil" comment, again, it's easy for Dr.s to poopoo when you tell them that you think sugar adversly effects their behavior, or that you see a change after you give them dyed foods, but as a parent, you know your child and know the subtleties to their character that back up your opinions. Even if it isn't scientifically proven, is there anything to be hurt by trying to take additives out of their diet? Is there anything wrong with trying everything you can for the sake of helping your child? For the pharamceutical companies there is.
For a few dollars I think any added perspective on the situation is worthwhile. You really have nothing to loose in reading it, and everything to gain. The book costs no more than a copay of Adderall/Ritilin/Depakote/ad nauseum...
Worthless Drivel !!!.......2005-10-15
I have been in practice for over 25 years, treating adults and children alike, I have read many books on the subject of ADD and ADHD and frankly I found this book to be full of the same old sham treatments that don't work any better than snake oil.
This guy is a snake oil salesman!
Dr. Stanley J. Steinberg D.C.
Book Description
Every year, 17 million new cases of attention deficit disorder, or ADD, are diagnosed in children. But medications designed to treat the disorder don't work for many children and often leave families frustrated and searching for more options. In The ADD Answer, Dr. Frank Lawlis draws upon his thirty-five years of experience as a clinical and research psychologist to show parents how they can reclaim their central role in healing their children with comprehensive step-by-step advice on dealing with the problems of ADD. His approach blends the latest medical, nutritional, and psychological treatments that can increase brain function with expert insight into the emotional—and spiritual—support kids need.
Including assessment tests geared to help parents understand their child's particular needs and practical information on proven treatment options, The ADD Answer explores:
• The role of nutrition in treating the disorder
• The positive effects of counseling and goal setting
• Advances in the field of biofeedback
• The importance of sleep, and much more
An inspiring and essential guide, The ADD Answer will help every family facing the challenges of ADD create a more loving, healthy environment necessary for their child to thrive.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent!.......2007-03-30
I found this book to be an excellent resource for a parent lost in the sea of ADD/ADHD information. The author's conservative approach is sensible and educated. I also appreciate the subtle spiritual insight he offers which helps the reader understand some very positive aspects of ADD. This book has become my main resource while we deal with this situation.
A concerned adult with ADHD.......2006-02-28
I am an adult with ADHD inatintive type. I have struggled all my life with this condition. Howevere, I have managed to earn a BA in psychology and I am currently working on a masters degree. Because of my expierences in psychology classes I know something about scientific research and empirical evidence. This book was a major dissapointment to me because it lacks the simple scholary research to prove the claims made by Dr Lawless. I am afraid this book is nothing more then modernday snake-oil that will cause more harm then good.
This book is so full of pseudo-science that I fear it may cause a great deal of harm to children and adults with ADHD. Dr. Lawless is a psychologist and should now how to read the scientifice research on the subject found in peer reviewed journals. While, I believe that the chemeicals in the foods we eat are a major cause of illnesses, ADHD and obesity, There is little scientific evidence that add is caused by diet. However, their maybe more evidence in the future. One of his clames of red dye has been proven completly false. Another one his claims about magnet theropy are so out of the scientific mainstream that he comes of as a snakeoils salesman. Please do not buy this book. If you want reliable information by on of the Driven to Distraction books.
Response to Concerned Mom.......2005-11-08
Concerned Mom,
Before 86-ing this book, look at your own source, which is 5 years old. Also consider that the vast majority of the psychiatric profession in Europe believes ADD is a figment of the American psychiatric community's imagination. If they're right, anyone who believes ADD is a genuine disorder is a pseudoscientist, whether they believe it can be conclusively diagnosed or not.
In addressing ADD and ADHD Dr. Phil and Frank have both maintained that a thorough attempt at a differential diagnosis MUST be made(ruling out other learning disorders, stressors in the home, other possible disorders or chemical imbalances, depression, etc.) PRIOR to reaching a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. They also insist that this must be done in CONJUNCTION with an EEG. The EEG reading alone is persuasive, but not diagnostic. If they have claimed to the contrary then they are going against everything they have maintained in their shows addressing this issue.
You may agree or disagree with them and I'm sure some qualified professionals disagree with them as well. That's not uncommon in the medical community, and it certainly doesn't make this pseudo science.
If their claim were simply that the EEG ALONE were diagnostic in the absence of a thorough examination of patient history, etc., then you're beef would be legitimate. But why the hostility? These days children are often overmedicated based solely on the reommendation of tired parents or teachers. By contrast Dr. Phil is advocating a careful thorough screening prior to reaching that diagnosis, and consideration of all available therapies, not medical therapy alone. At the same time the screening process he's advocating will no doubt help some people who haven't been diagnosed but should have been finally get the help they need. So many are written of an depressed or looking for excuses for a lifelong struggle with frustration and attention span (my wife for example), but thanks to a rigorous screening process followed by a careful neurological exam including an EEG, most of the red herrings can finally be ruled out and effective treatment can begin. This is a total middle of the road position between throwing pills out willy nilly and just telling people to get over their disorder. Who loses here? And where is the argument that the EEG IN CONJUNCTION WITH a careful differential diagnosis, detailed patient history and examination of past behavior, academic struggles, etc., can't be diagnostic of this disorder? Some may disagree, but what's new about that?
The three star rating is because I haven't finished reading the book.
PLEASE READ BEFORE BUYING!.......2005-10-27
There are many great ideas presented in this book about dealing with your add child, BUT the chapter on meds is completely off base. Let me preface the following with MY opinion (I am not an MD or an expert) that children with ADD need a team approach in helping them deal with the condition (if you choose to call it one) and there is a place for meds for many kids, BUT it is only a piece of the puzzle. Parents, teachers, family members, Md's, and behavioral specialists are all crucial. I happen to work indirectly with many of the world thought leaders and experts on ADD (ie. Joseph Beiderman, Mass General Hospital, Boston MA/ Harvard Medical School, ... look up his credentials). First Dr. Frank Lawlis is not an MD, this means he has not been to medical school- that is not to say he isn't a great psychologist, just that he HAS NOT and DOES NOT write prescriptions for these meds and has NO first hand experience with directly managing these meds himself. In this book there are many things that are completely false regarding ADD meds. For example he states that they only work for about 50% of kids. FALSE Let me cite 3 credible sources that disputes this (notice in the book that he does not talk about HIS credible source)
1. "approx 70% of patients respond to the first stimulant agent administered with resulting improvement in their ADHD symptoms." - Practical Considerations in Stimulant Drug Selection for the ADHD Patient- Efficacy, Potency and Titration Beiderman, Today's Therapeutic Trends, 02'
2. "Improvement occurred in 65-75% of 5,899 patients randomized to stimulants." - Practice Parameter for the Use of Stimulant Medication in the Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Feb02'
3. "At least 80% of children will respond to one of the stimulants if they are tried in a systemic way." Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of the School-Aged Child with ADHD, Published in American Acedemy of Pediatrics, Oct 01'.
All of these quotes are credible and are opinions based on evidence-based medicine from the experts. Lawlis also states that there has been little research in children and that most studies have been done on adults and rats/mice. This is Completely False! The Journal noted above, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (that was a review of "161 randomized controlled trials that have been published encompassing 5 preschool, 150 school-age, 7 Adolescent, and 9 adult studies" Where does Dr. Lawlis get his information?
The review noted above by the American Acedemy of Pediatrics, identified for analysis 2405 citations, 92 reports, and 78 different studies. This is American Acedemy of Pediatrics- They are only interested in children and adolescents! Not Rats, Mice, and Adults.
These are the most credible Medical Journals published. These are not the biased trials sponsored by big pharma. The information in these Journals is taken very seriously by Pediatricians and Child Psychiatrists, and is heavily relied upon by these professionals.
Lastly, he also states that these drugs are identical to cocaine in their affect on the brain. This is not true, they have similarities, but by NO-Means identical. Yes it is true that stimulant medications can be abused and can also be addictive, but some of the newer formulations of these meds have lessened their abuse and addictive potential by altering the speed at which the drug is released into the bloodstream thereby somewhat flattening the curve (Cocaine use produces a curve that is almost straight up-this is what gives the "high") The most common way for these drugs to be abused is by crushing them and snorting them (which allows for fast absorption and steep curve), and some of the newer meds are crush resistant and/or cannot be turned into a fine enough substance to be snorted. There has also been data published that shows a DECREASE not increase in drug abuse for patients who have taken stimulants. It is believed that kids who are treated (drug treatment and otherwise) are less likely to associate with kids who are failing academically/socially and who are more likely to be using drugs. (This is not to say that high all high achievers abstain from using OR that ALL children who are failing ARE using) It is just a point that kids who are treated are more likely to be focused on school and their responsibilities and are less likely to be involved in drug use. Kids who are failing in school academically/socially are often looked at as outcasts and are often looked down upon by peers, teachers, and family, and this can cause a child to look for an escape... sometimes drugs. Children who Do benefit from stimulant medication sometimes have more self-esteem because of their success, and certainly less scrutiny from peers, teachers etc.
Lastly, Lawlis tells a story about a man who died from long-term stimulant medication. I am not going to say that this did not happen, but I will say that stimulants have been used since the 1950's, and the medical community agrees that they are safe when managed properly. The medical community and FDA have pulled MANY medications that were deemed unsafe from the markets (many times against the will of BIG Pharma) and the stimulants would not have remained on the market for OVER 50 YEARS, if stories like this were common or the least bit likely.
I am not at all stating that stimulant meds are the answer because they are not, but they can be a small piece of the puzzle that is helping these kids with ADD. The book is full of great ideas and approaches to ADD, but he is not accurate about the stimulant medications. Parents who see value in them should not feel ashamed and or frightened by what he says because most of it is just not accurate. Good luck and I hope this was helpful.
Tantrums gone with EFAs.......2005-09-29
My son had been diagnosed with ADD by psychiatry in kindergarten. BUT his terrible tantrums from age 1 to 8, (throwing himself on the floor, banging his head, screaming, hitting, demolishing his room) have stopped since he took Essential FAtty Acids. The teacher literally had all good things to say about him a month after he started taking these nutrition supplements. Where he couldn't get up in time for school at 9:00 am, he could now get up at 7 for a shower. Our family no longer had to walk on egg shells around him, he was more predicable and fell asleep at a good time every night. He could organize his world to the point that he finished whole projects thoroughly and thoughtfully on his own in grade 5 and 6. This solution came to our family through prayer and this was God's answer I believe. I hope you find your answer.
Average customer rating:
- Healthy, delicious, satisfying lifestyle
- It really is a mighty fine tool to have
- Delicious!
- A 'mighty' book all the way around
- Eating right and feeling energetic!
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Dee's Mighty Cookbook: Tasty Cuisine for Flourless and Sugarless Living
Dee Mccaffrey
Manufacturer: Health from the Heart Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
Essays
| Gastronomy
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
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ASIN: 0974553026 |
Product Description
Organic Chemist and Diet Counselor Dee McCaffrey knows all to well what it's like to be overweight. From a chubby child to an adult, she always struggled with her weight, finally tipping the scale at 210 pounds on her tiny 4 foot 10 inch frame. Using her chemistry background, Dee then discovered the fattening qualities of artificial ingredients and manipulated foods like today's flour and sugar. She then changed her diet and lost 100 pounds, nearly half her weight, and has kept it off for over a decade. She now leads seminars, does personal weight loss counseling, and produced this long awaited cookbook. It includes over 100 of Dee's private recipes to maintain her 100-pound weight loss for all this time. Many of them have not yet been released to the public or can only be obtained from paying $250 to participate in Dee's nutrition classes. Dee also describes in detail the "Six Most Important Foods for Weight Loss and Good Health" and explains in scientific terms why not eating whole grains is dangerous and why eating processed flour and sugar would make a person gain weight. As an added bonus, Dee has included the home recipe for her famous Dees Mighty Muffins (www.deesmightymuffins.com), so you dont have to buy them in a store just to enjoy their great taste and beneficial qualities. Order it today!
Customer Reviews:
Healthy, delicious, satisfying lifestyle.......2007-08-03
If you have seen this book in a health food store, you may have dismissed it as something that would have you buying wierd and expensive foods and would involve cooking things only health food nuts would want. However, this book dispels all my misconceptions about healthy eating:
Misconception #1-If I cook healthy, my family won't like it. When I cooked for my meat and potatoes family from this book, they loved it and there were no leftovers. I will say that my teenaged boy did eat a lot, so I would probably double the recipes for my family.
Misconception #2-Healthy eating is low-fat or no-fat. This way of eating includes using more "fat" in cooking, but the fat comes from healthy oils most of which I had not used before. I am enjoying using these healthier fats, some of which add a delicious taste and great satisfaction and satiety to my eating experience.
Misconception #3-If I cook from a book like this, I'm going to have to start shopping in health food stores and doubling my grocery bill. I started cooking from this book after one trip to my grocery store. So far, I have only gone to a health-food store for one item from my regular grocery store. The cost is more than off-set by purchasing fewer unhealthy processed foods. I will probably have to get a few more special items overtime and restock them periodically, but many grocery stores have most items mentioned here. I am finding some items are much more economically available online.
Misconception #4-If I eat this kind of food, though the food will be good for me, I will feel deprived and unsatisfied when others around me are eating "real" food. Guess what--this is the "real" food. I feel more than satisfied after eating these foods and don't feel tempted by office snacks--even fresh, still warm donuts, chips or home-baked sweets.
When you start feeding your body healthy foods, you will feel satisfied, energetic, and you will want to learn and apply more of the helpful information from this book. As far as weight loss, after 6 weeks, I have lost about 4 pounds; this is a lifestyle change, not a crash diet. Let me tell you about a typical day. Breakfast 1 piece of Ezekial French Toast and a half recipe of Dee's Mighty Breakfast (both recipe in book). For lunch, either leftovers, or perhaps some soup from one of the recipes in the book and a piece of fruit. For a snack I sometimes have a muffin using the recipe in the book minus the honey. For dinner I have a balanced meal, something healthy like one of the dishes in the book. Many days I often have a chocolate treat from the recipe in the book. Based on my level of well-being and satisfaction with the food, I highly recommend this way of cooking and living. You are in for a treat if you order and use this book!
It really is a mighty fine tool to have.......2007-06-18
I went to a free seminar that Dee and her husband offered at a healthfood store in my town. She speaks from real life education and experience. I found myself unable to put the cookbook down because it has so many interesting facts and details that should be so simple but sometimes the rest of the world makes too much out of something and simple things get buried. This book is VERY EASY to add to my everyday life, the recipes are easy to follow and ingredience that don't require a foreign language to understand. I can't wait to be another success story by following Dee's plan.
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Delicious!.......2007-03-29
I have tried MANY of the recipes and they are all delicious, easy and make you feel good because of all the wonderful ingredients. I just love this book!
A 'mighty' book all the way around.......2007-03-24
This recipe book is now a mainstay in my kitchen and I use it daily. I've been on a number of sugar/flour free diets but didn't stick to the blah way of eating via the recipes from those plans. Dee's recipes are anything but blah in my opinion and the information about nutrition are invaluable for me as well. Even my two year old eats the meals I make from Dee's book and we both love dee's mighty muffins! I feel good knowing that I'm feeding my toddler wholesome healthy food along with eating it myself. I highly recommend this book.
Eating right and feeling energetic!.......2006-04-08
I love Dee's Mighty Cookbook and especially her inspiring story of losing 100 pounds in one year.....and keeping it off for over a decade. I purchased Dee's Cookbook in a local health food store, and thought, "Well, I'll give it a try." I never expected it to change my life, but it did. I have been "eating healthy" per Dee's recipes and suggestions for the past two months. I have lost 12 pounds and feel much better than I have in a long time. I have more energy, and at 53, I feel as though I have the energy I had years ago. I also find I don't need to sleep as much as I used to. "Real food" tastes so good now. I no longer buy processed foods or anything with processed flours/sugars, and do not crave those things. The only sweets I crave are fruit.....and occasional small bites of dark (organic) chocolate. I also make my own salad dressings (per Dee's recipes), and they are so good I no longer buy store brands. I can't say enough about this new way of eating, and new way of life. I am so grateful that Dee has shared her knowledge and experience through this book. Blessings to you, Dee, from a thankful customer in Arizona. - Nonni
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