Books
This page is a listing of books that we’ve reviewed (and may have in our own collection) and books that we’d like to review.
We have a Review Key for your reference. Please refer to this when reading the Book Review list.
If you would like to submit a book for us to review, please contact us for additional information.
Review Key:
| Pages | How many fully numbered pages are in the book. |
| Graphics? | Yes = pictures, illustrations or diagrams. No = The book is only text |
| Ease of Read | Easy Skim = Great for those flare days (<50% attention required) Thorough = >75% attention required for full benefit Scholarly= >90% attention required. You may need a dictionary handy |
| Positive (+) | Subjective description of a positive point about the book. |
| Negative (-) | Subjective description of a negative point about the book. |
Books we’ve reviewed (and probably have in our library)
PAIN
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fibromyalgia by Lynne Matallana and Laurence A. Bradley, PhD. This book is an easy and thorough read about Fibromyalgia and various treatment options (including Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 358 | Yes | Thorough | Self-help tests and worksheets | Pub. 2009 so it may not be reflective of newer research |
The Carpal Tunnel Helpbook by Dr. Scott Fried. Reviews basic nerve problems in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Includes anatomy, treatments and DIY set up for home-based exercise.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 109 | Yes | Thorough | Good diagrams and graphics | Pub. 2001 so it may not be reflective of newer research |
Pain: It’s Not All In Your Head-The Tests Don’t Show Everything by Jay Tracy, PA-C, PsyD, LP. When I first read this book, I cried. I finally started to understand what was happening to me (the cycle of Chronic Pain). I highly recommend it for anyone with pain (acute or chronic) and for family and friends of Pain Campers as well.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| Yes | Easy Skim | Great for patients and family | May not be a great professional read |
Pain: Nerves on Fire – Changing Neuropathic Pain by Jay Tracy, PA-C, PsyD, LP. A more challenging read than Dr. Tracy’s first book (Pain: It’s not all in your head). It is written for both the patient and the professional in mind.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 221 | Yes-some | Thorough | Great for patients and professionals | Focus mainly on neuropathic pain |
Staying Sane with Chronic Pain by Niall Finn. Great e-book written by a professional nurse and psychotherapist, who also lives with chronic pain.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 69 | No | Easy Skim | Helpful exercises in appendices (meditation, relaxation, breathing) | A few phrases I was unfamiliar with (written in Ireland). |
Why Do I Hurt? A Patient Book About the Neuroscience of Pain by Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD(c), M.App.Sc (physio). Available in e-book or print spiral bound. Short book with patient education about pain, nerves, and coping techniques.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 52 | Yes | Easy Skim | Information is presented in an easy format with graphics. Great explanation of what happens in the body with pain. | If you’re further along in your pain journey, it may be a book you only revisit once in a while. |
DIET / FOOD
The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living by Jeff Volek, PhD, RD, and Stephen Phinney, MD, PhD. I had to read this book in bits and pieces. So much information, all applicable to someone attempting the ketogenic diet. Based on evidence based research.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 302 | No | Scholarly | Thorough and detailed re: the ketogenic diet | Need a science background |
The Ketogenic Diet: The Scientifically Proven Approach to Fast, Healthy Weight Loss by Kristin Mancinelli, MS, RD. This book is so far my favorite starter book for the ketogenic diet. Easy and quick read, and she uses great analogies throughout the book.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 316 | Yes | Easy Skim | User friendly for the newbie to the ketogenic diet | May be too simplistic for some |
Foods That Fight Pain by Neal D. Barnard, MD. This book is full of information for specific disorders from circulation related conditions, inflammatory pain, to metabolic and immune problems. There are a lot of recipes, and links to research.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 378 | No | Thorough | Recipes, research, and chapters devoted to different pain related disorders. | It’s a long book, and not all may be applicable to you. |
The H.O.P.E. Formula: The Ultimate Health Secret by Brenda Watson with Suzin Stockton, MA. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about digestion and how to improve it.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 133 | Yes-Many | Easy Skim | Good diagrams, graphics & health and nutritional info | May be may be redundant for someone further along in their health journey. |
MENTAL HEALTH
The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation, and Disease by Robert C. Scaer, MD. Geared towards mental health and pain professionals. It’s like a cousin of Dr. Levine’s trauma work. Reviews various trauma responses and relation to the brain and body.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 250 | Yes-some | Scholarly | Thorough and detailed re: trauma and body | Mostly geared towards professionals |
HEALTH / WELLNESS / INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, M.S. Hands down my favorite dictionary of the good and the bad when it comes to additives in our cosmetic products. It explains safety standards and even includes information on food storage.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 567 | No | Thorough | Easy to understand and look up ingredients. | Will have to keep purchasing a new updated copy every few years. |
A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives by Ruth Winter, M.S. Hands down my favorite dictionary of the good and the bad when it comes to additives in our food. In depth explanation of the cosmetics industry and safety regulations.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 595 | No | Thorough | Easy to understand and look up ingredients. | Will have to keep purchasing a new updated copy every few years. |
Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times by Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, PT. An easy “how to” book for learning Restorative Yoga poses so you can do them at home.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 238 | Yes-Many | Easy Skim | Good diagrams, graphics & DIY lists | Not for yoga experts (you will get bored) |
7-Day Detox Miracle by Peter Bennett, ND, and Stephen Barrie, ND with Sara Faye. Basic guide for learning about toxins in the body, and detoxification.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 386 | No | Thorough | Basic info re: body’s detoxification process, and sample meal plan w/recipes. | Some of the info may be outdated |
Trust Your Gut: Get Lasting Healing from IBS and Other Chronic Digestive Problems Without Drugs, by Gregory Plotnikoff, MD, and Mark Weisberg, PhD, with Steve LeBeau. A book that ties together nutrition, mental health, and medicine to treat digestive disorders.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 234 | Yes, Some | Thorough | Great read that has easily applicable application. Love how they tie the mental health in. MUST READ for anyone with digestive issues. | The only negative I can come up with is that there are no recipes. |
Natural Healing with Herbs: The First American System of Herbology by Humbart Santillo, ND. Great reference book for anyone looking to incorporate herbal medicine into their thriving journey.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 370 | No | Thorough to scholarly | Jam packed with great information on herbal medicine, how to make tinctures, teas, infusions etc. | No pictures. |
Your Brain on Nature: The Science of Nature’s Influence on Your Health, Happiness, and Vitality by Eva M. Selhub, MD, and Alan C. Logan, ND. Research and information bringing us out of our tech overloaded environments and back into nature to help with our thriving journeys.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 234 | No | Thorough to scholarly | Focus on how nature, and spending time interacting in it, can benefit our overall mental health. | No specific links to chronic pain. |
Sleep: A Groundbreaking Guide to the Mysteries, the Problems, and the Solutions by Carlos Schenck, MD. Overview of sleep disorders thriving skills to live with them.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 294 | No | Thorough to scholarly | Very thorough and detailed description of sleep disorders. I used to work along side of Dr. Schenck, and he knows what he’s talking about! | No mention of “painsomnia” 🙂 |
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. Recipe book for people with a basic understanding of aromatherapy.
| Pages | Graphics | Ease of Read | Positive | Negative |
| 423 | No | Easy Skim to Thorough | Many recipes to choose from and easily applicable. | Pub. in 1991, so may be slightly outdated. |
Books we’d like to review or are in the process of reviewing
Unlearn Your Pain: A 28 Day Process to Reprogram Your Brain by Howard Schubiner, MD. A workbook that comes with a meditation CD.
Keto Clarity: Your Definitive Guide to the Benefits of a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet by Jimmy Moore, and Eric Westman, MD.
The Ketogenic Cookbook: Nutritious Low-Carb, High-Fat Paleo Meals to Heal Your Body by Jimmy Moore, and Maria Emmerich.
Keto-Adapted by Maria Emmerich.
The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat & Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet by Nina Teicholz
