is a skillful interviewer who was able to draw out not only the terrible side of thoe experiences but also the ways in - Peter Elbling
The interviews in this remarkable book are with people who have endured years and years of unrelenting pain and are so horrifying that I found it hard to read more than one chapter at a time. And yet I found myself going back to the book over and over again until I had finished. That was because the author, Georgia Houston, who had also endured years of unrelenting pain, is a skillful interviewer who was able to draw out not only the the terrible side of those experiences but also the ways in which her subjects dealt with the hands they had been given. There are also interviews with the doctors and therapists, alas a precious few, who took the time to really get to know their patients, to listen to their stories and to find ways of helping them that often flew in the face of the accepted wisdom. This book is not only a must read for someone who is experiencing something like this but hopefully also for doctors and therapists so that they learn that a little more time with each patient and a more open minded approach to the problem could help us and them in the future.
has proven to be a wonderful gift to someone close to me who has suffered... - Helen Costantino
This book , as well as Vienna's Waiting , written earlier by this gifted young lady, has proven to be a wonderful gift to someone close to me who has suffered from chronic, unidentified pain for several years. The journey that a sufferer makes, especially when validation by physicians is hard/impossible to fine, is a heartbreaking one. Georgia not only shares her story but the story of others in a readable way that makes the difficulties understandable and gives the reader hope. Knowing that others, particularly young people, deal with pain and learn how to manage their lives is inspirational. That a girl so young would publicly address this and go on to start a foundation to help others in similar situations is a tribute to her character, intelligence and generosity. The support that her family obviously played a part in her progress is a reminder of the importance of a caring network . We go through life with many different issues; we need to realize that we can not do it alone.
The two books by Georgia Huston are superb. An important read on many levels.
When pain turns your life to darkness... - Jaron Summers
Chronic pain is horrible. It can drive you around the bend and often to suicide. Georgia, as a teenager, went through more pain than seemed humanly possible. She survived.
Then she wrote two brilliant books about her devastating journey and the "pain" paths of others.
She has devoted her life now to helping others -- if you're going through pain or you have a friend or loved one trapped in that dark world -- Georgia's writings could save your sanity and possibly your life. No wonder her work is being used to help pain victims in some of the major medical facilities of the world. Her life and writing is a source of inspiration to those who are baffled and beaten by pain.
Georgia connects with those who feel they have no hope, who are sure they will never see the light again.
I found it to be a very difficult read - sad and uplifting all at the same time - John
While I gave Ms. Huston's book five stars, I found it to be a very difficult read - sad and uplifting all at the same time. Her book is a series of interviews and stories from people who suffer from chronic pain, including herself. Ms. Huston must have a great deal of skill to extract the in depth interviews she presents us with. Congratulations to Ms. Huston for giving us a look at this world - both the pain and the courage! This is a most valuable tool for anyone that suffers this terrible, debilitating condition.
I highly recommend the book for young people suffering from this condition... - CHN
This extraordinary young woman shines light and understanding on a little understood affliction. She shares her personal experiences and profiles others who have suffered similarly, as well as those professionals who have worked to treat them. The book offers hopeful paths for coping, managing and healing this crippling elusive condition.
I highly recommend the book for young people suffering from this condition and those who love and care for them and want to ease their pain. Miss Huston shows us that there is the possibility of living a happy and productive life while managing the condition.
An educational perspective from the inside. - wrkinprgrss
One of the best tools we have for education is conversation. The writer's conversational approach to interviewing is an easy and fascinating read. She understands experientially that pain must be treated holistically, coping involves the whole person. It is comforting to know that other people understand and can empathize with our own challenges. This book provides unique insight into the affects and responses to chronic pain physically, emotionally and spiritually. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper, more intimate understanding of what it feels like to live with pain.
Georgia Huston's book is a compelling, informative and well...
Georgia Huston's book is a compelling, informative and well written chronicle of her experience and others dealing with chronic pain, the quest for answers and the notion that there are many in the world dealing with debilitating health. Here you can read the trials and tribulations of those whose personal journeys help to shed light and gather strength offering comfort and understanding for others living in despair. You will learn from each chapter and be thankful someone has told this story.
Finally, the definitive book by a fellow sufferer! - Philip C.
We're surprised how many people we know with this condition and how little is written about it. At last a terrific book by a sufferer, but also someone who is working to help others and has been on the cutting edge of cures. A wonderful guide that will help someone with the problem realize, "Hey, I'm not crazy!"
An excellent book and a "must read" for anyone dealing with chronic pain! - Kiffy
Georgia Huston's book is a compelling and informative "must read" for anyone dealing with chronic pain. Her approach to interviewing each individual is exceptional and fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
You Are Not Alone - JenEllen
I picked this up locally. For anyone dealing with chronic pain or who knows someone dealing, this is a wonderful read. The author did a good job of interviewing a large variety of people with personal to professional experiences. For anyone who has ever felt alone in their quest for an answer or a path to deal with pain this book will be a welcomed read. It is also enlightening for those seeking a non-traditional medical response to health issues.