full of references and studies to back up their statements
352173
The birth of my first son did not go as I had wished, it ended up being an overly medicalized affair. I thought I had read enough and educated myself enough but I was wrong. I wanted a second child but was more scared of childbirth after having gone through that bad experience. Knowing there had to be a better way, I began reading more books. I read a dozen books before and during my second pregnancy. Each book had a different twist and something to learn from. These authors make bold statements regarding childbirth issues, compared with some of the popular mainstream childbirth books. But just when I was thinking that maybe they were wrong, they cited a reference. Everything these authors state is backed up by references and is credible. The reference section that lists these studies is 34 pages long! There is a very detailed index, which is helpful.
One unique feature this book has is a wonderful chapter on why OB/GYN physicians do what they do. It is explained in detail how the training of an OB is medical in nature, that they are trained to look for and solve medical problems and that they are surgeons by training. This was the only book that really explains in detail why a midwife and an OB have different attitudes toward pregnancy (a medical event vs. a normal life process for a woman). The authors don't doctor-bash, but are very clear about why things happen the way they do in a hospital setting and/or with an OB as the health care provider.
For those interested in home birth, it is discussed and cited as the most safe for both mother and baby, and the references are there (for anyone who doubts that issue).
This book was so full of good information that I ended up highlighting many passages, which I usually never do (as I want to keep my books clean). To get the birth that one desires, one must know much of this information before beginning care with a health care provider. I urge anyone considering pregnancy to research the childbirth issue in the beginning. The chapter on controlling the progress of labor and pain relief is very enlightening and should be mandatory reading for all pregnant women. In the end I realized that we have to advocate for our own healthcare, by choosing a provider whom we trust and who shares the same concepts on pregnancy, labor and delivery. This book covers topics such as what your options for birth are, different types of health care providers, different types of birth settings, OB training and belief system, how to find a provider, questions to ask your provider and hospital, cesareans: why they are popular and when are they medically necessary?, getting support, the nurses role, childbirth support, doulas, and the woman's emotions. The overall tone of the book is positive and "matter of fact".
Oh, and in the end I had the birth I wanted, a normal birth in a hospital setting, with no interventions at all, attended by my midwife, my doula, my husband, and I delivered a healthy 11 lb. 11 oz. baby boy!
3667029
This book is an excellent collection of articles using data and statistics to support opposing views.  Highly recommend it.
474486
A terrific collection of facts;makes a good research source for those who need quick sources of facts. There are still some seekers who do not have
personal computers.
2030431
There is a wealth of information in this book. It is not a page turner, but the information is researched and reliable.
3263369
I was after an article in this book for reference. Most of the material is older, but has validity in helping to establish background and foundational theories.
2536570
This book is heavy stuff.  It was written in a style similar to articles published in scientific journals.  The opinions and views are drawn based on science and prior studies with thorough references.  This book is not for the casual reader who is interested in the topic, but only wants to spend a few hours on it and hopes to walk away with a clearly understanding of the facts or the views of the experts.
3484582
Lots of good, non-fictional information from a reliable source.  Addresses and answers a lot of questions about demons, spirits, magic, spells, hexes, etc. and the dangers presented by each.  Doesn't get into stories about exorcisms, but Fr. Amorth does reference situations he's encountered performing exorcisms in order to illustrate his points.  It's a good read, and a good reference book to have around.
3066483
This book filled with technical detail and data which are backed up with an amazing number of references and footnotes. Not only does it refute Al Gore's global warming theory, but it critiques each of the popular alternative energy sources. All of them are heavily dependent on government subsidies, and none of them would have a chance to survive in a free market. However, research on alternative energy should continue, since each can make a small contribution to solving our long term energy requirements.
3130437
Best compilation of research I've read! Fascinating!
946483
I warmly recommend David Ray Griffin's book "Debunking 9/11 Debunking", which does a great job of showing what this book is all about: a propagandistic collection of distortions and straw-man arguments in support of the Big Lie.

And if one is interested in recent peer-reviewed science based on other peer-reviewed articles, I recommend the February 2010 issue of the respected journal The American Behavioral Scientist, which is devoted to State Crimes Against Democracy (SCADs), focusing on 9/11 and the atrocities and Orwellian developments that it has been used as a legitimation for, while widely leaning on the work of independent 9/11 researchers.
4475990
The book exhibits a great wealth of research.  No every verse in the bible is analyzed, but many of the more problematic ones are included.  The only reason I scored this text as a 4 was since there was room for extensive comments because not every verse was referenced, that could have possibly been done, making the text even a better and more exhaustive reference.  The book is worth the price and the extra room in the comments column can be utilized to make your own notes.
576926
In terms of research to back up the author's claims, this book is way ahead of most of the material on natural remedies.

Substances reported on: Bee Pollen, Celery Juice, Cherry Juice, Coenzyme Q-10, Echinacea, Feverfew, Fish Oil,  Ginger,  Ginkgo,  Glucosamine, Grapefruit Fiber, Grapeseed OPC, Kava, Kudzu, Licorice, Omega-3s, Peppermint Oil, Pycnogenol, Saw Palmetto, St. John's Wort, Milk Thistle, Valerian, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

In the chapter on cancer, very brief mention is made of the following: antioxidants, beans, bioflavonoids, broccoli, cabbage, coenzyme Q-10, dong quai, echinacea, fish, fish oil, fruits, garlic, genistein, high-fiber grains, lentinen, a low-fat diet, a macrobiotic diet, nuts, seeds, selenium, shiitake mushrooms, soybeans, soy protein, tomatoes, vegetables, vitamins A, B6, C & E, wheat bran.

But first of all, some reasons not to read this book: There are only about a dozen pages in it that directly relate to cancer, and the title promises more than it can deliver.  The author herself states that these are not miracle cures in the sense that most people might understand.  Not to be too hard on the author, a further shortcoming of the book is that a substantial amount of space is devoted to anecdotal reports of complete cures of the various illnesses covered, whereas the research materials offered in evidence only show that, overall, some (OK, sometimes considerable) benefit has been observed in patients who have used these substances. And the research studies quoted are mainly from foreign countries, which makes it difficult for American authorities to evaluate.  There is an impression among medical professionals here that foreign research is not as reliable.  Lastly, whether these substances are all that new is in question. Most have been in use for ages.  And although most of the research cited is from the last few years, some of the references date back a decade or two.

Nevertheless, this book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.  The author has sifted through a vast amount of material on hundreds of substances, and winnowed this down to those that have been found effective, as documented by scientific research (in most cases), for 21 particular illnesses.  The first few dozen pages have extremely interesting and informative insights on the controversy over natural vs synthetic products, and the struggle between the medical establishment and the proponents of natural remedies.  She makes an excellent case for looking into natural substances, and provides the reader with references to extensive research that supports the use of each substance presented, as well as references to natural substances in general.  One particular reference should be especially useful, but pricey: $[...]: The German Commission E monographs [sponsored by the German government], the American Botanical Council's English translation of 410 monographs on 324 herbs recommended by doctors in Germany, with dosages, approved uses, contraindications, and side effects. [Note: Commission E is Germany's cousin to the FDA] The bottom line: well worth reading.
467815
There have been some things brought up in this book that I questioned my doctor about that he said weren't totally true, but overall I think it has a lot of great information. I also appreciate how it has an impartial stance on a lot of issues, giving you information from both sides so you can make up your own mind.
1658254
The book does a great job of not only explaining nutrition, but of explaining the various systems of the body's nutritional needs. Each chapter has a controversies section that goes over the various controversies: carbohydrates, alcohol, and supplements.

I really think the people saying it give out bad information have either not read it, or they don't like the fact it says vitamin or health store supplements are unnecessary unless a doctor prescribes them to make up for deficiencies caused by a disease or medication(or a vegetarian diet.) There are a few other diet scams it warns of, and informs people of the certification they should look for from a doctor that's giving nutritional advice. Others may disagree because they think it's falling into being a government patsy as they feel the food pyramid is invalid(though updated regularly and backed by ACTUAL solid science.) I'm not a fan of the government, but if I'm presented with real science I'm more ready to believe it.

The book promotes that eating meat is fine, but so is being a vegetarian with alternatives such as soy based milks, nuts, and some supplements(another source of potential negative reviews.) As a reader of Eragon(and related) I have one piece of wisdom that I live by: meat or no meat I won't push my values of it on others as both are valid(not a quote but an idea gained after he goes vegan with the Elves, and then feasts with the Dwarves respecting the meat eating customs despite his dislike of them.)

One thing that I found inaccurate thus far is they didn't include fish mercury in the controversies section. It's not an actual issue with fish as some claim it to be. It also includes BMI, but fails to mention that it's not entirely valid: the "Governator" is obese by BMI standards.

Other than a few overlooked controversies it's a great source of information, and the overlooked controversies is the reason I didn't give it a full five stars. Also, in the end, I don't think promoting a well balanced diet is a bad thing, and the amount of detail that it goes into breaking down the digestive system, and how nutrients and minerals are used is great.

I've provided two links to sources I used as part of the review.

[...]
2901653
Well researched and accurate. The body of the book, although extensively detailed,  is a quick read, so there is no excuse for not taking the time to read the bibliography, (which should be titled "Reasons NOT to Vote For Democrats" ), thoroughly, and maybe checking out some of those books, especially the Margaret Sanger book, "Women and the New Race" . It explains so many things, even if you wish they were things you didn't have to know.
4019684
Sometimes Tough comes to the wrong conclusions about what we should do about the studies, but the best part about this book is the large amount of studies he includes. For example, the study on ACE (adverse childhood experiences) and the studies on HLG mice (high licking and grooming) can teach us all a lot about what's most important for young children in order for them to grow up to be functioning adults.
3943469
This book is a mega-resource for the evidence surrounding Christian truth claims. You will find an abundance of resources for further study, as well as great writing and discussion from the authors, the father and son apologetic duo -- Josh and Sean McDowell. I found the discussion of Naturalism really insightful and a welcome overview of the topic for those who are less familiar with it. But the remaining sections of the book are a treasure of information surrounding the historical reliability of the Bible (including a great section on archaeological confirmations of Scriptural stories), as well as evidence for Jesus life and resurrection -- a really important tool for handling objections that Jesus is a myth, or that his deity is a later development of fanatical followers -- and a section on the nature of truth. I would think that pastors, youth ministers, parents who are concerned about the faith development of their kiddos, not to mention young adults just beginning to navigate their own faiths would benefit greatly from this book.