Lawrence LeShan
1 Is this book intended as a joke?
I've had cancer (and recurrances) for 7 years, and I've read every book on every aspect of the subject, and this book is the absolute worst I've yet to come across. LeShan writes a weird mixture of vintage voodoo and goofy "new-age" hype. LeShan's lethal psychobabble can be literally deadly as he lures frightened, newly-diagnosed cancer patients into drinking oceans of green tea while while scaring them away from conventional, proven treatment. Avoid this book, and the others like it, unless you want a good laugh.
2 Inspiring - entertaining - wonderful
LeShan's message is simple -- put your life before your illness. For years, he helped people with cancer to live the lives they wanted to live, to "sing their own song" as he puts it. These people frequently recovered from cancer in the process of working on their lives.
Some of these stories are amazing. The people you meet are ordinary folks with a lot of strikes against them, but they manage to transform their lives and, in a surprising number of cases, cure their cancer.
I apply LeShan's approach in my wellness workshops and in my book, The Art of Getting Well. Get your life right and your health will likely (although not necessarily) follow.
David Spero RN www.art-of-getting-well.com
3 This book offers hope!
Cancer as a Turning Point is a well researched, informative and interesting book written by an expert in the field of cancer and cancer research. LeShan is a psychotherapist rather than a medical doctor and thus he approaches the topic of cancer from a different perspective. In the book he provides much useful and practical advice for cancer patients, their families and friends, therapists of cancer patients and medical professionals in the cancer field. This book is packed with information but progress a bit slowly at times. Overall, it fills a niche other cancer books miss because it addresses cancer more holistically and a more emotional, psychological point of view. While not perfect, this book is definitely worth reading for anyone touched by cancer.
4 Putting It All Together
LeShan's book is a excellent review and summary of important concepts in holistic approaches to cancer. He reminds us that holistic medicine rests on four basic axioms: (1) Health requires treatment of all levels -- physical, psychological, and spiritual; (2) Standardized approaches are not helpful -- treatment programs must be individualized; (3) Patients need to be part of decisions, given as much knowledge and authority as they will accept; (4) Everyone has self-healing abilities that need to be engaged.
5 A True Turning Point
This book was integral in my coming to grips with my own cancer and how to get on with my life in a meaningful way. I have shared it with many others, both those with cancer and others who are not cancer patients but who are introspective and ALL have found it to profoundly change their lives. It continues to be a powerful tool in my life.
6 Profound
Thank you LeShan for writing this book. The ideas are timely and clear, though he pulls no punches -- for many people it's either change your mind and life, or that's it. His stories are excellent, and not only the "successes" are here. The best mind/body book I've read.
7 Accounts of the emotional aspects of fighting cancer
LeShan discusses how purpose and fulfillment in life play a crucial role in who gets cancer and who beats cancer. He worked with hundreds of patients over many years and his conclusions make sense and provide a message to everyone.
Highly recommended.
