I'm a Hodgkin's patient who's almost finished reading this book. I found it to be an easy, quick read that felt good since it validated everything I feel about illness and life in general already. My guess is most of the reviewers who gave this book five stars are the same.

However, I have to agree with the two spotlighted reviewers and not give this book five stars. We're not all born with the same "toolbox" and turning a negative, passive personality into the positive, proactive one that Dr. Siegel claims is necessary to overcome disease doesn't happen very quickly (if at all) . . . it takes years, and a lot more resources than just this book.

My spouse, Lynne Behar Eagen, upon initial diagnosis in November 1993, had stage four colon cancer. The prognosis was six months to a year. However, in part, Dr. Siegel's book helped her change her worldview, her way of seeing the world and responding to the world, which assisted her in living longer than was anticipated. My loving lady Lynne died February 26, 1996.

Dr. Siegel, thank you for your book and your in-person presentation in Tallahassee in 1994.

I originally bought this for a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. After flipping through it I had to buy two more copies, one for another friend and one for myself. Even if you don't have cancer, a disease or an infection I think you will find lots of inspiration and a lot of practical advice in this book. This book is an easy read. There are a lot of amazing true stories sprinkled throughout the chapters. I've always believed in miracles being possible when our mind/body communication is opened up. This book helps to solidy that belief.

As someone with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, I found Bernie Siegel's book to be extremely helpful. Many people do not realize that surgeons are like mechanics. They know their field but often do not tap into the wholistic approach. It is very important to use every available resource to help the patient recover: spiritual, emotionsl, diet, exercise. If the Dr. tells the patient that he is going to die, and he/she believes it, you've taken away the hope that might have saved a life. There should always be hope.