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72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Does laughter cause aches and pains?, July 7, 2000
Many years ago, the writer Norman Cousins, wrote a now classic book about the part laughter and humor played in his recovery from a life threatening illness. And today, its as if Maeve Binchy continued this premise when she wrote her newest book, Aches and Pains. Maeve Binchy is primarily known as the best selling Irish author who writes wonderful tales filled with memorable characters. Some also know her from her meaningful columns which appear in the Irish Times. But now readers everywhere will be introduced to a very different Maeve Binchy as learn about Binchy as a patient when she first had surgery to replace her hip and then during her recuperation. And readers will have an extra bonus from the illustrations done by Wendy Shaw who had the same operation as Ms. Binchy. The book is really funny, filled with all sorts of advice on how to survive a stay in any hospital and some anecdotal dopctor and nurse stories. And strange as it may seem, Binchy and Shaw make it a pleasure to read about their confinements. Consider reading this book to see how it is possible to make light of your aches and pains or think about giving this as a gift to somebody who is also recuperating. And an extra benefit is that all of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be contributed to the Arthritis Foundation.
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39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Laughter is still indeed the best medicine!, October 7, 2000
Having had hip replacement surgery myself recently, this book was sent to me by a friend, both of us familiar with Maeve Binchy's books. I can't begin to tell you how each page brought tears to my eyes from laughter as I related to her stories of elastic stockings, "invalid" gadgets from walkers to commodes, the unfailing compassion of overworked nurses, and the embarassment of those wonderful hospital gowns! Wendy Shea's illustrations were hysterical reminders of hospitals and then the long awaited recovery period. You both deserve 10 Stars!
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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book to give to someone who's ailing, June 18, 2000
An easy to read, entertaining, compilation of short vignettes and advice from one of my favorite writers. Some of the chapters originally appeared in Maeve's column in the Irish Times, which she used to chronicle her recent hip replacement. It is filled with humorous and matter of fact ways to deal with illness head on. Not a novel or short story....so regular readers may be a bit disappointed, but a delightful tidbit for to share with someone who is sick, or to read you.
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