Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Montana-born actor reflects back on his life, the factors that led him to become a vegetarian, and his use of a macrobiotic diet to cure himself of prostate cancer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Avery; 2 edition (January 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895294796
• ISBN-13: 978-0895294791
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #496,096 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Unique Perspective on Health, August 18, 2005

By	Furry vore (right here and now) - See all my reviews

Having worked in the alternative health industry for 12 years, and studied it for 17 years, I read the book having been on a similar journey as the author's. His is a very unique telling of such a tale. The first time I read the book when it was first published, I didn't agree with or understand some of his points on health or the way he was presenting them, but experience has shown me more clarity.
His is not a 'how-to' instruction book, and he gives clear reasons for why it is so. His is rather a book on his own ideas, and someone following in his footsteps will have different experiences and find different truths working for them.
And his insigts into why he still experiences physical discomforts provides great words for dealing with those types of questions one on this journey encounters from those outside.
And ordering it from Amazon is a great idea. [...]

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gossipy, Hollywood Tell All ----NOT!, August 3, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Sandy, Utah) - See all my reviews

For those of you who picked up this book expecting a Jackie Collins-type look into the life of the author, you might as well put the book back, because you will be sorely disappointed! And, if you don't like people with a strong belief system, who are intense and passionate about their beliefs (and don't mind telling you so), you may even be offended. Mr. Benedict writes a compelling autobiography about his struggle with his career, relationships, and dis-ease. He shares with the reader the path he took to becoming a whole person- mentally and physically. He does this with a great sense of humor, and a definite knowledge of how food contributes, or doesn't contribute, to our health and well-being. He writes in 1st person, which makes for a very entertaining, yet intimate, read. I did get the feeling, however, that through all his brutal honesty, Mr. Benedict was holding back a little. Just when I caught myself thinking "Aha! Now we are getting somewhere!" he pulls back. Whether it was deliberate, or for Cowboy II, or a "leave 'em wanting more" writing style, I haven't the foggiest. Although I do agree with him that ice cream is just as harmful to the body as cigars, I do hope he has given up his beloved stogies. All the healthy eating in the world can not combat the effects of smoking on the body. Also, I hope Mr. Benedict has come to realize that the education you receive in college is not so much about the things you learn in a book, as it is the things you learn in life. Knowledge is not such a bad thing anyway. After all, intelligence is the only thing we take with us when we leave this earth life. I look forward to seeing "Cahoots" on the big screen. I hope he continues writing and his next book will not be his last.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for everybody!, February 6, 2006

By	Kevin Lee "Author of Gypsy Dreamer" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book. Dirk is an excellent author. This was the quickest read of non-fiction I have had in years. It is great getting a point of view of others, especially, when they write in a down-to-earth style you can understand. Dirk seems to be that kind of guy.

If you are looking for a bit-by-bit blow from Battlestar Galactica or the A-Team...forget it. He only tells us a little about his work. I wish he would have written more because the few parts there were a great read.

This book is mainly about how Dirk fought cancer using macrobiotics. After reading this book I am not a convert, but I learned a lot. I learned that I and most Americans need to greatly reduce our intake of fatty meat and triple our intake of good vegetables. More veggies, a balanced diet and less caffeine and alcohol all lead to a healthier person.

I do not totally agree with him on his views on modern medicine. Yes, there are many quacks out there who think that they can solve any problem you have with a pill, you get addicted to that pill and then you're hooked. But evidence shows that we are living longer today despite our intake of unhealthy food. I think we can thank some doctors and scientists for that.

For me, the power of this book was the fact that Dirk took control of his life that, to him, seemed out of control. And it does seem like his method helped beat his disease.

I hope we have more offerings from Dirk, not only on the screen, but more literary works as well.