Customer Reviews

Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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. [...]

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.

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.

I recently read Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy because of a friends suggestion. I had come to a time in my life when I felt out of control and was desperately looking for a way to get that control back. After reading Mr. Benedict's book, I began by first taking control of the things I ate. This was followed by a feeling of self-worth as I began to lose weight and feel better about myself. I will never again let the medical or political community do my thinking for me. If you have not read this book, it is a must.

It took me a long time to find Mr Benedict's book. When I first read it,I totally understood what he was going through during that trying time in his life. I am sorry to hear the medical experts and other people that think they are experts want the book banned, In my opinon I don't think so. I think it is about time that someone in Mr. Benedict's caliber said and wrote a book regarding about health and life itself. I think patients in general should start questioning doctors motives and treatments like Mr Benedict suggested and I have myself question my Doctor many a time. So, I strongly suggest to any reader, be it a Doctor or other health person who works in the medical field and or a individual who strongly believes in value of one's life read this book and really look at what he is saying and open your mind to new thoughts and experiences in order to survive. Keep it up Dirk and I am looking forward toward your other books that you are currently working on!

Dirk Benedict has produced one of the few books of our time that speaks the truth about life, health (both physical and spiritual ), and survival. How one man's story from his beginnings as a Montana farm boy, to television actor in the rough and tumble arena of "show business" has affected so many ( and so positively ) is heartwarming to say the least. Mr. Benedict's views on health have received many "blasts" from the medical community. The so called "experts" that said it could not be done.....that one man could not possibly cure himself of a life-threatening condition....those experts need only to look upon Mr. Benedict and all those who believe in the philosophy of "taking charge" of your own personal health and spirit, to know that ideed it is possible. Mr. Benedict's book "Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy" is a must read for those of us who know deep down ( and despite what the "experts" say ) that there truly IS a better way to self healing and preservation, a way to lasting health and happiness. Not only is Mr. Benedict's book a guide to all these things, he has opened his life up for the reader, with all it's intimate moments and personal feelings and reflections. For that, one can only tip their hat to a man who, in the public eye, has bared his very soul to millions. And paid the price. For those of you who have not read this wonderful book, please do yourself a HUGE favor and pick it up. I promise you a purchase that will grant you a lifetime of health and happiness. Every penny well spent.

I read Dirk Benedict's book when it first came out many years ago...since then I have passed it on to many individuals, and read it approximately five times...Not only does Mr. Benedict have a truly amazing story of illness, recovery and discovery- he has incredible insight and has proven himself as an actor and an author...

I read this great book a # of years ago and have re-read it several times. I also gave copies to and lent my copy to a few friends and also to my Dad and my brother. I am 35 years old and of all the books I've read and have learned from over the years only 2 of them have been what I'd consider life changing. This is one of them. I began a whole new direction and journey after reading this book. It's gutsy and honest and I feel very fortunate to have found it. Thank god William Dufty encouraged Dirk to write his story and in so doing come out of the "tofu closet" I am eagerly waiting for the publicaton of Dirk's next book "Dig Deep, Puppy in Bottom...Notes from a Dangerous Wordsmith" ( I'm not sure if I want to read it because I've enjoyed reading Dirk's other books so much or because I want to know what the hell that wacky title is all about.) Keep on a rocking Cowboy and thank you for your honest insights.

I was impressed by the depth, intelligence and honor Dirk has in his life. This book really brings the vunerability to this star that you would never see in his public persona.

You can relate to him on many levels. My father has prostate cancer and is choosing the alternative method. I have mixed emotions on his decision. I may lose my father, because he refuses to do what the doctors recommend, but he is eating better and watches his PSA.

I highly recommend this book for anyone suffering from cancer to see how a real man fights the battle. And also it's great for women like me who are fans that want to see another side to this incredibly attractive man. I hope someday to find a man half of what he is to become part of my family.

This is Dirks first book, and I must admit that when I read it the first time when I was 23, it baffled me, I just didnt understand what the heck the guy was on about,(thought he was a little weird actually) still gorgeous but weird. Then my friend sent me kamikaze cowboy to read 10 yrs later, and you know it finally made sense, how one guy could tell us 10 yrs ago, what the cancer society have just started telling us, (eat more whole wheat and beans) gee wonder where they got that from. I find myself questioning what I eat, Im even starting to get a liking for brown rice. Definitely a good read, but be prepared for some big words, and remember if it doesn`t make sense now.....wait 10 yrs...........I was lucky enough to get Dirks book when I visited his home town in june this year (2000) and it was signed by him, walked around with it under my arm for 3 days.........silverstar