Customer Reviews

Courageous Confrontations: Lives Transformed by Life-Threatening Illness

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What is remarkable about "Courageous Confrontations" is the philosophy of hope offered by this dedicated and highly skilled physician. He explains in language easily understood by a layman the medical factors relating to diseases of the heart, and then demonstrates how one's fate is not solely limited to medical factors, how one's will and character can affect the medical outcome of the most serious condition. He vividly descibes his cases so that each person seems universally human and yet unique. The description and dialogue make this book as enjoyable as a novel to read, yet the fact that this is a work of non fiction makes the ideas expressed much more meaningful. I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and have recommended it to every one I know. It is amazing that a skilled physician like Dr. Helfant is also gifted with ability to write a book in which each case fascinates the reader while teaching the importance of the human spirit in the outcome of any disease.

As an Internist and Gastroenterologist with 36 years of practice experience, I have to confess that Dr. Helfant has written the book that I always wanted to write. Every physician, with any length of experience, has patient interactions that leave him amazed, astonished and enlightened. I can't tell you how often I've told friends and family, "I should write a book". Well, I never have, but Dick Helfant has, and it is a fabulous read. He is clearly, not only an excellent Cardiologist, but a marvelous story-teller. I heartily recommend his book to medical students, young physicians, and anyone else who just enjoys a good read.

Hal Kaplan, MD

Dr. Helfant's Courageous Confrontations is one of those rare books that can make you change the way you look at life. His stories of patients whose lives were changed by illness forces you to reexamine your own priorities in life. His stories combine the powerful emotional experiences of his patients with a brutally honest and approachable explanation of what modern medicine is and is NOT capable of. (When's the last time you heard a doctor say he didn't know everything?)

These stories amazed, exhilarated, and inspired me. Why wait for illness to decide what really matters most to us? This book had the power to make me realize that.

Not only is Courageous Confrontations a great read, it's also an important book. The stories are vivid and powerful, but the book also gives a great deal of scientific information that is understandable, fascinating, and essential. Dr. Helfant should be commended for writing an up-all-night book that tells thriller-like stories while weaving medical tips into these stories that we all should know.

Wow. Dr. Helfant's book is absolutely amazing. He is those rarest of doctors; one who cares deeply about his patients.

His stories of his patients' suffering, recovery, and life-changes were so heartfelt and touching. I'll remember those people for years to come. Don't miss this book. It's a must-read.

Dr. Helfant's accounts of courageous patients surviving near fatal illness and going on to change their lives for the better is truly inspirational. I was moved by each story, and for a different reason. This is a distinctly powerful book, and is sure to be a bestseller.

As one who has worked in healthcare for 15 years and a "survivor" of cancer, I am profoundly thankful for the healing words of this book. I only wish there were more doctors like yourself. Thank you for sharing such incredible stories that give hope! May they bring encouragement and strength to those going through any life-threatening illness.

This book about different patients the writer, an accomplished cardiologist, treated during serious illnesses is a touching and reflective book. Each chapter tells the story of a memorable person with poignant life lessons. This book is easy to get into; and its messages of hope and how what we think influences our physical health make for great reminders for everyone. I highly recommend this book - both to read and to buy for those you care about.

I work in a hospital, and I must say that Dr. Helfant's book really hits the nail on the head. His short stories of people changed FOR THE BETTER by recovering from life-threatening disease are articulated so clearly and emotionally. I feel like I know Dr. Helfant's patients the way I know Morrie on Tuesdays.

This is a good read that hits the heart of what it means to face death and then face LIFE again.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that the author is a neighbor and friend of mine. That being said, I am an avid reader and I do write personal book reviews here, and this book warranted one! So many different aspects of this book were excellent; the explanation for the layman of the medical problems and treatments was clear and understandable, the stories were uplifting and meaningful, the text was honest and not sugar-coated, and most importantly , the writing style was engaging and compelling, a real "page turner". My mother and several friends enjoyed it as well!