Customer Reviews

Get a Grip! : A Take-Charge Approach to Living With Arthritis

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A strong, clear voice that will resonate with young adults impacted by rheumatic diseases, AND people of all ages who struggle with arthritis, chronic conditions, or discouraging limitations of any kind.

READ IT! --This is no tale of woe, nor one of triumphant (but short-lived) denial. Amye is a leader who speaks unflinchingly of the troubles chronic illness can bring, all the while proving that a life with long term health challenges can still be one of joy and accomplishment.

I met Amye Leong a number of years ago when she came to me to receive massage therapy which supports her continued mobility. I came to respect her, thoroughly enjoy her and admire her for her life's accomplishments.So when "Get A Grip" was published I was excited to read it, to know Amye's story in greater detail. And yes, the book is very readable, inspiring and filled with the joy that Amye can hold not despite her disease, but WITH her disease.What I was not prepared for was how topical the book is for me as I deal with having a very different chronic autoimmune disease. I had recently sunk into a depression which is a side effect of my physical illness, a response to the ways my life has changed and how I had allowed myself to become a victim of this disease and not, as Amye so strongly addresses in Get A Grip, becoming a participating partner in my health care. Amye Leong has spent many years touching people's lives through her advocacy for, and commitment to the Rheumatoid Arthritis community. Now through her writing she is touching and inspiring so many more!While it is understandable that Get A Grip is directed to people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I believe it would be intensely appropriate, helpful and perhaps even necessary for anyone dealing with a chronic illness, and even those struggling with a life challenge.

Amye Leong is a survivor and an inspiration. Her book, "Get a Grip", is the best kind of self-help book...personal story with practical help mixed in. As a fellow sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, I've read plenty of self-help books over the years. I wish Amye's book had been out years ago...I wouldn't had wasted so much time reading useless books. This book is essential if you suffer from any chronic disease.

Congratulations to Amye Leong. She is a true crusader for those of us who have rheumatoid arthritis, or any other form of chronic illness. Having met Amye over 10 years ago at a National Arthritis Foundation House of Delegates Conference, my life was enriched by her enthusiasm, guts, and fight to win this battle with arthritis. Amye's efforts to make the public aware of the devastation arthritis can cause to oneself, one's family, friends and the community is sure to make an impact on how this disease is perceived by everyone. Since the publication of her book, the CDC came out with new statistics (10-24-02) that now more than 70 million Americans have a form of arthritis - one in three people ! Thank you Amye for all your hard work. It is through your painful suffering that others can now avoid such ordeals. I am glad you wrote this book and I am glad to call you my friend. It is because of our disease that we met and for that I am eternally grateful. This book is an excellent source of inspiration and hope for anyone who has arthritis or who loves someone that suffers with arthritis.

This book, a fast roller coaster ride that covers a critical porton of a special woman's life journey, is at once exhilirating, beautifully constructed, powerful, thought-provoking and mirth-inducing. It is inspirational without preaching, could have easily been written by and for men or women, and its lessons are applicable to anyone who has to deal with adversity of the mind, body and/or soul. One can only hope for many sequels to come. I look forward to the movie....and the hidden details simply alluded to in the book itself. Brava!

Finally, an arthritis book that speaks the arthritic's soul. Amye Leong's story captures all the turmoil, anxiety, physical and emotional pain of living with Rheumatiod Arthritis. At times I felt she was telling my story. I also have RA for the past twenty years and have gone through similair experiences. Amye's courageous struggle with this disease and her fight to make this a better place for all of us is a must read for anyone living with any form of auto-immune disorder. There are so many books out there on the scientific, medical, and perhaps nutritional components of this disease. Amye speaks to our injured souls and provide us with the wings of fortitude and camaraderie. I do not have words to explain how deeply and profoundly this book has touched me. I am having my husband read this book so he could see that I am not alone. If you know anyone who lives with RA or any auto immune disease, this is a must have!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get A Grip is an amazing and inspirational book by a woman who has been to hell and back! As I read I laughed and cried - I celebrated her victories and was crushed by her defeats. The amazing thing is how she learned and grew from each episode. She has wisdom to share with anyone who is struggling with a chronic illness - or who loves someone with a chronic illness. She takes you step by step through the process of learning to be an advocate, first for yourself, and then for others. It truly is a must read!!

Get A Grip, A MUST read for anyone who has or knows someone who has arthritis...
Amye Leong soberly tells in her memoir of her lifelong devastating struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis...
But this is by no means a pity book; this young woman who as a college freshman was first diagnosed, with all her pain and hospitalizations she goes on to receive her MBA...
In spite of needing twelve joint replacements to get her out of a wheelchair...when even her education has been accomplished...
We journey with her through her sadness and triumphs, loves and laughter and tears, frustration and self education of the disease and most of all, we all cheer her on as she continues to persevere throughout her setbacks...and victories!
She represents us all, whether it be as a torch bearer in the 96 Olympics or just as a survivor of life which has dealt her such a harsh blow...
Ms. Leong has gone on to help the arthritis community with her starting the first Support Group for the young with arthritis back in the 80's in her home state of California...
Working along with C. Everett Coop during the Clinton administration on the Surgeon General's Counsel on Self Help and Public Health...
Today she travels the world as a spokesperson for the UN endorsed bone and joint decade 2000-2010...
She is an ICON for all of us 43 million Americans who live with arthritis everyday and pray for the cure...

Tilda Kruegel Arthritis Foundation Southwest Florida Regional Board Member

'Get A Grip' is not simply a story about how to deal with the pain and torment of arthritis, this is a story about how to deal with LIFE! This is a story about a woman who at the age 18 was stricken by a disease normally attributed to those much older. Amye Leong tells her story of pain, of despair and hope, of setbacks and victories. This is a story that can teach us all lessons on how to deal with whatever challenges we may be faced with in our own lives. This is a story that can teach us all that in the final analysis it is the person we all see looking back at us in the mirror that has the real power to affect our lives. But most of all, this is a story of COURAGE!!

Kudos to Amye!! A great inspiration story that truly humanizes Amye's life challenges in so many aspects of her life. Arthritis and it's related conditions are so misunderstood by so many & Amye's book is a GREAT read for individual's afflicted with arthritis, family members & loved ones, Rheumatalogists, Orthopedic Surgeons, General Physicians, & Physical Therapists.

I've dealt with rheumatoid arthritis since 8 yrs old, undergoing 8 orthopedic surgeries, including 4 total knee replacements and have been privaleged to share my arthritic challenges with Amye.
I was fortunate to work with Amye thru the Arthritis Foundation locally and nationally in an effort to change the public awareness of the major impact of arthritis on so many lives. Amye is truly a HERO to so many that have heard her speak, particpated in her help groups, been counseled by her or simply shared a warm greeting with her.

I encourage everyone to READ Amye's book and TALK about life's issues and be actively involved - you will rewarded for a lifetime!