My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge and Belonging [Paperback]

M.D. Rachel Naomi Remen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2000

From the New York Times bestselling author of Kitchen Table wisdom comes the wisdom to find our blessings and to bless everyone around us.

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group, The (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965025160
• ISBN-13: 978-0965025164
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,527,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., has been counseling those with chronic and terminal illness for more than twenty years. She is co-founder and medical director of the Commonweal Cancer Help Program in Bolinas, California and is currently clinical professor of family and community medicine at the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Change of life, June 12, 2000

By 

Barbara Daniel - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging (Hardcover)

Change of life does not always mean hormonal changes. After life threatening illnesses which are now considered chronic, I broused Amazon and have purchased many books which spoke of the nature of illness and the changes which occur during their life in your body. The books spoke little of the soul. They spoke little of being dependent on others, feeling awful most of the time, asking questions of the gods which went unanswered and so on and so on. Very boring stuff. Then this book. Rachel Naomi Remen: you have answered my questions. You have polished my soul. You have taught me the lessons which meditation could not, soothed me when food could not, enlivened me when wine could not. Sitting in my doctor's waiting room, crying just reading your introduction to your Grandfather, I was called into the examining room and while having a PAP smear, read a portion of your book to my internist. I am blessed with a doctor who not only is a fine diagnostician, but a man of great humor. He said this was a first for him. Me, too. There is no time in life when reading a chapter of that book is not in perfect accordance with the rules of medicine, both physical and emotional. Thank you does not say it. I thought I was beyond words. Obviously, not. I recommend this book to everyone, sick or well....but especially to those for whom illness is a constant companion. There are many road to healing. I read somewhere: "My illness is a friend who brings me great truths." It brought me your book as well. I bless you.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How can we give and discover kindness in today's world?, May 18, 2003

By 

Brad4d "bb" (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging (Paperback)

Of the hundreds of books I have read, I consider this one of the very best. By way of background, I am a Board-certified clinical dentist with 17 years experience and three years of post-doctoral training. This collection of essays explores the value of our contributions to life, and the value of life's contributions to us. Although Dr Remen is an experienced oncologist, she has found most of her lessons by observing "the mysterious simple things," including her beloved grandfather's gentle and loving suggestions.

These stories almost seem mystical in their value and goodness. They are wise and profound, despite (rather than because of) her clinical skills (medicine and medical business have usually emphasized competence and quickness rather than anything akin to compassion).

I read one chapter of her book each day, along with my religious readings, and rarely finish the chapter without a tear in my eye and a glimmer of insight. She is a superb teaacher and I'd recommend her book to anyone who wonders how they are ever going to show caring or kindness in the kind of world they live in.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Inspirational, April 14, 2000

By 

Judy Tuttle (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging (Hardcover)

As a Registered Nurse of many years, I found the book helpful in rekindling myself as a compassionate caregiver. Reading Rachel's book is like living the stories right along with her. Having had the pleasure of listening to her speak, and then reading her books has helped me to look at life differently. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I wholeheartedly recommed this book, as well as "Kitchen Table Wisdom: Storied That Heal" to anyone who needs to learn to live well, or to anyone who needs healing. (We all need a little healing once in a while!) Thank you Rachael, your books have opened my eyes as a caregiver.