Customer Reviews

RIGHT TO RECOVER: Winning the Political and Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research in America

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RIGHT TO RECOVER is a comprehensive, thoughtful and thought-provoking treatment of the current controversial stem cell wars. The Arizona Chapter of the National Parkinson's Foundation (AZNPF) is pleased to recommend it to people with Parkinson's disease, their families and caregivers, politicians, voters and the general public. It is a must read, must buy when it becomes available October 1, 2007.

Scientific terms are explained in ways the average reader can understand and arguments pro and con for different kinds of stem cell research are carefully explored. The author favors all stem cell research and has taken great pains to insure the accuracy and balance of her reporting.

This educational book sheds light on the way Americans view embryonic stem cell biology by providing well-researched facts about all types of stem cell (bone marrow, amniotic and cord blood) treatments presently being used and their restorative effects. It also covers the research being done with stem cells from in-vitro fertilized eggs on laboratory animals and presents findings to support its curative potential on humans.

The information in this book was derived from extensive research, personal interviews, emails and other correspondence with national and international medical doctors, research scientists, religious leaders and elected officials, as well as stories from patients who hope to improve their lives through stem cell implants and research. Bible references are used to show why a four to five day old mass of human cell is is NOT an embryo and how God has given us stem cell technology as a scientific gift for healing.

The topic of stem cell research is making headlines in every country. You may have read articles and heard stories that are not exactly true. This books presents the facts and challenges readers to think for themselves rather then accept the opinions of political or religious leaders. RIGHT TO RECOVER does not present fairy tales about how stem cells can miraculously cure any disease and does not promote fear-based rumors poeple may have heard from the pulpit on Sunday. Instead, it truthfully delves into the political and religious issues surrounding blastocyst stem cell research.

Rayilyn Brown
Board Member, AZNPF

Not only does Yvonne Perry cover the scientific facts about stem cell research, she gives an account of how and when the right-wing party started controlling masses through the government. Her chapter on separation of Church and State was new to me and I learned a lot. Plus, the Bibilcal reasons she gave about why blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell research is a gift from God was an eye-opener. I had no idea that fertilization and conception does not occur at the same time. Now I know they are separate events.

If you want to know more about the in-vitro process, the biology of stem cell research, why adult stem cells are not equal to those found in blastocysts, why the government and religious leaders are lying to us about this, and much, much more, you must read this book. Now that I understand it, I'm in favor of the research all the way.

I purchased this book because I enjoyed Yvonne Perry's book, "More Than Meets The Eye". Although it contains a clearly different subject matter, I enjoyed it just the same. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of research the author obviously accomplished. Even though the book contains a lot of scientific and technical data - it reads effortlessly. What an eye opener!

After reviewing Perry's latest book, "Right to Recover," I had braced myself for a one-sided view of this very controversial subject. After reading a bit from other authors tackling this issue, I found that virtually all lean either to the far left or to the far right of this political and religious scale.

Make no mistake that Ms. Perry is definitely pro-stem cell research. She takes a tough view of the political/religious right and justifiably so. The author details that they are careful to adhere to their religious values, which Perry is only too happy to educate on the stem cell front.

Throughout the book, Perry gives the political right all the factual, no-nonsense explanations needed to sway the staunchest of conservatives. While the concept has many misconceptions (as evidenced by some in surveys), it is clear that Ms. Perry is here to set the record straight.

"Right to Recover" also offers a website for continual updates regarding the political battle that stem cell research will face in our problematic, yet best intentioned state of bureaucracy. For those who lack the facts or are interested in learning more about stem cell research, production, funding and other issues will find this an educational and clearly stated approach to a very complicated subject.

For those that embrace the conservative "no spin" philosophy, it will be interesting to see if after reading this book if the leanings to the right shifts dramatically toward the center of reason.
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Taryn Simpson is a freelance ghostwriter specializing in novels, corporate communications, whitepapers, articles, web content and more. Visit her website at www.Simpson-EPublishing.blogspot.com.

For those very few who are informed in the intricacies of stem cell research and for the probably over 90% of those who aren't informed, this book will enlighten you, surprise you, and even raise your ire. I suspect it will be a huge push for those sitting on
the fence on this issue, and will entrench those who have already decided to support stem
cell research. It's plainly obvious that the author has conducted hundreds of hours of
research, and has left no stone unturned. Every possible viewpoint , from every possible
religious and political arena, has been examined, and questions have been answered.
It is explained explicitly what an embryonic stem cell is , and what it isn't. Embryonic is
a misnomer, in that it is not an embryo, just sitting, multiplying in a Petrie dish. It is only
an embryo when it is implanted into a woman's womb, and which is the only way conception can take place. An embryonic stem cell is called a blastocyst, and should be
referred to as such, so as not to confuse the uninformed public. This particular stem cell
has so much more potential for cures, due to it's ability to become any type of cell that's
needed. The author cites the laws and how this issue has become such a political football.
Federal funding, which Bush has vetoed, would give this field of stem cell research
tremendous potential to cure diseases from Diabetes to traumatic brain injuries, to
spinal cord injuries. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease also are diseases
which could have potential cures. I recommend this book to everyone, especially those
who have any of these diseases or have loved ones with any of these diseases. It's
unfortunate that most likely , only those with an already open mind, will read this book.
I feel that it is our obligation as human beings, to be informed and up to date on such a life changing
issue, and this book truly does this.
Dale Morrison 2/3/08

To the world of my fellow readers. We have been blessed with a jewel in this world of He said She said. Stem cell being at the forefront of controversy for several years now and so much invalid information being stated about the subject (by the media) without that REPORTER spending one minute of time finding one fact about the subject and Now This Book with both Scientific & Biblical facts supplied to us to make our own decisions about a subject that can change the lives of some 27% of our entire population.
GOD will surely bless you Mrs Perry and I say THANKS MRS. PERRY for your work and Love of mankind. AMERICA this book will have effect on virtually every one of our families.IT IS A MUST HAVE EDUCATION

WORTH THE BLOOD MINISTRY

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (4/07)

When I started reading "Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America," I thought that it would be interesting and that as an Executive Director of a healthcare not-for-profit dealing with this issue, I might glean some new knowledge. The book delivered far more than I ever expected. I was completely hooked by it from beginning to end. The author, Yvonne Perry, does an excellent job in defining stem cell research and in making the case for funding of the different types of stem cell research, especially blastocyst (or embryonic) stem cell research.

Government funding for stem cell research has been a huge controversy over the past several years, especially during President Bush's administration. The author lists the American Heritage's dictionary definition of embryo as: an organism in its early developmental stage, before it has distinctive form; a rudimentary stage." The blastocsyt cells do not even qualify as an embryo because they have never been implanted in a woman's uterus to begin the developmental stage. The cells that are in question to be used for research are the ones that were not used in invitro and are being discarded as medical waste.

The author makes great points about the use of the blastocysts headed for disposal "No life or death has occurred in the process. The cells scientists want to use for research are the leftover IV-Bs; no one is suggesting that the IVF be used to create blastocysts specifically for use in research. Give them funding to use the ones already headed for the biohazard containers. Let them find a way to help the living, breathing human beings who are suffering."

So much fear is surrounding stem cell research and cloning that the amazing potential to prevent and cure diseases, rebuild bodies and so much more gets lost in these heated debates. I learned so much about the current and potential research going on in this country and around the world in this book. Perry does a great job in bringing in Biblical text that could potentially support this research. The only flaw that I found in the book was in expressing her views on the more fundamental religions. I happen to agree to with her views, but I think that adding them limits the numbers of people with more fundamental views that might read the book and learn the truth about this subject.

Overall, I found the book to be very well written, eye-opening and informative. It is written in an easy-to-read manner. I highly recommend "Right to Recover" to those who are sitting on the fence with this issue.

Book received free of charge.

Yvonne Perry has taken a courageous stand by tackling and dissecting these issues without predjudicial preconceived emotion. The biggest obstacle to this research is the inclusion of religious aspects in the determination that a blastocyst or a pile of benign cells constitutes human life, a grave error of thought. After all, is there a ceremony or last rites given to these cells? They are not inside a woman's uterus, they have not been given DNA to substantiate they are human and can take the form of whatever host they are merged into. I am a diabetic. I will die along with millions of others prematurely. With one injection of stem cells, in the near future my pancreas could grow back and I would be able to stop shooting insulin and going into insulin shock wearing my organs down and live a normal life. All I need is the ability of these dedicated researchers to be allowed to use funding to further the research to make it all happen for millions of us. Read the book before you go off about the "point that life begins" and begin to understand how much damage is being done because of a lack of understanding of that very question.

Yvonne Perry's RIGHT TO RECOVER has a wealth of information regarding stem cell research, not only in the United States, but in the world. She covers the reasons given for Bush vetoing the Stem Cell Research Bill, as well as puts down the myths that surround those issues. For instance, in vitro fertilization does not constitute a living human being. A cell and sperm that are united outside a woman's body are blastocyst cells and cannot become a human being until placed in a woman's womb. The placing of the fertilized egg in a woman's womb where it can grow and become a human being is conception. Until that point, the cells are undifferentiated cells that can become any part of the body, which is why it so important to the research. These cells can be used to grow new body organs, such as livers or kidneys. They can also be used to find cures for spinal and brain injuries as well as replacing damaged brain and nerve cells that cause muscular sclerosis and Alzheimer's. If these fertilized eggs are not used for research, they are thrown away which is not very helpful to those who truly need a cure. There has been much talk of adult stem cell research, but the difference is, those cells are already determinate parts of the body and are therefore not universal as the blastocyst cells are.

Ms. Perry lists many diseases that I had no idea could be covered by stem cell research. It is indeed, a real horror for the seriously ill, that this bill was vetoed, when it obviously can do so much good. The RIGHT TO RECOVER also covers the history of this country and how religion has come to play such a large part in the government of today. While the subject is quite technical, she breaks it down so even a lay person can understand the concepts and the reasons for stem cell research. She gives the information and lets you decide. There is also a chapter regarding what each individual can do to help. It is indeed an enlightening book that should be read by everyone in the United States.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is an incredible book. It is packed with the most current data available on stem cell research. The author really provides indepth knowledge of the subject and passion for the cures that will come. I never realized just how much the government and the religious right control our freedom of well being. One can't help but wonder if BIG Pharma is also behind the scene suppressing this extremely important research. After all, they are the ones who stand to lose the most. This book is educational, provocative and enlightening. Perry's whit and sarcasm also add to the enjoyment of this important subject. I believe this work could have a major impact on public and political opinions.