Customer Reviews

It Takes More Than Guts

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When I read this book I felt as though I were reading my own account of my illness, surgery and recovery. Mr. VanHooser tells from start to finish every step of this debilitating illness. This book is a must read for anyone that suffers from or has a loved one that suffers from IBS. The straightforward manner in which he shares his experience will hit home with anyone who is affected by this disease. It was so much more than the usual informational book, it gave all the information you need but also gifted you with an emotional and physical victory that gives you hope.

Being I am not a reader normally. It was very easy to understand. It normally takes me weeks to read a book in this lenght, it took me 3 days. To anyone that is going though the j-pouch surgery, I recommend reading this book!!

As I read Phillip Van Hooser's book, "It Takes More Than Guts," I felt as though Phillip had written about my struggle with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). His description of the disease is so accurate. I have suffered with ulcerative colitis, a form of IBD, for nine years. For the past two years, I have contemplated having my colon removed like Phillip did, but I have repeatedly talked myself out of it because I'm afraid of such an invasive surgery and all of the unknowns. Some of the areas that I especially liked about his book are that it takes you step-by-step from: being diagnosed with IBD, Phillip's experiences with IBD, Phillip's ultimate decision to have surgery, and finally the quality of Phillip's life after surgery. This book takes you through these steps in great detail. This book helped me make important decisions in my life concerning my battle against IBD, and I would highly recommend it to anybody suffering with this disease, or anybody who knows someone who has IBD-this book will allow you to better understand what your loved one is going through.

Van Hooser does a wonderful job of detailing the day-to-day fears, realities, and inconveniences of living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I especially appreciated how he chronicles what he is thinking as the doctors speak. The reader almost feels like a fly on the wall. Anyone that has lived with IBD can relate to all he goes through to "mask" his illness, and the embarrassment it causes.

This inspirational story of how one person copes with his disease is encouraging and uplifting. The honesty with which he presents his fears and worries is to be commended. The way in which he draws encouragement from his friends and family, but yet deals with his disease so individually, is unique. At times, I felt like I was reading about my own struggle with IBD, and it was encouraging to know that others feel the same way I have.

I read this book through in less than a day. I have given it to friends to help explain what life with IBD is like. Van Hooser says it like it is, "crap" and all!

This book was written from such a personal perspective. It took a lot of courage to be so open about how much Phil suffered during his illness. But the fact that he was so candid will be very helpful to anyone suffering with the same ilness or for that matter any chronic illness. Phil offered so much practical information as well as insight into how a patient can manage their own health care. I was especially touched by the relationships Phil established with his health care providers. What amazes me is how Phil took his experience and shared it with the world. He has reached out to other sufferers and tossed them a life line of support and a wealth of resources. I recommend this book to everyone who has ever experienced medical problems no matter what type.

Phil's book was an eye opener to me. I never realized how severe the symptoms and problems were until I read "It Takes More Than Guts." It did take more the "guts" for Phil to share his disease through this publication. I was encourage by his faith and love from his family and friends.

I'm one of the people who knew the author of this important book, and after reading It Takes More Than Guts in one long emotional sitting, discovered I didn't know him at all. If you or someone you care about is dealing with a chronic illiness you must read this story of Phillip Van Hooser's heroic journey to survive and overcome IBD. His honesty will leave you breathless. His 121 laps will leave you tired. His courage will leave you inspired.

P.S. Buy a second copy for your Doctor - I did.

I have just finished reading "It Takes More Than Guts".While reading it I felt near tears, I laughed out loud, and felt happiness. I especially liked reading how family and friends helped, prayed, and supported Phillip and all of his family. Phillip is an excellent writer. For sufferers of this or any chronic disease this book is very informative. Fortunately, no one in our family suffers from IBD. But all the same I am glad I have read this book.

This book captivated me. It made me walk along side Phillip as he went through his life with Ulcerative Colitis and really made me understand what life with this disease was like. It gave me an eye opening awareness of listening to the body and denial that I hear from so many people. I understand now. It was a wonderfully written book. Everyone should read it but especially everyone with IBD.

Phillip Van Hooser does, indeed, have guts. That's what it took to tell his compelling story that takes the reader on an amazing journey. An emotional roller coaster, this book draws you in from the first page. You can't wait to find out how Phil's story turns out. This is the first book I've ever read that enabled me to learn a lot about a disease while caring so much about the writer's own experience with it. It's funny, poignant, sad, hopeful, and at times even scarey. But by the end I felt an enormous sense of relief not just for Phil, but for everyone whose life is touched by IBD, colitis or crohn's disease. His message of hope is uplifting and his storytelling ability is unsurpassed. If you know someone with IBD, give them this book. It will be a treasured resource they'll use over and over!