Customer Reviews

What's Shakin': An Insider’s Look at the Humorous Side of Parkinson’s Disease

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

(This review is more about the author.)

I am fortunate enough to call the author, John, my neighbor & friend -- he lives just two doors down from me. One of my first conversations with John was during the winter of 2005-06; I was shoveling my driveway, with my son (just a few months old, but bundled up) in a front carrier. John came rushing over with a shovel, and helped me finish clearing my driveway. He said, "I couldn't let a woman with a baby shovel by herself." He told me he had Parkinson's Disease, and I told him I was all-too familiar with the symptoms (someone close to me had the disease as well).

What a great first impression! Here's a guy who has every right to be unhappy with his situation, but he's one of the most positive people I now know. It's taken some time to get to know John: loves his cigars, has one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen (I told him he should write about that too), and helps his neighbors year round...and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Living in the same town means I get to read articles in the local newspaper written by John, and he's also shared some of his poetry with me. Everything he writes is inspirational. For this reason, John reminds me of a viking. He makes the best out of what he's dealt, he doesn't feel sorry for himself, and he loves a good laugh -- even if it's at himself.

If you know someone who is living with Parkinson's, or has recently been diagnosed --or even someone who would like to know what it's like living with the disease, then buy this book. Most people only think of the symptoms, and forget to consider how a person's life is affected. This book will give you a new perspective -- a postive one.

And...I don't think John would mind if I recommend Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars 2008 edition.

I have purchased numerous copies of "What's Shakin" and they keep disappearing. I loan them to family and friends and they loan them to others. These people are also buying copies of the book for family and friends. If this book was rated honestly it would receive more than five stars. I told John that if laughter is truly the best medicine I would be cured. I was laughing so hard at times, I could not open my eyes to read.
This man, his family, and the book are wonderful examples of courage. I can't wait until the second is published. I also have young onset parkinsons.

This book is an excellent read for anyone looking for perspective in life. It is written straight from the heart of a man who has looked adversity in the face and laughed. His anecdotes which were caused or contributed to by Parkinson's both amuse and encourage anyone, whether or not they have struggled with a debilitating disease. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read that will touch the heart and enlighten the mind

This book is a must read for anyone who has been touched by Parkinson's disease. In fact, now that I think about it, all of us can benefit from reading this book. It is a humorous and inspirational depiction of what it is like to live with this debilitating disease. I both laughed and cried while reading the book. I have purchased several copies and given them to people who have been recently diagnosed or have had a family member diagnosed. They always ask where they can obtain more copies for friends of theirs. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

These books were purchased by our PD Support Group and donated to the Berrien County libraries as part of April Parkinson Awareness Month. Many people will certainly be more knowledgable about Parkinson.

Having someone with Parkinson's Disease you tend to look for anything you can read that may help you out. This book tells one man's side of how he is handling his disease with a humorous (often overlooked part) side to what is happening to him.

I have Young Onset Parkinson Disease I bought the book "Whats shakin" and I was not disappointed! I would be reading the book get to laughing so hard that tears would roll down my face.I would highly recommend this book to anyone that can see the humor in lifes challenges.