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

John S Brissette (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

WHAT’S SHAKIN "John you had me crying one moment and laughing out loud the next" Deborah Rausch Business Manager, Hauenstein Parkinson's Center.

"My wife and I started to read the book at bed-time and were not able to put it down until we finished it" Tim Parker, Vice President-Marketing, Bissell Corp.

"I bought the book as a gift for my dad and I could hear him laughing from the next room." Jeff Lipe, Co-owner Oosterink and Lipe.

[Insert picture here: copy of Golf Cart.tif] LAUGH… LAUGH…LAUGH

It is not impossible to find something humorous about a disease as devastating as Parkinson’s. All you have to do is read this book. What’s Shakin is not a book about Parkinson’s disease, however it is a book about a man who has Parkinson’s and the hilarious situations he has fallen into as a result of this disease. What’s Shakin will have you rolling on the floor with laughter, so be careful where you read it, you do not want to become the object of whispers and stares.

The book also has a serious side to it and will offer hope and inspiration to anyone who has had tragedy touch their lives. What’s Shakin is fresh and inspirational. The author’s life experiences offer optimism and encouragement to others regardless of what misfortunes they may face.

What’s Shakin should be read by everyone.

About the Author

At age 45 the author was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Overcoming all obstacles he has maintained a wonderful outlook on life and a unique sense of humor. He lives in Rockford, MI with his wife Kathy and has two children Jason and Elizabeth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (March 31, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595425003
• ISBN-13: 978-0595425006
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #223,355 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #20 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Aging > Parkinson's Disease
  #55 in	Books > Entertainment > Humor > Doctors & Medicine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insider's Look at the Author, December 14, 2008

By	Ursula K. Raphael "Eclectic Homeschool Mom" (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

(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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm cured!, September 2, 2007

By	Jeannie L. Lewis (Manistee, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching, Funny, and Inspirational, July 11, 2008

By	R. Andrews "S. Andrews" (Rockford, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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