Product Description
Two words have the power to change a person s outlook: good...considering. Jothy Rosenberg has heard this his whole life, starting at age sixteen when bone cancer led to the amputation of his right leg. Three years later, when cancer forced the removal of a lung and essentially served as a death sentence, this epithet continued. Rosenberg grew tired of only being good considering his disability. In the decades since, he has used athletics to overcome this social stigma. He turned his disability into a superability, often performing in challenging open water swims, cancer-fundraising bike rides, and treacherous skiing adventures better than two-leggers. And in the business world, when working in a reliable position failed to quench his need for risk taking, he plunged into entrepreneurship.
In Who Says I Can t?, Rosenberg teaches by example how everyone can overcome life s obstacles. He shows that when the world says you can t, courage and determination prove you can be more than good...considering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Incredible, Inspiring, AWESOME!
I had the priviledge of meeting Jothy 1 week before the Pan Mass Challenge ride this year (2010) - my first and his 8th. I could not have asked for a better experience 1 week prior to the ride - to help me (a cancer survivor as well) put into perspective all the reasons why it's important for people to participate in life - not get bogged down by it. After our first meeting, I bought his book. I had to - his enthusiasm for life is infectious and I needed to learn more about the way he thought and lived his life to the fullest extend. I read this book while on vacation and loved every page. Jothy has an incredible outlook and zeal for life, and he writes well too! I cannot tell enough people about the book and encourage them to read it. It changed me - it will change you!Thanks for taking the time to share your life with us, Jothy!

Not me!Of course you can :).
I gave up sleep to finish reading this book before the end of the Pan Mass Challenge this year - although I didn't participate, I thought it would be fitting to be reading this book as the PMC was taking place.(Jothy is wearing a PMC jersey on the front cover, so I'm not giving anything away with this comment.)

I absolutely loved this book and I would enthusiastically recommend it to anyone who considers reading it.I should caveat that my perspective when I started reading this book may be different than most: I know people who work with the author and therefore already knew about his successful professional career, and one of the most important people in my life is also "differently-abled" and puts me to shame in terms of her accomplishments and physical activity.

Nevertheless, this book is awesome: it's funny, it has a great message, it's candid, and it's pretty easy to read.Because I didn't always have time to read a whole chapter in one sitting, the only thing I would've found "better" is sub-titles each time there was a major break in a chapter (which were demarcated by extra space between paragraphs).

Here are my three favorite parts of this book (no spoiler alert needed):

(1) The "sweatpants incident" - I literally laughed out loud because I knew what the author would find most upsetting.
(2) The elementary school fund-raiser - once you read the book, there will be no explanation needed.
(3) The "As I was doing [X], I saw people doing it [Y]..."I read that and did a facepalm `cause I knew what followed - the author would try to do it [Y].

Finally, each time Jothy made a reference to "two-leggers," the term "muggles" came to mind: besides the two words sounding similar, I guess there *is* something magical about people like Jothy and my differently-abled friend leaving us "normal" folks in their dust...

no one can tell us we cant!
Tuesday night I finished reading your book Jothy!! I cried, I laughed and mostly I cant believe how much we cancer survivors share in all aspects of our being, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical, even if we dont have the same challenges. thanks for writing the book. I cant wait to tell you about alcatraz at the end of the month and how much I needed to read about your bike challenge at the end of the book. I crashed again last weekend and was feeling down from everyone discouraging me from continuing to ride, and reading your book proved to me one more time.. who says I cant?

A Life Well-Earned
In my formative years, I met a girl who was my age and already a survivor of cancer. What separated her from me even at in our youth was a sense of purpose in life. This is the upside of having come so close to losing one's life. Candor. Resolve. Maturity. Ambition. She used to say "You don't get what you want in life. You get what you negotiate." Not the words of the youthful, I understand. And I've been living most of my life trying to understand what she meant by that.

Jothy's book is in every sense of the word inspirational. I first met Jothy by phone and knew nothing of his disability. When we met in person, he was already seated. It wasn't until he got up and we said our goodbye's that I noticed what my grandmother would call "a hitch in his get-up." Even then, I didn't think much of it. Jothy's presence is anything but disabled. After he finished this book and I got the nerve to read it, I knew what endeared me to him from the beginning. Candor. Resolve. Maturity. Wisdom.

Negotiation.

Imagine the type of personality that looks death in the face and is convinced he can negotiate with it. You may not always win, but you better damn well try.

Not a day passes when I don't think of this book and Jothy's life story. Every time I think there's nothing to do or do better, in the good life, there always, always is.

Read this book!
Rosenberg packs his life story (so far) with personality, honesty, humor, and inspiration.Through the telling of his own set backs and accomplishments, one realizes that we all have things that constantly tug at our confidence, and that if we can learn to look beyond, we have tremendous potential that is waiting to be unleashed."Who Says I Can't?" is an easy, entertaining read that will leave you wanting to do more with your own life--"disability" or not! ... Read more

Product Description

Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee provides an insightful look at the entire spectrum of the below knee experience from amputation to rehabilitation. As a prosthetist for 22 years, author Richard Riley uses real life examples to answer many of the questions facing amputees.

The information is structured in a manner that permits quick, easy access to an array of topics. Living with a Below-Knee Amputation not only discusses the psychosocial and physical issues; it also clearly explains the role of the medical professional and the complexities of constructing a prosthetic device during each phase of rehabilitation. Images are also included to display all of the available options and components of an artificial leg.

Some topics inside Living with a Below-Knee Amputation include amputation surgery, pain, postoperative care, therapy, purpose and design, fittings, maintenance and hygiene, integration of the prosthesis, child amputees, and recreation and sports.

The unique perspective used by the author helps physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation professionals better identify and relate to their patients. By understanding the amputee’s emotions and expectations, the professional can cohesively work together with their patients to identify ways for reintegration into their lifestyle.

Customer Reviews (1)

Extremely informative....
......and helpful with breaks from overly clinical info to personal insights with humor and sensitivity. Very helpful for anyone considering BKA (below the knee amutation). ... Read more

Product Description
RECOMMENDED READING BY: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOTISTS AND PROSTHETISTSThis is a true story written by an Amputee-Certified Prosthetist. He wrote down his story after 35 years of life, experiencing living his life as an amputee. The ordeal started when he was 16 years old. He had very, very little help with the adjustment or life changes that were forced upon him as he became an amputee. There was no support group available for him to attend, and he was never referred for psychological counseling at all. Kevin finds it most interesting and you may agree, that he actually wrote his book to help himself! Yes, he wished someone could have handed him this book and said, Read this son, it will help you!, at the time when he found himself having the saddest feeling that he had ever experienced before in his new life, as an amputee. His true story as he wrote it all down, chronicles his struggle with the unbelievable harshness that life can bring to us at times. In various editorial book reviews the book has been found to be very helpful to the professionals who provide care for people with disabilities, deepening their understanding of the disabled person and the disabled person s adjustment to life after disability occurs. ... Read more

Product Description
It was July 2003. Sheila had a new job, attended night school and helped her mom with house expenses. She was just twenty-six. Life seemed full of promise when tragedy struck. She contracted meningococcemia, a serious and life-threatening infection of the bloodstream. She was in coma for eight days with no visible improvement but she survived, albeit at a terrible cost. Gradually, she regained her strength but her limbs remained black and lifeless. Barely a month later, she had to make the most difficult decision in her life - face amputation of her limbs or eventually die from the infection. Sheila chose to live. She underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of her hands and legs. After almost four months in hospitals, she finally went home and the difficult process of adjustment began. This harrowing experience and her continuing struggles have been tough for Sheila and her loved ones. The journey to where she is now has been a series of bumpy rides but she is determined to keep focused in regaining control of her life. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a useful and informative guide for anyone who owns, interacts,lives with, loves, or is curious about canine amputees. It is also a movingtribute to these canine survivors and those who love them. This unique andpractical book contains many photographs that demonstrate the strength andheart of both canine amputees and their owners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

It may not be a literary masterpiece, but it's definitely useful
I suppose some of the literary criticisms I've read in "professional" reviews elsewhere on the web may be valid (hence four stars, instead of five), but I'm inclined to cut the author plenty of slack.After all, there is very little competition among titles in the "canine amputee" section of the book store!

This is obviously a labor of love, intended to help others learn the lessons learned by the author, with fewer hard knocks.I read it cover-to-cover just before our dog's operation, and picked up a number of tips that made things easier for us and our dog.For that I am grateful.It's definitely worth your time and money if you have (or might have) a canine amputee.

If you're reading this, you might be interested to know that our 13-year-old English Shepherd is doing well after losing one of her front legs to bone cancer less than a month ago.The most surprising aspect was her apparent lack of pain.She actually slept on the side of the amputation right away.Apparently, there are few nerve endings there.

As an old dog, she doesn't run around as if all was normal, as some young dogs might.Walking is slow and tiring for her.The best things we did were to buy carpet runners for the kitchen (slippery floors are very difficult for her), and a RuffWear "Webmaster" harness, with two belts under the belly.We use that to help her walk when she's tired, and to get into and out of the car, etc.

We continue to see steady improvement.Most importantly, she wags her tail.

Best wishes to you and your dog.

Great help
This book was very helpful when I found out that my dog had cancer. My vet recommended that we amputate a limb. This book was a great help in understanding everything I could expect from the surgery. It also had wonderful referrals for vet schools and I found a trial of free chemo from it.This book is a must for anyone considering amputating a dog's limb.

Very helpful...couldn't be happier!
This book is a must if you have a pet that will go, or has gone through this.It was helpful for our entire family.

A very difficult decision
How many people would look for a book like this?Yet for those of us faced with a very difficult decision, it is a godsend.My dog Kerby was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right front leg, and because he was not a candidate for palliative radiation, we were faced with two choices: euthanasia or amputation.He was in horrible pain, but he was not ready to die; we had to do something.This book convinced me that amputation was not a hideous choice.Kerby is a big shepherd mix, 12 years old, and I had many doubts; but 2 days after surgery he was ready to jump up into the car (no, we didn't allow it), and a week later jumped up on the couch.Yes, his days of 2 mile walks are over, but he has done so well, and our time together is something so important and special that I find it hard to describe.I urge owners of dogs facing amputation to read this book to gain confidence in your decision.Susan Neal has done a fine job describing what to expect and actions to take. ... Read more

Product Description
Introductory text on the treatment and care of amputees during all stages of rehabilitation. For student physiotherapists and student occupational therapists. British oriented. Previous edition, c1993, was entitled Physiotherapy for Amputees: The Roehampton Approach. Halftone illustrations. ... Read more

Product Description
In his fourth poetry collection John Edward Lawson combines his previously displayed penchant for both horrifying subject matter and literary sensibilities. Ranging from the humorous to the surreal, the profane to the deeply personal, The Troublesome Amputee will remove parts of you that you didn't even know you had. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Makes me hungry.
John Edward Lawson, The Troublesome Amputee (Raw Dog Screaming, 2006)

I knew when picking up a poetry collection from a bizarro press that I wasn't going to be getting work that one would normally see published in The Paris Review. I tried to steel myself against that (though I tend to be a harsher judge of poetry than any other artistic medium) and just sit back and enjoy the ride. And surprisingly (to me), I found myself able to do so a good bit of the time where The Troublesome Amputee was concerned; it's not just because of my affinity for the overarching theme here, but because Lawson does have at least enough poetic chops to know when he doesn't have the poetic chops to tackle something. Because of this, the book veers widely in tone from stuff that sounds a lot like poetry that you'd see in B-zines (the kind that pay in contributor's copies), and some that just sounds straight-out bizarro, stream-of-consciousness rather than crafted. And for once, when reviewing a poetry collection, I'm not trying to say that like it's a bad thing.

"There once was a werewolf from Nantucket
who kept warm viscera in a bucket
With sharpened talons and teeth
he would rend human meat
to get at the marrow and suck it"
("Werewolf limerick #1")

I was going to say "that's the kind of stuff I see in micropress magazines all the time", but it's probably above that level, at least slightly, for the way Lawson turns the conventional limerick in upon itself in the last line. Be that as it may, one way or the other it's a lot of fun. So's the rest of the book. Worth your time. ***

Cuts like a knife...
(aka Ash Lomen)


This is some of the best, weirdest, modern poetry I have ever read. If you like odd forms of (in)human expression... do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Opened my eyes to poetry's possibilities
Poetry is subjective. It is probably the most subjective form of creative expression. It is nearly impossible to predict what poem an individual will appreciate, even if you know their past likes, just because poetry affects each person in a particular way. In any other form of writing, there are rules to be followed, even if they are just the basic rules of grammar and punctuation. Only in poetry is the author allowed -- nay, encouraged -- to throw all perceived rules out the window for the sake of art.

The only artists with perhaps more freedom are those who work with abstract ideas -- the product of a poet at least has to be readable to someone who speaks the language, even if the words aren't necessarily familiar. An odd subculture has developed of horror writers who are also poets. Who knows why these delvers in the depths of the soul choose to express themselves in verse as well as prose, but the horror community fully supports their efforts. There has even been a Bram Stoker Award for poetry since 2000, and even though many of the same names recur each year, there are always enough collections produced to fill out the nominations.

Dark poetry's practitioners are some of the more respected names in the field, so don't think these are just fly-by-nighters trying to foist their high-school musings on an unsuspecting public. Including The Troublesome Amputee author John Edward Lawson, some names horror fans will surely recognize are Tom Piccirilli, Charlee Jacob, and Michael A. Arnzen (who wrote the introduction to the present collection) -- Stokers winners all for at least one volume of poetry (in addition to their novels)!

John Edward Lawson is an author, editor, and publisher. As editor-in-chief of Raw Dog Screaming Press, he has been responsible for not only bringing terrific new voices like Matthew Warner and Ronald Damien Malfi much-deserved attention, but also is a forerunner of the bizarro movement. More importantly to this review, however, Lawson is also a poet with four collections to his name. As Michael Arnzen states in his introduction, the poems here are for the most part about loss, and the book is divided into three sections, each titled with a different aspect of limb loss: (1) Apotemnophilia (desired amputation in order to overachieve despite the handicap), (2) Acrotomophilia (or "stump fetish"), and (3) Disarticulation (amputation via the joint instead of cut bone). The metaphor is not so hard to grasp. The first section contains primarily the horrific pieces, the second section's contents are primarily the funnier ones, and the more political works are in the third.

All poetry tries to reflect areas of human experience, dark poetry just limits itself to life's more unpleasant aspects. Among the many subjects covered in The Troublesome Amputee are abortion ("Visiting the AbortAretum"), online snuff films ("No Protection, or: Trojan Strikes Again"), culture misappropriation ("Full of Flava"), grief ("Casket Climber"), and even fad diets ("Infomercial"). But through all the troubling descriptions, Lawson keeps a sharp sense of humor, which makes the often depressing subject matter easier to handle (and sometimes even pleasant). For example, in "Jung's Diet," Lawson describes a group of doctors' interest attaching electrodes to a woman's ovaries so they can see "the dreams of human eggs." After a short description of the results, however, he ends with, "It wasn't long before the scientists decided to detach those electrodes" -- understatement at its best. Following "Jung's Diet" are a series of limericks with their own sort of appeal that Edward Lear never even considered.

Other highlights are "Hairy Trigger," which follows the circular thinking of an almost-troublemaker, and "Marvels of Horror," which turns Lawson's skewed vision on the much darker side of comic book heroes. "Plunder Revisited" shows off some pirate wordplay. "Lovable Lamb Chop the Mutilator vs. Super Virgin Dragon Girls" is a wonderful exercise in absurdity (with just a pinch of scatology). But nothing compares with the rampage of the "homeless zombie tongues" in "Will Work for Food," a surprisingly rereadable bit that just may be the best example of Lawson's peculiar vision.

Arnzen's introduction helped me out a lot with The Troublesome Amputee. Understanding the underlying theme makes a poem more readily accessible to the inexperienced poetry reader (like me). After all, this isn't anything like the poetry we studied in school, so it requires a different mindset to get around. The title work, "The Troublesome Amputee," is a highly visual (and relatively long, giving us an opportunity to really get into the topic) disturbance -- a narrative verse of a daily struggle that occurs in a familiar setting and yet is like nothing you would ever want to experience.

The result of all this is that I believe I am now a Lawson convert. The Troublesome Amputee has opened my eyes to new possibilites in poetry, and I am eager to seek out more of his work. Lawson has a way of getting under my skin with his words, making them memorable long after the pages have closed. That said, I wouldn't recommend reading many of the poems in one sitting; there are so many ideas and images that come so quickly that I needed time in between readings to process things properly. Too much is bound lead to some sort of mental or emotional overload.

A Bizarro Genius
I never considered myself a fan of poetry until my clammy hands groped the pages of John Edward Lawson's collection, The Troublesome Amputee.His voice is unique, unlike anything or anyone.Lawson has a vast comprehension of humanity, an understanding of its morbid normality, which can be found within the bizarre, the humorous and the pleasingly cloaked political poems composed here.He is honest in his words, unafraid to scream the unspeakable, beautifully crafting in intricate detail that which some would and should and will call a bizarro genius. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an updated and revised version of the 1989 printed edition.This version includes new material regarding information received from personal interviews and returned questionnaires from the earlier edition.The description of the subject is still relevant to today's social stigma attitude towards the sexual lifestyles of amputees. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very interesting and informative updated version ---
This is an updated and revised version of the book, and includes new material and information obtained since the original publication from personal interviews and return of the questionnaires from the back of the book.Still relevant after all these years!Author

A subject of interest to every amputee.
SYNOPSIS:
"No one can be emotionally neutral regarding another person with a disability.The person is either rejected or accepted and the disability accommodated."So states a psychologist who is himself disabled in a wheelchair.A loss of sexuality is the number one fear of those who become disabled.The first cognizant thought of a woman who becomes an amputee is "will any man want me now?"Indeed, society dictates "NO!"And the amputee responds to society's dictate.However that is not the reality.There are men who are peculiarly attracted to women who are unique.And various forms of disability can be seen as a unique feature.This book describes the psychological aspects of women amputees and the men who find them attractive.Must reading for every amputee, since the effect also includes women devotees who find attraction in men amputees. -- The author ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Recommended reading for amputees or their friends/family.
I bought this book as a gift for a recent double amputee.It is not a medical guide, but a collection of personal stories by people from many different walks of life who are missing limbs by birth, accident or disease. I liked the broad range of ages and experiences, [children and adults] which shows how this can happen to anyone, and how each writer has coped with his/her absence of limb[s].This is not simply one of those inspirational books featuring people of extraordinary bravery, although all of the contributors are brave.My friend found it helpful and interesting. It provides great insight into the mental and physical challenges facing people who are missing limbs.

Fantastic book for recent amputees or their families
I had my left leg amputated in February 2003 after a motorcycle accident. A fellow member of my amputee support group at Harborview hospital in Seattle loaned me this book. Once I read it I realized that if I could work hard and keep my sense of humor that I would be able to deal with my handicap. The book covers the stories of amputees, most of the essays are two to five pages long so it is quick reading. There is a lot of practical information in the essays as the writers describe their problems and successes with various prosthetic technologies. Definitely worth reading if you are an amputee, know one or just want to see what the human spirit can accomplish.

You're not alone, it just feels that way, sometimes...
Great book for amputees as well as their families and friends.Thestories are autobiographical and do not portray amputees as either someoneto be pitied or as super-humans.True stories which demonstrate thepotential of life for all of us.Does not generalize about life afteramputation but presents cases of lower and upper extremity amputation, useof super-high-tech prosthetic to no prosthetic.

I was encouraged to learnwhat can, what DOES happen, by the accounts in the book.We are notalone.

Highly recommended.

A must for any amputee or family members of amputees!
This book will provide any person with a wealth of information regarding what you will face going through the amputation of a limb. I am sure many amputees can relate to at least one of the many illustrations given by the actual amputees themselves.My son is a double leg amputee and I have read this book from cover to cover.The stories have givin me a new perspective into the challenges amputees face everyday.It has helped me to allow him to pursue his own independence and achieve it.Truly inspiritional whether you are an amputee or not. ... Read more

Product Description
Welcome to one of the meatiest collections of grizzly, grotey, bizarro poetry you'll come across. In other words, "the good stuff." The stuff you like to read. The guilty pleasure stuff that's hard to come by. Not the stuff you used to read from your lovers or childhood heroes, or the stuff you were made to read by your teachers or parents. The stuff you genuinely like to spend time with, musing and mulling and mashing. The stuff that makes you guffaw with laughter and want to read out loud to other unsuspecting people. The Scarred Edition includes the out-of-print chapbook The Scars Are Complimentary. ... Read more

Product Description

Help Your Patients Face the Trauma of Lower-Limb Amputations

This book outlines techniques and resources to assist you in preparing patientsmentally and physically for lower-limb amputation; the amputationoperation and recovery; and post-operative care—woundhealing, prosthetic devices, and physical therapy.

Product Description
Born without arms or legs below his elbows and knees, Kyle Maynard excels as a champion athlete, inspirational speaker, college student and male model. No Excuses is his inspirational autobiography that shows how a positive can-do attitude gives someone we might see as disadvantaged the advantage over life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Admiration for "No Excuses"
This book is a fantastic read for anyone stuck the least bit in self pity.I am a cancer survivor and reading this book helped to put things in perspective.Painful realities like Neuropathy can become too large of a focus and hence a limitation.I feel much better and more in control of my life after reading this special book.Too often, people let things which can be overcome become a wall instead of a challenging hurdle.

For those of you who did not wrestle in High School this could be a long read.I encourage you to relate his love of wrestling for any passion you have felt in your life.This is an excellent book from a young man of few years and yet he has worked hard and gained a wealth of wisdom.I commend Kyle Maynard and his exceptional book.You will gain much in reading this book.Tad O. Patterson

A must read
This book, helped me a lot since i am on my road to overcome stammering. It helped and inspirred me to step up and give my final oral thesis presentation, i said to myself like Kyle the author of the book says, when he is faced with a limitation, he doesnt make any excuses, he just uses limitations as a motivation to work harder than ever. And thats what I did, incredible book, thanx KYLE for this book, and keep on writing more books please.
thanx

Great story to share with your athletes!
This is a great story to share with your athletes whether you are mom and dad or the coach.

Kyle's quest to overcome what would have made many people bitter victims of life puts our problems into perspective and says so much about the true nature of the human spirit.

I loved this book and you will too.If you have an athlete or child who is constantly complaining about how rough their life is then the story of Kyle Maynard becoming a State champion in the roughest sport in High School should adjust their thinking and attitude.

amazing and inspiring
Kyle's story is absolutely stunning in its courage, candor, and non self pitying grip on life.I would love to be able to meet this young champion.His story has impacted my life.

Story worthy of telling to keep us mindful we truly have no excuses
Five stars for a worthy story of one human among us but zero stars for the writing.Steel yourself for atrocious writing and then remind yourself throughout the book that you are reading it to learn of this young man's life and not for the writing -- and you may be able to appreciate and benefit from it.I apologize for my own shortcomings in having trouble getting over the writing - but I found it really horrendously bad - like a first draft from an 8th grader (again, I'm sorry to say this).I found myself distracted throughout by the lack of editing and the repetitive thoughts.I wish someone would have encouraged the young author to have an editor review the manuscript, because the story, nonetheless, is a worthwhile read.

It's a simple book, so read it for just that.Kyle does not write with a maturity that comes with understanding how to express the emotions that drive him beyond just the raw, primordial impulse by which he is driven in his life to live with no excuses.And he doesn't allow us into his soul to understand how a man so young has learned to shut out doubt every day. At writing, he is still a youth who perhaps has not taken time yet to delve deep enough to put in writing his emotions.

It is a short, very quick read - large type with lovely photos.An easy 2-hour read.I recommend this book for grades 5-8. ... Read more