10th Anniversary Edition - Kitchen Table Wisdom - Stories that Heal

If I was sitting across the table and complaining to Rachel Remen about something going on in my life, I am certain she would give me a pearl of wisdom wrapped in a story. Not only am I wiser for the reading of Kitchen Table Wisdom, I am more human.

This book contains approximately eighty extremely short stories from Remen’s counseling practice, primarily with cancer patients. Many passages left me with tears in my eyes. And though the stories were about her patients and coworkers aha moments, it was I who was illuminated. I cried over my negative attitudes and my courage.

Remen exposed me to myself by telling stories of her own experiences as a physician, and then as a counselor. She went to medical school at a time when there were not many women doctors. In order to be successful, she covered over her own tenderness with clinical expertise. Through turns of circumstances interspersed in the book, she uncovered much of the softness that her Jewish grandfather had instilled in her.

Her transparency about her own journey is refreshing, which in turn suggests to the reader that they, too, may have something to discover about their own life.

I was particularly moved by a story of a male patient in the final stages of cancer. What he loved more than anything about seeing his oncologist, he told Remen, were the conversations they would have at the end of his appointments. This doctor was the only person in his life who he felt completely understood what he was going through. Eventually his doctor said there was nothing more he could do; though additional chemotherapy might prolong his life. He did not want more chemotherapy, so the doctor released him from his care. He was devastated; yet he resumed treatments just to have those short conversations! The story continues. Remen is also the counselor of the man’s oncologist. This doctor came to Remen because he felt his life did not matter. He believed if he died no one would miss him!

In three pages, I have been given a beautiful story. Inside the story I see more clearly the value of listening to others with an open heart. And though Remen cannot tell the oncologist of the great impact he was making on one man’s life, she does tell me that even if I cannot see it, my life is significant to someone.

Kitchen Table Wisdom is a must read for everyone who desires to expand their humanness.

Thank you, Dr. Remen, for many hours of personal counseling.

I can't praise this book enough. Rachel Naomi Remen's sensitive renderings of her experiences as a doctor with very ill and at times dying people was a continual attention-getter for me. She herself has suffered many years with chronic illnesses, which made her more able to change from the more rigid training she had becoming a doctor into someone really seeing the patient and wanting to meet their human needs. I have given this book to young people in medical trainings who I think would appreciate all it has to offer. Remen is a pioneer in her field.

Rachel Remen gives provides us with an incredibly poignant window into the worlds of medicine and healing. Reading her stories reminds me that there are wonderful, caring people in healing professions, and that we all have a role in healing eachother.

Truly inspirational stories coming from a person who has learned compassion after dealing with people facing the reality of life and death. It moves from the medical to the truly spiritual in the best was possible.

I need something uplifting to read just before bedtime. Remen's stories of persons facing powerful odds, who find within themselves a well of strength, either alone or with her help, are great to read before sleep. Chapters are short; you can read one or several. I've read the book several times; it is still a favorite.

This is a beautiful and inspirational book. In places it gets a bit
preachy, but the general message is strong and clear. Particularly
valuable for anyone who is suffering from a critical illness (and for
those who support them.) Highly recommended unless you are a grump.

Readable and inspirational, the author tells the story of people who have faced cancer and have been able to realize their innate ability to face potential death while living in the moment. This is a book to read more than once because it has much to teach all of us about how to live.

This stunning collection of short reflections by Rachel Remen continues to inspire me. I bought copies as thank you gifts for speakers in my patient-centered medicine program and they have raved about the book.

An excellent book which we read in an interfaith reading group.
Her thoughts on healing , acceptance, death help one
explore their own beliefs. I am giving six copies as Christmas
gifts this year.

What wonderful insight. I've shared this with many people, especially physicians, for the wisdom it reveals (the title doesn't give service to the grandeur this little book shares!). Thank you, Dr. Remen.

it is an excellent book for most people. these are tue stories about people Rachel Naomi Remen talked to about their diseases and in many cases upcoming death. She helps them face their fears and also helps the reader to see their doubtds and fears. it is ecspecially helpfull if you have a loved one who has an incurable disease, as is true for myself. I highly recommend this.

Dr. Naomi Remen has written one of the most inciteful and
sensitive books about human responses to wellness and sickness
that I have read in many years. For all of us who have faced
real or perceived illnesses, and need Wisdom to help us through
she and the book are wonderful