Kitchen Table Wisdom & My Grandfather's Blessings

by Rachel Naomi Remen

Kitchen Table Wisdom
Stories That Heal
As I [began] reading this book, my eyes filled with tears and my heart was full once again-before I had even finished the introduction! Rachel Remen and her work are pure inspiration. Let her stories heal your heart and soul." (Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom )

"A beautiful book about life, the only true teacher." (Bernie Siegel, M.D.)

"Rachel Naomi Remen is nature's gift to us, a genius of that elusive and crucial capacity, the human heart." (Daniel Goleman, Ph.D.)

My Grandfather's Blessings
Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging
"Rachel Naomi Remen has done it again. My Grandfather's Blessings is a massage to the heart. It is a wonderful book." (Marianne Williamson, author of Illuminata )

"Rachel Remem is both a physician-healer and a masterful storyteller. The stories she tells in My Grandfather's Blessings are simple and profound, with healing lessons for all of us." (Andrew T. Weil, M.D., author of Eight Weeks to Optimum Health )

"[My Grandfather's Blessings] encourages readers to recognize and celebrate the unexpected blessings in their own lives." ( Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Inspirational

1 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Rachel Naomi Remen is one of the earliest pioneers in the mind/body holistic health movement and the first to recognize the role of the spirit in health and the recovery from illness. She is Co-Founder and Medical Director of the Commonweal Cancer Help Program featured in the Bill Moyers PBS series, Healing and the Mind and has cared for people with cancer and their families for almost 30 years.

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many wonderful insights as to spiritual knowledge and worth of finding it and, for me, proof it really exists. That there is a God and we have a purpose and it is important to believe this to truly heal yourself. I liked "My Grandfather's Blessings" better but both are books well worth reading.

[Beth Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and practical advice from Dr. Remen

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this wonderful, two-volume set, one chapter per day, for the better part of 2013. Based loosely on the author's conversations with her grandfather (who was a Rabbi) when she was a child, as well as many of her experiences as a physician, patient, and counselor for cancer patients, each 2-4 page chapter contains a story about what it is like to be a human being. Each self-contained story contains a pearl of wisdom about the nature of life or mystery or spirituality, or death.

The stories are loosely strung together but each offers a glimpse of some greater truth related to the purpose of life. Most of the stories are heartwarming expressions of human growth, learning, or courage. As a physician and human being (no, the two are not mutually exclusive), I was inspired on a daily basis. Thank you, Rachel.

[Liaken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most grounded healing literature available, these two volumes contain the healing journey and wisdom of a woman who had been the most professional and ambitious type of doctor, constantly struggling with Crohn's disease. She finally saw that western medicine wasn't helping her to get better. And she looked beyond the hospital and pharmacy for healing. Eventually she became a counselor for people who are dying or have chronic diseases or conditions. The stories she relates are from her own experience in the various aspects of her life. They are beautiful and life changing. And they give themselves simply and elegantly, allowing the reader to take what feels good. They never preach. They just give.

[Shulamit · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read her once, you'll keep reading all her stuff... Rachel Naomi Remen is a magnificent wounded healer, a heart warming and heart opener. True stories, that's what she loves writing. Though written 10 years before "My Grandfather's Blessings", and you can feel her maturity grew, I loved this one too. It is svery worth the reeding!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may have just been the time in my life but I enjoyed reading these and will pick both of them up occasionally. They are full of short stories and things she has learned from other people. I find them rather thought-provoking.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

plenty of feel good words to read ...

[Cayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel good stories about life. This lady is a physician and a psychologist and she has some really great insights.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully insightful book written by a female professor/MD from Stanford Med School. The type of book that stays with you. Highly recommended.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just great! Makes you feel good.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Kitchen Table Wisdom years ago, but a friend referred me to this book because of a portion of it (that she'd typed out, put as a poster on her wall) that I liked. She loaned it to me ....

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these stories. A good book by the bathroom read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of the most comforting and encouraging books I have ever read...a great help to me in a time of difficulty and discouragement.

[Wendy Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

after a busy day, late at night, i read these heart warming, spirit lifting essays. great books!

[Holly O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite book!

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful personal stories

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. Something to read over and over again as one goes through life.