While many consumer health books discuss iron-deficient anemia (the most common form of anemia and the type generally found in women of child-bearing age), few are devoted specifically to the topic. British psychiatrist Gomez has published numerous books and articles in the psychiatric literature, as well as a variety of books on consumer health topics. Originally published in England in 1998 as How To Cope with Anemia, her book is definitely easy to read, if repetitive, with a plethora of "feel good" case studies. In 14 chapters, she covers topics ranging from various populations (girls, the elderly, menopausal women, and babies) to basic information about blood, signs and symptoms of anemia, dietary do's and don'ts, the meaning of various blood tests, and types of anemia other than iron-deficient. However, neither sickle cell anemia nor thalassemia (Cooley's anemia) is mentioned. There are some lapses: the author warns readers about drinking "too much" or "too strong" black tea or coffee, but she doesn't say how much is too much or too strong; she advises that "good brands" of herbal remedies are available over the Internet, but she fails to provide any names or explain that herbal medicines may vary in strength and quality from brand to brand; and she makes some unfortunate references to "health freaks." For large public libraries and comprehensive consumer health collections. (Illustrations, appendixes, and index not seen.)

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By Martha E. Stone, Massachusetts General Hosp. Lib., Boston