Confessions of a Kamikaze

A very exiting to read book, a true adventure, life or death, with a happy end. I read it in one sitting. This book's story matches my personal experiences, even though my health problems were not the same, they were equally critical. Sometimes, and in this case too, health problems that would lead to a soon death can be eliminated by understanding how your body works, giving your body the food it needs and COMPLETELY, I mean TOTALLY, avoid junk food. What is equally important, and it shines through between the lines, is a relaxed mind set. A few related books: Macrobiotic Diet Cooking the Whole Foods Way: Your Complete, Everyday Guide to Healthy, Delicious Eating with 500 VeganRecipes, Menus, Techniques, Meal Planning, Buying Tips, Wit, and Wisdom Christina Cooks: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Whole Foods But Were Afraid to Ask Glow

I recently read Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy because of a friends suggestion. I had come to a time in my life when I felt out of control and was desperately looking for a way to get that control back. After reading Mr. Benedict's book, I began by first taking control of the things I ate. This was followed by a feeling of self-worth as I began to lose weight and feel better about myself. I will never again let the medical or political community do my thinking for me. If you have not read this book, it is a must.

For those of you who picked up this book expecting a Jackie Collins-type look into the life of the author, you might as well put the book back, because you will be sorely disappointed! And, if you don't like people with a strong belief system, who are intense and passionate about their beliefs (and don't mind telling you so), you may even be offended. Mr. Benedict writes a compelling autobiography about his struggle with his career, relationships, and dis-ease. He shares with the reader the path he took to becoming a whole person- mentally and physically. He does this with a great sense of humor, and a definite knowledge of how food contributes, or doesn't contribute, to our health and well-being. He writes in 1st person, which makes for a very entertaining, yet intimate, read. I did get the feeling, however, that through all his brutal honesty, Mr. Benedict was holding back a little. Just when I caught myself thinking "Aha! Now we are getting somewhere!" he pulls back. Whether it was deliberate, or for Cowboy II, or a "leave 'em wanting more" writing style, I haven't the foggiest. Although I do agree with him that ice cream is just as harmful to the body as cigars, I do hope he has given up his beloved stogies. All the healthy eating in the world can not combat the effects of smoking on the body. Also, I hope Mr. Benedict has come to realize that the education you receive in college is not so much about the things you learn in a book, as it is the things you learn in life. Knowledge is not such a bad thing anyway. After all, intelligence is the only thing we take with us when we leave this earth life. I look forward to seeing "Cahoots" on the big screen. I hope he continues writing and his next book will not be his last.

It took me a long time to find Mr Benedict's book. When I first read it,I totally understood what he was going through during that trying time in his life. I am sorry to hear the medical experts and other people that think they are experts want the book banned, In my opinon I don't think so. I think it is about time that someone in Mr. Benedict's caliber said and wrote a book regarding about health and life itself. I think patients in general should start questioning doctors motives and treatments like Mr Benedict suggested and I have myself question my Doctor many a time. So, I strongly suggest to any reader, be it a Doctor or other health person who works in the medical field and or a individual who strongly believes in value of one's life read this book and really look at what he is saying and open your mind to new thoughts and experiences in order to survive. Keep it up Dirk and I am looking forward toward your other books that you are currently working on!

I read this great book a # of years ago and have re-read it several times. I also gave copies to and lent my copy to a few friends and also to my Dad and my brother. I am 35 years old and of all the books I've read and have learned from over the years only 2 of them have been what I'd consider life changing. This is one of them. I began a whole new direction and journey after reading this book. It's gutsy and honest and I feel very fortunate to have found it. Thank god William Dufty encouraged Dirk to write his story and in so doing come out of the "tofu closet" I am eagerly waiting for the publicaton of Dirk's next book "Dig Deep, Puppy in Bottom...Notes from a Dangerous Wordsmith" ( I'm not sure if I want to read it because I've enjoyed reading Dirk's other books so much or because I want to know what the hell that wacky title is all about.) Keep on a rocking Cowboy and thank you for your honest insights.