Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Secondhand Smoke Crimes is one of those rare, ground-breaking, technically important and yet readable books that arises from a serious personal experience. Almost everyone has been or is annoyed by secondhand smoke at one time or another but few of us realize how dangerous even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can be or what can be done about it. The author, Dr. Joyce Starr, documents the medical dangers and lays out a practical approach for dealing with the problem, not only in general but particularly within the context of a condominium community.
Ideally, of course, no one would smoke -- not just because it's a slow form of suicide but also because it hurts others. Alas, most smokers are neither sufficiently self-protective nor alturistic. I certainly wasn't until medical reasons forced me to give up smoking.
Secondhand Smoke Crimes shows how one can deal with the perils of secondhand smoke if one can't avoid it/move away, the smoker(s) won't stop voluntarily and those responsible for enforcing no smoking rules won't act. Tempting though it may be, you can't simply shoot the miscreants even though it's clearly self-defense. That won't assure a favorable outcome if only because you're abating the nuisance of smoke with other nuisances, noise and littering. Nor, strangely enough, will seeking legal assistance in the form of an injunction or suing for damages. Why? Law firms are reluctant to take such cases as the law is vague, the remedies slow and dubious, and easier cases usually are more profitable. BUT, as the author shows you can buck those odds, IF you take the trouble to assemble the relevant laws and legal precedents, describe the situation calmly and clear in ordinary English and then find an aggressive law firm interested in distinguishing itself by pioneering a new specialty practice. Having done this, the author suddenly discovered that what initially was an personal health risk has become a public service to her friends, community, the legal profession, and the body of literature called personal success / self-help stories.
In sum, there are at least four strong reasons to buy and read this book. Buy it if you enjoy a real-world story of the eventual triumph of good. Buy it if you have to deal with the deadly nuisance of secondhand smoke. Buy it as a gift for any friend or relative in such a predicament. Buy it for your community's governing board so they'll know and understand their duties in this novel and increasingly important health matter.
David I. Goldenberg, Ph.D.
Click Here to see more reviews about: SECONDHAND SMOKE CRIMES: When Neighbors Poison You, Your Family & Pets.
Secondhand Smoke Crimes explodes the myth that smokers can do as they please in their own units. Names are masked. But the crime story is true.
Secondhand Smoke Crimes reads like fiction, but is based on fact - the story of women who fought for their lives against chain-smoking bullies and their defenders. Vital health and legal arguments are woven through fast-paced chapters.
The work gives voice to victims and their suffering - including children and defenseless pets. Over fifty-five thousand American adults and children die each year from secondhand smoke exposure. Don't allow smokers to violate your life with their toxins. Even short-term exposure can prove life-threatening for non-smokers, children and pets.
"Secondhand Smoke Crimes is one of those rare, ground-breaking and readable books that arises from a serious personal experience. Law firms are reluctant to take such cases. But as the author shows, you can buck the odds. Buy it if you enjoy a real-world story of the eventual triumph of good and/or if you have to deal with the deadly nuisance of secondhand smoke," declares author Dr. David Goldenberg. Radio Talk Show Host Faith Ranoli declares: "This book is a must read...Dr. Starr writes a compelling story. Do not be held hostage by your neighbor's secondhand smoke. Learn what you can do to return your home to a healthy environment."
The book is a wake-up call for condo boards, co-op boards, owners, property managers and lawyers who protect the rights of chain-smokers over your right to a smoke-free home. Laws that prohibit smoking rarely extend to multi-unit dwellings, where children and non-smoking adults can least defend themselves.
Dr. Joyce Starr tackles tough issues and deeply-entrenched attitudes. A policy expert, homeowner rights coach and Radio Talk Show Host, she's authored 12 books in diverse arenas, including: Defend Your Condo & Homeowner Rights, (2007). She's also the publisher of home and hearth books at StarrPublications.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment