"1). Author’s Background
Spilled Milk was written by K.L. Randis. She wrote this book to portray her life as a sexually abused child. Although, the main character in the book is named Brooke, the things that happened to her were exactly the things that happened to K.L. Randis when she was a girl.

2). Literary Time Period
The book is based off of little excerpts from her diary, therefore, the book was written in Long Island, New York and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

3). Setting
The setting throughout the book is mostly Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York. These are the places where R.L. Randis was raped and molested by her father.

4). Characters
Brooklyn (R.L. Randis)- A strong girl that stood up for herself after years of torment from her father.
David Nolan- The father of Brooklyn (R.L. Randis) that raped and molested her for years.
Molly Nolan- The mother of Brooklyn (R.L. Randis) that was a pill popper and lousy mom.
Gina- The women that was there for Brooke whenever she needed her.

5). Theme
A huge theme in this book is abuse, because Brooke’s father abused her until she felt like she was worthless. The abuse inflicted onto Brooke was terrible and the book expresses it perfectly.

6). Plot Summary
Brooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call about the escalating brutality in her home. When social services jeopardize her safety condemning her to keep her father’s secret, it’s a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she’s been hiding. In her pursuit for safety and justice Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home. When jury members and a love interest congregate to inspire her to fight, she risks losing the support of family and comes to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved. Fortunately, she fought through and became the savior of her family. Her coming forward sentenced her dad to up to 16 years in prison.

7). Literary Devices
Foreshadowing is one of the literary devices that is used when R.L. Randis said in the first chapter that her brother nearly drowning is the first of the many secrets she kept for her dad.
The next literary device used in Spilled Milk, is symbolism. In the book when Brooke realized that when her boyfriend’s brother spilt a glass of milk on the table and their father did not hit or shout at him, Brooke realized that her family was not normal.

8). Memorable Quotes
“But you have a damn good voice, and we are going to make it sing.�
Heather, a girl that kept Brooke updated on the case and any other court information, said this when Brooke was beginning to feel like there was no hope winning the case against her father. Fortunately, Heather said just a few words that reassured Brooke that she needed to do this for herself and for other victims.

“I beamed at Gina and stuck my hand out the window as we passed, passionately giving the jail the middle finger.�
This is the narrator speaking after David was convicted for his crimes. It is explaining the excitement that Brooklyn felt when she was set free from her abusive father.
"

"Discover practical exercises and expert insights to improve your back and spine health with Safe Movement for All Spines.

Back, joint, and spine pain is a widespread and escalating health concern, with a significant impact on millions of individuals worldwide. Recent statistics reveal that in 2020, approximately 619 million people grappled with the burdensome effects of low back pain (LBP) across the globe. Alarmingly, this challenging issue is expected to surge even further in the coming decades, with an estimated projection of 843 million cases by the year 2050.

In response to the growing ‘epidemic,� this review will explore a comprehensive resource that addresses this pressing issue. The book in focus, titled Safe Movement for All Spines by Gwen Miller, delves into the intricate world of spinal conditions, offering invaluable insights into their anatomy, associated pain profiles, and potential aggravating factors.


Author’s background

Gwen Miller is the owner of Gwen Miller Studio, where she specialises in clinical movement and manual therapy.

She is an experienced educator in the fields of Pilates, yoga, and fitness, offering workshops on various health topics. Gwen also mentors teachers and runs a mentorship program called The Dynamic Spine, aimed at educating and empowering the next generation of movement professionals.


What is the book about?

Safe Movement for All Spines by Gwen Miller delves into various spinal conditions, offering clear explanations of their anatomy, associated pain profiles, and potential aggravating factors. Gwen draws from her extensive expertise in yoga, Pilates, personal training, and manual therapy to provide practical guidance for alleviating pain and restoring spinal function.

Each chapter focuses on a specific spinal condition, providing carefully selected yoga poses and appropriate Pilates exercises to aid in stretching, strengthening, and stabilising the spine. The book also includes sections on Activities of Daily Living, offering practical advice on maintaining healthy postures, movements, and sleeping positions for tangible results.

Furthermore, Gwen caters to yoga and Pilates teachers and personal trainers, offering insights on assessment, tools, and red flags unique to each discipline. The book encourages readers to explore chapters relevant to their specific concerns, making it a flexible resource for addressing various spinal issues, such as disc derangement, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, and more.


Three key takeaways from Safe Movement for All Spines

1. Comprehensive insights into spinal stenosis management

One of the main key takeaways from the book, in the context of spinal stenosis, is a deep understanding of how this condition manifests and how to manage its symptoms effectively. Miller outlines the distinct experiences of lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis, with lumbar stenosis often causing sciatica-like pain that worsens while standing but improves with forward bending, a phenomenon known as ‘shopping cart syndrome.� In contrast, cervical stenosis aggravates symptoms with head and neck extension but can find relief with head retraction and a slightly downward chin tilt.

Importantly, she stresses the need for medical evaluation to determine the cause of stenosis and identify any underlying spinal conditions that may contraindicate specific actions. For instance, if stenosis results from disc derangement or bone density loss, protocols outlined in previous chapters should be followed. Her guidance extends to teaching optimal head carriage, strengthening core musculature, and maintaining a posterior pelvic tilt for lumbar stenosis, highlighting the importance of posture and muscle engagement in managing this condition. Miller’s insights offer a comprehensive approach to address the unique challenges posed by spinal stenosis, empowering individuals to better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

2. Holistic approach to bone health in osteoporosis

Another key takeaway from Gwen Miller’s book, Safe Movement for All Spines, in the context of osteopenia and osteoporosis, is the importance of a holistic approach to bone health. Miller stresses the significance of professional guidance and medical diagnosis when dealing with these conditions. Her recommended program for individuals with bone density loss encompasses postural correction to prevent improper vertebral loading, movement pattern re-education focusing on the hip hinge, weight training to increase muscle mass and bone density, and balance training to reduce the risk of falls.

Beyond physical exercises, Miller emphasises lifestyle factors like diet, calcium, and vitamin D intake, smoking cessation, and alcohol limitation as integral components of a prevention program. Additionally, making ergonomic adjustments in everyday surroundings plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of fractures. Overall, her book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to promoting bone health and preventing osteoporotic fractures.

3. Recognising and managing SI joint dysfunction symptoms

Regarding SI joint (sacroiliac joint) dysfunction, the author emphasises the importance of recognising its diverse symptoms and understanding its impact on daily life. Miller provides valuable insights into how SI joint dysfunction can manifest as pain in the lower back, buttock, groin, or tailbone area, with potential radiating pain down the thigh to the knee. She describes the pain as variable, ranging from sharp and stabbing to dull and persistent.

Crucially, Miller emphasises that SI joint pain often occurs during position changes and movements like standing up, bending, or rotating, affecting activities as basic as getting in and out of a car. Her guidance not only helps individuals identify SI joint dysfunction but also offers practical advice for managing acute and chronic pain, ensuring readers can take appropriate steps to address their specific situation effectively.


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers� reviews

Strengths:
� The book effectively conveys a wealth of valuable information in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to a wide audience.
� Gwen Miller’s expertise, experience, and passion shine through, establishing her as a credible authority on the subject matter.
� The book’s acute pain program proves highly effective in providing rapid relief for conditions like sciatica and SI dysfunction, demonstrating practical and immediate benefits.

Weaknesses:
� Some readers may find certain medical terminology or exercise descriptions challenging to understand, requiring additional research or clarification.


Best quotes from Safe Movement for All Spines

“Movement of the limbs originates from the trunk, so the spine is neurologically predisposed to respond either in flexion or extension in its entirety. This is why, in the case of lumbar stenosis, the person’s instinct will be to move toward flexion in all parts of the spine, which might help their back feel better. But this is at the expense of their posture and therefore breathing. As a result cervical spine lordosis will increase, to keep the eyes level with the horizon.�

“Wrist weights or light hand weights may also be added to functional training in the personal training environment to mimic activities of daily living and teach lift-and-carry skills, and add creative variations to lower body, postural, or abdominal exercises.�

“Disc derangement can be very painful and may cause radiating pain along a spinal nerve pathway, usually on one side of the body. These nerve pathways correspond to areas of skin called dermatomes. If someone has a disc derangement that is in the cervical (neck) spine, they may have pain in the shoulder, shoulder blade, or upper arm, but not necessarily also in the neck.�


Final takeaway

Safe Movement for All Spines by Gwen Miller is an invaluable resource for individuals dealing with back pain and movement teachers seeking to work safely with clients facing similar challenges. Gwen Miller’s wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion shine through in this book, providing readers with a clear and concise understanding of various spinal conditions and effective strategies to manage them. Her comprehensive insights into spinal stenosis, holistic approach to bone health, and guidance on recognising and managing SI joint dysfunction make this book a must-read for anyone seeking relief from spinal issues. While some readers may encounter challenges with medical terminology, the book’s practical and immediate benefits, as demonstrated in the acute pain program, make it an indispensable tool for improving spinal health and overall well-being. Whether you are a student, movement professional, or simply someone looking to alleviate back pain, Safe Movement for All Spines offers valuable insights and practical solutions to enhance your quality of life."

"I requested Safe Movement for All Spines as I have scoliosis, kyphosis and lumbar and cervical lordosis as part and parcel of my Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. As a wheelchair user and someone who is dependent on people for all aspects of daily life, I am always searching for resources that may help me.

It's not for brginners, but pilates/yoga instructors. It's interesteing though.

I am also interested in learning about medical conditions, and already knew something about hypermobility syndrome as well as osteoporosis. I am really into disability awareness and was glad to learn more about these and other conditions.

I used the book to get ideas of different postures and movements to then figure out a way they could be adapted to me if that were possible. I require complete support and to be moved by someone to be able to exercise because of the severity of my disabilities.

It was great to find a book that talks about conditions as well as offering exercises. Safe Movement for All Spines goes a long way towards helping to make exercise inclusive and raise awareness for different conditions.

Thanks to Gwen Miller and North Atlantic Books US for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars"

"I have a pretty thorough library of yoga books, many of which have a small collection of pranayama exercises. Jerry Givens' book, Essential Pranayama, is unique to my knowledge, and such a wonderful addition to my collection. Givens walks the reader through 3 levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) of breath techniques, and shows very clearly how to perform each. There are simplified instructions with purple text, tips highlighted in blue, and nice illustrations. It's a well-designed, easy-to-read book. (Design is important in books full of instructions, IMO.) Advanced instructions combine techniques from the beginning and intermediate sections to create 5-15 minute sequences.

The best part of the book is the "why". The author explains what each breath technique does, what the purpose is, and his language is clear and informative. I'm grateful to have requested a review copy from the publisher for this book. This will stay in my collection; I'll recommend it to others involved in yoga and the healing arts. "