Dr. Benjamin Natelson of New Jersey has filled a gap by providing an eminently readable, practical and common-sense guide to fatigue, chronic fatigue, fatiguing illnesses and the debilitating syndrome known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Dr. Natelson is adept in condensing and translating complicated biomedical research into layperson's terms. He offers clear assessments of contradictory studies, reminding readers of the necessity of replication in advancing science. He is at his best in building a firm foundation by explaining the larger context of science and medicine.

Dr. Natelson refreshingly confronts some contentious CFS quagmires with solid, thoughtful insights about his own path-breaking research and that of others. He cogently summarizes the debates regarding issues of depression, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy in relation to CFS and to other illnesses. In addition, Dr. Natelson's brief book (only 186 pages) includes numerous succinct tips for individuals living with CFS---from everyday coping techniques useful with chronic illness to varied state- of-the-art treatment protocols.

His explorations of how and why chronically ill patients and doctors may not understand one another are important reflections on this frustrating and all-too-common communication failure in medical care. But his rational, careful, constructive dissection of the doctor-patient relationship also provides some keys for positive change.