When I bought the book "YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment," by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz a few years ago I had no idea Mehmet Oz or "Doctor Oz" would soon be the hot new guest on Oprah, giving cheery advice on every personal health topic (from the common sense stuff to the unspeakable) on national television. Enjoying his frank yet endearing personality, however, has only made the book more satisfying.

And that's why my review of this book is so complimentary. How can a book that includes worst case medical scenarios, medical jargon, list of health resources, and surgery preparation tips be considered enjoyable?

First off, the book is loaded with the kind of information that we all need, but don't exactly want to curl up with and read. So it is all provided for the reader in little doses with inventive layouts. Humorous clipart and cartoons, tip boxes, a resource portion and the wacky humor throughout all the subject matter actually entertains the reader.

There was a conscious decision to have this book be designed with the average person in mind, so it looks and reads more like your favorite consumer magazine than a medical journal.

The quality of the book doesn't end with the fun-looking pages, however. The content is superb. "YOU: The Smart Patient" tells you exactly how to become you own "medical detective" by looking more closely at your family tree and keeping track of your medical information in a journal at the back of the book.

It's written in conjunction with The Joint Commission, the health care community's leading oversight group, so there is no bias in the authors' advice.

It's also full of great checklists for you or someone who may accompany you on medical visits or hospital stays. It provides simple reminders, like how to confirm with your surgeon which body part is being treated, what medications you have an allergy to, and how to confirm that your prescription drugs are the correct ones, since so many medications sound alike.

It goes on to advise one on how to find the right doctor, hospital, and insurance company, how to work with specialists, be your nurse's favorite patient, choose alternative medicine and pain management. It even explains a doctor's typical schedule and why they may seem so tired at times.

"YOU: The Smart Patient" is a five-star book and the best $15 you will ever spend in managing our health, especially if you have a chronic illness!