Books

Praise for the 1st Edition

“My office is littered with “parenting books”… The books, as abundant as they are, aren’t helping. But Dr. Rotbart’s No Regrets Parenting is something special…Dr. Rotbart writes to help us turn painfully long minutes into funny moments, and he does it practically, in one- or two-page essays on everything from ice cream sundaes to college counseling. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s more about being a parent than it is about actually parenting the kids themselves…”

KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times

“I’m making a point of holding hands with my kids more often, ever since I read Dr. Harley Rotbart’s new book No Regrets Parenting. Dr. Rotbart made me realize I shouldn’t count the minutes, but the moments…Dr. Rotbart’s book turned my head around.”

Dana Points, Editor-in-Chief, Parents magazine

“The tone and approach of Rotbart’s book puts the control back in the parent’s hands, by focusing on the time a parent does have with children, instead of focusing on the time that the parent doesn’t have… feels like a knowledgeable friend sharing their own insight.”

Cara Lemieux, ABC News

“Dr. Rotbart has a gift for uncovering and explaining the countless possibilities in parenting. This book is a treasure for all of us with children.”

Jeffrey Zaslow, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Last Lecture; and Moving On columnist, The Wall Street Journal.

“What’s more precious than love, your children, and time?  No Regrets Parenting is a gem of a book. It will help you turn the minutes of the day into the moments of your life.”

Harvey Karp, MD, creator of the New York Times bestselling books and DVDs The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block.

“No Regrets Parenting helps today’s busy parents stop worrying about trying to be perfect, and offers low-key ways to make the most of the time they spend with their children… Dr. Rotbart’s wise advice and refreshing ideas will make you want to pick up this book again and again.”

Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor, Parents Magazine

“I am absolutely stunned by Dr. Rotbart’s wonderful and wise new book. His appreciation for the awe and majesty of the world around us—from the viruses under his microscope, to the graceful butterfly in his garden, the courageous patients he cares for at Children’s Hospital, and the endless universe of stars and planets in the night sky—reminds us how much we have to be grateful for in our lives. His perspectives on life are truly unique, and his family’s story is both heroic and humbling. From the issues of racism in America to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a road map for moving forward in our lives without regrets.”

—Richard D. Lamm, JD, governor, State of Colorado, 1975-1987; co-director, Institute for Public Policy Studies, University of Denver; author of Two Wands, One Nation: An Essay on Race and Community in America and Condition Critical: A New Moral Vision for Health Care  

“In No Regrets Living, Dr. Harley Rotbart offers a step-by-step guide to approaching life with an attitude of gratitude, acceptance, and self-forgiveness, even in the face of adversity. In a fascinating blend of scientific research and faith-based inquiry, Rotbart shows how increasing our awareness of the  ‘everyday miracles’ around us can move us closer to living a more conscientious and contented life. This is truly a fitting follow-up to his book of essays, Miracles We Have Seen. And, as an infectious diseases doctor, Rotbart reflects on the inexplicable origins and consequences of viruses like COVID-19 and offers coping mechanisms and lessons to all of us for moving forward.”

—Samantha Parent Walravens, Forbes columnist and New York Times-acclaimed author of Torn and co-author of Geek Girl Rising

“Dr. Rotbart extends his ‘No Regrets’ philosophy to everyone hoping to look back at their lives someday with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, without wishing things had turned out differently—a worthy goal for all of us. This is a truly inspirational book.”

—Christie Pearce Rampone, co-author of Be All In; three-time Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated American professional soccer player of all time.

“I love Dr. Rotbart’s previous work, and I love this marvelous new book. In No Regrets Living he shares profound insights from his unique personal experiences to create a roadmap for a life of fulfillment and awe. This could not be timelier.”

—KJ Dell’Antonia, former editor of the New York Times Motherlode blog; author of How to Be a Happier Parent and The Chicken Sisters

“No Regrets Living is a gentle book of practical wisdom from a man who speaks with an insider’s insight into religion and science.”

—The Reverend Canon Mpho A. Tutu van Furth, founder and CEO, the Tutu Teach Foundation; former executive director and CEO, The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

“Wise and worldly guidance, from one of America’s foremost physician experts, on coping with all the challenges daily living presents for us. Dr. Rotbart’s seven keys for personal healing and growth are truly a gift, and his advice on transcending the COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t be more timely.”

—Rabbi Daniel Cohen, senior rabbi, Congregation Agudath Sholom; author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy; co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, The Rabbi and the Reverend

“Experts on aging often advise the elderly, who might be approaching the end of life, to find a way to eliminate or minimize regrets they’ve had and so come to peace with them. This book, however, gives those in much earlier stages of their lives a roadmap with various on and off ramps to achieve a lifetime goal of living with no regrets.  Written in an easy style, the author gives wise advice on various ways of thinking, behaving, and believing to get there.  With references to his own life experiences, family history, professional perspective, and scientific inquiry, Dr. Rotbart provides many moments of joy, chuckles, tears, and reflection. This is a book that should be read once and then read again at various life stages and after events to keep things in perspective.  Written in the face of the horrific COVID-19 pandemic, the author also intersperses comments on the impact of the pandemic on the no regrets framework and offers many insights gleaned from this once in a hundred year set of events. An important book for any age, this book brings the wisdom and experience of a learned man who wants to pass on to others his lessons learned.”

—Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD, past president, American Medical Association

“In No Regrets Living, Dr. Rotbart helps us bridge the gap between science and faith (meaning the belief in something larger than ourselves) with sage advice for finding contentment and wonder in a world filled with chaos and confusion. With beautiful examples from nature all around us, the book is interspersed with his timeless insights into life and his most timely insights on living in and moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic – wisdom gleaned from his four decades as an infectious diseases physician and virologist. An indispensable book for our times.  It will bring readers hope and resilience just when those are most needed.”

—Tovah P. Klein, PhD, director, Barnard College Center for Toddler Development; adjunct associate professor of psychology, Barnard College; author of How Toddlers Thrive

“In a time of uncertainty, it is immensely reassuring to hear from a distinguished physician who offers both scientific understanding and heartfelt hope for humanity. No Regrets Living is crucial reading for all of us who seek to emerge from the pandemic with a deeper grasp of the wonders and blessings of our lives.”

—Ruth Behar, author of Letters from Cuba, and Victor Haim Perera Collegiate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan

“No Regrets Living will bring hope and optimism to all who read it. Dr. Rotbart’s perspective on the intersection of science, medicine, and faith is eye-opening, and a prescription for a life of contentment and joy.”

—Jeffrey J. Cain, MD, past president, American Academy of Family Physicians; chair, Amputee Coalition

“In this beautiful volume, Harley Rotbart, scientist and humanist, shares his profound vision of how to lead a deeper, richer life.  You will regret not reading it and incorporating its wise and gentle teachings into your every day.”

—Samuel J. Rascoff, professor, New York University School of Law

“Dr. Harley Rotbart has hit it out of the park again with No Regrets Living, just as he did with No Regrets Parenting and Miracles We Have Seen. As a physician, scientist, researcher, philosopher, spiritual guide, family man, heart patient, and veritable mensch, Dr. Rotbart has compiled a compelling seven-step prescription for living and loving well. Drawing from his unique combination of roles, Dr. Rotbart has created a roadmap for maximizing contentment and minimizing regrets by believing in something greater than ourselves; reveling in the miracles all around us; choosing healing over hurting; practicing gratitude and appreciation; promoting peace and kindness; living with a sense of purpose; and leaving a legacy of contribution. Wherever you are on your own life journey, this guide will take you to a higher pinnacle of fulfillment!”

—Marianne Neifert, MD, MTS, author of Dr. Mom parenting books and 2020 Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame inductee

“An infectious disease physician, Harley Rotbart is following the age-old advice: physician heal yourself. Part autobiography and part distilled wisdom of decades of helping patients, family members, and friends, No Regrets Living offers prescriptions for living life to the fullest. And this includes advice to humankind. Dr. Rotbart believes that evil can be eradicated like the many terrible diseases humans have conquered. This ‘treatment’ requires nurturing each new child in loving (not hateful, abusive) home environments, creating educations that encourage children to bring life-sustaining values home to parents, and political-social activism beyond donations and signing online petitions.

“Regret plagues many people throughout their lives and often at the end. There may be no sadder thought than ‘it might have been.’ No Regrets Living offers a way to avoid that fate.”

—Bernard Beitman, MD, founder of the Coincidence Project; author of Connecting with Coincidence, visiting professor of psychiatry, University of Virginia; past chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia

“Uncertainty is the nature of life at any given time; especially so during a crisis like the horrific pandemic. Unlike other disasters that have a chronological beginning, middle, and end, COVID-19 is amorphous, invisible, with an ambiguous timeline lacking a clear endpoint.  In No Regrets Living, Dr. Rotbart offers the reader information and insight for staying focused during critical times. His seven “keys” provide the reader with actionable steps to build new values that are optimistic and solution-focused.”

—Laurie Nadel, PhD, psychotherapist and author of The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes

“I found I could apply so much of Dr. Rotbart’s sage advice in No Regrets Living. You really can change your way of thinking with the help of this book. So many of us dwell on the past: “What if I hadn’t done this?” or “What if this hadn’t happened?” No Regrets Living helps us focus and find wonder in our life today and look forward to the future rather than looking back with regret at events we cannot change. No Regrets Living will touch you deeply as it guides us through the life we live now and toward the one we hope to live going forward.”

—Erin Merryn, author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and Bailey, No Ordinary Cat; People magazine’s “Heroes Among Us” and one of “15 Women Changing the World”;Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year; force behind ”Erin’s Law” for protection of children from child abuse

“Pediatrician Harley Rotbart’s newest book, No Regrets Living outlines his seven-step prescription for living a fulfilled life, informed by his own personal journey growing up the son of a Holocaust survivor, pulling in lessons learned as a son and father, as a physician-scientist, and as one who has confronted and lives with a life-threatening heart condition.

I consider the guidance shared by Dr. Rotbart on a very personal level as a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, who has navigated personal challenges. His steps speak to my own belief that the keys to life are embracing your purpose, recognizing what gives you joy and meaning, being grateful, and lifting up those around you.”

—Mary Anne Jackson, MD, FAAP, FPIDS, FIDSA, Dean, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine; professor, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Hospital, UMKC School of Medicine

“As a witness to one of the miracles recounted in this uplifting book, I welcome Dr. Rotbart’s extraordinary collection of compelling testimonies from leading physicians. Take a look, and have your faith in God – and in his agents of healing, doctors – renewed!”

–Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York

“We read so many accounts of freak accidents and rare diseases bringing misery into the lives of people who deserve better. That is why it was so refreshing, so soul-restoring to read these accounts of near tragedies that were prevented by human efforts, goodwill, and caring.”

—Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life

“In an age of technology and indifference, these remarkable essays inspire wonder, awe, and a sense of pride of being human. They demonstrate that the miracle of miracles is that they do happen when health professionals combine their medical skills with unrelenting devotion to the art of healing.”

―Bernard Lown, MD, Nobel Peace Prize recipient on behalf of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War; Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Harvard School of Public Health; Emeritus Senior Medical Attending, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility

“The remarkable stories from Miracles We Have Seen will stay with you long after you have put the book down. You will be moved to tears and share in the joy, and sometimes sorrow, experienced by the dedicated doctors who deal with life-and-death issues every day. Modern medicine goes far beyond technology; it is the human factor and the personal relationships that make all the difference. The resilience of the patients, the determination of the doctors and their medical teams, and the serendipitous timing of events that can unexpectedly change an outcome will leave you with a sense of awe and optimism.”

—Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and creator of The Success Principles Series

Rotbart, an author, speaker, and pediatric specialist, has assembled a collection of essays from top medical professionals in various disciplines that showcase patient outcomes that have defied all expectations and, in many cases, scientific explanations. The essays are written with a blend of technical detail, which fully explains the miraculous events, and a conversational appeal to the unknown, which will engage readers who feel there is more to life than the empirically verifiable. Rotbart’s compiled tales capture serendipitous timing, impossible cures, resuscitations, awakenings, moments when the spiritual and physical appear to touch, patients who have paid it forward, and many situations when good emerges from tragedy. Incredibly broad, both in the specialties represented and in the types of miraculous events described, this collection captures the hope that captivated those who experienced the events firsthand… the experiences and perspectives this book contains are sure to provide inspiration.

—Publishers Weekly

“A beautifully written collection from physicians witnessing the mystery and power of the human body and spirit in the most extreme circumstances. This is a unique contribution that will inspire and edify.”

―Jerome Groopman, MD, Recanati Professor, Harvard Medical School, New Yorker staff writer, and co-author with Dr. Pamela Hartzband of the New York Times bestsellerYour Medical Mind: How to Decide What Is Right for You

“Miracles We Have Seen opens a window into the complex world of the art and the science of medicine for all to see the compassionate miracles dispensed there. Take a good look . . . you will be inspired!”

—Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States

“These stories are remarkable–surprising, inspiring, and full of joy and awe. The voices of these doctors remind us–as they remind themselves–of how much we have to learn from the people we care for, and of the importance of acknowledging the elements of good luck, science, care, coincidence, and wonder.”

–Perri Klass, MD, Professor of Journalism and Pediatrics, Director, Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, New York University

“Doctors tell the human side of medicine in these stories―revealing the heart and soul that go into truly ‘caring’ care.”

―Jimmie C. Holland, MD, Wayne E. Chapman Chair in Psychiatric Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, author of The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty

“These stories by doctors who are true healers have moved me to tears and opened my heart. Each, like the great doctor-writer Chekhov, brings to medicine a sense of compassion, deep vulnerability, love and hope for those who suffer, and the ability to acknowledge that human life is a precious gift.”

–Ruth Behar, author of Traveling Heavy: A Memoir in between Journeys and the Victor Haim Perera Collegiate Professor of Anthropology, University of Michigan

 “Miracles are all around, we just need to pause and be still, and recognise them. This book is a testament to the medical miracles that happen every day when skill, science and spirituality meet.”

–Rev Mpho A Tutu van Furth, Executive Director, Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation; Co-Author, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, of Made for Goodness

“This is one of the best books I have ever read. The stories in this book will make you want to cry, cheer, embrace, pause and reflect on the miracles that occur each and every day.  What a wonderful gift to all of us, captured in this timeless treasure.”

–Michelle B. Riba, M.D., M.S., Past President, American Psychiatric Association; Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan; Director, PsychOncology Program, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center

“Deeply moving and eloquently written, this remarkable collection reminds us how the art and science of medicine intersect with good luck, coincidence, and the unfathomable. For physicians, these essays call to mind our own stories that inspired us toward the healing of our patients.”

—Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD, past President, American Medical Association

The art of medicine involves empathy and communicating with families in a very personal way. The science of medicine requires understanding how evidence from well-designed research transforms patient care. The vignettes in this book are at the interface between the art and science. They touch our human spirit in such a profound and inspirational way. This remarkable book shows the humility with which medicine should be practiced and how fortunate physicians are to have such meaningful experiences.

–Stephen Berman, MD Past President, American Academy of Pediatrics; Director, Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health; Professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine and School of Public Health

“These fascinating and inspiring stories reinforce the remarkable things that medical care can do, as well as what is out of our control as clinicians.  They remind us of the limits of our knowledge, just as they keep us in awe of the unpredictability of human illness and health.”

–Steven E. Weinberger, MD Executive Vice President and CEO, American College of Physicians

“These powerful and true stories by physicians offer hope from where faith intersects with science and real healing begins.”

–Jeffrey J. Cain MD, Past President, American Academy of Family Physicians

“The drive to understand cause and effect is central to human nature. But so, too, is awe in the face of mystery, fate, and the ineffable. The kaleidoscopic collection of stories that fills this volume evokes such awe. Miracles of life and death viewed through the lens of medical science make our lives richer for all that cannot be explained, for the wonder of that which is just beyond our grasp.”

–Larry Kramer President, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Former Dean, Stanford Law School.

A remarkable volume of essays detailing prolonged effort and novel therapies leading to miraculous outcomes. Empathic care, co-produced by extraordinary teams of medical professionals, their patients and families. Every page speaks “gratitude.” These stories will contribute powerfully to cures, and equally to cures of burn-out and despair.

–Richard I. Levin MD, President and CEO, The Arnold P. Gold Foundation; Emeritus Professor of Medicine, New York and McGill Universities

The glory of medicine is the hope and inspiration that it provides to all, to save lives, to preserve spirits, to truly help humanity.  This book captures the individual spirits of the families and the physicians.   We devote ourselves to the families impacted by diseases and tragedy, and feel everlasting gratitude to the physicians providing care at the most difficult of times.  This motivating book lifts all of our spirits.  It gives examples of adversity, and then instills faith and a sense of triumph.  The human spirit truly prevails.

–Jeanne A Conry, MD, PhD Past President, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Assistant Physician in Chief, The Permanente Medical Group

“At a time when the labor of the ideal physician is described as routinized and industrialized—standard work leading to standard outcomes—these stories inspire. These wise physicians remind us that we are at our best when we are open to the surprises, the graces, and, even, the miracles which occur when we are present for the ill.”

–Abraham M. Nussbaum, MD, MTS, author of, The Finest Traditions of My Calling: One Physician’s Search for the Renewal of Medicine; Chief Education Officer, Denver Health Associate Director of Medical Education, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado

“To practice medicine means that we physicians keep trying to get better. The leading edge for new treatment approaches sometimes emerges from collections of inspiring case reports like these.  Let us integrate the mysterious into medical scientific thinking by acknowledging that we are all part of a greater consciousness and that serendipity and synchronicity can highlight the way.”

—Bernard Beitman, MD, author of Connecting with Coincidence; Visiting Professor, University of Virginia; former Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia.

“For patients, their families, and all the rest of us, Miracles We Have Seen is a welcome reminder that even the most dire diagnoses can have happy endings, thanks to the inspiring dedication of doctors.”

—Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor, Parents Magazine.

“Cherishing childhood. From the day your child is born to the moment she turns 18, you have less than a thousand Saturdays together… Harley Rotbart, M.D., suggests activities to make the most of these fleeting moments in his combination activities guide and journal, 940 Saturdays. Start this weekend!”

Parents Magazine

“940 Saturdays is all you get with your kids. I love this new book on how best to spend them.”

–Jill Smokler, NYT Bestselling Author of Confessions of a Scary Mommy

 

“Must Read Book for every parent”

–Tovah Klein, PhD, Director, Barnard College Center for Toddler Development; Author of How Toddlers Thrive 

“A beautiful way to record the precious yet fleeting time with our children. Wished I would have received one of these when my children were little .. it would have had been a tangible record of ‘ where did all the time go?’. What an amazing baby gift !”

–Rivka Caroline, Author of From Frazzled to Focused 

“…940 Saturdays will be able to help us fully enrich and embrace our weekends with our kids. And with charming cover art by artist Lisa Congdon, this is one parenting book you won’t want to hide.”

MotherMag.com

“My office is littered with “parenting books”… The books, as abundant as they are, aren’t helping. But Dr. Rotbart’s No Regrets Parenting is something special…Dr. Rotbart writes to help us turn painfully long minutes into funny moments, and he does it practically, in one- or two-page essays on everything from ice cream sundaes to college counseling. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s more about being a parent than it is about actually parenting the kids themselves…”

KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times

“I’m making a point of holding hands with my kids more often, ever since I read Dr. Harley Rotbart’s new book No Regrets Parenting. Dr. Rotbart made me realize I shouldn’t count the minutes, but the moments…Dr. Rotbart’s book turned my head around.”

Dana Points, Editor-in-Chief, Parents magazine

“The tone and approach of Rotbart’s book puts the control back in the parent’s hands, by focusing on the time a parent does have with children, instead of focusing on the time that the parent doesn’t have… feels like a knowledgeable friend sharing their own insight.”

Cara Lemieux, ABC News

“Dr. Rotbart has a gift for uncovering and explaining the countless possibilities in parenting. This book is a treasure for all of us with children.”

Jeffrey Zaslow, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Last Lecture; and Moving On columnist, The Wall Street Journal.

“What’s more precious than love, your children, and time?  No Regrets Parenting is a gem of a book. It will help you turn the minutes of the day into the moments of your life.”

Harvey Karp, MD, creator of the New York Times bestselling books and DVDs The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block.

“No Regrets Parenting helps today’s busy parents stop worrying about trying to be perfect, and offers low-key ways to make the most of the time they spend with their children… Dr. Rotbart’s wise advice and refreshing ideas will make you want to pick up this book again and again.”

Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor, Parents Magazine

“Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, invisible threats to your child’s welfare can leave you feeling anxious and powerless. Let GERM PROOF YOUR KIDS be your trusted ally when your child is in the throes of an illness or another disease outbreak makes headline news. Dr. Harley Rotbart—a knowledgeable pediatrician, distinguished professor, internationally recognized infectious disease specialist, and experienced parent—knows first-hand the havoc germs can wreak on our children, families, and society. Translating complex scientific concepts into practical, easily readable, and entertaining information, Dr. Rotbart equips parents to understand a vast array of infections and how they are spread, to comply with prescribed treatments and preventive immunization schedules, and to reduce the number of illnesses that children acquire. This clear and comprehensive resource will dispel your germ phobias, bring clarity to today’s alphabet-soup of infectious disease threats, and arm you with empowering perspective, prudence, and common sense.”

Marianne Neifert, M.D. (Dr. Mom®), pediatrician, bestselling author of Dr Mom: A Guide to Baby and Child Care and Dr. Mom’s Parenting Guide: Commonsense Guidance for the Life of Your Child; columnist for Parenting magazine, nationally renowned speaker, mother of five and grandmother of seven.

“Parents should read this book. In an entertaining and easy to understand way, Dr. Rotbart explains everything a parent needs to know about infections. This is a terrific book!”

Stephen Berman, M.D., FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics; Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics; author of Getting it Right for Children

You and I share the belief that baseball is a great avenue to learning skills that can translate to all aspects of our life.  I have shared your book with our foundation staff and encouraged them to incorporate the lessons into our character education program. Thank you for contributing to the development of healthy, happy children.

Cal Ripken, Jr.,Member, National Baseball Hall of Fame

“With style, wit and wisdom, this beautiful little book captures the essence of life lessons we all would like our children to understand and embrace. Each brief chapter stands alone, offering clear, practical advice and insight regarding the challenges and opportunities life throws our way.”

Gail Reichlin, Founder and Executive Director, Parents Resource Network; and, Bestselling Author of The Pocket Parent