Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Your Body's Environmental Chemical Burden: A Resource Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Toxins by Cindy Klement speaks about the effects chemicals can have on overall health and why it is important to take care of the planet, examine one's lifestyle, and make the necessary changes to avoid future chemical contamination. Every chapter in the book gives good insights that will help readers examine possible exposures occurring through their occupation, their commutes, their arts and supplies, personal care products, foods, cleaning supplies, clothing, dishware, and others. The book motivates readers to get their homes and bodies cleared of chemicals as soon as possible and to detoxify their bodies.

The tips are useful to readers who want the best health possible for their families and themselves. Reading Your Body's Environmental Chemical Burden is a good way to understand the common chemical contaminants in the environment and where they are stored, what they are used for, where and how exposure occurs, and how they enter the body and affect health. The 'Empower Yourself with These Action Steps' section gives a step-by-step arsenal of tips on how to reinforce protection against contaminants. The book is well written and is a good way to enhance awareness of toxins that are detrimental to the human body. Cindy Klement speaks about them extensively and expansively, helping readers to make changes in their lifestyle so that they reduce their exposure to chemical contaminants.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV’s The Survival of the Richest establishes a direct link between the art of survival and the sciences of biology, economics, and finance. From defining the concept of survival to explaining vital terminologies like life and death, the author clarifies with real-life and historical examples the instinct for survival, and how it drives the quest for wealth. In this book, the author shares insights into the different survival categories and moves on to illustrate the relationship between survivalism and economics and finance. Readers will understand how wealth can become a powerful tool for survival and what the wealthiest can do to not only keep their wealth but to use it to survive. It is in this context that the author explores some of the gruesome acts associated with survival. What is most interesting is how survivalism fits into the perspective of evolution.

The Survival of the Richest is a great book that anyone who wants to understand the power of wealth should read. This book is very enlightening and I particularly enjoyed the author’s take on how to use wealth to survive the different struggles in life. It is well researched and written in an easy-to-read, popular style of writing that is both accessible and engaging. Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV writes with confidence and fills the work with examples that readers can easily identify and relate to. While it provides ample explanations on survivalism, it also offers great wisdom on wealth management. This book is an eye-opener and a great tool for survival and wealth management, with surprising lessons for readers in every walk of life.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Walkabout to Wisdom is an adventurous work of non-fiction and travel writing penned by author Lachlan Hughson, which in its own words strives to explain the ‘Awakening to Nature’s Teaching in the Australian Outback’. In a chaotic and often selfish world, Hughson describes the soul-searching journey of the traditional Australian walkabout method but also uses this platform to illuminate the importance of listening to Nature in this age of climate change and planetary destruction by human hands. As a city resident at the time of the September 11 attacks in New York City, Hughson’s incredible two-year exploration of the Outback has much to teach and inspire readers.

Voices in climate change debate so often come from scientific and political backgrounds, so it was truly delightful to see a new narrative coming from an interesting and more relatable perspective. After living in New York City for seven years, author Lachlan Hughson returns to Australia with the desire to awaken his own awareness of Nature and its teachings. What results is a well-written and sensitively designed work that educates, inspires, but also sends an important warning about ignoring and abusing the natural world for our own benefits. There is both realistic heart and academic wisdom in the writing, with almost spiritual insights that readers can connect with intimately to understand the many messages Nature’s voice can teach. Overall, Walkabout to Wisdom is a very well-presented and well-written work, one which all followers of the concrete rat race should stop and read.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

To some, it may be the worst subject to talk about but in fact, it creates the best fruits and vegetables. Have you tasted a tomato that has been grown in compost or filtered human waste, both used as fertilizers? Human waste, also known as biosolids, is being used by farmers all over the world as fertilizer, as well as cow manure to grow their crops. In The Humanure Handbook: Shit in a Nutshell by Joseph C. Jenkins, the reader will discover the various aspects of how beneficial waste or poop is to the planet. You will not only be entertained by the comical illustrations and educational photos but within the 15 chapters from Microbes: Friend or Foe? and Compost Nuts and Bolts to Bum Rap, you will gain a better understanding of how beneficial waste is to the planet while discovering a lot of facts that you possibly never even think about as you eat and flush the toilet every day. It all may seem gross but this book is a must-have for any library. Trust me.

I was interested in this book and this subject because this is something my dad had been saying and doing for decades using knowledge from his Southern roots. I thought it was gross personally, but when I saw fruit in our backyard I noticed how sweet and large it was, unlike anything in the grocery store. As Joseph states in this book, there is something magical about Humanure (human waste) and Compost (food waste). This book covers so much to educate you on the subject from a glossary, the connection to your toilet and the sewer system, septic tanks and Compost Toilet Manners and Etiquette to how to build a Humanure Hacienda and much, much more. Food for thought; have you ever wondered what happens when you use the restroom on a plane, train or bus? It could be sold for fertilizer.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Power Shift: From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power by Robert Arthur Stayton is a very relevant book in today’s world. Power Shift presents a historical perspective on traditional energy sources and the use of fossil fuels and carbons and their effects. It talks about how our ancestors used energy as well as some of the newer sources such as nuclear, solar, wind, etc. The book then discusses the various ways in which we can harness solar energy, which is not only an unlimited source of energy, but is clean and environment-friendly as well. Power Shift also talks about the challenges facing us as we struggle to discover and harness new energy sources in a way that is long-term and sustainable. Included in the book are real-life practical tips and ideas on ways to use solar energy and apply it in everyday use.

Power Shift: From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power by Robert Arthur Stayton is an extremely useful and well-written book. Although solar energy has been around for a while, Power Shift truly makes a great case for why it is the solution of the future, along with great practical ideas on ways in which to harness it. I liked the detailed diagrams and descriptions of how to put solar power to use in the form of solar panels, etc. The writing is clear, to-the-point, and it is obvious that Robert Stayton knows what he is talking about and is extremely knowledgeable in his field. All in all, a great, useful read for everyone as we move forward towards new, renewable, clean energy sources.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Endangered Edens: Exploring the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica, the Everglades, and Puerto Rico by Marty Essen is an exciting book for any wanna-be-traveler or anyone who loves to know more about eco-friendly places that exist on our planet. The way the author captures the sights, sounds, essence, and landscape of each area is inspiring and will motivate any reader to pack their bags and travel. The four different travel destinations - Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the Everglades - come alive through the author's words, and is not only informative but also educational. The author dedicates the book to all the environmental heroes who keep trying to make the world a better place to live.

I found the book an entertaining read and the pictures make it easy for readers to connect well with each place. It's also an excellent book that raises awareness about preserving the environment. All the chapters reveal the uncertain future these places face because of human activities that make them endangered. The journey with the author is adventurous and his stories of eco-adventures will inspire everyone to travel around the world.

The author also takes readers to the Arctic Coastal Plain, one of the most remote areas in North America. The book enhances eco-awareness amongst readers and the vivid descriptions and pictures make the content tangible. With its spectacular photos, this is a must-read for all those who love to travel, explore, and discover places. It also points out the harm that direct and indirect human activities can cause to nature.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Sacred Path of Eco-Consciousness by Alice Iida is a book that speaks about the importance of restoring nature and saving the planet from destruction in modern times. She speaks about the ecological damage that is staring at us and tells readers to nurture the planet and also our souls. In times filled with unhappiness, strife and chaos, connecting with the universe is the best way to fill the void that is there in all of us. The author shares her amazing journey into the Amazon rain forest and speaks about how the experience refreshed and rejuvenated her, and helped her overcome depression and anxiety. The book speaks about healing our souls in tandem with healing the crippled universe.

The book is highly inspirational and elevates readers into a higher level of consciousness with its discussions on the seven Chakras and the Amazon Shamans. It is quite exhilarating to read about the Amazon Shamans. The author tells readers to develop a close relationship with the natural world and feel the pulse of the universe in them, and try to save it from deteriorating any further. The positive message of trying to transform ourselves and re-wire our negative energy to connect to our souls is the underlying theme of the book.

The mysticism and the spiritual teachings in the book evolve our thinking and we no longer see life as something difficult. It erases all the thoughts and worries that bothered us and helps us undertake a journey into our inner selves.