Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection in the Medicine of Light is the second book in the Called into Life by the Light Series by Bernard Fleury, a book with a content that is aptly captured in its title. In this book, the author explores the connection between mind, body, and soul and how mastering this connection can ensure inner peace, harmony, robust health, and fullness of life. Having experienced the phenomenon of light in its diverse forms, the author began a journey which would lead him to uncover the treasures in light and its healing energy. In this book, the author explores a new way of diagnosis and treatment for a variety of illnesses, sharing with readers powerful medical concepts related to light, the place of the eyes as the windows of the soul, and a lot more.

This book discusses modern medical procedures that use light and advanced devices to diagnose and treat different kinds of illnesses. The methods used in the modern treatments are less invasive, more accurate in diagnosis, and most effective when it comes to actual treatment, which has no life-threatening effects. This is one of the first medical books I have read that offers methods combining science and a holistic approach to treatment in a stunning manner. There is a spiritual as well as a philosophical aspect of this book that readers will enjoy as well. The book is well-researched and offers surprising discoveries about the energy of light, which comes primarily from the sun and is present in different life forms. This isn’t just a book for people seeking to be cured of an illness, but one that proposes a path to general wellness and wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection in the Medicine of Light is informative, a book that explores the mystery of life from a fresh and unique perspective. Bernard Fleury’s book is a gift for those who want to experience life deeply.

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

I am not overly vain and I have resigned myself to getting old and not being able to do as much as I could in my youth. But I have had a full, even luxurious head of hair my entire life and if I can keep it, I want to do so. Right now, my hairline is receding in the front and there is a spot on the top where hair is disappearing fast. This is why I read Hair Loss: Options for Restoration and Reversal by Gustavo J. Gomez Ph.D. I am a methodical person and I like to approach problems like hair loss in a systematic and scientific manner. I would rather read a book by an expert than react to a sixty-second infomercial. The only drawback to this way of doing things is finding the right book. If you are in a similar situation as to what you can do about hair loss, let me assure you. This is the book for you.

Hair Loss by Gustavo J. Gomez does exactly what the title and subtitle implies. It lists your options to combat and restore the loss of hair in a clear and very organized manner, one that is not intent on selling you something but just giving you information you can use. The writing is clear and concise. The explanations reasonable and scientific. Hair Loss: Options for Restoration and Reversal has helped me decide which direction I need to go in as I tackle this problem. It is rare to find the book that tells you everything you need to know on a subject. When it comes to hair loss, Gustavo J. Gomez has written that book.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

As the name suggests, The Bi-Polar Express by Ela and Natasha Simon is a book that throws light on how the life of a family is affected by depression and other mental instabilities. Ela, in the first half of the book, expresses the point of view of the mother of a daughter who is suffering from bipolar disorder. The life of a mental patient is difficult as it is; however, the caretaker of the patient, especially if he/she is a family member, goes through an overwhelming journey themselves. They often end up requiring some help to keep them sane. This is what happens when Natasha, the daughter of the author, is diagnosed with ADHD. Even before she was diagnosed, Ela and her husband, Peter, knew that there was something different about her. Natasha was always restless, sometimes utterly active and multitasking; on the contrary, sometimes hopelessly depressed. Although making friends was difficult for her, keeping them was a bigger task. Picking up the signal that she was not wanted was always hard for her. So, she would try her best to keep these "friends" in her life, not realising that she was being played by these people. When she realized the reality, she would be heartbroken. In these moments, only her family and she would be left to pick up the pieces. Ela's struggle to keep up with Natasha's manic episodes, and her desire to keep her daughter happy are well depicted in the first part of the book.

The second part of the book, which is written by Natasha, gives readers an insight into Natasha's side of the story. I have often wondered about how the entire picture changes based on the perception of the audience. This proved to be true from the second half of the book. For instance, according to Ela, Natasha was coming on too strong and thus many of the guys whom she assumed were "The One" ran away; however, when I read this part in Natasha's own words, I realized that she knew when a relationship was over. She could understand it clearly from the guy's behavior, but she chose to hold on because of her undying faith in love. While reading Natasha's version of her life, I developed strong feelings for her. I felt protective of her, which doesn't happen very often. Nevertheless, while reading Ela's part, I could not help but respect her every step of the way. Of course, a mother's love is above every other love, but, in Ela's case, she actually proved her limitless love for her daughter even when Natasha pushed buttons that Ela didn't even know existed.

The interactive style of writing of both the authors is extremely entertaining. From the first chapter to the end, I became a part of the world of Ela and Natasha. I connected with both of them on so many levels. Although the subject of the book is quite emotional, the book is far from it. The authors have ensured that the book doesn't become a dark universe, where readers would only see the darkness. They have kept the mood light and introduced many light-hearted events as well. I learned a lot about bipolar disorder and have developed more empathy towards its patients and their families. I would recommend this book to readers who wish to know more about mental problems or who have, in any way, been in contact with its patients. Also, readers who are intrigued by well-written memoirs should give this book a try. I loved everything about the book.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Opioids, alcohol, and prescription drugs used in moderation can help in several ways for pain relief and relaxation, but in excess these can become an addiction. Why would people risk their lives and their well-being for prescription drugs or another drink? It's not them personally; the signals that their brain gives off is the cause of their addiction. An addiction is the dependence on a legal or illegal drug, substance or medication. The Craving Brain: Science, Spirituality and the Road to Recovery by Dr. W. Anderson Spickard Jr., James B., and Barbara Thompson is a candid account of how the brain signals cravings that stimulate addictions. The Craving Brain: Science, Spirituality and the Road to Recovery is a self-help guide that provides the reader with everything that they will need to know about addiction and how to start the healing process. In The Craving Brain, you will learn a lot about how addiction can be genetically susceptible and be passed on from one generation to the next, the negative effects of addiction including abuse, and learn the symptoms of addicted behavior. Whether you or a loved one are struggling with some type of addiction, understand that you are not alone and that The Craving Brain can help you to become fully equipped with a comprehensive solution to the problem.

To fully understand the value that The Craving Brain brings, the book was developed and told from various sides. In The Craving Brain, a recovery addict tells about his journey into the world of cocaine and alcohol; Dr. W. Anderson Spickard Jr., a recognized expert in the field of addiction and substance abuse, gives his advice and input on the patients that have been in his care, and author Barbara Thompson has the expertise in putting the finishing touches on a story and bringing it to life. Immediately upon reading the Table of Contents, you are hit with section titles like Heavy Drinking: A Trap At Any Age; Like Father, Like Son; It Will Never Happen To Me; The Family Trap; Surrender to Win and Sustaining Recovery. Within seconds you want to learn, read and understand more about addiction and substance abuse. Addiction and substance abuse have a catastrophic effect not only on the individuals, but on their families, the community, the healthcare system and our tax dollars. People can overcome addiction and substance abuse, but it takes a lot of work and effort. With your own copy of The Craving Brain: Science, Spirituality and the Road to Recovery by Dr. W. Anderson Spickard Jr., James B., and Barbara Thompson, it can make the path to recovery easier.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Thirty Days to Natural Blood Pressure Control by David DeRose MD MPH, Greg Steinke MD MPH, and Trudie Li MSN FNP is a timely health tool that can change the lives of millions of people. High blood pressure is a perennial problem and, as I write this, I am well aware that mine isn’t normal. The competitive work environments, the unhealthy habits, and the stress that come with our contemporary culture are strong factors that fuel high blood pressure in individuals. This book is an invaluable tool for people with high blood pressure. Starting off with a general overview of hypertension and its ill effects it has on human beings, the authors move quickly to offer solutions that combine modern medical science and holistic therapies.

Written by experts in the field, Thirty Days to Natural Blood Pressure Control rings with great authority. The message of the book is very clear, and the writers use their backgrounds in medicine, anecdotes, and personal experiences to corroborate the powerful points they make. There is no denying that this is a work that has been perfected through practice. The writing is clear and very accessible; the authors have done a great job by avoiding any jargon that could make the message difficult for their readers. This is the kind of book that everyone should read because it contains therapies that will help readers prevent blood pressure, cure it, and eliminate its effects on their lives. You should read this informative and groundbreaking work if you are looking for a successful fight against high blood pressure.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

How to Befriend, Tame, Manage, and Teach Your Black Dog Called Depression Using CBT by Dr James Manning is a powerful book with a message that will undoubtedly help millions of people battling their “black dogs” of depression. “Black Dog” has been used before by writers to describe the symptoms of depression, and, in this book, the author uses it in a very creative way. It is very interesting to see how he introduces a kind of interaction between the reader and these symptoms, by carefully using the symbol of the “Black Dog” and portraying how it reacts to the different responses and scenarios.

Dr James Manning’s book is very informational, written in a simple style, with most of the psychological jargon that could make reading complicated to the average reader cut out completely. Starting from the way the mind works, the author leads the reader to powerful truths about depression and its symptoms and how to handle them. Readers will understand why what they have been doing to combat depression doesn’t work. They will understand the way their “Black Dog” operates, and create the best strategy to combat stress, keep depression at bay, allay their fears, and regain emotional health and freedom.

How to Befriend, Tame, Manage, and Teach Your Black Dog Called Depression Using CBT has a very direct sub-title that indicates what readers will find in the book: "Accessible CBT techniques, CBT principles, CBT worksheets, and on-line CBT resources for depression in a nutshell." This book is a great tool for professionals working with people with emotional problems and those battling depression. It comes with many tools that can be accessed online. This is a book for everyone who wants to achieve inner freedom and keep their sanity amidst the stress and challenges of today’s competitive work environment.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

In the 21st century there has been a rise in illnesses and diseases from Alzheimer’s and diabetes to autism. Have you ever wondered why this is so? Galit Goldfarb gives us a clue in The Guerrilla Diet & Lifestyle Program: Wage War on Weight and Learn to Thrive in the Modern Jungle. Galit shows us that, due to our eating and lifestyle habits, diseases are affecting us. Yes, we are living longer, but our quality of life is being quickly being eroded. Now the question is this: is knowing that you can live longer but be unhealthy worth it? I say not.

The Guerrilla Diet & Lifestyle Program is power-packed with researched information to help you better understand and learn how the foods that you eat and how living a sedentary lifestyle affect your well being. Galit offers a 30-day Diet and Lifestyle Program that can benefit you in living a healthier and well-balanced life.

Reading The Guerrilla Diet & Lifestyle Program by Galit Goldfarb was great for me. I had begun to adopt a more vegan and Mediterranean diet. For me, this is not merely a diet in the sense of starting something and then stopping once I have reached my weight goal. Instead, it is a way of eating for the rest of my life. Food does affect us in many ways and we suffer without a balanced lifestyle. Health issues cause rising health care costs due to medications, hospitalization, and surgery. Don’t wait for a health scare to make a diet and lifestyle change. Do it now.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

In Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom from Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain, Tami Stackelhouse provides an honest, straightforward perspective on living with fibromyalgia. The author sheds a positive light on an otherwise unbearable condition. While explaining the symptoms of fibromyalgia, Stackelhouse also outlines physical and mental limitations associated with the disease. With her own firsthand words of wisdom, the author discusses disease management and self care that, if acknowledged, can heighten the value and quality of everyday living. Read from cover to cover or as a pick and choose reference book, Take Back Your Life is an inspirational volume of helpful alternatives to maintaining a healthy and productive life in the face of the challenges representative of life’s daily disease-ridden interruptions.

Based on her experience with fibromyalgia, Tami Stackelhouse offers ideas and innovative methods of dealing with the pain and confusion of fibromyalgia with tried and true suggestions for what to do and what to avoid. Although not a licensed physician, Tami uses her own experience with fibromyalgia as a sounding board for what she offers in her life coaching. Through obvious research and medical facts, the author provides a very readable volume of valuable information for anyone living with or associated with this and other elusive diseases. As a veteran warrior of MS, I found this helpful in the tolerance of similar conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Tami Stackelhouse’s words offer the foundation of a fulfilling life by magnifying the positive and eliminating the negative ramifications of fibromyalgia.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Thank God I Got Cancer: I'm Not a Hypochondriac Anymore! by Angelina Assanti can aptly be described as hilarious, a rare gift to cancer patients and those who take care of people suffering with terminal illnesses. There are lots of books out there to educate readers on how to live with cancer and with cancer patients and sometimes people don’t need those. Award-winning author Assanti seems to remind readers that there is a time to take life less seriously, to laugh it out, and this book clearly shows that humor can be the path to embracing any kind of situation. The author leads readers through her personal experience, from the time she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in July, 2015, through the different moments of her treatment, to offer insights on what it takes to live with cancer.

Thank God I Got Cancer: I'm Not a Hypochondriac Anymore! by Angelina Assanti is a powerful tool anyone can use to transform a curse into a blessing, and the author offers a lambent light that can guide patients and those living with them toward hope. This book will also help anyone understand the emotional and psychological changes that take place in the lives of cancer patients as they struggle to come to grips with the reality of the monster eating their life away. Assanti's prose is beautiful and she knows how to connect with readers through her masterful use of humor. This book offers a whole new approach to living with cancer, and anyone with any kind of terminal illness will benefit from her insights and wisdom. This is a book that will entertain you and put a smile on your face, even in the heart of harrowing grief, a book to be read and shared.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Other Medicine That Really Works: How Energy Medicine Can Help You Heal in Body, Mind, and Spirit by Heidi DuPree RN CTN is a profound and uplifting book that speaks about a holistic way of healing and transforming lives. The book speaks about energy healing grounded in traditions, and is something that has been in existence for a long time. The author witnessing the unfolding of another human being is indeed a very enriching experience to read, and through the book she guides readers to explore the nature of life and the lost knowledge of health and healing. The healing journey in the book provides insights about the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical well being that leads to living a fulfilling and enriching existence.

There is a lot from this book that can be incorporated into one’s life and put into practice without much difficulty. The case histories, methodologies, techniques, the author’s own experiences, and the truth that the power to heal and transform comes from within are also inspirational, encouraging readers to look into their lives and make the required changes. Embracing compassion and self acceptance are important tools on one’s journey to healing and recovery, and the author speaks about their importance in the book. The topic of Chakras is quite enlightening and informative and shows how energy systems determine the formation of our beings. This book encourages readers to try out new healing techniques like meditation, homeopathy and many other healing methods, and to find their own path to personal healing by choosing what suits them the best. Being a Reiki healer myself, I enjoyed this book thoroughly.