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 Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

The Four Secrets Your Dentist Never Told You: White Teeth, Pink Gums, Fresh Breath For Life by Dr Garry Bonsall sets out to debunk the myths that have developed over the generations about the best way to care for your teeth. It is an attempt to treat thousands, if not millions, more patients than he could ever hope to see personally in his consulting room, and annoy other dentists who will no longer be able to charge a fortune for doing dental work that patients who follow this advice will not require. Finally, he aims to end the most widespread disease in the world, which is, shockingly, gum disease. This results in the loss of teeth and the reduction in both physical and mental health of every individual sufferer.

Dr Garry Bonsall opens The Four Secrets Your Dentist Never Told You: White Teeth, Pink Gums, Fresh Breath For Life with the background to his passionate desire to prevent gum disease: the distress of his own father who, at the age of only fifty, was advised to have all his teeth removed. A dental student at the time, Dr Bonsall became determined to find an answer: the result was the four secrets. My initial reaction was to feel a trifle smug. I had already implemented secret number one on the advice of a new dentist. Oh yes? There was nothing wrong with the advice: it simply didn’t go far enough, and after reading secret number two I went shopping, dated my purchases, and placed the items where Dr Bonsall instructed. Reading secret number three had me back to smug, but not for long! Secret number four has caused a revolution in our household: a bloodless revolution.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

The Vitamin Solution by doctors and co-authors Arielle Levitan and Romy Block is fantastic! How can yet another book on vitamins be “fantastic”? Aren’t there hundreds of books on that subject, and with all the information now readily available on the net, why would The Vitamin Solution even be necessary?

Here’s why this book is necessary: it’s completely up to date, thoroughly researched, has a massive glossary of references to substantiate the claims, and it’s written by two doctors who know a lot more than what they learned in medical school. So few doctors seem to know the first thing about nutrition, let alone about vitamins and minerals, what we need, how much, and how these elements affect our bodies and well-being. Most doctors are too busy to study everything, right? Well, these two doctors are busy too: both are mothers with children, but their bios at the back of the book tell you just how well qualified they are to not only write a book like The Vitamin Solution, but also to have now established their own vitamin company, Vous Vitamin. A visit to their website by the same name is an experience indeed. You can sign up for the blog (I did!) and take a personalized test to determine exactly what kind of vitamin supplements you need, if any. I did that too, and as a septuagenarian with an auto-immune disease, who sometimes works out a bit too much and feels totally pooped afterward, I plan to order their “power up" situational supplement to make sure I’m replacing those electrolytes lost during exercise.

Now I’m not the kind of person who just buys anything others recommend. But after reading The Vitamin Solution from cover to cover - in fact, I couldn’t put it down - I’m convinced Arielle Levitan and Romy Block aren’t just a pair of entrepreneurs out to make a fortune from folks like me, but a couple of doctors who are offering solid, knowledgeable advice on everything to help us stay healthy. I thought I knew a lot about vitamins. Indeed, I take them daily. But what quality am I taking? And how much is too much or too little? Are all the vitamins I’m taking necessary or do I only need some of them? The Vitamin Solution dispels the myths and clarifies the grey areas with detailed information. Then at the end of the book, we are given a marvellous “quick ref” so we don’t need to re-read that chapter on which of the B vitamins did what, etc. Furthermore, these two doctors include fabulous chapters on diets - what works and why - on fads, on general nutritional topics like “gluten-free,” “organic products” - well, just about anything you’re hearing about everywhere nowadays. Believe me, you will come away well informed on everything you’re not sure about. If there was ever a Bible on vitamins and nutrition, The Vitamin Solution is it.

I said in the opening of this review that not only is this book necessary, but it’s “fantastic.” Why? Because of how it is written: The Vitamin Solution is so enjoyable! The tone throughout is conversational, inviting. I feel like I’m sitting down and talking with a couple of clued up friends. They refer to each other by their first names; they joke. When they talk about the various screening tests available, including colonoscopy, I find myself laughing as they write that it’s “probably the grossest idea for a test ever. But guess what? It’s actually not all that bad!” This is the way to write a book on what could otherwise be a heavy, even dull subject. And it’s that tone that had me turning pages as fast as I do when reading an absorbing novel: I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter on exercise, weight loss, migraine headaches, thinning hair, blood pressure, diabetes. The Vitamin Solution addresses all these subjects and so much more. You can’t go wrong buying this book, but do yourself an even bigger favor: visit the Vous Vitamin website, sign up for the blog, take the test to zero in on what vitamins you need. Your body and mind will thank you for doing so.

Reviewed by Lucinda Weeks for Readers' Favorite

Mirror of the Body: Your Mouth Reflects the Health of Your Whole Body by James E. Rota, DDS, is a fascinating and eye opening look at the little known ill effects of mercury poisoning due to common dental fillings. This informative guide begins with a fascinating in depth look at the author’s young life and his decision to go into dentistry. The author describes being exposed to mercury as a youth and was soon battling with undiagnosed health problems. These common but often undetected health problems included allergies, symptoms of attention deficit disorder, constipation, sleep disturbances, and lethargy. Other symptoms that developed later included chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout, depression and Epstein-Barr syndrome. On top of these symptoms, the author later developed memory lapses, ringing in the ears, and an unhealthy weight loss.

Dr. Rota describes how he slowly began to realize that these symptoms and others were the result of exposure to the second most toxic element known to man, mercury. The author describes that everyone who has mercury dental fillings is at risk of developing similar symptoms caused by mercury vapor emissions inside the mouth. These emissions can be absorbed into the human blood and also affect the brain. The book goes on to describe practical treatment approaches that include removal of mercury fillings, colon cleansing and detoxification, and change in diet. When these techniques are employed, a person might expect to see a decrease in symptoms.

This book presents a powerful look at a problem quietly affecting most of the world’s population who are daily exposed to mercury through dental fillings, light bulbs and more. This book is practical and down to earth. The author provides a mountain of scholarly research in a way that is interesting and easy to understand. Deserving of becoming an international best seller, this is a must-read for everyone concerned about their health as most people are at risk for mercury toxicity. As someone who has personally experienced many symptoms associated with mercury toxicity, I found this research fascinating. Before reading this book, I had never heard of the risks associated with mercury dental fillings. I highly recommend this informative book; Mirror of the Body: Your Mouth Reflects the Health of Your Whole Body to people all over the world who have been exposed to mercury and who care about their health.

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.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The third edition of The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver by Robert A. Prather is a brilliant work that combines historical facts with fiction to offer an investigation that will “wow” readers. Treasure Island is loved by young and old alike, and not only by Americans but readers worldwide, a classic with immortal characters. And who could forget Long John Silver with his cunning and dubious character, and the mysterious aspect of his nature? But what if he isn’t fiction? What if he was blood and flesh, a historical personage? This is the question that Robert A. Prather answers brilliantly, offering clues and facts that point out in a very convincing way that Robert Louis Stevenson’s revered character could have been based on the legendary merchant, Jonathan Swift of Alexandria, Virginia.

Those who have read Treasure Island and have fallen in love with its characters as I have will enjoy Robert A. Prather’s The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver, an investigation that is as intriguing as it is enjoyable. Readers are introduced to one of America’s old legends: Jonathan Swift. His legendary gold mines have been a subject of interest to many, but did they really exist? Could Swift’s journal entries be believed or were they written after Treasure Island? The answers that readers will find in this book are surprisingly interesting. The author must have spent considerable time doing research, and it is beyond doubt that he knew where to look while researching this work. The writing is elegant, tight, and highly seductive. Prather is a master at helping readers draw the line between history and fiction, while igniting in them a silent yearning for adventure.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

In a very interesting, unique and well thought out treatise on many facets of wisdom throughout history, The Pursuit of Wisdom: A Chronological Inquiry of the World's Most Influential Seekers of Wisdom In the Fields of Theology, Philosophy, and Science by author Dean Chavooshian, will, at the very least, give readers a great deal to think about. Looking at historical truths from philosophy, religion and science, the author has presented a logical basis for how mankind has sought wisdom, and how we can now look at these ideas from the past in a critical and scientific fashion to inform our own basis for wisdom today. Readers will be fully engaged and enthralled in this work, not to mention educated!

I very much enjoyed The Pursuit of Wisdom. Author Dean Chavooshian has done a wonderful job in providing a highly researched and well argued basis for this study of wisdom and historical ways of achieving it. Any reader who enjoys a great read with excellent educational merit and historical credence should absolutely read this book. I highly recommend The Pursuit of Wisdom: A Chronological Inquiry of the World's Most Influential Seekers of Wisdom In the Fields of Theology, Philosophy, and Science and hope that author Dean Chavooshian is already hard at work on his next book as we speak. If it’s anything like this one, it will definitely be worth a read!

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

To be honest, I didn’t know quite what to expect from Echoes in the Walls by Katrina Morgan. I was expecting an essay type book about the funny and aggravating experiences you will have when you attempt a huge project like renovating an old house. Echoes in the Walls is categorized as non-fiction humor, which is why I expected funny vignettes, but to my surprise this humorous book reads like a novel. I liked it because the characters are well written and very likable. They are, after all, real people, and who knows the members of a family better than Mom? The situation is totally believable. I have experienced some of the twists and turns of making an old house into the house of your dreams. This is probably another reason I like this book.

To my surprise and delight, Echoes in the Walls is, in my opinion, more about family and life’s little quirks than it is about actually doing the job of building the house. Katrina Morgan’s family is very real to me now. I feel I know them and how they will react to things at least as well as I do that fictional family so many of my generation grew up with, The Brady Bunch. This is a family you will learn to love and root for. This is a book you will appreciate. The fact that the story is true and that the characters are real gave it extra punch and authenticity for me.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.

The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

A Miracle in the Making: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love is a non-fiction inspirational memoir written by Patricia Batoba Jones. The author had been diagnosed with Lupus when she was a child. It was a painful and debilitating disease, and one doctor didn't recommend college for her as he didn't think she'd live long enough to finish her degree. But Jones did go to college, and, even though many thought it would never happen, she was determined to have a baby. When she first met her husband, she was upfront about her health condition and the fact that she would probably never be able to bear a child for him. He wouldn't listen to a word on the subject, and he declared that he'd love her no matter what. They did marry, and for the first several years, they used birth control. Both of them wanted a house to raise their children in, and a financially stable situation, but then it was time to try to start their family. Jones was thrilled when she found she was pregnant, but it was a hard pregnancy as her lupus acted up and the medications she had to take were affecting the health of her unborn baby. While she resisted and prayed as long as she could, her baby was born by Cesarean Section at 24 weeks. It would be some time until she could hold her baby girl, and even longer until she could take her home.

In Patricia Batoba Jones' non-fiction inspirational memoir, A Miracle in the Making: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love, she shares the challenges, fears, frustrations and triumphs she and her husband experienced as they anxiously watched their premature baby fight for her life. Jones shares all of her feelings, even the occasional twinges of jealousy at seeing other mothers with their 'normal' infants, and watching as those infants were released from the hospital while hers seemed condemned to stay in an incubator for months on end. At times, she came close to feeling suicidal, and she discusses the seriousness of Postpartum Depression and the impact it can have on new mothers, especially those with premature babies. She also discusses the divorce rate for couples with preemies, which is regrettably high. It was one of the reasons the author was inspired to write this memoir, to help others going through their own challenges in the NICU unit. This is an honest, compelling, and beautifully written memoir that reveals so much that happens in the room where those premature babies fight for their survival and in the hearts of their parents. A Miracle in the Making: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love is most highly recommended.