"My Friend Anna" by Rachel Williams

As the cover states, this is "the true story of a fake heiress".  Rachel (the author) met Anna in New York City.  They quickly became friends and explored the city together.  Anna presented herself as a German heiress set to inherit tens of millions of dollars.  She played the part well with extravagant dinners, spa outings, beauty sessions, designer clothes, and more.  One day Anna suggested Rachel join her for a vacation in Morocco.  Anna normally covered the tab (Rachel did not make much money as a fashion assistant) and said the trip would be fully covered.  However, when Anna's credit card was declined in Morocco and hotel management wanted payment, Rachel paid with her own credit cards.  Anna told Rachel she would pay her back once back in America but the payment never materialized.  As it turns out, the vacation expenses put Rachel over $60,000 in debt (more than she made in a year); she resorted to family loans to cover rent.  Eventually Rachel discovered the truth about Anna, that she was not an heiress and didn't have a penny to her name.  Rachel helped police arrest Anna, who was later pronounced guilty in course for theft of services.  Over the course of a few months, Anna had stayed at extravagant hotels and even chartered a private jet all without actually paying the hotels or pilots.  This book is the sad but fascinating story of a woman who conned banks, businesses, and friends.

"Ikigai" by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

What exactly is Ikigai and why do the Japanese who practice it live long happy lives?  This is the mission for which the authors set out to discover.  Readers come to understand that Ikigai is one's purpose in life.  While octogenarians in Japan may retire from their day jobs, they never truly retire from life.  They all have something to keep them going, an incentive to get out of bed every morning.  That could be caring for grandchildren, making art, doing crafts, playing music, and so on.  Nevertheless, the seniors who practice Ikigai keep busy.  They are healthy, they exercise, and--most importantly--they are constantly surrounded by friends in their community.

 

"The Little Book of Lykke" by Meik Wiking

Obsessed with learning what makes people happy, Wiking travels the world to find out.  He makes a lot of observations in Nordic countries and shares his findings in this book.  Apparently the secrets to happiness involve health, wealth, community, and family.  It's good to get out an exercise, as well as take time to unplug from digital devices (e.g.- social media).  Lightning candles at dinnertime and creating other traditions can infuse everyday occurrences with a sense of meaning.  Additionally, it is better to buy experiences than things, unless the things are tied to specific memories.  Wiking also compares nation to nation when it comes to taxes, vacation, paid leave, and so on.  Lastly, readers are encouraged to volunteer their time to help those less fortunate than themselves.  

 

"The Smartest Money Book You'll Ever Read" by Daniel R. Solin

 

Full of practical advice, this book aims to help readers get smart with their money.  Topics such as debt consolidation, renting vs owning, investing, financial advisors, and more are covered.  Stocks and bonds are compared, as well as high and low risk portfolios.  Readers learn the scam of mutual funds with below average performance and above average fees.  The science of compounding interest is explained.  Throughout the book, there are several "mint hints" that show readers how to use the mint website for financial planning.  Overall this book is very high level and focuses on the basics.  For more detailed advice on investing, Solin has other books.  This is more of an introduction to personal finance book for beginners.  

"Investing in Bonds" by David Scott

 This handy little book has all the basic fundamental of bond investing.  Readers will learn about coupons, yield to maturity, bid, ask, and much more.  They will understand the different maturities of bonds--short, intermediate, and long term.  Government and corporate bonds will be differentiated, along with foreign bonds.  While not as glamorous as stocks, bonds provide a steady and reliable stream of income when chosen correctly.  To help mitigate risk, readers will also make use of the bond rating scales provided in the book.  If you have money just sitting in the bank, put it to work with bonds!

"The Smartest Portfolio You'll Ever Own" by Daniel R Solin

 

This is an excellent finance book for anyone looking to invest.  The chapters are crisp and concise, getting right to the point.  Solin warns readers the dangers of mutual fund fees--that often underperform.  He encourages readers to invest in a diversified portfolio of index funds and ETF.  These offer the diversification of mutual funds but with a fraction of the fees.  Also, as Solin's research points to, these funds do better historically as compared to mutual funds.  This may be due to the lower fees.  Since index fund and ETF managers aren't making riches off of fees, they need to make riches off of funds.  This is a win win for investors.  The concept of asset allocation is also brought up.  The "smartest portfolio" has several options based on one's risk tolerance.  Solin recommends investors start out high risk when they are young and gradually transition to low risk as they near retirement.  This book is well researched yet full of common sense.  I look forward to testing out Solin's "smartest portfolio" for myself.  Something tells me I won't be disappointed.

"Warren Buffet and the Art of Stock Arbitrage" by Mary Buffett & David Clark

Warren Buffet is one of the investment giants in the finance world.  Known for his record-breaking returns in the stock market, there is no shortage of books claiming to unlock his secrets.  This book is unique in that one of the co-authors is the daughter-in-law of Buffet himself.  This gives her unique insight into the man most have only heard of.  Readers will learn about arbitrage, which is essentially buying a stock at a lower price than one expects to sell it in the future.  While most attempts to "time the market" often end in disaster, Buffet uses the financial news of mergers and acquisitions to decide which stocks to arbitrage.  If a company announces that it will acquire another and it is a done deal set to be executed in the near future, that gives Warren the confidence to go forward with the deal.  Interestingly enough, apparently Warren leveraged other people's money to get such high profits.  In other words, he'd borrow, say, 1.0 million dollars to buy company A's stock, which is later bought out by company B.  Company A's stock goes up and Buffet makes 1.2 million dollars and has to pay 0.1 million dollars to his creditor (for borrowing the initial 1.0 million dollars).  This yields Buffet a net profit of 0.1 million dollar--not too shabby!  While the average investor likely will not have the ability to leverage other people's money, readers can still learn how to stop arbitrage deals to make small profits for themselves.  Happy investing!

"The Elements of Investing" by Charles D. Ellis

Short and slightly informative, this is a basic investment resource.  It is not as insightful as others I have read but is nevertheless a starting point for those new to investing.  Personally, I felt it had too much "common sense" advice used to simply fill pages.  Things like living beneath one's means and avoiding credit card debt are great but need not be a focus of investment books (in my humble opinion).  Also, I am not sure if there are any conflicts of interest, but there seemed to be an excessive reliance on mutual fund recommendations.  As someone who learned what high fees and taxes accompany mutual funds, I question the motivation behind such guidance.  

"Rescue Your Money" by Ric Edelman

This is a phenomenal finance book.  The pages are few, the paper is compact, and the font is large.  This book gets right to the point without any "fluff".  I enjoyed this read so much that I ordered more of Edelman's books.  I learned about diversification via asset allocation.  Having a mix of stocks and bonds is not true diversification is the stocks and bonds are in single asset classes (e.g.- only corporate bonds and only large cap value stocks).  I also learned the pitfalls of mutual funds in terms of high fees and excessive taxes that fund managers pass on to ordinary people like me.  This is an excellent resource that I could not recommend more!

"The Small Investor" by Jim Gard

 

This is hands down one of the very best books on investing that I have ever read.  It's straightforward and to the point.  Technical details are balanced alongside easy-to-understand analogies.  As the acorn on the cover alludes to, there is a "small investor squirrel" that readers follow throughout the book.  Various illustrations show the squirrel in different investment scenarios.  This helps take what many would consider a boring topic and adds some delight to the scene.  I very much so enjoyed that aspect.  Just like how an acorn is infinitely precious to a squirrel, so is one's money to a person.  This book is a little outdated but the underlying principles stand the test of time.  In the twenty-first century, I am glad that I can do free trades online and do not need to go thru a broker--something unheard of decades ago.  Perhaps my biggest takeaway from this book is that I need to be more involved in research.  I should not just buy or sell a stock because "that's what the experts on TV are saying".  I also should not just "buy a stock and forget about it".  Successful investing requires diligence, consistency, hard work, and most of all homework.

"Being You" by Anil Seth

 

Written by a professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience, this book is very academic.  It goes into the theory of consciousness vs intelligence (spoiler alert, they're not the same).  Much detail is given to ideas about how and why we think the way we do.  The million dollar question the book aims to answer is what makes us feel we have a unique experience in the world--the sense of "being me" or "being you".  Various experiments and tests are cited, as well as new discoveries in the animal world.  Near the end of the book, there is even talk of humanoids and just how far machine learning has come in the twenty-first century.  I learned a lot from this book and it was not easy to read.  I'd much prefer a slimmed-down version more for laymen.

"Wife Dressing" by Anne Fogarty

 

Originally written in the 1950s, this book is full of fun advice from times gone by.  While the average woman's fashion has changed over the decades, some things have stayed the same.  The concept of dressing for one's shape, paying attention to detail, matching colors, and accessorizing have not gone out of style.  The biggest takeaway is to remain presentable at all times.  This includes while cooking, cleaning, running errands, taking care of children, or just enjoying a meal at home.  Too many women dress up to go out but look like slobs in the home.  Even if no one but one's husband sees a woman's outfit, that will likely enhance the marriage.

Cities of Refuge Series by Connilyn Cossette

        

"A Light on the Hill" by Connilyn Cossette

One of the most interesting yet least talked about parts of the Bible is the cities of refuge.  These were places were those accused of crimes punishable by death could flee and remain safe.  They would either get a trial proclaiming them free or be confined to the city gates.  Going outside the city when guilty meant a vigilante could legally kill them.  This is the case with Moriyah.  When she accidentally kills two young boys, she is forced to flee to a city of refuge.  Things get interesting when the man who wants her dead is chasing her, trying to prevent her from reaching the city of refuge.  Add in the fact that Moriyah's love interest is the brother of said vigilante.  As if that were not drama enough, add in Moriyah's troubled childhood where she is kidnapped and branded with the mark of a pagan harlot.  Yes, interesting indeed.  I won't give any more of the book away but will say it is quite the page-turner.  For romance, that is there but not graphic.  As for the vigilante chasing, there is action and suspense but nothing too scary.  I like how biblical fiction ties in aspects of the human condition that apply to modern day.  While readers may not be fleeing for their lives after the fall of Jericho, they may be able to relate to the concept of others judging them, running away from a bad situation, and dealing with worrisome in-laws.  I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

"Shelter of the Most High" by Connilyn Cossette

The second book in the cities of refuge series does not disappoint.  It follows two Italian cousins--Sofea and Prezi--as their island hometown is ransacked by marauding pirates.  Kidnapped and taken aboard a strange vessel, they manage to escape and end up in Israel.  Unfamiliar with the language and customs of the Hebrew people, the girls fear that this new land they are in is full of ruthless pagans.  Injured and starving, they are taken back to town by local Jews.  Scared and confused, the girls initially think they are slaves bound for human sacrifice (not uncommon in their own land).  They are pleasantly surprised to realize that the Hebrews believe in a God of kindness and mercy, one that sacrifices sheep instead of people.  As the girls slowly learn Hebrew, they make friends in town and even spark romantic interest.  The plot takes a twist when they finally discover that the Israelite city they are in is actually a city of refuge and that the people around them have been accused of accidental killing.  Will this newfound realization make the girls leave the city and abandon their newfound community, or will they stay?  Read the book to find out!

"Until the Mountains Fall" by Connilyn Cossette

The third book in the series follows Rivkah who is a young widow when her first husband dies.  Due to the levirate marriage laws at the time, she is betrothed to her late husband's brother in an effort to continue his family name.  Distraught and upset, Rivkah flees to a neighboring town.  She soon realizes that the people there are not as faithful as those in her hometown.  Used, abused, and confused, Rivkah ends up a slave while her betrothed searches for her.  This book is a tale of sorrow, loss, and redemption.  After five years, has Rivkah's betrothed given up search and married another?  Can Rivkah's family forgive her for what she's done and the pain she's caused them?  Aside from the interpersonal drama, there is the threat of foreign invasion looming as neighboring armies march forward.

"Like Flames in the Night" by Connilyn Cossette

The fourth book in the series follows Tirzah, the youngest spunky daughter of Moriyah.  With the very real threat of Aramean occupation, the Hebrews are not at peace.  A widow with no children, Tirzah decides she wants to help her people regain their homeland.  She goes undercover as a spy, first cooking for an enemy king and then laundering fabric for an enemy warrior.  Through her cunning, she is able to determine when the Arameans are going to strike and relay this information to her Hebrew brethren ahead of time.  A Moabite convert named Liyam enters the scene when he makes a deal wih Tirzah's father.  By marrying Tirzah under false pretenses to aid in her spy efforts and provide protection, Tirzah's father agrees to help Liyam track down the man who ran over his daughter (his first wife died in childbirth).  Themes of intrigue, love, jealousy, revenge, and more are at play in this book.  Readers will get a firsthand glimpse into what life was like the in the biblical "cities of refuge", especially during the time of Aramaean occupation.  They will also understand how manslayers end up in these "cities of refuge" and what those seeking their life go thru.  Can one forgive another for an accidental death?  How do these emotions impact one's closest relationships?  Read and find out!

Out from Egypt Series by Connilyn Cossette

"Counted With the Stars" by Connilyn Cossette

Every now and then I get a book that I keep turning the pages due to the suspenseful and gripping story.  However, very rarely do I get a book that has that and impacts me greatly on a personal level.  "Counted with the Stars" is a biblical fiction story.  It follows Kiya, a young Egyptian woman sold into slavery to pay her father's debt.  Her tale is told during the time of the Hebrew slaves leaving Egypt and the 10 plagues.  Kiya is forced to look inside of herself and question her beliefs as she leaves her idols to go after a faceless God.  Kiya's master is a cruel woman, and the readers learn why the woman is so bitter, giving them a perspective to think for themselves why others treat them so poorly.  Then there are the suitors.  Kiya is originally betrothed to one man, but that does not last.  There is a Hebrew she is attracted to, but he despises the Egyptian people.  Then there is an Amalakite who at first is dashing but later proves to be abusive and aggressive.  Readers will learn through Kiya about mistakes that come from rushing with men and not taking time to learn their character.  When the slaves--Hebrew, Egyptian, and whoever else wanted to join--leave, there are struggles and miracles in the wilderness.  Kiya witnesses danger and salvation as normal occurrences.  With regards to acceptance, Kiya faces the cold stares of Hebrews that despise her heritage.  She struggles with her past and whether or not she will ever be accepted as part of Israel.  All that drama aside, this book is beautifully written and feels so real.  Between emotions and dialog, there are vivid descriptions of life through a slave's eyes.  There is the touch of a donkey's ear, the rush of the Nile waters, the cool stone of a royal floor beneath calloused feet, and so much more.  I can not wait for the next book in this series.     

"Shadow of the Storm" by Connilyn Cossette

As the second book in the Out from Egypt trilogy, this story both builds upon the first book but also stands on its own.  Readers who have not read the first book will not be confused as to what is going on.  This tale focuses on Shira, a young woman who desires to become a midwife.  She battles with her past where men abused her, and she is confused when a man truly begins to love her.  Can she trust him?  Is he just like all the others?  To make matters worse, there is a desperate woman named Dvorah who does everything to make Shira's life a living hell.  And did I mention the Golden Calf incident is going on at this time?  Beyond the drama of a good story, this book really makes one think about the biblical narrative.  What really happened to all those converts to Judaism?  How did Moses handle the racial divide?  How did families react when loved ones were murdered for bowing to an idol?  All these questions and more are played out with characters. While nothing in this book is graphic, I would not recommend it for young readers.

"Wings of the Wind" by Connilyn Cossette

The third book in the Out from Egypt series focuses on Alanah, a Canaanite captive woman who is captured in battle.  Tobiah, Alanah's potential husband, rescues her and treats her according to the Torah law.  Alanah has to shave her head and mourn 30 days for her family while Tobiah does not touch her.  Afterwards, she can either decide to stay and marry him or leave.  The suspense of this decision is excellently written as to not give anything away.  There is much internal struggle as Alanah tries to integrate into Hebrew society.  Emotions flare as fellow Hebrews are less than happy about Tobiah's choice of potential wife.  To add even more drama to the story, Alanah gets kidnapped in the desert and eventually lands herself in Jericho where we meet the infamous Rahab.  Alanah is subjected firsthand to the brutality and depravity of Jericho and comes to understand why the city is doomed for destruction.  Biblical history is weaved thru characters' lives in an unexpected way that is sure to leave readers turning pages. 

"Why People Get Sick" by Darian Leader and David Corfield

This book is all about the mind-body connection and illness.  While some medical professionals argue that the root of illness is purely physical, the authors posit that many illnesses are actually onset from psychological problems.  The authors do not deny modern medicine, do not suggest that therapy can cure all illness, or claim that all diseases are mental.  Rather, they emphasize that the mind has an incredible power over the body that few doctors pay attention to.  After waiting in a room for an hour, patients are rushed into medical offices where they are lucky to get ten or fifteen minutes with a doctor.  Pressed for time, the doctor focuses on surface level symptoms and ailments; there is no time to get to know the patient and understand what underlying psychological factors may be influencing their current state.  Countless examples throughout the book illustrate how personal live events have impact on health.  From spouses dying within days of each other to people getting heart attacks when their parents got heart attacks to bodily changes after stressful events, the evidence is clear that the mind plays a role in the body.  Next time you aren't feeling well, ask yourself what has changed lately in your life, what is stressing you out, what your family history is, what may be triggering you, and what that particular day signifies to you.  The answers may surprise you.

"What Every Woman Should Know About Fertility and her Biological Clock" by Cara Birrittieri

This is a very in-depth book about fertility for women.  It explains how 20s are the best time to have children and that most women's biological clocks start to run out around 35.  This isn't to say women can't have natural children in their late 30s or early 40s.  It simply means that the odds are not in one's favor, especially if one's mother was unable to have children that late.  The author explains several types of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs), egg freezing, IVF, and so on.  She also encourages readers to get their fertility levels tested via something called an FSH test.  Apparently, the higher the level of FSH in the blood, the less fertile a woman is.  Whether we like it or not, the biological clock is real.  While science has advanced greatly, doctors can only do so much.  This book gives a lot of practical advice but is also a wakeup call to women to think twice before delaying having children for too long.

 

"Irreversible Damage" by Abigail Shrier

Transgenderism is increasingly popular in today's media.  It is more talked about and accepted than in earlier generations.  While Shrier has no issues with transgender adults living the life they want for themselves, she is extremely concerned about the recent increase in transgenderism amongst teen and preteen girls.  Throughout the book, Shrier explains how many girls going thru puberty may be uncomfortable with their body, have trouble fitting in, and experience unpleasant emotions.  To make sense of all this, they go online and find transgender social media "influencers" who sing the praises of "transitioning".  In many places, minors do not need proper psychological evaluation or parental consent to start taking hormone pills or undergo transitional surgery.  Some go so far as to chop off their chests and take medication that renders them infertile.  Sadly, there are girls who transition to boys that come to regret their decision later in life.  While critics may say this book is transphobic, I don't think that's the case.  The author is very supportive of transgender adults and of the broader LGBTQ+ community.  She is simply concerned about young girls being influenced to transition who are not actually transgender.  Strier also emphasizes the difference between a child who has expresses gender dysmorphia consistently from a young age (without social media) versus a child who suddenly expresses gender dysmorphia around puberty (when exposed to social media).  Both should be treated with care to understand the root cause of unhappiness.  Many influencers talk about people who transitioned and love it.  Few influencers talk about people who transitioned and came to regret it.  

"The DNA of Healing" by Margaret Ruby

This book focuses on what the author calls "energy healing".  Just like how animals are bred and domesticated for certain traits, in some ways people are too.  If your ancestors were happy, there's a good chance you are predisposed towards happiness.  If your ancestors were angry, there's a good chance you are predisposed towards anger.  The author goes into several examples of people who had unexplained "blockages of negative energy" which ended up linking to trauma in their lineage.  Once they neutralize that and focus on what they do want instead--called manifesting--then they can move forward with the life of their dreams.  Part science, part new age philosophy, this book gave me a lot to think about.  If you have a certain idea about who you are, who you should be, what you deserve, and what is possible for your life, where did that come from?  Is that truly what you want or rather what you've been conditioned to believe? 

 

"Cured" by Jeffrey Rediger

Whenever someone gets the unfortunately news of a deadly prognosis, it can seem as if all hope is lost.  They are given so many months to live and are told to just accept their fate.  However, for Doctor Rediger, his journey of spontaneous healing has made him rethink what so many other physicians have been taught.  Throughout the book, readers are given case studies of people who defied all odds and went on to live years beyond their initial prognosis.  Their methods are unique and varied.  Some upended their diets and went on extreme nutritional programs, some took a sabbatical to a Brazilian healing center, some left toxic relationships, some used therapy, some meditated, and some simply refused to believe they were hopeless.  Doctor Rediger cites several medical journals and studies to back up the claims in this book.  He also makes it clear that spontaneous remission of disease is the exception rather than the norm and that patients should not disregard conventional western medicine.  There is a fascinating chapter on the placebo effect, as well as the impact of stress vs love on the psyche.  Overall, this book gave me a lot to think about.  The mind-body connection is a complex one that scientists are only beginning to understand.  Not everyone will be "cured" and even those who are will eventually die at a later point in time.  I wouldn't say this book is anything super controversial about upending the medical establishment.  Instead, it is a wakeup call to patients and doctors to go beyond the "normal" and encourage others with real science-based hope.  Bravo Doctor Rediger, bravo.  

"Deep" by James Nestor

I had never heard of freediving before reading this book.  Apparently it is the sport or spirituality--depends who you ask!--of diving deep in the water without gear.  There are no scuba masks or oxygen tanks.  All divers rely on is their breath, and some can hold theirs for upwards of fifteen minutes while diving to depths of 300+ feet below the surface!  Nestor goes into the science of how freediving works and how one can learn to extend their capacity to hold their breath.  There are also special techniques for alleviating pressure in one's body since the deeper one swims in the ocean the more intense the pressure becomes.  Nestor shares the frightening accounts of people who have taken freediving too far in attempts to set world records--some have becoming permanently paralyzed, some suffered brain damage, and some even died.  Alongside the fascinating field of freediving, Nestor also elaborates on much of the cutting edge science surrounding sea creatures.  Since many free divers interact with wildlife, a few have actually started their own research.  Readers go with Nestor as he explores underwater submarines, hears dolphin clicks, and swims with whales.  Overall I learned a lot from this book and it has renewed my interest in the ocean. 

"Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor" by Yossi Klein Halevi

I read this book as part of a book club that focused on the Middle East.  As the title suggests, the book is a series of letters from an Israeli Jew to his Arab--presumably Muslim--Palestinian neighbor.  With tensions being high in Israel and decades of failed peace attempts, countless people in the Holy Land feel hopeless.  Halevi goes into the history of the land of Israel, its borders, its wars, its offers for peace.  He also explains how the terror organizations preventing peace harm people on both sides.  He gracefully dances the line between defending Israel and sympathizing with Palestinians.  In a generous offer of goodwill, he has even translated the book into Arabic for free so that more of his "neighbors" can read it.  

 

"The Big Lie: Motherhood, Feminism, and the Reality of the Biological Clock" by Tanya Selvaratnam

 

Oddly enough, a book written about the woes of feminism is actually written by a feminist herself.  Who would have guessed that!  The author shares much of her personal journey with infertility.  She explains how she assumed she would be able to have children later in life but learned the hard way that things are not so easy.  While many celebrities claim to have kids into their 40s and 50s, Selvaratnam explains that many are not open and honest with the media.  Some have surrogates, others have donor eggs, and a few can simply afford the most expensive fertility treatments money can buy.  However, for the average woman, it will be increasingly difficult to have kids past age 35.  In a sad turn of events, Selvaratnam also chronicles her journey of cancer and eventual divorce from her then husband.  This book is a wake up call to women everywhere.  While schools teach extensively on how to prevent pregnancy, few if any educate females on the biological clock.  Like the author, many women will find themselves in a situation one day where they are ready to have kids but physically can't.  

"Renegade Beauty" by Nadine Artemis

Focused on natural beauty, this book is all about how to reconnect with nature.  Readers are encouraged to ditch their chemical-laden "beauty products" and instead turn to botanicals.  There is extensive discussion surrounding the conversation of how we have changed as humans.  Our ancestors were more connected to nature than modern man is, and we spend most of our days indoors with artificial light instead of real sunlight.  Speaking of sunlight, I thought it was fascinating when the author cited studies showing that mammals (humans included) are actually capable of creating energy from the sun's rays, in addition to using solar energy in plants to obtain energy.  I'm sure science has a long way to catch up in this area, but we are getting close.  While doctors may not immediately jump on the "solar energy" bandwagon, several medical professionals admit the power of Vitamin D has on health and note that those who do not get enough of it (from the sun or supplements) have health issues.  Take time to enjoy nature and think twice before putting chemicals on your body.  Live beautifully and just be!

Reference: 

www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/chlorophyll-enables-your-cells-captureuse-sunlight-energy-copernican-revolution 

 

"The Wim Hof Method" by Wim Hof

Known around the world as "the iceman", Wim Hof has become somewhat of a sensation in the wellness and science communities.  Using ancient breathing and meditation techniques, he defies conventional thinking.  With his methods, Hof has set several world records.  These include longest time in an ice bath, as well as climbing Mount Everest in nothing but shorts!  He swears by his intentional breathing and cold exposure.  By citing various experiments that both himself and his students have undergone, Hof shows the reader just how much power they have.  By harnessing the power of the mind and breath, one can maintain their body temperature in freezing temperatures and even fight off infection.  In his sixties, Hof is also proving to the world that one need not become feeble as they age.  Armed with the proper Wim Hof method, anyone can improve their mental and physical fitness.  This is only the beginning!  For more information, check out the free Wim Hof app online.

"Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth" by Peter Kelder

 

This crisp large font book can easily be read in a single day.  The author recounts the experience of meeting a British colonel who shared with him the "ancient secret of the fountain of youth".  As the book goes on to explain, the colon learned the secret when traveling in Tibet.  The Tibetan rites are the key to youth.  These rites are actually a kind of ancient yoga technique comprised of six quick exercises.  The author swears that these keep people young and gives several reader testimonials.  While nothing can turn back the hands of time, it makes sense that people who regularly stretch and exercise will look younger than those who do not.  I've started doing the rites and find them to be beneficial. 

"Toward a Meaningful Life" by Simon Jacobson

In each of our lives, we face difficulties and challenges.  How are we to conduct our lives?  How are we to nurture our relationships?  How are we to work and exercise?  Then there are philosophical questions surrounding the nature of G-d, ethics, morality, and such.  This book dives into all of those categories and more.  The Rebbe's wisdom is compacted into bite-size chunks that are easily digested.  Readers will learn how to conduct their lives in a way that is both meaningful and godly.  If I could sum this book up, I would say that we are all miracles created by G-d.  Because of this, it is our duty to live up to our full potential in this world by being the best holiest versions of ourselves and by encouraging others to do likewise.  When viewing life thru spiritual lenses, nothing is ordinary.  Every action one takes can be transformed into something that makes the world a better place.

 

"Vibrant" by Stacie Stephenson

Full of advice from a naturopathic medical doctor, this book is all about helping readers become the best versions of themselves.  To be vibrant is to be healthy.  That involves working on the "triad" that the doctor promotes, which includes diet, exercise, and relationships.  Each chapter dives into a key component of health, offering both practical advice and sound medical explanations.  While some may call the tips in this book "common sense", they are important nonetheless.  Additionally, the book has writing prompts for readers to journal their experiences.  At the very end of the book, there is a 30-day plan for becoming vibrant, as well as 40 recipes from a chef.  Stephenson's wish is for all people to become the healthiest they can be.  That may take time and hard work, but it is more than possible.  

 

"Words that Hurt, Words that Heal" by Joseph Telushkin

 

This is by far one of the most influential books I have ever written.  It goes into the moral, ethical, and philosophical arguments against "bad speech".  Interestingly enough, this is not just limited to gossip and rumors but also to positive speech.  Speaking to highly of others can incite jealousy in others and cause harm.  As Telushkin points out, if G-d had not spoken so highly of Job (in the famous biblical Book of Job), Job likely would have been spared much misfortune from his jealous accuser.  The book also does an excellent job of analyzing key relationships such as those between family, friends, and business colleagues.  There is a great deal of emphasis on speaking kindly to children, which I much appreciated.  The book also references the biblical account of King David and Queen Micah.  After a brief falling out where harsh words were exchanged, their relationship never healed.  Telushkin warns couples not to end up like that.  The topic of lying is also addressed in terms of when it is permissible to lie.  Jewish law that permits lying to save a life is contrasted with other mainstream religions that prohibit lying at all costs.  Overall, this is a fascinating read that can do any person a great deal of good.

"1001 Ways to Stay Young Naturally" by DK

 

While this book feels like it is geared towards women over 40, the advice applies to people of all ages (children aside).  Tips center around eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, relaxing, making friends, getting hobbies, trying yoga, cleaning, and more.  There is an emphasis on organic products, as well as several references to essential oils and teas.  With large font and plenty of full-color pictures, this book is a great addition to any coffee table.

"Breath" by James Nestor

 

My friend recommended this book to me, so I decided to read it.  While breathing can sound like such an obvious topic as to not need any discussion, Nestor shows readers how there is so much untapped potential in our breath.  He starts off the book by detailing the experiment him and a colleague undertake--breathing only thru their mouths for over a week.  As can be expected, this results in disastrous health consequences, which are speedily reversed when nose breathing resumes.  Nestor emphasizes that as helpful as breathing is for things like anxiety, asthma, snoring, and the like, it is no substitute for Western medicine.  Those with medical emergencies should go to a doctor instead of trying to breath their way to harmony.  Nevertheless, reader are intrigued by the countless stories of yogis and other spiritualists who perform superhuman abilities with breathing.  There are monks who can alter their heartrate, temperature, and metabolism on cue.  There are even stories of fantastical people who go days on end without either food or water while in their meditative states.  While the average person will likely not get to that level, they can practice the various techniques in this book to gain more health, vitality, and calm. 

"Happiness is a Serious Problem" by Dennis Prager

 

As the title suggests, this book is all about happiness.  What is happiness and how does one attain it?  Unlike other self-help books, this book is not full of fluff or countless chapters that "tell people what they want to hear".  Rather, there are very real segments relating to topics such as family, marriage, children, friendship, religion, meaning, and more.  Prager asserts that we all have a dark side (I agree) and that we need to come to terms with it by indulging in vices in moderation (I disagree).  Prager also encourages people to find both a religious faith (I agree) and a psychotherapist (I disagree).  While Prager and I don't see eye-to-eye on every issue, I do think there are important lessons to learn.  Happiness isn't just a fleeting feeling but a decision we choose to make every day.  More importantly, instead of asking ourselves "will this make me happy?", we should instead ask ourselves "is this meaningful?".    

"Natural Beauty at Home" by Janice Cox

 Full of easy recipes, this book is great for natural beauty.  I should note that one needs to go into do-it-yourself beauty with proper expectations.  What one makes at home will certainly be healthier than store-bought, but it will in no way have the same consistency or shelf life.  The recipes I enjoyed related to hair and body.  For hair, I have started making my own homemade hair rinses to add color to my hair (subtle highlights, nothing dramatic).  For body, I have started making my own homemade rose balm that I can use to nourish dry skin.  I have chosen a balm because creams involve emulsifying wax that I'd rather not use and body butters are simply too greasy for me.  When you find what works for you, stick with it!

"Amazing Chesed: Living a Grace-Filled Judaism" by Rabbi Rami Shapiro

 

While the common perception is that Christianity is full of grace while Judaism is full of justice, Rabbi Shapiro turns that argument on its head.  He posits that Judaism actually invented grace and that--while not widely advertised--the Hebrew faith is full of grace.  Shapiro quotes several Bible passages and even goes into detail on what the original Hebrew text means (sometimes things get lost in translation when going from Hebrew to English).  He also expounds on famous stories like Creation, The Flood, Jonah and the Whale, and Job who is the quintessential example of "bad things happening to good people".  Shapiro's thesis is that grace isn't something that can be earned but rather something we receive.  Just like how radio stations are broadcasting music for all but are only audible by those tuned into the appropriate frequency, grace is available for all if only we ready ourselves to receive it.  Living with grace means becoming aware of God, aware of oneself, and aware of the world. 

"I'd Like to Call for Help, but I Don't Know the Number" by Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

While the front of the book carries the subtitle "the search for spirituality in everyday life", the pages within make extensive references to the Twelve Step Alcoholics Anonymous program.  As a famous rabbi and psychiatrist, Twerski has counseled countless individuals on their road to recovery.  In his experience, the most effective way to get addicts off their drugs is not just talk therapy or even psychotherapy but rather group therapy in a Twelve Step setting.  While those not battling addictions may be quick to put the book down, Twerski argues that the methodologies in the Alcoholics Anonymous program can help anyone on a road to spirituality.  Even though he is a rabbi, Twerski does not proselytize.  He even goes so far as to say that readers need not accept his view of God or even belong to organized religion.  However, in order to achieve a heightened state of consciousness--spirituality--man must acknowledge that he is not in control and there is a "higher power".  Along this journey, readers are encouraged to take a self assessment of their character (including flaws), find their purpose in life, and make amends with anyone they've hurt (where possible).  I'm no alcoholic but I found great value and lessons in the pages of this book.  

 

"Face Workouts for Beginners" by Nadira V Persaud

Having heard of the "face yoga" trend, I decided to give this book a try.  The premise is that the muscles in one's face are no different than the muscles in other parts of the body.  What you don't use, you lose!  Many of the workouts are intuitive and make sense--stretch your neck, open and close your jaw, look up, look left, look right, and so on.  There are also massage techniques for relieving pressure / stress at various points on the face.  Where the book lost me, though, is on the skin pulling exercises.  Several parts of the book instruct readers to literally grab, hold, and pull on the skin face.  I'm no face yoga expert, but I don't think pulling on face skin is going to make anyone look any younger.  While this book has some good tips, I would say it is not a magic cure for the effects of father time.

"That's Not a Fault...It's a Character Trait" by Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

Acclaimed rabbi and psychiatrist Abraham J. Twerski brings psychology to life with the beloved characters of Charles M. Schultz's "Peanuts".  Just as it is easier to see flaws in others as opposed to oneself, it is even easier to see flaws in cartoon characters.  Someone struggling with feelings of low self worth may not realize it until they see their same behavior reflected in Charlie Brown.  Someone struggling with feelings of fantasy may not realize it until they see their same behavior reflected in Snoopy.  Someone struggling with feelings of narcissism may not realize it until they see their same behavior reflected in Lucy.  Throughout the book, Twerski shows us how the very same traits depicted in the life of cartoon characters are inside us all to some degree.  Words can not do this book justice.  Readers are encouraged to follow along the "Peanuts" gang in Twerski's masterpiece to see how psychology becomes little more than children's play when viewed objectively.  While Twerski is not against therapy--he is a psychologist after all--his book goes to show us that sometimes all that's needed to spark change is to see one's faults reflected in someone else.  If that happens to be a "Peanuts" character, so be it.   

"No More Dirty Looks" by Siobhan O'Connor & Alexandra Spunt

The purpose of this book is to educate readers on the chemicals used in the beauty industry.  From lipstick to shampoo to lotion to face wash to sunscreen to mascara and more, this book covers it all.  Many people trust companies and assume that the government has laws in place to protect the consumer.  Unfortunately, as the book explains, the regulatory framework is underfunded and full of loopholes.  Just like how questionable chemicals sneak their way into processed foods, questionable chemicals sneak their way into processed beauty products.  Each chapter covers a list of chemicals, their uses, and their dangers.  Then there are alternatives listed, as well as the personal stories from the authors.  While chemicals in beauty products are not likely to kill people (the FDA at least covers that!), there is much concern over the long term effects.  Unlike "unhealthy" food that can be enjoyed in moderation, most cosmetics are used by women either daily or multiple times a week.  The authors' position is that the best health and beauty comes from using products that are as natural as possible.  As demonstrated by nicotine patches, what goes on the body makes its way into the body.  If something is not safe to eat, should it really be placed on the body?  While it may be difficult to cleanse all of one's beauty products, every little bit helps.

"Life's Too Short" by Rabbi Abraham J Twerski, MD

 

In this self-help book, acclaimed rabbi and medical psychiatrist Rabbi Twerski dives into self esteem.  With various case studies of patients and friends, the author showcases how low self esteem can contribute to self-sabotaging behaviors (with negative consequences).  Twerski assures readers that they are more special, smart, and valuable than they may think.  He highlights how negative self image destroys people and how those who overcame such thoughts were able to turn their lives around.  There is also a section in the back of the book about raising children with healthy self esteem.  Twerski highlights that--while basic necessities like food and shelter must be met--it is never good to overwork oneself solely to provide for one's child.  No matter how prestigious the school or fancy the toys, children seeing their parents work constantly without spending much time with them is harmful to their development of self worth.  To put it simply, a child benefits more from a modest upbringing with plenty of parental interaction as opposed to an extravagant upbringing with little parental interaction.