"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?".