First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros; Ghosts of Martha's Vineyard; Thomas Dresser

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.

Ghosts of Martha's Vineyard; Thomas Dresser

Arcadia Publishing - 2020

PROLOGUE

Martha's Vineyard's history, along with its fair share of strange occurrences, make it a major hub for ghost hunters and local storytellers alike. Whether you're fully in touch with the spirit world or you're a little skeptical, the Vineyard is rife with amazing coincidences,  strange experiences and unknown mysteries.

That so many guests, employees, locals and visitors have experienced a visit from beyond  gives credence to the basic premise that we we don't really know or understand everything that is happening around us.

I thought this would be a fun read during the month of October. I love Martha's Vineyard and am looking forward to reading about local lore. What do you think, read more or pass?

(2) Brief Review - The Messy Lives of Book People; Paedra Patrick and The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward; Daniel H. Pink

The Messy Lives of Book People; Paedra Patrick

Park Row - 2022 - library loan

Olivia (Liv) Green is a married mom of two teenaged sons who works as a housekeeper for author Essie Starling.  Essie has written (19) books about her heroine Georgia Rory.  Liv has always dreamed of being a writer herself inspired by her father a literature professor. Liv even has (2) drafts of her efforts on her nightstand at home. One day Liv comes across Essie's manuscript of book #20, the majority of which has been completed but, she now Essie seems a bit stuck.  When Essie dies unexpectedly, her solicitor contacts Liv to let her know that Essie left instructions in her final will that she wants Liv to finish her book.  With more money coming her way and 6-month deadline to get the manuscript done, Liv is ready for the challenge. There is just one catch, no one must know Essie has died while the manuscript gets completed.

Liv was a great character, She was a good wife and mother and a loyal employee as well. She had secrets to keep and did so, even from her family.  This book started strong and it had references to other novels and authors which I enjoyed.  Overall, a light read, I thought the first half was stronger than the finish but, I was satisfied with the wrap up. I thought the title was a great and one and reminded me of how people often go about navigating the messiness that is life. 

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward; Daniel H. Pink

Riverhead Books - 2022 - library loan

Everybody at one time or another has heard the the expression "no regrets" but, is that even possible and is having regrets such a bad thing?  The author writes about how a little introspection and looking backward can actually make us move forward to a more positive place and frame of mind.  The author has conducted extensive research via The American Regret Project coupled with a worldwide survey that collected the regrets of some 20,000 respondents.   Some of the regrets that have troubled individuals were things like not spending enough time with their children while they were growing up and not spending more time with their parents before it was too late to do so.  Unfulfilled educational endeavors that went unmet and misdeeds and bad behavior toward others also were regrets that seemed troublesome and have more lasting e.

When people take the time to think about and to acknowledge things that they've regretted in the past, it seems to help them to make better decisions and act differently in the future.  I was surprised to read that moral regrets only seemed to amount to about 10% despite it often being so troublesome for those who felt guilty about it.

Overall, I found this an interesting and informative read.  Thanks go to Melody @ Melody's Reading Corner for bringing this book to my attention.

Rating - 4/5 stara

Book Review - Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders; Kathryn Miles

 

Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders; Kathryn Miles

Algonquin - 2022 - (library loan)

Trailed. tells the still unsolved violent murder case of a lesbian couple, Lollie Winans and Julie Williams, two skilled backpackers who headed out to Shenandoah National park for week long camping trip along with their dog. When the couple failed to return home as planned authorities were able to locate their campsite, slashed tent and their bodies.   Although there are several theories of what may have transpired, some (26) years later their murders remain unsolved. 

The author taught at Unity College, a small environmental college in Maine where Lollie was once a student.  A backpacker herself she became consumed with the case and, after interviews with park rangers, law enforcement, forensics experts, friends and family, it became clear that the evidence that there was sloppy investigative work involved: mismatched timelines, bureaucracy and other systematic failures throughout the investigation.

The storyline jumps around a bit and involves discussions of other cases but, it never felt confusing.  An individual by the name of Darrell Rice was charged with the murder but never tried and based on what the author has reported, it seemed unlikely he was the killer of these women.  However, another serial killer, Richard Evonitz, may have been responsible but, that investigation led to closed mouths and several dead ends.

I thought that the author did a good job pointing out the many missteps gathered throughout the investigation which even included contradictions about the date the women died.  Readers who enjoy true-crime stories will likely enjoy this offering.

Rating - 4/5 stars

First chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders; Kathryn Miles

                                                  

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. I just picked this one up at the library.

                                                        

    

Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders; Kathryn Miles

Algonquin - 2022

Preface

THEY MUST HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED.  That's the thought I return to after all these years.

They must have been tracked as they left the Skyland lodge and stepped across Skyline Drive, the well-traveled backbone of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park.  He--for murderers are almost always hes--must have been prowling Skyland's Parking lots and public areas, hoping he's find the right target.  Perhaps he studied the two young women as they lounged in the grass outside the lodge, oblivious as they consulted a map or warmed themselves in the afternoon sun.  Maybe he bumped into one of them as she was leaving the restroom or grabbing a drink in the taproom.  Something about their countenance and mannerisms must have caught his eye, made him decide he'd found what he was hunting for.

What do you think - read more of pass? Are you a true crime fan? I am as long as it isn't too gory.

                                                    

Book Review: Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole; Susan Cain

 

 Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole; Susan Cain

Crown - April 2022

I was a huge fan of this author's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, so, this book was a must read for me.   Although this book is very well researched and written, it just didn't resonate with me in the same way Quiet did.

Bittersweet -- "a melancholic direction"; "a tendency to states of longing, poignancy, and sorrow; an acute awareness of the passing of time and a curiously piercing joy at the beauty of the world."

This books seemed to be part memoir but, it also covers other experiences such as trauma, loss of a loved on, grief etc.  There seemed to be quite a bit of spirituality infused as well.  Finally,  readers could take a "Bittersweet" Quiz to see whether you identify with the Bittersweet type. I took the quiz and, I'm definitely more the sanguine type.  I guess that was the reason, in some ways, I had difficulty relating to this book.  I still think this book was worth reading and will appeal to many readers.

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

Note: The eGalley download was made available by the publisher (Crown) and Edelweiss in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech; Gattaldo

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech

Author & Illustrator: Gattaldo  - Candlewick Press 2021

Daphne Caruana Galizia grew up on the Island of Malta. From an early age she dreamed of being a writer so she could share stories about her country.  She loved reading and through books she learned to be a free thinker. Daphne lived her dream; she grew up, spoke up and became a powerful, courageous journalist.  Daphne and her friends saw bad things happening in her country, she believed peaceful protest was important and was even arrested for it.  She married, had three children and encouraged her children to fight for justice as well.  She started writing for a newspaper and was not afraid to publish the truth. She was threatened, her dog was killed to send a message but, that just empowered her to spread the truth all the more.  

Daphne Caruana Galizia (1964-2017) was killed in 2017 when a bomb placed under her car exploded. She inspired and encouraged others to stand up for free speech by keeping others informed about the truth.  This book was written and illustrated by her good friend.

What a powerful book, another story I was not aware of, the message is powerful and the images are so well done as well.  I love how Candlewick Press through the books that they have decided to publish are spreading powerful messages to young children about the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.  This book is targeted at grades 2-4 (ages 7-9). Beautifully done.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Note: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

 

Book Review - Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals; Laurie Zaleski

 

Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals; Laurie Zaleski

St. Martin's Press - 2022

Author Laurie Zaleski's love of animals began early in life.  Her mother Annie loved all kinds of animals and had a dream of rescuing the unwanted, abused and abandoned animals who needed a second chance.  First, her mother had to escape her abusive life at the hands of Laurie's father Richard, a wealthy professor with a mean streak.  She along with Laurie and her two siblings had fled the family home several times only to be coaxed back by Richard.  Finally they were able to escape for good but, they were never really rid of him.  It was the mid-1970s and a difficult situation for a mother to be in. With almost no money of her own and no alimony she made the best of a bad situation with multiple lower level jobs.  One of Annie's jobs was in animal control and she was forever bringing a soon to be put to death animal home. Her big heart planted her dream of having her own rescue. Unfortunately,  that didn't happen for her -- she passed away at 52.  Laurie, however,  was able to live her mother's dream. She bought a 15 acre parcel in New Jersey's Pine Barrens region and began taking in helpless creatures: horses, pigs, goats, calves, llamas, cats, wounded birds and many other varieties of unwanted or neglected animals. Today some 600 creatures call Funny Farm home.

I loved this memoir and the way it was written. The chapters alternate between the past Laurie's and her sibling's childhood and her mother's need to see that her children learned compassion by help animals.  The chapters that focus on the present - are about "funny farm" and how various animals that live on the farm found their way there. I loved the resilience of this family and how they didn't dwell on misfortune but picked themselves up and made it their mission to help the helpless.  Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary is open to the public and has many loyal volunteers and supporters today. I  highly recommend this memoir.

Rating - 5/5 stars

(NOTE: The eGalley was sent to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review)

Book Review: The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, A Murder and the Unlikely Fight for Justice; Benjamin Gilmer

The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, A Murder and an Unlikely Fight for Justice; Benjamin Gilmer

Ballantine Books and Random House Audio - 2022

On June 28, 2004, a well-respected, small town North Carolina doctor named Vincent Gilmer,  picked up his father from the assisted living facility he lived at, drove him around in his truck to Virginia and strangled him with a dog leash and then cut off his fingers leaving his body on the side of the road. What caused Vincent Gilmer to snap and murder his own father and then show up at his clinic ready to see patients at his Asheville, NC office the following day?

A second Dr. Gilmer, Benjamin Gilmer (no relation) joined the same clinic and learned about what transpired.  He was more than a little concerned about Vince Gilmer finding out about the new doctor with the same last name but, he was also was intrigued and interested in meeting the man who was now spending time in prison.  Benjamin Gilmer working with journalist Sarah Koenig had discovered that Vince had a number of mental health issues and a neurological condition (Huntington's Disease) that may have contributed to the act of violence that landed him his prison sentence.  Benjamin Gilmer was determined to do what he could to help free Vince Gilmer.

This story is hard to read about at times.  At times I sympathized with Gilmer, the killer, after learning what he experienced at the hands of his father.  This is a true story shows the failures of our justice system as the author tries to advocate on Vince Gilmer's behalf to get him released from prison.  I thought this story was very well written and investigated but, it did make me wonder how the author was able to continue his medical practice and meet with, investigate and continue his fight for justice. The author also had a family who needed his emotional and financial support.

This book is highly recommended to readers who enjoy true-crime stories. The audio book was read by the author and was very well done.  Tis audio download was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Sanctuary, Kip Tiernan & Rosie's Place: The Nation's First Shelter for Women; Christine McDonnell (Victoria Tentler-Krylov-Illustrator)

 

Sanctuary, Kip Tiernan & Rosie's Place: The Nation's First Shelter for Women

Christine McDonnell and (Victoria Tentler-Krylov, Illustrator)

Candlewick Press - 2022 - (ages 7 - 10)

Kip Tiernan grew up during the Great Depression learning early on from her grandmother that it was important to help people who had nothing.  Kip's grandmother, who had 10 children of her own, would make large vats of soup so that when hungry people would knock on her door asking for help because they were out of work, they could count on a bowl of soup to help sustain them.

In 1968 Kip would also feed the hungry at a shelter called Warwick House located in a poor Boston neighborhood. Kip noticed women dressed as men stopping for some food.  At that time it was believed that only men were homeless.  She began noticing women sleeping on park benches and scavenging for food.  Kip spent several days at St Josephs's House in New York City talking to people about their situation.  

Kip, like some of the women she met, overcame alcohol addiction in her 20s. She was determined to help other women. She wanted to open the first shelter for women in Boston where women could come for food and shelter. Her job getting this dream off the ground wasn't easy and, she met obstacles getting others to buy into the idea but on Easter Sunday in 1974 her dream came true - Rosie's Place opened as the first women's shelter in the US.

Sanctuary, is a wonderful book, beautifully illustrated as well,  about the importance of people helping people who are less fortunate.  The author was a former educator at Rosie's House.  The story is tastefully done and informative for middle grade children (younger in some cases) and adults as well.  Highly recommended for both school and public libraries as well as personal collections.

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending this lovely book my way in exchange for my unbiased review.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, A Murder and an Unlikely Fight for Justice; Benjamin Gilmer

 

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.

The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, A Murder and an Unlikely Fight for Justice; Benjamin Gilmer

Ballantine Books and Penguin Random House Audio - 2022

Good Hope Road

One June 28, 2004, in rural Appalachia, a man with my name and my profession strangled his father in the passenger seat of his Toyota Tacoma.

The other Dr. Gilmer was a family medicine physician in North Carolina, at a small clinic he'd founded with his wife near the tiny town of Fletcher.  He was recently divorced, living alone in a house on the hill above his office.  In the weeks and months before that night, he'd been drinking more than usual, going out to bars during the week. He'd also been making some impulsive decisions---like buying the brand new truck he was driving that night, even though he was massively in debt.

What do you think - read more or pass?  I just started this one and am finding it quite fascinating.

Book Review; In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss; Amy Bloom

 

In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss; Amy Bloom

Random House Audio - 2022

(Narrated by the author - good)

(4 hours and 49 min.)

Sometimes even when I think I need an upbeat read, I find myself drawn to darker or sadder stories -- Case in point: In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom.

After meeting in 2005, Amy Bloom and Brian Ameche married in 2007.  Both were in previous relationships but, they knew they were a match early in the relationship.  Each had friends, family and a job they enjoyed and many shared interests as well.  One day Amy began to notice subtle but odd changes in her husband, they were easy to brush off at first but, soon Brian ended up leaving the job he loved and after MRIs and various testing in 2019 was diagnosed with Alzheimers at the age of 65.

For Brian one thing was certain, he was adamant about wanting to die with dignity before his disease took him on a journey of forgetting everything and everyone that had meaning in his life.  He asked his wife to research death with dignity options for when the time was right.  

Although there are several states in the US that have so called "right to die" laws in place, the criteria is very specific and most states require that the individual's illness be terminal and that death was likely to occur within 6 months.  As a couple they decided to look into assisted suicide options in Zurich, Switzerland.  Bloom tell readers that Dignitas is the best option for US citizens who are not terminally ill if they feel the need to end their lives. After going through the application process, a required autobiography, interviews, medical reports and much more, Brian eventually meets the requirements and in January 2020 with his wife Amy by his side he ended his life. 

This memoir was a bit of an eye-opener and I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to it.  It is not a long book and it is written in a way that is not all doom and gloom. The author has a way of infusing her wit and humor at appropriate times as she shares the story of their years together.  Many readers may shy a way from a topic such as this but, I do recommend this one.  

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Book Review - After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond; Bruce Greyson, M.D.

After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond; 

Bruce Greyson, M.D. - St. Martin Essentials - 2021 

 (library loan - hardcover)

I decided to try this book after a woman in my book group was talking about how much she liked it. It is written by an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia and covers nearly 50 years of research.

Greyson, a self-proclaimed skeptic and not a religious man began to study Near-Death experiences as a medical student.  One day while in medical school and eating lunch in the hospital cafeteria he was called to the ER to see an unconscious woman who attempted suicide.  Something she said the following day after she regained consciousness perplexed him and made him want to pursue NDE's further.  

This book shares a good amount of other ND experiences and what the individual reports having experienced. The ages and sexes of the individuals varied (from as young as age 8years of age.) The religious beliefs of the individuals and what they experienced all varied - white light,  welcoming presence and seeing others that passed earlier.  One 17 year old, non-believer, a college student from NJ had reported during a scuba diving incident where he was drowning described it as a peaceful, floating experience , very peaceful with flowery meadows - no heaven, hell or limbo rather a peaceful surrender. Another 49 year old non believer described it as a peaceful, pleasant transition to another state. 

Greyson also mentions that many others keep ND experiences to themselves because of a fear or stigma associated with the experience - fearing that others would think were mentally ill or that they would face ridiculed The doctor doesn't provide all the answers people may be looking for but , he does provides food for thought. I do wish there was more research on what comes after.  Overall - a different kind of read for me - taken with a grain of salt.

SIDE NOTE - When my own brother was dying of cancer in 2009, his wife and I asked him in his final weeks to provide us with a sign that he was okay after he died. (I also asked him not to call any family reunions any time soon - as I would be the last of my birth family still living.)  Well, it's (2022) and I'm still here but in the (12 ) months after he died, his wife had to replace nearly (30) light bulbs that would randomly burn out in her (6) room condo - is this freaky or what?  Once a year had passed, this too had stopped.

Do you believe in an afterlife? (I do not but, if I'm wrong, I'd like to come back as someones well-loved, well-fed house cat who lives an additional (9) lives.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Review - World War C: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic and How to Prepare for the Next One; Sanjay Gupta, M.D.

 

World War C: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic and How to Prepare for the Next One; 

Sanjay Gupta, M.D.  (Simon & Schuster Audio - 8 hrs - 44 min.) - Release Date - 10/5/2021

I know many of us feel like we have heard more than enough about COVID but, when I learned of this new book from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent and neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta I knew I wanted to listen to what he had to say.

The first thing that impressed me with a book that could have easily been way over my head was how easy it was to absorb much of what Dr. Gupta had to say.  He reads the audio version of this book and his conversational style and easy pace was excellent.  

The book explores what has been learned thus far about this pandemic beginning with the origins of COVID around the world up to the present.  Readers get a glimpse of what went wrong and how we can better prepare for the next pandemic from the perspective of other public health experts and research scientists.  Approximately half of the book focuses on what has happened to the present and then we move forward to learn how to better prepare for next virus that will come our way. Gupta tells us why COVID was fatal to certain types of individuals and how we need to focus on better physical and mental health to have a better chance of surviving another pandemic.  We need to do some forward thinking about where we want to live (big cities vs rural areas), whether nursing homes are the place we should be placing our loved ones, do we have the right insurance plans for ourselves and family members and so much more. Gupta also helps us to debunk various vaccine myths and tries to help us to understand the vaccine hesitancy of some individuals.

I liked that this book was so much more than just about COVID: pandemics have happened before and will happen again. Let's learn what went wrong and how we can be ready next time.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Thanks go to Simon & Schuster Audio for allowing my access to this download in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - Life Among the Savages; Shirley Jackson

 

Life Among the Savages; Shirley Jackson

Dreamscape Media - 2015 (6 hrs. 31 min)

Every October I automatically peruse a list of books available by author Shirley Jackson. Generally it's because I'm looking for a darker or creepier type of story but, this year I came across, Life Among the Savages,  and I ended up loving it. The book was originally published in 1953, the audio in 2015 is read by Lesa Lockford who did a great job.

This was written as a series of essays featuring an unnamed mother and father with two children who learn they are being evicted from their New York City apartment.  They decide to move to rural Vermont with their two children who are not yet in school.  It's the early 1950s and the family doesn't drive, but they do own thousands of books (love them already) which will need to be transported.  Both parents smoke and like their wine and while the mother tries to do it all the father seems unfazed by all that needs to get done. They end up living in an ancient house and besides getting settled, figuring out logistics in their new locale,  the youngest child has to get enrolled in kindergarten, there is shopping (without a car initially) meal preparation and more.  It's clear this woman, this family needs help.  She can't count on her hands-off husband who eventually ends up teaching a couple of classes at Bennington College, and when home spends some time writing and obsessing over his coin collection.  An attempt at hiring some part time help leads to some very funny outcomes.  If the mother isn't stressed enough, over the course of the book she gives birth to two more children.  Don't get me wrong the father came in handy when they found themselves with rodents - another hilarious event.  Book one of this bio ends shortly after the birth of the couple's fourth child.  

Are you familiar with Leave to Beaver the 1950/60s series with the Clever Family. Remember June the perfect stay-at-home mom and Ward, the dad who went to work each day, dinner was always ready, the house always perfect? Well, this family isn't like them in the least but, they were so fun to spend time with and get to know.  It's no wonder Shirley Jackson died before her 50th birthday, in her sleep, as she napped one afternoon in 1968.

Growing up in the1950s and 60s (we didn't have a car then either), I could definite relate to a few of the conundrums this family found themselves in.  I just requested book #2 of her child rearing exploits, Raising Demons from the library; it should be fun.  Have you read this one?

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

(I downloaded the audio from my public library.)

Book Review - David Copperfield's History of Magic;David Copperfield, Richard Wiseman, David Britland and Homer Liwag (photos)

 

David Copperfield's History of Magic

David Copperfield, Richard Wiseman, David Britland and Homer Liwag (photos)

(Simon & Schuster Audio - Release date 10/26/2021 - (4 hours 31 min)

I was lucky enough to see David Copperfield's Las Vegas magic extravaganza about twenty years ago, it was such a fantastic show.  So when I saw this new book I knew I'd want to listen to it.  Somehow I thought this was a memoir and in a small part it is but, the book is so much more.

David Copperfield, a New Jersey native, was a shy kid who at the age of ten asked his mother for a ventriloquist dummy -- so began his fascination with magic and illusion.  He was the youngest person ever to be accepted into the Society of Magicians.  

In this well researched book Copperfield along with fellow magicians Richard Wiseman and David Britland share the stories of some 28 magicians and illusionists, some dating back to the 16th century. The book is full of background on the early tricksters, magicians and illusionists and what they became famous for.  It was fascinating to learn how each of the magicians and illusionists seemed to inspire others to become passionate of their craft.

Anyone who has had an interest or curiosity about magic should check this book out. I loved it.  The audio was read by David Copperfield and Fedor Chin who were both excellent and highly recommended. However, now I want to get a copy of the print version as I understand there are some 100+ photographs and objects from Copperfield's Museum of Magic.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Audio download was provided to me by Simon & Schuster Audio in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review - Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped Secret to Health; Gerald M Lemole M.D.

Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped Secret to Health; Gerald M Lemole M.D.

Simon & Schuster Audio - October - 2021

In just ten short chapters (audiobook is just under 5 hours total) I felt I had a much better understanding of why our lymphatic system is vital in preventing diseases. From such killer diseases like heart issues and cancers to minimizing cognitive decline and inflammation which attacks our body and causing quality of life issues and unnecessary pain.  There are chapters on: heart disease, cancer, GI disorders, weight management, brain & mind conditions and more.  The importance of body/soul/spirit - practicing meditation, the benefits of massages and yoga (covered in some detail). It also discusses why eating right and watching our weight in an effort to move toxins out of our system and stay healthy is so critical. 

Yes, some of these things covered in this book we've learned though other sources but just how crucial a healthy lymphatic system is to a good quality of life and a long healthy life is what is key here.  How we achieve this is critical in healing our imperfect bodies and preventing the more dreaded diseases in the future. 

I was so impressed with this audiobook.  The book is narrated by Fred Sanders who did an amazing job speaking at a pace which was conducive to absorbing all that this book had to offer.; he voice was quite pleasing as well.

The printed version includes some menus, recipes, information on supplements and foods to eat for flow discussed which was a little difficult to fully take in on audio so I hope to also pick up a copy of the print edition as a guide for future reference as well.

Thanks go to Simon & Schuster Audio for providing me access to this audio download in exchange to my unbiased review.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

About the Author

Gerald Lemole, MD, is a board-certified cardio thoracic surgeon, integrative physician, and a pioneer in the study of lymph. He is a full professor of surgery at Temple University and Thomas Jefferson Medical College. In 1968, Lemole was a member of the surgical team that performed the first successful heart transplant in the United States. He lectures at medical centers and universities around the world and lives in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.

Book Review - On Animals; Susan Orlean

On Animals; Susan Orlean

Avid Reader Press & Simon & Schuster Audio 10/12/2021

 On Animals was an interesting collection of essays written and published by the author over the last 25 years. Each of the essays examines animal-human relationships from the ones we are most familiar with: the animals who become a part or our family to farm animals and exotic animals as well.  Some of the animals featured in the essays were: tigers in New Jersey, lions in Africa, working oxen pairs in Cuba, the use of pack animals in rocky terrain like Afghanistan, show dogs, dog breeders, donkeys, rabbits, pandas, racing pigeons, Keiko, the orca whale featured in Free Willy and more.   

One essay in particular made me sad when the author wrote about the use of animals in the early movies. Animals in movies at that time were considered disposable, especially horses in movies like Ben Hur. It was terrible how cruelly they were treated at that time.

The essays were based on some of the authors previously published articles, observations and travel research over the last 25 years.  The author, at one point, also gave up city life in Manhattan for farm life in upstate New York where she was able to grow her animal passion - when she moved her animals moved as well.

As an animal lover, I found this collection of essays to be informative and fun to read. I enjoyed the writing style as well  I think most animal lovers will enjoy this book which was so full of interesting information. This was a combo read (eGalley) and (audio download) for me.  The audio was read by the author. For some reason the author's tone seemed a bit flat and uneven to me at times so I opted for eGalley as a supplement.

Thanks go to Simon & Schuster Audio, Avid Reader Press and Edelweiss for allowing me early access to this interesting collection.

RATING - 4/5 stars

Book Review - Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

 Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

Simon & Schuster Audio - 9/21/2021

Peril is the third book by Bob Woodward about the Trump Administration; it follows Fear and Rage  (which I did not read.) I was particularly interested in this book as covers much of the final year of the Trump presidency as well as the first 100 days of the Biden presidency.  I also have a lot of respect for both Bob Woodward and Robert Costa as journalists who, in my opinion, speak the truth.

The book has 70+ chapters and is the result of some 200 interviews, transcripts, emails, secret orders and diary entries from individuals who were said to be inside sources.  Just a few of the eye opening chapters included Trumps admission to downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus, General Milley's need to take action after irrational behavior by Trump. Paul Ryan's concerns about the amoral behaviors of a narcissistic president. Trumps continuous pressure on Mike Pence to overturn the free and fair election, as well as the Pence call to Dan Quale asking his opinion. Trumps unwillingness to accept the reality of a lost reelection bid and jeopardizing democracy in the process, and the Trump presidency culminating in the January 6th insurrection.  There is also to a lesser degree background information about information about Biden and his campaign as well as, Biden's first 100 days which includes lots of detail on the Rescue Act and what it took to get it passed.

A worthy read for readers interested in politics. I'm pretty sure regardless of your political preferences, there will be some eye opening moments and insight gained by reading this book.  The problem, I suspect, is whether some will choose to believe what they read in this much divided nation of ours.  

The audio book was narrated by Robert Pertroff who did a fantastic job. The audio is 13+ hours  and the download was provided at no cost to my by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy; Anne Sebba

Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy; Anne Sebba

Macmillan Audio - 2021  - (10 hrs. 21 min)

Orlagh Cassidy - narrator (very good)

I've always enjoyed a good dose of NF, especially with a good bio or memoir, so when I saw this biography was recently released, I was intrigued.

I think most of us in the US have heard at least a little about Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. The couple who lived on the lower East Side in NYC and were convicted of conspiring to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. The couple was put to death by electrocution minutes apart on June 19, 1953, leaving two young boys who would enter the foster care system.

Ethel, a Jewish immigrant, was raised by a mother who was very cold and critical and favored her brother David. Ethel was a bright girl who graduated from school at 15 and loved music; she had dreams of a career in the opera. She landed a job with the government which she gave up when she married Julius so that he could work for the government in New York. She wanted to be a good wife and mother, but at the age of 37 she was put to death leaving her sons ages 6 and 10 orphans.

All of this happened during the Cold War and both husband and wife believed in communism as did many immigrants at that time. They, along with others,  saw communism as a way to lift immigrants who came to US in search of a better life out of poverty.  The US in the 1950's was the age of McCarthy-ism and there was rampant political paranoia.  Ethel's own brother David perjured himself and later admitted he lied when he gave testimony. There was jealousy among the families and David's false testimony against his sister Ethel was an effort to protect his own wife.  There was no concrete evidence that Ethel was guilty but, it was proven that her husband Julius had been recruited and was a spy. Despite the pressure put on Ethel to incriminate Julius, she refused to do.  Most believed that at least Ethel Rosenberg was innocent but, the government was determined to send a frightening message by putting her to death as well. 

This book was extensively researched and was an eye-opener for sure; it gives the reader a lot to think about. At times it made me mad that something like this could have happened here in the United States, especially in the manner it all appeared to go down.  

Rating - 4/5 stars

This audio download was provided by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The narrator, Orlagh Cassidy did a very good job.

Book Review - The Inflammation Spectrum; Dr. Will Cole

The Inflammation Spectrum; Dr. Will Cole

Avery Books - 2019 - (borrowed from library)

Inflammation, seems to be a hot topic these days when people talk about health issues.  How we feel, especially as we age,  seems to be a product of not only our stress levels and getting enough sleep but also how our bodies and our immune systems react to the different foods and drinks we consume. Different foods can be a friend to one individual but a foe to other people.

The book discusses symptoms of food intolerance such as: bloating, runny nose, joint and muscle pain, fatigue and IBS.

There is a quiz that asks you to answer questions and depending on how you answer and what your point values are in the following categories: 1) brain & nervous system assessment, digestive system assessment, detox system, blood sugar, hormonal system, musculoskeletal system and autoimmune inflammation.  Depending on how you answer the questions you will get an idea as to which are your trigger areas. (For me it was digestive, musculoskeletal and autoimmune inflation). 

The next part was the cleanse, either 4-weeks or 8-weeks depending on your assessment. This was the part that was quite overwhelming for me.  The Elim-4 has you eliminating: all grains, all forms of dairy, all sweeteners and sugars and all inflammatory oils such as: corn, vegetable, canola and sunflower. While the Elim. 8 includes the 4 just mentioned as well as: legumes, nuts and seeds, eggs, and nightshades: tomatoes, white and yellow potatoes, eggplant and all peppers.  

There is of course a focus list of acceptable foods and beverages during this period as well as some recipes which sound quite decent.

For me, I can't imagine doing the complete 8 - program  (just too extreme) but, this book did give me a better idea of what my areas of concern are, especially when I combine this information with what gathered from another book: Eat Right 4 Your Type, by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo which I read and reviewed in 2020.

Have you tried any similar programs to determine your food triggers?  I do know too much dairy, nuts  and the nightshades family are not my friends. I'm okay with a little of each though. 

Rating - 4/5 stars