The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2022 (2nd edition)

 The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2022 (2nd edition), Ellen Marino, Independently Published, 2022

The Mediterranean Diet is not about restricting people to certain foods, but about adding healthier foods (like fresh fruits and vegetables) to your diet. That's what this book is all about.

This diet can help prevent heart disease and Alzheimer's Disease. It can also help burn fat and manage your Type 2 diabetes. Among the suggestions are: eating healthy fats, increasing your consumption of seafood, drink wine and exercise.

There are two recipes per page, along with color pictures of what the dish is supposed to look like. There is a also a full list of ingredients and instructions. The recipes include vanilla raspberry oats, poached eggs, crispy fried sardines, chicken pizza, chicken rice, orange avocado and almond salad, cucumber bites and chocolate cake.

For anyone who wants to eat healthier, this book is a very good place to start. The author makes it very easy. Alternatively, you can just drool over the color pictures.  

From Pain Into Purpose

 From Pain Into Purpose, Andrea Baumann, 2022, Independently Published

This book is about one person's journey, from extreme emotional pain to dedicating her life to helping others.

The author grew up in 20th century Switzerland. To say that both sides of her family were dysfunctional is much too mild. Is there such a thing as "super-dysfunctional"? Lots of alcohol was consumed. There were a couple of suicides. In her 20s, the author moved to New Zealand, where she was able to regain her emotional bearings. She became interested in alternative health, including meditation, reiki and chiropractic. She was exposed to something called BodyTalk, and it changed her life. 

BodyTalk does not just treat your lower back pain, for example. The pain could be a manifestation of unresolved emotions from childhood, that need to get resolved. It could also be a symptom of unseen problems with your gallbladder. BodyTalk looks at the whole person. The book also talks about chakras and meridians. If this sounds too "New Age," consider this: Would you rather try an out-of-the-box treatment, or deal with migraine headaches, or bowel problems, for the rest of your life?

This book shows that it is possible to survive even the worst conditions at home. For those with chronic health problems, reading this book is a very good idea. 

The eSmith Short Tales

 The eSmith Short Tales: Fables and Stories from Fairytale Land, GranRan, NuSaga Press, 2020

The collection of fairy tales is about the family of a fox named eSmith. They are based on Aesop's Fables. The reader will experience eSmith's first trip to the beach, along with his first encounter with a buffalo, a boar and a lion. His father is disfigured, having lost his tail in an "accident." His mother is brash, and has red fur. She tries desperately to save him from becoming lunch for a group of hungry eagles. Color illustrations certainly help.

Here is a really good group of stories for older children. It may not be good for young children, because, like Aesop's Fables, not all of the stories end with "happily ever after." It is still a good book to read to a child, or for a child to read back. 

Chronicles of the Future Past: New World Order

 Chronicles of the Future Past: New World Order, A Elkady, 2022, Independently Published

Part 2 of a series, this illustrated book looks at the near future of humanity. It's not pretty.

The book moves between three different time periods. Of course, 9/11 is included in this book. In the present, a new type of arms race forces the American President to completely withdraw from Afghanistan. American intelligence agents are rushing around the world, hunting for those responsible, and attempting to stop the next 9/11.

In the 2060's, the False Coming sparks a new worldwide holy war. This just after the Second American Civil War in the 2050's. America, Russia and China are forced to team up against Nova Spes, a new fascist tyranny.

Since this story is all about present-day, and future, politics, many people who read it will accuse the author of being anti-this or anti-that. Relax, and take a deep breath. It is always good to know what the "other side" is thinking. My only criticism is that reading Part 1, before Part 2, is probably a good idea (I am one of those who has to read a series in order). This is a chilling look at humanity's near future, and is very highly recommended.

Anger Management Book for Kids

 Anger Management Book for Kids, The Mentor Bucket, 2022

This book presents many ways for children to express themselves when they get angry.

First of all, what caused you to get angry? Did it happen at school, on the playground or at home? Did a friend or family member treat you badly? Do you bear any part of the blame for the incident?

There are many pages in this book to express your feelings. Draw a self-portrait of your angry self. Are there lots of lightning bolts around you? There are many suggestions of ways to let out your anger. Ride your bike around the neighborhood, or otherwise get active outside. Go in your room and draw (or paint) or play a musical instrument. Sit down with a notebook, and write out how you are feeling. Journaling is always a good idea. If you consider yourself a future Gordon Ramsey, head for the kitchen, and bake something (with a parent's help, of course). The important part is to let out that anger, using whatever method works for you.

Children are not the only ones who have a hard time dealing with anger; this book will help a lot. It is very much worth reading, for children and their parents.

The Luxe Life

 The Luxe Life: A Guide to Launching a Fabulous and Thriving Online Boutique, Dee D Smith, 2022

You consider yourself a fashionista, and you have decided to open an online boutique. There are many things to consider before Opening Day.

Will you have a brick and mortar store, or will it be all online? Will you sell your items through a site like Etsy or Poshmark, or will your success depend on your own website? The name of your company should be short, and catchy, and leave no doubt in the mind of the consumer as to what you are selling.

Your company needs to be registered with your local or state tax authority. While you're there, ask them about any licenses or permits that are needed; get them, ahead of time. What is your niche? Why should a person buy from you, instead of someone else? What sort of message do you want to convey with your website? Should the site have all pastel colors, or should they be more bold and vibrant?

This book is very easy to read, and very good. It is not a comprehensive book that will answer all your questions. For anyone wanting to enter the world of online retail, here is an excellent place to start.