The Complete Dr. Now's 1200-Calorie Diet Plan for Beginners

 The Complete Dr. Now's 1200-Calorie Diet Plan for Beginners, Ian S. Garrett, 2025

Are you looking for a no-nonsense, doctor-approved diet plan to improve your metabolism and lose some weight at the same time? This book may be able to help.

A daily limit of 1200 calories may seem daunting, but these recipes are satisfying and nutritious (and very colorful). These meals are full of protein and fiber, and are easy to prepare (to fit your busy lifestyle). There are recipes here for all meals in the day, from breakfast to a midnight snack. Don't forget mindset; a positive attitude is a big help.

This book is easy to follow, and it includes a 60-day diet plan, to make things as simple as possible. It is recommended for anyone who is serious about weight loss.

2025 Ninja Slushi Cookbook for Beginners

 2025 Ninja Slushi Cookbook for Beginners, Makilunape Kokiyuope, 2025

Sometimes a person just has a craving for a delicious and icy drink. This book may be able to help.

It provides hundreds of recipes for fruit slushies to dessert blends of all kinds. These slushies (not smoothies) are recommended for a summer party, or just as an indulgent treat. There are recipes for soda-based slushies, fruit slushies, spiked slushies, frozen juice slushies, frappes, tea-based slushies, milkshakes and sugar-free slushies.

These recipes are totally customizable, and can be made healthier. This book is very easy to follow. The bright colors of the drinks certainly helps. This is worth reading for everyone.

How Smart People Can Become More Successful

 How Smart People Can Become More Successful, Ram V Iyer, 2025

It's normal to think that a degree from a top university (like an Ivy League school) is an absolute guarantee of career success. It's also normal to think that success in one area is an absolute guarantee of success in an unrelated area. Everyone has heard of the Law of Attraction; wish for something hard enough, and the Universe will give it to you. According to this book, life doesn't work like that.

While those things are very important, what is much more important is to actually do it. It doesn't matter if you are networking with the ultimate goal of getting a better job, or you are an entrepreneur bringing a product to market. Don't wait for success to come to you, go out and get it. If you fail, don't worry about it. Say to yourself "What can I learn from this non-success?" instead of "I'm a failure. I give up."

The author talks about Smartness - the ability to leverage your advantages for personal or business success. Intelligence does not equal smartness. It is the ability to see things as they are, know what needs to be done, and then do it.

Many obstacles will appear in your journey to success. There is no Perfect time to do it, there is only Now. Do you need to analyze every detail before you do anything? In the meantime, a competitor will have dominated the market. Are you a control freak who is unable to delegate anything?

This book is recommended for people at all stages of their working life. It is eye-opening and easy to understand. It is also a gem of a book.

I am Eva

 I Am Eva, Elena Zhuravleva, 2024

Eva is your average resident of Kyiv, Ukraine before the Russian invasion. Several days of constant shelling convinces her to flee. Her ex-husband is no help; he has already paid a fortune to leave Ukraine, dressed as a woman. His attitude is "get out on your own."

There is a harrowing train ride to Poland, along with other refugees. The train is forced to stop, and shut off all lights, every time a plane goes overhead. After time in a Polish refugee camp, Eva takes a bus to an, unnamed, town on the Mediterranean. It is quiet, and peaceful, and she lives with an older couple who treat her like family. She can't stay forever, so she moves to the nearby city to live her own life. There she meets John, an American volunteer. Their time together is quite passionate. Do they stay together, away from the Russian invasion, and live "happily ever after"? Do either, or both, of them get on a train heading east, back to Ukraine?

The author of this story packs a lot into 20 pages. It has current events, it has romance, and it has lots of good writing. This story is very much worth reading.

The New Foraging Bible for Beginners

The New Foraging Bible for Beginners, Andrew Kennest, 2024

There are several rules to follow when foraging for herbs and berries. Always go with an experienced person, someone who knows the difference, by sight, between a healthy plant, and one which can kill you. If you find a plant near a main road, or a plowed field, don't touch it. The plant is probably full of pesticides, or pollution from car exhaust. If you find a lavender plant, for instance, take just part of it, don't take all of it. Leave some of the plant, so it can keep growing, and leave some of it for the next person.

This book describes how to dry or freeze your plant, to have it during the winter, or to preserve your berries. It is also very acceptable to cut up the leaves of certain plants, and boil them for tea, or sprinkle them on top of a salad. This book contains pictures and descriptions of many different plants, including the poisonous ones.

Here is a book that feels very complete, and is very easy to understand. It belongs in the backpack, or on the Kindle, of everyone who forages in the woods for herbs and berries.

CPC Exam Study Guide 2024-2025

 

CPC Exam Study Guide 2024-2025, Rory George, 2023

Accurate medical coding is a very important part of the healthcare field. It can help medical personnel give the right medical treatment. It is also vital when looking for reimbursement from the insurance company.

Knowing your way around the human body should be self-evident. A coder also has to be able to read and interpret medical records. For example, a person comes to the hospital complaining of shortness of breath. After the emergency is over, is it coded as a breathing problem, like asthma, or an allergic reaction? Could it actually be some sort of heart problem, with a pre-existing condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure?

This test-prep book includes a practice test, with many real-life examples. There are a lot of questions and answers, along with several downloadable extras. This book will make studying for the Certified Professional Coder exam much less painful. It is very much worth it. 

CNA Study Guide 2024-2025

 

CNA Study Guide 2024-2025, Blair Theo Ritter, 2023

This test prep book explores the many possible duties involved in being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

A CNA can work in a hospital, nursing home or as a home health care aide. Their duties can include assisting patients with daily activities, like bathing, feeding and helping with exercises. Seeing the patient every day, they are best able to notice any change in their condition. The sooner the nursing staff is told of such changes, the better.

More advanced CNA duties include care for chronic conditions like diabetes or COPD, dementia support and hospice care. Excellent communication skills are very important, because the CNA will have to communicate with patients, their families and other medical staff.

This book gives many tips for taking the CNA exam. It also includes many questions and answers, along with a practice test (with answers and explanations).

For anyone wanting to take the CNA exam, this book feels very complete and easy to understand. It is a good place to start your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

CMA Study Guide 2024-2025

 

CMA Study Guide 2024-2025, Robert Cliven, 2023

There is a lot to becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). This test prep book is here to help.

The medical part of being a CMA should be self-evident. Taking a patient's medical history is possible, so good communication skills and knowing what questions to ask are important. A CMA may be asked to take a blood sample, or administer medication, or assist with simple medical procedures, so knowing their way around the human body is also important. In the administrative area, the CMA may get involved in billing and coding, or being the medical receptionist (the first person the patient encounters). Another possibility for the CMA is to make sure the practice is financially successful (keeping "the books") or looking for reimbursement from the insurance company.

This book contains many questions and answers, along with a practice test (with answers and explanations). It feels very complete and comprehensive, and is a very good choice for anyone thinking of taking the CMA exam.

TSI Exam Study Guide 2024-2025

 

TSI Exam Study Guide 2024-2025, Emma Cambria Wilkerson and Rory George, 2023

This book is all about a computerized test called the Texas Success Initiative. It is for high school students, and is designed to assess their readiness for college-level courses.

The test, and this book, focuses on three main areas. Mathematics covers basic addition, algebra, geometry, data analysis and probability. Reading comprehension looks at literary analysis, analyzing the author's purpose, identifying the main idea and making inferences about the text. Writing explores how to write an effective essay, sentence structure and grammar and subject-verb agreement.

The test is computerized, so the difficulty of the questions is based on the student's previous answers. Do well on the test, and the student can go right into college-level credit courses. If the score is not so good, in any of the areas, then the student will be put into a non-credit remedial course.

There are many questions and answers, along with a practice test, in the back of the book. It is recommended for all students preparing to take the TSI Exam. It is also recommended for students elsewhere who want an objective measure of their readiness for college-level courses.

Before the Singularity: The Architecture of Human Programming and the AI-Driven Future

Before the Singularity: The Architecture of Human Programming and the AI-Driven Future, Ali Peivandizadeh, 2025

Here is a group of observations about the patterns that design your life, and write your thoughts ahead of time.

"Control the narrative, manage key nodes and let the system produce the desired outcome." "Language isn't how you communicate. It's what you're allowed to think." "Look at how chaos is created, responses are directed and planned solutions are dictated." "The best propaganda is invisible."

The first step to changing "the system" is understanding its size and dimensions. If you feel that something is "wrong" with your daily life, read this book. It is less than 100 pages long, and it has a lot to say about the present day. It is a real eye-opener (and rather depressing).

Complete Ethiopian Bible in English - 88 Books

Complete Ethiopian Bible in English - 88 Books, Eddie Helton Brooks, 2025, ISBN 979-8-2808-53232

 Have you ever wondered if the Bible was part of a much larger group of religious and spiritual texts? The short answer is Yes.

For many centuries, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has preserved hundreds of ancient prayers, prophetic visions and symbolic narratives. Included are Bible books, like Genesis, Exodus, Judges, the 4 Gospels and the Letters of Paul. Among the 88 Books in this book are the Books of Meqabyan, Judith, Baruch, Jonah, Malachi, Amos, Hosea, Nahum, Obadiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk.

Due to space limitations in a hardcover book, the other several hundred Books are only a QR code away. The space limitations have also caused the printing to be very small (having a magnifier is a very good idea). This is still an excellent book for serious religious scholars, and for average people who simply want to deepen their faith.

The Quick Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners

The Quick Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners, Zdenka Jiraskova, 2024 

The Mediterranean Diet has many health benefits. It concentrates on the fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, nuts and fish from that region (with an occasional glass of red wine).

Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Diet. The emphasis is on plant-based food, like legumes, seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. Also included in the Diet are lean proteins (seafood), whole grains (barley and whole wheat) and herbs and spices (instead of salt). Among the Diet's many health benefits are weight management, longevity and cognitive health and diabetes management. Along with your new eating habits, consider increasing your interaction with other people and increasing you daily physical activity.

This book is full of recipes, for all meals. Try just one recipe in this book. If you like it, try another recipe (and then a third recipe). This cookbook is full of information, for those who are serious about wanting to improve their health, and those who simply want to eat healthier.

Barbara O'Neill Natural Holistic Remedies Complete Collection - 20 Books in 1

 

Barbara O’Neill Natural Holistic Remedies Complete Collection – 20 Books in 1,
 Rebecca Wimborne, 2024

This is a huge compendium (almost 1000 pages) of information on natural and holistic healing. It is based on the writings of Barbara O'Neill, a very well-known person in the natural health world.

It starts with the basics. What is natural healing and why should I care about it? Should I use it instead of conventional, Western medicine? No, the reader should use holistic medicine along with, not instead of, conventional medicine.

Herbal healing has been around for thousands of years. This omnibus book talks about the best herbs, and the best ways to get them into your body. What are the best herbal remedies for common ailments? It profiles common herbs, like garlic, nettle and sage. There is an entire book on detoxification. Other books are about healing chronic illnesses and natural pain relief.

As with anything else related to health, a visit to your local doctor, ahead of time, is a good idea, especially if you are planning a multi-day detox. Pick just one section in this book-of-books, like joint pain or emotional assistance. If the remedies in that section work for you, try another section. This is an excellent book to keep on your bookshelf, or in your kindle.

Incredible Stories for Inquisitive Kids

 

Incredible Stories for Inquisitive Kids, Fred Flynn, 2024

 This book presents short tales of adventure and exploration for readers of all ages.

Alexander Selkirk, who spent several years alone on a deserted island, was the real-life inspiration for the story of Robinson Crusoe. Another story is about the birth of the chocolate chip cookie. Thomas Edison gets the credit, or blame, for the world's first cat video. A woman named Violet Jessup survived three major shipwrecks, one of which was the Titanic. Bessie Coleman was the first African-American airplane pilot. Have you ever heard of the laughing epidemic of 1962, or Boston's molasses flood of 1919? 

This is an excellent book for young people and their parents. It does a very good job of teaching and entertaining at the same time. Here is a collection of tales that is very much worth the time and money.

The Essential Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2024

 

The Essential Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2024, Kimberly N Bains, 2024

Everyone has heard of the Mediterranean Diet, but not everyone knows the details. It concentrates on food grown in the region, in countries like France, Italy and Greece. The Diet is all about fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts, with an occasional glass of wine.

Its many health benefits include weight management, cognitive health and diabetes prevention. Along with your new eating habits, consider increasing your interactions with other people and add to your daily activity/exercises.

This book has lots of recipes, for all meals. Start with something small, like cooking with olive oil, instead of butter. Try cooking just one recipe in this book, then cook another recipe, and another. Before you know it, you will be on your way to healthier eating. It is very much worth considering.

Chosen

 

Chosen, Edward Hendry, 2024

Part 2 of a series, this story is about James "Mack" MacNaughton, a Vietnam veteran who has had his fill of war. Several unexplained things have happened in his life.

Courtesy of a red ruby with supernatural powers, Mack finds himself in the middle of the Revolutionary War. He also has fallen for Toey, a Cherokee princess. Mack does not want to change history, but he wants to stay away from the British as much as possible. Several supernatural beings, including angels and beings from Cherokee folklore, tell Mack that he has a destiny to fulfill. Does it involve Toey? Does it involve returning to the 21st Century?

Here is an excellent piece of writing. It has historical fiction, it's just weird enough, without being too weird, and it has true love. The reader will not go wrong with this one.

Super Easy Good Energy Cookbook for Beginners

 Super Easy Good Energy Cookbook for Beginners, Astrid Rasmussen, 2024

You want to start eating healthy, and maybe lose a few pounds, but you are intimidated by the seemingly infinite number of Diets that are out there. This book may be able to help.

This book does not advocate counting carbs or calories (or counting anything). It does advocate eating fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to be at its best. If you can, buy organic (they have the least amount of processing and pesticides). Drinking lots of water is always a good idea; so is getting some exercise.

On the other hand, stay away from refined sugar and processed food (the typical America diet). Any nutrition the food may have had has been replaced by fat, carbs and calories. It may be momentarily satisfying, but your body will not like it. Caffeine, in soda and coffee, should also be reduced. There are many recipes in this book to help you on your way.

If the information in this book can be reduced to a couple of sentences, they might be: "Greatly increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic if possible). Drink lots of water, and get some exercise. Greatly decrease (or eliminate) your consumption of sugar, caffeine and processed food." Everyone wants better health, and a few less pounds to carry around. This book is an excellent place to start that journey.

NCMHCE Study Guide

 

NCMHCE Study Guide, Ariadne Blaine, 2023

Are you interested in becoming a mental health counselor? Do you want to assist people with ADHD, anorexia or PTSD? This book is here to help.

Be very sure of the requirements to be a mental health counselor in your state. Some states may require the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam, while other states may just recommend it. 

It is very difficult for any counselor to accurately diagnose a patient based on, for instance, one personal observation. There are many tools available (CBT, MRI, Rorschach test, etc.). The book also looks at professional ethics and what to do in an emergency. Aside from knowing the right answers, the test taker also has to interpret the situation and use the appropriate counseling method. Of course, there is a practice test in the back of the book, with answers and explanations.

This is a very good review of the information needed for the license exam. It is very much worth the money.

Police Officer Exam Study Guide 2024-2025

 Police Officer Exam Study Guide 2024-2025, Bram Keats, 2023

This book gives an introduction to the world of police work. There is a broad view of the legal system, the book explores principles of criminal law and traffic rules, and it looks at the art of writing clear and comprehensive reports.

A present-day police officer has to do more than simply fight crime. An officer has to have excellent interpersonal skills. He or she has to be able to defuse a domestic argument before it gets out of control, and talk someone "off the ledge" who is having a mental health crisis. An important part of policing is knowing when to use force. The book covers all of these areas.

There is a practice test in the back of the book, along with many questions and answers. Here is an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to take the police exam. It is also recommended for anyone who simply wants to know more about the world of police.

Civil Service Exam Study Guide 2024-2025

Civil Service Exam Study Guide 2024-2025, Talon Redwood, 2023

Have you ever considered a career in the civil service? Do you want to be a postal worker or police officer? How about being a clerical officer, making sure that your portion of the government bureaucracy is running smoothly. That's what this book is all about.

Math ability is very important. You don't need to know calculus, but you do need to know, for instance, how to turn a bunch of data into understandable statistics. Of course, general computer skills are a must. Reading comprehension skills are also very important, so that you can understand all those reports and policy papers that you will receive. On the other side, being able to write clearly, so that others can understand you, will help a lot. If you are lacking in any of these areas, now is the time to start improving your skills.

This book has many questions and answers in each of these areas. There is also a practice test in the back of the book, with answers and explanations. For anyone interested in taking the civil service exam, this book is very much worth adding to your list of study materials.

The Holistic Home Apothecary

 The Holistic Home Apothecary, Lucille Driscoll, 2024

This book contains hundreds of recipes for natural ingredients to combat minor pains and daily discomforts.

The categories in the book include digestive health, immune system support, pain relief and inflammation, kidney and urinary health and energy/vitality. Each recipe has three or four ingredients that are in your kitchen or can be bought at the local grocery store. There is no explanation as to why each recipe is healthy.

For those who are looking for a natural alternative to prescription medicine, this book is an excellent place to start. Whatever your ailment, there is probably something here that can help.

The Ultimate Flavorful Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook

 The Ultimate Flavorful Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook, Jose C Fisher, 2024

An air fryer is not just another gadget, taking up space in your kitchen. It's an all-in-one machine, allowing the cook to fry, grill, bake and sear, without using cooking oil. The meals will be healthier and more flavorful than cooking the regular way.

There are many recipes in this book, covering all meals in the day. They range from breakfast to seafood to vegetable dishes to snacks and appetizers to desserts. This book will even help a beginner chef to unleash their creativity in the kitchen.

This book is for a specific brand of air fryer. If you received one as a gift, and have wanted to try it, here is an excellent place to start. Try just one recipe (start with dessert). If you like it, try another recipe, and another recipe. Soon, you will be a culinary expert. This book is worth the money.

Dr. Sebi Bible: 30 Books in 1

 

Dr. Sebi Bible: 30 Books in 1, Katie Marie Campbell, 2024, ISBN 979-8-33918-3525

Are you looking for a health book that deals with the root causes of disease, instead of just the symptoms? That's what this book is all about.

It's very important that the body have a slightly alkaline pH level. Why? It will help muscle mass and bone density, it promotes mental clarity and improves kidney health, and it detoxifies the body. An acidic pH level can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to major problems like cancer or heart disease.

The separate books inside this omnibus book explore topics like treating diabetes, lupus, herpes, hair loss, skin health, anxiety management and cancer. There are also lots of very healthy recipes.

Regardless of your physical ailment, this book probably has a treatment for it. Don't try to read this book in one sitting. It is an excellent book to keep in your kindle or on your bookshelf and read it when needed.

Ultimate 3-on-1 Collection: Crossword Puzzles for Kids 8-12

Ultimate 3-in-1 Collection: Crossword Puzzles for Kids 8-12, Maky Publishing, 2024, ISBN 9798333516725

Are you looking for an educational activity that might help your child to reduce their daily screen time? This book is here to help.

At a total length of 350 pages, this book consists of three different full-size crossword puzzle books for children. The intention is to help each child improve their logical thinking and their vocabulary, while (for instance) keeping them occupied on long trips. The individual books are about summer activities and Christmas, along with a general skill builder.

This is an excellent book for children. It might also help with a little family bonding. Maybe your child will grow up to be one of those who spends each Sunday doing the crossword puzzle in the New York Times.

Poof! The Disappearance of a Writer in the Age of AI

 

Poof! The Disappearance of a Writer in the Age of AI, Shana Burg, 2024

This memoir is about an award-winning writer who wants to write literary novels. She pays the bills by being a content creator for a hard-driving entrepreneur named Maura. Shana provides Maura with blog posts for her to put online and emails to send to clients. One day, Maura says that she wants to try this A.I. that’s suddenly very popular. Gulp! Will Shana find herself out of a job?

The story also goes back in time. In high school, she was involved with the school newspaper. She was also part of the school newspaper at Penn State University, where she received an English degree. There were several moves around the country, for various writing jobs.

Shana spent some time working for a non-profit. She traveled to the African country of Malawi. Her job was to evaluate how well donated books and school supplies were (or were not) getting to the individual schools. She was shocked to find that students were making letters out of clay taken right from a termite mound. She was also shocked to find crates and crates full of donated school supplies in warehouses in the capital. The problem was logistics; there were not enough trucks or drivers to distribute them.

Back in the present, Shana decides to join the blogosphere. She starts a blog about taking baths. She also gets an education about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It is necessary to visit Google and see what questions people are asking about taking baths and write about that. Financially, the blog does pretty well. What does Shana ultimately decide about A.I, join or resist?

This is an excellent book about one writer’s journey through the world of A.I. It’s very easy to read, and it’s got some humor in it. The reader will not go wrong with this story.

Home Apothecary Collection: 50 Books in 1

 

Home Apothecary Collection: 50 Books in 1, Lydia Varden, 2024

This is a comprehensive look at the world of herbal medicine and natural healing.

It talks about the science behind natural healing, identifying and harvesting "good" herbs while avoiding "bad" herbs, and the various ways to get herbs into your body (teas, tisanes, infusions and topical solutions).

The book also looks at aromatherapy, baths and soaks and tinctures and extracts. Throughout history, everyone from the Chinese to the Hindus to Native Americans has had their own herbal wisdom. Growing and preserving your herbal garden, along with myths and misconceptions about herbal medicine, are also explored in this book. Then come the recipes.

They cover chronic pain, women's and men's health, pet health, detoxification, hydration, helping the immune system, seasonal allergies hair and skin care, digestive health, chronic conditions, cold and flu. Whatever your ailment, there is probably something in this book to help.

For anyone who wants to get into herbal medicine, before going to the local pharmacy, start here. The reader will learn more than they ever wanted to know about natural healing. Keep this book on your bookshelf or in your kindle.

Cosmological Ice Ages and Global Warming

 

Cosmological Ice Ages and Global Warming, Henry Kroll, Trafford Publishing, 2009

This book presents a very different view of Earth, the Moon and the solar system.

Did you know that the solar system is in orbit around a double star system? Sirius A and B are several light years away, so one orbit will take something like 100,000 years. Ancient writings show Sirius as a triple star system. Modern science has not yet found Sirius C.

Several million years ago, Earth was in one of multiple ice ages. The Sun did not have the energy available to jumpstart the warming of Earth and the reduction of Earth’s atmospheric pressure from several hundred pounds per square inch (psi) to the present less than 20 psi. Sirius B (a neutron star that puts out a lot of ultraviolet light) has the energy available.

There are few, if any, plant species that bloom twice in one year; ocean plankton is one of them. They bloom with help from Sirius B’s ultraviolet light. The plankton dies off for a couple of months because Sirius A (a white dwarf star) get in front of Sirius B. When Sirius B “returns,” so does the plankton.

The Big Bang Theory, which the author does not accept, says that all of the galaxies are supposed to be rushing away from each other at high speed. That doesn’t explain several examples of galaxies colliding with each other. Did you know that The Big Bang Theory was created by the Vatican? In the late 1920’s, a Catholic monk named Georges Lemaitre postulated the theory two years before Edwin Hubble, the “discoverer” of the theory. It was intended to get science to agree with the Bible.

Conventional wisdom says that the Earth and Moon are about the same geological age. Analysis of moon rocks shows that they are several billion years older than Earth rocks. It is more likely that the Moon was placed in orbit around Earth tens of thousands of years ago.

The author has nothing good to say about NASA. Their explanation for reports of water vapor shooting out of the Moon’s surface (on a supposedly dry world) was to say that it was astronaut urine. They have also removed all film and photos of the Moon from their website. Why? Are they hiding something? Unnatural shapes or alien structures? Are they hiding evidence of alien construction because the Moon is actually hollow and filled with aliens?

The reader will need a really open mind, along with some knowledge of astronomy. It is a fascinating and eye-opening book that will cause the reader to see the stars in a different way. (Even though this book was published several years ago, sending it to a proofreader now is a very good idea.)

Solo Agers: Book 1

 

Solo Agers: Book 1 - Kakistocracy, Myron Ward, 2025

America is experiencing a collapse in fertility rates. The scapegoat is "Solo Agers," elderly people who never had children. They are rounded up by the government, using SWAT teams, and given a one-way trip to "retirement havens" (prison).

In sewer tunnels, one female doctor performs secret retinal modifications to help people avoid the regime. Each life she saves gets her closer to freeing her husband, and get them both to Indonesia, where Solo Agers are not considered criminals. The FBI is on the case, and in the sewer tunnels, this one doctor becomes an unintentional spark of resistance.

This is a short novel, about 65 pages, but it belongs on the same level as The Handmaid's Tale. It is very dystopian, very plausible and very much worth reading. I look forward to future books in this series.

The Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners

 

The Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners, Vincent P Wade, 2024

The Mediterranean Diet has many health benefits. It emphasizes the fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grains that come from southern Europe. An occasional glass of red wine is also acceptable.

The Diet begins with healthy fats, like olive oil. It concentrates on plant-based foods, like legumes and seeds, along with the previously mentioned fruits and vegetables. The Diet also includes whole grains, lean protein and herbs and spices. Among its many health benefits are weight management and diabetes management, cognitive health and longevity. It's a good idea to add daily physical activity and increased interaction with others to your new eating habits.

This book is full of recipes, for all times in the day. Start with something small, like using olive oil instead of butter. It is very easy to use, for chefs of all skill levels, and is recommended for everyone who wants to start eating healthier.

Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners

 

Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners, Beatrice Dias Santos, 2024

 

Have you heard of the Mediterranean Diet, but don't know if it's right for you? This book may be able to help. 

The Mediterranean Diet concentrates on the fresh fruits and vegetables (organic, if possible), nuts, fish and whole grains grown in that region (southern Europe). An occasional glass of red wine is a good idea. The Diet has many health benefits, including diabetes and weight management, longevity and cognitive health. It's also a good idea to add increased physical activity and increased interaction with others to your new eating habits.

There are many recipes in this book, for all meals in the day. Start small, with just one recipe. If you like it, try another recipe. before you know it, you will become a Mediterranean Diet expert. If you want to eat healthier than you have been eating, start here.

The complete Amish Apothecary Books

 The Complete Amish Apothecary Book, Joseph Noah Hershberger, 2025

 

Are you looking for a healthier, simpler lifestyle using herbal and home remedies? Do you want an alternative to running to the pharmacy to heal life's daily aches and pains? This book can help.

These recipes come from the Amish (the definition of "traditional"). Over 500 recipes cover subjects from weight loss to mood stabilization to cold and flu relief to hair and skin nutrition to detox to getting better sleep. Each recipe is easy to follow, and contains ingredients you already have in your kitchen or can easily get at the local grocery store.

Here is an excellent guide to the world of natural healing. Whatever your ailment, there is probably a treatment for it in this book. Keep this book on your bookshelf or in your kindle.

Decoding the Unicorn

 

Decoding the Unicorn, Sara Causey, 2025

 

This is a half-novel/half-biography of Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary General of the United Nations.

He was an introverted kid growing up in Sweden. He was very bookish, and loved spending time outside. Rising through the ranks of the Swedish Civil Service, Dag found himself as part of the Swedish delegation to the UN. The first Secretary general, a Norwegian named Trygve Lie, resigned for personal reasons. Dag was something of a compromise candidate. He didn't want the job, but he accepted it.

He was dropped in the middle of a media hurricane. There were constant accusations that he didn't have the guts for the job. The press seemed to obsess about what he thought of American women, or if he was dating anyone. He hated talking to the press, but understood that it was part of the job. Lie, his predecessor, loved the press (and was something of a jerk to the staff).

Dag improved morale by intentionally meeting every member of the staff, from the top floor to the basement. He also threw out the FBI, who were all over the building, looking for commies everywhere. He felt that diplomacy was not quick, even though the press was very impatient for results.

This book does an excellent job exploring the life of a person unfamiliar to most people. It is well worth the time.

Amish Survival Bible

 

Amish Survival Bible, Anna Hostetler, 2025

 

This book gives a comprehensive introduction to Amish self-sufficiency. They are people who have lived without modern technology for centuries.

The book explores many different aspects of the Amish way of life, including food preservation, herbal remedies, home security, water sourcing, woodworking, raising children, community and cooking without refrigeration.

No one is expected to adopt all parts of this book all at once. Start with something small, like a couple of pots of vegetables, or herbs or medicinal plants on your deck, or on your windowsill. Then, you can move on from there.

Any movement toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle is a very good thing. This book is an excellent introduction. It is very much worth the money.

Digital SAT - Main Idea and Reading Comprehension

 

Digital SAT - Main Idea and Reading Comprehension, K Jonathan, 2025

 

This book is designed to help with the Reading and Writing Section of the Digital SAT.

It will help a person to improve their analytical reasoning, develop accurate reading skills and identify logical relationships. It will also help a person to grasp the main idea of a passage and build test-taking strategies to effectively manage their time on test day.

There are a variety of passages to analyze, along with answers and explanations in the back of the book. They involve science, literature and social science. The subjects include modern-day topics, like renewable energy, AI and climate change.

For test takers, this is a great resource for improving your performance and raising your confidence level. It is very much worth considering.

The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners

 

The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners, Brendon Esqueda, 2025

Did you receive a crock pot as a gift, and don't know what to do with it? This book may be able to help.

Are you interested in reducing your time in the kitchen? Would you like a hot meal waiting for you after a long day at work? All you do is add the ingredients to the crock pot, turn it on and leave it on for several hours. The lower temperature and extended cooking time allow for more thorough cooking.

There are a lot of recipes in this book (with no pictures in the Kindle edition), including breakfast, seafood, meat, vegetarian, soups and dessert. For less experienced chefs, these recipes are very beginner-friendly.

Try just one recipe; start with dessert. If you like it, try a second recipe (then a third recipe). Here is a very good book to begin your journey to become a crock pot expert.

Ethiopian Bible in English Complete - 508 Books

 

Ethiopian Bible in English Complete - 508 Books, Eddie Helton Brooks, 2025 

For many centuries, the Ethiopian Orthodox church has preserved many of the most sacred texts of Christianity. These are writings that didn't make it into the Bible or other canons. 

Many of the Bible texts are here, including Genesis, Joshua, Job, Proverbs, Isaiah, Acts, the 4 Gospels, Romans and Corinthians. Among the Apocryphal texts (books that weren't included in the Bible) are the Books of Tobit, Judith, Esdras, Jubilees, 3 Books of Meqabyan and 5 Books of Enoch. 

Because of space limitations in a hardcover book, most of the texts are not here. However, they are just a QR code away. So are a 120-hour audiobook and 250 hours of video lessons.

This is recommended on several different levels. For historical or academic research, this is very much worth reading. It is also recommended for anyone who wants to deepen their faith with writings not in the Bible.

Project 2025 Explained

 

Project 2025 Explained, Gregory Durnham, 2025

This book attempts to explain "Project 2025," from the conservative Heritage Foundation, which has been so much in the news recently.

A central part of the plan is cut taxes, and regulations, on business, so they can build more facilities, and create more jobs (instead of raising their own salaries). Another important part of the plan is to concentrate as much power as possible in the hands of the president; it is supposed to improve efficiency. With the coming of high technology, some jobs will disappear, but other jobs will be created. The plan talks about investing in AI and green technology, along with education to re-train laid off workers in 21st century jobs.

"As Project 2025 moves forward, a fundamental aspect of its framework is the incorporation of diversity, inclusion and social justice into all facets of its policy-making and implementation." (page 109 of the kindle edition of this book) Really? When will that start?

For those who don't want to take on the nearly 1,000-page Heritage Foundation book, this is an excellent substitute. It is highly recommended for all Americans.

The Big Keto Diet Cookbook for Beginners

 

The Big Keto Diet Cookbook for Beginners, Joe M Miller, 2025 

What is the Keto Diet all about? This book provides an answer. 

The Keto Diet starts with raising your consumption of healthy fat, instead of junk food fat. Next comes greatly decreasing your carbohydrate consumption. When your body starts looking for energy to burn, it will go for the fat, instead of the carbs. Other things to remember include avoiding processed foods, mindful eating, staying hydrated, intermittent fasting and taking care of your whole body (stress management and physical activity).

The Keto Diet has many health benefits, including stable energy levels, appetite control, improved skin health, weight loss and reduced inflammation (which can lead to major physical problems).

The book includes many recipes, for all meals in the day, along with meal prep and meal planning tips. Try just one recipe (start with dessert), then try another. Even if you can only move some of the way toward eating healthier, this book will be very much worth the money.

Simple Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners

 

Simple Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners, Daniel Derr, 2025

You, or a loved one, have just been diagnosed with diabetes. Now what do you do?

Avoid carbohydrates as much as possible, because they will raise your blood sugar level too quickly. Fats and proteins will do it much more gradually. Look for whole, unprocessed foods that release energy steadily throughout the day. 

The recipes in this book cater to all sorts of tastes. Whether you are looking for a hearty dinner, a snack or a quick, weekday meal, this book has a recipe that is diabetes-friendly. Other important aspects of diabetes management are portion control and mindful eating. Listen to your body when it says "I'm full!"

It's a very good idea to incorporate some physical activity into your healthier diet. So is eating with other people; the social aspect of eating is very important. 

The recipes in this book are easy to follow. Even if you are not diabetic, and just want to eat healthier, here is a very good place to start.

Dr. Sebi's Natural Healing Bible

 

Dr Sebi's Natural Healing Bible, Celeste Morgan, 2025, ISBN 979-8-31606-0184

Dr. Sebi was a very well-known figure in the world of natural healing. His philosophy is all about the body's pH balance (from high school science class).

The pH numbers go from 0 to 14. The lower the number, the more acidic your body is. The chances are increased of contracting things like chronic inflammation, which can lead to all sorts of health problems. An optimum pH balance for the human body is approximately 7.4. How does a person get there? 

Greatly increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (which are alkaline-forming). Drink lots of water and include nuts and legumes in your diet. Greatly decrease, or eliminate, your consumption of sugar, soda and processed foods, which are more acid-forming.

The book looks at specific ailments, like cancer and diabetes. It explores herbs that can help, along with other things a person can do, like exercise, journaling and meditation. This is not intended as a cure for any disease, but, if this book can reduce the severity of the disease, then this is a very good thing.

As with any other health book, a trip to your local doctor, ahead of time, is a very good idea. This book is excellent, and easy to read. Even if a person can move part of the way toward being healthy, this book is worth the money.

The Secret Language of Numbers

 

The Secret Language of Numbers, Alexandra Mendes, 2025

At the local coffee shop, you notice a specific set of numbers, like your birth date or anniversary date, on the receipt. For the rest of that day, the same set of numbers shows up everywhere. Is the universe trying to tell you something?

Throughout history, humans have looked for patterns in daily life (sometimes where they don't exist). It can help an early caveman associate a certain type of clouds with bad weather. Instead of asking questions like "Is numerology real or fake?" try asking open-ended questions, like "What am I supposed to learn from this?" or "How do I feel when I see these numbers (happy, sad, agitated)?" Given a large enough sample, every combination of numbers will eventually happen. Maybe this specific set of numbers is just a coincidence.

Numbers are interpreted differently in other cultures. In the West, numbers like 3 (birth, life, death) and 12 (the number of apostles at the Last Supper) are very important. The number 13 is thought to be very unlucky, just as the number 4 is unlucky in Asia.

Each chapter is only a couple of pages long, so this book is easy to read. Key takeaways at the end of each section help a lot. This book does not try to say "Find your life path through numerology." It also doesn't say "Numerology is a scam." It does a very good job at finding a middle path between them. This book is very much worth reading.

Triple Win Leadership Coaching

 

Triple Win Leadership Coaching, Will Linssen, 2025

This book is not for managers or CEOs looking for the newest way to improve their business. This book is for the coaches who come into a company to help fix whatever is holding them back.

Before agreeing to spend several months at a company, make sure that everyone involved is on board. If the coaching is being imposed on a manger from above, and the manager doesn't agree that coaching is necessary, there could be real problems. In the beginning, the manager will be full of enthusiasm about the coaching process. After a few weeks, or months, the moment will come when the manager no longer wants to do it (Can't I buy some software to fix the problem?). That is when the coach must buckle down and keep going.

The coach should interview the manager's direct co-workers. Have each of them come up with two strengths of the manager, and two areas that need improvement. Give that list to the manager, with names removed. Have the manager choose two areas for the coach to help improve. Don't try to fix "everything."

This is a specialized book, but an excellent one. It can help people at all business levels, and is very much worth reading.

Super Easy Zero Point Weight Loss Cookbook for Beginners

 

Super Easy Zero Point Weight Loss Cookbook for Beginners 2025, Diayunati Brayutuer, 2025 

Say goodbye to restrictive diets and counting carbs or calories. This book gives a different way to lose weight.

The zero-point system concentrates on foods that are naturally high in nutritional value, but low in calories (like legumes and vegetables). Lean proteins like tofu, fish and chicken breasts help to keep you satisfied for longer periods. Foods with a low glycemic index can reduce cravings and stabilize blood sugar levels. Aside from helping to lose weight, zero-point foods can improve your energy levels, your mental health and your digestion.

The recipes in this book include bite-size chocolate chip muffins, pizza-style eggs, smoky flavored sausage patties, Ethiopian chicken with cauliflower, Thai tacos with peanut sauce, chicken fajitas, flavorful pork wraps, easygoing meatloaf, stuffed trout, low-carb taco shells, crispy cheddar chips and lemon broccoli.

Whether you are serious about losing weight, or simply want to eat healthier, here is a very good place to start.

The A.I. Secret Archives

 The A.I. Secret Archives, Dan Hunt, 2023

 

This book presents short explanations of 500 of the greatest conspiracies and unexplained phenomena in human history. The explanations are written by an "unleashed" version of ChatGPT, not constrained by the "rules" of A.I.

 

All of the "greatest hits" are here; Nikola Tesla's death ray, the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the lands of Mu, Lemuria and Atlantis, the many stories about Denver International Airport, New Coke was part of a covert plan to change the iconic Coke formula and save some money, conspiracies behind the deaths of Princess Diana and Pope John Paul I, faked moon landing, Tunguska event, Area 51, how the Sphinx lost its nose, the Montauk Project, the Philadelphia Experiment, the Hope Diamond, D.B. Cooper and "number stations."

 

The answer to each question is only a couple of paragraphs, so there is little room for "shocking new evidence." It is still recommended for entertainment value, and for those who are looking for a beginning reference book on all things unexplained.

Vegetable Gardening Hero

 Vegetable Gardening Hero, Gideon Pierce, 2024

 

Before you plant your garden, whether it is a couple of pots on a balcony, or a large back yard garden, several questions must be answered. Does your potential garden spot get lots of sun, or lots of shade? Are you subject to drought, or do you get lots of rain? Is your soil closer to sand or clay? Those answers will help determine what can go in your garden.

 

If you are able to get more than one harvest per year from the same plot of land, consider rotation gardening. For instance, if you plant something that takes nitrogen from the soil, follow it up with something that puts nitrogen back into the soil.

 

It also looks at composting, starting seeds indoors, how to transplant seedlings, raised beds, irrigation, pest management and greenhouses.

 

This book feels very comprehensive and is easy to understand. For anyone who wants to start their own garden, reading this book is a very good idea.

Super Easy Keto Diet Book for Beginners Over 60

 Super Easy Keto Diet Book for Beginners Over 60, Branimira Ivanec, 2024

 

Everyone has heard of the Keto Diet, but does everyone know what it is all about? This book attempts to answer that question.

 

The Keto Diet is all about increasing your consumption of healthy fat, not junk food fat. At the same time, it is necessary to decrease your consumption of carbohydrates. The intention is that when your body starts looking for energy to burn, it will go for the fat before the carbs. Other keto principles include staying hydrated, staying away from refined and processed food, mindful eating, intermittent fasting and taking care of your entire body (physical activity, stress management and getting a good night's sleep).

 

Benefits of the Keto Diet include weight loss, appetite control, increased energy and mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation (which can lead to many major physical problems), stable energy levels, hormonal regulation and improved skin health.

 

The book also lists the items that should be in a well-stocked pantry, along with tips on meal preparation.  There are many recipes for all meals in the day. Included are Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Crab au Gratin, Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Classic Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, Mississippi Pork Butt Roast and Glazed Coconut Bundt Cake.

 

Try just one recipe in this book. If you like it, try another recipe (and another). This book will help a lot, even if you can only move a part of the way toward the "keto lifestyle." It is very much recommended.

Digital SAT Vocabulary 2200

 Digital SAT Vocabulary 2200, K Jonathan, 2024, ISBN 9798327153516

 

This book is designed to help with the vocabulary part of the Digital SAT Test (evidently, it's an updated version of the "classic" SAT Test). This version concentrates on understanding words in context and applying them in everyday situations.

 

Each separate test includes sections on words in context (short and long form). It also includes sections on synonyms, homonyms, synonyms in context and antonyms. Each test has a time limit, to give the student some practice for when it is time for the actual test. As always, answers for each test are in the back of the book.

 

This book is very much worth reading for any student about to take the Digital SAT. It is also recommended for students of any age.

SSAT & ISEE (Upper) Vocabulary II

 SSAT & ISEE (Upper) Vocabulary II, J Stone, 2025, ISBN 979-8-31411-4520

 

Last-minute "cramming" for an exam will not make any permanent addition to a person's knowledge. A much better way to learn vocabulary is by associations.

 

Link the vocabulary word to a rhyming word or phrase. Come up with a sentence linking the words, then add a mental image for the sentence. In the image, it's totally acceptable to substitute an out-of-place item; imagine things much larger, or smaller, than normal; the funnier, or more absurd, the image is, the easier it is to remember. The book also has a pronunciation guide.

 

Each vocabulary word in this book is followed by its pronunciation, then by the type of word it is (noun, verb, adverb). A short definition of the word comes before a pair of sentences using the word. Then there are several synonyms and antonyms. A humorous image illustrates the sentence with the rhyming word.

 

Students learn in many different ways. This book looks at several such ways. It is recommended for students of all ages.

SSAT & ISEE (Lower/Middle) Vocabulary 2000 - Volume 2

 SSAT and ISEE (Lower/Middle) Vocabulary 2000 - Volume 2, James Shaw, 2025, ISBN 979-8-3111-39946

 

This book will help students with the vocabulary parts of the SSAT and ISEE exams.

 

It teaches vocabulary in a number of different ways. They include synonyms and antonyms, analogies, odd one out, blanks and double blanks. These tests are timed; so is the actual exam. As always, there are answers in the back of the book.

 

This is an excellent book for students getting ready for the exams. It is also recommended for students of all ages, especially those who need vocabulary help.