Books........

by Barbara Kummer

The Perfect Gene Diet

By Pamela McDonald
Hay House

The human body has 23 pairs of chromosomes. McDonald looks at a particular gene on chromosome 19, the Apo E gene (Apo is short for apolipoprotien) and its gene variations, Apo E 2, Apo E 3, and Apo E 4. She incorporates her years of experience with integrative medicine to the application of the science of gene therapy.

The test for Apo E is not widely used and is considered a susceptibility or risk factor test for premature vascular or inflammatory diseases. Knowing one's Apo E result does not mean the disease will develop, only that there may be a higher risk of developing a disease associated with that genotype. To mitigate risk, McDonald offers a gene supportive lifestyle which includes diet, exercise, and stress management relevant to each particular Apo E genotype. Individuals with elevated cholesterol that doesn't respond to pharmaceutical or botanical treatment may want to review this book. Medical advice should be sought by anyone with concerns about their Apo E status as the genotype-specific diets should only be followed by individuals that know their Apo E status.

Parentless Parents: How the Loss of Our Mothers and Fathers Impacts the Way We Raise Our Children

By Allison Gilbert
Hyperion

When Gilbert became a parentless parent, she set out to find creative ways to keep the memory of her parents alive for her children. This book is the result and she offers it not only to the people who are themselves parentless parents but to those who know and care about them as well. Citing results from her Parentless Parent Survey of 1,300 participants, Gilbert identifies several common feelings they reported experiencing including isolation, fear, resentment and a lack of support from spouses and friends. All were key factors in how they in turn raised their children, related to others and to themselves.

Besides sharing positive ways to keep memories alive, such as cooking traditional meals, Gilbert suggests a "Grandparent Tour" where children are taken on a field trip to a grandparent's former workplace or hometown. She also includes a Parentless Parent Memory Journal to help make sharing information easier and a recommended reading list for parentless parents and their children.

Healing Your Hungry Heart

By Joanna Poppink
Conari Press

Eating disorders are usually thought of as a "young woman's" issue. Not so, says Poppink, a psychotherapist who has counseled clients in their eighties who are still suffering from anorexia. In Healing Your Hungry Heart, she explores self-destructive habits, compulsive behaviors and the unique triggers and challenges that affect the women struggling with this issue. She provides understanding, meditations and exercises to increase self-awareness and facilitate recovery.

There are wonderful resources provided throughout the book as well as a reference section at the end. Poppink writes, "What if I used all the energy I put into my eating disorder for something else? What might I accomplish in life?" She offers survival strategies and hope to those suffering from eating disorders and those who love them.

Unsinkable: How to Bounce Back Quickly When Life Knocks You Down

By Sonia Ricotti
New Page Books

Really? In one year, a serious health issue, financial devastation and loss, living with an alcoholic partner and dealing with a breakup. Ricotti identifies 20 Life Lessons that helped her get through that challenging time to live a more joyful and peaceful life. Maybe that is why Ricotti is unsinkable - she looks for solutions instead of dwelling on the problem.

Readers will benefit from Ricotti's matter of fact but optimistic manner when she uses her own and other's life experience as examples. Ricotti says, "Be patient. It is a process. Have faith. It will happen. It happened to me." She explains why she refuses to give up and how she uses faith, acceptance and perseverance along with intention to live her life with grace and purpose. Unsinkable? Really.

Have a book you'd like to share with our readers? Contact Barbara at barbara.kummerreviews@gmail.com.