Personal Book Reviews

Water for ElephantsThis book by Sara Gruen has been around for about 4 or 5 years now. I have looked at it in bookstores several times but never been tempted to read it. However, after three different friends highly recommended it, I decided it was about time. I am currently one-third of the way through and am finding it an interesting tale. It is simple writing - perhaps a middle-school level - so it is a fast read. The main character who has only his final exams standing in the way of him becoming a licensed veterinarian, gives it all up, accidentally joins the circus, and falls in love with the wife of another man. So far, the most interesting thing about the book is seeing the "class" system in place in this strange and unusual world of a travelling circus.



The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman

Just started this book last night. The first page had me hooked. The plot was good. The story of an isolated town in Massachusetts told through the lives of its inhabitants - from the founding mother to one of her descendants in modern time. In almost every story there is the mystery of The Red Garden, which is finally explained in the end. The characters are well developed yet none of them were anything more than mediocre. Even the heroine leaves you dissatisfied and wanting more. And the ending is a non-ending. I was disappointed with Alice Hoffman this time. I have found herother books much more intriguing.

<><><><><><><><><><>The Vitamin D Solution by Dr. Michael Holick This is my second time around on this book. Closed the back cover and immediately suggested to my sister that she read it as well. When she started telling me about some of her favorite passages in the book, I had to pick it up again.

Jan 2011
Crown Publishing Group
270 pages

A lifelong student of vitamin D, Dr. Holick walks us through the scientific reasons why our bodies need vitamin D and sunlight in an interesting and simple to understand style. If you are interesetd in creating optimal health for yourself, it would be well worth it to spend some time with this book.

Acording to Dr. Holick, vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world. The range of conditions impacting by vitamin D deficiency is staggering. He explains that vitamin D is more than just a vitamin - it is an essential hormone that helps to rebuild and maintain optimal health throughout the entire body.

The publishers describe Dr. Holick as the "father of modern vitamin D research". Dr. Holick shares his beliefs on how combining the natural curative property of the sun along with small lifestyle changes can help everyone live a healthier life.

Heliotherapy is regular, controlled exposure to the sun and it offers many health benefits. The power of heliotherapy in curing many of our ills is nothing short of amazing. Light affects over 100 bodily functions. Light even increases longevity. And here is the best part about heliotherapy, it's free. All you have to do is walk outside and soak in the benefits. So read the book - then go outside and get your daily dose of Vitamin S.