The Disease Delusion by Dr. Jeffrey S. Bland

Posted First on Blog Critics as Book Review: 'The Disease Delusion' by Dr. Jeffrey S. Bland.

With incidents of diseases escalating and chronic illnesses careening out of control, it is time we took back the charge of our own health and lives. Yet with so much at stake and numerous information overloads where can we look for answers?

The Disease Delusion by Dr. Jeffrey S. Bland, is a treasure trove of information in looking for the root cause of so many plaguing issues.  With precise information on the most common of illnesses he takes you on a journey of possible recovery. Unlocking the secrets and myths behind many of the illnesses that plague us today, we find many directions in which to improve both our health and life. Lessons and suggestions, as well as examples of incredible transformations give you hope and understanding of the dilemmas we face.  Can we stave off many of the common issues as suggested? 

This is a comprehensive look at many of the issues that continue to grow by leaps and bounds, and yet it is also a work of answers to questions you may not have even realized. From the root causes and onward, the solutions and suggestions help you to take charge of many things that were once in our own control. The work and insight is amazingly intricate and interesting, from case studies and fact-finding to zeroing in on the real culprits sabotaging your health.  While there are medications for everything from A-Z, here we find that we can do so many things to correct the things that impede our health long before the illnesses begin.  Our body is an amazing thing, telling us time after time that something is wrong, yet for some reason we often miss the message.  

Dr. Bland gives us insight into those messages and how to decipher their meaning and drill down to the very essence in order to get to the real truth. With so much of our health depending on our environment, it is important to listen to the message our bodies are sending, they often know before we do of the toxicity of the surroundings, helping us to move and avoid those thing harmful to us.  Dr. Bland also offers insight to using supplements and natural remedies to strengthen our defenses.

This was an extremely interesting book, and while you may look at the title and be daunted, you will not be sorry when you chose to read on. The data is amazing and you can relate to so much of the content.  As an average citizen this is informative and gives you back some control of your health and as a health professional the cutting edge research and the furthering of integrative medicine is exciting and resourceful.  

Not necessarily one of those works that would make a reading list, I would still recommend it. The information included would also be great for a discussion group, I know everyone is always interested in bettering their health, and this work is extraordinary. This is a powerful look at taking charge of our own lives.

Rating 5/5

This book was received free from the Authors publisher. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Recovering from LIfe by Debra McKenna

Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review:'Recovering from Life' by Debra McKenna.

‘Life happens.’ The ups and downs can drown you or you can learn from the experiences to move at a smoother pace. Yet often we are left with feelings of inadequacy and fear. Those who choose to cast again into the fray gain courage to move on.

Debra McKenna has given us a fun and hopeful look into the life of one such character in her book, Recovering from Life.  There is no doubt that her character, Stephanie McCarthy, is just that––a character. Red headed and bold she finds herself in a rough patch when her husband seems to fall back into a drug habit, one she thought he had overcome. As he disappears, she begins to take stock of the things happening around her. In her considered bliss, she realizes that she has allowed him too much power in their life and business, as well as their home. Her name is on nothing, he owes everyone, and her only saving grace is that the creditors can’t come after her. Yet she is now financially doomed, she has lost her job and she finds herself in the roller coaster of life.

The problem begins with the legalities. She is not responsible for moneys owed, but her husband’s deals are not all above board, or with respectable business. He owes money for drugs as well, and the collectors do not care as much about the laws protecting her from legal collections.

This fun filled and yet at times stressful story is enchanting and just a bit different.  The characters are very life sized and an amazing mix of clever, brutal, fun, and even at times whimsical. The experiences are adventurous and easy to relate to, although in some cases a bit unbelievable. Yet the story is also deep and brings hope, something that is often lacking when times are tough. McKenna has secured an anchor to hold the twist of lightness and courage.  

The goal is to heal from whatever bumps life throws at you, and to overcome that inability to move forward. While in no way moralistic, the moral of the story is there hidden behind and between the fabric. There is humor and promise, wishes and potential all there like a brass ring, if we all just look beyond the here and now and reach for it.

If you like fun and feel good stories you will find this immensely interesting.  Contemporary with a twist, filled with courage, boldness and a zany cast of characters, you will find yourself reading from start to finish, wanting to know more.

This would be a great book for a reading group, engendering a great deal of conversation on depression, hope, romance and moving forward.

Rating 4/5

This book was reveived from the Cadence group. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.