I admit this is the first book I read by Maya Angelou (but not the last), and I was hooked from the first lines. What I found fascinating is that this is a story that opens up to you unconditionally, and offers so many interpretations, depending on what you want to get out of it. To me, it is a story of maturing, of becoming, of being human. I have drown and come back to life while reading it, and immensely enjoyed it.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I met Guillaume at a literary festival and bought his book, and I have no regrets. His writing style is so unique, intelligent and highly creative. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because of the subject- student life is not really a topic I feel fascinated about (but autobiography is!). Regardless, I could not put the book down and enjoyed every page. Looking forward to hearing and reading more of this author!

I love this book, it is a beautiful, delicious piece of art. Either you keep it on your coffee table as a great conversation piece, or you dare to follow the recipes, it is a great book to own. The story is a great inspiration for all of us who should follow our heart in all that we do. As for the recipes themselves- they are a proof for patience, creativity and genius! Well done!

This book's subtitle says 'The Risks and Rewards'. Unfortunately, more than half of the books looks at injuries and risks in an alarming way, although there is little (or no) statistical evidence for it. Then, in the epilogue, the author apologetically states that there are actually more rewards than risks (?). As a passionate reader (and practitioner) of yoga, I found this book amateuresque, with no direct references throughout the book (they are all squeezed at the end of the book, and most of them cite the sources as 'anonymous'). The pompous title has nothing to do with the content. This book is poorly referenced, generalizes based on assumptions and is logically flawed. But, at least it's a start in trying to see yoga from a (intended) science perspective. There is definitely more to be done in the future.

The author of this book insists that in 28 days, by doing yoga, you will get the ultimate body and/or mind (?). As a yoga teacher and practitioner for years (and probably not in the target market of this book) I am sorry to say that this will realistically not happen. Actually, research shows that yoga actually slows metabolism, which in layman terms means 'you eat the same, you gain weight'. I would suggest the author to really look at all the studies done on yoga in the last few years. The majority conclude that while you do not lose weight, you do feel much better than before, so yes, the mind connection is the one mostly influenced by a steady yoga practice (and not only 28 days). And yes, in time- that is after months or years of practicing- you do become much more connected to your body, and more aware of your nutritional needs- hence why most real yogis have slim, slender frames. This book is not only useless for someone who never did yoga, but also dangerous and depressing. Some of the poses she recommends are actually intermediate/advanced poses that should be done under supervision, unless you want to snap a tendon or get sciatica. Again, plenty of research shows the amount of injuries from yoga- people going into it too fast and totally unprepared. I personally think this book is for someone like Jeniffer Aniston maybe (actually, one of her clients), who has probably plenty of time preparing the meals recommended and explore a new pose each day. But for the show more regular, sedentary American who sits on a chair all day, expecting him/her to go into a full lotus and spend hours on preparing a dish, this is highly unrealistic. Unless I totally missed the message of this book, I would say leave this book on a shelf. Or if you want to start doing yoga, pick a studio and get into it slowly, with someone who can guide you and give you alternatives to suit your body. This is the real yoga philosophy. show less

This is an inspiring book I enjoyed reading. It is written in a down to earth and humble way, in short chapters. Some experiences the author had are hard to grasp, and will possibly seem incredible for our Western, scientific minds. However, it is an inspiration for the power of persistence and patience, which seem to be our nemesis in today's world.

I enjoyed reading this book- it is based on several interviews with some of the most known yoga teachers and practitioners in America. It touches on the subject of sadhana, and presents the opinions and suggestions of people who practice yoga for decades. It is a must read for those who try to build their own practice, and want to know more about threading this path. I found many answers to questions I had and I was fascinated by the insights of the teachers. The book is written in an engaging, honest and precious way- an inspiration.

Another free read from LT. And not only free- a great book! It is a beautiful, compassionate, and genuine account of living and caring for a person with dementia. Kate Whouley writes effortlessly, and her story is unveiled at a perfect pace; she kept me captivated from her first chapter. If you know someone with dementia, or you are a caregiver, look no further. This is a book that will make you believe you are not alone, and that looking at your own fears with faith will change your perspective. The only reason I didn't give this book a maximum rating is because of the spotty editing- some spelling and grammar errors that kept repeating. However, this did not stop me from enjoying the book. I will definitely look for more of this author's works!

This is an excellent resource for anybody interested in this subject. Although the author is not a certified psychologist (or with medical training for that matter), PTSD is explained in all its' complexity, from what it is to how it affects the family and treatment options. The book has also an amazing collection of references, including medical appendices, resources for PTSD and even recommended movies. I was impressed by the completeness and user friendly format, the beautiful writing and outstanding in-text referencing. This is a book not only for health professionals but for anyone who wants to learn more on this fascinating subject.

What an inspiring and emotional story of this man who lost his 3 daughters in a Gaza attack on his Palestinian home! I have started reading this book not knowing much about the long term conflict in the Gaza strip, and I am glad I did so with a beginner's mind; Dr. Abuelaish' recount and amazingly neutral position in this history of conflict only helped me look at this sad and long overdue political argument through his eyes, free of preconceived ideas, stereotyping and generalizations. As a health care professional, I agree with his view on seeing medicine as a link between people, a bridge that can unite us all. Although his loss is inconceivably sad and unnecessary, it brought to life a book that should be read by anyone. This book reminds us all that truth is always in the middle, and that humanity is about what we all have in common, and not what sets us apart. A brilliant lesson in how to live and love despite all challenges.

It's that time of the year...people make resolutions, plan for the best year ever to lose the weight, earn the million and put that ring on the finger (or take it off). And just as this book reminds us, about 88% of those people fail to attain their goals, and by the end of the first week of January, only 75% of the resolution makers have stuck to their promises! Talking about motivation...How about aiming to be 1% better every day? This book gives some interesting numbers and puts it all in a different perspective. It's written in form of a story (that I found corny at times), it's easy to read and to remember. I would have probably made a quick summary of the most important steps at the end of the book, for easy reference. Even if you don't like self-help books, read this book, it has amazing facts about those on top so many of us envy. It might be easier to stick to small changes than those fluffy resolutions!

This is the first novel of this author who describes herself as an 'Indian poet, novelist, author, journalist and dancer'. I received this as a free copy to review and was quite eager to start it and enjoy another slice of Indian culture. The book follows the main character, an Indian man, on his travel to London where he meets a Scottish woman he ultimately falls inlove with. They journey back to India to start their' family and that was it for me. The story kept my interest for a while; the language is soft and beautiful, and the images creatively put into words. You keep waiting for something to happen; unfortunately, by the middle of the book there is no build up, no culmination point, which I found disappointing for such a great start. Thus, this is a book of a family saga; although artistic, the book failed to keep my interest and I only finished the book as I dislike leaving a book half read. Too bad...

I liked this book. Believable and smart characters, intelligent dialogue and capturing plot. An easy read on a holiday or on the way to work.

Another one received for review from LT. Unfortunately, it was not a great choice this time. I completely missed the point of this book. I found the subject (or lack thereof) uninteresting, it seems that nothing happens in this book. The language is also difficult to grasp- did the author intend to use an incorrect English (as spoken in India by the book characters)? Is this a book about food? If so, the Indian food names and the recipes are uselful only if you are Indian or have a broad knowledge about Indian cuisine. Is it about an unspoken love story? Maybe it's a historic novel? Not sure. Fact is that although the book was shortlisted for few literary awards, this book did not talk to me.

Loved this book! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down!

This is another book I received from LT to review; I requested it as self-help books are quite interesting to me, and have quite few in my library. Disappointingly, the book did not deliver for me. I found the terminology confusing: ranking, linking...I had a big problem with the tests in this book: I had to read few times what I am required to do; some tests are quite long and cumbersome; at the end the interpretation of the results is very vague, so you are left with a big question mark. I admit I probably do not qualify as a person who constantly undervalues herself; but I had the intention and curiosity to read this book. However, after taking the first test, it sounded like I actually shouldn't read the book...quite disappointed in the way the book is written, I found the chapters very long, dry and mostly uninteresting. Some of the 'real people' examples in the book are far fetched and unrealistic. Not sure I would recommend it to somebody who undervalues him/herself; I feel like if you are such a person, this book might leave you more confused. To me, the book promised much on the cover and delivered very little throughout. (from my blog http://intrecoperti.blogspot.com/)

This book will challenge and change your views on addiction. Gabor Mate is working with Vancouver's Downtown Eastside population for many years; he knows addiction also from his personal experience. In this book he is recounting his experiences with addicted patients from the Portland Hotel; it is rough and gentle at the same time, and very genuine. Compared to other books I have read written by physicians, Gabor has a deep humbleness about his role and actions. He looks not only at the lives of his patients but at his own shortcomings. I devoured this book page by page- it is more than a book on addiction, it is on what makes us human.

I received this book as an advanced reading copy, through LT. Author was unknown to me; I have found that she did write another 15 books! This book is about the story of few people trapped by an earthquake in an Indian visa office, somewhere in the USA. At the beginning I found that the selection of the characters was a bit too obvious. Here we have the black ex-soldier, the young male Muslim, the Chinese family, the Indian staff...very different walks of life, upbringing and culture. But the story itself is enthralling, beautifully written, building up in suspense. It makes you want to pick up the book to see what else will happen. The author is doing an amazing job at letting the characters speak; her language is full of beautiful metaphors. I couldn't let this book go! It's been probably the first time a book falls into my hands (without me researching it, or selecting it on purpose) and then surpasses all my expectations. A truly amazing thing!

This is an amazing book!! I actually wanted to read An Omnivore's Dilemma, but the book was unavailable at the library, and then I came across a member's recommendation- and what a read! The information provided is in a friendly format, easy to read, I finished it in 3 days! There is so much suffering out there for animals..the author's intention is to present the facts, and let you decide. Perhaps secretly her intention was also to make you think twice before you eat that steak..although I am not a true vegan, this book made me rethink my choices. This book should be read by everybody!!

I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers on LT and enjoyed reading it. Although the book is mainly targeted to 'prime-timers', the 40 to 50 something people, I found alot of useful information in it. The book is written in an easy to understand style, with great explanations of human physiology. All in all, although some information is quite repeated throughout the book, the author does a great job in presenting the good and bad effects of our choices when it comes to our health. I would definitely recommend it to my parents, or any reader interested in keeping healthy!

I picked this book based on some of the reviews here, most readers giving it 5 stars. I found this book quite disappointing; first of to those who say there is not alot of sex in the book- I found that untrue, Heidi's reports (one of the narrator) were 90% on her sexual encounters. This I found quite disturbing, I'm not some nun, but I find the concept of sex and humanitarian aid a bit too much for my taste. As for the UN and how they failed, nothing new there. This book offered too little on life on the field. Except Dr. Andrew's reports and some of Ken's notes, I would not put this book on top of my favorites. For those interested in the subject, I found James Orbinski far more interesting, and I highly recommend his writing (and his documentary 'Triage').

I love this author! This is a great collection of short stories, portraying Nigerian characters in their conflict with Western culture. Adichie has a beautiful fresh and sharp writing style, keeping you interested. Great books for anyone who is an immigrant or is interested in immigrant's issues (and not only)! I loved her 'Purple Hibiscus', and plan to read "Half of a Yellow Sun'. Beautiful writing!