This & That: August 5, 2016

Books
—10 Reasons You Feel Old & Get Fat . . . : And How YOU can Stay Young, Slim and Happy

I cannot wait to read this book. Myths abound from the ignorant that our bodies will inevitably end up a certain way simply because we are a certain age. Not so! Released in February Dr. Frank Lipman and New York Times Best Selling author of The New Health Rules, the truth is if we take care of our minds and bodies properly, we can remain slim and vigorous, enjoying life with a sharp mind well into our elderly years. Rather than buy into the myth that age means decline, begin looking around you. What does your community believe? Why do they believe it? If the ideas being shared are negative, defeatist and unhealthy, look elsewhere. And begin by reading this book. Beginning by dispelling the myths and then offering recipes, a shopping list, exercises and stress-busters, this book might just be the positive motivation you’ve been looking for to enjoy a full, vital, active and invigorating life no matter what your age.

—Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship by Isabel Vincent

Released this past May, a reader introduced me to Isabel Vincent’s new memoir Dinner with Edward. And upon reading the book jacket, I immediately put it in my shopping cart. Centered around two individuals, Edward, still mourning his wife’s death and aching to follow her, and Isabel, ready to give up on love, the two meet for weekly dinners that Edward has skillfully made. The conversation, the support and the food look to be the perfect recipe for a wonderful read.

—The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast by Josh Kaufman

Now, I am not normally one for speed, but Josh Kaufman’s book comes highly recommended. After having been published a couple of years ago and still receiving praise, I wanted to take a look, especially since I am in the middle of learning the French language. HIs approach is utilizing to its full potential the first 20 hours by breaking down the complex skills being introduced, ensuring practice is productive and then maximizing the approach as well as removing all unnecessary barriers that we don’t realize are standing our way. I don’t know about you, but it looks like it would be worth taking a look at. If nothing else, to improve the quality of our learning experience of attaining any new skill.

—The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen

Yet again, TSLL readers continue to share fascinating books with me, and I am tickled that you know my predilections so well (thus the predilections of this blog