Category Archives: 10-Week Book Review Series

Inspirational book reviews related to God, family/home, and friendships

20 Weight Loss Resource Books for the New Year

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The other day while visiting Barnes and Noble, I couldn’t help but notice a “huge” display of diet books in the front of the store. As I glanced over all the books, an elderly gentleman stood next to me and commented that “his wife was on a diet” and pointed to the plan she had begun. He also stated that since she started the diet plan that she cooks all the time and does not have time for anything else. I noted the frustration in his voice so I asked if she had lost any weight with her plan and he just smiled and said “nope.” I smiled as I left the store but noticed that two more women had began browsing at the same display table.

With so many diet plans available, I decided to compile a list and share some of the books that I have “collected” over the years for my own resource library. Keep in mind that these books only skim the surface of what else is available at either your local book store or library, and that I am not advocating any one plan. The list is made available to help you in your research if you are looking for a weight-loss resource book(s).

1. The Fat Flush Diet – Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
2. The Dash Diet Action Plan – Marla Heller, MS, RD
3. The New Atkins For A New You Diet – Collette Heimowitz
4. The Pound A Day Diet – Rocco Dispirito
5. The 90/10 Weight Loss Plan – Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN
6. The Shred Diet – Ian Smith, MD
7. The Super Shred Diet – Ian Smith,MD
8. The Daniel Plan – Rick Warren, Pastor
9. The Portion Control Diet – Linda Gassenheimer
10. The Full-Plate Diet – Seale Sherard Fleming
11. This, Not That No-Diet Diet – David Zinczenko
12. The Mediterranean Diet – Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD
13. The Lean Belly Prescription – Travis Stork, MD
14. Drop Five Pounds Diet – Heather K. Jones, RD
15. Now Eat This Diet – Rocco Dispirito
16. The Drop 10 Diet – Lucy Danziger
17. The Eating Well Diet – Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, PhD, RD
18. The Good Carb Diet Plan – Helen Foster
19. The Fast Metabolism Diet – Haylie Pomroy
20. The 100 Diet – Jorge Cruise (author of the “Belly Fat Cure”)

There are 100’s of weight-loss books available; and if you have decided to “go on a diet” and get healthy in 2014, I’m sure you will find one that fits your lifestyle.

Happy reading,
Yvonne

Week 3: “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews (FI Series)

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Have you ever dreamed of meeting famous people in history in order to gain their knowledge, words of wisdom, and insights? Would you be able to identify with their strengths in your present life or would you feel this would be an impossible task?

In “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews, he chronicles the life of one man’s success and failures at losing his job and his loss of purpose by taking him on a soul-searching journey, traveling through time, as he meets famous people in history. Each person he meets imparts on him their words of wisdom to live by. He is given seven decisions that determines personal success.

From President Truman to the Archangel Gabriel, he learns that the seven decisions consist of:

1. The buck stops here. I will accept responsibility for my past and for my success and my future. (President Truman)

2. Seek wisdom and be a servant to others. (King Solomon)

3. Be a person of action, inspiring others with your activities and be a leader. (Colonel Joshua Chamberlain)

4. Have a decided heart. Be passionate about your vision for the future. (Christopher Columbus)

5. Choose to be happy today. Be a possessor of a grateful heart. (Anne Frank)

6. Greet each day with a forgiving heart and forgive those who criticize you unjustly. (Abraham Lincoln)

7. Persist without exception and continue without exhaustion. (Archangel Gabriel)

In summary, the author states that “there comes a time in every person’s life when a decision is required and that decision will have a far-reaching effect on future generations–your actions can literally change the world.” Your actions, behavior–both good and bad–and your relationships can change the world for the better when you accept responsibility, seek wisdom, inspire others, choose to be happy, forgive one another, and persist without exception.

Happy reading,
Yvonne

“Becoming Myself” by Stasi Eldredge (CL/PG Series)

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Do you ever feel like your life is completely out of control and you try to control your circumstances as well of those around you? Are you filled with feelings of abandonment, anxiety, sorrow, grief, rejection, etc.? Have you forgotten your dreams and most importantly, who you are in Christ?

In “Becoming Myself” by Stasi Eldredge, she covers how we are shaped by our childhood but not by our past. You can change your life by changing your negative thought processes and become the woman whom God created you to be: a woman of faith, a woman of worship, and becoming our “true name” through His unconditional love.

Stasi tells us how God desires to restore us by healing our inner lives through His love. She explains that the more of God you become, the more of yourself you become–you will finally see yourself as God sees you and realize His dreams for you.

An 8-week session and study guide is also available as a companion to “Becoming Myself” for a more in-depth study to help you embrace God’s dream for you.

A wonderful personal growth book to read in 2014.

Happy reading,
Yvonne

Week 2: “The First Phone Call From Heaven” by Mitch Albom (FI Series)

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What would you do if you were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive a phone call from a loved one who had passed away perhaps six months to over two years’ ago? Would your reaction be one of excitement, fear, acceptance, or denial? Would you keep it to yourself or tell others?

In “The First Phone Call From Heaven” by Mitch Albom, a small town in Michigan is given such an opportunity when one of its residents receives a phone call from her dead sister. Several calls follow but always on a Friday. A “few chosen” individuals also begin receiving phone calls as well from their loved ones. A minister’s faith will be tested after one of his congregants tells about her experience during a Sunday morning service. Some of the individuals in attendance that morning will become “new believers”; while others will choose to deny and react by protesting the events that begin happening in their small town, calling it a well thought-out, executed hoax. As news travels about the phone calls, hundreds flock to the town where they begin purchasing all of the cell phones in the electronics store to see if they will begin receiving calls as well.

With extensive dialog between the residents and flashbacks into the past of one non-believing man, the author weaves this superb, faith-inspiring story. Through a series of events in the lives of just a few chosen people, and of one man’s struggle to disprove both the existence of the phone calls and of heaven itself, lives are and will be changed forever.

The equally surprising and uplifting conclusion will leave you examining your own heart and challenging your own beliefs. This book is definitely a must-read for 2014.

Happy reading,
Yvonne

“You’re Already Amazing” by Holley Gerth (CL/PG Series)

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“For you are fearfully and wonderfully made” from Psalm 139:14 appears to be the theme of “You’re Already Amazing” by Christian writer Holley Gerth, cofounder of (in)courage, an online women’s site to encourage and support women of all ages and walks of life into a deeper relationship with God.

In her book, Holley encourages women to “embrace who they are and become whom God created and intends for them to be” by sharing a number of important topics such as: who am I, why is it so hard to believe you are amazing, where are you going, taking the next step(s), etc.

Holley provides encouragement and hope to all women who are searching to make changes within their lives by connecting and trusting in the Creator who has “fully given them all things.” She also provides a “Go Deeper Guide” in the back of the book for individuals and groups alike to explore each chapter of the book more fully.

If you are searching for answers to questions you might have about your own personal life, struggles, and fulfillment, then pick up a copy of this truly practical book as a resource for personal growth.

Blessings on you,
Yvonne