Smart Read

Book Reviews for Health and Human Interest

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Why recommend books anymore?

Does anyone read? A friend of mine said frankly, “I don’t have time to read. I get my information from the Internet and TV.” Many people evidently feel that way, since the print circulation of newspapers and magazines has fallen dramatically in recent years, and many once robust publications have gone out of business.

Despite these trends

We thought it would be fun and informative to share recommended book reviews on this blog. Summer is a great time to think about bringing a book to the pool or beach and soaking up information while listening to water sounds in the background. We hope to review books that will positively impact your health, nutrition, and fitness.

Do You Ever Think About Breathing?

Everyone breathes.  Mostly not well. That’s commentary from James Nestor, author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art.   As part of my involvement in Lifestyle Medicine, I’ve become interested…
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A view of the sunset by the beach

My Next Step, as seen through Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is a strategist and writer.  He left college at 19 but has been successful in marketing and as an author, including The Obstacle is the Way, which has a…
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A view of the sea from a rocky shore

Thriving with Chronic Illness – A Mind Unraveled by Kurt Eichenwald

As a physician who took care of people with debilitating chronic illnesses, I was often inspired by their determination to not let their illness define their lives. I think that’s…
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Sunlight passing through the trees in winter

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

We were in the middle of last year’s long covid winter when I heard Katherine May interviewed on NPR and I became intrigued enough to read her book, which I…
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Talking to Strangers book cover

A Book Review: Talking to Strangers, by Malcolm Gladwell

Unless we live in a small town, we are unlikely to know everyone that we come in contact with. We are often forced to make decisions on how to interact with…
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Recently I had the opportunity

To tour the Evergreen House in Baltimore, which is the restored 19th century home of the Garrett Family, of B&O Railroad fame. If you get a chance to see this unique place, do visit! http://www.museums.jhu.edu/evergreen.php

The Garretts were significant patrons of artists, dancers, and actors, and their home is full of BOOKS! The books date back to the 1500s, fill at least 5 rooms floor to ceiling, and are used by scholars of rare books today. This display emphasized the significant role books had on everyday life for those who could read in the 1800s. Because there was no internet, TV, or other forms of communication, people spent a significant amount of their day thinking of and pondering the written word. Although life has changed significantly since that time, we hope that reading a few great books every year will improve your intellectual, as well as physical, well-being. Enjoy summer and enjoy reading!

Linda Yau, M.D.

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