1. Super Immunity*, by Dr. Joel Fuhrman
Rating: ****
Everyone hates getting sick, but there's no way to stop it from happening. Or is there? In this book, Dr. Joel Fuhrman takes a look at what foods can actually help us stay well, and possibly avoid the colds, flus, and other bugs around us.
I love that he bases this book on scientific studies, not just hearsay. I feel like it's all too common in the health/nutrition sector for people to share information and make assumptions about what works, rather than looking at the evidence. It's an interesting read, and if you enjoy reading about nutrition, then I'd check this book out. If that's not really your thing, and you've already read Eat to Live and follow its recommendations, then you might want to skip this one as a good chunk of it is just giving more reasons why you should eat the way he recommends.
2. Wish*, by C. H. Aalberry
Rating: ***
When the Wish Stone shattered millenia ago, scattering its fragments across the Seven C's, everyone it touched was blessed with differing gifts. And also cursed with differing gifts. "Wish Monsters" Dak, Lae, and their friends seek the answers of how to become like "normal people" again. Or at least on how not to be hated by everyone else.
It was a cute story about friendship, and I enjoyed it. The thing that drove me nuts were the saying common nowadays that didn't feel as if they fit in the story (such as "uhoh Pinnochio"). Each time I read one, it dragged me back out of the book. But the story itself was enjoyable. The characters weren't super original but I think it's a good story for younger kids (I cannot recall a single swear word, or anything really bloody or inappropriate for kids 10 and up).
3. Into the Trees, by J. Alastair Nash
Rating: ***
The village of Locke is pleasant most of the time for its inhabitants, except for once a year, when giants known only as "Puritans" come to steal any baby born with a defect. When Evan's younger brother is taken, and his family torn asunder, he decides to head into the trees and get his brother back. And hope he can come back from the woods, when no one else ever has.
This story was wild, very creative. Parts of it reminded me of an anime series I watched one time, although the story was completely different. There were areas that were a bit macabre for my taste, and considering the hero is just thirteen, it was darker than I'd want my young teens to read personally. As an adult, though, I enjoyed most of it.
I've also left reviews on Goodreads and Amazon (although probably not for the same editions).
It's hard to believe it's already the end of November, and that the year's almost over. Next time, I'll post my October and November Update. I'm combining the two because I didn't get much read in November. I have five books left on my original list (although I might not read Thorn Changer after all, since the sequel won't be coming out until next year).
Thanks for reading. Have you read any of these books? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
*For the sake of brevity, I have not included the subtitles of these books.
Links to books may not be the same format, version, or edition that I read.
