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The Great Depression-How We Coped, Worked and Played by Margaret Bigger
Ms. Biggers has collected stories from eighty seniors of varied ethnic and social backgrounds. These reminiscances reveal their "courage, fears, hopes, hard work and ingenuity, and their ability to share, save, and sacrifice during our country's most difficult years." When I started this book, I thought how much my father-in-law would relate to these poignant stories. By the time I finished, I wanted a copy for each of my children. Often heart-breaking, these stories teach us a lot about a unique period of history, but more importantly, they teach us to appreciate the economic opportunities and the creature comforts most of us have in America today.
Don't be put off by the amateurish look of this book. It is truly a treasure.

The Prayer Diet: The Unique Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Approach to Weight Loss by Matthew Anderson
I admit to being sceptical aboiut this book when I interviewed Dr. Anderson. The Prayer Diet hadn't reached me in time to read it before our conversation, and the publicity materials made it sound like just another goofy weight loss gimmick. Was I ever wrong! Dr. Matthew's wisdom reveals to the reader that the ability to receive God's love can fill your soul, eliminating the the love-hunger that causes overeating and self-abuse. I have no idea whether this book will help a person to lose weight, but it will help you accept yourself and learn to receive love from a higher source. This is a profound and inspiring read for those who yearn for a deeper spiritual life, and for emotional healing.

Would You Work for You? by Sam Geist
Sam Geist advocates compassionate leadership and shows how to become this kind of leader rather than a "boss." This book, geared toward members of large organizations, applies to parenting or any type of leadership role where motivational skills are useful. Though Mr. Geist's ideas are inspiring, his use of a large corporation as his universal model distanced me from his essentially wise message.

When Children Grieve : For Adults to Help Children Deal With Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses by John W. James, Russell Friedman, and Leslie Landon Matthews
This practical, compassionate book is not for parents only. Anyone who has experienced loss, particularly of what James calls an "incomplete relationship," will benefit from it.
As for parents of small children, how you help your child cope with his first major loss will affect his emotional health for the rest of his life. So buy this book now, learn appropriate ways to grieve for yourself and your children, and keep it on the shelf next to Dr. Spock. The wisdom of these humane counselors will prepare you for the life-changing losses that we all will encounter sooner or later.

The Authentic Heart: An Eightfold Path to Midlife Love by John Amodeo
Therapist John Amadeo writes about baby boomers' shattered relationships and disillusionments in the romance department, usually the result of unrealistic expectations. Dr. Amodeo's thoughtful insights offer hope that deep emotional connections are possible at any age. This book is indispensable to those members of a "jaded" generation still seeking intimacy, but are afraid to risk being vulnerable following painful breakups. A hopeful book for anyone seeking a lasting, fulfilling relationship.

Yes, Your Teen is Crazy: Loving Your Kid without Losing Your Mind by Michael Bradley
This very sane book examines the latest in brain research on teen-aged children, and gives physiological reasons for their often self-destructive behavior. Dr. Bradley explains why many of the rules parents were raised by don't work in our twenty-first century culture. He deals with issues such as teen suicide and rampant drug use which have increased dramatically since we boomers were adolescents. Full of common sense and wisdom, the chapter, "Ten Commandments of Parenting," (e.g. "Thou Shalt Listen Even As Thy Own Child Shouts") alone is worth the price of the book. If I'd had this book ten years ago, it would be falling apart from use by now. Highly recommended for those of you with teenagers at home.

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy is his own best example of what eating frogs can do for you. He has written more than sixteen self-help books and made millions selling his motivational tapes. A high school drop out, he studied the habits of successful people, followed their examples and now shares their secrets in his books and tapes. Eat That Frog illustrates one of Tracy's first principles: tackle the biggest, most unpleasant task first.
I found this book to be a fun, fast read. It motivated me to perform several unpleasant tasks I'd avoided for years. I feel like a new, and much more disciplined person! And ready to reward myself by heading toward Europe where, according to Tracy, folks are lethargic and unsuccessful. Tracy's idea of success (big bucks, apparently) may not be yours or mine, but if you tend to procrastinate like I do, his book will give you a nudge. Fred has the book now-I can't wait to see the dynamo inside him emerge. I'll keep you posted. Order the book at www.eatthatfrog.com.

The Integrity Moment: Making Powerful Choices in Life by Linda Tobey, Ph.D.
Dr. Tobey offers ways to have greater integrity by making more powerful choices, promising the reader a feeling of "bigness" in her/his world. She reminds us that we have many opportunities each day to support our value systems through these choices, yet often inertia causes us to cop out. Using examples from her own life, Dr. Tobey illustrates some of these moments and allows the reader to identify with her personal struggles. This thoughful book would make a good graduation present-it could be a valuable inspiration for young people as they embark on their career or graduate school life.

I'll Be There by Eve Herold
For such a small volume, I'll be There contains worlds of valuable information for the "sandwich generation," Baby Boomers caring for both aging parents and small children. Eve Herold is a science and health writer specializing in age related diseases and the challenges confronting an aging society. Her book, written for the American Health Assistance Foundation, tells the stories of several families dealing with caretaking challenges such as sibling rivalry, what to tell the children about death, and legal problems. Ms. Herald gently raises these issues as they apply to each family followed through its pages. Before you know it, your own family's challenges are addressed and questions answered.
I'll be there can be ordered for $5.00 at www.ahaf.org.

Defy Aging by Dr. Michael Brickey This book is my nomination for Better Living's Belaboring the Obvious Award for 2001. Dr. Brickey's pearls of wisdom include,"Eat and drink moderately...have a purpose in life...maintain an optimistic attitude." All very true, but this book is the equivalent of a diet book that spends 200 pages to say what can be summed up in two words,"Eat less." During my interview with Dr. Brickey I was particularly galled by his answer to my question about learning to be optimistic-he recommended another book, probably written by his wife. Don't throw away $24.95 on this book! Dr. Andrew Weill should be ashamed of himself for recommending it. MN The Burn Rate Diet by Dr. Stephen Van Schoyck Dr. Van Schoyck, a biologist and clinical psychologist, approaches weight loss from the theory that proper food combination and timing of meals can control appetite control and maintain energy, the keys to successful dieting. He teaches us how to create our own custom diet based on each reader's unique metabolism. Dr. Van Schoyck drew his conclusions from fifteen years of research treating over 3,000 patients. Reach Dr. Van Schoyck at www.burnratediet.com. Conversations on the Wall-Cameron Henderson on Chapel Hill by Roland Giduz This collection of articles originally written for the Chapel Hill Herald is great fun for Chapel Hillophiles who yearn to know more about the town's history and legendary local characters such as Dr. Frank Graham, Kemp Nye, Ola Mae Foushee, R.B. House, "Papa" Danziger, and the "old gray mayor," Jimmie Wallace. Roland's lively conversations with his imaginary friend, curmudgeonly Cam Henderson, will entertain you while providing answers to questions newcomers ponder such as why Gimghoul Castle was built, and what is Hog Day...and why is it not Hogg Day? Girls Just Want to Have Funds: How to Spruce up your Money Life and Invest like a Pro by Susannah Blake Goodman. Hyperion Press Susannah Goodman, daughter of Jerry Goodman, a.k.a. Adam Smith, writes about fund management as if she were crafting a series of articles for "Glamour" magazine. Convinced that most woman find the language of finance intimidating, Susannah takes a humorous approach to the subject. With chapter titles such as "What to Do When the Market Crashes...taking a bubble bath might be a good idea" and "Bonding with Bonds...bonds may be boring like your tan corduroy, but sometimes they are just the thing," she makes money management sound as easy as wardrobe management. This book reads "lite" but expertly covers a great deal of financial territory including retirement plans, choosing stocks and mutual funds, taxes, financial planners. Not for girls only, "Girls.." makes fund building accessible, easy and, yes, even fun. A great read for young adults, or for anyone who wants access into the world of wealth building. How Can You Tell if You're Really in Love? by Sol Gordon, Ph.D. Dr. Gordon, former director of family studies at Syracuse University, tackles questions about the nature of love and commitment. Topics include: breaking bad dating habits, how to avoid falling in love with the wrong person, choosing healthy relationships, the importance of friendship in a relationship, and finding your own "voice." This readable little paperback is loaded with good common sense-usually the first thing to go in a passionate romance. I found Dr. Gordon's down-to-earth perspective refreshing and hopeful. If you have ever been disappointed by marriage or an unhappy love affair, buy this book! It may be the best $7.95 you ever spent. The Metabolic Typing Diet by William Wolcott and Trish Fahey. Doubleday, $24. Called the "next wave" in nutritional science, metabolic typing can give you the tools you need to achieve your ideal weight, sustain high energy, overcome mood swings and food cravings, and improve your immune system. This book provides a self test for identifying your unique body chemistry, and finding the combination of fats, carbohydrates and proteins appropriate to your metabolism. After all the books written on extreme diets-all carbs, no carbs, etc.- Dr. Wolcott's approach to good nutrition makes good sense. MN The Nonconnoiseur's Menu Guide by David d'Aprix This handy pocket-sized book has the answers to all your problems when ordering in a French or Italian restaurant. Now you can ask for gnocchi or Pouilly-Fuisse without embarrassment! Basically, this guide gives pronunciations and definitions of menu items, but there are also cultural hints, tipping charts, and loads of other useful information. A clever idea, and a terrific gift for someone headed to France or Italy, or even your neighborhood bistro. The Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America Edited by Jancis Robinson and Bruce Cass, Oxford University Press. $45. An encyclopedia of wine terminology, grape varieties and viticulture, as well as technical essays, maps, and instructions on matching wine with food, this tome is an essential addition to an oenophile's library. A Perfect Arrangement by Suzanne Berne This beautifully written novel portrays the challenges of raising children in a two-career family all too realistically. So realistically I became the mother two pages into the story. The plot revolves around attractive, well-educated yuppies, their nanny, and the secrets they are hiding from each other. Suspense builds as you wonder how their lives will unravel. The book defies neat categorization-it combines the fine crafting of a literary novel with the suspenseful plot of a mystery. I literally could not put the book down-I found myself walking into the shower with it. Now that's a good read! The RealAge Diet: Make Yourself Younger With What You Eat by Michael F. Roizen M.D., John La Puma M.D. Dr. Roizen, author of RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be?, and Dr. La Puma, physician and former chef, offer a new approach to eating. Through small changes in our eating habits, they claim we can become biologically younger than our chronological age. This book explains benefits or risks of specific foods to readers. It includes analyses of other famous diets such as the Zone and Atkins diets, and suggests RealAge modifications. The RealAge Diet offers a new and interesting way of thinking about lifestyle changes that will improve your general health as well as your figure. The River Less Run by Tim McLaurin. Down Home Press, $24. Ten years after his first memoir, Keeper of the Moon, was published, Tim McLaurin looks at his life at age forty five. Currently teaching creative writing at NC State and diagnosed with cancer for the second time, Tim examines his relationships to his children, brother, ex-wife, lover, former lovers, snakes, and alcohol. A harrowing segment of the book describes his relapse into alcoholism and subsequent recovery in UNC's mental ward. Reading this book is a look inside the soul of a sweet, painfully sensitive man. By following his calling to write, Tim has been somewhat estranged from his family's blue collar world. In this book, he charts his reconciliation with his past, and renews commitments to the people he loves. Secrets of Saffron: The Vagabond Life of the World's Most Seductive Spice by Pat Willard Ms. Willard herself has been thoroughly seduced by her subject- her passion for the spice, actually the stamens of a rare crocus, just oozes out of these pages. In her own seductive style, reminiscent of M.F.K. Fisher, she interweaves the history of the alluring substance, once used to dye the wrappings of mummies, into her own experiences growing, gathering, and cooking with it. There are a few recipes incuded, but mostly this is an adventure book with saffron as its central character. Fred and I fought over this one-a wonderful read and highly recommended by both of us. Violence Proof Your Kids Now...by Erika Shearin Karres, Ed.D. published by Conari Press Dr. Karres has taught in the public high school system for thirty years. Now a columnist and lecturer, this passionate lady considers fighting school violence to be her life's mission. Her easy-to-read positive approach to the problem is well worth your time even if your motivation is simply to understand teenagers better and become a more effective parent, teacher or friend.  Girls Just Want to Have Funds: How to Spruce up your Money Life and Invest like a Pro. By Susannah Blake Goodman. Hyperion Press Susannah Goodman, daughter of Jerry Goodman, a.k.a. Adam Smith, writes about fund management as if she were crafting a series of articles for "Glamour" magazine. Convinced that most woman find the language of finance intimidating, Susannah takes a humorous approach to the subject. With chapter titles such as "What to Do When the Market Crashes...taking a bubble bath might be a good idea" and "Bonding with Bonds...bonds may be boring like your tan corduroy, but sometimes they are just the thing," she makes money management sound as easy as wardrobe management. This book reads "lite" but expertly covers a great deal of financial territory including retirement plans, choosing stocks and mutual funds, taxes, financial planners. Not for girls only, "Girls.." makes fund building accessible, easy and, yes, even fun. A great read for young adults, or for anyone who wants access into the world of wealth building.