Publisher: Scientific American / Farrar, Straus and
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/03/2012
ISBN-13: 9780374532925
ISBN-10: 0374532923

With a title like this one, you might imagine a book that covers everything you ever wanted to know about sexuality but didn't know how (or who) to ask. And you wouldn't be far off -- research psychologist and award-winning columnist Jesse Bering tackles a number of taboo subjects, including topics like masturbation and the beneficial properties of semen, but he also discusses other aspects of human behavior -- like cannibalism, suicide, and religious belief. These risqué essays won't be for everyone, but readers who enjoy scientific rigor spiced up by unusual topics and a salacious sense of humor will enjoy this collection of 30-plus essays originally published in Slate and Scientific American.

First Chapter  Table of Contents  

Publisher: HarperOne
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 08/14/2012
ISBN-13: 9780062105073
ISBN-10: 0062105078

The effects of bullying were brought home to Chicago Tribune blogger Carrie Goldman when her daughter, a first-grader who loved Star Wars, no longer wanted to take her themed water bottle to school because she'd been told that Star Wars was "only for boys." The blog she wrote touched off a storm of support, from fellow Star Wars fans, bloggers, parents, bully-prevention forums, and even celebrities. Here, she delves into the topic, condensing scientific research into a smooth and easy-to-follow narrative and offering specific advice on how to help bullied children -- and bullies. All parents will find useful information, though Bullied focuses primarily on female victims of bullying.

Publisher: Harper
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/24/2012
ISBN-13: 9780061824746
ISBN-10: 0061824747

For some parents, making sure their kids are successful means top grades, sports trophies, and piano lessons. Bestselling author and psychologist Madeline Levine, however, uses her 30 years of experience (both in her practice and at home) to show, using cutting-edge research, that this may not be the best way to parent. Rather, kids should be shown how to create meaning in life through a strong sense of self, compassion towards others, an ability to tackle challenges, and other aspects of a strong and healthy life for both body and soul. "Excellent," says Forbes magazine.

Publisher: Crown Archetype
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/04/2012
ISBN-13: 9780307886781
ISBN-10: 0307886786

Those of you who have read the bestselling The Happiness Project will be familiar with author Gretchen Rubin's attempts to render herself happier by tackling various aspects of life; here, she focuses specifically on the home. Aiming to create a happier, simpler, and more comforting home life, she tries various experiments to improve her home -- but this doesn't just mean redecorating (though she does declutter and repaint her office). Rather, she focuses on her marriage and her family, her neighborhood, and herself. Offering concrete resolutions (thank your spouse more; take care of your body), Rubin perceptively shows how to truly make a house a home.

Publisher: Vintage Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/10/2012
ISBN-13: 9780307949332
ISBN-10: 0307949338

While The Rumpus is a literature-oriented website, one of its most popular features is a brutally honest advice column called "Dear Sugar." If the questions asked are emotionally wrenching, the answers frequently are even more so, but the beauty is that Sugar herself is a real person with real experiences she can call on to offer her thoughts to those who write in. Everything from infidelity and grief to the life-sucking rut of boredom is addressed in these columns; in Tiny Beautiful Things, some of the best are collected for your reading pleasure and edification. Author Cheryl Strayed, who outed herself as Sugar earlier this year, has also written a memoir, Wild, as well as a novel, Torch.

First Chapter  Table of Contents  

Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/15/2009
ISBN-13: 9780307409157
ISBN-10: 0307409155

While Jan Garavaglia, M.D. doesn't mind coming into our homes via her popular television series, Dr. G: Medical Examiner, she hopes that we won't end up in her office. In How Not to Die, Dr. G (who's also the chief examiner for Florida's District 9 Medical Examiner's Office) provides health and safety information that's both commonsense and surprising. Chapters such as "Highway to the Morgue" reveal essential road safety tips (such as never drive with the windows halfway down), while "Everyday Dangers" lets us in on the hidden risks closer to home. Don't miss this eye-opening book: it may well prove to be a lifesaver.

Table of Contents  

Publisher: Crown Archetype
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/05/2011
ISBN-13: 9780307588302
ISBN-10: 0307588300

Biggest Loser fans will recognize strength trainer (and life coach/tough love motivator) Jillian Michaels and may pick up Unlimited in the hopes of some help with weight loss. And while it may very well do that, Michaels has written this book for readers reaching for any type of goal -- not just on the scale. Displaying both enthusiasm and humor, she is supportive and demanding through exercises designed to uncover the issues and patterns that may be preventing you from reaching your full potential. Pick it up if you need some inspiration -- whether at home, at work, in relationships, or at the gym.

Table of Contents  

Publisher: Free Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 12/29/2009
ISBN-13: 9781439164969
ISBN-10: 1439164967

In this revised and updated edition of You, on a Diet, doctors Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz discuss the latest fads and the best tips and tricks for getting healthy. In order to help control abdominal fat -- an important indicator of obesity-related morbidity -- the two doctors relate practical guidelines for exercise and diet that can be adapted to any individual for lifelong healthy decision making. In addition, they explain how chemicals, hormones, and digestive organs all function together to signal satiety and hunger, thus giving dieters more understanding of and control over bodily needs. For added benefit, try listening to the audio version while you walk around your neighborhood.

First Chapter  

Publisher: New American Library
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 12/30/2008
ISBN-13: 9780451225795
ISBN-10: 0451225791

In this inspirational handbook, former talk-show host Montel Williams, who uses diet and exercise to help manage the effects of his multiple sclerosis, shares his personal approach to healthy and happy living. His sensible dietary recommendations stress the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish, and he provides a host of enticing recipes. His exercise plan incorporates strength training and aerobic activities, with an emphasis on power walking. If you have a chronic disease or you simply want to feel better, Montel's advice is well worth a look.

Table of Contents