Now out: Simple Ways to Unwind Without Alcohol

People drink for different reasons. For many alcohol consumption does not pose any issues while, for others, there is an awareness of discomfort with their intake of drinks. There are those for whom a drink serves to calm, to feel better in social situations and so on without it feeling like an issue but others may feel that they want/need to try something else.

For anyone who is interested in thinking about this topic, this book is definitely worth a look. It delivers on exactly what it promises which is to give tips on how to unwind without using alcohol.

The authors use practices that are well regarded and considered to be evidence based to help. They specifically suggest things to try from meditation, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy).

This title is divided into sections including Soothe Your Mind; Engage with Your Body; Love Your Home; Rediscover Nature; Nurture Your Relationships, Reconnect with Your work; Savor Your Food and Drink; Embrace Your Family; Bond with Animals; and Celebrate Your Spirit.

A few examples of the fifty ideas included within these sections are Meditate But Keep it Short; Explore Nature Trails; Schedule Your Down Time; Reignite Your Nutrition; Bond with Animals and many more.

Be sure to read the introduction. It gives a nice sense of the authors’ perspective. Then, as they suggest, go slow and see what makes sense. This book is filled with ideas.

While this book is written for those thinking about alcohol consumption, in my opinion there is much here for the general reader as well. It is a very good resource.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harbinger Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ****

From the Publisher

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like without alcohol? This guide has the answer.
If you're stuck in a drinking rut and in need of a wellness reset, this book is for you.
"A treasure chest of insightgful and compassionater ways to self-soothe."

Expect some fun: The Expectant Detectives

I first saw this book when I was browsing in a British bookstore on line and knew that I wanted to read it. It was great to find that it was also being published in the U.S. and it felt like a real treat to receive this one from NetGalley. 

Anyone who is (or has been pregnant) or knows someone who has, and those who enjoy somewhat frothy mysteries laced with humor should take a look at this one.

Imagine a baby being delivered right in the middle of a prenatal class. If that weren’t enough, imagine that a murder follows not long after. 

A group of women from the prenatal class are on the case. Will they solve it?  Readers can guess the answer to that. The fun is in watching events unfold.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own. 

Pub date: 09 January 2024

British cover and next in series

Understanding may be needed: Tightwads and Spendrifts (Scott Rick)

It might not feel romantic but this book would make an excellent gift for a couple that you know…even if you, yourself, are part of said couple. It seems to me that it will be especially helpful to those in new(ish) relationships, say two people who are about to begin living together. Reading this could help to avoid trouble spots later in a relationship.

Clearly, people evolve their thinking about money in both conscious and unconscious ways. The author of this book, a behavioral scientist, unpacks how these attitudes influence a person using the categories of spendthrift and tightwad. Early in the book, there is a short quiz (I find quizzes tend to draw people in) that helps a person to acknowledge their overall perspective. 

Following this, are chapters that will, hopefully, lead to deeper understanding and connection between partners. I like that there is even attention paid to how a current generation may influence the one below.

Struggling with a partner about money? Not struggling but don’t want to have to? Either way, take a look at this helpful book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 January 2024

From the Publisher

Tightwads and Spendthrifts Scott Rick
Tightwads and Spendthrifts Scott Rick Helaine Olen quote
Tightwads and Spendthrifts Scott Rick Eli J. Finkel quote

Now out: Worrying is Optional

The author of this book wisely notes that we all worry at times. However, worrying as a chronic way of relating to the world and living a life can certainly takes its toll. Mr. Eckstein wants to offer readers a tool kit to cope with this often harrowing emotion.

Using knowledge from different therapeutic schools such as ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), readers will develop strategies. As a result, this book will be most welcome for its audience.

The author writes in a clear and direct style. Read each of the four sections including Understanding Worry, Changing Your Relationship to Worry, Challenging Worry and Living Unbound From Worry and then, hopefully, feel more on top of things as understanding and new skills develop. As the author notes, worry and anxiety will not completely disappear butthe reader will likely be able to better co-exist with these feelings.

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ****