UNDERSTANDING LIGHT THERAPY by Cory E Stiles DVM

 UNDERSTANDING LIGHT THERAPY

by

Cory E Stiles DVM

    Understanding Light Therapy is another informative "guidebook" written by Cory E Stiles, DVM. And, like her earlier book, A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health, this new book is also a highly recommended hidden gem.

    Dr. Stiles is a veterinarian who incorporates both Western (conventional) medicine and Eastern (traditional) medicine in her veterinary practice. The use of light therapy is a natural fit for her approach to medical treatment, and she has indeed used light therapy in her practice for decades.

    In Understanding Light Therapy, Dr. Stiles explains exactly what light therapy is and some of its current common applications. She explains the science behind the use of light therapy in these instances in a manner that is accessible to readers who have limited science backgrounds.

    Dr. Stiles also discusses how to set up and personalize a light therapy routine, safety, and factors to consider when purchasing a light therapy device. In addition, the book offers strategies for success - such as journaling and community support - and considers misconceptions about light therapy and future trends.

    Although this is a wonderful book, there are two very minor changes that I would recommend. First, throughout her discussion of the science and the studies and the like, Dr. Stiles includes parentheticals that reference the source of the information by a number. At the end of the book is the Reference section, but there are no corresponding numbers, and the citations do not appear to be in any particular order (alphabetical or otherwise). Second, I wish Dr. Stiles had included photographs of the different equipment that she discussed. I am not suggesting that she discuss where to buy the equipment or the lowest price or show any partiality to particular manufacturers; but, as someone who is new to light therapy, I wonder what light panels, handheld devices, face masks, wearable devices, etc. look like.

    Nonetheless, Understanding Light Therapy is very well written, informative, and easily accessible to a diversity of readers. I learned a great deal from this book. Dr. Stiles does not just provide the reader with information; she teaches the reader about something she is passionate about. It is a great read.

This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A WOMEN'S GUIDE FOR PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH by C. E. Stiles

 A WOMEN'S GUIDE FOR PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

by

C. E. Stiles

    A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health is a nonfiction "guidebook" written by C. E. Stiles. And, it is a hidden gem of a guidebook. 

    The book begins with photographs, laying out in detail the precise anatomical features that constitute the pelvic floor that features centrally in this work. It is well written, very informative, and easily accessible to a diversity of readers.

    Dr. Stiles is a medical professional with extensive training and experience in both Western (conventional) medicine and Eastern (traditional) medicine. Both branches of her training and experience are depicted in A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health, as her approach and suggestions offer a blend of both traditions.

    In addition to the information she provides concerning pelvic floor  health, Dr. Stiles sets forth a multifaceted approach to preventing, living with, or combating pelvic floor issues. She details approaches that may help alleviate or prevent pelvic floor issues, such as Kegel exercises, Yoga, Pilates, biofeedback, and mindfulness and relaxation. The book also provides helpful suggestions for organizing, goal setting, keeping track of progress, and motivation.

A Women's Guide for Pelvic Floor Health is not just a guide for women who have pelvic floor issues. This is a book for all women: young women, pregnant or postpartum women, and menopausal women. In a way, this is a guide for all women regarding all issues. I kind of wish Dr. Stiles had not entitled the book specifically for pelvic floor health, as her advice and suggestions pertain to many health issues women face; but, perhaps she will cover those in another book.

Meanwhile, this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

LETHAL PREY by John Sandford

 LETHAL PREY

(Lucas Davenport #35)

by

John Sandford

(expected publication March 25, 2025)

    In John Sandford's Lethal Prey, two of Sandford's longtime protagonists, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, once again join forces. Davenport, a U.S. Marshall, and Flowers, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), team up this time to tackle one of Minnesota's most difficult cold cases.

    When Doris Grandfelt was brutally murdered, the BCA investigation quickly reached a dead end. It could not be determined where Grandfelt had been murdered, and the BCA had been unable to locate the murder weapon or much evidence. Twenty years later, her twin sister, Lara Grandfelt, wanted answers. She posted copies of the files from the cold case on true-crime sites and offered the true-crime bloggers a 5 million dollar reward.

    Lucas and Virgil began reconsidering the cold case from the small amount of evidence originally collected by the BCA. With help from some of the bloggers, Lucas and Virgil slowly pieced together what had happened to Doris - and a great deal more. The explosion of information that they uncovered also brought an increased threat from a dangerous, cold, and calculating killer.

    I am a huge and longtime fan of Sandford's work. And by joining Lucas and Virgil together on this cold case, Sandford does not disappoint. This book seems different from earlier Lucas and Virgil books - there aren't as many bullets flying around, and the ending is "unusual" (for Sandford). Nonetheless, by focusing on a cold case, incorporating true-crime sites and bloggers, and adopting a new, "unusual" ending, it feels like Sandford is growing as a writer. And I, for one, am excited to follow Sandford on this journey. 

Lethal Prey is another Sandford blockbuster. Highly Recommended.

IN TOO DEEP (Jack Reacher #29)

by

Lee Child and Andrew Child

    In Too Deep, written by Lee Child and Andrew Child, is the twenty-ninth installment in the Jack Reacher series. The expected publication date for the book is October 22, 2024.

    Reacher awakens in the dark, restrained and in pain, with no idea where he is or how he got there. He later learns that he had been a passenger in an automobile accident, but he had no recollection how he came to be in the car to begin with. Reacher finds himself in the midst of a band of criminals, and he needs to quickly figure out what had led to the accident, what the group is planning, and how he can stop their nefarious plans. 

    I have been a longtime fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. When Andrew Child took over the writing, I was initially appalled; the Reacher portrayed in the co-authored books was not the same character I had followed for so long. I decided to try one more, with In Too Deep, and I am glad that I did.

    The Reacher found in this latest book is closer to the character I grew to love and continually follow. The writing is certainly different. This book especially feels a bit more confused than usual, and the beginning is different than older Reacher books. While reading In Too Deep, I sort of felt like I had been dropped into the middle of the story, having missed the first part. But I wonder if this is intentional; Reacher received a head injury, leaving him confused and unable to remember the first part of the story himself. So, although In Too Deep is different, I found that it nonetheless works.

    In Too Deep is not my favorite Reacher book; however, it is probably my favorite Andrew Child Reacher book. I am happy to have the "normal" Reacher back and look forward to his next adventure.

RECOMMENDED

THE YEAR OF THE LOCUST by Terry Hayes

 THE YEAR OF THE LOCUST

by

Terry Hayes

    The Year of the Locust is the first novel in a decade by Terry Hayes, following his 2013 debut thriller, I Am Pilgram. I loved I Am Pilgram, so I was pleased to receive a copy of The Year of the Locust through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

    In The Year of the Locust, we meet a CIA Denied Access Area spy, code name Kane. As a Denied Access Area spy, Kane is expected to enter forbidden areas, complete the mission, and exit again, all on his own. While working such a mission, to meet and exfiltrate an informant and his family, Kane meets the Locust.

    I love The Year of the Locust, but I say this with a hesitation. I keep thinking "it is a great book, but...." I would give it 5 stars, but because of this hesitation, it is 4.5 out of 5 stars. However, I think that the reason for these hesitancies has to do with me, not the book. Here's the reason:

    One of the genres of books that I enjoy is thrillers. The Year of the Locust is not only a thriller, it is an Epic Thriller. It is a massive book with many subplots, leaving Kane seemingly operating all over the world. It also conveys a great deal of insight into the life of a spy. And then suddenly, the book seems to jump genres, taking a sharp turn into apocalyptic genre, a genre that I absolutely do not enjoy. It returns to thriller, but that leap left me sitting there wondering what just happened. So, that brief digression has made me pause, and hence my hesitation.

    Even so, The Year of the Locust is undeniably an Epic Thriller. It is a breathtaking experience, a must read for all thriller fans. And so, despite its one "glitch" it is definitely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

RUN, ROSE, RUN by Dolly Parton and James Patterson

 RUN, ROSE, RUN

by

Dolly Parton and James Patterson

    Run, Rose, Run, a novel written by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, gives us an insightful tour through the world of country music. I am a Dolly Parton fan, and I enjoy many of Patterson's books, so I was excited about this book. 

    In Run, Rose, Run, singer songwriter AnnieLee Keyes finds her way to Nashville. Once there, AnnieLee is lucky and meets Ruthanna Ryder, the retired "Queen" of country music, and Ethan Blake, an army veteran who plays guitar and does studio work with Ruthanna. They all have their secrets; they all have their pasts. As the story unfolds, so do their secrets.

    Run, Rose, Run is fun. It is not a work of literary fiction - and at times the plot might seem "hokey" - but it is a cohesive, enjoyable reading experience that also provides a look inside the world of country music from our real life "Queen".

    When Run, Rose, Run was first published, I listened to the audiobook; after recently being approved to read and review an ARC, I read the book. Although I really enjoyed the book on both occasions, I highly recommend listening to this one. The narrators include Kelsea Ballerini and Dolly Parton. Either way, Run, Rose, Run is a fun reading experience.

A KILLING OF INNOCENTS by Deborah Crombie

 A KILLING OF INNOCENTS

(Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #19)

by

Deborah Crombie

(expected publication February 7, 2023)

    A Killing of Innocents is the nineteenth installment in Deborah Crombie's Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series. And, it is a worthy addition to this wonderful series.

    When junior doctor Sasha Johnson realizes that she has been stood up, she heads through London's Russell Square. After someone in the crowd jostles her while passing, she collapses. Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid receives the call, and he and Detective Sergeant Doug Cullen find that Sasha had been stabbed. Who would want to kill this young doctor? Why? As we follow Duncan's usual investigation into Sasha's family, her roommate, her coworkers, what seems like a straightforward, albeit puzzling, case develops complications and becomes multifaceted. We witness how Duncan and his team find the who and the why.

    Although A Killing of Innocents gives us the complex plot development that we have come to expect from Crombie, this book seems to lack a lot of the "extra-plot development" to which we are accustomed; in other words, Duncan's wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, is largely sidelined in this book. Gemma and her sergeant, Melody Talbot, have been assigned to a task force involving the tracking and identifying of knife crimes. And, although both detectives contribute to the investigation, their participation is minimal; there is no real role for them in this book. However, Crombie has done a nice job capturing the frustration that Gemma experiences with balancing the primary care of their three children with her desire to be solving cases, work at which she excels. And, even though the plot may be more narrow - in the sense of which characters are given an active role - Crombie skillfully works in some continued development to characters who are sidelined in this plot.

   I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review an advanced readers copy of this book. Nonetheless, when I came to the end of A Killing of Innocents, I was very sad. It is a great addition to the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series - and I highly recommend the book and the entire series - but at the end, I realized that my return to Duncan's and Gemma's world was over. Crombie, as always, is masterful, and I anxiously await the next installment in the series.