Book 63: Full Catastrophe Living

This book is revised edition of the 1990 book by Jon Kabat-Zinn. It is a thorough description and explanation of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program started at the University of Massachusetts.



The program was originally developed for patients with chronic pain and other physical illnesses and conditions, but it can easily be applied to almost every stressful situation, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual.

There is also an iPhone app of the guided meditations and mindful yoga that is only $3.99, so you can very easily get started on the meditation.

Confession: I loved the book and bought the app, but I have yet to complete an entire session of meditation. That's on my list of things to do as soon as possible!

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley.

Book 62: Expecting Better

I read something about this book somewhere, and there's also been a bit of a kerfuffle about some of the information in it (is alcohol ok to consume in pregnancy? If so, how much?), so I was intrigued to read it.



While many of these types of decisions don't really apply to me (I don't drink alcohol, coffee, or tea; I don't eat deli meat), it was still intriguing to read about.  (Reliable and valid) data is good! Oster does not make recommendations, but presents the data so that you can make the decision that suits your situation the best.

I would love to see a follow-up that gives data about baby care choices.

Book 61: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. It was beautifully recorded.



Sometimes the subtle exposition required by the epistolary style grated on my nerves a bit (as in when it was necessary to describe a gift that had been received--which surely the giver would have known all about), but overall, this was a lovely listen. It makes me want to go to Guernsey and stay in a cottage.

Book 60: Feeling Good

I officially started this book almost a year ago, though I had really started reading it many, many years ago. I am glad to have actually finished it!



This is a great book--a very accessible and user-friendly explanation of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Book 59: Cooked

It's been a very slow month for reading. But I did have a real treat to listen to: Michael Pollan himself reading his newest book.



I loved it. In addition to describing his experiences learning various cooking techniques, it discussed the philosophy of cooking and food preparation quite extensively: What does it mean to roast a pig over coals? What is the meaning of cheese? Right up my alley.

Michael Pollan can come and barbecue a whole pig in my backyard any day.

Book 58: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk

This is such a good book. This is the kind of book I will probably read multiple times, and I don't generally re-read books.



I started this last May, and for some reason, set it aside. I picked it up again last week when it became apparent that interrogating my soon-to-be-five-year-old was not an effective way to get information.

The cartoons in the book are a little cheesy in the drawing style (perhaps dated, since the book was originally published in 1980. But don't let that put you off; the information is very relevant and practical.

Book 57: Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids

Can a book jump the shark? I felt like this one did. The central arguments of the book were good, and quite convincing.



But there were some sections that just seemed ridiculous, like the chapters in which the author re-hashed the book in imaginary arguments with imaginary detractors, and the one about assisted reproductive technology. When I told a friend I was reading this book, she laughed, "What, is it a pamphlet?" Maybe these chapters were added as padding so that it reached book length?