The Shadow of Your Smile, by Mary Higgins Clark

I waited for what seemed like forever for my library's copy of this book to finally become available. 

It was well worth the wait, too!

Mary Higgins Clark is the best in my book when it comes to weaving tales of mystery and suspence, who-dunnits and even a smidge of romance.

Her latest was good from the get-go, as usual, with her usual way of adding pieces to the puzzle through her plethora of characters, all well written and thought out.  I love how she makes things seem a little obvious at times, then adds yet another piece to the puzzle and throws you for a loop till the very end when it all comes together and you have the ah-ha moment she intended.

In this novel, she included everything from a nun's beatification to murder, from charity foundations to scandal.  It was definitely a good read and is right up there with all of her other books.  Keep 'em comin', Mary!

The End of Overeating, by David A. Kessler, M.D.

Holy life-changing-book, Batman!

This book took me FOR.EV.ER. to read.  Well, at first, it was sitting at the bottom of a stack of library books for literally weeks while I read all the other books I wanted to read... this was maybe 3 months ago... seriously.  Then, I finally started it.  I think the reason I needed to read this book is the reason it took me so long to start it in the first place and the reason it took me so long to get it read.  Because I knew it would do me some good. 

I have struggled with my weight since about two years after I graduated high school.  I've tried everything from the grapefruit diet to the Atkins diet to any get-slim-quick work-out video I could find.  One thing I've come to realize is the word "diet" is synonymous with failure or temporary or deprivation.  Also, the only thing that will EVER get someone thin and healthy for life is exercise and a healthy way of eating.  I know I have some serious bad habits when it comes to food.  I know it's a weakness for me.  I know it's something I can conquer.  How this would be done was yet out of my grasp.

Until I read this book.

This book has changed the way I look at food and will stick with me for as long as I live.  I hope to obtain my very own copy of it so I can refer to it often.  It's empowering.  It's filled with common sense.  It's easy to relate to and it's easy to read.  The author of this book tells how he, himself, has had the same struggle that millions struggle with and basically recorded his mission in finding out why and how to fix it in this book.  He's included so much information, I had to read a little at a time to really digest it.  But it's information that he made easy to understand and relate to and put into practice in one's own life.

In a nutshell, he talks about how certain combinations of food, the very same combinations the food industry uses against us for their gain, affects the brain the same way cocaine and heroin would.  He talks about how the cue-urge-reward-habit cycle is something many battle but all can overcome.  He provides proof that this is happening inside our heads and why and how we can break this vicious cycle.  It really is an eye-opener.

I feel I can finally accomplish something I've been trying to accomplish for what seems like my whole life.

If you struggle with your weight or even feel food is something that occupies your thoughts more than it should, please do yourself a favor and read this book.  It really will change your life.