Blog Archives
Faith Through the Fire, Walking With God in My Storms
Faith Through the Fire is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the journey of Adrien and Beverly Chablal through Adrien’s unexpected cancer diagnosis and their unwavering determination to pursue healing, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The book opens with a son’s heartfelt letter to his father and then shifts to a dual narrative, combining Adrien’s reflections with Beverly’s “Chronicles.” Together, they recount their childhoods in Trinidad, marriage struggles, migration to the UK, and ultimately, their decision to face a stage IV Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis using both conventional and natural methods. Interwoven throughout are scriptural meditations, nutritional advice, and practical insights born from faith, family love, and fierce resilience.
Reading this book felt like sitting across the table from an old friend, coffee in hand, listening to someone pour out their heart. Adrien’s writing is raw and gutting at times. The disbelief at his diagnosis, the guilt over family strain, and the sense of helplessness are portrayed vividly. I found myself clenching my jaw during some passages, especially when he wrestled with the idea that a health-conscious lifestyle couldn’t shield him from cancer. His vulnerability is striking, and that makes the hope that follows even more powerful. Beverly’s side is equally gripping. Her determination to be her husband’s anchor, her fearless research into holistic health, and her ability to dig into her past for strength are as moving as they are inspiring. Her voice comes through as calm and relentless.
What really got me, though, was how the book doesn’t try to hide the messiness. Their marriage was tested, their children drifted, and their faith was, at times, hanging on by a thread. But it never read like a sob story. It felt like a love letter to persistence, not perfection. The inclusion of wellness plans, herbal regimens, and even their frustrations with housing in the UK could have felt like filler, but instead, it all tied into the bigger theme: survival isn’t just physical. It’s mental, spiritual, and relational. I loved that balance. On the flip side, I occasionally felt the pacing slow during extended reflections or lengthy nutritional breakdowns, but even those had a purpose if you’re reading with healing in mind.
This book isn’t just about beating cancer. It’s about choosing faith when you’re flat on your face, and finding a way forward even when the path disappears beneath your feet. I’d recommend Faith Through the Fire to anyone facing serious illness, especially caregivers and spouses who are walking through someone else’s storm. It’s also a solid pick for people of faith who want a reminder that miracles don’t always come wrapped in flashing lights. Sometimes, they look like a juicer on your kitchen counter and a Bible verse that keeps you going. It’s an emotional read, but one that left me feeling full of gratitude.-
Pages: 114
Healing Is Possible
Health on Fire shares with readers your knowledge of biological principles, such as metabolism, oxidation, and enzyme function, to support your belief that to reclaim their health, people need to make radical changes in diet and lifestyle. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was sick for many years, and despite my respect for the medical industry, it could not offer me a true cure. While conventional treatments helped me manage symptoms and gave temporary relief, they didn’t address the root cause of my health issues. After years of research, I discovered that many chronic conditions are directly related to what we put into our bodies—and how we damage our food through processing and, most significantly, cooking.
When I started nourishing myself with clean, unprocessed, and uncooked foods, the transformation was incredible—my body began to heal. I also interviewed others who had adopted a natural lifestyle and experienced similar results. As I continued to study, I found solid scientific evidence showing that a raw, plant-based diet can help people reverse chronic diseases and restore health naturally.
This book was born from a deep desire to share those findings. Health on Fire is not just based on personal experience—it’s backed by science. I’ve included research references throughout the book so readers can explore the evidence for themselves.
Ultimately, this book is about empowering people to take back control of their health. And beyond individual healing, embracing a raw vegan lifestyle benefits not only our wellbeing but also our natural resources and the planet we share.
What is one thing about a raw vegan diet that you think is misrepresented in the media?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a raw vegan diet doesn’t provide enough protein. Many people still believe that protein only comes from meat and animal products, but that’s simply not true.
If we look at nature, we see powerful animals like gorillas—who eat mostly fruit and leafy greens—and elephants, with their enormous muscle mass, thriving entirely on plant-based diets. These animals build strength and muscle without ever consuming animal protein.
It’s the same for humans. There are many vegan athletes and bodybuilders today who are living proof that you can build muscle, strength, and endurance on a plant-based diet.
The idea that animal products are essential for protein is outdated. In reality, all protein originates in plants; animals just act as the middlemen. By going straight to the source—raw, whole plant foods—we can meet all our protein needs in a cleaner, more efficient, and healthier way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the core ideas I wanted to share is that going fully raw can support the body’s natural ability to heal itself—even from chronic diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and in some cases, cancer.
Through my research and personal experience, I came to understand that in many cases, our food and drink choices are the root cause of our health problems. When we eliminate processed, toxic, and unnatural foods and replace them with clean, raw, living plant foods, the body can begin to repair the damage and activate its innate healing mechanisms.
It was deeply important to me to show that healing is possible. I wrote this book to help people who are suffering—to offer them real hope and a path forward through natural, science-backed principles. Everyone deserves the chance to live free from pain, and I believe nature has already provided everything we need to heal and thrive.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
The reality is, I’m not surprised by the reactions—because I knew that much of the information in the book would be completely new to most people. What readers often point out—and what surprises them—is that they’ve never heard this before. Many ask why the medical industry or doctors don’t talk about these things, or why the government doesn’t promote a raw, plant-based lifestyle despite its clear benefits.
Their response highlights just how much vital, healing knowledge is missing from mainstream health guidance—and it’s exactly why I felt called to write this book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
What is the state of your health?
Or better yet: Do you believe your health is your choice? 🧠💚
If your answer is YES, then Health on Fire is the guide you’ve been searching for — a bold, practical manual to reclaim your wellbeing naturally. 🌿
📘 Inside this transformative book, you’ll discover:
➤ How to lose weight naturally without counting calories
➤ How to restore energy, clarity, and vitality 🌞
➤ How to break free from chronic illness and inflammation
➤ Why a raw vegan and fruitarian diet supports deep healing
🌱 This isn’t theory — it’s a lifestyle that works.
The healing approach detailed in this book has helped thousands of people around the world:
✅ Reverse type 2 diabetes
✅ Overcome autoimmune conditions
✅ Support recovery from cancer
✅ Reduce fatty liver
✅ Some could eliminate the need for medications and even painkillers
🔬 Grounded in science and lived experience, this food-as-medicine blueprint provides a sustainable, step-by-step path to:
✨ Lifelong health
✨ Natural healing
✨ A body you feel proud to live in — without harsh diets, drugs, or fads
💡 Whether you’re seeking natural weight loss, healing from chronic disease, or simply want to feel vibrant again — this book empowers you to take control.
🎯 Because your health is your choice.
🔥 Let your journey to Ultimate Health begin today.
Talking About Adolescence: Book 2: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power
After reading Talking About Adolescence: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power by Eichin Chang-Lim, I found myself genuinely moved by the thoughtfulness and care packed into each chapter. This book is a science-based, yet heart-forward guide to the messy, confusing, and powerful journey of adolescence. It covers the transformations happening in the body and brain during the teenage years, explaining everything from hormonal changes to executive function, mental health, trauma, and decision-making. The book is structured like a friendly handbook. Short chapters, helpful questions to reflect on, and colorful analogies (like comparing brain growth to building a Minecraft city). It makes big, complicated topics feel manageable, especially for young readers navigating puberty, peer pressure, and self-doubt.
One thing I really appreciated was the author’s tone. It’s caring without being preachy and factual without feeling cold. Chang-Lim speaks directly to the reader like a trusted mentor. I could feel the empathy in her writing, like she really gets what it’s like to be a teen. The way she breaks down the science of brain development and links it to everyday experiences (like mood swings, risk-taking, or trouble focusing) is brilliant. There’s a mix of neuroscience, psychology, and life advice that somehow feels both comforting and empowering. I found myself pausing after several sections just to sit with the questions or reflect on my own teenage years.
For the intended audience, teens and young adults, it’s just right. The visual style, short paragraphs, and clear explanations make it accessible. I also loved how inclusive it was. Chang-Lim takes care to speak to all types of readers, including those who may feel left out in traditional sex-ed books: kids in foster care, LGBTQ+ teens, or those who’ve experienced trauma. The section on mental health and resilience stood out as one of the strongest parts. It’s honest, hopeful, and encourages self-awareness without judgment.
I would absolutely recommend this book to teenagers, parents, school counselors, and educators. If you’re a teen who’s overwhelmed by the changes happening in your body or brain, this book will feel like someone holding your hand through it. And if you’re an adult trying to understand what teens are going through, it’ll give you insight and compassion. This isn’t just a “puberty book,” it’s a survival guide for growing up.
Pages: 392 | ASIN: B0DF1F8FT1
Health on Fire
Health on Fire is a fiery manifesto about reclaiming health through radical changes in diet and lifestyle. Michael Zara lays out his philosophy of “Ultimate Health,” arguing that many of our modern health issues come not from aging, genetics, or bad luck, but from what and how we eat, especially our reliance on cooked and processed foods. Through personal stories, analogies, and a strong critique of mainstream medicine and food culture, Zara builds his case for a raw vegan lifestyle, one stripped of salt, oil, cooking, and even many widely accepted beliefs about nutrition. At its core, the book aims to help readers wake up from passive conformity and take ownership of their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Zara’s passion is infectious. He clearly cares deeply about helping people feel better, and his personal transformation adds credibility to his message. I appreciated his effort to explain complicated concepts like oxidation, immune function, and enzyme loss in plain language. Some of the metaphors, like the frog in boiling water or the apple turning brown, landed powerfully. They made me think differently about what I eat and what I consider “normal.” Zara’s strong stance against cooked food and his deep passion for raw eating at times felt more rooted in personal philosophy. While some critiques of mainstream health systems may feel bold or unconventional, they are clearly rooted in deep conviction and lived experience.
One of the strongest aspects is the book’s clear and logical structure. Each chapter builds smoothly on the last, guiding the reader from foundational ideas into more complex topics. Zara takes care to ground his advice in basic biological principles, such as metabolism, oxidation, and enzyme function, and explains them in simple, straightforward language. The book is written in a way that’s approachable and engaging, with plenty of relatable examples. Best of all, it gives real, actionable steps. Whether it’s shifting toward raw foods or rethinking hydration and sleep, there’s always something practical to try.
The book stirred something in me. It’s rare that a health book pushes me this hard to question my habits and look closely at what I put in my body every day. I’ve already started paying more attention to raw foods and how I feel after different meals. Zara’s diet recommendations are quite focused and may be challenging. While his approach is clearly shaped by personal transformation and deep conviction, the book leans more on lived experience. This gives his message a sincere and passionate tone.
Health on Fire is for readers who are ready to challenge the status quo. If you’re tired of feeling tired, open to radical change, and don’t mind a blunt voice with strong opinions, you’ll probably come away from this book fired up. This book will stick with you. Zara doesn’t just want you to read it, he wants you to wake up.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0DNK3JW87
Nurse Dorothea® presents Managing Anger Instead of Letting Anger Manage You
Michael Dow’s Managing Anger Instead of Letting Anger Manage You is a conversational, interactive guide on understanding and handling anger in everyday life. Framed through the warm and encouraging voice of a fictional nurse named Dorothea, the book reads like a group therapy session, complete with peer discussions, personal reflections, and science-backed insights. It blends storytelling, practical advice, and educational content with a focus on building emotional intelligence and community support. Across three parts, Dow takes readers on a journey through the biology of anger, its triggers, consequences, and most importantly, dozens of actionable ways to respond to it in healthier ways.
I found the book to be surprisingly heartfelt and easy to connect with. The writing is simple, perfect for children, and it also makes it feel accessible. It doesn’t get bogged down in academic jargon or heavy theory, which makes it approachable for people of all ages, especially teens or those who feel overwhelmed by dense self-help literature. The use of a classroom-style narrative, with Nurse Dorothea guiding a group of diverse students, makes the lessons stick. Their stories felt real. The emotional resonance is where the book shines most. It invites you to not just read, but to pause and reflect.
The book sometimes revisits the same ideas, especially when emphasizing similar coping strategies or restating the importance of managing anger. But maybe that’s the point. Anger doesn’t go away with one good insight, it takes practice, and a lot of the same reminders, over and over. What I appreciated most was the variety of techniques offered, from journaling and exercise to breathing, forgiveness, and goal-setting. It’s a toolbox, not a rulebook. The encouragement to try what works for you felt empowering rather than prescriptive.
This children’s book is a warm and practical guide for anyone who struggles with anger, whether that means explosive rage or the quiet, festering kind. It’s especially helpful for young adults, teachers, counselors, or parents trying to model emotional regulation. If you want something that feels like a caring voice walking beside you, offering kind, practical nudges in the right direction, this picture book fits the bill.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0FB1X2H7N
Providing Patients With Knowledge
The Healthcare Appointment Playbook is a practical, no-nonsense guide that simplifies the healthcare system by providing readers with insights into different healthcare providers, demystifying insurance, and preparing patients for healthcare appointments. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The book was important to write because every time I see a new patient and she tells me that I am the first provider to ask about her health history, explain things clearly, allow her to ask questions, and keep things real, I realize that all patients should have the same experience. When I open a patient’s chart and see that her history hasn’t been entered or updated, it breaks my heart. It means that someone didn’t care enough about her to get to know her and educate her on her health risks.
Patients are getting sicker earlier in their lives and are spending more on their healthcare. Patients need to know about the timing of health screenings, be educated about prevention, and know the consequences of lifestyle decisions on their health.
Healthcare providers rely on our patients for their jobs; but I believe healthcare is the only service industry that is provider-driven rather than patient-driven, and this must change. Patients need to have the knowledge to take control of their appointments—to ask questions, seek clarification, explore treatment options and optimize their healthcare appointments. They also need resources and tools to live healthy lives, and I wanted to create a wellness guide to show that leading a healthy life can be simple and affordable.
What is your background and experience, and how did it help you write this book?
I have been an Advanced Practice Provider since March 2001 and have had the same employer throughout this time. I know this is rare today. I reached the salary cap nine years ago, but I stay because I love my patients and want to do right by them. I am the healthcare provider today because patients trust me enough to include me in their lives. I’ve learned from their stories and experiences, understanding their struggles and distrust of the healthcare system. Although I no longer attend deliveries, I now care for the women I helped bring into this world.
Since the Affordable Care Act, women’s healthcare providers can serve as primary care providers. I embraced this role to provide continuity of care and to continue caring for women beyond their women’s healthcare needs.
My psychology degree has given me insight into the mind-body connection, showing how my patients’ lives outside the exam room impact their physical and mental health. My business degree has increased my awareness of healthcare economics and how patients are affected.
The combination of my clinical experience and education helped me to write the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to demystify the healthcare experience for patients and provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the healthcare system. I aimed to explain what to expect, what their rights are as patients, what questions to ask, why healthcare providers do what they do, what are common illnesses that shorten lifespan and to offer a simple wellness guide that helps patients prevent illness and disease. I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Healthcare Appointment Playbook?
That patients can have some control over their healthcare visits.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Rituales de Limpieza : Guía Paso-a-Paso
Este libro es exactamente lo que promete: una guía suave, arraigada y profundamente personal sobre la limpieza espiritual y energética. Desde sahumerios con salvia hasta baños de canela para atraer la suerte, Anita Fonteboa guía al lector a través de una variedad de rituales diseñados para eliminar la negatividad, elevar el espíritu y atraer la abundancia. El libro está dividido en pasos fáciles de seguir, lo que lo hace accesible incluso si eres completamente nuevo en el trabajo energético o en las prácticas espirituales. Hay un tema recurrente a lo largo del libro: la intención lo es todo. Ya sea que estés agitando incienso o vertiendo agua de arroz sobre tu cabeza, lo importante es estar presente, creer y abrirte al cambio.
Me gustó mucho cómo el tono de Anita se siente como el de una amiga que ya ha pasado por esto y que realmente está emocionada por ayudarte. Su historia está entretejida aquí y allá, lo que hace que la experiencia se sienta cálida y personal. Toma como ejemplo sus instrucciones para el “Baño de Limpieza con Infusión de Salvia”. Te dice exactamente qué hacer y luego te anima a respirar, establecer intenciones y decirlas en voz alta. Es esta combinación de pasos físicos y atención emocional lo que le da magia al libro.
Muchos de los rituales siguen patrones similares: hervir ingredientes, colarlos, agregar Agua de Florida y recitar intenciones. Aunque útiles, en ocasiones pueden sentirse repetitivos. Me encontré hojeando ciertas secciones que repetían instrucciones anteriores. Sin embargo, el tono genuino de la autora y la estructura coherente ayudan a mantener el encanto del libro. Un ritual que destacó de manera especial fue la práctica con canela que se realiza al comienzo de cada mes. Se sintió simbólica y edificante, simple pero poderosa. El libro anima al lector a adoptar estas prácticas no solo como rutinas, sino como momentos de alegría intencionada.
El capítulo sobre las palabras y la oración me dejó una impresión especialmente fuerte. La frase: “Hay algo extraordinario que sucede cuando pronuncias tus palabras en voz alta” es tan elegantemente simple como profundamente verdadera. Las oraciones de Anita están escritas con sinceridad y profundidad emocional, y sirven como un poderoso recordatorio de la importancia de expresar nuestras intenciones verbalmente.
Rituales de Limpieza : Guía Paso-a-Paso es un compañero amable y fácil de seguir para cualquiera que quiera invitar un poco más de paz, claridad y positividad a su espacio. Es realista, está escrito con cariño y está lleno de buena energía. Si eres alguien que siente curiosidad por la limpieza energética, disfruta del autocuidado espiritual o simplemente quiere sentirse un poco más en control de su entorno, este libro es un hermoso punto de partida.
Paginas: 81 | ASIN: B0DL3XQ4KZ
The Healthcare Appointment Playbook: Understanding the System to Get the Care You Deserve
The Healthcare Appointment Playbook is a practical, no-nonsense guide aimed at empowering patients, especially women, to navigate the complexities of today’s broken healthcare system. Drawing on over two decades of experience as a nurse-midwife and primary care provider, Barbara Alif Doran strips away the mystery and intimidation that too often accompany doctor visits. With warmth, clarity, and the occasional jab at the frustrating bureaucracy of modern medicine, Doran explains what patients should expect during visits, how to advocate for themselves, and why prevention is key to long-term health.
What I liked most about this book was its genuine voice. Doran calls out systemic problems like insurance hoops, rushed appointments, and provider burnout, with the kind of honest frustration that only someone inside the system can express. And yet, the tone isn’t bitter. It’s hopeful. She believes deeply in the power of patients to reclaim control, and that conviction pulses through every chapter. Her personal stories, particularly the one about a patient named Anne who eventually agreed to manage her high blood pressure on her own terms, made the advice feel real and reachable.
Parts of the book did make me feel sad and even angry. The way our healthcare system pushes quantity over quality isn’t new to me, but hearing it from a provider who’s lived it and burned out because of it really drove the point home. But Doran isn’t just venting. She’s teaching. Every tip, whether it’s about preparing questions for your visit or knowing your legal rights, feels like a lifeline thrown into murky water. I appreciated her straightforward language, too. No medical jargon. No corporate-speak. Just one person talking to another about how to stay healthy and get the care you deserve.
This book is for anyone who’s ever walked into a clinic feeling confused, ignored, or powerless and wanted to do something about it. It’s especially helpful for women navigating complex medical needs or caring for others, but honestly, the tools here are useful for everyone. If you’ve ever left an appointment wondering what just happened, or if you’re tired of feeling like your health is in someone else’s hands, then read this.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0F69B1PZK
LITERARY TITAN 