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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The idea that animal products are essential for protein is outdated.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.
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
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
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
Deadly Dilemma: A Memoir
Anthony Gurley’s Deadly Dilemma is a raw and intimate memoir that explores the tumultuous emotional journey of a man grappling with his past, his fears, and his place in the world. From his childhood in a poor North Carolina housing project to his struggles with self-worth and his attempts to reconcile with faith and family, Gurley paints a vivid portrait of his life. The story begins with a poignant letter that sets the tone, one of unvarnished truth, pain, and introspection, before taking the reader through a labyrinth of formative moments, personal trials, and eventual reckonings.
What I liked most about the book was Gurley’s ability to convey vulnerability without self-pity. The letter at the beginning is a gut punch, laying bare his struggles with depression and fear. As he recounts his childhood memories, such as a terrifying encounter with Hurricane Hazel or his days playing sports at the Boys Club, Gurley brings a sense of nostalgia tinged with melancholy. These anecdotes felt relatable, especially his longing for recognition and connection. His descriptions of trying out for the basketball team and the heartache of not making it are heartbreakingly universal moments of rejection that linger long after adolescence.
At times, Gurley’s narrative meanders, pulling the reader into minute details of his early years or internal thoughts. While this makes the book deeply personal, some passages felt overly detailed and repetitive. For example, his recounting of ironing clothes and relating it to a George Washington Carver biography is insightful but I think it could have been condensed. That said, this unfiltered style makes the memoir feel like a candid conversation with the author, one where he is unafraid to show every bruise and scar.
I appreciated Gurley’s reflections on his relationship with faith and community. His introduction to Quakerism and his attempts to find solace in religion add depth to the book. However, the most powerful sections for me were his examinations of family. The story of his father leaving when he was a child, coupled with his own feelings of inadequacy as a parent, hit me hard. It’s in these moments that the memoir transcends its specific context and becomes a universal exploration of loss and resilience.
By the time I reached the conclusion, I felt both drained and inspired. Deadly Dilemma is not a light read. It forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about fear, loneliness, and the human need for love and belonging. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys deeply personal memoirs that wrestle with life’s big questions.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0CQ6GXGRW
Ending Body Burnout: Find Your Spark
Ending Body Burnout stands out for its depth and deep insights, offering an in-depth exploration of the human body—particularly the female body—and the experiences of burnout. Dr. Filipa Bellette writes with evident love and concern for those who have faced burnout, crafting a narrative that is both comprehensive and transformative. She challenges the notion of quick fixes and critiques the over-reliance on prescriptions and surface-level treatments. In addition, Chris Bellette presents a holistic approach that addresses the body, mind, and environment, aiming for true healing and sustainable health. Her method digs deep into the root causes of health issues rather than merely providing temporary relief.
Ending Body Burnout introduces a four-step method, drawing on decades of experience with burnout. These steps involve diagnosing issues at an intrinsic level, healing the mind, fostering healthy habits for the body, and optimizing your environment. Each step is carefully designed to help readers identify and comprehensively address their unique health challenges.
The book uses the journeys of three characters—Hazel, Isla, and Rose—to illustrate the Bellette method. These characters embody different aspects of body burnout that busy professionals, especially women, frequently encounter. Through their stories, readers can see themselves, relate to their struggles, and find inspiration in their triumphs. This narrative approach makes the book not only engaging but also highly practical and easy to read. Bellette’s emphasis on treating the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms, feels innovative and inspiring. She invites readers to think deeply about the interconnectedness of the body, encouraging a holistic view of health. The passion she brings to the subject is evident throughout, particularly in the way she uncovers the causes of burnout—from physiological imbalances to psychological factors—and offers actionable strategies for each. The personal nature of the book shines through when she advocates for self-love and self-care as essential components of recovery, making her advice feel authentic and sincere.
This book is not your typical health guide. It’s not a rehash of familiar advice, but a tried-and-true path to transformation. Bellette’s writing is empowering, and her engaging style keeps readers captivated from start to finish. Ending Body Burnout serves as a call to action, urging readers to navigate the complex interactions between their body systems, mindset, and environment. It doesn’t just offer a quick boost of energy to get through the day; it teaches the essentials of thriving in life. Timely and necessary, this book is a must-read, especially in a world still grappling with the lingering effects of the pandemic.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0CNK7SM2R
Status Quo Thinking Is Harming Your Health
In Status Quo Thinking is Harming Your Health: A Physician’s Final Plea, Dr. Sarah Hallberg, a medical doctor, researcher, and TED Talk presenter known for her impactful obesity studies at Indiana University Health, combines her extensive academic background in exercise science and kinesiology with her medical expertise. This unique blend of knowledge forms the foundation of her thesis, which emphasizes the critical role of exercise and low-carbohydrate diets in preventing and managing diabetes and other serious health conditions.
Dr. Hallberg’s book presents a thorough exploration of the American obesity crisis, shedding light on its alarming statistics and the often resulting type 2 diabetes and other related comorbidities. Her work stands out for its detailed examination of how these health issues disproportionately affect different racial, heritage, and socioeconomic groups, particularly underscoring the challenges faced by those in lower socioeconomic brackets who often lack access to adequate healthcare and health education.
The narrative is enriched by Dr. Hallberg’s personal journey, from her academic endeavors to her roles as a physician, researcher, mother, and wife. Her holistic approach to healthcare, which she believes should encompass medical facts, effective execution, and empathetic understanding, is evident throughout the book. This approach is not just theoretical but is also infused with practical guidance for leading a healthier lifestyle and preventing obesity-related diseases.
Dr. Hallberg’s deep compassion and commitment to improving public health are palpable, lending a sense of urgency to her call for individuals to take proactive steps toward their own health and well-being. Her story is not just one of professional achievement but also of personal growth, leaving readers inspired by her dedication to making a lasting impact on healthcare.
Status Quo Thinking is Harming Your Health is a compelling and insightful read that offers a blend of personal narrative, rigorous research, and practical advice. It serves as a testament to Dr. Hallberg’s impactful legacy in the field of healthcare.
Pages: 263 | ASIN: B0CYBWXQ89
Simplifying Information For Kids
Nurse Florence, What is Rosacea? is an educational book that follows curious students as they explore the complexities of rosacea with the help of Nurse Florence. Do you have any personal experiences or connections with rosacea that influenced the tone or content of the book?
I had a friend in high school that had it. Nurse Florence plans to publish a book for every disease so that every family can have an educational tool to inform their kids for healthy living.
What research methods did you employ to ensure that the information about rosacea was both accurate and suitable for a young audience?
The Nurse Florence series gets all of its information from either my nursing school pathophysiology textbooks or a highly respected medical organization like the Mayo Clinic. We think we have found the sweet spot of simplifying the information for kids while still maintaining scientific accuracy so that the books are reliable information for reference. We try to keep the information to one big idea per drawing.
Can you elaborate on the process of weaving complex medical information into a narrative that would resonate with children without overwhelming them?
I spend a lot of time researching the material before writing it. I think about what should be included in each page and let my thoughts “simmer.” When I start to get the drawings from the assigned illustrator, the images inspire me, and then I synthesize the information. I write the books as if I am talking to my kids since my kids are the original target audience of the series. I think that by keeping each page to one big idea, then children will not be overwhelmed.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
At any moment, we have about 40 books in production. One of the next in the series that I am really looking forward to doing is Nurse Florence, Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? I hope that this book can be used in classrooms around the country to help prevent kids from going down the path of addiction.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 