The Natural Pharmacy Edited by Alan R. Gaby M.D.

Someone slap my hand for the confession I am about to make. I, Lacey Klemm reference librarian, am not aware of every reference book we have in the library. Ouch that hurt! But my goal this year is to get to know the reference collection better. I know the ones I use on a regular basis very well but like this book, The Natural Pharmacy, I didn't even know we had it. After taking a look through it I'm glad I know about it now. It's a very informative book.

Before you read futher here is an important disclaimer: It is important to realize that this book is provided for information or educational purposes only and should be used in consultation with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in natural medicine. Information is this book is not meant to replace any medical information supplied by a doctor or pharmacist (pg. xxii).

The Natural Pharmacy is a complete A-Z reference to natural treatments for common health conditions, vitamins, herbs, minerals, diet, and lifestyle. It features a very handy section called How to Use This Book. Just what I need to help me navigate. The book is broken into three sections, Health Concerns, Nutritional Supplements, and Herbs.

Health concerns has entries on athletic performance, diverticular disease, hay fever, hives, stress, and much more. Basically each entry has information about what it is, what the symptoms are, medical treatments, dietary changes that may be helpful, nutritional supplements that may be helpful, herbs that may be helpful, and holistic approaches that may be helpful.

In the nutritional supplements section you will find information about specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients. Each nutrient entry includes information about where it is found, health concerns for which the nutrient might be supportive, suggested dosage ranges, and possible side effects or interactions.

The herb entries give you information on the botanical name, common name, parts used and where it is grown, historical or traditional use, active constituents, how much is usually taken, and if there are any side effects or interactions.

There is a contents section and an index section for easy look up.

So-Easy Slow Cooker by Better Homes and Gardens

Reading Level: Adult or for anyone who likes to cook.
(4 out of 5)

I love my slow cooker. To me it is one of the best inventions ever. I put everything into the crock pot in the morning and when I get home from work it's all cooked and ready to eat. For those of you out there who are pressed for time a slow cooker may be the answer.

Over the past couple of weeks I tried the Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken Stroganoff, and Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joes. All were good but I think my favorite was the Chicken and Dumplings. The dumplings are different then regular dumplings due to cornmeal and cheddar cheese. I thought they were very good. There are several other recipes I want to try out as well like Greek Chicken with Couscous, Smashed Potato Soup, and Southwest Steak and Potato Soup.

If you like your slow cooker check out this book. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thank You

I would like to thank Karl, Rose, Erica, and Samantha for submitting reviews to the Book Nook Blog. I really appreciate it. Thank you for participating in the book giveaway. I hope to do it again in the future.

Stolen Figs by Mark Rotella

Stolen Figs is a book about a man that visits his family in Calabria, Italy with his father. Memories of Mark's father come alive and the author learns about the history and adventures of the Rotella family. He meets many characters that all know his relatives because of the closeness the little town shares. It tells of places the author visits and the history of the town. As the author takes you through the town you feel like you are with him by the way he describes the sights, sounds, tastes, and how it feels. I enjoyed this book and felt like I was visiting Calabria.

Review submitted by Erica

Compulsion: an Alex Delaware novel by Jonathan Kellerman

Compulsion is another psychological mystery novel featuring Dr. Alex Delaware as a consultant of the LAPD. He and his friend Detective Milo Sturgis follow the trail of a killer who seems to have no motive. Jonathan Kellerman has a long list of successful mystery novels featuring Alex Delaware drawing upon his personal experience as a clinical psychologist.

Review submitted by Rose

Blood Work by Michael Connelly

Reading Level: Adult
(5 out of 5)

Former FBI Agent Terry McCaleb is two months into recovery from a heart transplant when Graciela Rivers shows up unannounced on his boat to ask him to help solve her sister's murder. At first, McCaleb refuses because of his health. But when Graciela tells him that his heart came from her murdered sister, McCaleb is shocked into agreeing to help her. It seems that the LAPD aren't doing much, because it looks like Gloria, Graciela's sister, was simply another victim of a convenience store robbery. But as McCaleb puts the pieces together, starting with the surveillance video of the robbery, he comes to a grim realization that the robbery was just a front for a more sinister scheme.

Terry McCaleb is no ordinary hero. He's frail yet relentless. He's conducting an investigation without a badge or a private investigator's license. He can't even drive himself. The cold blooded killer craftily plants evidence to set him up. And now the police are after him. Will McCaleb's newly transplanted heart succumb to the stress of the investigation? Is he going to take the fall? The journey that Michael Connelly has created for Terry McCaleb is definitely worth following on every page. Connelly expertly weaves a tension filled, page turning crime novel with a surprise ending. A definite must read!

Review submitted by Karl

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Four souls-One body

Gena Showalter's new novel Intertwined is a story that will seize the reader's attention and refuses to let go. Showalter, who is usually known for paranormal romance literature, has written a novel for young adults. The protagonist, Aden Stone, possesses four human souls inside his mind. When the presence of a teenage girl silences the voices, he realizes that she might be the key to freeing the souls so he can live in peace. Along the way they meet some vampires and werewolves who aid him in this epic adventure. The story is very clever, and the author uses an idea that has never been done before. Each of the characters have a contrasting personality, and are developed thoroughly. Also, two forbidden romances add to the plot by creating tension and danger. Even with its four hundred plus pages, the novel is a fast read because the action continuously holds the reader's attention. Although, the ending is acceptable, it will not satisfy most readers. A demand for a sequel will be most anticipated.

Review submitted by Samantha

I read this book as well and I couldn't have written a better review about it. It was a really fun read and I'm anticipating the sequel.