A Review Post and GIVEAWAY that has nothing to do with ELaD!

We here at Paleo Parents are often asked to review books and products produced by colleagues in the paleo sphere. As you can probably imagine, while we were busy launching our own book the past few weeks, they accidentally accumulated. So, today we review four such books! These products were, of course, given to us for no charge, but we always give our honest review.

As we received four recent books, I cannot promise long reviews or a thorough read of each one, but I hope you get the idea of whether these books are right for you!

Make Shift Happen
by Dean Dwyer

 

I encountered Dean Dwyer when much of the rest of the world did: after he appeared with Richard Nikoley (as an aside, this was the inspiration for our reaching out to Richard and also doing a video series!). I have never encountered a more vigorous human being in my life. He has a crazy energy level and throws himself headlong into all his pursuits. Seriously, check out his website for a peak inside his mind.

Like his website, Make Shift Happen is kind of a hybrid book, splitting its time between paleo and self-help. Dean shares his insights into life and how he changed his, losing weight and gaining health after twenty years of vegetarianism. The solution for him (and the solution he is advocating for you) was not entirely just about changing the way he ate, but changing the way he thought about life.

This book is a pretty quick read, divided into easily consumed chunks with countdown lists, small sections and an easily digested writing style. Really, if you enjoy Dean’s site, you’ll enjoy reading this book. There’s a lot of stuff in there that will shift the mind of even the most thoughtful among us. I often found myself realizing simple truths that I somehow never discovered for myself.

 

Sweet Potato Power
by Ashley Tudor

Sweet Potato Power is perhaps unfortunately titled. Many may have the same reaction that a friend of ours did when he picked up the book: “How do you write an entire book about sweet potatoes?” Well, this book is about far more than a single food.

Although the argument uses sweet potatoes as an anchor, this book actually attempts to wade into the entire carbohydrate debate that has torched many a paleo forum and posits the very best case for smart carbs as an important factor in healthy living. Jimmy Moore has an excellent write-up and detailed review, go check it out!

The information contained here runs the full gamut from the biochemistry of carbohydrate consumption to the benefits of self-experimentation to a section of recipes that will fuel anyone’s tank. On the recipes, they are beautifully photographed but do contain quite a bit of dairy – if that’s an issue for you.

What I found particularly interesting, were the lengthy sections of science and case studies that breakdown how all this stuff works. I found myself Googling Ashley Tudor to find out more about her background after reading the book. I definitely recommend that anyone truly interested in the nitty gritty whys of paleo, fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance get this book and gain an education.

 

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Paleo
by Neely Quinn and Jason Glaspey

When my brother saw me reading this book, he said “Wow! They finally wrote a paleo book that’s on your level!”

Ha. Very funny, Andrew. Little does he realize that this book was essentially written for him. He’s heard about what we do, but doesn’t understand it and thinks it too complicated to even try. For a paleo novice, this book is a really great overview. Written by the people behind Paleo Plan, the authors seem to be truly dedicated to making this easier on you.

The content covers the full spectrum of paleo eating from the hows and whys, to nutritional comparisons, to full shopping lists and meal plans. It’s actually a really comprehensive. Even though we’ve pretty well figured out paleo eating in our household, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Paleo will likely become a readily lent book to all the people who ask us how to get started.

I would say, the cover’s a bit misleading. Although there are quite a LOT of recipes in the book, none of them are pictured.

 

Fem Fusion Fitness for Intimacy
by Brianne Grogan

Okay, I know this is weird, since I’m supposedly male, but I think this might be my favorite of the four. And not even in the selfish, prurient way you’re thinking either. Also, we’ve mentioned before we have a soft spot for self-published authors – so that makes Brianne and her book even cooler.

I’ve made it pretty clear that I believe that intimacy between partners is one of the key cornerstones of any relationship. Furthermore, the best thing you can do to increase your intimacy is to grow your confidence. Brianne Grogan and I seem to be on the same page here.

This book is all about exercises that strengthen your inner core and, thus, increase your confidence. Honestly, I read it and found myself really appreciating the thought that went into it, even if it didn’t apply to me.

I immediately thought that it would benefit Stacy tremendously. She’s had three pregnancies and three C-Sections. Nothing will weaken your inner core more that that. She’s always having issues stemming from those six events and I truly believe that reading Fem Fusion Fitness for Intimacy will help her tremendously!

Tell us which book you’d like to read and why, and we’ll give away a copy to a random winner on 5/1/2012!

Rules: Do what you can – EVERYONE can “like” the book on Amazon and visit the author’s website!

1. Follow and like us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google + or whatever you’re using other than a stone tablet these days
2. Follow the author of your choice on their social media and website
3. “Like” their book on the Amazon links provided above
4. Leave ONE comment saying you’ve done all this and a note on which book you’d like and why

Depending on the responses we get, maybe we’ll give away a copy of each. Depends on how the wind blows… good luck!