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!

 

You Might Also Like

  • Denise Morse
    April 26, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    I would like to read the Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Paleo since i am a total newbie. I am a low carber that has fallen off of the wagon post baby and i want to make sure that my family and i stay healthy. 

    uclangel422 at yahoo dot com

  • Brianne
    April 26, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    Matt and Stacy, I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to review my book. You guys are an amazing couple — supportive and loving toward each other, and so generous with your time and energy. Thanks again for the review and I’m glad you enjoyed the book — hopefully Stacy (well, Stacy AND Matt) will benefit from some of the info! 

  • Linda195720769
    April 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    all done, been following you.  done the other steps, would like the Fem Fusion book, interesting topic.

  • JulieVK
    April 26, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    I’d love to win the Complete Idiot’s Guide—I can give it to my family to help them understand what I do!

  • Apreynolds25
    April 26, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Done! I would love to win the Idiot’s guide. I am looking for anything to help makes it simple to switch my relatives to paleo!

  • Allison
    April 26, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    I really want to read Dean Dwyer’s book. I have made big changes in my life by what I eat, but I definitely think there is more than JUST the food I’m putting in to my body that matters. I’d love to read more about that, and ways that he has changed his life! 

  • L.
    April 26, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    I did all the steps. I would love to win the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Paleo because I like concise guides that go over all the basic concepts – great for sharing with others!

  • Julie C
    April 26, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Done- very interested in the FemFusion Fitness book. Sounds like something this mom of 4 needs to read! 😉

  • Mary
    April 26, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    Done! I would love the fem fusion fitness, but all look like such great books!

  • Sara Reed
    April 26, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Fem Fusion Fitness for Intimacy! TOTALLY WOULD LOVE! So i’ve been TRYING & somewhat succeeding to lose weight & I have lost a total of 50 pounds in 3 years. It’s a progress. I am obviously doing it for ME, MYSELF, & I… long term I’m hoping it will enhance the intimacy between my boyfriend and I and this book would be GREAT for me!

    • Stacy & Matt
      May 1, 2012 at 12:24 PM

       Sara, you have won the Fem Fusion Fitness book! Congratulations. One hitch you may not be aware of: it is only available in ebook format. Please contact us so we may send it to you!

      • Sara Reed
        May 2, 2012 at 3:11 PM

         I have a Kindle, so that’s GREAT news!! I sent you an email! Thank you guys so so much!

        • Brianne
          May 3, 2012 at 2:49 PM

          Hey Sara! I sent the book to you via amazon.com — be looking for the link (from amazon) in your inbox. Enjoy! 

  • Whitney S
    April 26, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    I’d love to win any of the books but especially Fem Fusion for Intimacy. I follow you on Pinterest (the only social networking I have) and hopped on over to http://femfusionfitness.com/ (I LOVE her site layout!). I “liked” the book on Amazon, too. So here’s to hoping I win! 😉

  • Karly Green
    April 26, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Did it all, and I would love to win The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Paleo.  Thanks for the chance!!

  • Oneagleswings5
    April 27, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    Done!! I am so new to all of this and they all look great!

  • Bonnie Cramer Stone
    April 27, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    I chose Complete Idiots Guide to Paleo and signed up for the weekly newsletter on the Paleo Plan website (only social media I could find for the authors – gladly would do more).  Liked on Amazon and of course I follow Paleo Parents on FB and Twitter!  Thanks for the book reviews!

  • Mandy
    April 28, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    I would like to read make shift happen.  I think lots of people would benefit reading the journey of another person as he changes his life.

  • Michelle
    May 1, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Like you on fb (don’t use other social media), did the rest ;o) and would like femfusion fitness! Thanks..

  • Sfcswife
    May 1, 2012 at 7:22 AM

    Did all the steps! I would honestly love any of these books. I’m just learning about paleo and trying to figure it all out. Thank you!

  • ZeeS
    May 1, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    Would love to get The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Paleo as I have been tossing the idea around forever of going Paleo but am intimidated to just do it already. My main concern is my son who eats no veggies and likes very few healthy foods and my daughter (both young children) who is a carb snacker but thankfully she likes lots of veggies and fruits. Anyway, I liked the book on amazon and signed up for the Paleo Plan newsletter. and I already like you guys on FB.

  • Megan Maurer
    May 1, 2012 at 9:00 AM

    I would love to win Dwyer’s book to read myself! I’ve been Paleo for a while and understand that mindset plays a huge role in our lives! I would LOVE to be able to give The Conplete Idiot’s Guide to Paleo to a dear friend! She has some health issues and is very open to helping resolve them naturally! We spoke about changing her diet last week and introduced her to Paleo. She’s totally on board but a bit intimidated! This book would be perfect for her as she gets started!

    • Stacy & Matt
      May 1, 2012 at 12:26 PM

      Megan, you have won your choice of either of those books! Please email us with your address and final choice so that we can have it shipped to you!

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