Non-Fiction Pick of the Week: Drop Dead Healthy

Drop Dead Healthy by A.J.Jacobs 2012

Perfection was the goal of A.J. Jacobs as he pursued his mission for total body health. His quest was to remake his somewhat flawed body from head to toe. For two dedicated years he methodically used his body as an experiment to transform it to optimum health by researching the latest scientific data, consulting the leading health experts, exploring a myriad of diagnostic tests, and even dipping into the realm of some fringe theorists. Told with humour and embarrassing frankness, this amazingly brilliant book makes me want to reach out with enthusiasm for that big bunch of kale, run--not walk--to the gym, and give my cerebellum a workout along the way.

Non-Fiction Pick of the Week: Nice Recovery

Nice Recovery by Susan Juby 2010

Juby, author of the popular Alice books for young adults - recently made into a TV series- is a recovering alcoholic. A fearfully shy girl, and desperate to fit in, she began her drinking career at the age of 13 and by 16 was calling herself an alcoholic. Her drinking life included blackouts, DTs, waking up in strange places with guys she didn’t know, fist fights, incomplete schooling, all part of the “unvarnished alcoholism with a side order of minor drug addiction”.

Written in three parts, the book details her descent into alcoholism, her need to seek help and get treatment at age 20, and interviews with other recovering alcoholics and drug addicts who begin drug use later but faster due to the plethora of drugs available today.

Juby started going to her AA meetings on her own in a church basement in Toronto and faced her demons with the help of sponsors and AA members. She details the painful and sometimes funny experiences of trying to be clean and sober at a time when most young adults are just starting their drinking careers.