Revelations
The ease in disease
Cancer, your body and your diet
A Vital Journey
Author: Dr Arati Bhatia
Publisher: Speaking Tiger
Pages: 195
Rs 350
Somya Dhankhar
We all know that a healthy body requires a healthy diet. There is a large base of information on how our diet affects our health.
In the book Cancer, your body and your diet, Dr Arati Bhatia has imparted the same information with highly important but often-ignored tips. Although the book focuses on healing cancer, it is a complete guide for those wishing to better their health.
In the first part of the book, Dr Bhatia explains the causes of cancer, its different types, diagnoses, and conventional forms of treatments available in the society. The data is presented simply and lucidly for the reader’s easy understanding. The chapter The Importance of Communication talks about the significance of open communication between the patient and the doctor, as opposed to simply treating the disease professionally—something that is usually done. She explains that for the stressed-out patient, the presence of a communicative support system—especially that of a counsellor—is an important factor that needs to be taken care of.
The second part, Cancer and Nutrition, revolves around diet and nutrition. This part explains the different types of diets popular worldwide, how to differentiate between carcinogenic and anti-cancer foods, and ways and methods of cooking for the patient before, after, and during certain surgeries and treatments. She seems to have captured all the areas concerning cancer, nutrition, and the body in this segment.
The third part documents in detail, the emotional journey of Dr Arati and her husband, after they were diagnosed with cancer. Since the author herself suffered from this disease, the explanations in the book are highly personal and experiential in nature. This part showcases the author’s deep understanding of a cancer patient’s emotional needs too, apart from their physical ones, giving the reader a panoramic view of her rich inner world.
The different quotes, given on top of every chapter lend a deeper meaning to the author’s vision. All in all, Cancer, your body and your diet is an informative book, filled with the deep sentiments of someone who wants to impart important knowledge.
Happiness is by choice, not chance
The Happiness Manual
21 Ways to stay Happy no matter what
Author: Aruna Joshi
Publisher: Embassy Books
Pages: 168
Rs 250
Anuradha Sahu
Happiness, ever so elusive and fleeting, is something we all want and spend an entire lifetime looking for. Given the trials and struggles of modern-day life, it is no surprise that the reins of our happiness often slip from our hands. “I’d be happy if I could get that job, that house, or that vacation…” and the list goes on.
And even though I have read quite a few self-help books on this subject, I used to wonder, “Where do all the techniques go, when I need them the most!”
My new find, The Happiness Manual—21 Ways to stay Happy no matter what, by Mumbai-based author Aruna Joshi, was a welcome change from the rest, as here was something that was more practical and relatable.
At the outset, the author shares the poignant case of her Facebook friend, a young, charismatic, and spirited doctor, who committed suicide.
Somebody who lived a picture-perfect life could have been so unhappy, so depressed was something difficult to believe, says Aruna. Having undergone testing times herself, the idea of writing the book came to her when she saw the eternal struggle of people around her, trying to make sense of life and failing miserably at it.
The handbook, 21 chapters in all, encompasses everything that one might need in the pursuit of happiness. Aspects covered are depression, empathy, attitude, fear, comparison, passion, healthy relationships,living in the Now, miracles, and many more.
Each chapter concludes with Reflections (which is the gist of the chapter), Step to Happiness (a practical idea or tool to achieve the happy state), and Happiness Mantra (a powerful, positive statement).
At the end of the 21st chapter is the 21-day challenge: a suggestion for each day, which, if followed diligently, the author assures, will make one a happier person come what may! The book concludes with another 21 reminders which serve as an important nudge, in case we begin to stray from the path of joy.
The book is a handy tool to stay happy while facing the struggles of life and experiencing pain and grief. As the author says, “May you discover the ‘Happy You’ and make this world a happy place.” A must read for all!