Bookish Dives

The book "Getting the Love You Want A Guide for Couples," outlines a comprehensive theory of intimate relationships, positing that unconscious drives originating in childhood dictate partner selection. This theory suggests individuals seek partners whose traits, both positive and negative, match an inner image, or imago, which is a composite of their primary caretakers. The ultimate, often unconscious, goal of this selection is to heal past childhood wounds; however, this frequently leads to the power struggle phase of marriage, where partners reinjure each other. To move beyond this conflict, the text introduces the concept of the conscious marriage, emphasizing behavioral exercises and structured communication, like the Couples Dialogue (including mirroring, validation, and empathy), as practical tools for mutual growth and healing, asserting that fidelity and commitment are essential for psychological resolution.

This book from bell hooks’ book, All About Love: New Visions, exploring the multifaceted nature of love within contemporary society. The author dedicates the work to her "most intimate listener," Anthony, and structures the book into chapters that examine concepts essential to love, such as clarity, justice, honesty, commitment, spirituality, and mutuality. Hooks critically discusses how patriarchy, sexism, and consumerism undermine genuine love, often by encouraging men to prioritize power over emotional connection and by perpetuating dysfunctional family patterns and a culture of dishonesty. Ultimately, the book emphasize that true love requires conscious commitment, truth-telling, self-acceptance, and a willingness to confront societal norms, suggesting that love is a redemptive force that transforms individuals and culture.

Glucose Revolution, by Jessie Inchauspe, known as the Glucose Goddess, which focuses on the science and effects of blood glucose (sugar) spikes on the human body. The author shares her personal journey, including a serious accident that prompted her interest in health and genetics, eventually leading her to study continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and the impact of diet on glucose levels. The book emphasizes that flattening glucose curves is crucial for health, weight management, and reversing conditions like Type 2 diabetes and PCOS, citing testimonials from her online community. Key recommendations, referred to as "hacks," are introduced, such as eating food groups in a specific order—fiber first, then protein and fat, and carbohydrates last—and prioritizing savory, protein-rich breakfasts to avoid dramatic spikes and subsequent cravings. The author also argues that all calories are not equal and that focusing on molecule quality over calorie quantity and avoiding high-fructose foods are essential for improved metabolic health.

Breath: The New Science of a Lost ArtBook by James Nestor provides an extensive overview of the science and lost art of proper breathing, drawing heavily on the author's personal experiments and research. The central argument is that modern humans are chronic mouthbreathers due to diet-induced changes in facial structure, leading to numerous health problems like snoring, sleep apnea, and anxiety. The book advocates for nasal breathing as the optimal way to filter, warm, and moisten air, while also promoting techniques like slow and less frequent breathing and full exhalation to improve health, longevity, and athletic performance by balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Furthermore, it explores ancient breathing practices like Tummo and Sudarshan Kriya, and the importance of factors like chewing and correct oral posture in maintaining open airways.

"I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb, detailing the author's life, political activism, and experiences in Pakistan. The book outlines Malala’s upbringing in the Swat Valley, her Pashtun culture with its strict social codes, and her family's dedication to education, particularly her father’s founding of the Khushal School. A major focus is the rise of the Taliban in Swat, including the influence of the "Radio Mullah," which led to the banning of girls' education and the subsequent destruction of schools. The book culminates in the attempted assassination of Malala on a school bus in 2012, her critical medical journey, and her commitment to campaigning for global education.