The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective by Sara Lodge

The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective
by Sara Lodge

ISBN-13: 9780300277883
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Yale University Press
Released: November 5, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
From Wilkie Collins to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the traditional image of the Victorian detective is male. Few people realise that women detectives successfully investigated Victorian Britain, working both with the police and for private agencies, which they sometimes managed themselves.

Sara Lodge recovers these forgotten women’s lives. She also reveals the sensational role played by the fantasy female detective in Victorian melodrama and popular fiction, enthralling a public who relished the spectacle of a cross-dressing, fist-swinging heroine who got the better of love rats, burglars, and murderers alike.

How did the morally ambiguous work of real women detectives, sometimes paid to betray their fellow women, compare with the exploits of their fictional counterparts, who always save the day? Lodge’s book takes us into the murky underworld of Victorian society on both sides of the Atlantic, revealing the female detective as both an unacknowledged labourer and a feminist icon.


My Review:
The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective looks at both real and fictional female detectives in Victorian Britain. The author looked at specific examples of the female detective in fiction (both writing and theater) and commented on how these women reflected on the time period they were written in and how they were a commentary on their times, too. The author also examined real life examples of women who solved crimes or worked for private inquiry agencies or the official police force and how the reality contrasted with the fictional depictions.

While the book covered some details about the type of work these women really did, a lot of the book (especially near the end) was more commentary on the social context. This was interesting, but I was hoping for more information on what they really did--which, apparently, was often obscured by a tendency to glamorize the job to fit the fictional action heroine stereotype. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who want to know more about women detectives in the mid- to late-1800s in Britain.

When Courage Calls by Sarah C. Williams

When Courage Calls
by Sarah C. Williams

ISBN-13: 9781399803731
Kindle: 356 pages
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Released: September 12, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Millicent Fawcett, the leader of the British suffragist movement, described Josephine Butler as 'the most distinguished English woman of the nineteenth century'. Among the first feminist activists, Butler raised public awareness of the plight of destitute women, worked to address human trafficking and led a vigorous campaign to secure equal rights for women before the law.

Social historian Sarah C. Williams presents a re-examined biography of the radical political activist Josephine Butler. From the beauty of her childhood in Northumbria, to the stifling intellectual environment of mid-Victorian Oxford; from the impoverished streets of Liverpool and the brothels of London, Brussels and Paris, to the offices of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. Butler's relentless drive to secure rights for women against the sexual double standard of her day captures a remarkable woman with deeply held values for equality.

Underpinning Butler's public life of political activism lies the full corpus of her writing and the spirituality that grounded her activism. When Courage Calls offers a profound examination of Butler's inner life of prayer, defined by her radical sense of justice that was able to transform Victorian society.

My Review:
When Courage Calls is a biography of Josephine Butler. I knew she'd done much to help women (especially children) trapped in prostitution. She was able to bring together people that normally wouldn't work together and even gathered support for similar work in Europe. I had expected much of the biography to be focused on the details of that work, and the book did cover some of that.

However, Josephine's faith played a motivating role in why she did what she did, so much of this book covered Josephine's Christian faith and the role she felt that prayer played in political activism. She wrote several books about other people, which we're told about and which provided several quotes that showed what she believed. There were also some quotes from various speeches she gave along with a summary of what she said and was trying to accomplish.

This biography was more of an overview of her life and beliefs rather than full of details and action. Perhaps those details no longer exist as Josephine refused to write about herself. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting biography.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

PEMF by Bryant A. Meyers

PEMF: The Fifth Element of Health by Bryant A. Meyers

ISBN-13: 978-1452579221
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: BalboaPress
Released: August 16, 2013

Source: free trial audio book.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
You probably know that food, water, sunlight, and oxygen are required for life, but there is a fifth element of health that is equally vital: the Earth’s magnetic field and its corresponding PEMFs (pulsed electromagnetic fields). The two main components of Earth’s PEMFs, the Schumann and Geomagnetic frequencies, are so essential that NASA and the Russian space program equip their spacecrafts with devices that replicate these frequencies. These frequencies are absolutely necessary for the human body’s circadian rhythms, energy production, and even keeping the body free from pain. But we are no longer getting enough of these life-nurturing energies of the earth. In this book, we’ll explore the current problem and how the new science of PEMF therapy (a branch of energy medicine), based on modern quantum field theory, is the solution to this problem, with many benefits: eliminate pain and inflammation naturally; get deep, rejuvenating sleep; keep your bones strong and healthy; improve circulation and heart health; and more.


My Review:
PEMF: The Fifth Element of Health is about the five elements needed for health, including earth-based frequencies in the range of 1-30 Hz. The author spent a lot of time trying to use some Eastern ideas (like fire, water, earth, air) as his structure for why we need to buy an expensive PEMF mat with earth frequencies. He also seemed to feel that Newton physics was wrong and only quantum physics explained things as it better fit with his belief system. Most people accept that both are accurate, and the author then proceeded to behave as if Newton physics is accurate. I could have done with less of his belief system and more about the benefits of PEMF. When he did get to the parts about PEMFs, he talked about scientific research done studying earth frequencies and the most healing wave forms, intensities, etc. I found this information useful.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Fourth Phase of Water by Gerald H. Pollack

The Fourth Phase of Water
by Gerald H. Pollack

ISBN-13: 9780962689543
Paperback: 358 pages
Publisher: Ebner and Sons Publishers
Released: May 1, 2013

Source: free audio book.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
World renowned scientist, Dr. Gerald Pollack, takes us on a fantastic voyage through water, showing us a hidden universe teeming with physical activity— providing simple explanations for common everyday phenomena, which you have inevitably seen but not really understood. For instance, have you ever wondered: How do clouds made up of dense water droplets manage to float in the sky? Why don’t your joints squeak as they rub together? Why do you sink in dry sand, but not in wet sand? How does capillary action manage to raise water up a 100 foot tree? Why does warm water freeze quicker than cool water?

Pollack uses a recent and fundamental scientific finding— EZ water—to help explain these and many other head-scratchers. When touching most surfaces, water transforms itself into Exclusion Zone water, also known as structured water or fourth phase water. EZ water, whose formula is H3O2, differs dramatically from H2O. And, there is a lot of it, everywhere.


My Review:
The Fourth Phase of Water explains the latest research done by the author on how water acts. He talked about why research into water has been avoided for a while, some mysteries that still need to be solved, and about the 4th phase of water, which seems to explain some of these mysteries. It's intended for anyone to be able to read and understand, and you can probably follow his points well enough if you've had high school science classes. However, it's really geared toward scientists or those really interested in water. He talked about the water mystery, how they set up the experiments, and their findings that help explain water's behavior. I'd recommend this book, but be ready for a real science-focused book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Victorian Britain Day by Day by Nicholas Travers

Victorian Britain Day
by Day by Nicholas Travers

ISBN-13: 9781399041751
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Pen and Sword History
Released: July 30, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Victorian Britain Day by Day sheds new light on the most remarkable era in British history. Here is a tapestry of time, unpacked and uncovered from January 1st to December 31st, a rich mosaic of facts, events and tales, exploring the most extraordinary moments of the most extraordinary age.

Each day offers a different snapshot into our past, intermingling famous or renowned events, with rare, quirky and fun facts. What was the mysterious Sheep panic of 1888? Who was the notorious Spring heeled Jack? Why was William Gladstone run over by a cow? From the Great Exhibition, to the Industrial Revolution, Dickens and Darwin, Entertainment and Empire, the 19th century was an epoch of momentous political, cultural and social change. With meticulous research, Victorian Britain Day by Day covers every day of the year between 1837-1901.


My Review:
Victorian Britain Day by Day briefly describes significant events that occurred in Britain during 1837-1901. The format takes the reader through the year, one day at a time (January 1, January 2, etc.). The author lists several significant events that occurred on that day, indicating the year that they happened. If you like forming a timeline in your mind, this doesn't help: it's not easy to remember what order they're in or how they relate to each other (does one event lead to another?).

About half of the events focused on politics--forming governments, resignations, a few significant laws that were passed, things Victoria or her children did. There were birthdays, deaths, and weddings. Notable artists, writers, actors, scientists, and such usually got at least a mention of who they were on their birth date. Nothing was covered in detail, with weddings getting the most detailed descriptions. It's more a trivia type book than something you can easily use for research.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Science of Cleaning by Dario Bressanini

The Science of Cleaning
by Dario Bressanini

ISBN-13: 9781891011320
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: The Experiment
Released: May 21, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Chemistry professor Dario Bressanini is on a mission to teach readers about safe methods for cleaning their homes while debunking widespread myths. He uses scientific evidence to answer common queries like: Is it more efficient to wash dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher? Can vinegar and baking soda actually unclog your drain? Does bleach remove dirt? How do I get rid of that white stuff on my showerhead?

Bressanini covers these subjects and more by digging into chemistry basics like solubility, pH, and concentration. He explains how to choose the best product for any job, including advice on making selections at the store and using just the right amount to cut down on waste. Everything contains chemicals (yes, even water!)—but we should still be careful and eco-friendly about how we clean.


My Review:
The Science of Cleaning talked about various ingredients used in cleaning products (homemade or store bought) and what those ingredients do. The author got really basic in some places, describing what the laundry symbols mean, for example, and why you might need to use a drycleaner or fabric softener. He also got into the most efficient ways to handwash dishes, though he really thinks you ought to just use a dishwasher and not pre-wash the dishes.

The book also covered bases and acids and how they work to clean various things, the history of things like soap and bleaches, how soap is made, how detergents work and what the various ingredients in them do towards cleaning, and how to remove limescale. He talked about chlorine-based and oxygen-based bleaches, dish washing detergents, disinfectants, and dealing with bacteria, viruses, and mold. And what to use to clean various surfaces, from floors to ovens to drains.

I think he wrote the book just so he could rant on why combining vinegar and baking soda is so obviously a waste and how bad vinegar smells. It also seemed like he wanted to educate the very people that he obviously thinks are dumb. Overall, the book was interesting, but I already knew a lot of the information. The author loves chemicals and really thinks you ought to buy cleaning products rather than try to make them at home. Overall, this book seems best suited for someone who was never taught how to clean their home or wants to clean their home more efficiently.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Wild Watercolour by Inga Buividavice

Wild Watercolour
by Inga Buividavice

ISBN-13: 9780711290297
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Leaping Hare Press
Released: April 2, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Wild Watercolour starts with an introduction to the basic techniques of watercolour, coaching you for painting success by showing you how to recreate nature’s wildlife and habitats. Each step-by-step project introduces a new watercolour technique. Learn the basics with guided exercises showing you how to depict your favourite animals in watercolour, including:

Dry brush on wet effect – red pandas
Wet brush on wet effect – beetles
Glazing – ladybirds
Blooms – hare silhouettes
Pulling technique – frogs
Watercolour and ink – koi fish
Using masking tape – snake
Using different textures – turtles
Expressive features – flamingos
Using space – dolphins
Different brush strokes – chameleons
Painting patterns – butterflies


My Review:
Wild Watercolour is a beginner guide to painting watercolor animals. The author began by giving advice about materials and supplies, explaining the basic techniques used in the projects and about color mixing, and talking about sketching the subject. Next came the projects, where you learn how to use a technique while creating a painting of an animal. These step-by-step projects included both text descriptions and illustrations and covered: ladybugs, beetles, pandas, frogs, hares, koi fish, flamingos, snakes, tortoise, chameleons, butterflies, and dolphins. The projects came across as doable, more about the principle and trying techniques out than perfectly replicating the painting in the book. Overall, I'd recommend this book to beginner watercolor painters.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Real Anthony Fauci by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Real Anthony Fauci
by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

ISBN-13: 978-1510766808
Hardcover: 492 pages
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Released: November 16, 2021

Source: Bought.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Pharma-funded mainstream media has convinced millions of Americans that Dr. Anthony Fauci is a hero. Hands down, he is anything but.

As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Dr. Anthony Fauci dispenses $6.1 billion in annual taxpayer-provided funding for rigged scientific research, allowing him to dictate the subject, content, and outcome of scientific health research across the globe—truly a dark agenda. Fauci uses the financial clout at his disposal in a back handed manner to wield extraordinary influence over hospitals, universities, journals, and thousands of influential doctors and scientists—whose careers and institutions he has the power to ruin, advance, or reward in an authoritarian manner.

The Real Anthony Fauci reveals how “America’s Doctor” launched his career during the early AIDS crisis by partnering with pharmaceutical companies to sabotage safe and effective off-patent therapeutic treatments for AIDS. Fauci orchestrated fraudulent do-nothing studies, and then pressured US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulators into approving a deadly chemotherapy treatment he had good reason to know was worthless against AIDS. Fauci did the unthinkable and repeatedly violated federal laws to allow his Pharma partners to use impoverished and dark-skinned children as lab rats in beyond order, deadly experiments with toxic AIDS and cancer chemotherapies.

In early 2000, Fauci shook hands with Bill Gates in the library of Gates’ $147 million Seattle mansion, cementing a partnership that would aim to control an increasingly profitable $60 billion global vaccine enterprise with unlimited growth potential. Through funding leverage and carefully cultivated personal relationships with heads of state and leading media and social media institutions, the Pharma-Fauci-Gates alliance exercises dominion over global health policy and our beautiful country.

This is not just another political book. The Real Anthony Fauci details how Fauci, Gates, and their cohorts use their control of media outlets—both conservative and liberal leaning, scientific journals, key government and quasi-governmental agencies, global intelligence agencies, and influential scientists and physicians to flood the public with fearful propaganda about COVID-19 virulence and pathogenesis, and to muzzle debate and ruthlessly censor dissent.


My Review:
The Real Anthony Fauci describes how Fauci got control of a lot of taxpayer money to be used for medical research and used this to control what is researched and where and how that research is done. Anyone who uses a drug or shot created since the mid-1980s should read this as it's clear that the pharmaceutical companies are not being properly regulated. Their interests are being placed above the health of the taxpayers funding the studies. The author described how this has happened over time, and how poorly done drug trials have been covered up or even overlooked and the drugs approved here or for use in poor countries. It's truly sickening to realize how corruption has taken over the health agencies that were meant to help heal and protect us. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to make informed choices about their health.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

What the Nurses Saw by Ken McCarthy

What the Nurses Saw
by Ken McCarthy

ISBN-13: 9798870191508
Paperback: 513 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: December 8, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
No human activity can ever be free from error, but calling the failed COVID protocols “errors” is not accurate. These protocols were explicitly ordered by those who took dictatorial control of the medical system early in the Panic (spring of 2020). Further, when they were shown to be demonstrably failing and harming many thousands of people, experienced healthcare professionals who raised informed concerns were silenced through demotion, firing, and organized campaigns of harassment promoted by the news media and enabled by companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, in some cases in collaboration with the White House and the Department of Justice’s FBI.

Featuring in-depth interviews with Erin Marie Olszewski, Kevin Corbett Ph.D., Kimberly Overton, Ashley Grogg, Kristen Nagle, Sarah Choujounian, AJ DePriest, Mark Bishofsky, and Katie Spence. What the Nurses Saw is documentation of what happens in the real world when bureaucrats, in this case bureaucrats in Washington DC, take literal dictatorial control over the practice of medicine.


My Review:
What the Nurses Saw is a collection of interview transcripts of people who worked in the hospitals during the COVID Crisis or who has important information about the medical protocols used to treat COVID. The author, Ken McCarthy, apparently does video interviews, and when he saw nurses speaking out about harmful procedures being used to treat COVID patients, he interviewed them. Several of the interviews where with highly qualified nurses who traveled to New York at the beginning of COVID when the governor of that state appealed for nursing help. They described what it was like to work under those conditions and how the protocols being handled down from above where harming people who might otherwise have survived. Anyone who spoke out against the harm being done was moved to another area of the hospital or were fired. He also interviewed nurses who worked in other areas of the USA as well as nurses in the UK and Canada.

The author also covered topics like how online censorship and harassment was coordinated against those who spoke up, and he talked to a respiratory therapist to uncover why venting people so quickly was a bad idea and to someone who documented the money trail showing how hospitals were paid a lot of money to test for COVID and follow only the new protocols being pushed by those not on the front lines. I knew there had been payments to encourage using certain drugs or procedures, but the details of the 'money trail' are rather horrifying because it's obvious certain people wanted the hospitals to prioritize making money over what's best for the individual patient. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Vax-Unvax by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Brian Hooker

Vax-Unvax
by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
and Brian Hooker

ISBN-13: 9781510766969
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Skyhorse
Released: August 29, 2023

Source: Bought the book.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The Studies the CDC Refuses to Do. This book is based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each study is analyzed, and health differences among infants, children, and adults who have been vaccinated and those who have not are presented and put in context.

Readers will find information on the infant/child vaccination schedule, thimerosal in vaccines, live virus vaccines, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, vaccination and Gulf War illness, influenza (flu) vaccines, Hepatitis B vaccination, the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccines during pregnancy.

Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.


My Review:
Vax-Unvax looks at the scientific studies that show differences in the health of vaccinated children compared to unvaccinated children. The studies usually were focused on a specific shot (DTP, MMR, HPV, flu, etc.). The authors included graphs to illustrate the differences and indicated the statistically significance of the results. All the included studies had results that indicated a real pattern. Results included an increased incidence in vaccinated children of issues like type 1 diabetes and developmental delays to asthma, ADHD, ear infections, and food allergies.

I've been curious for a while if anyone had tested the claim that vaccines have resulted in healthier children, so I was interested in reading about these studies. I've known for several years that vaccines weren't primarily responsible for the decreases in the diseases they're credited with suppressing (increased sanitation played a major role) and that the vaccines can have severe side effects in some people. I found these studies very interesting. I'd recommend this book to everyone as I think it's high time people had an honest talk about this rather than just assuming vaccines = less disease = healthier people. I believe people should be allowed informed choices rather than just given untested statements.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Heal Your Nervous System by Linnea Passaler

Heal Your Nervous System
by Linnea Passaler

ISBN-13: 9780760385654
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Fair Winds Press
Released: Jan. 9, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Dr. Linnea Passaler has helped thousands address a wide range of symptoms associated with nervous system dysregulation—from mental symptoms, including anxiety, burnout, and brain fog, to physical symptoms, such as digestive issues, chronic inflammation, and fatigue. In Heal Your Nervous System, Dr. Passaler presents her 5-stage plan, developed over the last decade, to equip you with the knowledge to understand and regulate your unique nervous system.

Instead of merely treating the symptoms, Dr. Passaler shows you how to make a profound shift from reactive treatment to proactive healing. Grounded in recent scientific advances in neurobiology, chronic stress, trauma, and sensitivity, this is not a short-term or one-size-fits-all solution, but a comprehensive strategy to tackle the source of your symptoms, and restore your physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

In Heal Your Nervous System, you will discover how to assess your current level of nervous system dysregulation, why nervous system dysregulation can cause both mental and physical symptoms, how your individual sensitivity profile and past experiences came together to tip your nervous system into a state of dysregulation, the four most common mistakes people make in their healing journey and how to avoid them, and simple practices, exercises, and routines that progressively reverse nervous system dysregulation.


My Review:
Heal Your Nervous System provides a 5-step program to help your nervous system shift back into relaxed states and become more resilient. There wasn't much science in the book beyond talking about the different states of the nervous system, from relaxed to fight/flight/freeze states. The author did refer to some studies about how different actions can help you change how you react to stress and be able to handle more stress.

She started by talking about signs of nervous system dysregulation (including a quiz to indicate where you are on the scale) and factors that affect how your nervous system responds to stressors and trauma (like how sensitive you are, genetics, childhood safety levels, and bonding to your caregivers). She then covered each step in a 5 stage program. She suggested small actions or contemplations that take 5-15 minutes She stated you shouldn't make too many changes at once, and many of the activities fit into daily life rather than being things you need to find time to do. The 5 steps involve learning awareness of your reactions, regulating your nervous system, restoration of healthy patterns, connecting with others, and expanding your capacity to handle stress. At the end, she told more of her story and how Buddhism influenced her life (and her program). Overall, I felt like she had helpful advice.




If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal by Randy E. Kamen, EdD

The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal
by Randy E. Kamen, EdD

ISBN-13: 9780593690062
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Zeitgeist
Released: January 9, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that conveys appreciation for a moment that has touched you in some way and moves you to express thankfulness. When you experience gratitude, your brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, resulting in a host of tangible benefits associated with positive thinking and emotions. Practiced regularly, gratitude literally rewires your brain to be more optimistic, flexible, and joyful, while simultaneously reducing stress and anxiety, building resilience to adversity, and strengthening your immune system, cardiac health, sleep hygiene, and more. These many positive changes to your health and well-being are “the gratitude effect,” and because these effects are cumulative, the more you practice gratitude, the greater its impact over time.

With The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal, you’ll engage your brain’s neuroplasticity to reshape your worldview—and retrain your brain for greater joy, resiliency, and personal empowerment.


My Review:
The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal is about how gratitude can help change your outlook and well-being. The first section talked about some of the science behind this and how daily gratitude practices (finding things you're grateful for) can actually change how you view life. Most of the book was the journal, with an area for you to write your daily gratitude list and a quote about gratitude for each day. The author provided some prompts in the first section that help you think of things you're grateful for. It was an interesting, short book. I'd recommend it (especially the print version) for those who like to journal.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Vagus Nerve Reset by Anna Ferguson

The Vagus Nerve Reset
by Anna Ferguson

ISBN-13: 9780593689905
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Zeitgeist
Released: January 9, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Feeling anxious and disconnected are signs of a nervous system that’s out of balance. Something as small as a curt message from your boss can be perceived by your body as a threat—which triggers a change in your vagus nerve (a cranial nerve that runs from your brain to your abdomen). In The Vagus Nerve Reset , somatic therapist Anna Ferguson offers easy tools and exercises, grounded in the science of Polyvagal Theory, to help train your nervous system to stop overreacting and start responding more calmly to day-to-day stressors. By tuning in to your vagus nerve you can gently shape your nervous system to achieve greater resilience, improved sleep and digestion, relief from anxiety, and healing from past traumas.


My Review:
The Vagus Nerve Reset is a program designed to help with nervous system dysregulation. It's for someone who has experienced some trauma that left their nervous system stuck in flight/flight or in freeze. This leads to being physically out of whack and feeling overwhelmed when even little things go wrong. I was interested in the science and was disappointed that the author only described the nervous system and Polyvagal Theory in very simple, general terms. Back when my body was really out of whack, I learned about the vagus nerve and ways to help positively stimulate the vagus by watching and reading free information online. I didn't learn much new from this book.

The first third of the book was about the nervous system, the last third was glossary, index, and recommended resources, and the rest was her program. She recommends being aware of your body and moving it as a way to get well. The first step was to help you become more aware of your body, then she described some simple exercises and stretches to help reset the nervous system. Much of this section was encouraging the reader to really do each step and not get impatient with the process. There were no illustrations or diagrams, but most of the suggested activities sound simple enough to do just from written descriptions. Since my body got fired up (so I felt every little thing) rather than numbed sensation, which was her problem, I'm not really sure her journaling step would have even helped me. Her program may be helpful for some, though.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.