Across vastly different themes—hydration, historical intrigue, and literary discovery—these three books offer fresh perspectives on health, resilience, and personal growth. Quench revolutionizes our understanding of hydration by highlighting the importance of structured water and cultural traditions that enhance well-being. One Night in Winter transports readers to Stalinist Moscow, where love and loyalty are tested in a brutal regime of secrecy and survival. Meanwhile, The Page Turner explores family dynamics and the power of storytelling, as a young writer unearths a life-changing secret hidden within her grandmother’s literary legacy. Each book challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers on a journey toward deeper knowledge and self-discovery.

Practical Strategies to Improve Daily Hydration Habits

Editor’s Note: Dr. Dana Cohen was one of our speakers at this year’s Renewal Summit, and she talked about the importance of hydration for every part of our body. (Watch the video.) It’s such important info that we are re-running this review of her book. And her latest book is called “Fuel.”

“Quench” by Dana Cohen and Gina Bria is a groundbreaking exploration of an essential yet often misunderstood aspect of health and well-being:  proper hydration. Dr. Dana Cohen, a renowned integrative medicine physician, teams up with medical journalist Gina Bria to present a comprehensive and eye-opening guide to the science of hydration and its profound impact on our overall health.

The book begins by challenging our conventional understanding of hydration. Rather than just focusing on the quantity of water we consume, “Quench” delves deep into the quality of water and its delivery to our cells.  The authors introduce the concept of “structured water,” which is water that has been naturally revitalized and is better absorbed by the body. They argue that merely drinking eight glasses of tap water per day isn’t enough and may not be as beneficial as we think.

Cohen and Bria take readers on a journey through various cultures and traditions, exploring how different societies have optimized their hydration over the centuries. They shed light on the wisdom of practices such as drinking warm water, consuming water-rich foods, and using electrolytes to enhance hydration. This broad perspective adds a holistic dimension to the book, connecting hydration with culture, history, and traditions.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Quench” is its emphasis on how proper hydration can address a wide range of health issues, from common ailments like fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems to more serious conditions like diabetes and arthritis. The authors provide a wealth of scientific research, case studies, and practical tips to support their claims.

The book is well-organized and accessible, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and patient stories adds a human touch, making the information more relatable and inspiring. And not just a theoretical guide, “Quench” offers practical strategies to improve daily hydration habits, from choosing the right water to crafting delicious hydrating recipes. GET THE BOOK.

~Joan Pagano, NYC, Joan Pagano Fitness

A Story About Love and a Political Historical Thriller

Inspired by a true story, acclaimed historian and novelist Simon Sebag Montefiore paints a portrayal of Stalinist Moscow in 1945 in his book One Night in Winter.  World War II has ended, but Josef Stalin’s rule has not. Through his expert biographical studies of Stalin, Montefiore adeptly depicts him as a shrewd, sadistic manipulator capable of distorting any truth to his own ends and evokes a society where survival depends on secrecy with the steady terror of living in a country where people are constantly monitored and regularly disappeared.

The plot hinges on the real story of the “Children’s Case.” As Moscow celebrates its heroic triumph over the Nazis with a victory parade, an ominous tragedy occurs: Two teenagers fall from gunshot wounds on a bridge near the Kremlin. But this is no ordinary tragedy because these are no ordinary teenagers. As the son and daughter of high-ranking Soviet officials, they attend the most elite school in Moscow.  Was it an accident or a murder?

On Stalin’s instructions, a ruthless investigation begins in which youth across the city are forced to testify against their friends and their parents. We meet their schoolmates and their families, their clubs and secret societies. As families are ripped apart, all kinds of secrets emerge, including the competition and conflict between different types of love: marital, adulterous, and parental. This is a love story with universal themes set in a particular time and place.  But it is also a political thriller and a rich historical saga. GET THE BOOK.

~Joan Pagano, NYC, Joan Pagano Fitness

Shipman’s Storytelling Will Grab You From The Very First Page

Viola Shipman’s The Page Turner is a heartfelt and delightful novel that explores the complexities of family, ambition, and the love of storytelling.  The story follows Emma Page, a young romance writer who has spent her life feeling like the black sheep in a literary-obsessed family.  Her parents, who run a prestigious vanity press, disregard popular fiction.  Emma’s sister, Jess, is a social media influencer in the book world.   The sisters seem to be at odds with one another.  Emma has found great comfort in the romance novels left behind by her late grandmother, which have given her inspiration for her own writing.

The story takes the reader on a surprising turn when Emma uncovers a secret hidden among her grandmother’s belongings.  This secret could ruin her parents’ publishing empire as well as their reputation in the industry.  As Emma struggles with the moral dilemma of exposing the truth, she reconnects with her sister.  She is also confronted with the snobbish ways that have shaped her family’s views on literature.

Shipman’s storytelling is so warm and will grab you as a reader from the very first page.  He offers a thoughtful analysis of the publishing world while celebrating the power of books to shape our lives.  I really loved getting a glimpse into the publishing world.    As the story begins there is a lot of literary snobbery shown in this book, but as the plot unfolds it transforms into a compelling family drama of self-discovery and resilience.

I really loved the author’s note at the end—summed up so beautifully about how books can us.  Shipman is a fantastic writer, I read everything he writes.  Always know I am in for a fabulous read, and this one did not disappoint.  Highly recommend this five star read. GET THE BOOK.

~Francene Katzman, Richmond, VA, advocate for parents of children with drug addictions