JULY 2014 - AudioFile
Dan Woren's relaxed narration enhances this inviting introduction to the paleo lifestyle. The authors, a Harvard Medical School professor and a journalist, describe a process for getting in touch with our roots by way of adopting lifestyle adaptations favored by our ancestors, such as spending a lot of time outdoors; eating natural, unprocessed foods; and establishing a close support network in a tight community. Woren's clear and engaging narration, coupled with the authors' easy-to-follow writing style, makes the paleo lifestyle seem not only possible but also eminently logical as a means of achieving greater health in our hectic society. S.E.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
05/05/2014
In this inspiring book, Harvard Medical School professor Ratey (Spark) and journalist Manning (It Runs in the Family) outline the mental and physical benefits of living more like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Citing major research studies, the authors see such health problems as obesity, inactivity, and high blood sugar as “‘afflictions of civilization.’” They examine humanity’s biochemical and evolutionary modes of well-being, and encourage readers to “go wild” because “human evolution occurred under wild conditions, and this made us who we are.” Their key point: “evolution has hard-wired health to happiness.” Though there are many other titles on the paleo diet and low-carb nutrition lists, readers will appreciate the considerable attention given to the importance of movement and discussion of research on the design of the human body; neuroscience indicates that “the whole brain flourishes as a result of movement.” The authors build on research about diet and movement with examinations of sleep, awareness, and the importance of connection to both nature and one another. They do not describe a specific wellness program, but, instead, urge readers to begin “a process of discovery” into their own health—one that will surely benefit from using this book as a catalyst. (June)
From the Publisher
"A brilliantly creative synthesis of research and theory offering up a practical, playful, yet profound answer to that most basic question: how to live."—Edward Hallowell, MD, author of Shine: Using Brain Science to Bring Out the Best in Your People
"The mission accomplished by this wonderfully empowering book is nothing short of revolutionary."—from the foreword by David Perlmutter, MD, author of Grain Brain
"Essential reading for anyone interested in unleashing the true power of human nature."—Tyler Graham, author of The Happiness Diet
"An exciting read! A fascinating investigation into the power of evolutionary forces in our lives. Illuminating, penetrating, and immensely practical."—Jim Loehr, cofounder of Human Performance Institute and coauthor of The Power of Full Engagement
"A clear, sustained, fast-paced, utterly persuasive argument that much of our current distress and disease is the product of how the activities of regimented modern life estrange us from our biological needs, literally making us ill. It's also about how to live to avoid this distress. Filled with fascinating details, and the palpable joy of the authors who have found a way to break free from these restrictions, it's also inspiring and will influence many to change the way they live for the better."—Norman Doidge, MD, author of The Brain That Changes Itself
"Inspiring . . . Though there are many other titles on the paleo diet and low-carb nutrition lists, readers will appreciate the considerable attention given to the importance of movement and discussion of research on the design of the human body . . . [the authors] urge readers to begin "a process of discovery" into their own health-one that will surely benefit from using this book as a catalyst."—Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR SPARK
"A real turning point that explains something I've been trying to figure out for years, having experienced symptoms of both ADHD and mild depression. Exercise is not simply necessary; as Dr. Ratey clearly shows, it's medicine."—Greg LeMond, three-time winner of the Tour de France
"SPARK is just what we need—a thoughtful, interesting, scientific treatise on the powerful and positive impact of exercise on the brain. In mental health, exercise is a growth stock and Ratey is our best broker."—Ken Duckworth, MD, Medical Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness
"If your goal is to live a long and healhy life to the fullest, then Spark should be required reading."—Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, "The Father of Aerobics"
"Spark is mercifully short on Ivy League med-school-speak. And it may just spell the end of all dumb-jock jokes."—Abe Streep, Outside
"Ratey has culled the latest science and found that a regular workout can help build a better, faster brain."—USA TODAY
JULY 2014 - AudioFile
Dan Woren's relaxed narration enhances this inviting introduction to the paleo lifestyle. The authors, a Harvard Medical School professor and a journalist, describe a process for getting in touch with our roots by way of adopting lifestyle adaptations favored by our ancestors, such as spending a lot of time outdoors; eating natural, unprocessed foods; and establishing a close support network in a tight community. Woren's clear and engaging narration, coupled with the authors' easy-to-follow writing style, makes the paleo lifestyle seem not only possible but also eminently logical as a means of achieving greater health in our hectic society. S.E.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
