by John Calabrese



Long Island’s Most Haunted: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide
by Joseph Flammer & Diane Hill
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
www.schifferbooks.com
It’s quite difficult to appreciate the history of Long Island when so much of it is buried under malls, roads and post-war neighborhoods. But this island does indeed have a past – and so much more than any archeology dig could ever reveal. Ghosts inhabited and, in some cases, still inhabit old homes, buildings and cemeteries on the island.

This ghostly guidebook includes directions to each well-investigated site, supported by historical facts, interesting anecdotes, and direct observations. Plenty of photographs and illustrations add to the compelling text, which draws you into these mysteries.
To be sure, there are many opinions about apparitions and spirits, but in reality this is a subject area we know so little about. Flammer and Hill decided to fill in some of the proverbial “blanks” in our knowledge about ghosts, by bravely investigating and documenting paranormal phenomena right in our very backyard–and they did a very, very good job. Learn more at www.paranormaladventurers.com, featuring more intriguing photographs, and their DVD for purchase, The Ghosts of Sweet Hollow Road.

Lessons from the Miracle Doctors:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimum Health and Relief from Catastrophic Illness
by Jon Barron
Basic Health Publications, Inc.
www.basichealthpub.com
Barron begins the lessons by clearly explaining “The Thieves of Health,” followed by how they affect “The Baseline of Health.” His message, “that the body is a holistic system and needs to be treated as such” stands in sharp contrast to the “magic bullet” approach so many of us seek in response to disease.

A dedicated health researcher for 40 years, Barron founded a prestigious industry newsletter as well as a nutritional supplement company. His knowledge abounds in every detailed chapter, explaining how our choices affect the various systems of our bodies, while providing comprehensive information, studies and insights to better inform those lifestyle choices.

Virtually nothing is left out, except for the glaring omission of the massive China Study on nutrition and disease. However, if you want to have one of the most complete, interesting, and useable books on health and nutrition– that doesn’t alienate carnivores–and you buy only one health-related book this year, consider one of the most readable publications on this very complex yet incredibly important subject. After all, our lives depend on our health.

Soulutions: A Collection of Quotes to Inspire
by Luanne Pennesi, RN, MS
Self-published, ISBN: 978-1-935110-00-2
www.metropolitanwellness.com
Luanne Pennesi, a nurse who has worked with Dr. Gary Null for years as well as successfully in her own private practice, has an encyclopedic knowledge not only of conventional and natural health, but also of those motivating quotes to help us get and remain healthy.
With a catchy title–“Soulutions”–Pennesi has created an inviting, inspiring companion for those moments when your perseverance and self-esteem are lagging. Its purpose is simple: to assist in bringing the soul to the surface of our lives, so we can live more in line with who we truly are. The quotes are from a surprising variety of sources–scientists, philosophers, spiritual leaders, self-help gurus, politicians (the good ones!), entertainers, Native Americans, psychic mediums–in an eye-catching format.

It’s all here, in a diverse collection: Deepak Chopra, Carlos Castaneda, Alan Watts, Louise Hay, Gandhi, Wayne Dyer, Madonna, Winston Churchill, and so many more. Soulutions moves with me throughout the house, providing succinct-but-vital reminders on every page, especially John Mason’s brilliant thought, “You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.”

The Group: An Amazing Way to Achieve Success, Happiness & Extraordinary Relationships
by Rebecca Carswell, Mirja Heide, Tiffany Kaharick & Amy Mead
DC Press
www.focusonethics.com
www.TheGroupTheBook.com
Written by four friends who consciously applied the timeless power of a focused group to their individual goals, The Group is a friendly little book that shows how to pave the road to your dreams. If you can forgive some of the well-intentioned but simplistic language, The Group is a fun-to-read guide to becoming healthier and more successful, using the accountability and motivation provided by a group. Formatting is excellent, with short pages and text pleasantly arranged in block paragraphs. Content is concise and accessible, such as explanations for active listening and holding a space, with clear examples of how to do and not do each.

The authors have done a great job explaining how to run a group, covering all the essential aspects of productive group dynamics. Checklists are included, along with instructions for phrasing what you want to say in ways that help people to truly hear you. As an additional help, personal experiences are sprinkled throughout the book in the form of italicized vignettes–easy to spot and perfect for deepening your understanding of these empowering ideas.

John Calabrese is the Editor-at-Large at Creations Magazine and has a private counseling practice in Huntington, NY.