This well-researched, mini-reference book is aimed primarily at women and geared to assist with informed choice. Beneath an umbrella of seven subjects, each heading provides a set of three issues. ‘Fit’ encompasses exercise for flexibility, joints, posture, fat loss, desk health and motivation. This section is accompanied by illustrations. ‘Beautiful’ is packed full of valuable facts and advice on beauty from secrets behind cosmetic companies to make-your-own facial cleansers, plastic surgery, and cosmetic tattooing. ‘Peace’ gives tips on simple ways to relax and find peace by becoming organised, removing clutter, and creating more time. ‘Fuel’ is just that--the correct way to fuel your body with nutritious recipes, through valuable data on food additives. ‘Downtime’ serves up interesting relationship advice, and tips from entertaining to internet shopping through to bra-fitting. ‘Survival’ provides a comprehensive section on emergency first-aid for adults and children for outdoors, on the road and at home, and advice for bystanders. The book closes with ‘Stand Up’, full of statistics and information on the individual’s legal rights, and the services available to them pertaining to divorce, sexual assault, domestic violence, and family courts. It provides contact information for every state in the major sections.

Anastasia Gonis is a freelance writer and reviewer and former bookseller

Tags: candace lewis & margaret o'sullivan