More Fine Books for Your Reading List As we all battle together against the widespread ignorance about nutrition... While the following books did not make my list of seven favorites, I can assure you that I learned something meaningful from each one.  Since Mainstream Medicine has not yet taken the proven nutrition approach to health seriously, we need all of the powerful information that we can find to help spread the word. 1. The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn. The newest book on my list, this fine book by the son of famed surgeon, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, was launched on The Today Show in February of 2009.  A former professional triathlete and now a firefighter in Austin, TX; Rip describes a powerful health-promoting, plant-based diet that works for "real men" and everyone else who might be interested in optimal health.  See link to his site in the left column. 2.  No More Bull by Howard Lyman.  The author of Mad Cowboy delivers the nutrition, health and ecology message in a light-hearted entertaining manner.  An easy afternoon read and lots of good recipes. 3.  Skinny Bitch:  A No-Nonsense, Tough Love Guide for Savvy Girls who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. A couple of former models deliver their powerful message in a somewhat "raunchy" but entertaining manner.  A fun read with the primary emphasis on promoting health as opposed to just looking good.  In 2009, they also came out with a similar book for men...you guessed it; they named it Skinny Bastard. 4.  Disease Proof Your Child:  Feeding Kids Right by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.  This is the book that I normally give to friends or family who have young kids.  The way we feed our kids in this country borders on criminal; even if we choose to abuse our own bodies, let's at least give our kids a chance to be healthy...since they are unable to choose for themselves.  I frequently give this book to friends with young children. 5. In Defense of Food:  An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan.  This highly educated journalist is learning more about nutrition with each book that he writes.  He presents much compelling information in this 2008 book; summing up his dietary advice with "Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants." 6.  Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes:  The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.  The author of this late 2006 book is one of numerous physicians who has helped the vast majority of his patients reverse their Type 2 diabetes with a low fat, high fiber diet consisting primarily of nutritious, whole, plant foods. 7.  Overdosed America:  The Broken Promise of American Medicine by John Abramson, M.D. An instructor at the Harvard Medical School tells the truth about how money-motivated big pharma has taken over America's medical system...a very sad and scary piece of work.     8.  The Spectrum:  A Scientifically Proven Program to Feel Better, Live Longer, Lose Weight and Gain Health by Dean Ornish, M.D. Originally gaining fame by reversing heart disease, Dr. Ornish came out with this total health oriented masterpiece in late 2007. 9. The Food Revolution:  How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World by John Robbins.  Another wonderful book by the author of one of my all-time favorites, the classic and enduring Diet for a New America. 10.  The McDougall Program:  12 Days to Dynamic Health.  The revolutionary health and diet program that can help you lose weight and feel great by John McDougall, M.D.  I have been reading the works of John McDougall for years and attended one of his conferences in 2007.  He is the "real deal", teaching a no-nonsense path to vibrant health with an incredible track record to back him up. 11.  Eat Right, Live Longer:  Using the Natural Power of Foods to Age-Proof Your Body by Neal Barnard, M.D. I have always admired Neal Barnard's books and highly recommend this one. 12.  Digestive Tune-Up by John McDougall, M.D.  Knowing that many of the keys to our health are determined by what happens in our gut, John McDougall tells this story in an interesting manner with a couple of cartoon characters.  My favorite line "Small Stools = Big Hospitals." 13. Never Be Sick Again:  Health Is A Choice, Learn How to Choose It by Raymond Francis.  One of my favorite books during the early stages of my study back in 2002.  Not as scientific as some of my later favorites, I have met Raymond Francis and have learned a lot from his books and newsletters.