Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Healthiness

A health expert with a radio and TV following and a polished voice to match, Edell offers a sweeping range of observations, philosophies, and suggestions on how to live well. The common sense offered here is so smooth and familiar that listeners may overlook the care and medical wisdom within. This entertaining audio covers so much ground that to some ears it may sound too homogenized or polished. Yet Edell's advice is worth hearing repeatedly, especially his elegant invitations to do everything in moderation and to be loving toward one's body and physical functioning. The last segment covers some common questions the author received on his radio show. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

December 15, 2003
Edell, author of Eat, Drink and Be Merry
, presents relaxed and practical advice familiar to the millions of people who have watched him on TV or listened to him on radio. Changes in the health care system can make it difficult for patients to get the treatment they want: Edell offers advice to them and also addresses the many advances in scientific research such as hormone therapy and cancer that can be confusing to physicians, let alone patients. The book is organized in general subject areas—including sex, women's issues, children, alternative medicine, aging and addiction—that feature a short introduction, resource list and q&as. These sections are logical, although there are occasional entries that seem almost trivial, compared to more serious issues. For example, Edell answers the question of whether "eating seaweed makes your hair grow thicker." Overall, however, the questions Edell fields are very specific and relevant to many, and cover a wide range of topics. It's unlikely that this volume will replace the many other health titles, but it is a useful reference, especially for advice on nutrition and alternative medicine (Jan.)

Forecast:
A 10-city tour will garner Edell audiences beyond those who know him from 400 radio stations, so strong initial sales are likely.