Plato & Pythagoras...Not All Greek to Nicholas Kardaras

How Plato and Pythagoras Can Save Your Life: The Ancient Greek Prescription for Heath & Happiness by Nicholas Kardaras, PhD

This book, by Nicholas Kardaras, PhD, and published by Conari Press, is an exploration of mystical Greek philosophy and contemporary, cutting-edge science coming together in today's world.

At one time, Nick Kardaras was one of NYC's "50 Most Beautiful People" as voted by Vanity Fair. But with the passing of time and a steady addiction to drugs and alcohol, Nick's life was pulled out from under him.

With rehab, he managed to get his life back on track and had his whole future ahead of him, but the passing of a close friend drew him back into that dark underworld. He was found unconcious by his girlfriend one day and was on the brink of death, clinging to life with the help of a respirator as he lay in a coma.

But his life was given back to him -- a miracle in every sense of the word -- and with the return of his life, Nicholas began to explore the life behind him and the possibility of the life ahead of him.

He became a voracious reader and studied the works of ancient Greeks who promoted the importance of a healthy mind, body and spirit. These came together with the help of diet, exercise, meditation and contemplation...a real holistic approach to life.

Nicholas took charge of his life, incorporating all he was learning...and came out ahead.

With this book, Kardaras shares with readers those secrets of the famous Greek philosophers, and gives readers mental and physical exercises to do in order expand their creative imagination and gain insights about themselves and the world in which they live.

As Plato said: "Philosophy begins in wonder." And so does Nicholas Kardaras's journey. Join him on it, won't you?

Book Review: A Dog Named Slugger

When I was contacted by a literary agency and asked if I'd like to review a book about a dog, I jumped at the chance. But upon reading the book, I came to understand that Slugger was not just a typical dog: he was a gift.

The book, A Dog Named Slugger, by Leigh Brill, is the true story of a woman who, having had to deal with her cerebral palsy all her life, finds it more difficult while in college to handle her disability on her own, and decides to seek out a service dog organization.. She is matched with Slugger, an extremely intelligent, devoted and loving -- and loved! -- Yellow Labrador retriever, and they train to become a team. Slugger becomes Leigh's shadow, guide and a true companion in every sense of the word.

The dog helps Leigh navigate through life on college campuses and in the greater community. She  gains confidence and a greater sense of independence, thanks to her canine companion, who is there with her....every step of the way. Leigh finds love, and achieves a true sense of contentment; while Slugger helps teach others about caring and limitations imposed by society, even if not imposed by a physical disability.

Heart-warming and inspiring, the book and the story behind it also promotes a very worthy cause--the Service Dog Industry. (All of Leigh’s proceeds from the book will go to the nonprofit St. Francis Service Dogs organization.)

 A Dog Named Slugger (published by Memphis, Tennessee publisher Bell Bridge Books), a 2011 Epic Award winner, is written in an easy, flowing, natural style -- with Leigh's honesty and warm and determined personality shining through. Accompanied by photos of Leigh and Slugger at play and at work, as well a Readers' Guide/ Discussion Questions, the book lends itself to being a wonderful choice for a book club, a classroom setting, or simply to be shared among friends.
Welcome to the world of service dogs. Welcome to Leigh & Slugger's world....