No more dieting? It’s devoutly to be wished by millions, but probably not publishing executives hoping for another heavy-hitter in the health and fitness category this spring. The End of Dieting by Joel Fuhrman is the newest iteration of the nutrition science principles espoused by the family physician and nutrition researcher in several bestselling books, including the million-selling Eat to Live.
Other titles also have a familiar ring. The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet: Activate Your Body’s Natural Ability to Burn Fat and Lose Weight Fast by Mark Hyman extends that doctor-author’s franchise based on his argument for balancing insulin levels in the blood. Like Fuhrman, Hyman, a family physician whose approach is described as functional medicine, appears to be one of the reigning kings of health and diet books; he is a coauthor of The Daniel Plan, a weight-loss program with a religious component developed by California pastor Rick Warren, which debuted in December on bestselling lists. The memorably named J.J. Virgin, a nutrition and fitness professional, follows up her bestselling 2013 diet book with The Virgin Diet Cookbook: 150 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Lose Weight and Feel Better Fast. Not every health book is about the religion of nutrition, however. Love Me Slender: How Smart Couples Team Up to Lose Weight, Exercise More, and Stay Healthy Together by Thomas N. Bradbury and Benjamin R. Karney relies on the development of good relationships to give health seekers intimate reinforcement of good habits. The skeptics in the crowd will likely not be surprised by The Big Fat Surprise: Why Meat, Butter, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet by food writer Nina Teicholz, who has searched nutrition research to make her contrarian argument.
On the DIY front, knitters can’t get enough of those well-mannered, permitted in apartments and need no walking or litter box–scooping knitted animals. Knit Your Own Zoo: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 24 Animals by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne offers a small menagerie’s worth of patterns from koalas to giraffes, following up on Muir’s and Osborne’s knitted dog and cat books. Little girl Belle and her bunny buddy Boo get craft incarnations in The Belle and Boo Book of Crafts: 25 Enchanting Projects to Make for Children by Mandy Sutcliffe, which should make more U.S. fans for this nostalgic British lifestyle brand. More cuteness and nostalgia is at work in The Making of a Rag Doll by Jess Brown, who offers instruction for making, and naming, one’s own simple-looking rag doll.
The mind-body-spirit category will look familiar for the millions who read Gary Zukav’s The Seat of the Soul since it was first published in 1989. It celebrates its 25th anniversary with a new edition that includes a foreword by Oprah Winfrey, whose imprimatur helped the author sell some of those copies, and questions and added material that better equip the book for use by clubs. The title of the season winner? Bad Birthdays: The Truth Behind Your Crappy Sun Sign by Sarah Christensen Fu describes itself as the “big book of snarky astrology.” The fault really is in your stars.
PW’s Top 10: Lifestyle
The End of Dieting: How to Live for Life
Joel Fuhrman. HarperOne, Mar.
The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet: Activate Your Body’s Natural Ability to Burn Fat and Lose Weight Fast. Mark Hyman. Little, Brown, Feb.
The Virgin Diet Cookbook: 150 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Lose Weight and Feel Better Fast. J.J. Virgin. Grand Central Life & Style, Feb.
Love Me Slender: How Smart Couples Team Up to Lose Weight, Exercise More, and Stay Healthy Together. Thomas N. Bradbury and Benjamin R. Karney. Touchstone, Feb.
The Big Fat Surprise: Why Meat, Butter, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet. Nina Teicholz. Simon & Schuster, Apr.
Knit Your Own Zoo: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 24 Animals. Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. Black Dog & Leventhal, Feb.
The Belle and Boo Book of Crafts: 25 Enchanting Projects to Make for Children. Mandy Sutcliffe. Roost Books, June
The Making of a Rag Doll. Jess Brown. Chronicle, June
The Seat of the Soul: 25th Anniversary Edition with a Study Guide. Gary Zukav. Simon & Schuster, Mar.
Bad Birthdays: The Truth Behind Your Crappy Sun Sign. Sarah Christensen Fu. Hampton Roads, Apr.
Lifestyle Listings
Body, Mind & Spirit
Atria/Beyond Words
Be Nobody by Lama Marut (June 3, paper, $16, ISBN 978-1582704548). This follow-up to A Spiritual Renegade’s Guide to the Good Life calls for the biggest revolution of all: the overthrow of the obsessive quest to be somebody.
Hampton Roads
(dist. by Red Wheel/Weiser)
Bad Birthdays: The Truth Behind Your Crappy Sun Sign by Sarah Christensen Fu (Apr. 1, paper, $18.95, ISBN 978-1571747174). This book of snarky astrology will speak to anyone irritated by the disconnect between the cheerful promises of horoscopes and the lousy days that actually come to pass.
Inner Traditions
The Sufi Path of Annihilation: In the Tradition of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi and Hasan Lutfi Shushud by Nevit O. Ergin (Apr. 14, paper, $16.95, ISBN 978-1620552742) explores the Sufi practice of Itlak Yolu—the use of breathing exercises, fasting, and mental suffering—to bring about annihilation of the Self.
Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
The Vatican Heresy: Bernini and the Building of the Hermetic Temple of the Sun by Robert Bauval and Chiara Hohenzollern (Feb. 24, paper, $18, ISBN 978-1591431787) argues that the largest Sun Temple in the world, built according to Hermetic principles, is located at one of Christianity’s holiest sites: the Vatican.
It Books
Momstrology: The AstroTwins’ Guide to Parenting Your Little One by the Stars by Ophira and Tali Edut (Apr. 15, paper, $24.99, ISBN 978-0062250469) is a guide to understanding how both parents and their little ones are guided by the stars, and how atrological charts play a factor in family relationships. 40,000-copy announced first printing.
New World Library
(dist. by PGW)
The Boy Who Died and Came Back: Adventures of a Dream Archaeologist in the Multiverse by Robert Moss (Mar. 18, paper, $15.95, ISBN 978-1608682355). Using his own three near-death experiences, the author argues that the notion of “died and came back” is a more accurate description than “near-death,” and it also demonstrates that soul or consciousness is not dependent on the physical body.
Quest
(dist. by PGW)
Healing Without Medicine: From Pioneers to Modern Practice by Albert Amao (May 13, paper, $19.95, ISBN 978-0835609210) examines the American spiritual system of New Thought to provide a rational explanation for the power of thought to heal.
Rainbow Ridge
(dist. by Square One)
The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to What Happens When We Die by P.M.H. Atwater (Apr. 1, paper, $19.95, ISBN 978-1937907204) explores near-death experience through the lenses of the soul, God, other worlds, heaven and hell, the afterlife, religion, and the overall purpose of life.
Simon & Schuster
The Seat of the Soul: 25th Anniversary Edition with a Study Guide by Gary Zukav (Mar. 4, hardcover, $25, ISBN 978-1476740843). A foreword by Oprah Winfrey and a preface by Maya Angelou update the 25th-anniversary edition of the bestselling classic of the New Age category, along with a new introduction by the author, a discussion guide, and Web links for deeper study.
DIY
Black Dog & Leventhal
(dist. by Workman)
Knit Your Own Zoo: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 24 Animals by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne (Feb. 11, paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-1579129606) includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for 24 animals, from koalas to giraffes, to make a stuffed menagerie.
Chronicle Books
The Making of a Rag Doll by Jess Brown (June 10, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-1452119519). With cameos on Fashion Week runways and in designer store windows, the starry-eyed Jess Brown rag doll has captured attention. Brown shares her doll pattern for the first time and shows how to sew, customize, and accessorize each doll for a true modern heirloom.
New Harvest
(dist. by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Maker Dad: Lunch Box Guitars, Antigravity Jars, and 22 Other Incredibly Cool Father-Daughter DIY Projects by Mark Frauenfelder (May 6, paper, $20, ISBN 978-0544114548) is the first DIY project guide for fathers and daughters from the founder of the online magazine Boing Boing and editor-in-chief of Make magazine. 35,000-copy announced first printing.
Potter Craft
Knitting Reimagined: An Innovative Approach to Structure and Shape with 25 Breathtaking Projects by Nicky Epstein (May 27, hardcover, $29.99, ISBN 978-0385346252). Epstein, an influential knitwear designer, offers knitters of all skill levels adventurous, wearable sweaters, jackets, and accessories.
Rizzoli
Preston Bailey: Designing with Flowers by Preston Bailey (Apr. 1, hardcover, $45, ISBN 978-0847842469). Floral couturier Bailey showcases the latest ideas in floral design, from centerpieces to environments.
Roost Books
The Belle and Boo Book of Crafts: 25 Enchanting Projects to Make for Children by Mandy Sutcliffe (June 10, paper, $24.95, ISBN 978-1611801828) contains crafts for 2-8 year olds, from the creators of Belle and Boo, a little girl and her rabbit friend.
Sellers Publishing
Beautiful Wildflowers: Bouquets, Wreaths & Decorations by Edle C. Norman (Feb. 1, paper, $16.95, ISBN 978-1416245032) shows how to gather, treat, and decorate with wildflowers to bring natural beauty to a home.
Skyhorse
Crafts and Skills of the Mountain Men: Hunting, Trapping, Woodwork, and More by Stephen Brennan (July 1, paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-1628737097) is a guide to the skills useful for outdoor living, including making rafts and canoes, constructing tools, and living off the land.
STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book
Handmade for the Garden: 75 Ingenious Ways to Enhance Your Outdoor Space with DIY Tools, Pots, Supports, Embellishments, and More by Susan Guagliumi (Mar. 18, paper, $27.50, ISBN 978-1617690976) takes DIY skills into the garden.
St. Martin’s Griffin
Loom Knitting Afghans: 20 Simple & Snuggly No-Needle Designs for All Loom Knitters by Isela Phelps (May 6, paper, $24.99, ISBN 978-1250049841). Loom knitting maven Phelps offers new patterns for afghans, throws, and blankets.
Taunton
Mini Quilts: Fresh, Fun Patterns to Quilt in a Snap by Jodie Davis (Apr. 15, paper, $22.95, ISBN 978-1621137962) offers a smorgasbord of 20 mini quilt ideas to try out for new techniques and instant quilting gratification.
Health & Fitness
Ballantine
The Pescetarian Plan: The Vegetarian + Seafood Way to Lose Weight and Love Your Food by Janis Jibrin, with recipes by Sidra Forman (Mar. 11, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-0345547163) explains the science and the principles of this healthy eating style, offering meal plans for weight loss goals and 100 easy recipes.
BenBella Books
(dist. by Perseus)
The Low-Carb Fraud by T. Colin Campbell (Feb. 25, hardcover, $16.95, ISBN 978-1940363097). The bestselling nutrition researcher argues that the low-carb fad is actually a fraud. 40,000-copy announced first printing.
Da Capo Lifelong Books
(dist. by Perseus)
The Carb IQ Diet: Eat Carbohydrates Based on Your Unique Metabolism—and Lose That Extra Weight for Good by Robert Ferguson (Apr. 29, paper, $16.99, ISBN 978-0738217635) offers a new way to look at carbs, showing how to determine one’s unique “Carb IQ”—the precise amount of carbs an individual can consume and still lose weight. 30,000-copy announced first printing.
Duncan Baird Publishers
(dist. by Random House)
Serotonin Revolution: The Low-Carb Diet That Won’t Make You Crazy by Lowri Turner (Apr. 22, paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-1848990418) draws on the latest scientific research to create a diet that balances the weight loss heroes: body chemicals serotonin, dopamine, leptin, and adrenals; includes 70 new recipes.
Grand Central Life & Style
The Virgin Diet Cookbook: 150 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Lose Weight and Feel Better Fast by J.J. Virgin (Feb. 18, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-1455577798) is the companion cookbook to the bestselling Virgin Diet. 150,000-copy announced first printing.
Harmony
The Diet Fix: Why Diets Fail and How to Make Yours Work by Yoni Freedhoff (Mar. 4, hardcover, $25.99, ISBN 978-0804137577) breaks down the flaws in approaches to dieting and offers a plan to achieve lasting results.
HarperOne
The End of Dieting: How to Live for Life by Joel Fuhrman (Mar. 25, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-0062249326) offers a paradigm shift that shows how and why people never need to diet again. 175,000-copy announced first printing.
HarperWave
The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life by Jeffrey S. Bland (Apr. 22, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-0062290731) seeks to understand the root causes of chronic illness and to reverse the dysfunctions that are making people sick. 150,000-copy announced first printing.
Hay House
The Tapping Solution for Weight Loss & Body Confidence: A Woman’s Guide to Stressing Less, Weighing Less, and Loving More by Jessica Ortner (May 13, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-1401945114) uses body meridian-point tapping to help tackle the stress that leads to weight gain. 75,000-copy announced first printing.
It Books
Love Sex Again: A Gynecologist Finally Fixes the Issues That Are Sabotaging Your Sex Life by Lauren Streicher (Apr. 22, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-0062301512) is a guide to women’s sexual health from an expert and Dr. Oz Show regular. 75,000-copy announced first printing.
Little, Brown
The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet: Activate Your Body’s Natural Ability to Burn Fat and Lose Weight Fast by Mark Hyman (Feb. 25, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-0316230025) presents strategies for reducing insulin levels and producing fast and sustained weight loss. 150,000-copy announced first printing.
Morrow
Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life by Brian Wansink (Mar. 25, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-0062136527) shows how to re-engineer spaces—from public schools to restaurants, grocery stores to home kitchens—to make positive changes in managing diets. 100,000-copy announced first printing.
Rodale
Eat Chocolate, Lose Weight: New Science Proves You Should Eat Chocolate Every Day by Will Clower (Feb. 4, hardcover, $25.99, ISBN 978-1623361273) argues for the health benefits of chocolate and features a six-week meal plan and more than 50 delicious recipes.
Rowman & Littlefield
Radiant Bodies: The Origins of Modern Hatha Yoga by Max Popov (May 16, hardcover, $45, ISBN 978-0810882584) tells the story of modern hatha yoga through the men who pioneered its transformation from the ashram in India to the modern studio in America.
Simon & Schuster
The Big Fat Surprise: Why Meat, Butter, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet by Nina Teicholz (May 13, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-1451624427). A food writer’s researched narrative explains how 60 years of nutrition science has gotten it wrong.
Touchstone
Love Me Slender: How Smart Couples Team Up to Lose Weight, Exercise More, and Stay Healthy Together by Thomas N. Bradbury and Benjamin R. Karney (Feb. 4, hardcover, $25.99, ISBN 978-1451674514) uses research with more than 1,000 married couples to offer a fresh approach to weight loss that will turn your spouse into your most loyal health ally.
