Hey everyone! If you’ve been following tinereviews.com and my Instagram for a while, you know I’m all about two things: books and healthy living! These are topics I could talk about all day and today I’m combining the two! While doing my makeup the other day, I started thinking about some of the books that have really influenced my health and wellness journey and decided to share them with you!
I truly believe these books aren’t just good—they’re essential if you’re serious about living a healthier, more informed life. Let’s dive in!
The Devil’s Playbook by Lauren Etter
I am currently reading The Devil’s Playbook by Lauren Etter and this is a game-changer. Etter digs deep into the world of Big Tobacco and Juul, revealing how these companies have manipulated the market to get a new generation hooked on nicotine. It’s pretty shocking to see the corporate strategies and moral compromises that have fueled the vaping epidemic. If you’re concerned about how health intersects with corporate greed, this book is a must-read.
Jia Tolentino’s Article on the Rise of Juul
Sticking with the vaping/big tobacco theme, I also recommend reading Jia Tolentino’s article, The Promise of Vaping and the Rise of Juul. Tolentino’s writing is sharp and insightful, breaking down the complexities of vaping culture and its impact on public health, especially on teenagers. If you’re curious about how modern trends influence wellness, this article is a must read.
Also Jia Tolentino is one of my favorite New Yorker writers!
Teeth by Mary Otto
Next up, we have Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America by Mary Otto. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in public health or dentistry. Otto uncovers the shocking inequalities in oral healthcare, revealing how something as simple as a toothache can have life-altering consequences. It’s crazy to think that dental care is often seen as a cosmetic luxury rather than a public health necessity, and that’s why so many insurance plans don’t cover it. While some parts of the book dive a bit too deeply into the history of dental care, the overall message is clear—oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being!
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 9 years, so Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food really resonates with me. Pollan’s mantra is simple: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” He advocates for whole, unprocessed foods, and honestly, it’s a refreshing take on eating well without the pressure of following a strict diet. What I love most is how Pollan emphasises moderation and the cultural aspects of food. Since reading this book, I’ve become much more mindful about choosing fresh, market-sourced foods over processed ones. However, if you’re not into the idea of leaning towards a vegetarian diet, you might find Pollan’s tone on pro vegetarian diet a little bit too preachy!
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Sleep is something I’m obsessed with—I even track my sleep every night using my Fitbit Charge 5! So, when I came across Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep, I was immediately hooked. Walker, a neuroscientist, dives deep into how sleep is the cornerstone of our mental and physical health. This book has completely changed how I approach my nights—I now treasure those 9 hours like gold. Be prepared for some repetition and dense scientific terms, but stick with it; the insights are worth it.
You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Dr. Meera Shah
tw: Abortion
Finally, if you’re ready for something raw and real, You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Dr. Meera Shah is a must-read. This book is about abortion and is a collection of deeply personal stories that shed light on a topic that’s often hidden and stigmatised. Shah’s compassionate approach reminds us that health is multifaceted, and understanding these stories is crucial to understanding reproductive health.
In short: abortion should be treated like any other medical procedure!
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
Okay, one more because I couldn’t resist! Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou is an absolute must if you’re fascinated by the intersection of health, technology, and ethics. Carreyrou tells the gripping story of Theranos, the company that promised to revolutionise healthcare with a simple blood test but ended up being one of the biggest frauds in Silicon Valley history. This book exposes the dark side of innovation and is a stark reminder of why transparency and accountability are crucial in the health and wellness industry.I would also recommend the Hulu series! I binged it within two days! Highly recommend it!
The more you know and are educated about the small steps to improve your health the easier it is to live a much healthier and a much more informed life! I hope you find these book recommendations as enlightening as I did! And if you’re looking for more in-depth reviews, don’t forget to check out the rest of my blog.
As always, thank you for reading, and if you found this helpful, let me know what books I should read to review!
Disclosure: If you make a purchase using the links I provide, I might receive a commission without any additional cost to you.