The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards by William J. Broad (Simon & Schuster, $16)
When first published, this book became an immediate bestseller and topped the New York Times Best Seller list. It has been updated, reissued in paperback, and with a new afterword.
William J. Broad has practiced yoga for more than four decades. A senior writer at The New York Times, Broad has written the first impartial evaluation of a practice that is thousands of years old. The author sorts out what is real about yoga and, perhaps most importantly, what is illusionary.
According to Broad, new studies show that yoga releases natural substances in the brain that act as strong antidepressants and that the overall benefits are considerable. On the other hand, yoga can be responsible for injuries. Balance and common sense are essential.

Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Goals and Resolutions by John C. Norcross, PhD (Simon & Schuster, $24)
More than 100 million Americans resolve to change their behavior every January but only a third — one in three adults — will succeed. Dr. Norcross, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Scranton and a board certified clinical psychologist in part-time practice, is convinced that successful change comes about through five well-defined stages. They are to get ready for change, prepare before leaping, take action, manage slips, and maintain change.
His book explains hopw to maintain motivation by the push-pull method, how to assemble a support team to help reach goals, how to maintain new behaviors, how to control the environment and recognize that a slip need not be a fall, and how to manage slips and resist the urge to relapse.

Your Spiritual Power: A collection of Inspirational Writings by Ernest Holmes (Tarcher/Penguin, $16.95)
Ernest Holmes, the late founder of the worldwide Religious Science Movement and a prolific writer, spent much of his life inspiring others. Seven of his classic works have been published in one volume. The selections include “Immortality,” “Your Invisible Power,” “What Religious Science Teaches,” “Pray and Prosper,” “Discover a Richer Life,” “Living Without Fear,” and “Think Your Troubles Away.”
This one-of-a-kind collection features messages of hope, inspiration and joy, a must-have to begin a new year.

The Encore Career Handbook: How to Make a Living and a Difference in the Second Half of Your Life by Marci Alboher (Workman, $15.95)
Nine million baby boomers have bucked the traditional trends by choosing alternatives to retirement by choosing “encore careers.” This well-crafted book is a road map to finding passion, purpose, and a paycheck in the second half of life. Since the economy and the world have changed dramatically in recent years, this guide couldn’t have come at a better time.
The practical advice by Marci Albohner, vice president of Encore.org, a nonprofit organization that helps others prepare for their “second acts,” includes how to update a resume, use social media sites, combat age discrimination, decide how far in advance to plan a transition, navigate health insurance, determine the value of getting more education, and determine a personalized “encore number,” namely the amount of money necessary to live comfortably.

The Parisian Diet: How to Reach Your Right Weight and Stay There by Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen (Flannarion, $26)
Dr. Cohen, France’s best-known nutritionist, serves up his weight-loss program that has helped countless Europeans lose weight, customizing it for American consumers. His approach draws heavily on the Parisian tradition of regularly spaced meals using fresh and healthy ingredients. In addition, he examines the common motives for losing weight and the pressures that lead to unrealistic body image and an unhealthy attitude about food.
The Parisian Diet is basically divided into three phases. The “Café Phase” is a brief kick-start of restricted calories to drop 8-11 pounds over a maximum of 8-10 days. Phase two is the “Bistro Phase,” which features nutritious foods rich in fiber and protein for continued weight loss of an additional 8-11 pounds over the following 2-3 weeks. The less restrictive Gourmet Phase has recipes designed for enjoyment yet still maintaining a program of healthy eating.
Dr. Cohen’s plan is well-balanced and less restrictive than many other popular diets. For example, pasta, potatoes, and sandwiches are all included but balance and common sense are also part of the mix.

Buddha’s Book of Sleep: Sleep Better in Seven Weeks with Mindfulness Meditation by Joseph Emet (Tarcher/Penguin, $15.95)
Almost all of us occasionally have difficulty sleeping. In fact, more than 30% of Americans suffer from insomnia and its effects reach far beyond the bedroom. A lack of sleep contributes to such health issues as diabetes, hypertension and even strokes. It is estimated that more than 100,000 automobile accidents are triggered each year because of a driver’s sleep loss.
Dharma teacher Joseph Emet outlines a pill-free plan to achieve sleep through mindfulness meditation. The practice has long been recognized as effective at combating stress depression and anxiety in addition to sleep problems.
This book will help even the most troubled sleepers learn the techniques that will make them happier and well rested, with no side effects.

The Prosperous Heart: Creating a Life of “Enough” (Tarcher/Penguin, $16.95) and Blessings: 64 Gratitude Cards by Julia Cameron (Tarcher/Penguin, $17)
To mark the 20th anniversary of Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” an all-new program book, “The Prosperous Heart,” and a set of inspirational cards, “Blessings,” are being released just in time for the New Year.
According to Cameron, a novelist, playwright, songwriter, and poet, prosperity isn’t a fiscal bottom line but rather something we achieve, right now, today, no matter how much money we have. In her book, she provides a 12-week program that addresses “the money question,” offering a set of concrete tools and strategies to help.
The Blessings Gratitude Cards are daily reminders that can help change frustrating circumstances by adopting the spirit of gratitude. The 64 full-color cards are both uplifting and inspirational.

The Little Book of Energy Medicine: The Essential Guide to Balancing Your Body’s Energies by Donna Eden with Dondi Dahlin (Tarcher/Penguin, $14.95)
Donna Eden started teaching Energy Medicine thirty-four years ago. By redirecting the flow of energy through the body, it is a healing technique now used by many U.S. hospitals and cancer centers.
This guide is for those who are curious about Energy Medicine and want to begin with the basics. Eden provides a brief overview of the technique’s history and benefits in addition to a Five-Minute Daily Energy Routine, a simple regiment that she claims will help any harried patient or overworked individual so that they can restore their body’s natural energy flow.

The Basics of Reiki by Penelope Quest (Tarcher/Penguin, $17.95)
Reiki, one of the most widely practiced healing systems in the world, is easy to learn and perform, whether on yourself or others. In this book, readers will learn what to expect from a Reiki treatment, how it treats both the symptoms and causes of illnesses to easy physical pain and mend emotional blockages, and how training works at each level of expertise. In addition to the history, origins, and development of Reiki, there are practical exercises to encourage relaxation, insight and energy awareness.

Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success by Rory Vaden (Perigee, $15)
According to Rory Vaden, the award-winning trainer, strategist, and best-selling author, the recipe for success can be boiled down to self-discipline. To achieve your goals, he urges readers to overcome procrastination, make better decisions and do the hard work now to earn later rewards. He adds that by chasing after an “invisible finish line,” we can become frustrated and feeling unfulfilled. By tackling the most challenging tasks now, we can create a smoother path in the long-term.
Vaden provides insightful observations and practical advice that will be helpful in achieving our goals —one stair at a time.

Talk to Me Like I’m Someone You Love: Relationship Repair in a Flash by Nancy Dreyfus, PHD (Tarcher/Penguin, $19) and Talk to Me Like I’m Someone You Love Flash Cards for Real Life by Nancy Dreyfus, PhD (Tarcher/Penguin, $17)
This insightful guide by veteran psychotherapist Nancy Dreyfus highlights the power of written messages ti defuse tension and put an end of conflict. Sound advice and more than 100 “flashcards for real life” can be utilized, even during the heat of the moment.
The flashcards are organized by theme such as Setting Limits, Apologizing, and Getting Clarification. This revised edition also features two new sections, Making Love and Deepening Trust.
A good relationship is one that gas good lines of communication. Becoming a better listener also helps individuals and couples become more open about fears and feelings. This book and card set will help humanize many relationships and defuse problems before they erupt.