The Young by Nicholas John Powter; The Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners by Wendeline Daalmeijer; The Super Easy Good Energy Diet Cookbook for Beginners by Astrid T. Rasmussen

The Young by Nicholas John Powter 

This is a short review. The full version can be found on LitPick.

This is a stirring novel of survival and the strong bond between Father and Son.

 In a post-Apocalyptic future, Fren Welp and his father, Sven are attacked in their village by beasts from a far away kingdom. After a fight in which Fren is threatened and a family friend has been kidnapped, father and son travel to the kingdom to face their sworn enemies. Unfortunately, the fight becomes personal when they learn that some of the kingdom’s subjects are closer to them than they originally thought.

There is a strong sense of survival. Sven and Fren exhibit a “kill or be killed” mentality. They live a hard, difficult life in which they have to fight against animals, other humans, even former friends and family members. 

The society in The Young is an agrarian society that has deteriorated into small enclaves or tribes, mostly just specific families and even they can be divided. We learn that  Fren’s mother and brother disappeared. Their reappearance is not a happy reunion as they no longer recognize the family members that they left behind.

Despite The Young carrying a theme of survival through adversity and decline in society, it is not completely dour. Heart and warmth lie within the relationship between Sven and Fren.Lacking anything else in life, all they have is each other.

The Young is dark with its theme of survival but light with the love between its deuteragonists. It shows even during the worst times, it's important to have someone to hold onto, care for, guide, help, and love.

The 2025 Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 2000 Days of Quicky, Tasty, & Nutritious Recipes Book for Everyday Meals to Live a Healthier Life |No-Stress 30-Day Meal Plan by Wendeline Daalmeijer; 

The 2025 Super Easy Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is a detailed and informative book which explores the benefits and recipes for meals made along the Mediterranean Sea around Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and West Asia.

The introduction provides a history of Mediterranean style cooking, particularly the importance of olive oil and other flavoring to add taste and preservation. Benefits include reducing risk to chronic disease and improved cognitive function and longevity. The book describes the Mediterranean Diet as “a celebration of food” because it encourages family togetherness and holistic activities such as exercise and dancing as well as eating. 

The recipes vary in meals and styles including: Greek Egg and Potatoes for Breakfast, Domatorizo (Greek Tomato Rice) for Beans and Grains, Moroccan Chicken with Apricots, Almonds, and Olives for Poultry, Grilled Kafta for Beef, Pork, and Lamb, Oregano Tilapia Fingers for Fish and Seafood, Garlic-Lemon Hummus for Snacks and Appetizers, Caponata (Sicilian Eggplant) for Vegetables and Sides, Provençal Ratatouille with Herbed Breadcrumbs and Goat Cheese for Vegetarian Mains, Baklava and Honey for Desserts, Israeli Salad with Nuts and Seeds for Salads, Mediterranean-Pita Wraps for Pizza, Wraps, and Sandwiches, Fettuccine with Tomatoes and Pesto, Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip) for Staples, Sauces, Dips and Dressings.

This book provides many suggestions to adapt an international cuisine that encourages healthy eating, diverse options, and emotional wellness.

 

The Super Easy Good Energy Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 150+ Tasty & Nutritious Recipes Inspired by Dr. Casey Means’ Teachings to Help You Lose Weight and Eat Healthier by Astrid T. Rasmussen

The Super Easy Good Energy Cookbook for Beginners is an excellent book that offers good recipes to increase energy levels and cultivate healthy eating habits.

The introduction covers Dr. Casey Means’ Dietary Philosophy which the book uses as its primary inspiration. Means endorsed a holistic approach to nutrition, focusing on the interconnectedness of metabolic health, inflammation, and overall well-being. Among the aspects that Means emphasized include low-glycemic eating, individual metabolic responses to foods, and using whole foods as a cornerstone. Among the tools are Continuous Glucose Monitoring by measuring glucose in real time and identifying sugar spikes.

The book gives a biography that lists Means’ experiences, research, philosophies, and guidelines that are implemented into the Good Energy Diet. The diet eliminates refined sugar, processed grains, and unhealthy fats and the inclusion of high-fiber foods, healthy fats, probiotic-rich foods, and micronutrient-dense foods. Lifestyle is also important in maintaining the Good Energy Diet by doing physical activity, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels.

The introduction also provides case studies of people whose health improved by implementing the diet into their lives. Mary struggled with metabolic issues such as obesity, fatigue, and elevated blood sugar levels. Within a few months of committing to the diet, her energy improved, blood sugar levels stabilized, and she lost weight. There are similar studies like John who used the diet to improve his blood pressure and cholesterol levels and Lisa whose diet helped her manage her Depression and Anxiety.

Like any other cookbook, the recipes offer a good variety of excellent choices for healthy eating and living. They include: Banana Oat Muffins for Breakfast, Beef and Bell Pepper Stir Fry for Beef, Pork, and Lamb, Fresh Rosemary Chicken for Poultry, Curry-Glazed Salmon with Quinoa for Fish and Seafood, Cold Soup Smoothie for Snacks and Appetizers, Smashed Potatoes with Dried Herbs for Vegetables and Sides, Papaya Rice Bowls for Vegetarian Mains, Easy Summer Gazpacho for Stews and Soups, Greek Salads with Lemon-Orange Vinaigrette for Salads, Almond Butter Fudge with Chocolate Sauce for Desserts, and Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough for Staples, Sauces, Dips, and Dressings. 

The Good Energy Cookbook presents good eating to develop good energy.