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BODY AND SOUL by Bethany Hamilton

BODY AND SOUL

A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life

by Bethany Hamilton with Dustin Dillberg

Pub Date: May 6th, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-310-73105-4
Publisher: Zondervan

While this guide offers good information and an attractive layout, its focus is narrow.

Professional surfer Hamilton shares the fitness tips, clean eating recommendations and faith-based wisdom she has acquired in the years since a shark attacked her and she lost her left arm. There are chapters on eating well and avoiding chemicals and preservatives, complete with recipes that reflect Hamilton’s Hawaiian lifestyle. These recipes might not be very practical for girls lacking resources like local specialty stores or the cash to buy sashimi-grade tuna steaks. Four different workout routines, none requiring any equipment, are included, along with encouragement to stand up straight and get moving. Co-author Dillberg chimes in with suggestions on how to perform each move in every workout. Hamilton also speaks openly about her belief in and reliance on God and how it keeps her positive and focused. Non-Christians might find these messages, not to mention the Bible verses scattered through the text, too overpowering to keep reading. Multimedia content, accessed through a smartphone app, was not available at time of review.  

For fans of Hamilton or those looking for spiritual guidance with their health advice, this guide will fill the bill.

(author’s note) (Nonfiction. 14-18)