'Reiki for Beginners' by David F. Vennells,

Llewellyn Publications IBSN 1-56718-767-6

When I read the book I had recently finished my first Reiki attunement and was looking for a beginner's guide to help consolidate what I had been shown. I had an advantage to some degree in that I had already studied Shiatsu, Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy, herbs and NLP. The Reiki was to be for myself, at least initially. It became somewhat of a disappointment therefore as while I read on, very little encouraged or excited me in the way of furthering my Reiki experience. Probably a third of the book relates to anecdotal experience with the rest a very 'beginners' guide to what Reiki is and how it is practised. The description of what to expect in a Reiki attunement was accurate in my own experience and the descriptions of the practical applications were OK. However, I always find line drawn diagrams less than useful when it comes to helping me picture an action and would have preferred some photographic plates for the practical side of the book. The book is what it says in the title, and if you have not taken a Reiki attunement it will give a very good flavour of what to expect, including the slow bits. Don't go for this book however if like me you are looking for just a little extra.

'Jude's Herbal Home Remedies' by Jude C. Williams

Llewellyn Publications ISBM 0-87542-869-X

There are loads of ideas in this book which amount to a compilation of old wives tales (not that I'm knocking the old tales!) The remedies mostly consist of a couple of lines and are therefore a brief suggestion of what may be useful for a particular problem. While there are herbs and natural remedies in the book I'm not sure that I would describe it as purely a natural health book. Remedies such as strong coffee for migraines, 10 aspirins ground and massaged for dandruff. While I will try the book as opportunities arise I would never to test some, the 'Exposure to Nuclear Accident' is one that springs to mind. In case you find yourself in such a dire circumstance the advice is to eat 3 apples four time daily. I suppose it will at least keep you busy while you hair falls out, by the way there are a few remedies for that as well! This is the sort of book you delve into from time to time rather than read. It's also probably one which you hope someone else has to give you a few ideas on stomach aches etc. If you are into being the one to give such advice then this book is for you.