I found Own Your Health to be informative and massively fun and entertaining. I've read MANY plant-based eating books: Colin Campbell's China Study, an every book (or nearly every book) by Dr. Essylstein, Dr. McDougal, Dr. Barnard, Dr. Dr. Ornish, Dr Furhmann, as well as several others, and scores of academic papers (so that I could read the primary sources.) I have a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell; and that work inspired me to get an Masters in Public from IU, which in turn prompted to get into the Masters in Nutrition Science program, while taking IUs full dietetics program for RDs. Thus, I believe I'm modestly qualified to provide an even-keeled assessment.

One of the reviewers on this site (for some reason) said that there was some 'anti-Christian' bias in the book. I was very surprised by this allegation. Nothing about Christianity was ever mentioned! ! The only potential 'anti christian' sentiment that i can possibly see is that the author does not question evolution, and instead just takes natural selection as a given. But I don't think most Christians are offended by this, a small subset of them (the ones that take everything literally) might want the earth to only be 6000 years old. But I doubt any of them are offended by the rest of the world who believes otherwise.

My guess is that not only did the person who made this slur did not actually read the book at all but rather (most likely) she or he has some ulterior motive for slandering this little work (most likely a sub par author attempting to move up the plant-based rankings by assaulting others.)

If you've already read a lot of books (and seen a lot of videos) on plant based eating and are debating whether to buy Own Your Health, i would suggest that you buy it...and here's why: Yes, you're going to be provided some information that you already know...but you're going to be reminded of those plant based concepts (and of their potency) through stories and vignettes that are new to you (i found the chapter on Joanna and her health outcomes to be particularly compelling.) I found Mr. Merzer's narrative on his experience on his transition to be hilarious (his years of experience as a stand up comic really came thru) And this is this the thing, it makes: findings about plant-based eating and health outcomes - a true delight to read.

If you're looking for something like the above, buy the book...and just importantly READ IT!

I love this book! The author's honest and humorous style is extremely refreshing. He doesn't pull any punches about our medical system and he backs up everything he says with the latest science. The science about human nutrition has been settled (thank you for saying so!) and this book makes that abundantly clear. The fact that our medical system and our culture has not yet caught up with the science is for us to change - hence, the title "Own Your Health"! The recipes are a real bonus but the text is fabulous on it's own. I feel vindicated for all the times I have questioned the advice from doctors or refused to participate in their "protocols". I started calling most doctors "protocolologists" since they just want to make you do all the same tests and take all the same drugs that have become normalized - because they prescribe them, not because they are actually helpful. Read the book - it's worth every minute, you'll learn a lot and have a good laugh in the process!

As a family practice physician who reversed his personal chronic diseases over ten years ago by adopting a whole foods, plant-based way of eating, I found Glen's book a refreshing and valuable read. He addresses important topics including how eating a vegan diet does not necessarily equate with good health. So important! I have witnessed this in my practice in patients who can't seem to lower their blood pressure or lipids, or lose weight by eating a highly processed vegan diet. He talks about the fact that most physicians had no nutritional education in their medical schools or post graduate training programs. He discusses the science behind it, his personal story on how it came to be with him, and so many other pertinent topics. It is superbly written and witty! I will advocate this book for anyone wanting to know the nuts and bolts of a whole foods plant-based diet. The recipes by Chef AJ are a valuable resource for those starting out. It is a valuable addition to anyone's WFPB library.

As a seasoned reader of books that promote a plant-based lifestyle, I found Merzer's book quite refreshing and unique. Not only does he cover in sufficient detail the science-based research pointing to the superior benefits of living this lifestyle for not only us and the animals that are eaten, and for the environment in which we live, but he does this in a very personal and humorous way. When Ed Begley, Jr. on the back cover said this is "the funniest book on diet you'll ever read," I must admit, I anticipated that Ed was most likely exaggerating. I stand to be corrected; it was the funniest and most enjoyable diet book I've ever read. Once starting it, I had trouble putting it down! Also, as always, Chef AJ and friends have created what appear to be some beautiful recipes, which we look forward to trying out in the future. Thanks Glen and Chef AJ!

The author conveys with lots of scientific backup how our American food choices are unnecessarily killing us. The topic is deadly serious. Yet Glen Merzer lays out our current dire situation and the case to improve it with a mixture of tongue-in-cheek comments and laugh-out-loud humor. Never has learning how to save your own life been so much fun. If you or a loved one is suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer or would like to avoid having these diseases in the future, get this book. As you learn how to take control of your health, you will enjoy the read. And the recipes in the book by Chef AJ and friends look great. I can't wait to try them.

I was given this book as a gift to get my and weight under control. I enjoyed the book and have read it 3 times. I have taken up the vegan lifestyle and I am enjoying it. The book is excellent in information it gives to its readers. I would have given it 5 stars but so far I have lost any weight. It has been 7 weeks and not a pound has been lost. I still can't get into my smaller clothing.

This book was an easy, enjoyable read. Glen Merzer does a very good job using by research, quotes from authority, and his own wit to make some very important points about nutrition, a plant-based diet (and not a junk food vegan diet) and the end of the book has some very good recipes. Highly recommended to anyone already eating plant-based, and more especially to anyone considering a switch, but really needing validation that it is right way to live from a purely health standpoint (setting aside the cruelty and pollution you are helping with).

This book solidified my decision to continue with a Vegan lifestyle. There is a lot of good research to support the health benefits. I learned that the reason my cholesterol numbers went back up after the first test of my vegan lifestyle was because I was using too much fat (i.e., olive oil and vegan butter). Now I am eating low fat vegan and the numbers have gone back down into the normal range again. I did not find the recipes all that useful but I have gotten some good information from Chef A.J.'s YouTube postings. If you are not sure about adopting a vegan lifestyle this book can help and for those of us in the lifestyle there is some excellent information.

Great book and brilliant concept ... Chef AJ is an amazing leading in the whole food plant based field

I received the book I ordered, "Own Your Health: How to Live Long and Avoid Chronic Illness" today and it arrived on the day it was expected. I love the recipes and can't wait to try them.

I have been waiting for this book to come out. It is really worth the wait. Easy to read, full of entertaining anecdotes and information even a well seasoned plant eater will find interesting, creative recipes and new twists on old favourites - Chef AJ and Glen deliver yet again. Plus, I was in time for the bonus audio and the extra bits, promptly delivered via email, great for listening while I run. Highly recommend to anyone interested in healthy plant based eating and beyond.

If you eat a whole foods plant based diet, this is book offers many good recipes.

A very enjoyable and informative read! I highly recommend.