Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers was started as a podcast to supplement Blaine Desantis’ website, ViewsOnBooks.com, and expand into audio interviews with authors.
With Books & Looks, Blaine’s goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many in the general public are unaware of. After a segment reviewing books or interviewing authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he is currently watching.
This Week’s Episode
Today we dive into the life of Jacqueline Alnes, an author and educator with a unique story to tell. We discuss her upcoming book, “The Fruit Cure,” her diverse upbringing moving across the United States and Indonesia, and her transition from swimming to long-distance running. Jacqueline’s journey includes her academic pursuits in creative writing, a challenging medical condition beginning in college, and her experiences as a Division One athlete navigating healthcare disparities.
Our conversation explores her engagement with fruit-based diets, particularly the ’30 bananas a day’ regimen, examining its historical, cultural, and social contexts. We wrap up with insights into the evolution of the fruitarian lifestyle and Jacqueline’s reflections on her recovery and current focus as a professor.
Buy “The Fruit Cure: The Story of Extreme Wellness Turned Sour“
Check out the latest episode of Books & Looks:
About Blaine Desantis:
Blaine is an avid lifetime reader, a retired attorney, and has been a book club leader for the past seven years. He is an active teacher in senior education classes at Furman University. Blaine loves fiction, nonfiction, histories, mysteries and almost all genres of books.
