The 10 health books on our 2014 must-read list

Fact: Arthritis can strike at any age, so it’s never too early to start taking steps to ward it off. Vangsness uses his 30 years of expertise as an orthopedic surgeon to separate fact from fiction so you can avoid shelling out big bucks to treat an illness that can be controlled through proper exercise (think isometrics) and improving your gait (it starts in the hips).

Why we love it: Vangsness isn’t out to scare, but to shed light on the truth. He humanizes his research using Kobe Bryant’s plight with arthritis so those who are suffering don’t feel so alone. He doesn’t endorse a rigorous or restrictive diet plan either, but instead promotes balanced eating as part of maintaining weight and immunity.