Ways to buy a novel

The best place to start is to look out in magazines, newspapers and online for book reviews - see what is being billed as the latest must read. Even if you don't have time to read the whole review, jot down the title and author as one to look out for.

 Ask friends for the best book they have read in the last few months or this year or the last few years if like you they really are struggling with the whole when-am-I-going-to-find-time-to-read-a-novel?-thing. Don't just ask them what book was their favourite; ask them why they liked it. Was it an unusual story, was the pace so fast they needed a crash helmet, did it have edge of the seat suspense, did it remind them of growing up? You want to know what exactly made it a great read for them. This will help you to refine your search, especially if they say they liked the quirky twist in the ending and you don't do quirky. Just because you're close friends doesn't automatically mean you like the same books.

 Ask the people behind the counter at your favourite bookshop what they enjoyed reading and get them to take you to it or give you a specific reference number so you can find it easily yourself.

 When you get the book in your hands look at the cover. Is it a catchy title? Does the cover appeal to you? Despite the old saying about not judging book covers, publishers put a lot of time and effort into creating a captivating cover and title. Does it work for you?

 Turn it over and read the back. Does it still appeal? Do you only like reading modern books and this is set in the 1800s? It's important to be fairly ruthless at this stage. If the premise for the story doesn't leave you wanting more, chances are the writing probably won't either.

 Look at the size of the book. I know this isn't something for the purists but if you don't get time to read many novels, don't launch back in with a 700 page tome or it will probably take you all year and then you'll be frustrated and annoyed at wasting time and money on something you haven't enjoyed.

 The next step is crucial. Read the opening - does it get you in straight off? Novels have a bit more time to seduce you than a short story but not much these days. A good opening is like someone placing a thread around your finger and gently tugging on it. They've got you but can they keep you?

 Has the author mentioned 10 characters and 5 different place names in the first 3 paragraphs? You want to be captivated not confused, remember? If your main reading time is before you drop off to sleep, books that have lots of characters and places or even a family tree at the beginning are a warning that it gets complicated and you need to keep track of who is who and what they're up to.

 Are there lots of long sentences or are they short and sharp? Lots of short sentences usually mean action and pace. Something. Is happening. Right now. Usually it's best to go for a story with a combination of both - one that suits your preferred action/background information mix.

 If you still think the book in your hands is worthy, randomly flip open the book in 5 places and see whether it is densely packed with text. Is there dialogue at each page you stop? No dialogue usually means that a book is more descriptive rather than direct scenes. If you want a compelling read then go for something with a fair amount of dialogue; if you don't mind a slower pace then bits of dialogue here and there is probably enough to keep you going.

How to get heartburn

Basic symptoms of heartburn

The basic symptoms of heartburn are a burning sensation in the upper region of the chest which is usually painful and an unwanted irritation.

Sometimes, the symptoms can include the regurgitation of acid, all the way to the back of the mouth, usually tasting bad.


Advanced symptoms of heartburn

Although the basic symptoms above account for the vast majority of heartburn cases, there are other symptoms which can manifest on occasions.

Sometimes, the burning sensation in the chest can spread further afield.

Also, sufferers can experience hoarseness of voice when waking, or difficulty swallowing. For some, this can also feel like there is an obstruction in the throat.


Heart attack or heartburn?

Heartburn actually has nothing to do with the organ itself, the heart. Do not confuse the symptoms of heartburn with those of a heart attack.

Sufferers can experience symptoms of heartburn on a regular basis, unlike those of a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms usually, but not always, include a crushing pressure in the chest, diziness, irregular pulse and dizziness. These symptoms are not usually associated with heartburn.

If in doubt about your symptoms, consult your doctor.


Heartburn Treatment

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for sufferers of heartburn. The more popular treatments include:

- antacids to "mop up" excess acid - popular and easily available
- lifestyle changes such as sleeping arrangements (e.g. raising end of bed) and exercise
- change in diet to eliminate and target problematic foods e.g. spicy foods
- drugs that cut off acid production, both over and under the counter
- rarely, surgery for advanced and prolonged cases