if the dates are dry - soak them in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes first, then drain the water. this book was a great read with a huge air of mystery and some danger about it. this restaurant is the perfect place to take my kids. at the end of my freshman year, i was 19 and tipping the scales at 255 pounds. i’d give this a shot though… if it works for someone else maybe it will work for me? there is limited stock of this product on hand at the sale price, so get in quick! 