Author: authoranthonyavinablog

Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations. He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure. http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

How Intelligent Men Find Love Offline (Meet Women Without Apps) by Eddy Baller Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Learn how to be confident and meet women outside of the digital world in author Eddy Baller’s “How Intelligent Men Find Love Offline (Meet Women Without Apps).”

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The Synopsis

Version 1.0.0

Tired of endless swiping, ghosting, and never matching with the women you actually want?

How Intelligent Men Find Love Offline is the step-by-step guide for men who want to meet women in real life—without relying on dating apps, cheesy pickup lines, or fake confidence.

Written by Eddy Baller, a men’s dating coach with 14 years of experience, this book shows you exactly how to:

  • Start conversations with women anywhere—coffee shops, gyms, bookstores, and everyday places.
  • Overcome approach anxiety so you can finally feel comfortable walking up to women you’re attracted to.
  • Recognize signs of interest and know when to move things forward.
  • Keep conversations flowing naturally without running out of things to say.
  • Build real attraction through body language, presence, and authenticity.
  • Turn first meetings into dates that can lead to meaningful relationships.
  • Develop a confident mindset that women notice instantly.

Whether you’re an introvert, busy professional, or someone who feels stuck with dating apps, this book will give you the tools to meet high-quality women face-to-face and create the kind of relationship you want.

Forget swiping. Forget waiting. Start meeting women in the real world today.

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The Review

This was such an insightful and engaging read. What made this feel unique and special as a dating book was how the book didn’t play into the typical  how to “get” women playbook that so many dating experts write about, but instead spoke on the need for confidence and respect a person must have when approaching the topic of meeting and possibly dating a woman. The author’s writing style was very conversational and honest, putting the reader at ease and allowing the message and themes of this book to sink into the reader’s psyche as the book went on, and the ability for the reader to be able to use the book in real-world scenarios and write down the exercises found within made the book shine.

Yet it was the balance the author found in both the negative drawbacks of online dating and the inspiring moments of real interaction that meeting people in real life can have. One thing that really rang true early on in the book is the author’s observation that online dating can sometimes give people a false sense of confidence rather than inner confidence, with real-world interactions either falling flat or not moving beyond a first date as a result. The author shares many wonderful insights into everything from looks and personality to behavior, including touching upon something that is sadly much more apparent in men thanks to online dating, which is unfortunately there are a lot of creepy dudes out there, and oftentimes men looking to distance themselves from those creeps can get in their own heads and end up in that territory by mistake, so it is important to be yourself and not micromanage yourself when interacting with people.

The Verdict

Insightful, compelling, and thought-provoking, author Eddy Baller’s “How Intelligent Men Find Love Offline” is a must-read nonfiction book on relationships and dating. The emphasis on confidence, in-person interactions and respect above all else will help many readers find their own confidence to go out in the world and start meeting people again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eddy Baller is a men’s dating and confidence coach who has been helping men succeed with women since 2011. Based in Vancouver, Canada, he’s the only coach in Western Canada who offers live, in-person training with real demonstrations, where clients learn by meeting real women in everyday situations.

For over a decade, Eddy has coached men from all backgrounds to overcome anxiety, stop “nice guy” habits, and build genuine confidence that women are naturally drawn to. His approach is practical, direct, and based entirely on what works in real life—not theory or gimmicks.

He’s the founder of Conquer & Win Coaching, where he teaches men how to meet women offline—without dating apps—and create authentic connections that lead to real relationships.

How Intelligent Men Find Love Offline Book Launch

https://www.instagram.com/conquerandwin/

https://www.youtube.com/@conquerandwin

Best of Friends Trilogy (Books 1-3) by Sherry Brantley Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A group of friends must navigate the dangers of exposed secrets in the midst of a media storm in author Sherry Brantley’s “Best of Friends Trilogy.”

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The Synopsis

The Fabulous Five , Elizabeth, Kim, Kiona, A.J. and Quineeta, were bound together by secrets they’d all collectively swore to carry to their graves. Not a word to anyone outside of their close-knit, circle of trust. But with the ‘Dastardly Duke Discovery’ exposing the ‘Secret of the Blanket,’ will the Fabulous Five find themselves desperately being consumed in a modern-day media frenzy that is threatening to consume them?

Will the Fabulous Five be able to survive the onslaught of the public revelation of their past deeds? Or will they crumble under the weight of their unexpected circumstances? And upon introspection and personal reflection–will they be able to confront their own conscious with the long-ago, secret vows they agreed to as a group?

With the uncovering of the ‘lost necklace’ and their seemingly apparent connection to it, will this group of close-knit friends continue to stand united? Will they be able to successfully maintain their semi-innocence? Or will the damaging ‘circumstantial evidence’ prove to be a hurdle they did not create; and surely cannot escape?

Travel with the Fabulous Five: Elizabeth, Kim, Kiona, A.J., and Quineeta as once again, they attempt to weather the storms of adversity that threaten to decimate their bond, their friendship, their past! Will the ‘Dastardly Duke Discovery’ prove to be the final nail in their coffin? Or will they vow to continue to ‘deny ’til they die,’ their involvement in the dark mystery they’re shrouded in?

Read the much-anticipated finale` of the ‘Best of Friends’ trilogy, for the explosive conclusion of this series that leaves no stone unturned!!

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping series. The trilogy does an incredible job of creating these intersecting webs of storylines that take the reader on an emotional and relatable journey. The heart and passion for which the author crafts these narratives and the natural way the author infused elements of spirituality into the story and the character’s lives was heartening as well. The books did a great job of delving into the lives of these friends in an innovative way, first bringing readers the present day storyline in Best of Friends that begins with a tragic loss and evolves into the complicated lives each of the friends lives through, then by going back to the moments these secrets were formed in Before Best of Friends, and finally seeing the aftermath and how these friends lives evolve in the wake of so many secrets being found in Still Best of Friends.

To me, the character dynamics and worldbuilding the book took on was equally matched by the strong themes of the narrative. Elizabeth in particular was a strong protagonist, and a relatable one, as her loss and her protective nature are tested by not only her secrets but her need to constantly keep the peace amongst both her friends and her family, and the weight of that burden finally taking her to her breaking point felt so relatable for so many different readers. The strong themes explored in this narrative, from the power of secrets and lies to the nature of friendship and so much more, not only highlighted the fact that everyone has secrets, no matter how seemingly perfect a person’s life seems, and the emotional depth that shows how friendship such as the Fab Five’s is sometimes all a person needs in order to get through these difficult moments in life. The balance between the friendships and each woman’s particular romantic pursuits and/or failings was well rounded and kept the reader invested throughout the entirety of this narrative.

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The Verdict

Imaginative, relatable, and enthralling, author Sherry Brantley’s “Best of Friends” trilogy is a must-read. The book felt like a more mature, adult version of the acclaimed We Were Liars series with a splash more humor and spirituality. The powerful dynamic between the friends, the complicated lives they lead and relationships they have in their own lives, and the memorable imagery in the author’s writing really brought each book together well, and felt like a perfectly meshed and cohesive tale that readers will deep dive into time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sherry Brantley is an author/speaker and Certified Life Coach specializing in: “From Goal-Setting to Goal-GETTING!’ Her STEPP book is based on a program she developed. S.T.E.P.P.- Start To Exercise Personal Power, which details how one can tap into their Personal Power to effect positive change in their lives on a daily basis, while respecting the Personal Power of others.

Her explosive trilogy, ‘Best of Friends,’ won National Awards for Best Fiction of the Year! Meet the ‘Fabulous Five.’ Elizabeth, Kim, Kiona, A.J., and Quineeta as once again, they attempt to weather the storms of adversity that threaten to decimate their bond, their friendship their past! Will the ‘Dastardly Duke Discovery’ prove to be the final nail in their coffin? Or will they vow to continue to ‘deny ’til they die,’ their involvement in the mystery they’re shrouded in?

sherrybrantley.com

A Real Collusion by Stu Strummasser Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A Man recounts his friend’s sudden rise to power in a new political party and the conspiracy they discover in author Stu Strummasser’s “A Real Collusion.”

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The Synopsis

A Real Collusion is about the secret conspiracy between the Republican and Democratic parties to control the US government through an illegal duopoly.

From the author of the bestselling novel, The Organ Broker, (hailed by Lee Child, New York Times # 1 bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series as, “Exciting and thought-provoking–the perfect package”) comes, A Real Collusion, a stunning political thriller and expose.

A Real Collusion is about a man who accidentally becomes the leader of an independent political movement that nearly takes down the two-party system in America, while exposing a conspiracy that affects the results of the 2016 election. It explores universal and deeply human themes of loss, and the tension between justice and power. In the opening sentence the narrator points out that, “Ordinary people often do extraordinary things.” The characters in the book do, and the action is driven by the fantastic events of a unique political satire. It is also the heartfelt story of regular people struggling with lost love, alienation and nearly universal disaffection who find strength in enduring loyalty and friendship

This is the story of John Campbell (a regular guy from the lower east side of Manhattan) as recounted by his friend Skip Winters. Skip becomes John’s campaign manager and later, a congressman in his own right. He narrates the stunning-but-plausible story of how John Campbell and The American Coalition race to popularity, raising over a hundred million dollars from grassroots contributors—and become a threat to the political duopoly of the Democratic and Republican parties. The book sprinkles in references to real events from recent history, and real political leaders including Trump, John McCain, and more. This imbues the novel with a sense of realism, albeit one of an alternate reality. Skip discovers a deep-seated conspiracy within our political system whose leaders orchestrate a murder, destroy his friend and tip the scales of the election. The novel turns out to be Skip’s exposé of the secret collaboration between the two major political parties in our country—a cooperation to protect the duopoly that is, in part, real.

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The Review

This was a truly compelling alternative history meets conspiracy thriller. The pacing makes the reader feel the adrenaline fueled nature of the narrative, both from the propulsive nature of the campaign to the shocking twists that these two characters face as the conspiracy unravels. The author does a remarkable job of conveying the urgency and danger of the scenario playing out in the book through powerful imagery and mounting tension that takes over the story.

Yet it was the rich character dynamics and themes that took over this narrative in the best way. The characters do represent the themes well, taking on a representative of the little guy facing down big brother politicians in an effort to take on corruption. The haunting similarities of the events playing out in this book with our own reality in recent years, and the inclusion of real political figures, will draw the reader in as the conspiracy grows more and more and the action fuels the atmospheric nature of the story.

The Verdict

Thrilling, memorable, and entertaining, author Stu Strummasser’s “A Real Collusion” is a must-read political thriller meets alternative historical fiction narrative. The powerful commentary on modern politics and the corruption of the two party political system, the fast-paced action and thrills of the narrative, and the relatability and heart of the characters made this a powerful thriller that is impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy on April 1st, 2026 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Stu Strumwasser studied in the creative writing program at Cornell University and then pursued dual careers as a writer and investment professional. His first novel, The Organ Broker, was published by Skyhorse (distributed by Simon & Schuster) in May of 2015 and short-listed as one of five finalists for the Hammett Prize for literary excellence in crime writing. Lee Child (NY Times #1 bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series) hailed it as, “Exciting and thought-provoking–the perfect package.”

His band Channeling Owen, for which Strumwasser was the primary songwriter and drummer, was featured on hundreds of college radio stations in the late 1990s and an episode of Dawson’s Creek when it was the number one television show in the world. The band was also featured alongside Blink-182 in a lengthy article in Forbes magazine in 1999 about how the internet was leveling the playing field in the music industry.

Strumwasser is also the Founder & Managing Director of Green Circle Capital, a specialized merchant bank focused on advising food brands and investing in food-related technology. Prior to launching Green Circle, from 1990-2005, Strumwasser worked at major Wall Street firms (including Paine Webber and Oppenheimer & Co.). In 2006 he left finance temporarily and founded Snow Beverages to make a natural soda. He served as the company’s CEO for six years.

Leading up to the 2000 Presidential election, Strumwasser, who has been concerned with broken government for thirty years, consulted on fundraising for the Committee for a Unified Independent Party. He is an articulate and passionate speaker and has been interviewed on the WPIX NY morning news, “The Closing Bell” on Fox News, for the cover page of the money section of the NY Daily News, a six-page article in Forbes ASAP, Crain’s NY, Timeout NY Kids (with his twins) and more. Strumwasser has also been mentioned or quoted in the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NY Post, Dow Jones, and been a speaker at NY Entrepreneur Week, Baruch, Columbia, Pace, NYU, and many more.

https://stustrumwasser.com/

The Post-Managerial Era of Capitalism: Organizational Design as the Next Innovation Frontier (Elements in Reinventing Capitalism) by Hunter Hastings Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Hunter Hastings shows readers how old school business structures are being replaced by more innovative and constructive ideas in the book “The Post-Managerial Era of Capitalism.”

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The Synopsis

Traditional business management was the machinery of control for industrial organizations that had sprawled beyond the oversight of their founders, an organizational innovation that became a profession and a science. The aim was the stability and predictability the financial sector demanded. But control brought increasing costs: (1) slow response to market changes, leaving established firms behind innovative newcomers; (2) bureaucratic inertia that strangled flexibility; (3) disengaged employees who felt their creativity and agility stifled. These failures weakened firms and lowered economic productivity. In the Kuhnian framework of scientific revolutions, the management paradigm entered crisis mode. Consistent with the Kuhnian framing, businesses are moving beyond management. Self-organization and enterprise flow are revolutionizing business models. Interconnected ecosystems replace bounded industries. Experimentation and feedback replace traditional strategic planning. Dynamic, autonomous teams replace hierarchies of authority. Liberated companies embrace dynamic cohesion rather than the rigidities of business administration. They operate in a post-managerial era.

The Review

This was a powerful, straightforward and insightful read. The author does a remarkable job of covering both the history of management from the nineteenth century factories to the modern day, as well as the new integrations of various technologies into the field. The level of detail and education the author is able to incorporate into the book was astounding considering the fast pacing of the book overall. The author’s writing style took on a commanding and informed tone throughout the book, allowing readers to feel engaged in honest discussion with the author rather than talked “at”. 

The heart of this book was in the direct way of approach the author took to the subject matter and the emphasis on self management. The ability to move with the changing needs of a customer based and do so without constant overhead decisions slowing down the process is a valuable bit of knowledge for companies moving forward, as is the integration of technology like digital networks. The way emphasis is placed on elements such as empathy in a company’s hierarchy was inspiring as well, putting focus on the workers making a company successful instead of the 1% at the head of it all.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and enlightening, author Hunter Hasting’s “The Post Managerial Era of Capitalism” is a must-read nonfiction business book. The fast pace of the book’s core material, the use of diagrams and charts for educational purposes, and the ability to reference this book time and time again are just a few reasons why the author’s book works so well, and why the need to change perspectives on how to grow a business and manage it need to happen now. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hunter Hastings is founder of The Value Creators, a business education brand that aims to bring a new perspective on value creation to the young professionals and young entrepreneurs operating the new breed of digitally enabled companies.

Bright Midnights (The Limerent Series Book 2) by LS Delorme Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman meets a young man in her dreams that changes everything in the waking world in author LS Delorme’s “Bright Midnights,” the second book in the Limerent series.

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The Synopsis

Most high school students find life challenging, but 17-year old Amelie has a lot more to contend with than typical teenage angst. Ever since she turned 11, others have been irresistibly drawn to her—with tragic consequences. Her only escape is at night when she flies to different times and places through her “dreams”. Her life begins to change when, on one of her flights, she meets Clovis, an alluring and mysterious young man who hides a secret.

As Amelie finds herself increasingly drawn to him, she learns his story, how it intertwines with her own and finally discovers how to live her life in the real world. Until her own secrets are revealed to the wrong people and that world turns upside down.

Bright Midnights is the second in the Limerent Series and continues in the thought-provoking and beautiful style of the first as it considers different dimensions, different ways of looking at the world, and the transcendental power of love.

The Review

This was such a powerful and compelling read. As a newcomer to the series, the author did an amazing job of creating a story and world that felt self-contained and yet connected to the series through the powerful metaphysical nature of the plot points. The grounded nature of the protagonists life is greatly balanced with the supernatural elements of her life walking through other worlds in her mind and the powerful imagery the author uses in their writing style makes this come alive on the page.

The heart of this narrative was in the character development of the narrative, especially the protagonist. The complex and even heartbreaking dynamics within her own family and the people in her life are explored in great detail, and the connection she forms to this mystery boy in the other world takes some truly unexpected turns. Yet it was Amelie’s unique ability to sense things in others around her that was so fascinating. As someone who has family who can get vibes and feelings off of others in similar ways, the exploration of this phenomenon in such a dynamic way was truly compelling.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, emotionally-driven, and memorable, author LS Delorme’s “Bright Midnights” is a must-read metaphysical fantasy romance novel. The dark tones of the world Amelie finds herself in in her waking life and the dynamic worlds she immerses herself into and the rich mythos behind it all will keep readers invested until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lexy Delorme was born in San Diego, California. After graduating from the University of North Carolina School of law, various internships and years working in risk, tax, family, and international law, she now classifies herself as a recovering attorney.

With a father who served in the US Military, Lexy had a wandering lifestyle from her earliest days and in her time has been a pop musician, a science geek and a writer for magazines like Bonjour Paris and Playtimes. Throughout all of her different careers, her love of fiction has been a mainstay.

Within this eclectic life, she was also one of the first employees at 23andMe, a genomics and biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California and that experience influenced the genetic aspects of her Limerent Series, of which Caio is the first book.

For as long as she can remember she’s had characters in her head. As a child, these were the friends she wished to have. As a young woman, the lovers she wanted to find or the people she wanted to become. Writing fiction novels allows her the chance to give these characters a background, a story and a voice.

Having lived in in 3 continents, 9 US states, and 21 cities around the world, including London and Hong Kong, Lexy now lives in Paris with her French husband and two very cool sons. She is currently working on the next books in the Limerent Series.

https://www.lsdelorme.com/

Human Again: In the A.I. Age by J.D. Macpherson Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Learn how to recognize and use AI productively while maintaining your own identity and not losing what it means to be human in author J.D. Macpherson’s “Human Again: In the A.I. Age.”

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The Synopsis

Are you using AI or is AI using you?

In a world where algorithms shape thought and automation floods the creative field, Human Again is a field-tested playbook for staying awake, original, and alive in the age of machines. Part reflection, part practical guide, it invites readers to explore identity and inspiration in real time, learning to think with AI rather than be replaced by it.

Blending cultural insight, personal experience, and practical tools, Macpherson explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, work, and identity, and how to harness it without losing yourself.

You will learn how to:

  • Ask sharper questions that create leverage, not noise
  • Build a High Signal Question Engine to think deeper and faster
  • Use the Socratic method and mindfulness to train deeper thinking
  • Recognize the “qualia,” the unspeakable textures of human experience, that no algorithm can touch
  • Protect your authenticity, taste, and voice while others sound the same
  • Learn how to compound clarity and creativity

Whether you are a professional, a creator, or simply curious about what is next, Human Again shows how to use AI better than anyone around you while keeping what no algorithm can replicate: your judgment, conscience, and imagination.

Because finding identity and inspiration in the AI age begins with remembering what it means to be human.

The Review

This book was so insightful and engaging right from the start. One of the most difficult debates in recent years has been the use of A.I. and both the good and bad it does for humanity. While extremes paint AI as the future SKYNET promised in the hit film franchise The Terminator, the negatives being focused on right now is AI replacing jobs and humans altogether in professional spaces. Yet the author refocuses that conversation, exploring the need to work in tandum with AI as not just a tool, but a partner to unlock one’s own potential and success in work. 

The thing that resonated with me in this book was the clear and conversational tone of the author’s writing style and the techniques the author displayed in working with AI. The techniques included INK, or Insight, Not Knowledge, which utilizes AI to provide more depth to the answers being provided instead of just quick solutions, and the Socratic method, which asks AI to look for hidden meaning or point out mistakes that may have been overlooked, and these are just two examples of the insights the author provides. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable, author J.D. Macpherson’s “Human Again: In the AI Age” is a must-read nonfiction narrative that readers can get invested in. AI is not going away, and for this reader, I’ve always believed it was not the AI that we would fear, but like all technology, the humans who abuse it. Learning to work with AI and use it not to replace us but work in concert with it, and explaining how no matter what AI is able to create, it takes humanity to give it actual meaning, making humanity’s role in AI use truly valuable. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.D. Macpherson is an author and journalist who works in the messy middle—turning complex ideas into stories people actually want to read. Relentless, jargon-allergic, and unmistakably human, she cuts through hype with a reporter’s instinct. A Canadian with a background in theatre and philosophy, Macpherson loves people-watching and finding beauty in unexpected places—and has an especially soft spot for chicken katsu.

SCHEHERAZADE: A TALE FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS BY ALBERT SELIGMAN REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Albert Seligman reintroduces the classic tale of Arabian Nights using original artwork and translations, as well as over 50 unique illustrations, in the book “SCHEHERZADE: A TALE FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.”

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The Synopsis

“No one knows where the tales were written, except that they came out of the Far East, India, Arabia and Persia. Haroun Al Raschid, who was called The Just, was a real Eastern monarch who lived in Baghdad over eleven hundred years ago, about the same time that Charlemagne was King of France. We can believe that the tales are very old, but the most we know is that they were translated from Arabic into French in 1704-17 by a Frenchman named Galland, and that the manuscript of his translation is preserved in the French National Library. American boys first had the chance to read the notes in English about the time President Monroe was elected.” (1817) (The Junior Classics, Volume 5: Stories that never grow old, Editor William Patten, 1912).

SCHEHERAZADE

A TALE FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Dulacebooks’ new Arabian Nights series presents these tales decorated with the illustrations from the original editions of the Victorian and Golden Age. Over fifty different illustrators’ versions of these stories are reproduced here, fully restored and many in full color. These are the finest examples of the artists and illustrators of the Arabian Nights, including-

Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, Kay Nielsen, René Bull , Maxfield Parrish, William H Robinson, Thomas H Robinson, Charles Robinson, Thomas Mackenzie, Walter Crane, Louis Rhead, Helen Stratton, Virginia Frances Sterrett, Elizabeth Mackinstry, John Gilbert, HJ Ford, Edward J Detmold, Eric Pape, AE Jackson, Willy Pogany, Milo Winter, Monroe S Orr, Charles Folkard, Walter Paget, William Stang, JD Batten, Frances Brundage, Gustav Dore, FOC Darley, William Harvey, the Brothers Dalziel, and many others.

The first book in the series is how the 1001 nights begin, with Scheherazade and her sister weaving the tales to her new husband Schahriar, the Sultan. The Tales in this edition are:

The Sultan and his Vow

The Fable of the Ass, the Ox, and the Laborer

The Story of the Merchant and the Genie

The History of the First Old Man and the Hind

The History of the Second Old Man and the two Black Dogs

 The Review

This book was so beautifully restored and written. The beautiful illustrations on each page were so unique and compelling, allowing the reader to feel immersed in these stories and the legends being told. The overall narrative of this sultan and his cruel turn and the young woman determined to find a way to stop his cruelty was a great way to allow the other stories to come to life, and the father’s tales helped shape the cruel nature of the world around them as he tries to desperately save his daughter from a choice that could cost her everything. 

What really made this story shine was not just the narrative and unique characters, but the cultural exploration and history that went into the book itself. The stories being told come from centuries before, and each illustration and translation of the original texts showcase the level of depth and detail the author put into bringing these classics to life once more. The imagery depicted in the book coming from both the Victorian age and the Golden Age made the stories feel more mythological in a way, and the lessons taught through these fables felt even more impactful in a world seeing so much injustice at the moment.

The Verdict

Culturally-impactful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Albert Seligman’s “SCHEHERAZADE: A TAPE FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS” is a must-read restoration of a classic collection of fables. The rich history and context around these stories, and the heartfelt underlying story of a father trying to protect his daughter from a cruel fate helps elevate the powerful imagery and high stakes these tales represented. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I am a lifelong fan of illustrated books and magazines and passed many pleasant hours collecting books and sharing information and images with fellow collectors and dealers. I was especially interested in the “Golden Age of Illustration” between 1875-1925. I was a strong collector of Edmund Dulac illustrated books, and was able to photograph the complete collection of his ‘American Weekly’ magazine illustrations from the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art owned by Bill Blackbeard. ‘The American Weekly’ was the Sunday supplement for the WR Hearst newspaper chain, and boasted over 50 million readers in over 20 major markets. The complete collection of 106 illustrations is now housed at The Ohio State University in the Billy Ireland Comic Art Museum. These ‘American Weekly’ illustrations have rarely appeared in print since their publication, and this is the first complete edition.

These print editions and eBooks are intended to make more of Edmund Dulac’s beautiful watercolors and illustrations available for everyone to enjoy. The publishing business has changed considerably over the last 30 years and by taking advantage of digital technology I have been able to publish many of his famous and lesser known illustrations in my editions.

The restored collection of all 106 American Weekly front covers is available as “The American Weekly Covers of Edmund Dulac- 100th Anniversary Edition” as both an eBook and paperback. A fully restored crop of each illustration is available in the series of six smaller books, also published as an eBook or paperback. These are grouped by themes, and includes the original newspaper caption or story, when available. Some original Dulac artwork and sketches are also included.

The final publication of the series is “Edmund Dulac His American Weekly Collection” written with an introduction by Ann Hughey, who wrote the bibliography of Dulac’s book illustrations. This features the illustrations cropped and fully restored, with the original newspaper captions. All of the final series ‘Tales from the Arabian Nights’ from 1951 stories are also included.

As I wind down editions of Dulac’s ‘American Weekly’ artwork, I’ll be publishing more of other Golden Age Illustrators. “Arabian Nights Illustrated” is my first book of the series including fifty other illustrators who illustrated editions of the 1001 nights in English language editions between 1800-1950. The illustrations follow the history of printing images in books, from the earliest copper engravings through woodblocks and the development of color printing through photoproduction. I published six more Arabian Nights books, all with illustrations by Victorian and Golden Age artists and illustrators. All are available as both paperbacks and eBooks.

If anyone is wondering if I am the same author of “The Sport Band System”, indeed I am. Unfortunately, the Sport Bands are no longer being produced. After writing this instruction manual I spent my last years in the training profession at UCSF in the Dept. of Neurology. There I had the privilege of working with medical professionals and patients developing physical training rehabilitation programs for MS, stroke, PD, SCI and other neurological related maladies. I retired in 2008 and now I am enjoying my “Golden Years” working with the Dulac eBooks project.

https://dulacebooks.com/