I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Author Gretchen McCullough explores the lives o people in modern Cairo in the short story collection “Shahrazad’s Gift”.
The Synopsis
Shahrazad’s Gift is a collection of linked short stories set in contemporary Cairo—magical, absurd and humorous. The author focuses on the off-beat, little-known stories, far from CNN news: a Swedish belly dancer who taps into the Oriental fantasies of her clientele; a Japanese woman studying Arabic, driven mad by the noise and chaos of the city; a frustrated Egyptian housewife who becomes obsessed by the activities of her Western gay neighbor; an American journalist who covered the civil war in Beirut who finds friendship with her Egyptian dentist. We also meet the two protagonists of McCullough’s Confessions of a Knight Errant, before their escapades in that story. These stories are told in the tradition of A Thousand and One Nights.
The Review
One of the beautiful things about fiction writing is how it allows readers from one part of the world to explore and gain insight into how people live in other parts. This collection of short stories is no different, as the author wonderfully showcases the rich tapestry and vibrant life that breathes into the city of Cairo. The thoughtful imagery allows the setting and atmosphere to appear on the page.
The connectivity of the cast of characters and the ode to the classic tale of A Thousand and One Nights made this collection truly shine. The humor and wit that these characters exuded, the exploration of the city’s lesser-known corners, and the emphasis the author put on stories of love and self-discovery made this a gripping and compelling read that readers will return to time and time again.
The Verdict
Creative, insightful, and entertaining author Gretchen McCullough’s “Shahrazad’s Gift” collection is a must-read short story. The various cultures and histories of the characters and the melding of worlds within this one city made the story feel transformative and engaging and is not to be missed by readers. Be sure to check out your own copy of this fanstastic book today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Gretchen McCullough was raised in Harlingen Texas. After graduating from Brown University in 1984, she taught in Egypt, Turkey and Japan. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Alabama and was awarded a teaching Fulbright to Syria from 1997-1999.
Her stories, essays and reviews have appeared in The Barcelona Review, Archipelago, National Public Radio, Story South, Guernica, The Common, The Millions, and the LA Review of Books. Translations in English and Arabic have been published in: Nizwa, Banipal, Brooklyn Rail in Translation, World Literature Today and Washington Square Review with Mohamed Metwalli. Her bi-lingual book of short stories in English and Arabic, Three Stories from Cairo, translated with Mohamed Metwalli was published in July 2011 by AFAQ Publishing House, Cairo.
Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Rhetoric and Composition at the American University in Cairo.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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A therapist reeling from the loss of a patient must work to help a fractured family facing new changes and growing LGBTQ+ driven hate crimes in their local area, and the therapist must choose to save them or her own marriage in author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing the Prescotts: A Novel”.
The Synopsis
Cotton Barnes, a Raleigh, NC, therapist, leveled by a client’s recent suicide, is struggling to resume her practice when she begins working with the Prescotts, a family fractured when the father comes out as transgender and begins transitioning. They relate their stories in their chosen voices, each family member’s narrative in a different format. Journals, social media, and other nontraditional narratives challenge Dr. Barnes’ therapeutic skills. While each member of the Prescotts dodge land mines behind the closed doors of her therapy office, the Raleigh, North Carolina area is rocked by a series of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. As Cotton finds herself stalking the family, worried that she might not be able to “save them,” her husband slips away, and Cotton is forced to make a decision that will determine whether she saves her own marriage or the Prescotts.
The Review
This was such an engaging and thought-provoking story. The tragedy and heartbreak that becomes the running theme in the protagonist’s life was both insightful yet heart-wrenching to behold. The story speaks to our connections in our families and with others.
Yet the strong themes this narrative took on made this story shine brightly. The lines that often blur when we become integrated into other people’s lives can turn care and concern into obsession, and the hardship that comes from trying to live our most authentic lives in a world that hates and shuns those people all played a significant role in this story. The careful and moving attention to detail the author paid to these characters made the story feel more connective for readers.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing the Prescotts” is a must-read LGBTQ+ driven narrative that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional weight of the characters and their journey, and the mesmerizing tale that comes to life on the page will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dawn Reno Langley writes extensively for newspapers and magazines, has published more than 30 books (nonfiction, children’s books, and novels such as The Mourning Parade (Amberjack, 2017)), dozens of award-winning short stories, essays, and poems in journals such as Missouri Review, Hunger Mountain and Superstition Review, as well as hundreds of articles, theater reviews, and blogs. A Fulbright scholar and TedX speaker with an MFA in Fiction from Vermont College and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (concentrations in gender studies and creativity) from The Union Institute and University, she lives on the North Carolina coast. She offers writing retreats for other women and teaches for Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program. Her latest book, You Are Divine: A Search for the Goddess in All of Us (Llewellyn) was released nationally and internationally in January 2022.ADD AUTHOR BIO
Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Dawn Reno Langley’s novel Analyzing the Prescotts. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
Visit Joy’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley on the challenges of writing using multiple points of view. You can also read an excerpt of Langley’s novel Analyzing the Prescotts.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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A detective must work to solve who was responsible for the car bombing that nearly took his life in author Dan Flanigan’s “On Lonesome Roads”, the third book in the Peter O’Keefe series.
The Synopsis
SOME ROADS MUST BE WALKED ALONE
As private detective Peter O’Keefe continues to heal from the burns he suffered from the blast of a car bomb, neither he nor the police can prove who his assailants were. The media speculates that “The Outfit,” a mafia group in the city, is to blame. O’Keefe isn’t so sure, but he means to find out – and fast.
Terrified of another attack, O’Keefe’s ex-wife, Annie, won’t allow his eleven-year-old daughter near him except under the tightest security, including an armed guard. He can’t blame her. It isn’t safe for Kelly, or anyone else he cares about, to be near him while his attacker is on the loose.
In a desperate effort to keep his family safe and restore his life to some measure of normality, O’Keefe becomes consumed with solving the mystery of who is hunting him. Along the way, he’ll be forced to negotiate with The Outfit – a “devil’s bargain” that just might cost him everything.
The Review
The level of depth and development that this cast of characters took on was incredible to see come to life on the page. The intricacies of the corruption and violence that the protagonist came across both within the confines of The Outfit and the politicians that keep crime circulating were well developed and allowed the reader to feel the tension and heavy atmosphere the author created.
The complexities of the protagonist and his mindset were insightful and thoughtful. The balance the author struck between the investigation as a whole and the protagonist’s desire to repair his relationship with his family was remarkable to see come to life on the page. The suspicion and paranoia that come with an investigation like this and the personal nature of the case for Peter made this story fly by.
The Verdict
Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Dan Flanigan’s “On Lonesome Roads” is a must-read entry into the Peter O’Keefe series! The twists and turns in the story and the thoughtful approach to the noir thriller genre made this a gripping narrative that readers won’t put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and practicing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. dissertation, “The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.”
He moved on from academia to serve the civil rights cause as a school desegregation lawyer, followed by a long career as a finance attorney in private law practice. He became a name partner in the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, created its Financial Services practice, chaired its Real Estate & Financial Services Department for two decades, and established the firm’s New York City office and served as its managing partner until October 2022.
Taking a break from the law practice for two years, he and his wife, Candy, founded Sierra Tucson, a prominent alcohol and drug treatment center located in Tucson, Arizona.
Recently, he has been able to turn his attention to his lifelong ambition—creative writing. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including “Mink Eyes,” the first in what has become the Peter O’Keefe detective series, which was a 2023 Best Book Award Legacy Fiction Finalist, “Dewdrops,” a collection of shorter fiction, and “Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.”
“Tenebrae” is a bracelet of verse and prose poems dedicated to his wife, Candy, to honor her last illness and death and their 40-plus years together, a work that has been described as “celebratory” and “heartbreaking and exquisite.” It was a Finalist for both the 2022 IAN Book of the Year in Poetry and in the 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award in the Legacy: Autobiography/Memoir category.
“The Big Tilt”, the award-winning second book in the Peter O’Keefe series, was published in 2020 and has been described as “deft, hard-boiled, but literary prose that’s reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s best work.” The Big Tilt won the 2022 National Indie Excellence Award for Crime Fiction and was a Finalist for the 2022 Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year in Thriller/Suspense. Most recently, “The Big Tilt” was a Legacy Fiction finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award as well as making the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List.
“On Lonesome Roads,” published April 26, 2022, is the third book in the series and continues in the award-winning tradition of its predecessor. Honored as a Notable 100 Book in the 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, “On Lonesome Roads” has more recently been a finalist for Crime Fiction in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards (after “The Big Tilt” won the award in 2022), a silver medalist for the 2023 IPPY Ebook awards, and winner of the 2023 American Fiction Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category.
Dan has also written stage plays including “Secrets” (based on the life of Eleanor Marx) and “Moondog’s Progress” (inspired by the life of Alan Freed), which was awarded the 2022 Honorable Mention in the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for “Script.”
His novella, “Dewdrops,” was originally written for the stage and enjoyed a full-cast staged reading at the Theatre of the Open Eye in New York. The short story collection comprised of “Dewdrops,” “On the Last Frontier” and “Some Cold War Blues” was a Finalist in the 2022 Independent Author Network Book of the Year for Short Story Collection and a 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award Finalist in Fiction-Short Story.
Dan serves on the Board of Directors of Childhood USA, the U.S. arm of the World Childhood Foundation, established by Queen Silvia of Sweden, working to end child sexual abuse and exploitation everywhere. He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Authors Lori Ann LaRocco and Abby Wallace share the story of four families who all depended from slaves and reflect on the journey their families have taken in the book “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future: Four Families Descended from Slaves Reflect on Stories of Strength, Love and Gratitude”.
The Synopsis
In Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future, descendants of four prominent Black families whose ancestors were enslaved tell readers what life was like for those ancestors, and how their experiences shaped and influenced future generations. Their experiences had a profound impact on each of these families—and the wisdom, traditions, and values that have been passed down from generation to generation. The authors worked with family historians, gathered volumes of historical documents, and worked with historians from Montpelier, Mount Vernon, and Africatown to ensure its accuracy
The Review
This was a compelling and thoughtful nonfiction read. The exploration of the history, culture, and journey of these four families and the trials these enslaved people faced was heartbreaking yet inspiring. Seeing and reading about the contributions these individuals made and the horrifying hurdles they had to overcome not only puts into perspective the darker aspects of American history but showcases the drive to provide a better future for the future generations of these families.
The amount of detail and depth the authors put into the research and interviews with these families was remarkable. The honesty and inspiration that these individuals provided and the balance the authors struck between the history of these families and what they endured, with the impact that can still be felt in these modern times, made the book feel alive and remarkable to learn about.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and vital reading material to understanding the history of our nation and the harrowing journey for many black families in the United States, authors Lori Ann LaRocco and Abby Wallace’s “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future: Four Families Descended from Slaves Reflect on Stories of Strength, Love and Gratitude” is a must-read nonfiction and historical read. The detail and insightful nature of the book, and the way the authors highlight both the horrors of slavery and the challenges many families still face in the wake of racism, as well as the light that hope and all that struggle has brought to future generations of these families, making this a remarkable book to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Lori Ann LaRocco is an American Journalist and is also the best-selling author of Trade War Containers Don’t Lie: Navigating the Bluster (Marine Money 2019), Dynasties of the Sea: The Untold Stories of the Postwar Shipping Pioneers (Marine Money, 2018), Opportunity Knocking (Agate Publishing, 2014), Dynasties of the Sea: The Shipowners and Financiers Who Expanded the Era of Free Trade (Marine Money, 2012), and Thriving in the New Economy (Wiley, 2010
Abby Wallace is an advanced placement History and English student in New Jersey. Abby enjoys writing, reading, drawing, riding horses, and performing on stage. Abby loves to give back to others and enjoys volunteering at Pony Power Therapies. She hopes to one day have a therapy barn of her own.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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An arrogant med student finds himself on a life-changing path as he helps an elderly patient reunite with her lost love in author Ronald Dwinnells’s “Thirty Days Hath September”.
The Synopsis
Wealthy fourth-year medical student Jack is miserable and mean. An elderly patient, seeking her long-lost lover, is about to send him on the journey that will change his life.
Aimless Jack Maizel is a slovenly medical student who is unlikeable, arrogant, and slightly manic. Persuaded by his influential parents to pursue a medical career, he cannot hide his contempt for the profession and even for some of his neediest patients. His classmate, Ahgri, a well-mannered and gentlemanly former Tanzanian mountain guide and coffee plantation worker, is an unlikely best friend.
When Maizel begins a month-long clinical rotation on the first day of September in 1982 with a hospital admission work-up for elderly and soft-spoken Mildred Dixon, he has no intention of doing any more than he has to. As the month goes by, she recounts a tender and passionate romance with a young U.S. Army Air Force lieutenant headed off to bombing runs over Germany. She appeals to Jack for help in her last wish of finding the love of her life again.
As the days run out on September, Mildred and Ahgri’s collective wit and Mildred’s touching plea eventually lead Maizel to a life-altering experience. The astonishing twist that ignites a path for Maizel’s future will leave readers with a poignant lesson on how we learn to live and love. Dwinnells’s memorable characters and his message of hope, kindness, forgiveness, and redemption will appeal to readers across genres.
Ronald Dwinnells is the author of the Axiom Gold Medal-winning leadership book, Don’t Pick Up All the Dog Hairs.
The Review
This was a heartfelt and thoughtful narrative. The care and attention the author paid to detail in the use of imagery in the story made the journey that these characters endured feel vibrant on the page. The even pacing of the narrative and the settings made the story feel very cinematic, a cross between a classic romance and an indie drama all at once.
Yet the character development and the gripping emotional depth that each had within them made the story shine. The evolution of Jack as a protagonist, from his easygoing life throughout his youth and his callous nature to the emotional connection he forges with Mildred and the raw and powerful feelings that arise when she and her lost love Delbert’s story starts to become more apparent, Jack’s story is so profound and engaging to get lost in. Even his unlikely friendship with Ahgri made Jack more well-rounded.
The Verdict
Remarkable, engaging, and thought-provoking author Ronald Dwinnells’s “Thirty Days Hath September” is a heartfelt and emotional story of friendship, love, hope, and the healing power of forgiveness and redemption that will stay with readers for a long time. These characters’ honesty and depth help elevate this narrative and keep readers invested until the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on March 26th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I Was Always Different.
It was quite a challenge to adapt to two vastly diverse cultures. Struggling to balance both inherited traditions—American and Japanese—was like trying to inhale air while submerged in water. Neither culture would accept me as their own. I looked, thought, and acted differently than most kids.
My life started with a Japanese name, but it was changed to an American one by the time I turned six. My mother was a 21-year-old Japanese woman when she gave birth to me in Kamakura, Japan in 1955.
My dad was an American soldier stationed in Japan after World War II. My Koseki (Japanese family registry) identified me as Yoshikawa Kumeo, first born son of Yoshikawa Hisako. There is no mention of my father in this document because they were not married—quite a taboo in post-world war Japan.
Much of my childhood was spent living amongst people who I did not resemble. Although I had a Japanese name, a Japanese mother, and a Japanese citizenry, I was not accepted in their society because I was known as a hafu (derogatory word for half-breed). Mom’s family wanted nothing to do with her or me because I
brought shame to them. I was and still am an outcast of both parents’ families.
Growing up, I was always fighting with Japanese kids while adults looked at me with askance, cursing and wagging threatening fingers at me. The homogenous Japanese society never quite accepted a gaijin (foreigners) and worse.
My dad, tending to military obligations, left us after my birth but re-entered our lives when I was around five years. They planned to marry before he reported to his new assignment in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Mom was concerned that I did not speak English, so she immediately enrolled me in a nearby Catholic Missionary Kindergarten. She was unaware that it was Italian in origin! It didn’t matter to me.
One day, while Dad visited us on leave, mom, beaming with pride told me to say “hi” in English.
Proudly, I smiled and blurted out, “Ciao Padre!”
He frowned and said something in an unfamiliar language (English), then roared with laughter! I turned red with embarrassment—thinking I said something wrong!
Everything happened quickly after that. My parents married and I got a new name, Ronald Dwinnells, and soon became a naturalized U.S. Citizen. I even got an American passport to travel to the States. When we
arrived in Kentucky, I suddenly faced an entirely new set of adversities. I was no longer referred to as a gaijin but was now being demonized as a “lousy dirty Jap”! It didn’t help that I couldn’t speak English or that I looked different. I even had a hard-to-pronounce last name unlike the typical Smith, Thomas, and Jones family names that predominated rural Kentucky at the time.
I had no choice but to deal with these new difficulties caused by my being different and unusual. Through resilience and resolve, I learned to embrace failures, adversities, mistakes and even enemies. Ironically, I don’t think I would have had the successes nor the happiness, peace, and contentment of life if I had not experienced difficulties as a child and young man. I am truly grateful.
My first published book, Don’t Pick Up All the Dog Hairs, is about what not to do in leadership and life based upon difficult experiences. Many leaders experience difficulties, almost daily. My message to readers is to embrace these adversities and turn them into good. Learn to always embrace, accept, learn, teach, and move on after difficulties! It will result in a good life!
Please enjoy the “Dog Hair” book! It’s a fun read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Author John V. Wylie, M.D. shares a beautiful and insightful look into mental health and the way it has impacted evolution and social interactions using AI designed imagery in the book “The Evolution of Human Motivations: An AI-Illustrated Odyssey”.
The Synopsis
“The Evolution of Human Motivations, An AI-Illustrated Odyssey” explores severe mental illness as “emotional fossils,” uncovering the nuanced layers of human evolution. Through a lens of scientific plausibility, it weaves paleoanthropological science with evolutionary theory into a unified narrative, enriching our understanding of human nature and demystifying stigmatized conditions.
Every paragraph is accompanied by stunning AI-generated images, enhancing the text with visual depth and bringing the narrative to vivid life. This approach not only presents a coherent view of our evolutionary journey but also fosters empathy and unity, inviting readers to a compelling exploration of our shared humanity.
The Review
This was a fantastic read. AI-generated art was a fantastic choice to help illustrate this book’s themes. The beauty and awe-inspiring look of the artwork added an outstanding balance to the scientific, philosophical, and emotional depth of the essay itself.
The themes were the core and heart of this essay. The book delved into both human evolution and mental illness in such a unique way, allowing readers to see how mental illness has arisen more and more prominently as we as humans evolved. The desire to grow closer with our fellow humans and how mental illness drives those who suffer through it to hone into those emotions with much more intensity were fascinating to read about.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and hauntingly beautiful, author John V. Wylie, M.D.’s “The Evolution of Human Motivations: An AI-Illustrated Odyssey” is a must-read nonfiction book and essay on evolution and mental illness. How the artwork helped the author’s themes and the spiritual and emotional nature of the author’s study made this a truly one-of-a-kind book to pick up 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
In 1971, as a surgical resident in New York, I realized my true calling lay elsewhere. Inspired by Carl Jung’s integration of medicine and philosophy, I pursued psychiatry in Washington, DC. My journey led me to working in a maximum-security prison, where an inmate slashed my face with a razor blade dramatically shifting my focus to immersing myself in Darwin’s works. This sparked my dedication to evolutionary psychology/psychiatry, participating in its early development in the late 1980s while managing a hospital-based psychiatric practice.
A pivotal moment came around 9/11, reading E.O. Wilson’s words on humanity’s need for a sacred narrative, igniting my mission to forge a “new mythos” of human nature. My work focuses on interpreting major mental illnesses as disorders of evolved emotions and motivations, supported by mainstream scientific findings in psychiatry and human evolution. Recently, technologies like Chat GPT-4 and DALL-E-3 have helped visualize these concepts. My e-book, “The Evolution of Human Motivations, An AI-illustrated Odyssey,” available on Amazon, encapsulates this journey.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An older man is drawn into his past as he faces a new and exciting yet uncertain future in author Vincent Traughber Meis’s “The Long Journey to You”.
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The Synopsis
Nathan doesn’t know how to stop dwelling on the failures and tragedies that have plagued him since the last time we saw him at the end of The Mayor of Oak Street, a twenty-one-year-old happily in the arms of the handsome young doctor he had pined for since he was twelve. Many years later, what could mend Nathan’s heart after the latest tragedy and stop his deep dives into the past? After a chance meeting on the street with ER nurse, Mateo, a big chunk of Nathan’s reminiscing is now devoted to that encounter. Will he seize the day or continue wallowing in the past, having lunch with his BFF, and writing poetry?
He has traveled the globe and survived a disease that people once thought was a death sentence. There are moments with Mateo he is convinced that his whole life led him to this great love. At other times, he’s ready to kill him. Mateo, for his part, must take care of his ailing mother while he works full time in the emergency room. The practical aspects of starting a new relationship are challenging. Above all, this novel is a story of healing and finding true love.
The Review
This was a fantastic and emotional read. The author does an excellent job crafting a complex and in-depth story of love and heartbreak in a time when sexual identity was still tough to contend with due to society’s opinions and judgments. Not only does the story showcase the struggle of living as a gay man openly, but themes of health scares during the AIDS epidemic and the uncertainty that life brings in the face of tragedy as well.
The character development allowed the story to shine brightly. The protagonist was so deep and fueled by emotions we all can identify with. The pain of loss and the fear of loneliness are genuine emotions that we all must contend with in life, and the enthralling story that stems from Nathan’s loss and search for hope kept the reader engaged every step of the narrative.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, caring, and engaging author Vincent Traughber Meis’s “The Long Journey to You” is a must-read and thoughtful story of love, romance, and emotional depth. The pacing of the novel’s story allows the characters to grow and evolve in a way that makes them feel real and alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Vincent Traughber Meis grew up in Decatur, Illinois and graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans. He has also traveled extensively, and as result of his travels and time abroad he published a number of pieces, mostly travel articles, but also a few poems and book reviews, in publications such as, The Advocate, LA Weekly, In Style, and Our World in the 1980s and 90s. He has published five novels with Fallen Bros Press: Eddie’s Desert Rose (2011), Tio Jorge (2012), and Down in Cuba (2013), Deluge (2016) and Four Calling Burds (2019).
Tio Jorge received a Rainbow Award in the category of Bisexual Fiction in 2012.Down in Cuba received two Rainbow Awards in 2013. Deluge won a Rainbow Award in 2016. His sixth novel The Mayor of Oak Street was released in June 2021 with NineStar Press. A book of his short stories will be published by NineStar in September 2021. His stories have been published in several collections, including WITH: New Gay Fiction, and other collections. He lives in San Leandro, California.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Alexander Arshavski shares a powerful guide to finding the right balance between a person’s work and personal life in the book “Work from Home Like a Pro: Hacks for Balancing Work, Life and Profits”.
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The Synopsis
“Work from Home Like a Pro: Hacks for Balancing Work, Life and Profits” is a book that explores work-life balance, financial insights, and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming for success while working from home. It provides high-impact strategies for achieving success in a consulting career – proven time-tested principles, strategies, tactics and best-practices the most successful consultants use to run and grow their consulting business.
Imagine being able to run your consultancy like a business, based on the value that you offer your clients and with the right systems and processes in place. Imagine getting to scale it with the right consulting model for you and the perfect financial habits. Isn’t that every consultant’s dream?
This book makes that dream a reality. The author begins by making a case for remote work and highlighting the perks you get from being your own boss. He then provides the foundational principles for setting up your own consultancy, answering questions like:
* How do I plan my goals and objectives?
* How do I set up my at home work space?
* What about a routine? Does it help me to have one?
* How do I decide what services to offer?
By the time you are done with chapter 2, you have laid the foundations for setting up your business and have explored ideas that you could get started with. Everything else after that is just what you need. Questions like how you balance your work and life when working from home and how you do your money are the next ones that the author tackles. This book is perfect for anyone looking for work from home hacks.
You get to see that the wealthy consultant is one who has their finances in order and who doesn’t skimp on taxes or business records. They know how to communicate with their clients, think faster talk smarter, manage all their projects efficiently and deliver gold every time.
The book introduces you to productivity strategies that you can implement beginning today. An example is the 5% window strip. Imagine your day as a window with 24 hours as the total width. By this strategy you block 5% of your time for a specific task or activity every day, and ensure you give it your focused attention. Which business tasks will be assigned to your window strip? Is it marketing work? Admin work? Or your core service offering? You will be able to determine with this book.
Chapter six helps you to know how to market your business and network. Which social media platforms do you use and why? How do you make sure that all your communication there is working to score you clients, all the time? How can you rely on referrals to help you? Chapter seven is all about scaling your business by expanding the services you offer, delegating and automation.
At the end of the book, the author helps to address common problems that come with working as a freelance consultant. You get tools to deal with isolation, industry changes and things that distract you from your core business. This book contains everything you need to move from having an idea to having a running consultancy. What sets it apart is that rather than simply offering jobs you can do, this book equips you with the necessary skills to excel as a consultant regardless of the field.
The Review
This was a well-developed and insightful nonfiction read. The biggest standout about this book was how the author tuned readers into how to run a business remotely from home. The details that went into the author’s expertise and practices included defining one’s personal and professional goals, setting up an office space separate from one’s home, budgeting and providing financing, and utilizing social media to leverage one’s business.
The personable way the author writes this book and the detail that the author provides for each bullet point of these practices allow for a comprehensive guide readers can turn to when developing their home-based business. The interactivity of the book itself was a great draw, as readers can turn to and practice these experiences repeatedly.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and captivating author Alexander Arshavski’s “Work from Home Like a Pro” is a must-read business and nonfiction book. The fast pace of the guide and the straightforward yet compelling information will help readers in their journey to becoming at-home entrepreneurs. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alexander Arshavski is a seasoned fullstack web developer, entrepreneur, and emerging non-fiction author based in Israel. With over two decades of experience spanning various industries, Alexander has established himself as an entrepreneur and freelancer, adept at navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
Born with an innate curiosity for technology, Alexander embarked on his professional journey in the early days of the internet boom. Over the years, he honed his skills in web development, mastering both the art and science of crafting seamless digital experiences. His passion for innovation led him to found Almas Web Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in cutting-edge web solutions tailored to clients’ unique needs.
A trailblazer in remote work culture, Alexander has been a dedicated advocate for the remote lifestyle for the past decade. Embracing the flexibility and freedom it offers, he has successfully managed his business and projects from the comfort of his home, setting an example for professionals worldwide.
In addition to his illustrious career in technology, Alexander has recently ventured into the realm of non-fiction writing. Drawing from his rich experiences as an entrepreneur, remote worker, and family man, he seeks to inspire and empower others through his words. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Alexander’s writing resonates with authenticity and depth.
Off the screen, Alexander finds fulfillment in his roles as a husband and father. Together with his wife, Lora, and three sons—Mike, Steven, and Leon—he cherishes the simple joys of family life and strives to instill values of resilience and determination in his children.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Alexander is an avid traveler, nature enthusiast, and lifelong learner. Whether exploring new destinations or delving into the latest tech trends, he approaches each adventure with an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to excellence.
As he embarks on this new chapter as an author, Alexander looks forward to sharing his insights, experiences, and wisdom with readers around the world. Through his books, he hopes to spark meaningful conversations, foster personal growth, and leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Connect with Alexander Arshavski on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest projects and writings. Join him on this transformative journey as he continues to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the digital age.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author John R. Miles helps readers unlock their full potential and reframe their past to find their inner power in the book “Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life”.
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The Synopsis
Inside of you resides an intentional life without limits.
The time has come to awaken it.
Are you living intentionally, with purpose and passion? Are you embracing the flame that ignites within you, or are you evading it? Will your future self be proud of your story, or do you yearn for something more?
We all have personal limits that apply to different areas of our lives, such as creating abundance, making changes to our health or body, overcoming recurring patterns of self-sabotage, or simply believing in ourselves. However, we can tap into our unlimited potential when we push ourselves beyond these limitations. Once we let go of our doubts, we can begin to have faith in our new life. By intentionally acting as if it’s attainable, we can gradually transform into the embodiment of that belief.
John R. Miles—entrepreneur, award-winning podcast host, former U.S. Navy officer, and Fortune 50 senior executive—reveals his groundbreaking discoveries that allow you to reshape your past and create an empowered and limitless future through authentic and candid personal stories. Alongside these narratives are twelve science-based principles on mindset and behavior that Miles discovered by examining and interviewing successful professionals such as Marc Benioff, David Rubenstein, Katy Milkman, Bernie Marcus, Uri Levine, Marshall Goldsmith, Robin Sharma, Susan Cain, Shawn Springs, Thaddeus Bullard, Elon Musk, Susan Wojcicki, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Navy SEALs, astronaut Chris Cassidy, and General Stanley McChrystal.
In this book, you will learn how to:
Create a meaningful mission that will enhance your life’s purpose from Square founder Jim McKelvey
Identify the root causes of self-doubt and overcome fears that are holding you back from Oprah Winfrey
Transform the way you lead from General McChrystal and the Honorable Keith Krach, former Under Secretary of State
Unleash your potential by taking purposeful actions toward achieving your dreams from Astronaut Captain Wendy Lawrence
Transform the world around you by harnessing the power of adaptability from Jeff Bezos
With the help of the insights and strategies presented in Passion Struck, you can craft the life you truly desire and make it a reality.
Are you ready? It’s time to live life Passion Struck.
The Review
This was a well-researched and developed book. The author did an incredible job of crafting a process and journey that is relatable and successful. The author’s straightforward way of writing the book allows readers to approach his practices and techniques with an open mind and an understanding that anyone with a passion could understand.
The concept of passion-driven work and utilizing one’s purpose to drive one’s life professionally and personally made this a remarkable reading experience. Shedding the need to conform or do everything the same way others have and instead embracing our differences and intentions throughout our lives was prevalent in this read. The author’s words put the power and inspiration back in the reader’s hands and allow the reader to see the same passion and delivery found on the author’s podcast and his life experiences reflected on the page.
The Verdict
Author John R. Miles’s “Passion Struck” is a must-read nonfiction book that is remarkable, memorable, and engaging. The outline and production of this process that the author has found and how readers can apply it to their own lives made this a gripping read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your own copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
John R. Miles is the dynamic force behind Passion Struck®, captivating millions with his globally-renowned podcast and national radio show, making a significant impact as a thought leader in the fields of behavior change, health and wellness, the science of personal mastery, and self-leadership. His journey, from the U.S. Navy to senior executive roles in the Fortune 50, grounds his insights in real-world experience. He’s not just a voice on leadership and personal growth; he’s lived it, making his guidance and storytelling resonate authentically with his audience.
As an author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur, John blends practical wisdom with relatable anecdotes, making complex ideas about health, wellness, and personal mastery both accessible and inspiring. His Podcast, Passion Struck, is one of the world’s leading shows and the #1 alternative health podcast, featuring engaging conversations with notable figures like Angela Duckworth, Seth Godin, Susan Cain, Robin Sharma, and Dr. Mark Hyman.
His latest work, “Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life,” delves into the heart of what it means to live a life fueled by passion and purpose. Drawing on insights from luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and Astronaut Chris Cassidy, the book offers twelve science-based principles designed to awaken the dormant potential within us all. It’s a journey through overcoming self-doubt, catalyzing personal growth, and embracing a life lived with unwavering intention. It’s been honored as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club and The Best Business Minds Book Awards for 2024.
