Operationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance Performance by Duane Deason Review

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

Author Duane Deason shares the practical use of a cost management center to make a company leaner and more profitable in the book “Operationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance Performance.”

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The Synopsis

Operationally Svelte Unleashes Growth, Innovation, and Profit

An “operationally svelte” organization means it is lean, flexible, and efficient.

Organizational bloat creeps into companies as they grow. It dulls cutting-edge innovation, slows responses to changing economic conditions, whittles down profitability, and hinders growth. You will not curtail it by doing what you have always done. Companies need a new strategy.

In Operationally Svelte, author Duane Deason presents a refreshing approach to making an organization lean and unleashing its potential: create a Cost Management Center. Think of it this way—while your Sales team focuses on revenue, your Cost Management Center team focuses on managing and controlling costs throughout the organization.

Get step-by-step guidance to establish a Cost Management Center and eliminate the common culprits of waste and inefficiency. Then dive into strategies to maximize its effectiveness and transform your company for optimal performance, enhanced growth, superior innovation, and increased profit.

AudiobooksNow

The Review

This was such a powerful and insightful read for those in leadership roles within a business. The author found a great strategy that greatly balances the need to manage a business’s daily costs while also allowing staff to innovate and grow as a company. The author’s writing style is very detailed and practical, speaking to innovators and business leaders who have a firm grasp of the technical details but can connect with the author’s messaging and outline for the cost management center.

The concept of a svelte organization is a powerful one: running a lean, mean operation that improves sales and growth. Yet oftentimes, overreaching to cut costs inefficiently can stifle that growth. The author’s deep dive into the ways a cost management center would help create the necessary oversight over the expenses incurred by your business was remarkable to get into, from understanding the differences in costs per items/tasks, to tackling the use of technology and emerging AI, to creating a cost management center by finding key team members and outlining the responsibilities of the center going forward. The author also covers many areas in this realm, from those that incur higher costs to those on the horizon, giving readers a wealth of details to engage with.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable, author Duane Deason’s “Operationally Svelte” is a must-read nonfiction business read. The depth of information and the clear, precise way the author writes and conveys it through solid, insightful frameworks that business leaders can follow thoroughly. This is one book readers and leaders can return to time and time again for guidance. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I am the author of Operationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance Performance. I wrote the book to take cost management out of the shadows, to explore why current strategies are failing, and to provide a more optimal solution. Companies owe their employees, customers, and shareholders an organization that is lean and best prepared to fend off competition, weather economic downturns, and adapt to organizational change. Svelte companies are not only more profitable but also experience a higher level of performance and innovation when compared to their peers.

I spend much of my time advocating, speaking, and educating on the topic of cost management. To pay the bills, I serve as President of The Efficacy Group, where I provide cost management advisory and consulting services. My early career was with PwC followed by starting my first business that provided financial support for companies undergoing transactions. After selling the business, I assumed the role of CFO at one of my former clients that was doing the typical titanic after the dot-com bust in the early 2000s. It was during that time as CFO when I fell in love with cost management. The feeling of saving a company from certain bankruptcy felt more rewarding than the prior acquisitions and initial public offerings that I had supported.

The last 25 years of my career have been dedicated to cost management in one form or another. I’ve had the privilege of working with many companies of varying sizes and industries. Through that, I observed patterns that resulted in success and others that led to deterioration. Among these patterns was the realization that companies that failed to prioritize cost management would eventually fail. Just like life, companies can’t outgrow their problems. Hence, I decided to dedicate my career to helping companies lower costs and operate more efficiently without hindering growth or innovation.

I am a Certified Public Accountant and have an MBA from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.

https://amzn.to/48w3a8h

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/operationally-svelte-duane-deason/1148299225?ean=9798998846700

Interview with Author Shamayne Olivia Kotfas 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing

I never expected to become a writer and oddly, it still sounds strange to my ears. Yet, here I am. I’ve written a teaching memoir, created an accompanying workbook that came from a dream and developed a digital workbook. The ball continues to roll as I have added a trademark and public speaker to my bio. My writing came out of necessity as I journaled my way through healing from a dysfunctional family system, childhood trauma and a tragic accident that none of us saw coming. 

In midlife, I experienced a period of unraveling that led to unexpected change through self-reflection, divorce, loss, and tragedy. Twenty years later, I am retired from corporate and focusing on my passion to help others reclaim more authentic and meaningful lives. I am happily remarried and living in the suburbs of Austin, TX with my husband, Craig and our two cats, Wrigley and Ivy. I have three adult children; Sydney and Nathan live nearby while Daniel is on the west coast. I’m also Maymie to three remarkable grandchildren, Emerson, Joaquin, and Jude. When I’m not writing, or planning a workshop, I love live music, theatre, and baseball.

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2) What inspired you to write your book? 

A vivid dream was the spark that gave me a purpose that eventually became my workshop. Women in my workshop often asked me when my book was coming out so they could read my story. I didn’t have one but I had journaled many stories during my self-discovery journey. I was inspired by their curiosity about my story to write a book based on my experiences. 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book? 

It’s never too late to reclaim their sense of self and identity. We were born to be seen and heard for who we truly are. I hope readers walk away knowing that their story is valuable and their experiences add value to the lives of others.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre? 

Part of my healing journey involved volunteering in women’s support groups. I was so inspired as I watched each one realize their true potential and develop the courage to embrace positive change. It was genuine guidance they had lacked in their lives that prevented them from moving forward and realizing their full potential. I recognized myself in their shoes and wanted to create a tool that supported a new beginning for those asking “Who am I?”

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership? 

I am new to this side of developing readership. It feels so overwhelming at times. I have found Linked In to be very helpful, but I truly enjoy in-person networking. Having close connections with people is the most valuable tool for me. I have joined several groups and attended events that align with my genre of personal development.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there? 

Never give up and work at your own pace as you follow your dreams. My experience as a first-time non-fiction writer was harder than I expected, but extremely rewarding as I watched the process unfold. It was difficult to write about myself, but I learned so much about myself on a deeper level. Writing expanded my ability to accept people for who they are and to have compassion, not judgement, for their circumstances and what shaped them, including myself. I realized my potential and capabilities went far beyond anything I could have imagined. 

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About the Author

  • Austin, TX is my home
  • Started my career at Humana in July 2008; Retired January 2024
  • Executive Admin for Central Division Senior Products (6yrs)
  • Texas Region Provider Development and Engagement (9yrs)
  • Humana Well-being Champion representing the South Region – 2014 – 2023
  • Women’s Networking Resource Group (WNRG) Perspectives Steering Committee (2017 – ’24); Leadership Symposium Steering Committee (2017 – 2022); Associate Recognition Advisory Board (2018); Founding Member of the Mindfulness & Compassion Group (2020); Mindfulness Mentors Steering Committee for the (2021 – 2023)
  • Presenter – Many groups and departments in Humana invited me to share my story and shoe steps to their associates beginning in 2018
  • Featured on Hi! Page “Women with Vision” in March 2019
    (Humana’s Associate Intranet Website) 
  • Moderator WNRG Ted Talk WOWZA (Vulnerability) October 2019 
  • Keynote Speaker – Women’s Perspectives Event (“Building Self-Confidence”) September 2022
  • Keynote Presenter – Humana Regional Health Services Leadership Summit (Mental Health and Wellbeing) May 2023 (this included the medical directors of this region)
  • Developer and Facilitator – WNRG Post Event Discussions (I created the format and lead these discussion groups after each quarterly event we broadcast each quarter – each discussion group met once a week for 3-4 weeks) 2021-2023
  • Life Coach certification specializing in Identity and Emotional Wellness
  • Creator/Facilitator – Shoes for the Woman’s Soul©
    workshop for Mindfulness and Compassion Community 2020 – 2022 
  • Podcast Host for “Hear and Now” podcast through the Mindfulness and Compassion group. Podcast based on my shoe steps and emotional wellness – every Thursday during 2023 – this was on Humana Radio with a co-host – so I don’t have the recordings ☺
  • Founder/CEO SHOES THAT FIT HER SOUL, LLC 2022
  • Enjoy live music, baseball, traveling and family

Interview with Author Tricia Copeland 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing? 

My education was in science and I worked as a researcher where I started to enjoy technical writing. In 2008, as a stay-at-home mom, I began writing a fictionalized account of my experience with and recovery from anorexia. Seven years later, and with a manuscript of 180,000 words, I had the story edited, split into two books, that would lead to a third and fourth in the Being Me series, and published. 

2) What inspired you to write your book? 

I wanted to highlight the struggles people have with eating disorders and show that recovery is possible and attainable.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

After publishing the Being Me series, I quickly jumped into the fantasy genre, and now have writing young adult fantasy, young adult dystopian, and a new adult romance series. Each of my books have different themes from self-acceptance, discovering self-worth, finding inner strength, discovering your unique abilities and gifts, to faith, hope, perseverance, sacrifice, and hope. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

As a multi-genre author, I love different things about each genre. In fantasy there are few limits on creativity, and I like that I get to create my own worlds and characters. In dystopian fiction many of the themes relate to courage, determination, and perseverance, and which are qualities I aspire to. In romance, I get to create fun stories where generally the worst thing that can happen is that you get dumped by your love interest. And probably in happily-ever-after he or she realizes their mistake or they weren’t the right one in the first place and Mr. or Ms. Right is waiting in the wings.

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have been most helpful for me in building a community of readers.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

My biggest advice is to keep writing, improving skills, and find quality people who can help guide your books to be the best they can be. If you want to be published by a traditional, small house, or indie publisher, keep honing your story and pitch until you find the right fit for you. 

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have books in several stages. The fifth book in the Perfect romance series, penned under Maria Jane will release in June of 2026. The sixth book in that series, tentatively titled My, Not-so-Perfect, Cop, is in progress, and I have another YA fantasy featuring a nix character bubbling in my brain. 

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Author bio

Award-winning author Tricia Copeland, with romances penned under Maria Jane, began publishing over a decade ago and now has over twenty titles in fantasy, dystopian, and romance genres. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles at triciacopeland.com or mariajaneromance.com.

PRESS RELEASE: KILLER WITH ICE EYES (KILLER SERIES BOOK 4) BY JAMES HILL

Killer With Ice Eyes!!

The newest installment of the Killer Series by Rockhill Publishing’s own, James Hill

Released by Rockhill Publishing 

The book is available worldwide in digital and print format

MoJo tells her and Barry the only way to be certain of death is to look a man in the eye and shoot him in the head. He also tells them the Sargent will not show himself while he is alive. Maria takes control of the businesses which includes arms dealing, money laundering, kidnapping/rescues.
Nicky tells Maria he is stepping down as the Godfather and she is going to head both organizations. She has plans to rebuild the mob as a legitimate business after the Commission Trials had decimated the five families. At her request, Nicky puts out a contract hit on her as if she is performing a hostile takeover. She thinks it will bring Sgt. Warren out of hiding. It brings out more than they bargain for. Maria kidnaps Warren’s daughter to use her as bait, as he had kidnapped her, to force him to face her.
Sgt. Warren will face off with Maria and her iron fist, the Ball Buster, in a fight to death.

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Other Books in The Series:

Killer Series (4 book series) Kindle Edition (amazon.com)

  

About The Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is complete.Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood have all received five-star reviews. Killer With Ice Eyes, the final chapter of the boys from the Bronx, is available now. He is currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series; The Emerald Lady is in publication to rave reviews. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, is coming soon. 

Press Release: Author Versus AI by Alison McBain Releases

Author Versus AI

A project of global proportions to change the book industry forever

Critically acclaimed author and editor Alison McBain took on the influence of AI in the book industry by meeting the technology head-on!!!

Artificial intelligence (AI), in its broadest sense, is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning to maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Currently, there are a number of programs using AI software to augment or replace human creativity.

**Alison McBain’s mission is to prove that writing can be done quickly, efficiently, and better with human instinct, emotion, and passion**

The New Empire – the newest book from Alison

Fire. Blood. His brother’s hand smashing his face to the ground. These are Jiangxi’s final memories of Beijing from 1751. In the alternate history novel The New Empire, a bloody coup imprisons the emperor’s youngest son in the bowels of a cargo ship, headed to a much different America than we’ve read about in history books. When Jiangxi arrives in the distant city of Wacharon, a trading hub for a powerful tribal confederacy, he is sold upon his arrival. As he begins to learn about the influential man who bought him, he’s caught between the two worlds of his past and present, forced to choose between following the law of the land or striking out on his own to find a new and bold path to freedom. But Jiangxi’s journey of self-discovery has a steep price. The choices he makes will change not only the course of his own life, but also the future of the two most powerful nations in the world.

Amazon.com: The New Empire eBook : McBain, Alison: Kindle Store

  

About Alison

Alison McBain’s human-created novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. Her latest novella Dual took home 3rd place in the 3-Day Novel Contest. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling authors. In 2024, she pursued a project called “Author Versus AI,” where she wrote a book a week, using NO AI at all (34 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is the associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids. She lives in Alberta, Canada.

PRESS RELEASE: SUGAR PLUMS AND DEATH’S INTERN BY DC GOMEZ RELEASES

Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern

A new Urban Fantasy Adventure by USA Today Bestselling Author DC Gomez 

What’s the worst way to spend a weekend with your quirky, magical team?

A team-building retreat, of course.

When Constantine drags the crew to Hochatown, OK, for some “bonding,” no one’s thrilled. Bob’s only focus is the bake-off, which is already shaping up to be a recipe for disaster. But when a group of thieves launches a high-stakes heist in the middle of their supposed downtime, things go south faster than you can say “sugar plums.”

Now, it’s not just about surviving each other’s company—it’s about surviving in a town where the dead have a nasty habit of showing up, and everyone has a secret. Between eccentric family reunions, a string of bodies dropping like flies, and a magical showdown that’s anything but ordinary, the team will have to navigate the chaos or risk becoming part of the mess themselves.

In this hilarious, fast-paced urban fantasy adventure, Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern proves that sometimes, the real danger comes from the family you never asked for—and the enemies you never saw coming.


Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern is book nine in The Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Series.

This book is set in the Reapers Universe. A stand-alone misadventure from the Intern Diaries. You don’t need the full files to survive this story. If you enjoy Supernatural and True Blood, the crew of Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern will keep you turning pages while wishing you were in your own cottage sipping tea.

https://bit.ly/420qfwh

Winner of an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest 26th Annual Self Published Book Awards in the fiction category.
“This fresh and intriguing plot offers a workaday waitress against Death incarnate, only with a sardonic sense of humor. The first person narration gives the reader limited insight into the protagonist as we follow her journey into a world where Death (also a female) is more interested in souls than last breaths. The concept is clever since it offers the tension of an actual soul-napping competitor to Death for the souls of those just-dead folks.” Judge, 26th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.

About D.C.

 

D. C. Gomez is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.

D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University.  She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center. 

One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs.  She writes both non-fiction and fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com

PRESS RELEASE: FORSAKEN SOULS: CALLUM WALKER SERIES BOOK FOUR BY J.M. SHAW RELEASES

Forsaken Souls: Book Four of the Callum Walker series

The critically acclaimed supernatural series continues by J.M. Shaw

The book is available worldwide in print and digital formats

 Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.

Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.

 However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.

 Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.

“I absolutely loved the 3rd book on the Callum Walker series. I had a hard time putting it down. I really want to know what happens next for Callum, Jax and some of the other characters. I love how the author creates and develops her stories. I can’t wait until the 4th book comes out ”_Guardian, Amazon Reviewer

More Books in the Callum Walker series:

             

About J.M. Shaw:

J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD.   Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.

PRESS RELEASE: BOOMER SEES THE TOWN: THE CURIOUS BUNNY BOOK 1 BY DIANN FLOYD BOEHM RELEASES VIA PLUM CREEK PRESS

BOOMER SEES THE TOWN: The Curious Bunny Book 1

The newest children’s book by acclaimed children’s author Diann Floyd Boehm 

Released and published by Plum Creek Press

The book will be available in print and e-book format

Discover the first adventure in the Curious Bunny series!

In Boomer Sees the Town, Boomer leaves the forest to explore the wonders, sounds, and surprises of the big city. Perfect for curious minds and early readers, this heartwarming children’s story encourages imagination, discovery, and kindness. Written by award-winning author Diann Floyd Boehm and beautifully illustrated by Surya Ali Zaidan, this charming tale will delight children and parents alike. A must-have addition to any family’s bedtime bookshelf.

*** Written for children ages 3 to 9. These are delightful tales for parents, teachers, and caregivers to read with their kids or for young readers to enjoy.

http://bit.ly/43qUEo0

Home | Plum Creek Press

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Praise for Diann Floyd Boehm

“Thank you, Diann Floyd Boehm and Charlie’s Tire Swing, for giving me the opportunity to relive my childhood wonder at the miracle of nurturing growth and my childhood memories of carefree summer days spent on my own tire swing. A sweet intergenerational story.” Lana Shupe, author, The Lonely Little Lighthouse

“A beautiful, whimsical story about the love and wisdom that generations bestow upon each other. The essence of this story will shift young hearts and minds towards beauty in all aspects of human existence and life.” Rhonda Paver, owner/executive director, Stepping Stones School

ABOUT DIANN:

Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. Diann writes children’s books and young adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination”.  You can find all her books on Amazon

Diann’s Story Garden YouTube Channel gives children the opportunity to hear different children authors read their stories. 

Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian projects with multiple organizations. 

Diann was born to parents of George and Mabel Floyd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and has lived in the Philippines and Dubai.

Keep in touch with Diann by joining her newsletter: www.Diannfloydboehm.com.

Avi Lanir – A Short Life Story: The Courage and Capture of an Israeli Fighter Pilot by Yael Yannay Review

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

Author Yael Yannay shares the story of higher pilot Avi Lanir, who never returned from Syrian capture during the Yom Kippur War in the book “Avi Lanir – A Short Life Story: The Courage and Capture of an Israeli Fighter Pilot.”

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The Synopsis

This is the story of the life and death of Lt. Col. Avi Lanir (1940-1974)—the most senior Israeli pilot to fall into Syrian captivity during the Yom Kippur War, and the only one who did not return alive.

Lanir died after brutal torture, without betraying the critical secret the Israeli Air Force had entrusted to his care. The body was defeated, yet the human spirit soared and triumphed. In these stormy and turbulent times, here is the story of a man whose brief spring touched the seasons of a nascent Israel.

Israeli author and editor Yael Yannay has woven a moving, inspiring biographical tapestry from the memories of family members, soul mates, and comrades-in-arms, and from the reflections of those who led Israel then—in body and in spirit. A profound, complex story: one of beauty and a vibrant life attuned to awareness— full of orders and briefings; question marks and family; love and yearning; wounds and hopes.

AudiobooksNow

    The Review

    What immediately struck me was how honest and heartfelt the author’s writing was. While a national hero who withstood some of the worst torture a person could endure during war before passing, the author could have easily written a biography that was pure hero worship. Still, instead the author delved into the complex humanity that was Avi Lanir’s life growing up and during his time as a fighter pilot, captured best in the author’s opening chapters that showcased the stress Avi was under during his last meeting with his wife, and his reaction to not seeing his child leading to a disagreement and later reflection on the words not said between them.

    The honesty was balanced well with the detail and immersive writing experience the author brought to this book. The way the author conveyed the historical events that Avi’s father and grandfather experienced and how these impacted Israel as a whole, while also balancing this with Avi’s personal struggles and experiences, was memorable. The sheer volume of courage that Avi displayed during his career and short life, especially in those pivotal moments withstanding torture to keep his country’s military secrets, exuded a bravery that is inspiring and infectious all at once.

    The Verdict

    Honest, compelling, and engaging, author Yael Yannay’s “Avi Lanir – A Short Life Story” is a must-read book. The biography holds nothing back, is well-researched, and brings so much insight to life in Israel and in the Israel Air Force, both historically and through the life of Avi Lanir. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

    Rating: 10/10

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    About the Author

    Yael Yannay, mother of four. Author, editor, lexicographer. Coaxes words into what they long to become: spring or autumn, iron or silk, minor or major.

    https://amzn.to/4q1ggjU