I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author William R. Waddell shares the experiences and stories that kept him and his partner, Linda, together in a strong and healthy relationship for over three decades in the book “Woven as One.”
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The Synopsis
Even good relationships (particularly marriages) have temperatures, varying from almost unbearable passion to steady devotion to uncertainty or worse. Woven as One recounts the successes and foibles of a nearly sixty-five-year bond between two lifelong partners, describing the magic that can come of truly merging the humdrum of everyday life with their feelings for each other. Bill and Linda “met” under somewhat unusual circumstances, and their way of dealing with bumps in their road wasn’t always by the book, but they grew to understand that real intimacy often grows more out of sharing prosaic experiences than out of grand gestures, and they learned to appreciate the importance of things like hard work (together or apart), inclusion, genuine tolerance, and the sheer chemistry between two kindred spirits.
The Review
This was such a personal, intimate, and compelling nonfiction read. The author did an excellent job of writing in a way that felt almost conversational, as if the stories and experiences found in this book were shared over a drink or two after dinner with friends. The detail the author put into not only the shared experiences he had with his late wife, Linda, but also into the era and settings their journey took them, was so vivid that it allowed the reader to feel transported in time as the book progressed.
The honesty with which the author conveyed these experiences not only showcased the deep love and affection he and Linda had for one another but also how they found a way to live truthfully and boldly for every moment. The author’s life with his late wife is infused with humor and heart, and even in the moments following her loss, a sense of hope and celebration for the life they lived together lingers in the air, serving as a tribute to the enduring love that transcends everything, even death.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, thoughtfully portrayed, and engaging, author William R. Waddell’s “Woven as One” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that doubles as a love story. The way the author lovingly looks back on the life he and his wife shared, and the way they faced both trials and adventures together, will keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in the author’s story until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
William R. Waddell grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and earned degrees from Williams College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Over a 50-year career with McGuireWoods, he practiced business law in Richmond and Norfolk, holding leadership roles within the firm and representing it internationally. He also served as an adjunct professor at UVA Law, teaching Alternative Dispute Resolution and authoring a casebook for his course. His prior publications include Virginia Practice, Business Entities, a legal treatise for business lawyers.
Now retired, Bill enjoys supporting charitable causes, reading, walking, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He is the proud father of three sons. His debut book, Woven as One, is a tribute to his late wife, Linda, and a reflection on life, love, and resilience.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Deborah Hammett shares the journey of adventure and self-discovery she found after retiring in the book “Young Salt At Sixty.”
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The Synopsis
Why settle for ordinary when you can make your retirement epic? This is your time to embrace adventure, push boundaries, and live your boldest dreams.
For Deborah Hammett, that dream didn’t reveal itself until after she retired from teaching on Martha’s Vineyard. Only then did she set her sights on an audacious new chapter—becoming a sailor. With her sharp wit and seasoned teaching skills, she not only masters the art of sailing but also guides and inspires fellow adventurers of all ages.
Join Deborah on her remarkable solo voyage from New England to the Southern Bahamas and back. Along the way, she conquers fears, navigates unexpected challenges, and reexamines long-held beliefs. Her journey is more than a sailing expedition—it’s a testament to the power of reinvention and the limitless possibilities that await when you dare to chase the horizon.
Why just retire when you can embark on the greatest adventure of your life?
This riveting tale of personal growth will:
Empower you with the courage to live your dream fully
Inspire you to confront your own biases
Captivate you as you join in an enthralling sailing adventure
Teach you the essential vocabulary and concepts the novice sailor must learn
Give you the courage to think young and become something completely new and different in your golden years
If you are interested in sailing, or in making a significant lifestyle change in retirement, you must read Young Salt at Sixty.
The Review
This was an insightful and engaging read. The author did an excellent job of balancing the book with memoir-style storytelling, with insight into the world of sailing and so much more. The educational value and detail the author went into when discussing the world of sailing and how she was able to use her years as an educator to delve into the more technical aspects of sailing was engaging to get into for anyone with an interest in boating as a whole.
The book also perfectly brought an emotional component to this author’s story, showcasing the psychological and personal journey the author went on while confronting her fears, and embracing new challenges rather than feeling the need to slow down after retirement. This was a motivational message readers could get behind, speaking to the idea of embracing change and finding what makes us passionate in life.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, inspiring, and engaging, author Deborah Hammett’s “Young Salt at Sixty” is a must-read nonfiction book. The insight and educational value of the sailing experiences the author had were perfectly mirrored by the author’s emotional journey, and will resonate with many readers, both facing retirement and seeking the things that make us passionate for life again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Deborah Hammett grew up in Katonah, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Western Connecticut State University. She moved to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in 1986 when she began her career as a teacher. She commuted off-island for graduate school and received her MEd. in school leadership from Salem State University. Within her thirty-three years as an educator, she taught at several grade levels and was a school principal before she retired and learned to sail. She has two grown daughters, Rilla and Emily. She now lives everywhere aboard her boat, Mavia.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a kid, although back then I was mostly coming up with ideas for fantasy stories and drawing maps. Then in high school, I expanded my writing to include short stories, and I continued scribbling ideas in several notebooks. It wasn’t until I went to college that I first discovered nonfiction essay writing. I enjoyed taking seemingly unrelated and inconsequential events and turning them into an interesting and humorous story.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I was in graduate school in Thailand, sitting through a boring lecture, so I began pondering my life growing up biracial. Then I had the idea to write a memoir about my experiences. However, I just wanted to procrastinate working on my thesis.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
My desire is that people who read my book will have a better understanding of other people’s experiences and sympathize with them. And for those who have gone through similar experiences can empathize, and we can connect, grow, and heal together. Then hopefully the world will have a little more peace, love, and happiness.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
When I first had the idea to write a memoir, I asked an old high school classmate for tips because he was the only person I knew who was a writer. He gave me a list of books and essays that influenced me so much, such as Educated by Tara Westover and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Sedaris specifically made me want to focus on nonfiction essays, which became the majority of my book.
5) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
My advice for starting authors out there is not to be afraid to tell your story. All of us have stories to share, so write them down for the world to read. Also, find joy in each part of the writing journey. It is long and difficult, but it is also rewarding and thrilling.
6) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have too many ideas and need to focus on one project at a time! First, I would like to record the audiobook and create a visual novel video game based on my book. Later, I would like to write bilingual children’s books because that is what my son loves to read. Finally, I will write a fantasy book based on Thai mythology. I have notes, maps, and ideas, but one day it will become a book.
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About the Author
Since he was young, Rowland has loved to create stories. Whether that was using stuffed animals to portray the horror of war and class division or writing and drawing maps in a notebook for a fantasy story that was not a rip-off of any other popular series. Rowland’s debut book, ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person, utilizes his love of story-telling to reflect on and analyze his life, race and ethnicity, culture, faith, family, and more.
Rowland Grover was born and raised in Idaho, which, believe it or not, is a real place in the United States. Starting in his late teens, he lived on and off in Thailand, China, and Taiwan for several years. Rowland graduated with a B.A. in International Studies because he had no life plan. Then, he enrolled at Chulalongkorn University to study Southeast Asia Area Studies, but he had to drop out because, quote, “no money.”
He currently lives in Taiwan with his wife, two children, and two cats. Besides unromantic walks on the beach, he enjoys playing video games and studying languages.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Richmond B. Appleton shares his experiences as a refugee and how faith became the foundation of his survival in the book “Finding Peace.”
The Synopsis
Do you know what it feels like to spend a life in a war-torn country and then live in the U.S?
An inspirational journey that examines what it’s like to grow up under surveillance in a war-torn country every one of us has a story to share. Some of these stories can be heartbreaking, some can be uplifting, and some stand out to inspire others. What matters is that we can learn from each journey and use those lessons to make us better people. I have learned valuable lessons from my Refugee journey and Most of them you can apply to your life’s journey at work, your career, and other things that you passionate about. Richmond Appleton is one of the few people who can vouch for an inspirational journey this book will expound on his road to survival and why it motivates everyone to take a giant step to search for a better future.
This book is all about what to do when you want to do something, but you are not able to do it, what can you do? If you want to know the answer then you’re in the right place.
In This Book
• Why I left my home country of Liberia and why fled to a refugee camp in Ghana. • How Faith has been the foundation of my life’s journey. • If there is nothing left for us to go back to. • If there was no hope left for our past. • What do you do when you see no more hope in life?
After reading this book you will learn to listen to your intuition, separate real danger from an imagined one, and recognize the survival signals that your brain gives you.
The Review
The author’s sense of resilience and strength is evident from the earliest chapters of this memoir. The line, “disappointment is a visitor, not a resident,” showcases this extensively, offering immediate insight into the author’s mindset and life experiences that have shaped so much of his life. The author’s writing is vivid and compelling, using an earnestness and honesty that parallels the imagery in their writing style.
The series of events that defined so much of the author’s life before arriving in America, from surviving polio as a child and learning to live life with the impact it had on his body, to the horrors of war tearing apart his country, life as a refugee, and ultimately his quest for knowledge and finding his place in the world, not only speaks to the lifetime of experiences he had, but the strength he gained emotionally and internally in the face of that adversity. The depth of emotional connection the reader makes with the author’s writing stands out as a major draw for fans of nonfiction, especially those who enjoy memoirs with an inspirational twist.
The Verdict
A fast-paced, short yet compelling read, author Richmond B. Appleton’s “Finding Peace” is a must-read book. The connection he makes with readers through his honest experiences and feelings as he found his faith and adapted to his situations will leave a lasting impact on readers by the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Richmond B. Appleton shares the experiences and events that shaped his life and showed him how resilience and hardship can become the foundation of human potential in the book “Insight.”
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The Synopsis
From war-torn streets to the heart of hope — a memoir of resilience, faith, and human possibility.
In Insight: Cultivating the Mindset Beyond Survival, Richmond Appleton shares his extraordinary journey from the chaos of the Liberian civil war to five unforgettable years in a Ghanaian refugee camp, and ultimately to a life of purpose, healing, and leadership.
This inspiring memoir is not just a story of survival, but a powerful testament to the unshakable strength of the human spirit. Through deeply personal reflections and hard-earned wisdom, Appleton reveals how unimaginable hardship became the unlikely foundation for resilience, compassion, and a belief in boundless human potential.
More than a memoir — this is a guide for anyone seeking hope in the face of adversity, and a reminder that even our darkest chapters can hold the seeds of transformation.
Inside this book, you’ll discover:
Firsthand accounts of surviving civil war and displacement
How trauma can be transformed into personal growth and leadership
Lessons in resilience, healing, and overcoming adversity
A message of hope for refugees, immigrants, and anyone navigating hardship
Universal insights on shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance and possibility
Perfect for readers drawn to powerful survival memoirs, immigrant journeys, and motivational stories of triumph against all odds.
If you’ve been inspired by A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah or The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya, Richmond Appleton’s Insight will move you, challenge you, and ultimately leave you with a renewed faith in what’s possible.
This is not only a survival story. It’s a story of becoming — and the wisdom we gain when we dare to live beyond fear.
The Review
What struck me immediately was how personal the book felt, and yet insightful to so many readers at the same time. Most books that use personal events to convey a theme or guiding principle will dedicate separate sections or chapters to explaining how their experiences relate to these lessons. Still, the author seamlessly crafted a heartfelt, gut-wrenching, and emotionally charged memoir that wove these lessons into the fabric of his life, keeping the reader engaged in each chapter while imparting these crucial lessons.
The book also feels incredibly relevant and vital to our current world. While unique to the author’s story and emotionally powerful, the lessons also resonate with the strength of many refugees and displaced people from the numerous war-torn nations around the world, highlighting the struggles they face in what should be a sanctuary from the horrors they fled in their home countries. The other side of the coin was how much the author found moments of light and humanity to hold onto, and through that light, discovered an inner strength and resilience that drove them to rise above the circumstances they found themselves in—a lesson that many people can connect with in their daily lives.
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The Verdict
An honest and engaging memoir with an inspirational theme, author Richmond B. Appleton’s “Insight” is a must-read book. The chilling nature of fleeing their home of Liberia to the relief and acceptance of crossing the Ghanan border and the way they were able to find new purpose and strength despite the hardships they faced will motivate and help challenge readers to see the light in their circumstances, and experience the human spirit in ways they may never have thought of otherwise. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rowland Grover shares a collection of essays and short stories that speak to topics of culture, faith, and identity in the book “ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity.”
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The Synopsis
When Rowland Grover asked his preschool teacher if he could ฉี่ (chi), she looked at him like he wasn’t speaking English. After holding it for too long, he peed his pants and realized he was different from everyone around him.
As a half-Thai/half-white kid raised Mormon in Idaho, shame, guilt, and confusion were normal for Rowland. He didn’t understand why he took off his shoes at his house, but his friends could keep theirs on and drag dog poop all over the floor. When Rowland lived in Thailand, Thai people said he looked farang, but white people called him Mexican. This made him wonder who he was and where he belonged.
ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person is an captivating and hilarious collection of essays and short stories that explores culture, faith, and identity. The stories range from “stinky lunches” to a talking lizard questioning Rowland’s religion. Others are more serious such as when a stranger called the cops because Rowland looked threatening riding an old beach cruiser bike. Tackled with humor and heart, Rowland dives into the depths to find himself and wonders if he’ll come up for air.
The Review
This was an incredibly insightful and engaging story that is so reflective of the American experience in this day and age. Far too often, people in the United States forget just how much of a cultural melting pot the nation has become, especially when cruel actions and judgments dominate the news cycle most of the time. The honesty and relatability in the author’s writing style allowed the personal experiences and lessons the author learned throughout their life to resonate deeply as the reader delved further into this book.
The rich cultural examination presented in the author’s book was the prominent driving force behind these essays and short stories. The everyday experiences the author brought to life, from a childhood of misidentification, differing customs, and a lingering sense of otherness that children often inadvertently foster, to shared faith and much more, showcased both the differences and shared life that families of differing cultures can form, while also bringing an awareness of what makes us all different at the same time.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and with a sense of heart and humor, author Rowland Grover’s “ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity” is a must-read memoir meets nonfiction essay collection. The witty style of writing the author employs and the depth of introspective honesty that the author’s experiences bring to life on the page will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Since he was young, Rowland has loved to create stories. Whether that was using stuffed animals to portray the horror of war and class division or writing and drawing maps in a notebook for a fantasy story that was not a rip-off of any other popular series. Rowland’s debut book, ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person, utilizes his love of story-telling to reflect on and analyze his life, race and ethnicity, culture, faith, family, and more.
Rowland Grover was born and raised in Idaho, which, believe it or not, is a real place in the United States. Starting in his late teens, he lived on and off in Thailand, China, and Taiwan for several years. Rowland graduated with a B.A. in International Studies because he had no life plan. Then, he enrolled at Chulalongkorn University to study Southeast Asia Area Studies, but he had to drop out because, quote, “no money.”
He currently lives in Taiwan with his wife, two children, and two cats. Besides unromantic walks on the beach, he enjoys playing video games and studying languages.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Otis L. Lee Jr. shares the life experiences that defined his career and his life in the book From South Boston to Cambridge.
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The Synopsis
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Travel on a journey of evolution from naiveté as a child in the Jim Crow South, to self-actualization at “the Door of No Return,” on Goree Island, in Senegal, West Africa. Experience some of the travails of the lawyer as solo practitioner, the last of the Lone Rangers, a dying breed. This memoir, written in the nature of a novel, also includes a descriptive genealogical narrative of the Lee Family, one of Charlottesville, Virginia’s notable Black families. The solo practice of law in the big city, as well as in smaller towns, offers numerous learning and teachable moments. Maturing as a lawyer requires time, patience, perseverance and a sound strategy but in the solo practitioner’s case it also entails a unique occupational journey: From the apprentice lawyer to the journeymen lawyer the ritual of passage is the same regardless of race. Here, as in the military in a time of war, race is blurred by the need to learn and the will to survive and grow. Professional success requires relationships with strange bed fellows where many essential lessons are learned. The competence of the black professional is never assumed; it must be proven even to members of his own race. A curious paradox with roots buried deep in the American story. The politics of race starkly impacted the recent history of a major American city, Philadelphia-in the killing of a police officer, the incineration of a neighborhood and the election of that city’s first black mayor. Contrary to what many people may perceive, middle class black families have much in common with middle class white families. They encounter many of the same head winds except the resistance of color in American culture. As a consequence black middle class youth confront deeper issues affecting their journey toward the goal of attaining self-actualization; personal doubts, race acceptance and appreciation, skin color and complexion, obtaining a competitive education, not just an integrated education for the two are not the same; economic gamesmanship to master an unfriendly and demanding economic system, “equal opportunity” test challenging for all races but for the American of African descent all of this occurs in an unaccommodating culture, no less demanding especially the skill of converting income into wealth. From South Boston To Cambridge: The Making Of One Philadelphia Lawyer touches upon all of these themes in a tapestry of stories woven together around the life of one central character but by no means the only colorful character.
The Review
This was the author’s most personal and engaging read yet. The memoir perfectly balances the author’s life experiences with the cultural experiences of both the eras he lived through and the community he established along the way. The level of detail and precision with which the author recounted these experiences was amazing, showcasing the heightened focus and attention to detail that comes naturally as a former attorney.
The numerous challenges the author faced throughout his life and career, and how he conquered those challenges, were inspiring. The emotional depth of the author’s experiences was also felt, as when a colleague at a Philadelphia law firm was held in contempt. The expertise he witnessed at his colleague’s treatment disillusioned the author with the recognition of true justice when his life and the lives of other people of color were not valued as much as others. The impact those experiences and realizations have on the author’s life plays out perfectly on the page.
The Verdict
Remarkable, astounding, and engaging, author Otis L Lee Jr’s “From South Boston to Cambridge” is a must-read nonfiction book and memoir. The honesty and relatability with which the author writes, as well as the plethora of experiences that helped define the author’s journey, will stay with readers as they delve further and further into the book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Otis L. Lee, Jr., a remarkable African-American individual, defied the barriers imposed by segregation and Jim Crow laws to achieve remarkable personal and professional accomplishments. Mr. Lee made significant contributions as a co-author in a 1980 project by the Howard University School of Business, which involved revising and editing the U.S. Department of Commerce manual titled “Local Economic Development Corporation, Legal and Financial Guidelines.”
He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Bar Associations. He also contributed his expertise to several universities in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Otis’s distinguished professional journey included significant roles, such as serving as a Trust New Business Solicitor at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois, as well as consulting the Mid-Atlantic Region Advanced Underwriting for the New York Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Lee was the Associate Director of the Center For Small Business and served as a Panel Executive for the Panel on Product Liability for the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
A retired attorney, he has now transitioned into an author who uses his powerful insights and experiences to inspire others. Through his writings, captivating video shorts, and engaging speaking engagements, Otis Lee, Jr. enlightens audiences with his unique perspective on resilience and triumph over adversity.
Lee’s 2013 debut memoir, “From South Boston to Cambridge: the Making of One Philadelphia Lawyer”, intricately weaves together a captivating narrative that chronicles his relentless pursuit of success, overcoming one obstacle after another. Within its pages, readers traverse alongside Lee, sharing in his profound emotions and experiences.
Published in 2019’s “The Last Train From Djibouti”, the story begins from an unassuming, yet metaphorical, location: a train voyage originating in Charlottesville, Virginia, bound for New York City’s Penn Station. For Otis, this journey recalls another train’s journey from distant times in a location many miles from home. Drawing inspiration from the accounts of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F. Karuhije, “The Last Train From Djibouti” brings us alongside these two women on a transformative odyssey, each embarking independently to the Motherland, spurred by a resolute desire to connect with Africa and self discovery. By artfully expositing passages from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s recounting, Otis portrays a microcosm of the African-American struggle to unearth roots within a culture that underwent upheaval, crossed oceans and emerged anew.
Coming in 2024, Otis Lee’s latest title “Black Spartacus, I Was Born in the Forest: A Traveler’s Guide to Quilombo, Maroon Societies in Brazil” embodies the struggle for liberty by Africans who were transported to the Americas aboard slave ships, hailing from regions like Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A powerful and moving story of the impact toxic masculinity has on those growing up and the way it drives others to become what they fought so hard not to drive author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters”
The Synopsis
This is a story about a boy who wanted to be kind and loving but was raised by wolves and monsters who taught him to choose violence and aggression. As the boy grew to be a man, he wanted to be a protector of women but ended up being what girls and women needed protection from. He lied, cheated, and scammed his way through life until he couldn’t.
This memoir is his moving account of discovering healthy masculinity from the inside out. His journey has been sensational at times and unbelievable at others, but for many readers, it has been absolutely inspiring. Will the hungry wolves outlast the desire to be loving and beautiful? Can men truly change?
There is hope in witnessing the depth and commitment of a person willing to try to be better without knowing exactly how. This memoir captures one man’s struggle to transcend his past and imagine an entirely new future for himself premised on compassion, care, and advocacy.
We do not have to be what they did to us, but it’s our responsibility to do something about it.
The Review
The author’s story’s raw honesty and emotional impact were refreshing and memorable. The way the author can honestly depict and write out the painful experiences of his childhood, as well as the actions he himself took to continuously perpetuate this harmful lifestyle and the transformative experience of bettering himself, made this such a phenomenal memoir. The imagery found in his writing style and the importance of his ability to hone in on the conversational aspect of his writing, allowing readers to feel as if they have been having a true heart-to-heart with the author, made this an engaging read.
The true heart of this story is both the author’s transformative journey and the theme of toxic masculinity, and the impact toxicity can have on child development as a whole. The heartbreak of the author’s experiences in childhood, primarily his father’s actions, and the role addiction and toxicity played in his life were so poignant. The author never shies away rom the challenging moments, from his lying and cheating to his hospitalization in a mental hospital and the reformative path he found afterward in healing energy and Reiki as a whole.
The Verdict
A remarkable testament to the power of forgiveness and transformation as one man shares his journey to overcome the toxic traits that defined his early life, author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters” is a must-read nonfiction memoir. The way the author can creatively paint an image of each and every experience he shares and can find a way of bridging the gap between the lessons he grew up with and the path to better-helping others, especially women, after the way he acted in his youth, made this a stunning message of hope and the path of change that hope can provide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
MICHAEL SWERDLOFF is an Ordained Minister of Natural Healing from The Seminary Training Program and a Reiki Master. His work is Brief Holistic Counseling/Coaching. Michael has received training from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Gottman Institute, and other revered teachers and healers. He has been a counselor, coach, social worker, community organizer, educator, writer, and DJ for more than twenty-five years. Along with his private practice, Michael is the Program Manager at Dance New England, a volunteer-centered non-profit that hosts dance events that cultivate a vibrant multi-generational community. Michael facilitates retreats in New England and globally. He lives by the water in Rhode Island, which is not an island.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author B. Johny shares the transformative journey he undertook during his 8-week trip across India in the book “The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of LIfe”.
The Synopsis
The Candid Odyssey is a captivating travel memoir and philosophical journey into self-discovery. Join the author on a transformative eight-week solo trip across India, where he explores diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures while delving into life’s deeper questions about happiness, purpose, and meaning. This unique blend of travel, philosophy, and self-help offers readers a special invitation to journey through both the outer world and the inner self.
Over the course of this adventure, the author traverses more than 50 cities and locations, capturing the essence of India through its tranquil landscapes, historic sites, bustling urban centers, majestic mountains, and more. Memorable and unexpected experiences—including chance encounters at festivals, challenging situations, and being stranded in deserts and foggy hills—add depth and richness to the narrative. With a conversational tone that fosters a personal connection, each chapter is filled with engaging, relatable, and authentic reflections on life.
Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a philosophy lover, or someone seeking personal growth, The Candid Odyssey encourages you to reflect on your own perspectives and experiences. This memoir is more than a travel record; it’s an authentic journey of self-discovery that inspires readers to explore their own paths and pursue a life of meaning.
The Review
Immediately, I found myself enthralled with this book. The author did an excellent job of finding the perfect balance between the travel narrative and the journey’s more personal, philosophical, and insightful aspects. The honesty and depth of detail the author conveyed in such a short read were terrific to see come to life.
The author’s narrative choice was the biggest thing that set the book apart from other travel or philosophy books. Thanks to a journal-writing style, the author allowed the reader to experience the journey as he did. The approach to each location was unique, too, for the author could hone in on the spiritual and philosophical side of things rather than the surface touristy stuff that so many others see every day.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, insightful, and meaningful author B. Johny’s “The Candid Odyssey” is a must-read travel-meets-philosophy book. The author’s trials, from a night spent in a train compartment to the near assault he faced and more, as well as the profound lessons on happiness found in accidental moments and the value of authenticity in life as a whole, made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
. B. Johny, born Bibin Johny in Vaikom, Kerala, India, is a writer, philosopher, traveler, musician, and technologist whose diverse experiences shape his work. His debut book, The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of Life, is a reflection of his philosophical insights and travel experiences. Johny holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Master’s in Philosophy, and works as a Senior Product Manager. Through his writing and music, Johny encourages others to lead a better life for a better world. Discover more at bjohny. com.
