Tag: non-fiction

The Lessons of History – Observed: Change Your Context – Change Your Life by Jim Giombetti Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Jim Giombetti takes readers through the moments throughout history that leaders and thought-driven individuals can learn from and apply to our modern problems in his book, “The Lessons of History – Observed: Change Your Context – Change Your Life”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

How well do you understand the rise and decline of nations?

Do you understand the realities of the millennial generation as we know it?

What is the sociology behind why nations fail?

What events influenced the survival of the human condition?

How should political leaders be assessed?

The eye of the world is in pages of history and, without knowledge of the past, it becomes difficult to understand the current global chaos. Author Jim Giombetti explores the nooks and crannies of historical politics in ‘Lessons of History – Observed, Change Your Context – Change Your Life.’

Have we uncovered reality if we are still in the shadows of evolution? What do we know about life without history? Beyond the essentialism of history, the ultimate purpose of ‘Lessons of History – Observed, Change Your Context – Change Your Life‘ is to help the reader realize the truth of problem-solving. This book promises to take you on a journey to cut out barriers in getting things done and understanding international relations.

As a thought leader with in-depth knowledge of history, the writer creates well-defined concepts in chapters offering guidance into navigating global chaos. With every paragraph and every last word in this book, he explains that everything is an argument in the human condition. And by exploring knowledge in history, you can get to the very core of designing your life -and the world at large.

Learn about the world’s present state through the lenses of history and practical truths in ‘Lessons of History – Observed, Change Your Context – Change Your Life‘ by Jim Giombetti. Knowledge gives power to those who seek it, and with this book, you can gain the information to save your world.

Uncover the golden secrets of history to solve global problems and navigate international relations in author Jim Giombetti’s newest book!

The Review

This was such a fascinating read. The author did a great job of striking a balance between the history and lessons that those historical moments and the more personal and intimate moments from the author’s life. What is so great about this balance is that the history and lessons showcase the context of the book itself and the research that went into developing this read, while the more personal moments the author puts in the showcase the impact these lessons have had on his own experiences and shows the expertise that developed as a result.

The fast pace of the book and the inspirational tone that the author strikes were great motivators when delving into this read. The world we live in now can be quite morose and painful to observe, filled with racism, sexism, gun violence, and so much more. The authors can relate to some of these issues like climate control and racism and use history as a springboard to look at how learning from the past was truly moving. Learning early on about the difference between stoicism and epicureanism was fascinating to see as well, and definitely allowed me to open my mind up to new ways to observe history as a whole.

The Verdict

Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. At least according to Philosopher George Santayana, that is the case, and author James Giombetti’s “The Lessons of History – Observed” is a brilliant, engaging, and thought-provoking journey into this lesson. The history buff in me was so interested in this subject matter, and the use of both ancient history and more modern history was great to see play out in this self-help motivational read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

James Giombetti, Author of The Lessons of History – ObservedJames Giombetti, known to his friends as Jim or Babe, was raised in the hills of beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania in the small town of Jessup. As an international business executive, Jim developed an insatiable desire to understand complex systems with a passion and vision for resolving global supply-chain issues. His unique skills typically apply new ideas and approaches to complex problems using simplicity in design. In The Lessons of History – Observed, Jim explores historical events and how these seemingly unrelated historical events are the root cause of today’s unresolved complex problems. He uses Will and Ariel Durant’s seminal work, The Lessons of History, as a framework to share his observations. Jim considers his wife Barbara and family to be most important to him. If he isn’t spending time with Barb or their family, you can bet he is with Beane, his loyal companion: a dead grass Chesapeake Bay retriever. The Lessons of History – Observed is Jim’s first book. Keep in touch with Jim via the web: 

Website: https://jimgiombetti.com/

Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor by Karen Moe Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Trigger Warning: This book contains real-life mentions and memories of abuse and sexual assault. Anyone who is triggered by this type of nonfiction memoir is hereby advised to proceed with caution when reading this book. 

Author Karen Moe takes readers on an emotional, painful, and heartbreaking journey of surviving a horrendous crime and using her experience to help others see how the patriarchal hierarchy that has ruled this world for centuries has led to a societal imbalance that fuels these types of crimes in the book “Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Imagine being a carefree, independent young woman enjoying life. Your bold, adventurous spirit pulls you to travel to distant locales. Then out of nowhere, you’re abducted, assaulted, and raped. That is the terror-filled experience that Karen Moe survived almost thirty years ago.

But this is not a crime story. This is not even just a survivor’s tale. Instead, this is a manifesto. In dialogue with other feminists and through case studies from around the world, Moe uses her trauma to shine a light on how not only violence against women, but all exploitation, is a natural result of patriarchal hierarchy. Yes, this is Moe’s story of triumph over violence, but it is also a call-to-action for both men and women.

The ultimate goal of Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor is to provide tools for resistance against a culture of exploitation. “In the end, what I have suffered and survived has given me a gift… Now, resistance, fighting for justice, is what I live for. My life is far bigger than myself.”

The Review

This was powerful, moving, and chilling yet important read. The author’s voice and unique writing style cut through the horror and shock of her experiences to bring to light the themes and messages that the author’s journey taught her, and in turn, teach us all. The honest way in which the author writes these experiences down is hard to read and yet speaks to the strength and courage the author has in the face of such trauma. The author’s ability to connect her story to her own personal family life as well, especially her relationship with her father and the impact it had on them, was truly inspired and helped bridge the emotional connection of her story with the broader study of the patriarchal hierarchy. 

The way the author utilizes her experiences to help readers understand the broader theme of how the patriarchy has impacted how society as whole views certain events or actions is both brilliantly done and yet sobering in its reality. The lengths people will go to in order to paint a victim of this type of assault as anything but a victim are shocking and disturbing, and the public ability to believe these falsehoods over logic and morality that should exist is a symptom of a far greater lie woven into the fabric of our society. The author’s use of history and crimes throughout history illustrate these points, from the disappearances of 43 Mexico students that was swept away as statistics in the drug cartel violence of the nation to the horrifying reality of high school boys rooting each other on as they *TW* gang rape a woman, showcase how fractured and haunted our world has become.

The Verdict

Moving, heartbreaking, yet empowering in its delivery, author Karen Moe’s “Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and feminist theory read. One of 2022’s contenders for must-read nonfiction books, the author not only did an exemplary job of rooting out the causes of this patriarchal society but did so with a unique voice that spoke of the strength and courage the author held in bringing her story to light. While the subject matter of her own life was tragic, her strength and ability to turn her trauma into empowerment gives hope to many for the future and helps shape the blueprints to help build a better society that values compassion, equality, and justice. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Karen Moe is an art critic, visual and performance artist, author and feminist activist. Her work focuses on systemic violence in patriarchy: be it gender, race, the environment or speciesism. Her art criticism has been published internationally in magazines, anthologies and artist catalogues in English and Spanish and she has exhibited and performed across Canada, in the US and in Mexico. Karen is the recipient of the “Ellie Liston Hero of the Year Award” 2022 for being instrumental in putting the serial rapist, who raped and brutalized herself and countless other women, away for life in 1996. She lives in Mexico City and British Columbia, Canada. Published by Vigilance Press on April 2nd, 2022, Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor is her debut book.

Karen has just returned from her US Trauma & Triumph Tour for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, will be having a variety of events throughout the summer, and will be embarking upon her Cross-Canada Tour in September 2022.

Home

https://www.vigilancemagazine.com/vigilance-press

Savoring the Camino de Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike by Julie Gianelloni Connor Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

Author Julie Gianelloni Connor takes readers along her personal journey along an ancient pilgrimage and the road to discovery it brought her in the book “Savoring the Camino de Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

“Savoring the Camino de Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike” is the first book by author Julie Gianelloni Connor. The book focus on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage trail that began around 820 AD. A resurrection of interest in the Camino since the 1970s has meant that more than 300,000 individuals are nowadays undertaking the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela each year. The author made the pilgrimage in 2016 via the French route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a journey of some 500 miles. Her book incorporates a blog and travel journal she kept during that pilgrimage. The book is also a memoir, with Ms. Connor explaining how and why she decided to make the pilgrimage.

Savoring the Camino is also a practical guide to the Camino for those interested in it. While the prevailing culture of the Camino is to walk the route, Ms. Connor believes that walking is not the only way to undertake the Camino. Taking buses, taxis, or even driving are also valid ways to experience the Camino, in her opinion. She advocates for pilgrims to slow down and savor the pilgrimage by stopping in churches, cathedrals, museums, and interesting towns and cities along the route. Not everyone experiences spiritual or personal growth through the act of walking; Ms. Connor urges pilgrims to take the trip in the manner that will most connect them with their spiritual, religious, and transcendent well springs.

After completing the pilgrimage, the author journeyed on to Madrid and Toledo, and there are chapters in the book covering those visits. Ms. Connor also recounts activities following the journey related to the Camino, such as writing an open letter to relevant governmental authorities in Spain and hosting a thank-you dinner in Houston for those who helped her plan and organize her pilgrimage.

The book also includes a useful chapter on resources as well as an index.

The Review

The heart and honesty with which the author writes was an immediate stand out to me as a reader. The reader quickly discovers that the author’s motivations for the journey this book is centered around are both painful and heartbreaking, and yet the author’s strength and courage to overcome the defining moments of her life were inspiring as she undertook this pilgrimage. The book as a whole felt like a great mixture of a history lecture meets a travel guide meets an honest and open conversation with the author herself.

The balance the author struck between the Travel, Memoir, and historical genres of nonfiction books was amazing to behold. The author’s ability to bring the emotional component of her own journey in one sentence and then effortlessly shift into the history of Camino de Santiago and the significance of the trail is spot on and does an incredible job of tapping into the imagery that illuminates this author’s writing style. 

The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring, author Julie Gianelloni Connor’s “Savoring the Camino de Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike” is a must-read nonfiction book. The history and culture that the author brings to the journey and the emotional impact of the author’s personal journey perfectly mirror one another and keep readers invested in the author’s story perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Julie Gianelloni Connor’s book, Savoring the Camino de Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike, won a silver medal in the 2020 national eLit competition, was a finalist in the annual Self-Publishing Review competition, earned a gold star for its cover, and topped its category in the annual awards given by the Texas Authors Institute of History. Her book also garnered No. 1 status on Amazon in two categories: new books on hiking and walking and new books on Spain and Portugal. It is both a memoir and a guide to traveling the Camino through Spain. Julie’s author website is JulieConnorAuthor.com. Julie also writes a blog (CaminoForBoomers.com) focusing on the Camino de Santiago; the blog complements her book. 

She is the owner and editor of Bayou City Press in Houston, Texas, which specializes in travel writing, Houston, and international affairs. The Bayou City Press website (BayouCityPress.com)carries columns on travel and on Houston. 

Julie founded Bayou City Press after spending 33 years as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service, first with the U.S. Information Agency and later with the U.S. Department of State. She had nine overseas assignments in seven different countries: Israel (twice),Paraguay, Guatemala, Indonesia, Colombia (twice), Malaysia, and Chile. In Washington, DC, Julie worked on a variety of areas, ranging from nuclear non-proliferation to international women’s issues. 

Julie received a B.A. from Rice University (English and History), an M.A. from the University of Houston(Creative Writing), and an M.S. from the National War College (National Security Strategy). She also studied journalism at LSU. 

Before joining the Foreign Service, Julie worked overseas in Portugal, Spain, and England, teaching English as a second language. 

She has one son, James, and two cats, Halloween and Mimi.

Home
https://twitter.com/JulConnorAuth

Bad Deal For America by David D. Schein Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author David D. Schein shows readers how members of Congress are currently utilizing taxpayers’ dollars in the book “Bad Deal for America”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Bad Deal for America explores the high-stakes game U. S. politicians are playing with the taxpayers’ money. The major players, themselves like a deck of cards, have shown us in their own words that the political system is broken. Readers can follow the money to see how some have lived high on the hog while masquerading as public servants. Told in an entertaining and unique way, this book is a call to arms to fulfill the ideals of the founding fathers by holding the political class responsible.

The Review

The author did a great job of delving deep into the murky waters of the American political system. Namely the members of congress, this book did a great job of maintaining a neutral point of view as far as party lines are concerned, showing the corruption and greed that exists on both sides of the aisle.

The thing that stood out to me as a reader was the balance of research and study that went into the campaign finance system and the money earned and spent by the political machine, and the quotes and viewpoints of various politicians mentioned throughout this book. The author was able to present clear and concise facts about these politicians without getting bogged down in specific political preferences and presented clear and well-researched arguments based on the words and actions of the individual politicians mentioned in this book. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and captivating, author Dr. David D. Schein’s “Bad Dead for America” is a must-read political book of 2022. The evenly paced tempo of the book and the amount of research that could be found on each page of this book made it a thought-provoking read that will open up reader’s minds to the facts surrounding each politician’s promises, lies, and financial gains through their work in Washington, as well as its impact on the average American citizen. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Dr. David D. Schein is an author, professor, consultant and public speaker. He is a tenured Professor, the Director of Graduate Programs and the Endowed Chair of Management and Marketing at the University of St. Thomas’ Cameron School of Business. He is also the President and General Counsel of Claremont Management Group, a Human Resources consulting firm in Houston, TX. He often speaks on employment and consumer matters.

Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Wealth with Real Estate by Jason M. Kogok Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author and real estate expert Jason M. Kogok takes readers on a journey into the heart of the real estate business, helping newcomers and experts alike to know the ins and outs of the industry and how to properly manage their investments in the book “Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Wealth with Real Estate”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Intended to be the go-to real estate textbook for novice and beginner investors, this quick-start guide teaches the ABCs of building wealth and financial freedom with real estate investing, while offering practical explanations, tips and real world examples that you won’t find elsewhere. Beyond simply providing a top-level guide of creating wealth and passive cash flow, this step-by-step playbook offers an in-depth look at every aspect of the investment process.

‘Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel’ is the antidote to the drudgery of saving for 40 years only to wonder if those savings will last through retirement. The author, Jason Kogok, breaks down complex topics that may seem daunting to the beginner investor, from principle/interest payment strategies, to financing options, to effectively selecting the best investment properties in various markets. He answers common questions with practical guidance, like how to build a network when you’re just starting out, accurately forecast cash flow, leverage properties you already own to maximize future earning potential, and much more. He also delves into the less commonly discussed challenges specific to investing in rental properties, like effective property management techniques, red flags and must-haves of leases, and qualifying and managing your tenants in a way that creates efficiencies, reduces vacancy and increases cash flow.

Dripping with real world examples, this book demystifies ubiquitous investor “rules” and addresses common concerns like understanding market analysis, BRRRR strategy, real estate vocabulary terms and financing options and investing calculations. The text examines all styles of residential real estate investing, including single family and attached homes, and includes detailed explanations of . There is also quite a bit of explanation for various investment strategies, leverage, profit measurements and creative ideas that can teach you the way of the pros. The author also includes those often overlooked, but critical, often missed topics such as taxes, capital gains, depreciation, depreciation recapture and 1031 exchanges. The book discusses property management, leases, how to qualify and manage tenants in a way that creates efficiencies, reduces vacancy and increases cash flow. After finishing, readers should feel very comfortable on starting their own path to financial freedom, creating wealth with real estate investing and early retirement.

  • This is a real estate finance textbook for beginner to intermediate level investors.
  • One of the most comprehensive real estate books in 2022.
  • A real estate quick study guide for all.
  • Understand basics of real estate wealth hacking.
  • The perfect key for mastering your real estate career.
  • Create passive income from real estate wealth system.
  • Setting short & long term realistic real estate investment financial goals
  • Examining real estate properties for their investment viability
  • Running true complete cash flows with an easy to use formula for real estate rental properties
  • Portfolio analysis in its entirety and per asset
  • Examining depreciation, recapture & real estate taxes
  • Methods to reduce cash needed to invest
  • Leverage strategies
  • Real estate exit strategies
  • Examine supply & demand, inflation and interest rate
  • Financial terms, ratios and calculations such as Net Operating Income, Debt to Income ratios & Cap rates
  • Managing your tenants and creating efficiencies
  • Time management to create portfolios that run with limited time involved

A dense toolkit in an easy to read package that prepares you to immediately start building a portfolio of passive income with limitless potential.

The Review

This was a truly thoughtful and dynamic introduction to the world of real estate investment. The detailed and invigorating way the author speaks about the business and wealth side of real estate is so fascinating to read, as it gives a unique perspective that is not discussed often in a public forum. The author did a great job of covering a wide range of topics within this field, from the different ways in which to manage one’s investments to the types of properties to invest in and so much more.

What drew me into this book immediately was the author’s honesty and candor. The author’s own words make it clear that he is not a writer with a working knowledge of real estate, but instead a real estate expert who took a stab at writing to help others understand the field better. This honest approach to the writing style made the book come alive in the reader’s hands and felt like having an honest and open discussion with the author himself as the book carried on. Their experience as a teacher was felt as well, often coming through in the tone of the book as the lessons in real estate came to life on the page. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enlightening, and passionate, author Jason M. Kogok’s “Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Wealth with Real Estate” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and real estate in particular. The precision and detail in which the author went into the business of real estate investment, and the author’s ability to transform these lessons in a way that the average reader and newcomer to the business could understand made the book an instant hit in my book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Jason started his real estate career over two decades ago as a real estate sales broker and since then has grown his real estate team to the top ranks in North Carolina. He also manages his own real estate portfolio and has had tremendous success with building his rental portfolio, along with ‘fix and flip’ properties along the way.

In addition to real estate, Jason has a passion for teaching, so he combined his extensive real estate and investing knowledge to pursue another chapter in his career. Jason teaches and coaches real estate brokers, novice & intermediate investors, as well as works alongside large individual investors to help scale their portfolios.

Jason lives with his family in Raleigh, NC.

https://www.investorswealtheducation.com/

Building Resilience and Finding Meaning by June Rousso, Ph.D. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author June Rousso, Ph.D. takes readers on an inward journey to discover the tools that we both have within us and develop over time as we face life’s challenges and how we can use those experiences to find meaning in life in the book “Building Resilience and Finding Meaning”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Building Resilience and Finding Meaning in Life: A Guide for Teens is an interactive book meant to engage readers in learning how to face adversities in life and to find meaning in these experiences.  It gives the message that we have a treasure chest of inner resources that can be called upon in the face of adversity. These resources must be discovered and, in some instances developed to build resilience and find what holds personal meaning.  

The guide also can be read by counselors and educators to help teens cope and live a more meaningful life. The guide was inspired by the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl, noted author of Man’s Search for Meaning, and by the research findings on character strengths presented by the VIA Institute on Character.    

The Review

This was an incredibly well-written and captivating read. It is rare that I am able to get the opportunity to read YA-driven nonfiction books, and the author did a fabulous job of writing in a way that the book’s intended audience would have no trouble understanding the research and development that the author speaks of, while also providing emotional narrative elements to keep the reader invested in what that research delves into. 

The thing that stood out to me immediately was the author’s study of the works of Dr. Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi Concentration Camps, who helped to develop logotherapy and the three tenants that it is comprised of. The passion and zeal for life both the author and Dr. Frankl share were amazing to see come to life on the pages of this book, and the lessons that come from this line of the study were great to see. From the examination of freedom of choice growing up and the fine line between following a parent’s rules and accepting total compliance throughout one’s life, to how the perceptions we hold about ourselves and others reside within our spirits, this book does an excellent job of showcasing both the detailed study of Dr. Frankl’s work and the author’s ability to reach a younger audience in an impactful and meaningful way.

The Verdict

Captivating, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Dr. June Rousso’s “Building Resilience and Finding Meaning” is a must-read book for 2022! The fast pace of the book and the thoughtful approach to life’s challenges and the lessons teens can learn from these hardships, as well as the history and study of Dr. Frankl’s work, made this such a memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Dr. June Rousso is a licensed psychologist, life coach, and writer. She is a Clinician Diplomate in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis and maintains a private practice in New York City working with children and adults.  Dr. Rousso is on the advisory board to Child Resilient, a student-led nonprofit organization focusing on fostering emotional resilience and mental health wellness in children and adolescence thorough education, outreach, and awareness. She also is the author of The Little Book of Character Strengths that focuses on helping children become aware of their character strengths to feel better about themselves and learn to face difficult situations in their daily life. 

http://junerousso.com

Life Skills 101: All You Need, But Won’t Learn in School by Ivi Green Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

The collective team of Ivi Green takes readers on a journey to explore the highs and lows of teenage life, giving a comprehensive study of the expectations and lessons we can learn from those coveted years in the book, “Life Skills 101: All You Need, But Won’t Learn in School”. 

The Synopsis

The Most Valuable Life Lessons For Teens Told Through an Infographic, Essential Social Skills and Mindfulness for Developing Personalities.

Growing up is a painful process for everyone involved. Teens want freedom, while parents want their kids to be responsible. Teens struggle with heartbreak, friendship troubles, self-esteem issues, and overwhelming expectations. Parents worry about the choices their kids might make but can’t get through to them… and nobody knows what the #@!% they’re doing. It just so happens that we’ve got a manual for that.

It’s a colorful, practical, and engaging 100-page guide to every soft skill your kid needs to be happy. And you won’t have to rack your brain trying to get them to read it! While applying the scientifically proven method of visual learning, Life Skills 101 teaches important life lessons in a way that is accessible and easy to digest. Whether 10 or 18, your kid won’t be able to put it down (and neither will you).

✔ACCESSIBLE TO A WIDE RANGE OF AGES: although it is primarily targeted towards teens 12-16, the skills this book teaches are not age-specific; it’s never too late or too early to learn and work toward growing into the person you strive to be

✔SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN WAY TO LEARN: our infographics use attention-grabbing, and relevant illustrations to help your teen learn and retain valuable lessons long-term. Keep their attention with the most visual of all books for teen girls and boys

✔FOR TEENS, BY A TEEN: this is a unique book that has been written by a mom for her teen girl who then translated it into English. It won’t talk down to its readers; it’s a much-needed, fresh teen take on the self-help genre

The Review

This was such a comprehensive and detailed read. The collective creators and people who go by the name Ivi Green do a wonderful job of creating an easy-to-read guide and found the perfect balance between written content and bright and colorful imagery to help illustrate the points the passages are making. The amazing content allowed for readers to have some sort of information and guide to not only their teenage years but their adult years as well. 

I loved the wide variety of topics the collective group of creators brought to this book. From everyday topics like calculating taxes to more profound and meaningful topics like who we are as individuals and emotional intelligence, the book did an incredible job of providing a thorough and thoughtful collection of information to allow teenagers to understand the often confusing and difficult years of their teenage years. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and interactive, the collective of Ivi Green’s “Life Skill 101: Everything You Need, But Won’t Learn in School” is a must-read book. The way the writers and creators were able to include both fact-based graphs and information with more personal and emotional-based writing allowed for a much more well-rounded read, and the book also makes for a great reference read in case teenagers need to go back and study up on issues facing them in certain moments of their lives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Ivi Green is the curious bird peeking out at you from our logo. Her cheerful, curious, creative temperament helps her to navigate life with love and wonder. Ivi Green is also the alias for our big team of passionate parents, dedicated kids, and creative professionals who participate in the project with the same Ivi spirit.

It all started from a never-ending stream of questions that Sofiya, now 16, brought to her mom, Maria.

https://ivigreen.com/

The Evil I Own: My Son’s Prisoner by K.S. Penn Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author K.S. Penn shares her harrowing story of breaking free from a cycle of violence and abuse and sheds a light on the rarely discussed cases of a child against parent abuse in her book, “The Evil I Own: My Son’s Prisoner”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

A schoolgirl’s crush turns into a nightmare. Her fairy tale will not be coming true, and breaking free won’t be enough to stop the cycle of abuse.

The Evil I Own is a harrowing and brave story about family abuse. Partner abuse. Child abuse. Child-to-parent abuse.

This memoir recounts the painful and courageous story of Ellie, whose journey entails finding her way out of a life of violence and abuse. It will introduce a taboo-subject: Child-to-parent abuse, also known as child-to parent violence. It is one of the most under-reported and under-researched subsets of family violence. It is often ignored or misidentified. The effects of experiencing abuse from one’s child can be profound. Ongoing parent abuse has been found to impact on a parent’s and other family members’ physical and psychological health, with specific negative emotions such as fear, shame, humiliation, guilt and despair, and so they rarely seek help. There is stigma and disgrace around the concept that a child might choose to hurt a parent, and parents often attempt to ignore, placate, or surrender to these behaviours. It may include verbal abuse and name-calling, property damage (such as punching holes in the walls), financial abuse and the ultimate- physical abuse. Tragically, in some cases, even sexual abuse. Child-to-parent violence has been found to occur more commonly when the offending child has experienced violence perpetrated by a parent.

Ellie’s story will resonate with those who have lived with violence and educate others who may not understand how difficult it can be to leave an abusive situation. Sometimes life’s challenges and struggles can make you a stronger person. Perhaps Ellie was meant to survive and share her story. Perhaps in sharing, people see their own lives and stories more clearly.

Clearly written with insightful awareness and interspersed with messages of resolve and hope.

Recommended for readers 18+ due to scenes of graphic violence and sensitive issues.

The Review

This was such a heartbreaking yet engaging story. The author’s raw emotions and painstakingly vivid accounts of the years of mental, verbal, and physical abuse she suffered both at the hands of her husband and her child made this tale so tragic, and yet the author’s strength and courage in sharing her story help showcase the importance of speaking up against the cycle of violence so many people find themselves in throughout their lives. 

The vivid details of the years the author experienced this tragedy did an important job of highlighting the patterns and signs that exist within these types of relationships. The balance the author struck with memoir-style storytelling and the harrowing accounts of abuse and the signs and symptoms associated with it made this story feel both well-rounded and vital to read. The thing people rarely ever look at when studying the life of a violent person is how their parents were affected, and how parents can be targets of abuse just as children or spouses can. The exploration of such a difficult subject was handled with honesty and courage on the author’s part, and this was reflected in the author’s superb writing.

The Verdict

Emotional, painful, yet vitally important, author K.S. Penn’s “The Evil I Own: My Son’s Prisoner” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction read. The heartfelt way the author wrote and the thought-provoking content of the author’s personal story is filled with tragedy, heartbreak, and shocking twists and turns that leave the final chapters with a shocking and gripping conclusion. The impact of abuse on both children and spouses is explored heavily throughout half of the book, and the impact is felt when the child becomes the abuser later on in the story, and the author’s fight to overcome both is one many readers can either identify with or root for, and we are grateful to see the author’s strength in every chapter of this book. if you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto by Jo M. Sekimonyo Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Jo M. Sekimonyo takes readers on a journey to explore a way of leaving behind the inequalities of capitalism through a new system meant for the 21st century, Ethosism, in the book “Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto by Jo M. Sekimonyo”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In the global environment of trade and commerce, humankind appears to have given up its natural journey of progression to improve the social order and universally accepted capitalism. But, whilst the richest continue to accumulate vast amounts of wealth, inequality grows and the poorest still live in extreme poverty. This passionate, academic study will go on to present that socialism is just another means of enslaving society under the capitalist model. So, is there a new social, political, and economic arrangement that fits the twenty-first century reality? Ethosism looks at the fact that in the twenty-first century more people than ever before have the means to acquire and own their means of engagement, participation, or involvement in an enterprise. As the result, capitalism, socialism, and communism have lost their raison d’etres.

By examining the foremost upheavals of the twenty-first century, wealth inequality and climate change, plus social class conflicts resulting from the paradigm shift, my conviction is that we are in dire need of a morales nuvem consensus which will herald new social, commerce, intermerce, and political covenants that will enable us to successfully traverse the twenty-first century and beyond.

The Review

This was such an incredibly moving and thought-provoking read. Immediately what stood out to me from the author’s writing was how one of the first lessons taught is how far too little morality is brought into the conversation regarding the economy and wealth as a whole. The capitalist nature that puts the self above all else and leaves behind those who fight to survive and can’t make any headway is something that has weighed on me for a long time, and reading the author’s words was powerful and fantastic to behold.

The exploration of not only why systems like capitalism and socialism don’t work in our modern age and are only hurting our current system, but the author’s ability to thoughtfully and honestly present a new approach to wealth and class systems as a whole through Ethosism was amazing to read. I was immediately struck by the balance of philosophy the author brought into the discussion of politics and economics throughout the book, and the writing style itself was so remarkable, as it moved smoothly from an almost poetic-like writing style to engaging non-fiction reading at its best.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, educational, and moving, author Jo M. Sekimonyo’s “Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto” is a must-read book on how to shape our society to fit the time that we are living in. The need for change has never been greater, and the only way a society can grow and prosper is by moving forward, not looking back to systems that no longer function. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Jo M. Sekimonyo is a theorist, human rights activist, political economist, and social philosopher. He is a Congolese born, American fermented and globally bottled Merchant of Ideas. He has been a strong critic of mainstream economists stating that, “these clown shows chip away the substance of economic disparity dialogues”.

On the Labor Theory of Value, Sekimonyo argues that in the twenty-first century, instead of the average number of labor hours, the quality of the means nested in an enterprise to produce a commodity or provide a service establishes relative prices.

In this context, labor is no longer viewed as a cost but one of the profiteers, as it ought to be. The working class is no longer a cost but one of the profiteers, as it should be.

Much of his writing has been concerned with “economic injustice, poverty, and egalitarianism”.

His work has been translated into over ten languages.

Sekimonyo argues that the ability of individuals to understand the world and creatively respond to challenges that confront humanity is key to alleviate poverty. He facilitates several workshops and seminars every year throughout the developing world geared towards stimulating debates around global social issues and mainstream economic theories.

He is the founder of “En Charge”, an independent, non-partisan organization that promotes the participation of young people in social, political and economic dialogues at the national and global levels.

His more recent work deals with an alternative to capitalism; ethosism.

https://www.sekimonyo.com/

https://twitter.com/JSekimonyo