Tag: non fiction

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

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

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The Synopsis

Are you using AI or is AI using you?

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

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

You will learn how to:

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

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

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

The Review

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

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

The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

When the World Hurts by Liz Moyer Benferhat 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 Liz Moyer Benferhat shares the message of finding hope in desolate times and turning our pain into action in the book “When the World Hurts.”

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The Synopsis

Amazon #1 New Release

What if our pain isn’t the end but a beginning?

With breakdown on the rise—climate injustice, war, polarization, inequality—it’s easy to feel helpless. Overwhelmed. Collective pain isn’t just out there; it’s in your body. And if you’re like most people, you don’t know what to do about it.

But what if the pain we’re feeling—individually and collectively—isn’t proof of our demise, but a sign we’re awakening to something deeper as a society? What if your experience has a role to play?

When The World Hurts invites readers into a grounded, soulfully honest way of making sense of the world’s pain. It is a book about emotional healing that offers a simple yet radical idea: our emotions about the world are part of her change. Far from being obstacles, they’re doorways into collective wisdom. We just need the right tools to work with them.

Drawing from years of work at the intersection of sustainable development, systems thinking, and trauma-informed healing, Liz Moyer Benferhat presents a self-help guide to collective healing. She introduces her We Heal For All Circle model, a practice that helps people work with the emotional impact of change by connecting with themselves, each other, and the world through co-created wisdom.

When the World Hurts weaves together healing frameworks, social analysis, and storytelling to explore:

  • Why collective pain is on the rise and what it might point toward.
  • How to unearth wisdom within your grief for the world, and how to use it to play the role the world needs you to.
  • A deep dive into collective wounds to better understand yourself and others in our polarized times.
  • Tools that bridge inner work with outer action.

Whether you’re a burnt out activist seeking political self-help, a parent trying to stay hopeful for your kid, or simply someone who wants to do good in a world that’s upside down, this book is for you. It’s a shared space—a place to breathe, feel, and remember you’re not alone.

These pages won’t tell you how to save the world. But they will help you be in relationship with her, so you can listen more deeply to what’s being asked and be of service to the world’s transformation from the inside out.

The Review

In a world so divided and facing so many challenges, it is easy, when we are feeling stressed or scared about what may happen next, to feel alone and isolated. Yet the author’s book does such a beautiful job of creating a sense of community and love that resonates on an emotional level. The almost conversational tone and atmosphere the author creates with this book’s writing style cut through immediately for readers and allow them to relate to the author and their message very quickly.

The emotional journey readers are taken on is perfectly paired with the strong themes and messages this book offers. Not only are readers able to utilize excercises and moments of self reflection to engage in the author’s book, but the author showcases how the painful moments and experiences they live through both in their personal lives and what we as a society are experiencing right now are not necessarily a reason to despair and turn to hoplessness, but instead to see the winds of change in our world brewing and how that change can be the catalyst to heal these collective wounds and make a brighter future instead.

The Verdict

Hopeful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Liz Moyer Benferhat’s “When the World Hurts” is a must-read nonfiction book of inspiration, guidance, and heart. The author’s positivity and exploration of everything from political activism and parenthood to inner struggles will resonate deeply with readers, creating a book that is both helpful and healing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz has worked in the sustainable development field for almost 20 years, so knows how much heart goes into caring about our world. Which is why she launched We Heal For All in 2018—to support fellow helpers and healers to have a healthier relationship with the world, so they can be conduits for these transformational times.

She does this through collective healing—both as a lens for making sense of the times we live in (“why is the world in so much pain?”) and as an embodied practice for what to do about it. Through writing, teaching, and beautifully co-creative community space, she offers language and tools for the inner dimension of social change, bringing healing-centered approaches into the mix.

Her offerings—Circles, courses, writings, and meditations—support people with the many normal feelings that come with being alive and attuned to our changing world. They’re the very tools she herself has needed as a longtime change maker, now shared to help others usher in the culture and consciousness shifts we’re at the precipice of. 

https://www.wehealforall.com/

https://amzn.to/3Lv0Fug

YOU ARE UNFORGETTABLE BY HARVEER SINGH 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 Harveer Singh shares the process of not only accepting oneself but using that to build their brand in the book “You Are Unforgettable.”

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The Synopsis

You were never meant to blend in, you were meant to be unforgettable.

If you’ve ever felt invisible despite your talent, unsure how to communicate your value, or frustrated watching others succeed while you stay unnoticed, this book is for you. You Are Unforgettable is not just another guide, it’s a powerful roadmap to help you build confidence, clarity, and a personal brand that truly represents who you are.

Rooted in lived experience and real-world results, this book speaks directly to readers who love self help books, motivational books, inspirational books, and self improvement books, while offering something deeper and more practical. Blending personal transformation with business strategy, it shows you how to stop hiding, show up authentically, and turn your story into influence and income through identity-first growth, without pretending to be someone else.

What makes this book different?

This is one of the rare personal development books that combines mindset, confidence, and strategy. Whether you are a sales professional, entrepreneur, creator, coach or corporate professional this book gives you practical tools to grow personally and professionally.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • How to build a strong and authentic personal brand built around your personal story
  • How to communicate your value with confidence
  • How to stand out in today’s crowded markets
  • How to attract aligned clients and opportunities
  • How to monetize your knowledge, skills, and story
  • How to ensure you have an unshakable mindset to weather the ups and downs of sales and entrepreneurship


That’s why readers who love entrepreneurship books, marketing books, and personal branding principles find this book transformational.

A mindset shift that lasts

At its core, this is a powerful growth mindset book rooted in real life transformation. It helps you overcome self doubt, fear of judgment, and the habit of playing small, not through borrowed theory but through lived experience and practical application. Readers of personal growth books, self growth books, and self development books will recognize the emotional depth and appreciate the clear, actionable guidance that moves them from insight into execution.

It also serves as a modern self care book, reframing self care not as indulgence, but as the daily work of building confidence, clarity, and self belief as the foundation for lasting success.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

  • Self help books that are practical and inspiring
  • A modern inspirational book with real-world application
  • Personal branding book strategies that actually work
  • Personal branding guidance rooted in authenticity


Part 1 helps you identify what truly makes you unique. Not despite your past pain, awkwardness, or insecurities, but because of them. This is where you stop hiding your story and start seeing it as your advantage. It is time to look within.

Part 2 teaches you how to build a personal brand rooted in those truths. One designed for connection, trust, and client attraction. You are guided step by step so your brand reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Part 3 strengthens your mindset so you can confidently put your message into the world. You will learn how to stay consistent when motivation fades and how to handle criticism or self doubt without shrinking.

The Appendix includes a practical 30-Day Personal Branding Challenge that helps you build your personal brand one intentional action at a time.

Let’s build you an unforgettable personal brand that gets you paid. Buy your copy today!

The Review

Such an inspiring and empowering read. The author does a remarkable job of writing in a way that feels both conversational and uplifting all at once, relating to the reader his own personal struggles with maintaining his identity and not letting others erase who he is, while also showing the reader the steps that can lead to someone owning themselves and building a brand that reflects that. The author’s writing conveys a tone of duality, that of understanding and a fast-paced fire that instantly motivates the reader.

The author’s emphasis on the importance of the self and self-expression was remarkable. The creativity the author uses in utilizing stories from history and mythology, from the Rubicon River Caesar himself crossed to the rising of the Phoenix, and so much more, was enthralling and memorable. The reader is not only able to connect to the author, but the author is able to balance the reader’s ability to build self-confidence with the skills they need to turn that confidence into a brand that works for them.

The Verdict

Inspiring, authentic, and engaging, author Harveer Singh’s “You Are Unforgettable” is a must-read nonfiction book. The book is both a tool to better yourself and a reminder that, while also giving readers the skills they need to build that self-image into a brand others can identify with and be inspired by. The remarkable honesty and compelling writing the author displays will have readers returning to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Harveer Singh is a personal branding strategist, speaker, and author of You Are Unforgettable: Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Paid. He has almost two decades of experience in Sales within the Commercial Insurance and Real Estate Sales industries. As a first generation Sikh American, Harveer rebuilt his career after identity based challenges and major income loss during the pandemic, ultimately becoming one of the most recognizable personal brands in his market. His work blends personal branding, mindset shifts, confidence growth, and practical business strategy to help entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and creators stop hiding what makes them different and use their story to stand out, attract opportunities, and grow income. Through speaking, coaching, and content, Harveer helps people turn authenticity into visibility and visibility into results.

https://www.theharveersingh.com/

https://amzn.to/4jGKqql

THINK LEAD REPEAT by London Porter 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 London Porter shares hundreds of lessons to help leaders grow in the book “THINK LEAD REPEAT.”

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The Synopsis

Think – Lead – Repeat offers 369 days of practical wisdom and bold leadership insight—one day at a time. Designed for modern professionals who balance ambition with authenticity, this book delivers bite-sized lessons on influence, emotional intelligence, strategy, and communication. A great conversation starter for team meetings. Each daily read blends inspiration, reflection, and actionable guidance to help leaders at every level think sharper, lead stronger, and make things happen—with purpose, confidence, and a touch of swagger.

The Review

What a compelling and insightful read. The author delivers each chapter with gusto and wit, offering lessons in business and personal growth that will resonate with readers daily. The personal empowerment and business development lessons will reinforce the reader, emphasizing the author’s expertise and knowledge and making the tone feel incredibly real and relatable at the same time.

The thing that stood out to me as a reader was both the unique way the author crafted these lessons and the way readers can interact with the book. The author breaks these micro-lessons into 1-page lessons, divided by month and day, allowing the reader to follow them almost like a daily motivational page to keep the day moving forward. On top of this, readers can pick up this book at any time and often return to it time and again to engage with the lessons they need most in times of crisis or uncertainty.

The Verdict

Authentic, honest, and engaging, author London Porter’s “Think Lead Repeat” is a must-read nonfiction motivational business read. The expertise and heart with which the author writes and the way readers are able to take in these lessons at their own pace and put them into action to see the change in their leadership skills will resonate with readers and keep them returning to this book anytime they need more drive and inspiration to move forward in business. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

London isn’t your average HR executive — he’s a LinkedIn mini-sensation who leverages his charismatic personal brand to redefine leadership conversations in addition to everything HR.

Known for his engaging short videos that develop work competencies under 2 mins, he enthusiastically spotlights his brother and sister public service organizations, nation wide. His savvy yet cheeky style has cultivated an impressive following — enough to earn him 2025 HR Professional of the Year.

With a knack for writing popular books, inspiring thousands, and consistently adding straight whiskey value across the HR and business communities, London has pledged his personal life to helping raise the vibration of the work place and the planet, one conversational competency at a time. And c’mon, when was the last time competency training was binge-worthy?

https://amzn.to/49BwAkJ

Live Like a Guide Dog by Keri Wyatt Kent and Michael Hingson 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. 

Learn the inspiring story of Michael Hingson and his guide dog who survived the 9/11 terror attacks in author Keri Wyatt Kent and Michael Hingson’s “Live Like A Guide Dog.”

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The Synopsis

A guide dog’s guide to life’s most important lessons!

Michael Hingson’s inspiring true story captivated the world when he and his guide dog Roselle escaped the Twin Towers together on 9/11, a story that became the New York Times bestselling book Thunder Dog. During decades of walking with guide dogs, he had learned a surprising truth that helped save his life that day: Being afraid can be a positive thing, one that prepares us to deal with any situation that befalls us. Now, in Live like a Guide Dog, he reveals how to:

  • Get equipped for whatever obstacles or challenges you may encounter as you make your way through the world
  • Train yourself to be brave, just like a guide dog’s training equips handler and dog to prepare for the unexpected
  • Learn to use your natural fear reactions as a way to focus and concentrate to make better decisions and turn your fear into courage and confidence.
  • Apply eleven principles Michael has learned with his guide dogs to overcome the fears that you face every day

Join Michael on the joyful adventure of walking with, loving, and learning from guide dogs!

The Review

A truly inspiring story, the author does a remarkable job of finding the right balance by exploring how these amazing animals not only helped in everyday life but also gave mental and emotional support in their years together with Michael. The relatability of the author’s life that so many readers will be able to connect with, and the honest and connective way the authors write this book, allows the readers to feel as if they are in an in-depth conversation with them, the book’s chapters expressing both the lighthearted and the more somber moments and memories the authors lived through.

A big theme that I truly appreciated as a reader was the author’s bringing to light of ableism, and how people with disabilities are treated, perceived, and interacted with in society as a whole. As a disabled person, it is the heart and honesty the authors write with that resonated the most, and, as someone passionate about animals in general, I found the author perfectly captures the routines, mindsets, and experiences these beautiful creatures give to Michael throughout his life. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and compelling, authors Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent’s “Live Like a Dog” is a must-read nonfiction inspirational book on living life with disabilities and the lessons animals, especially guide dogs, can teach a person going through hardships in life. The insight, the powerful writing style the author utilized, and the heartfelt connection the author felt with these beautiful animals and what they taught him will resonate deeply with readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of Live Like a Guide Dog, GodSpace, and ten other books. She makes a living creating content of all kinds, and enjoys reading, running, and cooking. She and her husband live in Chicago.

HOME – New

https://amzn.to/4pvjEme

The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak (Addiction Recovery Support Book 1) by S.E. Tschritter 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 S.E. Tschritter shares an honest and engaging look into the struggles of addiction and what role faith plays in that in the book “The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak.”

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The Synopsis

At 1:30 a.m. Sam Evans received the phone call every spouse dreads. “Mrs. Evans, this is a sergeant with the police department. There’s been an accident.” Six hours later, she received another call. “Mrs. Evans, this is a nurse at the hospital. We found something on the cat scan.”

Instead of preaching that Sunday, Pastor Clint Evans went to jail with a BAC of .24, a cancer diagnosis, and a felony charge of fleeing police. The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak chronicles a Christian’s lifelong battle against demons, addictions, and unworthiness. This story portrays a God who steals the show with a backlash of grace toward a man whom others branded “unredeemable.”

The Prodigal’s Son flings church doors open wide to the world’s misfits and challenges pew-squater saints to stop measuring their godly perfection against the dirty, homeless and addicted. From gutter to pulpit to ditch to grace to grave, The Prodigal’s Son speaks volumes of God’s furious love for the world’s castoffs.

#addiction #addictionsupport #alanon #alcoholicsanonymous #aa #alcoholic #addict #alcoholabuse #druguse #drugaddiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #booktok #best-sellers

This is a story of a pastor arrested for drunk driving. The affects of alcoholism on families is staggering. “My wife hid her addiction from me,” “My husband hid his alcoholism from me.” Millions of men and women are affected by drug addiction. Do you want to know how to find hope when battling addiction? Are you looking for support for spouses of addiction? If you just found out your husband’s an addict, or your wife’s an alcoholic and you’re grieving your spouses addiction, look no further than The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak. Within the pages of this book, you’ll find hope with an addict spouse, learn how to handle your husband’s addiction, and close the cover knowing you are not alone.

The Review

What instantly drew me into this book was the author’s writing style. Bold, honest, and even at times gritty, the author unapologetically delved into this tense and heartbreaking reality of addiction to give readers a vivid image of what this does to both the addict and their loved ones uniquely. The juxtaposition of Clint’s role as a church leader and pillar in the Christian community with the imagery often used to depict addicts and how people think of those who suffer from it was powerful to behold, and the strong emotional response readers have to the author’s writing will become evident soon after starting this book.

The heart of this book was the balance between an honest response to addiction and spirituality, and how those who hold onto faith deal with these troubling moments in life. The author’s particular faith in Christianity takes a firm stand. Yet the author’s messaging and theme of this book go far beyond one specific faith, reaching out to readers of all religions and even non-religious readers such as myself, for addiction affects all people, not just one group over another. Paired with the health crisis that he faced and the emotional impact of the battles he fought through, readers will be heartily invested in this story.

The Verdict

Memorable, emotional, and compelling, author S.E. Tschritter’s “The Prodigal’s Son” is a must-read nonfiction memoir about addiction and faith. The insight, the author’s unique writing style and voice that exuded honesty, humor, and depth, and the heartfelt storytelling poured into this book will stay with readers long after the emotional final chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Multi-award-winning author Sam. E. Tschritter (pronounced Shridder) specializes in articulating grief and loss, leading grievers toward hope and healing. Whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, Tschritter writes content that will stick with readers long after they close the cover. Her 20-plus years of leadership experience and contributions to over 40 books enable her to serve others, speaking truth with transparency, humor, and love. Tschritter grew up in Chicagoland and has also lived in Minnesota and Oregon, granting her widespread views of people all over the country. She currently resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina with her husband, their three teen and preteen daughters, cats named Pitter and Patter, and their Siberian husky whom she lost the vote to name Onomatopoeia. Nothing refreshes Tschritter’s soul like gardening. She gardens to work through plot holes, writer’s block, character development, and book ideas. Tschritter spends a great deal of time gardening. 

Read more at https://loveunedited.com or Linktr.ee/LoveSamEvans.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prodigals-son-samantha-e-tschritter/1148969284?ean=9798990103641

https://amzn.to/4qyT2le

The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us by Neil and Ruchin Kansal 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. 

Authors Neil and Ruchin Kansal share the journey that began as a car driving lesson and became a bonding experience on a road trip across America in the book “The Kansal Clunker.”

The Synopsis

At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a yearlong transformation-of the car, themselves, and their bond.

What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.

With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild-not just a car, but themselves. Buckle up-this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.

In India, the book will appear as: “Where the Highway Ends: A Father, a Son, and a Car that Rebuilt Them.

AudiobooksNow

The Review

This was such a heartwarming and compelling read. The authors do an excellent job of writing in a relatable, connective way, alternating chapters and perspectives on the same situation, allowing readers to gain insight into their relationship as a whole. The authors touched on many things readers could relate to, from the troubles the COVID pandemic brought to life and how scary that time was, to the bond that forms between a parent and child when a shared passion emerges, and much more. 

The book’s descriptive nature made the imagery of the writing style feel vibrant and alive on the page, bringing Teggy and the road itself to life as the authors went on their journey. Yet the heart of this nonfiction book’s narrative was the emotional, heartfelt connection between father and son, which the story explored. The experiences the authors had spoke to the meaningful way that shared connections and experiences can shape relationships and bonds between people overall. The authors wrote with honesty, passion, and an introspective lens that allowed readers not only to glean meaning for their own lives but also to learn from the lessons the authors learned along the way.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Ruchin and Neil Kansal’s “The Kansal Clunker” is a must-read nonfiction book, memoir, and travel book. The inspiring and emotional bond readers form with the authors, the way they touch on everything from cars and family to relationships and the heart of America as a whole, and what success truly means to a person, made this book so compelling to delve into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10 

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About the Authors

Ruchin Kansal is a leadership educator, advisor, and author dedicated to helping people and organizations embrace transformation. A professor at Seton Hall and Brown, he wrote Redefining Innovation and has held senior executive roles in strategy and innovation at EY, Deloitte, BoehringerIngelheim, and Siemens Healthineers. Beyond the boardroomand classroom, he shares a lifelong passion for building,cars, and travel, and inspires others to reimagine the future with vision,creativity, and courage.

Neil Kansal is a dreamer who turns bold ideas into action. A graduate of Washington & Lee, he studied biology and data science while co-founding W&L Remote Area Medical, an award-winning program delivering free clinical services. He also led as principal cellist and mentor. A certified EMT and lifelong car enthusiast, he rebuilt his first clunker at sixteen and drove it to the highest motorable road in America. He now brings that same grit and curiosity to Deloitte.

https://www.thekansalclunker.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-kansal-clunker-neil-kansal/1148120497?ean=9798888249260

https://amzn.to/4pi3exk

I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises: Dad Jokes, Puns, Quips, Laughs, Groaners, and Playful Pensive Ponderings by Mark Leslie 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 Mark Leslie shares a collection of dad jokes and humor to inspire and brighten anyone’s day in the book “I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises.”

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The Synopsis

Ready to groan, grin, and giggle?

Rediscover the joy of wordplay with this collection of puns, dad jokes, and clever one-liners that promises to lift spirits and inspire smiles—one groan-worthy punchline at a time.

Born from a simple mission of collecting and sharing dad jokes to brighten his neighborhood during tough times, this book gathers well over 1000 of his beloved daily chalkboard jokes into a single, joy-packed volume. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves language, humor, or just a good laugh. Inside, readers will find everything from meta-jokes that play with the very idea of humor, to rapid-fire dad jokes, music-themed zingers, and even a cheeky adults-only section. Each chapter is crafted to appeal to pun enthusiasts, casual joke collectors, and anyone in need of a smile.

This book makes the perfect gift for that incorrigible mirth-spreader in your life, and includes hilarious funnies perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even strangers who could use a laugh. I Think It’s A Sign That The Pun Also Rises is more than just a joke book—it’s a celebration of connection, resilience, and the simple magic of a well-timed pun. Open to any page, share a joke, and make your world a little lighter—one groan at a time.

The Review

This was a heartfelt, light book filled with laughter and joy. The author does a great job of filling this book with a wonderful collection of jokes and quips that will elicit classic and beloved eye rolls and groans that are the staple of any good dad joke. The range of jokes the author covers, from meta and personal jokes to holiday-themed and cultural jokes about music and even shower thoughts, allows readers to have a joke for any occasion and to reference the book time and time again.

What stood out to the reader was the author’s voice and tone. The humor that comes through in the jokes is grounded in the relatability of the author’s life experiences and in where these jokes arose, bringing light to tense situations and to the darkness that emerged following the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to the need for laughter and joy again in those times. This gave readers a foundation that allowed these jokes to really hit home.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Memorable, humorous, and entertaining, author Mark Leslie’s “I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises” is a must-read nonfiction book of humor and dad jokes. The collection is vast and serves as a great reference book to return to whenever the reader needs a refresher, and the lightness the book promises makes it well worth the effort to pick it up and laugh out loud. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he’s still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales he also writes horror and the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure ‘Canadian Werewolf” series.

His other passions include fan appreciation/trivia books about the modern classic 1980s films and sharing stupid dad jokes.

Proudly adopting the term “Book Nerd,” Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book. He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones.

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Mark has courted with a serious addiction to reading and writing his entire life. He has called both Ottawa, ON and Hamilton, ON home for about a decade each and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

MARK LESLIE

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Interview with Author Cory V. McCray 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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


I’m a proud son of Baltimore, an electrician by trade, and now serve in the Maryland State Senate representing the 45th District. My journey started with an apprenticeship — it gave me not just a career, but a path to stability, leadership, and service. Writing wasn’t my first language; I was used to working with my hands. But over time, through op-eds, speeches, and listening to the stories in my community, I realized writing was another way to build — not with wire or tools, but with words that could help shape futures.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


The book grew out of a simple truth: apprenticeships saved my life. I wanted to create a guidebook that would demystify the process for parents, students, and mentors — to show them that the trades aren’t a fallback, they’re a way forward. I’ve seen too many young people miss opportunities because they didn’t have access or exposure. This book is my way of pulling back the curtain and saying, “Here’s how you can get there.”

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


That second chances are real, and pathways to the middle class come in many forms. Apprenticeships are the other four-year degree. I want readers — whether they’re young people figuring out their path, parents trying to guide their kids, or counselors advising students — to walk away knowing that opportunity is closer than they think, and that hard work plus access can change everything.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


Memoir with a “how-to” spine felt like the right fit. I wanted to tell my story honestly — the good and the challenges — but also leave readers with practical steps they can act on. It’s not just about my journey, it’s about creating a blueprint others can use.

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


Instagram has been powerful — it allows me to share visual moments, connect with young people, and engage directly with readers who may not follow traditional political spaces. But I also lean on LinkedIn, because so much of this conversation is about workforce development, policy, and leadership, and that’s where those communities live.

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


Stay true to your voice. Writing can feel intimidating, especially if it’s not your first craft, but authenticity is what resonates. Be disciplined about putting words down — even if it’s just a page at a time — and surround yourself with people who will push you to finish. Most importantly, write the book you wish you had in your hands years ago.

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


Right now, I’m focused on bringing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life into as many classrooms, libraries, and communities as possible. But I also see this book as just the beginning of a larger conversation.

On a personal level, I’ve got a 10- and 11-year-old in the house — both boys — and time is flying. Writing this book gave me space to reflect on the disciplines and lessons I’ve learned through life, and I want to make sure I pass them on early so they don’t fall into the same traps I did. With my wife, our focus is on raising our four children to be good human beings — the kind who contribute to making this world a better place.

So while I’m already thinking about ways to expand on this project — companion guides, lifting up more apprenticeship stories, and maybe another book down the road — my deepest priority is what’s happening inside my own home, and making sure my kids grow up with the tools, values, and exposure they need to thrive.

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About the Author

Cory V. McCray is a husband and father of four from Baltimore who believes deeply in second chances and creating pathways to opportunity. An electrician by trade, he now serves as a Maryland State Senator, representing Baltimore’s 45th Legislative District. Cory is the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, a guidebook and memoir that shows how apprenticeships are “the other four-year degree.”

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