Tag: nonfiction

Insight by Richmond B. Appleton 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 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!

Rating: 10/10

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richmond.appleton/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richmond-a-a4596b77/

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Life by Design: Automate to Master Time, Health, Money, and Unlock Personal Success by Marlon Buchanan 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 Marlon Buchanan shares how technology can be used to help manage the everyday tasks that consume our lives so that we can pursue the things that we are passionate about in the book “Life by Design: Automate to Master Time, Health, Money, and Unlock Personal Success.”

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The Synopsis

Imagine a life where you spend less time managing tasks and more time pursuing your passions.

In Life By Design, you’ll discover how to leverage technology to automate the everyday tasks that consume your time—so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Whether you want to spend more time with family, improve your health, or get ahead at work, this book provides the tools to help you streamline your life.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

  • Automate your daily tasks, from finances to household chores, and free up your time for the things you love
  • Master time management by automating your schedule and staying on top of important tasks effortlessly
  • Optimize your health and fitness routines with smart tech to track and improve your well-being
  • Simplify your work life with automation tools that increase productivity and reduce stress
  • Improve your financial management by setting up automatic savings, investing, and bill payments
  • Enhance your travel experiences by automating bookings, reminders, and packing lists


Stop letting life’s demands overwhelm you. Life By Design will help you take control, create more time, and focus on what truly matters.

Start designing the life you want today—buy your copy now and unlock your potential!

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The fast-paced nature of the book and the inspirational messaging of its core theme were truly empowering. The author effectively delved into a multitude of different topics, from broader social issues like FOMO and the myth of multitasking to more technical aspects, such as utilizing the climate control function for your house’s AC and freezing meals for later in the week to save time on preparation. 

The balance the author was able to find between the technical and social aspects of the book was outstanding to see. The author’s background in computer science and engineering helps showcase the importance of sales and properly utilizing technology to benefit one’s home life, without succumbing to excessive screen time that detracts from critical social moments in life. The fast pace of work life and its dominance often overshadow our connections to family and friends, and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial to a more balanced overall life. This is something the author’s book does an excellent job of addressing.

The Verdict

Honest, memorable, and engaging, author Marlon Buchanan’s “Life By Design” is a must-read nonfiction guide to time management and social skills. The technical skills and daily life improvements were both empowering and thoughtful, and this is a book readers can return to time and again for both reference and improvement in their daily lives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marlon Buchanan, bestselling author and IT Director, holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT and master’s degrees in Business Administration and Software Engineering from Seattle University. With over 25 years of experience in IT, software development, and smart home automation, he helps busy professionals harness technology to create more time, reduce stress, and design lives they love.

He has been automating things around his house since he was a kid. Now, his wife and kids get to enjoy the fruits of his automation and efficiency exploits. He is best known for his smart home, home networking, and cybersecurity articles on his blog HomeTechHacker and his bestselling books The Personal Cybersecurity Manual, The Home Network Manual, and The Smart Home Manual.

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Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities by Mark Morton 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 Morton releases the third edition of his beloved book of culinary terms and their history in the book “Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities.”

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The Synopsis

“A whimsical, side-splitting, erudite, and sometimes cheeky book.” – The Globe and Mail

From everyday foods to exotic dishes, from the herbs and spices of medieval England to the cooking implements of the modern kitchen, Cupboard Love is a sumptuous feast that explores the fascinating stories behind familiar and not-so-familiar gastronomic terms.

Who knew that the word “pomegranate” is related to the word “grenade”? That “baguette” is a cousin of “bacteria”? That “soufflé” comes from the same root as “flatulence”? Who knew that “vermicelli” is Italian for “little worms,” that “avocado” comes from an Aztec word meaning “testicle,” or that “catillation” denotes the unseemly licking of plates?

Originally published in 1996 and revised and expanded in 2004, and now available again for the first time in two decades in this new edition, Cupboard Love was one of three books nominated for a 1996 Julia Child Cookbook Award in the Food Reference/Technical Category (Calphalon Award), and was included in The Globe and Mail’s list of “required reading” notable books for 1997.

Addictively readable, it takes us on a journey across cultures and history to arrive at the explanations behind some of our favorite culinary words and phrases, answering along the way those questions we’ve always had about food but were afraid to ask the cook.

The Review

This was such a fun and fascinating reference book. The author did an incredible job of exuding passion and a wealth of knowledge on the page, showcasing a wide range of terminology and the depth of research that the author poured into the book. The range of topics related to food was great to see as well, as the author not only touched upon certain types of cuisine but different events related to food as well, such as the term “groaning”, which refers to a period in the English countryside when a woman was going through the birthing process, and those in attendance would be given groaning boards to eat food from.

When it comes to reference books, one factor that always stands out to me as a reader is how much I’m left wanting to return to the book for guidance or knowledge. The author’s engaging and unique writing style keeps me invested in this book as a reference for culinary history and the world at large. The relevance for readers of European and American descent is also felt, with a profound amount of knowledge in this type of culinary terminology featured in the book.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and memorable, author Mark Morton’s “Cupboard Love” is a must-read reference book. The book elevates culinary history to all-new levels, making this feel like more than just a dictionary or trivia book, but a genuine appreciation for the world of food and the evolution of how people view cooking and food preparation as a whole. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I grew up with a bunch of brothers and sisters on a small farm in the south-east corner of Saskatchewan, a bleak, flat, sublime landscape that continues to define my identity and sensibilities. I was never interested in farming —and my parents knew I would likely lose a limb trying to do it—so I went to university. And then I went some more. And then some more. Eventually, I completed a PhD in sixteenth-century literature from the University of Toronto. ​I taught for a while in the south of France, and then for twelve years at the University of Winnipeg, in Manitoba. I really enjoyed teaching. 

While I was in Winnipeg, I also started doing writing and broadcasting for CBC radio, first for a regional show and then for a national show called Definitely Not the Opera. My “gig” was talking about the intersections of language and culture. Eventually, I broadcast more than a hundred columns. Also while in Winnipeg, I co-founded the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, and wrote four nonfiction books, and more than fifty columns for Gastronomica: A Journal of Food and Culture published by the University of California Press. 

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Best of all, while in Winnipeg I met my wife (I mean she wasn’t my wife yet, but she became that😊). She—Melanie Cameron—is also a writer, having published two award-winning books. 

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We moved to Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, where I started working at the Centre for Teaching Excellence at the University of Waterloo. Melanie and I then adopted two older children—Brandon and Laika—and then, a few years later, two more—Rukhsana and Matthew. Not surprisingly, our writing screeched to a halt while we devoted ourselves to raising our children (and our four dogs—dogs have always been integral to our family!). All of our kids are now are in their twenties and are doing well. 

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After our kids grew up, I started writing again, but I shifted to fiction. That’s when I wrote The Headmasters, which was published by Shadowpaw Press. I’ve also completed another novel and have started writing a third one. 

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https://www.markmorton.ca/

ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity by Rowland Grover 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 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.

https://rowlandgroverauthor.weebly.com/

One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two: Finding Meaning When Life Doesn’t Add Up by Nathaniel Malabonga 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 Nathaniel Malabonga shares some insights and fundamental truths about life and the fairness that often eludes us all in the book “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two.”

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The Synopsis

Life is filled with things that shouldn’t occur but happen anyway, and none of it adds up.

Picture this. A CEO runs a company to the ground yet gets a golden exit package worth millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an ordinary hard-working person struggles to pay the bills and is one illness away from becoming homeless, even if they work 2 or 3 jobs at a time. How does any of that make sense?

It’s one of the most demotivating situations one can go through. It builds up a general resentment towards life that’s hard to shake off because it’s born out of the idea that we deserve better. If this describes your life in broad strokes, then it’s time to return to something more basic.

You are more than just a unit of production. This book is a journey back to yourself, to a fundamental truth that most people have ignored for too long and with tragic results. And unlike the intangible soul or the mind, this is a truth that you can touch and feel but is no less profound. It’s a realization that can lead you to rebuild yourself and give you the one thing you may need the most: hope.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author had a way with words that spoke to the heart and felt thought-provoking at the same time. The book itself felt conversational in its delivery, with the author able to relate specific themes and topics to personal experiences, pop culture references, and everyday life in an easy and relatable manner.

The themes the author wrote about were timeless and compelling. Two chapters in particular spoke to me. One chapter spoke of holding onto the little things that give people a sense of respite, allowing them to find some form of escapism and understanding others who experience a loss of that escape from their lives. Then there was another chapter that spoke of family versus friendship, and the reality that proves that people can choose their friends, but they cannot choose their family, for better or for worse. These musings and artful approaches to life’s experiences were compelling to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, authentic, and engaging, author Nathaniel Malabonga’s “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two” is a must-read nonfiction self-help book. The authenticity and heartfelt nature of the book’s message, along with the relatability readers will have with the author and their journey, make this a compelling book to revisit time and time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.

Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework by Mark Weinstein 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 tech expert Mark Weinstein shares the framework for a more positive and balanced social media environment in the book “Revitalizing Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework.”

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The Synopsis

Big Tech is driving us, our kids, and society mad. In the nick of time, Restoring Our Sanity Onlinepresents the bold, revolutionary framework for an epic reboot. What would social media look like if it nourished our critical thinking, mental health, privacy, civil discourse, and democracy? Is that even possible? 

Restoring Our Sanity Online is the entertaining, informative, and frequently jaw-dropping social reset by Mark Weinstein, contemporary tech leader, privacy expert, and one of the visionary inventors of social networking.

This book is for all of us. Casual and heavy users of social media, parents, teachers, students, techies, entrepreneurs, investors, and elected officials. Restoring Our Sanity Online is the catapult to an exciting, enriching, and authentic future. Readers will embark on a captivating journey leading to an inspiring and actionable reinvention.

Restoring Our Sanity Online includes thought-provoking insights including:

  • Empowering You—Social Media User, Content Creator
  • In The Crosshairs: Privacy And Anonymity
  • Saving Our Kids From The Abyss
  • Surprise! Social Media Can Be Good For Your Mental Health
  • Is AI The High-Tech Tattletale In Your Social Experience?
  • Lifting the Veil On Bots and Trolls
  • Facts, Opinions, Lies—Who Decides?
  • Web3 Is Here—What The Heck Is It?
  • Is There a Better Way?

The Review 

This was a thoughtful, expertly researched, and engaging read. The author did a fantastic job of balancing the book, combining technical knowledge of technology and the business surrounding social media development with personal storytelling and a strong connection to the reader. The author introduced numerous elements of this business that were mind-blowing, including the infusion of Conscious Capitalism into social media development and the significant influence that social media influencers have on the growing market.

Yet it was the ethical nature of the author’s work and research that stood out. The virtues of Restoration Networking were an especially inspiring work. The need to eliminate targeted ads and data mining, along with infusing age verification and parental permission for younger teens and even limiting screen times in general would not only help eliminate the negatives of social media, but create more opportunities for the benefits of social media to shine, such as education opportunities, jobs, and connecting with friends and family more often.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and inviting in general, author Mark Weinstein’s “Restoring Our Sanity Online” is a must-read nonfiction book on social media and parenting as a whole. The powerful insights, real-world strategies, and tools to help safely immerse teens in the social media scene, along with the expertise the author brings to their writing, will stay with readers, allowing them to return to this book time and again to gain a deeper understanding of the social media world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author 

Mark Weinstein is a world-renowned tech entrepreneur, contemporary thought leader, privacy expert, and one of the visionary inventors of social networking. His adventure in social media has lasted over 25 years through three award-winning personal social media platforms enjoyed by millions of members worldwide.

Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America by Mike Bedenbaugh 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 Mike Bedenbaugh lays the groundwork for political reform in the United States in the book “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America.”

The Synopsis

From Founding Principles to Future Promise: 95 Theses to Reinvigorate America for the 21st Century

The United States is in a partisan gridlock. As our constitutional principles erode away and the decline of civic engagement threatens the foundation of American democracy, navy veteran turned preservation leader Michael Bedenbaugh presents a compelling vision for the future of our country.

Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America is a bold blueprint for addressing the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther’s historic call for reform, Bedenbaugh offers a dynamic framework for political reform, reinterpreting founding principles for modern 21st-century challenges. Grounded in lessons across history from the warnings in Washington’s Farewell Address to the Citizens United decision of 2010 that enabled influence of corporations on policy, Reviving Our Republic is a fresh, nonpartisan approach to restructuring American governance, with 40 actionable proposals aimed at fostering a more responsive, accountable government.

In this blend of practical experience and scholarly insight, readers will learn:

  • Proposals to reform the electoral system, including instituting term limits and Electoral College reform.
  • Strategies to curb corporate influence in politics and strengthen individual liberty.
  • A plan to restore the balance between federal and state powers, reviving true federalism in our national government.
  • Methods to ensure fiscally responsible governance and address the national debt crisis.
  • Ways to realign foreign policy with America’s founding principles of neutrality in world affairs without hiding under isolationism.

Reviving Our Republic is not a critique of our political climate—it’s a call to action for engaged citizens who yearn for meaningful change. Whether you’re a concerned voter, community leader, or a student of politics, history, and economics, this book is a radical approach to reform that will inspire you to engage in America’s path forward as a united nation. 

The Review

What an insightful and engaging read. The author’s approach to this subject matter from a purely non-partisan and historical standpoint was refreshing and insightful. The focus on the divisiveness and struggles that come with partisan politics and how it negatively impacts the stability of a democracy was incredible, presenting seemingly inspiring yet straightforward and evolved concepts that could better benefit society. The use of historical context in understanding how partisan politics failed various societies over time was terrific, playing into the idea that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

The juxtaposition of the flaws in our Founding father and their ability to recognize that in the formation of the nation versus the weaknesses in the current political climate and their inability to see past their vitriol was well presented throughout this book. What resonated was the idea of the Founding Fathers recognizing the natural evolution of a society and deeming it necessary to leave room for the Constitution to be amended or changed, which is often overlooked in our modern world. This type of logic fuels the author’s thesis and academic and philosophical approaches to this subject matter.

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and thoughtfully written, author Michael Bedenbaugh’s “Reviving Our Republic” is a must-read nonfiction book on politics, history, and the evolution of society as a whole. The call for honorable politics and a need to end attack-based election cycles and focus on the actual needs of the people instead was both inspiring and exemplary, and serves as a broader discussion readers can have going forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Bedenbaugh is a respected voice in historic preservation and community development, with a keen interest in constitutional principles and American governance. Born with a reverence for history, Michael served as the former president and executive director of Preservation South Carolina, where he led numerous initiatives that demonstrated the economic and cultural value of historic preservation, showcasing his ability to blend practical solutions with respect for tradition. 

Driven by a mission to revitalize America’s founding ideals, Michael hosts the podcast Perspective with Mike Bedenbaugh, where he explores the intersection of history, politics, and community development. His unique approach combines grassroots activism with a deep understanding of constitutional intent, offering fresh insights into modern political challenges. This approach was shaped by his diverse career, including his role as CEO of Post No Bills, Inc., a product marketing firm that collaborated with corporate powerhouses like Phillip Morris USA, RCA Records, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, and MGM.  

Michael’s diverse background includes five years of service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS South Carolina, studies in international studies and history at the University of South Carolina and Columbia University, and leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He has also served on his hometown’s city council and chaired his county Board of Zoning Appeals, demonstrating his commitment to local governance. His efforts in community revitalization and historic preservation earned him the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by Governor Henry McMaster. As a member of Preservation Action in Washington, D.C., he continues to advocate for policies that strengthen local communities and honor America’s heritage. 

A native of Prosperity, South Carolina, Michael remains deeply involved in his home state’s development while contributing to national discussions on governance and civic engagement. His work exemplifies the principle that understanding our past is crucial to shaping a better future. His book, Reviving Our Republic, is an outcome of Michael’s lifelong passion for his community, state, and nation, and was inspired by our founding fathers and the principles that birthed our nation. 

To explore Michael’s perspectives on reinvigorating American democracy through a return to founding principles, visit mikebedenbaugh.com, where he also has links to his podcast, his congressional campaign, and his biography.

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Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer by Raphael E. Cuomo, 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.

Raphael E. Cuomo shares the impact that addiction can have on a person’s biology and its relation to cancer as a whole in the book “Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer.”

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The Synopsis

Crave reveals how everyday habits, from sugar and screens to overwork and alcohol, leave measurable biological traces that increase cancer risk. It reframes addiction as a central, modifiable factor in chronic disease, drawing on cutting-edge research in neuroscience, immunology, and public health.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging book! The author does a fantastic job of exploring both the biological and sociological aspects of addiction, showing how advertising, social media, and peer pressure, to name just a few, have contributed to people’s turning to addictive behavior and practice. This includes everything from sugar consumption to doom scrolling on social media and so much more. 

It is mind-blowing to examine how these behavioral habits affect the shape and impact of our biology and leave people more prone to cancerous cells over time. The fast pace of the book and the direct way the author writes allow readers to get an educational perspective on addiction and its various forms. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Raphael E. Cuomo, Ph.D., is a must-read nonfiction health book on addiction and its relationship to cancer development. The detail and the mindfulness that the author poured into this book, and the new perspective that readers gain from learning about how habits can change a person biologically, make this a worthy book to turn to in educating oneself about one’s health. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, is a professor and scientist at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is internationally recognized for his research at the intersection of cancer prevention, addiction, and public health. His work bridges molecular biology, epidemiology, and behavior to illuminate the deeper roots of chronic disease.

https://raphaelcuomo.com/crave

Smart Golf: Play Golf More Intelligently by Ronan Keene 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 Ronan Keene shares practical tips and practices for improving one’s golf game in the book Smart Golf: Play Golf More Intelligently.

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The Synopsis

Smart Golf – Play Golf Intelligently is the ultimate guide for golfers who want to think smarter and score better.

This modern take on golf instruction books covers everything from smart golf strategies to mastering the mental game. Perfect as a stylish playing golf coffee table book, it’s packed with practical tips to help you learn to play golf with confidence. Whether you’re working on your swing, your course management, or your mindset, this golf strategy book will change the way you play. An ideal choice for gifts for golfers, Smart Golf stands out among golfing books for offering real tools to level up your game.

✔️ Learn Winning Golf Strategies: Master course management, smarter shot selection, and proven tactics used by top players.

✔️ Unlock the Secrets of Golf Mental Games: Build confidence, sharpen focus, and stay calm under pressure to outperform your competition.

✔️ A Fresh Take on Golf Instruction Books: Practical advice you can actually use, perfect for beginners and seasoned golfers alike.

✔️ A Beautiful Playing Golf Coffee Table Book: Elegant design and powerful insights make it a stylish addition to any golfer’s home or office.

✔️ Perfect Gifts for Golfers of all skill levels: A must-have among golfing books for birthdays, holidays, Father’s Day, or any golf lover’s special occasion.

✔️ Easy to Read, Easy to Apply: Written in clear, simple language — because smart golf doesn’t have to be complicated!

Golf Isn’t Just Physical — Master the Mental Game -Success in Golf Starts With Smart Thinking

The Review

This was a well-researched, fast-paced, and engaging read. The author brilliantly crafted a balanced book of golf techniques, strategies, and guidance that spoke to those immersed in the sport wholly and completely. The author’s natural style felt philosophical and practical, and came across as very conversational.

What stood out to me was the author’s choice to focus on the physical aspect of golf, the techniques, and the mental game. Using practices like visualization, journaling, and even concentrating on your breathing helped focus the discussion on mental health through the sport. This aspect gets lost far too often in sports in general. 

The Verdict

Whether you seek helpful tips to improve your golf game or a fun coffee table book that speaks to a love for the game, author Ronan Keene’s “Smart Golf” is a must-read nonfiction golf book. The author does a great job of discussing other issues, such as utilizing technology to study one’s own game, the importance of inclusivity in the game, and so much more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ronan Keene is a passionate golfer with over 30 years of experience playing the game. A lifelong student of golf strategy and course management, he has spent decades refining both the mental and physical sides of the sport. With a deep understanding of the challenges amateur golfers face, Ronan offers practical, real-world strategies to help others play smarter, lower their scores, and enjoy the game more. In Smart Golf, he shares clear, relatable advice that speaks to golfers of all skill levels—from weekend players to serious competitors. Ronan currently lives with his wife in Bluffton, SC near Hilton Head Island where great golf is never far away.