Tag: nonfiction

Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners For a Modern World by Daniele Cybulskie 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. 

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Author Daniele Cybulskie shares the rituals and etiquette that drove medieval society in the book “Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners For a Modern World”. 

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The Synopsis

A surprising look at how medieval etiquette can improve our lives today, from the author of the popular How to Live Like a Monk

Medieval people are often portrayed as having poor hygiene and table manners—licking their knives or throwing chicken bones on the floor. In the Middle Ages, however, such behavior was not tolerated. Medieval society cherished order in nearly every facet of life, from regular handwashing to daily prayer. There were consequences if you didn’t adhere to the rules of good behavior: you wouldn’t be invited to the lord’s next dinner, you wouldn’t win the battle, and you wouldn’t win the lady.

Author Daniele Cybulskie explores the world of medieval etiquette, encompassing table manners and interpersonal relationships as well as running a household and ruling a kingdom. With wit and insight, Cybulskie draws on a wide variety of primary sources, from handbooks for young knights to romantic poems. Though we may no longer need best practices for things like dueling or ordering about our servants, the principles of generosity, kindness, and respect still apply today. After all, it’s a good reminder to “not talk when you have food in your mouth” and “anything you say should be entertaining, polite, and sophisticated.”

Illustrated with original drawings by Anna Lobanova as well as eighty medieval artworks, Chivalry and Courtesy is full of good advice for everyone, whether you are a peasant or a knight, a student or a CEO, a king or a queen.

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The Review

This was one of the most fascinating and compelling looks into life in the Middle Ages. The history and knowledge the author is able to impart, and the detail that goes into each and every aspect of society at that time, was incredible to see come to life on the page. The heart and passion for which the author wrote about this subject were felt greatly throughout the book and made the reader feel more connected to the subject matter.

The history and the balance the author struck with our more modern ideals was the heart of this book. The detailed writing style really brought this time period to life, and the way the author delved into everything from how to eat to how to court and so much more really highlighted the chivalry of the time period. The author did a great job of also stripping away the core values of these etiquette lessons and applying them through a modern lens. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Daniele Cybulskie’s “Chivalry and Courtesy” is a must-read nonfiction book on history and etiquette. The detail and fascinating historical facts that the author brings to life, and the inside look into life during the Middle Ages in England and France, made this a truly mesmerizing book that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

As a writer, professor, TEDx speaker, and now podcaster, Danièle has been making the Middle Ages fun, entertaining, and accessible for over ten years. She is the author of The Five-Minute Medievalist, which debuted at the top of Amazon’s Canadian charts, and through her featured articles at Medievalists.net, as well as those she’s written for several international magazines, Danièle’s work has been read over half a million times, and counting.

Danièle is the creator and host of The Medieval Podcast, a weekly interview show on which she speaks with experts on the Middle Ages on a wide variety of topics. She also currently teaches The Middle Ages and the Modern World: Facts and Fiction, which she co-created for college students across Ontario via OntarioLearn. Her forthcoming book, Life in Medieval Europe: Fact and Fiction, is being published by Pen & Sword History, and will be available in autumn, 2019.

When she’s not reading, writing, or recording, Danièle can be found drinking tea, doing Krav Maga, or sometimes building a backyard trebuchet.

https://www.danielecybulskie.com/

Abolition for the People: The Movement for a Future without Policing & Prisons: Edited by Colin Kaepernick

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.

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Activist Colin Kaepernick shares a collection of powerful essays to fight against the institutions that allow violent policing and prison systems to continually oppress people, especially people of color, in the book “Abolition for the People: The Movement for a Future without Policing & Prisons”. 

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The Synopsis

Edited by activist and former San Francisco 49ers super bowl quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Abolition for the People is a manifesto calling for a world beyond prisons and policing.

Abolition for the People brings together thirty essays representing a diversity of voices―political prisoners, grassroots organizers, scholars, and relatives of those killed by the anti-Black terrorism of policing and prisons. This collection presents readers with a moral choice: “Will you continue to be actively complicit in the perpetuation of these systems,” Kaepernick asks in his introduction, “or will you take action to dismantle them for the benefit of a just future?”

Powered by courageous hope and imagination, Abolition for the People provides a blueprint and vision for creating an abolitionist future where communities can be safe, valued, and truly free. “Another world is possible,” Kaepernick writes, “a world grounded in love, justice, and accountability, a world grounded in safety and good health, a world grounded in meeting the needs of the people.”

The complexity of abolitionist concepts and the enormity of the task at hand can be overwhelming. To help readers on their journey toward a greater understanding, each essay in the collection is followed by a reader’s guide that offers further provocations on the subject.

Newcomers to these ideas might ask: Is the abolition of the prison industrial complex too drastic? Can we really get rid of prisons and policing altogether? As writes organizer and New York Times bestselling author Mariame Kaba, “The short answer: We can. We must. We are.”

Abolition for the People begins by uncovering the lethal anti-Black histories of policing and incarceration in the United States. Juxtaposing today’s moment with 19th-century movements for the abolition of slavery, freedom fighter Angela Y. Davis writes “Just as we hear calls today for a more humane policing, people then called for a more humane slavery.” Drawing on decades of scholarship and personal experience, each author deftly refutes the notion that police and prisons can be made fairer and more humane through piecemeal reformation. As Derecka Purnell argues, “reforms do not make the criminal legal system more just, but obscure its violence more efficiently.”

Blending rigorous analysis with first-person narratives, Abolition for the People definitively makes the case that the only political future worth building is one without and beyond police and prisons.

You won’t find all the answers here, but you will find the right questions–questions that open up radical possibilities for a future where all communities can thrive.

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The Review

This was an absolutely moving and thought-provoking read. These essays really dived deep into the shocking realities for people of color, and the need for police and prison reform in the United States. The racism that has embedded itself into nearly every fiber and nook of the institutions of this nation, from the field of entertainment and athletics to politics and law enforcement, is staggering. 

Yet it was the compelling words and powerful emotions of the writers of these essays and their subject matter. One story that really brought a tear to my eyes and expanded upon my understanding of this topic greatly was My Son Was Executed by an Ideal, based on a conversation with Gwendolyn Woods, the mother of Mario Woods, a young man executed in the streets of San Francisco in 2015, and the writer Kiese Laymon. The honesty and heartbreak of this mother’s story and the shocking realities of the legal system and the protections that the police enjoy, even those who get away with these crimes, will keep the reader engaged yet stunned as this eyewitness event takes center stage.

The Verdict

Engaging, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking, QB turned activist Colin Kaepernick presents a stunning collection of extraordinary writers and their unique perspectives on modern justice in today’s world in the book “Abolition for the People. The shocking realities that not everyone experiences in this nation and the fight for real change are presented perfectly in this book, and everyone in this world should take the time to read this work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Holder of the all-time NFL record for most rushing yards in a game by a quarterback, Super Bowl QB Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” in 2016 to bring attention to systemic oppressions, specifically police terrorism against Black and Brown people. For his stance, he has been denied employment by the league. Since 2016, he has founded and helped to fund three organizations―Know Your Rights Camp, Ra Vision Media, and Kaepernick Publishing―that together advance the liberation of Black and Brown people through storytelling, systems change, and political education. Kaepernick sits on Medium’s board and is the winner of numerous prestigious honors including Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope honor, GQ magazine’s Citizen of the Year, the NFL’s Len Eshmont Award, the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, the ACLU’s Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award, and the Puffin/Nation Institute’s Prize for Creative Citizenship. In 2019, Kaepernick helped Nike to win an Emmy for its “Dream Crazy” commercial.

Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere by Terry A. Repak Review

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

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Author Terry A. Repak shares the highs and lows of raising children as global citizens, staying in different countries around the world in the book “Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere”.

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The Synopsis

When Terry Repak and her husband moved to West Africa with two small children at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, she seized the opportunity to connect with people of other cultures and bear witness to the ravages of the disease. Circling Home chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children to be global citizens and trying to find home in countries as diverse as Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Switzerland. Her memoir spotlights the complexity, struggles, and profound lessons at the heart of the expat journey.

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The Review

This was an incredibly moving and insightful read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book with both memoir style writing and travel exploration. The imagery and detailed look into these experiences harkens to the author’s work as an investigative reporter, and the honesty for which the author speaks brings the emotional depth of her experiences to life perfectly.

Both the information and heart that went into showcasing the life of an expat and American living abroad and the honest approach to the author’s relationships with her family and their friends that made this story shine. The isolation and loneliness that can come with living abroad in a country not their own, as well as the shocking revelations of witnessing Africa in the height of the AIDS pandemic was quite engaging to me as a reader. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author Terry Repak’s “Circling Home” is a must-read nonfiction book for anyone who enjoys memoirs and travel books. The depth of information, personal writing mixed with great journalistic style, and an emotional connection that readers will resonate with as a family member will make readers eager to dive into this very personal story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Terry Repak has worked as an investigative reporter, an editor, a television producer, a research fellow and a free-lance writer. She has a BS from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Masters degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a PhD in Liberal Arts from Emory University. Her travel articles and research have appeared in newspapers and other publications, including the Seattle Times, Christian Science Monitor, Dar Guide, Geneva Talks, Offshoots, Hello Switzerland, The Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy, Gender and Society, and Social Problems. Her most recent book is a memoir, “Circling Home: What I Learned By Living Elsewhere.” Her earlier books are “Waiting on Washington: Central American Workers in the Nation’s Capital” and “Edward Kennedy” (with Murray B. Levin).

https://www.terryrepak.com/

31 Hours: A Mother’s Story of Hope, Heroes, and Autism by Dr. Michelle Naguib 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.

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A young mother struggles as her son, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, disappears, and the community she fought so hard to accept them must rally around her to find the missing boy in author and Dr. Michelle Naguib’s “31 Hours: A Mother’s Story of Hope, Heroes, and Autism”.

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The Synopsis

When her fourteen-year-old son Jimmy goes missing, Michelle is frantic and distraught. As the hours tick by, Michelle’s desperation escalates, her self-doubt intensifies, and the community’s collective efforts to locate Jimmy become increasingly urgent.

In this memoir, Michelle takes us through the emotional journey of losing her son, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a young child, and reflects on the circumstances that led to his disappearance, her struggles to find him a place of belonging in the community, and the heroism of this same community in rallying to find Jimmy.

An honest account of a mother’s struggles, a keen insight into living with neurodiversity, and an invocation for understanding, acceptance and change, 31 Hours is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. It is a true story of resilience that is both relatable and riveting.

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The Review

This was an emotional, heartfelt, and insightful read. The tension and heartbreak as the author recounts the hours leading up to and following the disappearance of her son was impactful, to say the least, the reader was given insight into the complex web of emotions that can overwhelm any parent, let alone the parent of a child who is neurodivergent. The emotional wellspring that the author taps into to recount her experiences and the thoughtful attention to detail really painted an image in the author’s mind about this experience.

In addition to these tense moments throughout the memoir, the author does an incredible job of not only delving into the details surrounding the work and love that goes into caring for and loving a child who is neurodivergent but also of the efforts that are made to bring your child into a community that supports and cares for them just as much as you do. The impact that faith and community had on any given situation made this a compelling memoir.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and authentically written, author and Dr. Michelle Naguib’s “31 Hours” is a must-read memoir for anyone who has experienced the fear of a missing child, the struggles and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child, or the love of motherhood in general. The engaging way the author addressed the reader while also writing in a way that allowed her to pour her heart into the experiences she was sharing made this a memorable memoir. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michelle Naguib is a mom, pediatric dentist and author who started writing as a cathartic outlet after her son, who was diagnosed with autism, went missing. She lives in South Florida with her husband and two sons, as well as her beautiful Labrador Retriever, Amber.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.naguib

Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelle_naguib?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Urban Nomad: A Memoir by Freddie Kelvin Review

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

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A man who has shunned his past finds himself returning to the life he thought he left behind in author Freddie Kelvin’s “Urban Nomad: A Memoir”.

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The Synopsis

Freddie Kelvin has had enough of all this hatred. His parents escaped the Nazis, and he decides to abandon his Jewish upbringing in England.

He becomes a doctor, even though he doesn’t understand science.

He marries in a church but is haunted by ghosts of his Jewish past.

As he jumps from job to job and city to city, he is lost, rootless, and disconnected. After a brief stint in Canada, he returns to his homeland.

Once back in England, he’s told unwelcome news: “We can’t hire you; you’re too much of a wanderer.” So, he jumps ship and lands a job in North Carolina.

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He survives a major heart attack and two cardiac arrests but remains alive 15 years later. Finding new passions in photography and the performing arts, he takes his camera to many exotic countries including, to his surprise, on several trips to Israel.

Part memoir and part a unique perspective on religion, history, and culture, Freddie traces his experiences in a wide variety of different communities.

After wandering far and wide for so long, he continues to ponder where he belongs and finally comes to terms with his Jewishness.

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The Review

This was a compelling and moving memoir. The author does such an incredible job of capturing the mental and emotional journey that the author had when diverting away from his family history and then rediscovering it for himself years later. The passion and heart that went into the author’s story and the imagery that brought the settings to life, from war-torn Austria and the people who had to escape from there during WWII, to life in England and even in the United States made the author’s life truly visceral. 

The culture and atmosphere the author establishes become the true heart of the story. The author’s personal experiences and the feeling of listlessness were so palpable on the page, and the connection the author discovered to his disconnect to his family and heritage made this story so emotionally driven and thoughtfully curated. The detail that went into his parent’s life both as individuals and together, as well as their escape rom Austria during WWII, added to the depth of emotion and history that this memoir brought to life.

The Verdict

Gripping, engaging, and memorable, author Freddie Kelvin’s “Urban Nomad:  A Memoir” is a must-read nonfiction read. The detailed yet mesmerizing detail that went into this narrative and the history and culture that helped elevate the author’s personal story made this a fantastic book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Freddie Kelvin, the only son of Ernst and Ida Kohut, was born in England after they had narrowly escaped from Nazi-held Austria. He grew up in a strictly protective Jewish community. He rebelled against this by changing his last name to Kelvin and dismissing any connection to Jewish society. Moving to London to study medicine, he found himself tossed around in new communities with a precarious loss of identity. Training in so many unfamiliar surroundings, he felt lost, rootless and disconnected. Almost no one knew that he was Jewish. He married the first of his two Christian wives in a church, leading to feelings of guilt about betraying his heritage. Reluctant to drag his tail back to the industrialized north of England, he emigrated to the United States. Later on, he took courses in creative writing and became a passionate photographer. This led to a life-changing epiphany, for he realized that his heart truly lay in the arts. Better late than never! He traveled abroad widely, experiencing many different cultures. These nomadic experiences, while always tinged with excitement, were confusing. Identity change is a complicated business, and always poses the questions: “Who are we and where do we belong?” Ultimately, try as you may, you cannot entirely escape your roots. Freddie’s story is part memoir and part a unique perspective on religion, culture and history. After many visits to Israel, he slowly developed a sense of pride in his Jewish background. Inspired by the wanderings of both his parents and himself, he developed an urge to write his memoir, and so Urban Nomad was born and became his baby.

https://www.engagingauthor.com/

Hacking Acupuncture (Without Needles) by Yadi Alamin Review

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

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Author Yadi Alamin shares his discovery of a non-invasive form of acupuncture and how you can accomplish it too in the book “Hacking Acupuncture (without needles)”. 

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The Synopsis

Yadi Alamin discovered traditional Asian medicine as a patient. He was 118 pounds and dying quickly when his first acupuncture experience turned his life around. Yadi became well and asked to be a student of his acupuncture doctor. He apprenticed for over a decade with his first teacher, worked for other acupuncture clinics and educators before opening his own practice. Yadi developed a no-needle acupuncture system in 2013 and has spent 10 years perfecting it.

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The Review

This was an informative and compelling read. The knowledge and insight into the world of Eastern Medicine and acupuncture as a whole were fantastic to see explored in this book, and the personable way the author wrote allowed the reader to feel connected to the material being shared. 

To me, the heart of this story was in out-of-the-box approaches to modern acupuncture the author takes when developing this new technique, as well as the history that the author explores in traditional acupuncture. The attention to detail the author pays to the development process and the way the Eastern Medicine field has evolved and grown over time allows the author’s work to feel fresh, innovative, and the future of the industry.

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and thoughtful, author Yadi Alamin’s “Hacking Acupuncture (without Needles)” is a must-read nonfiction book on Eastern Medicine that every reader should pick up for themselves. The information and knowledge, as well as the unique perspective on Eastern Medicine versus Western Medicine, made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Yadi Alamin has studied and practiced Traditional Eastern Medicine for over two decades, after recovering from a near fatal health condition.

He practiced Traditional Asian acupuncture, Tuina massage, QiGong exercise, and herbology under a 7th generation doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an apprentice.

Yadi went on to learn more traditional medicine from Korea Japan and Tibet.

His passion for healing and helping others led him to find alternative ways to help people using acupuncture and technology. He has invented a new delivery system of acupuncture that does not require needles.

https://charlotteacubodywork.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4fbd935ea55d26997c6707f90&id=db2ed72246&e=c879e90a5e

There are also a few podcast interviews that I did recently: 

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Qigong programs: qigongsaved.me

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The Truman Show: It’s True, Man! By Stephen Davis Review

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

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Author Stephen Davis takes readers through a journey to discover the true nature of reality in the book The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!”. 

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The Synopsis

2023 is the 25th anniversary of the release of “The Truman Show.”

If you haven’t seen the movie, “The Truman Show,” starring Jim Carrey, go watch it NOW. And it doesn’t matter whether you watch the original 1998 version, the Special Edition version, or the 25th Anniversary version. Just watch whatever you can find.

In a world where reality TV now reigns supreme, “The Truman Show” stands out as the ultimate example. But what if I told you that Truman Burbank’s story was more than just fiction? What if it was all true? What if we are all Truman Burbank — performers in a scripted reality we mistake for our own?

Discover the shocking truth in this captivating masterpiece that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page. As you dive deep into “The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!”, prepare to be spellbound by a narrative that challenges the very essence of human existence.

“The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!” is a thought-provoking exploration of reality, identity, and the human spirit. It challenges us to question the world we live in, the roles we play, and the boundaries of our own existence. Can we break free from the confines of OUR televised prison, or are we forever destined to live lives scripted by forces beyond our control?

“The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!” is a gripping, mind-bending journey that will have you questioning the reality you think you know.

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The Review

This was a compelling and thought-provoking read. The concepts the author had brought into this book were subjects I myself had been fascinated with for years. From the simulation theory that the author touches upon to the matrix theory that has seen some mind-blowing videos and evidence that makes us all feel like life is a simulation fascinating. The author wrote this book in a way that felt relatable and challenged the reader to delve deep within themselves to question their relationship to reality itself.

The use of a film such as the Truman Show was a great vehicle to delve into this topic. The great point that was made in this book was that this film was the true definition of reality TV, as most reality TV in our own culture has the people aware of their situation and thus the shows feel scripted at times, whereas this film showcases the reality of a man unaware of his simulated life. This speaks to us all, with the way life becomes out of control, and oftentimes feels like it is targeting us specifically really playing into this theory perfectly.

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and engaging, author Stephen Davis’s “The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!”, is a must-read nonfiction book on philosophy and metaphysical theories that cannot be missed. The honest expression of ideas and concepts the author explores from an everyday lens and the compelling story these theories bring to life make this a thoughtful read to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

My name is Stephen Davis… and I usually stop there, because who I am is really not that important.

But since you seem to be curious…

I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. I have a B.S. in Political Science, an M.S. in Psychology, and a Doctor of Divinity degree.

And my life has been full of interesting and challenging experiences.

I began my “spiritual journey” at age 19, after reading “There is a River” by Thomas Sugrue. It is the biography of Edgar Cayce, and I immediately went to work for his son, Hugh Lynn, at the Association of Research and Enlightenment.

Then, in chronological order, I was:

~ Drummer, pianist, bassist, and musical director for “Up With People” when it first started.

~ Physician’s Assistant in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam.

~ Commercial pilot for Cochise Airlines in Arizona.

~ State Senator from District 9 (Tucson) in Arizona. (In 1975, I was awarded the George Washington Medal of Honor from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for my article, “The Government Versus the Economy,” published in Parade Magazine).

~ Commodore’s Staff Aide to L. Ron Hubbard in Scientology, and founder and first president of the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE).

~ Director of Development and teaching faculty at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, where I wrote my first book, “Practice Management Made Easy.”

~ Author of computer software to run a chiropractic office.

~ Losing candidate for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina (Strom Thurmond beat me when he was 82 years old!).

~ Horse trainer and ranch manager for a buckskin breeding ranch in Arizona.

~ Cook and captain of an 80-foot whale and dolphin research ship (the “Kairos”) in the Canary Islands.

~ Author of an award-winning screenplay and two books (novels) based on ten years of research proving that HIV cannot be the cause of AIDS (“Wrongful Death: The AIDS Trial”), and that the so-called HIV tests can have false positive results as much as 90% of the time (“Are You Positive?”).

I had a car accident that broke my neck in 2003, and since then I have been taking it “easy,” writing “Butterflies Are Free to Fly” in 2008 and delivering my Holographic Universe Workshops all over the world. (Quantum physics has been my “hobby” for almost 30 years.) I am really honored that so many people have downloaded (and read, I hope!) this book.

I’M 77 years old with a wonderful family, including three amazing grandchildren.

I had two wonderful wives (15 years each), but I am now single and living in North Carolina.

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The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self by Clement Decrop Review

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

Author Clement Decrop shares a guided look into the mind and brings real and practical tools to understanding the human consciousness and what it means to house an infinite universe in our own heads in the book “The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self”.

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The Synopsis

We are a way for the cosmos to know itself;
the cosmos is a way for us to know ourselves.

The Idea Space makes consciousness as real as gravity. Clement Decrop leads the layperson on a captivating scientific exploration of consciousness that revolutionizes our conventional understanding of the mind. The infinite space of our mind mirrors the infinite vastness of the universe, and lessons gleaned from one can illuminate the other. Delving into The Idea Space lifts the veils of illusion that keep us from understanding our true Selves. Packed with illustrations and engaging exercises, the book demystifies mindfulness by transforming esoteric concepts into practical, accessible tools for all. Decrop inspires those seeking the hidden truths of our world to uncover a genuine, sincere, and harmonious purpose to life. The beauty of these truths is they are hidden in plain sight. All you have to do is look.

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The Review

For so long, questions of reality and the idea of what the human mind is capable of have been strictly regulated to philosophy and spiritualism. Ideas of life after death, shaping reality with our minds, and perceiving worlds that exist just outside of our own have been the stuff of supernatural novels and spooky stories. Yet the author has truly found a transformative and engaging way of bringing these ideas and concepts to life in a more grounded, scientific language. 

The way the author was able to balance the philosophical and spiritual nature of these concepts with the scientific and critical thinking that the author brings to the table was fantastic to see come to life. The amount of research and development that went into these theories, especially the sunset conjecture, was great to see executed in this book. The idea of the mind being a vast universe and ideas and thoughts becoming images and real objects within these mindscapes was a refreshing way to speak about these topics.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author Clement Decrop’s “The Idea Space” is a must-read nonfiction book of philosophy and scientific theory. The almost esoteric concepts the author touched upon and the compelling, interactive nature of the book itself will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Inventor and Belgium-born author, Clément Decrop moved to the United States at the age of six with his family. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State, Decrop has worked across the globe, including France, Spain, the United Emirates, and then back home in the United States.

“The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self” delves into the depths of consciousness by introducing a revolutionary solution to Einstein’s field equation to describe the mind, accessible to the layperson. In these pages, Decrop guides readers to view their thoughts objectively and identify their impact, helping the reader discover a happier existence and a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose.

As a Global Educator since 2018, Clément has shared his wisdom on meditation, sleep, exercise, and nutrition with thousands of eager participants across 40 countries. His innovative spirit led him to collaborate with numerous inventors from Wikipedia’s Most Prolific Inventors List, resulting in 130-plus patent disclosures within one year, 50-plus filed, and 20-plus issued as of late 2023.

Outside these professional spheres, Decrop finds joy in the simpler pleasures of life. He’s an avid reader—from textbooks on semiconductors and rockets to general fiction—an experimental cook, a global traveler, an enthusiastic coder, and a health and fitness devotee. He currently lives in Pennsylvania.

https://theideaspace.io/

Paw Prints on the Couch by Kim Lengling 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.

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Author Kim Lengling shares stories of heart and heartache as she touches upon the impact pets have on our lives in the book “Paw Prints on the Couch”.

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The Synopsis

Paw Prints on the Couch highlights the importance of our furry companions and the impact they have on our lives. The joy and yes, the heartache we experience when we have to say goodbye. Nonetheless, we celebrate the moments shared with our pets and the memories that will always be with us. What would our world be without our furry friends?

The stories acknowledge the joy that comes with opening your heart and home to a furry companion and is a testament to the eternal bond between humans and our animal companions.

With tales of loyalty, bravery, and above all, unconditional love, this book is a reminder of the powerful impact pets have on our lives. So grab a blanket, curl up with your own furry friend, and let the charming stories within “Paw Prints on the Couch” touch your heart and soul.

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The Review

As a pet parent myself, I instantly identified with the author’s collection of stories from some pet parents who felt that same emotional connection to their pets as I do to mine. The honesty and depth of each story were greatly reflected in the author’s writing style, allowing these memories and experiences to come to life in a unique way. 

The emotional core of this story rests in the shared memories they have with their animals. I know better than most the pain and devastating feeling that losing a beloved pet can have on you, and the author was able to dive into that element of being a pet parent with grace and heart that allowed the reader to feel those emotions as well. The author was able to find their voice in these stories as well, allowing the subject of each story to have their moment in the sun while also bringing her own heart and experiences to the stories.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Kim Lengling’s “Paw Prints on the Couch” is a must-read nonfiction book on pet care and pet parenting. The passion and emotion with which the author brought these stories to life and the balance of heartbreak and heartfelt storytelling made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

As a multi-published author, Kim shares her love of nature, animals, living with PTSD, and her mission of tossing Nuggets of Hope into the world through writing and her podcast, Let Fear Bounce.

She is the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative 3-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two stand-alone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023.)

In addition to writing, she hosts the podcast Let Fear Bounce, spotlighting people who make a positive difference in the world, whether by writing, film production, philanthropy, teaching, founding non-profits, and more.

You can regularly find Kim drinking copious amounts of coffee and taking long walks with her dog.