Tag: nonfiction

10,000 Startups: Legal Strategies For Startup Success by Roger Royse 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 Roger Royse shares his expertise to help those looking to begin a startup with the legal strategies needed for success in the book “10,000 Startups: Legal Strategies For Startup Success”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Managing a startup is challenging enough. Don’t allow legal planning to burden your business! Set yourself up for success with “10,000 Startups”, a unique book that describes impactful legal planning for startup companies. Author Roger Royse takes you through the successful outcomes that result from strategic legal planning. Startup law is complex and covers a wide range of legal disciplines. This book highlights the questions you should ask to ensure that you have the best possible chance for success.

Roger Royse has practiced law since 1984 and has been working with Silicon Valley startups since 1991. During that time, Roger has counseled thousands of companies, many of which went on to have successful exits or grew to become large companies. All of the successful companies described in this book were benefited from good legal planning in areas such as corporate, tax, intellectual property, employment and securities law. Good legal structure is essential to a successful outcome, whether it be a sale, IPO, or organic growth. Most successful startups started not only with the right team, technology and market, they also started with the right legal planning. Ensure your company’s success by equipping yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle any and all legal matters!

The Review

This was such an insightful and well-written book on the world of startups and how to go about making your startup a reality. The technical knowledge and information that the author is able to showcase and build upon in this book, as well as the expertise that he is able to bring to the information through his years of professional work in the industry, made this a truly compelling read. 

The honest and engaging way the author reaches out to the reader to showcase the differences between the passion one needs to pursue this path and the intricate and detailed roadmap one needs to navigate the legalities of it all made this a truly wonderful book. The way the author is able to walk readers through the process, from assembling a team and gathering legal protection to gathering the funds to keep the startup sustainable and implementing one’s strategy for the startup through meticulous planning made this feel so straightforward and enlightening for business-minded and everyday people looking to make their dream a reality alike. 

The Verdict

Sincerely written, detail-oriented, and memorable, author Roger Royse’s “10,000 Startups: Legal Strategies For Startup Success” is a must-read nonfiction book you won’t want to put down. The insight and impact that the author’s research and expertise bring to the business world made the book flow smoothly and resonate with everyone hoping to bring their startup to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Roger Royse is a partner in the Palo Alto office of Haynes and Boone, LLP and practices in the areas of corporate and securities law, domestic and international tax, mergers and acquisitions, and fund formation. He works with companies ranging from newly formed tech startups to publicly traded multinationals in a variety of industries.

Roger is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and former chair of several committees of the American Bar Association Sections of Business Law and Taxation. Roger has been an instructor or professor of legal, tax and business topics for the Center for International Studies (Salzburg, Austria), Golden Gate University School of Law and Stanford Continuing Studies.

Roger is a nationally recognized authority on agtech – the technology of food production – and the legal considerations for companies in this industry. Roger is also the author of Dead on Arrival: How to Avoid the Legal Mistakes That Could Kill Your Startup and has been interviewed and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox Business, Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, Tax Notes, Inc. Magazine, Nikkei Asian Review, China Daily, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, The Recorder, 7X7, Business Insurance, ABA Journal and Fast Company.

Roger is also a Certified Public Accountant (California non-Attest).

Professional Recognition

• Recognized as a Northern California – Super Lawyer 2011-2019

• Martindale Hubbell® Law Directory with a Peer Review Rating of AV® Preeminent™

• Recognized as a “Top Attorney” with a “10.0 Superb” Avvo Rating

• Recipient of The Recorder Legal Innovator Awards 2014 and 2015

• Recognized by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as the “2012 San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Man of the Year”

Professional and Community Activities

• Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel

• California Co-Chair of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation

• American Bar Association (“ABA”) Business Law Section Liaison to the Section of Taxation

• Member, Executive Committee, California Lawyers Association, Taxation Section

• Member, City of Menlo Park Finance and Audit Committee

• Palo Alto Area Bar Association, Past President

• Past Chair, Tax Policy, Practice and Legislation of the Taxation Section, State Bar of California

• Member of the ABA Task Force on Tax Legislation (2018-2019)

• Past Chair of the Committees on Tax Practice Management and Tax Policy of the ABA Tax Section; Past Chair of the Taxation Committee of the Business Law Section; Past California State Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates

Learn more at www.rogerroyse.com

https://linktr.ee/rogerroyse

The Heart of Fear: A Surgeon’s Collection of Stories on Adversity, Passion and Perseverance by Alexandra Kharazi, MD 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 Alexandra Kharazi, MD, shares insights into the people in high-risk careers who overcame adversity in the book “The Heart of Fear: A Surgeon’s Collection of Stories on Adversity, Passion, and Perseverance”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

The Heart of Fear: A Surgeon’s Collection of Stories on Adversity, Passion and Perseverance is a raw and honest exploration of the internal conflicts and fears shared by professionals in distinctly different yet surprisingly comparable fields-including medicine, skydiving, and stunt driving.

Through candid interviews with people in high-stress, high-risk occupations, author Alexandra Kharazi provides insight on navigating risk in the face of fear and offers techniques on how we can ultimately transcend the limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our goals.

The Review

This was such an intriguing and mindful look into the tension and struggle of those in high-pressure jobs. The passion and hope that the author infuses into the themes and narrative of each story were so profound and moving, and made the book come alive on the pages. The care and compassion the author shows to bring these stories to life give a beautiful push of emotion to the stories as well.

The integration of personal storytelling through these interviews allowed the author’s message of hope and resilience to shine brightly. The impact of things like fear and doubt on a person’s mental well-being and the need to overcome that fear through determination and strength of will were greatly illustrated through each of these stories, and the quick pacing allowed readers to consume this book and the uplifting themes in each tale with ease.

The Verdict

Memorable, impactful, and engaging, author Alex Kharazi’s “The Heart of Fear” is a must-read nonfiction self-help and inspirational guide on pushing past our fears and not letting doubt cloud our minds. The impact of high-pressure jobs and the book’s emphasis on the medical career, in particular, was a refreshing change in POV, and readers would love to see the author explore more stories like this in other professions in future books. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Alexandra Kharazi, MD is a surgeon practicing in California. She has always been passionate about writing and storytelling. Her first book,  “The Heart of Fear,” started as a passion project in which she interviewed friends and colleagues about their experiences navigating high risk careers. She has a special interest in exploring the motivation and mindset of those navigating high-pressure environments. 

https://www.alexkharazi.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@heartoffear/video/7236851317694696750?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7124173925428282923

Why We Make Bad Choices The God’s Labyrinth of Good and Evil Encountering the Self by Maria Liviero 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 Maria Liviero shares a unique journey to understanding the self and how a false self can impact the negative decisions we make for our lives in her book “Why We Make Bad Choices: The God’s Labyrinth of Good and Evil Encountering the Self”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

This book explores our sense of self and the source of the unhealthy behaviours and thinking patterns that cause us to make bad choices through the symbolic themes and characters of Genesis 1–3.

The journey towards understanding ourselves is undertaken by a character called Eve, who enters a parallel universe between Genesis and the present day only to discover the dark side of human nature that stems from God, and where she learns how to deal with the resulting false self.

This is a self-help book for anyone interested in investigating the depths of the human self and exploring how a false self can manifest itself causing us to make unhealthy choices. It will take you on a journey where you will encounter both the good and evil that exists within all of us, a journey first introduced in the creation story of Genesis.

The Review

This was a unique and powerful read. The author’s ability to write in a way that felt both educational yet relatable to everyone was a great use of voice and tone, and the philosophical discussions that the author’s work brings up help to bridge the gap between religion and psychology as a whole new way, allowing for the reader to really take the time to explore their own lives and the impact that one’s faith and morality can impact their lives directly.

For me, the connection the author formed between religion and psychology was such an impactful writing and philosophy tool. The symbolism and creativity that the author used in showcasing the story of Eve and her experiences throughout the book of Genesis, and how the author was able to relay that information to our own understanding of the universe as a whole and our place in it in regards to our own identity and psyche was amazing to see come to life.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and engaging, author Maria Liviero’s “Why We Make Bad Choices” is a must-read self-help and nonfiction read for both religious and psychology enthusiasts alike. The passion for which the author wrote and the information that the book imparts to the reader made this a truly compelling read and made for a great balance with the more interactive aspect of the book’s themes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Maria Liviero, based in the UK, has received an award for her first book that had been in the planning for five years. With the many ups and downs of writing, and to share how personal struggles can create an empty canvas to recreate the reader’s life, because there is no end but a beginning.

She obtained a psychology degree, along with MSc and diploma in psychotherapy. In her experience, the dark side of human nature is of equal or even greater importance—without being conscious of our shadow we continue to live in fear, discord with ourselves and others. Maria believes to understand ourselves we must travel the path of self-discovery. This can mean transcending our false ego to live a fulfilling life without the shackles that we have created like the internet, social media, mobiles phones, addictions, relationships, negative thinking (and behaviours), and statements.

Liviero’s passion is to show how suffering is an important part of life that must not be repressed or pushed aside by using a person, a thing or a situation to relieve us from the inner despair but take the experience to evolve emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

https://www.maria-liviero.com/

Good-Bye Too Soon by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh 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 Randi-Lee Bowlaugh shares the painful realities of loss and addiction as she eulogizes her brother after his loss to addiction in the book “Good-Bye Too Soon”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Addiction is a rampant mental illness that takes hold of individuals of any age. Brandon was only a teenager when drugs took over his life. The battle raged for decades before he lost.

Randi-Lee shares the truth behind the eulogy. Having a brother with addiction created a fissure and forced the need for boundaries. Stepping away and loving him from a distance was her only way to keep herself safe.

This book goes beyond losing a brother. It delves into risk factors, constructive coping strategies, and a family’s grieving process. Reminding those left behind to forgive ourselves and the person we lost.

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

The Review

This was a heartbreaking and honest book on grief, loss, and the painful path of addiction. The author remarkably conveys the emotional rollercoaster that comes with losing someone so close to addiction while also threading through the painful realities of maintaining healthy boundaries and yet desperately clinging to the hope of reuniting with the person that has lost themselves to this mental illness. 

The balance between emotional storytelling and clinical, detailed revelations regarding addiction and mental health concerns was great to see come to life on the page. It kept the reader emotionally invested while showcasing some of the root causes of addiction, the impact on both the addict and those in the addict’s life, and the shocking realities of life while living with addiction as a whole. The way the author was able to showcase the person her brother was outside of the addiction as well was really emotional and heartfelt and made for some compelling reading.

ABN Banner

The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s “Good-Bye Too Soon” is a must-read nonfiction memoir on drug dependency, recovery, and the path of loss that readers won’t want to put down. The emotion and heart that the author pours into this book made this a memorable experience that will resonate with so many readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness and from there knew that this was her dream. Since then she has continued writing and expanding the genres that she writes.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.

While she isn’t working, she is spending time with her two teenage children and a grand-baby. Randi tries to speak honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone.

Follow Randi’s YouTube Show Write or Die Show

Follow Randi on TikTok @writeordieshow

Welcome

God’s Little Black Dress for Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes 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 and Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes take readers of faith on an intimate journey to discover the femininity of God’s armor in the book “God’s Little Black Dress for Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Women want to be spiritually stylish, but wearing the armor of God sounds clunky and unattractive. In “Gods’ Little Black Dress for Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity”, we discover how God tailor-makes a “little black dress of truth” that is battle ready for every occasion. Each of the 12 chapters is followed by a “Teaching Highlights” and “Participants’ Guide” complete with memory verse and prayer focus scriptures. Also included is an excellent “Leaders’ Discussion Guide”, “Small Group Leadership Guidelines”, “The ABC’s of a Small Group Covenant” and much more! Don’t miss the “Memorable Quotes” on page 179!

ABN Banner

The Review

This is definitely a well-written and thought-provoking read for faithful readers. The balance of personal storytelling with introspective discussions of faith was well represented in the author’s work, and the interactive part of the guide made this book feel more personal and connected to the reader themselves. 

The attention to detail the author gives to this book in regard to the biblical verses and the way the author was able to find ways of incorporating femininity and female empowerment into the lessons that each chapter taught were great to see. The importance of making more room for positive interactions for women and supporting women in general when it comes to faith and religion as a whole is so important in this modern age, and seeing the author’s work incorporate this into the lessons showed through her powerful experiences and memories. 

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, enlightening, and memorable, author and Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes’s “God’s Little Black Dress for Women” is a must-read nonfiction book for faith and religious readers looking to find positive feminism engagement for modern-day Christianity. The heart and encouragement readers will find in this book and the interactive nature of the book will resonate with readers greatly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Dr. Katherine received her BA in English and a MA in Elementary Education at Adelphi University. She received her Doctorate of Education and Supervision at Arizona State University. Katherine taught for 8 years before moving to the principalship of K-8 and K-6 schools for approximately 10 years. She has served as a freelance writer for various magazines including, Church Weekly, Prom Guide and Glendale Magazine. When Katherine isn’t working as counselor or writing curriculum she loves painting and photography. Some of her work in art, poetry and short stories has been distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s contribution to the arts Award, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She also runs recreationally, coordinates fitness boot-camps for women and has a black belt in Taekwondo. Katherine loves speaking to groups delivering her messages with quick wit and real-life stories. She has been involved in church ministry for 18 years leading women’s ministry, teaching, playing piano, singing, and teaching liturgical dance.

https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/

Write Out Loud: How to Get Over Your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book by Naomi D. Nakashima Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, 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 Naomi D. Nakashima takes readers on a journey to explore the individual fears we all face as writers in completing our stories and how to overcome them in the book “Write Out Loud: How to Get Over Your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Are you still struggling with your book? Feeling overwhelmed or creatively blocked with self-doubt, fear, and general anxiety about what it means to write a book? Are you still wondering if you have what it takes to even write a book?

Not all fears are created equal.

Write Out Loud is a step-by-step guide to help you identify the fears that are keeping you from sharing your story so you can beat them back and finally write your book with confidence. In Write Out Loud, you’ll learn how to:

• identify the source of your self-doubts and fears

• validate your book idea

• gain self-belief (in your story and in your ability to write your story)

• start writing your first draft with confidence

• feel comfortable talking about your book idea

• And, yes, much more!

Amazon bestselling author and ghostwriter Naomi D. Nakashima brings her experience of helping authors to write and publish their books along with her training as a psychotherapist to walk you through the sometimes painful process of facing your fears and sharing your story. If you’re ready to finally sit down and start writing your book without the fear and anxiety, read Write Out Loud: How to Get Over your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Review

This is a detailed and well-developed book. The author does a marvelous job of touching upon the writing process in a meticulous way that gives established and newcomer authors a feel for what they can expect during the writing and publishing process. The precision and concise nature of the author’s writing really allowed readers to get a broad look into each and every step the journey to becoming an author can take. 

For me, the wealth of information and the straightforward way the author lays out the process while also providing a personable writing approach to the fears and holdups that people can have when it comes to writing made this a compelling read. The exploration of everything from character and narrative development to facing anxiety about your writing and finding the time to write in general really made this book feel like a fresh and engaging read. 

ABN Banner

The Verdict

Compelling, engaging, and inspiring, author Naomi D. Nakashima’s “Write Out Loud” is a must-read nonfiction book and guide on writing and overcoming one’s anxieties surrounding writing. The detail and enlightening concepts the author touches upon were great, especially one of my favorites surrounding developing an audience, and the way this book will speak to writers and authors on any level of the writing process made this feel like a truly special read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Naomi D. Nakashima is a bestselling author of nonfiction, a ghostwriter with 20 years of experience, a trained psychotherapist, and a TikTok writing coach with thousands of followers who attend her coaching events and regular Q&As. Everything I Need to Know About Parenting I Learned from Watching Star Trek, her first book published under her name, became an international Amazon bestseller and stayed on the bestseller list for step-parenting and blended families for three years.

As a single mother of two, Naomi daydreams about spending her free time reading books, diamond painting, and traveling the world.

Follow her online at:

Website: https://helpmenaomi.com/

Shop: https://shop.glitzandgrammar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmenaomi

https://twitter.com/helpmenaomi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpmenaomi/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/helpmenaomi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helpmenaomi/

Purchase a copy of Write Out Loud on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also get an autographed copy (and put more money back in the author’s hands) by purchasing it on Glitz and Glamour. Make sure you also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

May 15 @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Naomi D. Nakashima’s book Write Out Loud. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

May 16 @ One Writer’s Journey

Join Sue for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

May 16 @ Karen Brown Tyson

Visit Karen’s blog again for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about understanding what goes into an author platform.

https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

May 17 @ Karen Brown Tyson

Join Karen for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

Karen Brown Tyson

May 18 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Join Anthony for his review of Write Out Loud.

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/

May 19 @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about why your story is a good idea.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

May 20 @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole as she features author Naomi D. Nakashima on her weekly feature, Three Things on a Saturday Night.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

May 21 @ Shoe’s Seeds & Stories

Check out Linda’s review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

May 22 @ Writer Advice

Visit Lynn’s blog for Naomi D. Nakashima’s guest post start writing your first draft with confidence.

Blog

May 23 @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra for a feature of Write Out Loud.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

May 24 @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Join Lisa for her interview with Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

May 25 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

May 26 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Join Beverley for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 29 @ Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire

Visit Mindy’s blog for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about imposter syndrome.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

May 30 @ My Beauty, My Books

Join Nikki for her review of Write Out Loud. A must-read book for writers!

https://mybeautymybooks.com/

May 31 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Join Beverley again for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about memory issues.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 1 @ The Mommies Review

Join Glenda for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com/

June 1  @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Join Jill for her review of Write Out Loud. She also interviews Naomi D. Nakashima, author of the book.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

June 2 @ My Beauty, My Books

Visit Nikki’s blog for her guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about finding the time to write.

https://mybeautymybooks.com/

June 3 @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily for a review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

June 5 @ Sara Trimble Freelancing

Join Sara for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://saratrimble.wordpress.com/

June 7 @ Create Write Now

Join Mari’s for her guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about writing with ADHD.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

June 8 @ The Frugalista Mom

Visit Rochie’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

June 9 @ Book Reviews from an Avid Reader

Visit Joan’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

June 10 @ A Wonderful World of Books

Check out Joy’s blog for an excerpt of Write Out Loud and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

June 15 @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima. You can also win a copy of the book too!

https://worldofmyimagination.com

June 16 @ Choices

Join Madeline’s blog for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about weird writing tips and tricks.

https://www.madelinesharples.com/

June 16 @ Mary Jo Campbell

Visit Mary Jo’s Instagram page for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://www.instagram.com/maryjocampbell_author/

June 17 @ Coffee And Ink

Visit Jan’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud. 

https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/

The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools by Damon Lembi Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Damon Lembi shares the secret behind the success of leaders who embrace the journey and learn the ways of becoming a successful leader for their company in the book “The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Great leaders aren’t born. They’re not made, either. 

They’re in the making. 

They’re constantly creating and re-creating themselves, their companies, and their leadership.

Too often, the bottom line in business is valued more than the journey endured to get there. But the journey is where real growth occurs. It’s where lifelong learners reap the benefit of vital lessons, students thrive, and scholars stall out. It’s where leaders distinguish themselves from managers and progress is more valuable than achievement.

If you’re a learn-it-all leader, you embrace the journey because there you become exceptional.

In The Learn-It-All Leader, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi shares:

  • How being a “Learn-it-All” vs “Know-it-All will set you up for success and get you invited to more happy hours!
  • A three-step approach to overcoming imposter syndrome
  • How to use Purposeful Awfulizing to overcome fear and build resilience
  • Discover why treating your employees as a team rather than as family can lead to greater success
  • Why you should choose potential over experience in the hiring process
  • Learn what “Trust Tax” is and why it’s worth paying
  • How a leader’s personal model of integrity is crucial to creating trust and a thriving workplace
  • A proven model for building great teams
  • How implementing a culture of continuous learning & professional development helps attract & retain talent
  • Why you should focus on elevating strengths over improving weaknesses


With entertaining anecdotes and inspirational examples, The Learn-It-All Leader is a compelling guide to being your best and playing to win, every time.

Introducing BookBaby Editing Services. The first truly affordable book editing solution designed for self-publishing authors.

The Review

This was an incredibly well-written and captivating read. The author does an amazing job early on in establishing a personal connection with the reader with an intimate writing style while also demonstrating authority and expertise in the subject matter through the detailed guide and knowledge the book imparts to the reader. The applications of the author’s work to both real-life situations and business as a whole were great to see illustrated in the author’s writing.

For me, the heart of this narrative came down to the difference established between managers and leaders, and the concept of an ever-evolving growth in becoming a leader. The way author dives into the different ways in which people learn, and how those who take a more scholarly approach and can use the lessons taught in school in their everyday life make great managers, while great leaders are always learning and growing and the world is their classroom, so to speak. The emphasis put on learning on a consistent level throughout one’s life and career was so inspiring, as it gives everyone a fair and hopeful chance at improving their life and becoming more than what the world says they should be, and the applications for these lessons in a more business sense were well developed.

ABN Banner

The Verdict

Memorable, educational, and inspiring, author Damon Lembi’s “The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and growth as a leader. The straightforward and honest writing style and the impact of the author’s lessons and experiences will give readers the boost of hope and confidence they need to absorb not only the author’s information, but the lessons life has to teach us all in the years ahead of us. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Damon Lembi is CEO of Learnit, a global leader in corporate training solutions that has upskilled more than 1.8 million professionals in the past twenty-seven years. Damon lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and loves books, live music, and above all, spending time with his wife, Cara Mia; their two kids, Luciana and Walter; and Pablo the Puggle.

https://www.learnit.com/

Interview with Author Ryan Bernsten 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I’ve been writing stories from a young age – it started by writing little plays to perform with my friends and family. For me, writing is a conduit to commune with other people, and that’s why my interest has been primarily in playwriting – it keeps the lonely writer trope at bay and keeps art from becoming a solo sport. Writing to me is so much about collaborating, and that’s why this book – which has given me the opportunity to travel across the country to talk to voters and speak at colleges and bookstores – is such an exciting endeavor. 50 States of Mind the book is only the start of the conversation.

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

My impetus to write the book was a combination of a lot of different seemingly serendipitous factors: like many in the United States, the 2016 election was a wakeup call. I had been working for the Florida Democratic party, and was totally stunned by the result and hungry to dive into the nuances and contradictions of the hugely consequential election. I needed to discover what I missed – I was a Northwestern-educated 26-year-old who had chosen New York City as his home, but also a Rust Belt native who grew up in a sometimes overlooked part of the Midwest. Because of this, I could empathize with not feeling heard by the rest of the country. These preoccupations led me to write an admissions essay to University of Oxford. When I left the U.S. for the U.K. in September of 2017, I had room to reflect on the events of the past year and, fortuitously, the opportunity to pitch a thesis project to my department. The 50 States of Mind idea – the opportunity to travel to all 50 states to speak to people on the ground, seemed to be the best way to dive into the heart of a divided America and see if there were answers to be found from the people.

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

I think the message of the book, hopefully, makes the reader want to turn off the news, put down their phones, and get out there to fully engage in the ever-changing story of American democracy. We are made to feel that we have to think in black and white terms (or red and blue) about the problems in our country, but there is an awful lot of nuance and gray area surrounding these topics. I think those in power intentionally divide about so many inconsequential things – forcing us to take sides in cultural discussions that have little to do with our democracy – that we lose focus on the issues that matter most and get distracted from finding meaningful ways to make change. Our communities are the perfect canvas for us to get involved and make an impact, and it’s worth considering if we’re actually doing our part to make positive change.

ABN Banner

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The works of travel nonfiction by folks like Bill Bryson who allows humor to illustrate broader points about society, Samantha Allen who fuses candid memoir with travel writing, and William Least-Heat Moon with the search for meaning among the regular folks in America all helped me reconsider what travel writing should or could be. Seeing what is possible in narrative nonfiction and borrowing what I admired helped me create a work of travel nonfiction that I see myself in.

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

I really have come to loathe social media because I think it’s tearing apart our democracy (for more details, see the full book or audiobook!), however, I do like to keep people in the loop on Instagram.

BookBaby's Complete Self-Publishing Package includes eBooks, Printed Books and more - everything you need for your book launch!

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

I’ve learned through the development of this book that you are only as strong as those who edit your work, and luckily I had brilliant editors along the way. The most important relationships a writer can cultivate is with someone who will give you honest feedback on relatively polished work. This could be a non-writer, but never, ever make that person feel taken for granted – buy them dinner, buy them a million drinks! These people are worth their weight in gold. And if you are a part of a writers’ group, be the person who reliably gives notes in a week or two. You’ll learn about your own writing by giving feedback to others, and you’re more likely to get careful feedback in return.

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

I’m embarking on a speaking tour of U.S. libraries and bookstores next month, which couldn’t be more exciting since it’s quite parallel to the journey of the book. I’m also starting to develop 50 States of Mind into a stage play in the style of The Laramie Project as I hope to use my playwriting background to bring the diverse voices of those I met along my journey to life. 

Advertisements

About the Author

Ryan Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern University and Oxford’s Creative Writing Master’s program.  Ryan is a contributor for The Infatuation and has been published in USA Today, The Fulcrum, The Oxford Political Review, and The Trevor Project, where he is the Senior Managing Editor. Ryan is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been performed across the US and UK. You may have seen him as a Slytherin contestant on Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses. ryanbernsten.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/Crv9AS3ub4G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://twitter.com/ryanbernsten

Interview with Author Henning Kuersten 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

My father was a physicist, so I was raised in a scientific environment. I studied Computer & Information Science and Psychology at Queen’s University in Canada and the Technical University in Munich. I have been a mountaineer, sailor, and adventurer all my life, and as an entrepreneur, I created a software company specializing in image analysis & editing software. When I heard about the Dyatlov Pass Incident, which is probably the most famous mountaineering mystery of all time, I was of course clueless like everyone, but the case lingered in my mind. I then found present-day video material describing exactly what the hikers saw on the slope of Mt. Kholat Syakhl. I analyzed the last photos from the cameras and discovered that they were not showing a lab window in the morgue, as suggested by case experts. The incident then suddenly made complete sense to me, but still, I did not anticipate writing a book about it.

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

In the years following my initial discovery, I saw a number of TV documentaries about the tragedy. I have always been intrigued by real-life mysteries, like the Franklin expedition, the fate of MH370 or the Skinwalker Ranch. Since I’m a mountaineer myself, the Dyatlov mystery didn’t leave me alone. I then did two years of intense research and the big picture slowly emerged, like a long-hidden puzzle. I never wanted to write a book about my suspicion, but the revival of the avalanche theory by the mainstream media stirred me up. I knew from my ski hiking experience and professional analysis of photos from the Dyatlov camp site, that the reason for the escape and the injuries of the hikers could not have been an avalanche.

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

When I decided to write a book, I tried not to succumb to prejudice and bias, but to analyze the case from the ground up. So I concentrated on original evidence like the case files, eyewitness testimonies and the “famous last frames”. Whatever evidence I came up with, it always fit the picture that started to appear. I had to discard nothing, and every question was answered, without layered assumptions or by ignoring Occam. He was philosopher from the 14the century who proposed, that the most likely answer to a problem is always the simplest one. This message is an important one for life. Try to always be open minded, keep it simple and avoid confirmation bias.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The surviving relatives have the right to know, that the young mountaineers didn’t die in vain. The conclusions to the case open up one of the last mysteries in modern science, which has an high relevance for UFOlogy, aviation and new energy sources. The solution to the Dyatlov Pass Incident is actually quite spectacular. All of this together made it impossible for me to ignore this mystery.

Advertisements

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

I did a lot of research and discussion on Facebook, as there are several groups about the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Quora is also a good site to ask for opinions and get answers to questions.

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

If you want to be successful with a nonfiction book, try to stay away from confirmation bias and motivated reasoning. Meaning, that you should never ignore evidence or arguments that do not fit your line of thought. Take your time, show respect to other theories, ideas and people involved in the topic, and expect to get rich only in experience. Don’t be arrogant but open-minded, test your thoughts on social media, accept criticism and the fact that there will always be people who disagree. I would have never been able to develop my theory without discussion and disagreement.

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

I have thought about writing a sequel, but I believe any theory should be simple enough to be presentable in a single book. If it takes two or more books, then it becomes confusing and tedious to understand. However, the scientific research concerning my theory is far from complete, and since the launch of my book in 2021 the number of pages has doubled in newer editions. In addition to ongoing research and expeditions to locations on the planet with similar anomalies, I am working on a TV documentary with a renowned UK film company, who believes my book has finally solved the mystery.

Advertisements

About the Author

Henning Kuersten studied Computer & Information science at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He is owner of a company specialized in software for image analysis. He is also a dedicated mountaineer who has survived a horrific incident on the 4049 meter high Piz Bernina, which, together with his professional experience in Photography and Psychology, has helped him to understand the mystery of the Dyatlov Pass Incident.