Tag: nonfiction

Guest Post: What You Love Will Get You Through by Kate Brenton

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

I have always been a doer and banked on working my way through anything, but how effective that is change throughout life. My first hint was at 41 years old and a few weeks away from delivering my first and only child, when my midwife was packing up her bag from our visit, she looked over her shoulder to say, “You know it’s good for moms to have things to do that are just theirs.”

I nodded.

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“You, know,” she mindfully continued, “some Moms have to work, and some moms choose to work and it’s not so much the money at times, but what you get back for doing something that you really love to do, or just like to do, but it is something for you.”

“Uh-huh,” I smile. I am so naive in this moment I can only esoterically nod at what she was saying; I cannot really understand the lifeline she has thrown me before she walks out the door that day, but I bet she did. 

My son came into this world fully loaded with fire and change; his arrival opened a new era, and all change brings some dissolution. We can be surprised in the form, but as we journey forward in years we can start to sense those waves of change coming.

“You should start a podcast,” my sweet and reliable friend Joe told me one day out of the blue.

“What? I have a baby. I have no time,” I retorted.

“It’s not that hard and I think you would really enjoy it. Our podcast together has the highest ratings,” he continued. “And I could share my equipment with you..”

“What do you mean highest ratings?” I listened as Joe talked about the numbers on our one off show, and the details of microphones, and the help he was going to give me to get going. Our decades-old friendship had this swinging cadence of uplifting each other, so I was able to entertain this perplexing thought of me starting a podcast with only internal scrutiny because I knew his intentions were pure.

I hemmed and hawed over it. Crafted an intention and an arc, reached out to inspirational people I knew and the Rebirth podcast was born. You know what? I loved it. I loved talking. I loved the microphone. I loved sharing people’s stories. It brought me so much joy. Even when I had to record episodes in my car because the baby was sleeping, and there was no reception in the basement to record. Even when someone asked me how many listeners I had, and I didn’t know 50 downloads an episode was low, because 50 people was a great number for a local talk, which was how I looked at it. The podcast became a respite of creativity in a sea of self-less motherhood.

Life wasn’t in the easiest flow otherwise, and someone said to me, “You spend a lot of time on that podcast and it doesn’t make any money.” 

I was sitting at a table eating, legs crossed, fork in hand; I blinked. I felt a small dip in my stomach, when a voice inside—who I hadn’t heard for awhile—quietly cautioned me that this was not the thing to let go of. Her quietness gave me pause, even as my mind agreed that the podcast was not producing monetarily. I kept a solid face. I gave a non-verbal acknowledgment of the statement and decided to stay the course, with or without support.

About six months later, and I tell this story in the book, an acquaintance calls and tells me she is starting a publishing company and she wants to sign me as an author. I say yes, and again tell no one. If I had no time for a podcast, I certainly didn’t have the resources to write a book, but a someday-author doesn’t say no when the call comes. 

A good six months after the call from my now publisher, I have moved out of the house where I held my fork and my tongue, and I am sitting at a new coffee-table, a single parent with a book contract, immense writer’s block and deafening pressure. I keep going though, unseen and well loved hands, helping along the way. I invite my publisher on to my podcast to share her story of leaps and faith.

She calls me the next day, “Kate, the podcast is the book.”

“What?” I echo.

“You are so good at asking the questions and distilling the essence. I was thinking about it last night and I woke up this morning and realized, the podcast is the book.”

I felt a full body rush of agreement. 

The podcast began on a borrowed microphone in 2018, and the book hit #1 in New Thought on its release day (purposely set on Fall Equinox, a day of balance and harvest) in 2022. The book started as a postpartum project in agreement that sometimes it is good for a person to have and create what they love, to not get lost in the waves of sacrifice. The fire of change and dissolution that came through in my son’s birth, also created fertile soil for the lifelong-someday dream of being a published writer. If I had planned it, I would not have lived the process of growth to become it. 

Do not let go of that which brings you joy, for in the moment when you think there is no way possible, the innate roadmap of your rebirth has already begun making its way to you.

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About the Author

Kate Brenton, author, teacher and mother, helps women connect the dots between their purpose and their passion. Her first book Rebirth: Real-life stories about what happens when you let go and let life lead hit #1 on Amazon for New Thought, and can also be found at your favorite bookseller. Once a high school English teacher, Kate spent seven years in Hawaii learning holistic healing and now braids the power of story — whether in the bones or on the page — to inspire and uplift. She teaches online classes and retreats for spiritual development and inspiration. She also hosts a cohort, Sit & Write for mission-led authors.

Buy the book:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rebirth-kate-brenton/1142118168?ean=9781953445261

https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=Rebirth+Kate+Brenton

Website: www.katebrenton.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebirth-real-life-stories-of-letting-go-and-letting/id1451833998?i=1000581844581

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katembrenton/?hl=en

Substack: https://katebrenton.substack.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-brenton

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22872643.Kate_Brenton

Become a Firefighter Without Wasting Years: Learn the 7 Keys to Getting Selected Over Other Applicants by Brent Clayton 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 Brent Clayton shares with readers the process of being hired as a firefighter and how to stand out amongst the other applicants in his book “Become a Firefighter Without Wasting Years: Learn the 7 Keys to Getting Selected Over Other Applicants”. 

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The Synopsis

How to Become a Firefighter without wasting years of your life, wasted effort and frustration.

The 7 proven steps to get You through each step in the firefighter selection process

This Step by Step guide shows you the Exact Process to follow so you can Become a firefighter in Australia.

Written by an actual Australian Firefighter that’s been in the trenches helping people get selected for over a decade.

  • Raise your aptitude test score rapidly with less effort
  • Dominate the firefighter Interview using a little known technique
  • Stand out over hundreds of other applicants at application stage
  • Understand what they are looking for in the Psych testand personality profiling
  • Improve your physical ability to pass the PAT test using the “minimum effective dose” strategy

Bonus – Free online tools, tests and frameworks to help you overcome each step in the process and get selected

It is in the detail and subtle differences for each service where these jobs are won and lost, I show you how to take advantage of this fact. 95% of applicants are not aware of why they are failing year after year but you will now have the upper hand

Warning!

Every minute you wait to get “Become A Firefighter Without Wasting Years ” is another minute Other applicants will leave you in the dust feeling sad and defeated . Put the power of “Become A Firefighter Without Wasting Years ” to work for you so you can quickly and easily get selected , Get results quickly, and Stand out !

If you consider yourself serious about having a career as a firefighter this is for you…

The decision you make today could literally change your life forever. I know if you follow each step outlined in this guide you will be in the top 2-5% of firefighter applicants, the good news is this is where they select from.

Improve your chances of being employed as a firefighter in Australia.

Australian Fire Services Covered

How to Become a Firefighter in NSW (Fire & Rescue NSW)

How to Become a Firefighter in VIC (FRV)

How to Become a Firefighter in QLD (QFES)

How to Become an aviation Firefighter (ARFF – Aviation Firefighter – Air Services)

How to Become a Firefighter in SA (SAMFS)

How to Become a Firefighter in WA (DFES)

How to Become a Firefighter in ACT (ACT Fire & Rescue Recruitment)

How to Become a Firefighter in TASMANIA (TFS)

If you are ready to Get results quickly, Stand out and get selected take action , !

Understand That When You Act Now, You get Instant Access to “Become A Firefighter Without Wasting Years “, which includes:

* How to avoid the 7 most common mistakes…

* How to guarantee you post a high aptitude score…

* The proven system to get selected for the next intake…

* How to easily dominate the firefighter Interview!

* How to handle your application (and make it work for you, instead of against you!)…

* How to use a simple system faster to overcome the psych testing…

I Also Understand that When I ACT NOW, I Also Get…

* Bonus 200 page: “Fire Service Aptitude Guide”

* Bonus Video: “Application Guide & Template”

Receive guidance on every step:

Advice on your application to ensure you don’t get cut before the game starts

Understand the selection criteria and application process

Sample specific firefighter aptitude test questions for the assessment centre

Sample Interview questions and response examples

Become a Firefighter in Australia Even if you have failed multiple times

The Review

This was a brilliant and informational read. The detailed way author dives into the hiring process and what it takes to be a firefighter. The balance of information and almost textbook style of writing allowed the reader to feel like they were able to dive head-first into a how-to guide that would allow for better odds of being hired. 

What stood out to me was not just the educational aspect of the book, but how the book spoke to people who aren’t firefighters. Getting a glimpse behind the curtain at how firefighters work and what the profession entails was so fascinating to get into, and the added bonus of understanding the culture and how it impacts the profession as the author hails from Australia allowed for a more profound reading experience.

The Verdict

Educational, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Brent Clayton’s “How to Become a Firefighter Without Wasting Years” is a must-read book. The harmonious way the author blends the technical aspect of the book with the more emotional and mental aspects of pursuing a job in this field was great to see, and the sheer volume of information the author included will allow readers to gain insight and knowledge that will catapult them to the front of anyone’s hiring process. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brent Clayton is Australia’s leading authority when it comes to asking the question How to Become a Firefighter in Australia.

After becoming a firefighter, I developed a massive interest in the Fire Services Recruitment and Selection Processes. Since 2007, I have been working on thoroughly learning how Fire Services Recruitment works, testing ways to help people get the edge over the competition and helping many people do exactly that for services in every state of Australia. The result of all this hard work is my Elite Firefighter Accelerator Coaching Program as well as some best-selling Books and Courses.

I’ve made it my mission to help people who are in the same position I was in, so you don’t have to waste years of your life finding out the hard way. If you are serious about becoming a firefighter it’s my mission to help you

Before becoming a firefighter I was a Prison Guard for a number of years, and in the military prior to that. All these jobs require a developed knowledge of recruitment and selection processes which I have mastered over the years — being a successful applicant myself in areas where many fail.

Along the way I’ve also had the great fortune of meeting and making friends with many recruitment and selection process professionals who have added to my knowledge. They have been especially useful in learning to mentor individuals and write specific guides to help people reach their goals in these areas.

I started out by selling the Firefighter Recruitment Bundle and offering coaching sessions to aspiring firefighters. Today I have a full-fledged membership site that offers every form of Fire Service recruitment training you can imagine. My focus is to make sure we have the most up to date tools for you to win.

You’ll be very happy as this quiet confidence starts to build inside you once you start to realise, ‘I get this.’

During my time in the Fire Service, I’ve worked within the recruitment process as a recruit instructor, and worked my way through the ranks on station. It is my passion to find the edge for people, particularly those who have failed before or

those who want to avoid wasting time and put their best foot forward. If you’re one of those people, check out what services I have to offer that can help you reach your goal.

https://firerecruitmentaustralia.com.au/

https://twitter.com/FireRecruitment

The Hope Raisers: How a Group of Young Kenyans Fought to Transform Their Slum and Inspire a Community by Nihar Suthar 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. 

A group of young people in Kenya work through their band and outreach program to help young people seek artistic means of escaping a life of crime and hardship in author Nihar Suthar’s “The Hope Raisers: How a Group of Young Kenyans Fought to Transform Their Slum and Inspire a Community”.

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The Synopsis

The poignant and inspiring true story of three young Kenyans who fought to transform their slum and improve the lives of those around them.

Korogocho is one of Kenya’s darkest slums, plagued by gang violence, food and water shortages, and rampant pollution. Most children have no future except for scavenging through trash piles or resorting to lives of crime. One day, a boy named Daniel Onyango decided to do more, creating a band called the Hope Raisers to inspire the kids of Korogocho. His friend, Mutura Kuria, quickly joined in.

In The Hope Raisers: How a Group of Young Kenyans Fought to Transform Their Slum and Inspire a Community, Nihar Suthar tells the amazing story of how Daniel and Mutura turned the band into a platform for change. They started teaching children on the streets how to express themselves through art and established a skating team after finding a pair of rollerblades in the dump. Suthar closely follows the story of one rebellious girl, Lucy Achieng, who refused to get married off at a young age and instead used competitive rollerblading to reach for her dreams. Lucy continues to inspire girls to stand up for themselves and challenge the longstanding practices in Korogocho of early marriage and prostitution.

The Hope Raisers is an eye-opening look into a world of poverty and violence where children receive only a basic education and are left with little to no means to get out. Yet it also reveals the remarkable impact that a few determined individuals can have on their community, even in the most challenging of conditions.

Part of the proceeds from all book sales will be donated to the Hope Raisers and toward improving the slum of Korogocho.

The Review

This was a truly inspiring story. The author did an incredible job of capturing the despairing nature of the Korogocho slums and showcasing the hardships and struggles that people face here. Many people outside of Kenya remain unaware of how difficult life there truly is, with many people having to work as trash pickers to find food or unique items to survive and feed their families while dealing with local gangs, and young women having to choose between prostitution or marriage at a young age. The hardships and struggles mirror the haunting tone of the reality of life for so many in this part of the world.

Yet the juxtaposition of this darkness was matched by the hopeful tone and positive atmosphere this group of young people brought through their music and actions within the neighborhood. In the face of such adversity, the fight to help young people find a creative outlet and means of escaping this chilling reality they live in was a true inspiration to read about, and the author’s incredible use of imagery and artistry in his writing allowed the reader to feel this hope radiate off of the page.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, inspiring, and engaging, author Nihar Suthar’s “The Hope Raisers” is a must-read nonfiction book of 2022. The haunting nature of life in this Kenyan slum and the bright notes of hope that these incredible young people bring to life on their streets make this story shine so brightly in the darkness that often feels like creeps into our lives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nihar Suthar is an award-winning writer, covering inspirational stories around the world. Believe it or not, he stumbled upon writing completely by accident after moving to New York City for the very first time (at the young age of 17). While in the Big Apple, Nihar noticed that there were thousands of people missing out on the greatness of everyday life, due to the very fast paced lifestyles they lived.

As a result of his observations, he had a big idea to inspire people around the globe by writing a book (which was strange, because he always hated reading books. Why would he ever write one?). With the support of his family and friends though, Nihar ended up debuting his first international book, Win No Matter What, with Balboa Press in May 2013.

Since then, Nihar’s work has taken him to both distant parts of the globe and down strange alleyways. For his 2016 release, The Corridor of Uncertainty, Nihar traveled to the United Arab Emirates and received threats from the Taliban, as he sought to chronicle the miraculous story of the Afghan cricket team. To deepen his understanding of the Middle East region, Nihar also studied Pashto, one of the official languages of Afghanistan.

Nihar graduated cum laude from Cornell University, where he studied applied economics and management, with concentrations in finance and strategy. He currently calls Tampa home. His newest book is about three young Kenyans who fought to transform their slum and improve the lives of those around them. Sign up HERE to receive exclusive content (early drafts, behind the scenes content, etc.) regarding Nihar’s next release, The Hope Raisers.

https://www.niharsuthar.com/

https://twitter.com/NiharSuthar

Rebirth: Real-Life Stories About What Happens When You Let Go and Let Life Lead by Kate Brenton 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 podcaster Kate Brenton take readers on a journey to discover how one leap or small decision can lead to life-changing results in the book “Rebirth: Real-Life Stories About What Happens When You Let Go and Let Life Lead”.

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The Synopsis

When life is calling, often we need only the space and the support to remember our way. Sometimes we lean into our expansion, and sometimes we bolt from our greatness. The biggest shock is that big change happens in small choices. In Rebirth you will find real-life stories of people who made courageous leaps, inspiring you to make your own. It’s time to step out of line and back into the spiral of life—that’s where the alchemy is. This book fits right into the side pocket of your bag + your life to inspire you as you read others’ stories of how they listened and learned to make embodied changes in their own lives.

The Review

This was a well-written and inspiring read. The author did a tremendous job of finding just the right balance of humor and charm in her writing with the hopeful stories the author collected from people. The sincerity and honesty with which these stories were delivered spoke to the inspiring tone the book held overall.

Yet it was the guidance and stories themselves that really brought the book together. The author delved into a number of topics for self-improvement and overall wellness through these stories, from how we define beauty to the never-ending journey to improve upon ourselves. The thoughtful and caring way the author presented these stories to the reader was truly remarkable.

The Verdict

Touching, engaging, and meaningful, author Kate Brenton’s “Rebirth” is a must-read self-help book of 2022. The teachable moments of this book mesh well with the heartwarming tales of overcoming the odds and finding oneself that define this book. The passion and heart that the author brings from the podcast that began this journey and into this book was so amazing to see come to life on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kate Brenton, Ed.M., educator, author, mama, and healer, used to climb trees in her childhood to sit in and read books. A lifelong teacher, from secondary English to spiritual development, Kate has the archetype for sharing wisdom to empower and elevate through online courses, inspirational speaking, and retreats. Come say hello or listen to the Rebirth podcast at www.katebrenton.com. 

You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Substack.

Purchase a copy of Rebirth on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

Blog Tour Calendar

November 21st @ The Muffin

Join as WOW’s blog The Muffin as we interview author Kate Brenton about her inspiring book Rebirth and give away a copy to one lucky reader.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 21st @ Rachael’s Thoughts

Join Rachael as she reviews Rebirth by Kate Brenton

https://rachaelstray.com/

November 24th @ Deborah-Zenha Adams’ Blog

Join Deborah as she features a guest post by Kate Brenton about writing where and when you can.

http://www.deborah-adams.com/blog/

November 25th @ Freeing the Butterly

Join Michelle as she reviews Rebirth by Kate Brenton.

https://www.freeingthebutterfly.com/

November 27th @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog where she reviews the insightful book Rebirth by Kate Brenton.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

November 29th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Join Lisa as she interviews Kate Brenton about her inspirational book Rebirth.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

November 30th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Join Anthony as he reviews Kate Brenton’s book Rebirth.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours/

December 1st @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Read Kate Brenton’s guest post about story as medicine over at Michelle’s blog.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

December 2nd @ The Frugalista Mom

Join Rochie as she shares her thoughts about Rebirth by Kate Brenton. You can also win a copy of the book!

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

December 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley as features Kate Brenton’s guest post about writers needing a high inspiration diet.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 5th @ Balance and Joy

Join Sheri as she reviews Rebirth by Kate Brenton.

https://www.balanceandjoy.com/

December 6th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog

Join Anthony as he features Kate Brenton’s guest post about why what you love will get you through.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours/

December 7th @ Katherine Itacy’s Blog

Come by Katherine’s blog and read her review of Rebirth by Kate Brenton.

https://katherineitacy.com/

December 8th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley as she reviews Rebirth by Kate Brenton.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 9th @ Rebecca J Whitman’s Blog

Join Rebecca as she features Kate Brenton’s guest post about when to keep going on faith.

Home

December 10th @ A Story Book World

Deirdra showcases Rebirth by Kate Brenton, a must-read book for the new year!

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 13th @ Word Magic

Visit Fiona’s blog and read Kate Brenton’s guest post about the evolution of podcast to book and how it was a walk of faith.

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

December 15th @ Create Write Now

Read a guest post by Kate Brenton on Mari’s blog today about the power of birth as a mother and as a creative.

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

December 17th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

Linda interviews author Kate Brenton about her writing and her inspirational book Rebirth.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

December 18th @ Choices

Visit Madeline’s blog and read Kate Brenton’s guest post about mothering, writing, and working in the modern world.

http://www.madelinesharples.com/

December 19th @ Liberate and Lather

Join Angela as she reviews Rebirth by Kate Brenton. Don’t miss this inspirational book!

https://liberateandlather.com/blog

December 20th @ World of My Imagination

Visit Nicole’s blog to read her review of Rebirth by Kate Brenton.

https://worldofmyimagination.com/

The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles by Mark Leslie 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 Mark Leslie takes readers on a humorous and engaging journey to look behind the scenes of the making of John Hughes’s instant classic film Planes, Trains and Automobiles and the use of a very real book in a pivotal scene in his book, The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”. 

The Synopsis

The Prop Book That Keeps on Popping Up!

Yes, the cover of this book looks a lot like the one Del Griffith (John Candy) is reading at the New York airport in the 1987 movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles. A strikingly similar book also appears in 2018’s Deadpool 2. It was long believed that this was a prop book. But it was a real book published in the 1980s and from a company that went out of business before the end of the decade.

This re-imagined incarnation of The Canadian Mounted explores the use of this prop book and many other intriguing, insightful and entertaining behind-the-scenes details as they relate to the classic 1987 John Hughes film.

Created for fans of the movie and of John Hughes, this book explores and shares stories related to the writing and making of the film, curious tales and collected trivia associated with it, including:

The incident that inspired Hughes to write the original script

Del-isms

The film’s eclectic sound-track

Missing Oxford commas

Deleted scenes

Ryan Reynolds’ adoration of fellow Canadian John Candy

General trivia

And more…

If you love and regularly re-watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles, then this is a book you must read.

The Review

This is a truly detailed and captivating read. The author does an incredible job of finding just the right balance in tone between educational moments from the film and book in question and personable writing styles that make this feel like a shared experience between friends. The wit and charm with which the author crafts this narrative was incredibly inviting to the reader. 

The vast amount of research and information the author provided the reader was spectacular. The way the author was able to implement everything from unused portions of the original script to behind-the-scenes commentary, and finds a natural way to blend this into the author’s own personal connection and history with the film and book itself made this such an inviting and unique read.

The Verdict

Informative, thoughtful, and humorous, author Mark Leslie’s “The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a must-read film and pop culture trivia and reference book. The personable and imagery-heavy writing style really allowed these experiences both for the author and those involved in the original production of the film to come to life on the page, and this book makes the perfect story to pick up for longtime fans of this film and filmmaker John Hughes in general. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries. 

http://markleslie.ca/

Love The Dark Days by Ira Mathur Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A woman who has been stuck in a vicious cycle of trauma as her grandmother lashes out after the loss of her former life finds herself fighting to let go of the past and reinvent herself in author Ira Mathur’s “Love The Dark Days”.

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The Synopsis

From award-winning journalist Ira Mathur, Love The Dark Days is about accrued intergenerational damage between mothers and daughters in post-colonial worlds.

Set in India, England, Trinidad and St Lucia, Love The Dark Days follows the story of the life of Dolly, of mixed Hindu Muslim parentage in post-colonial India. Dolly, whose privileged family has colluded with the brutality of the British Rule in India, lives with her grandmother, who feels a raging loss at the fading old world. With it, her privilege. Dolly absorbs her grandmothers’ rage, becoming a living memorial of all the pain and injustice the imperious Burrimummy repeatedly hauls back from her past to tell and retell to Dolly. Just as Dolly is constantly pulled into the old wounds, so is the reader. The story is crafted so the reader viscerally experiences how trauma loops around, coming back and back through generations to warp the future.

That damage of unbelonging is repeated when her family migrates to Trinidad, where, in her darkest hour, she meets Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, who encourages her when she visits him in St Lucia over a weekend to leave the past behind and reinvent herself. Before she can do this Dolly must re-enter the past one last time.

Can Dolly find the courage to examine each broken shard of her shattered family and reassemble it into a new shape in a new world? It is raw, unflinching, but not without threads of humour and perceived absurdity; Love the Dark Days is an intricate tapestry with Dolly’s story at its heart. 

The Review

This was such a well-written and captivating memoir and biography. The balance the author found in the generational stories of her family, including her grandmother and mother, with her own experiences was so impactful and thought-provoking. The rich imagery the author conjured up through her writing really brought readers into the lives of these very different yet connected women through the generations of this family. 

The heart of the author’s story was true in the intricate details of her life experiences and the multi-cultural journey she undertook in her life, as well as the deep look into how Colonialism impacted both her family and the generations that came before. The history of Colonialism is so rarely discussed in detail within nations such as The United States outside of an advanced history course, and so learning of the experiences that came with Colonialism and getting to see it through both her mother’s family’s side and her father’s point of view was fascinating. Yet it was the intimate, heartfelt moments that the author shared of her own life and experiences that really made the deepest impact, even in the opening pages as she confronts a loss of proportionate significance. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, captivating, and engaging, author Ira Mathur’s “Love The Dark Days” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction book. The rich cultural dynamics both within her family and her own life were so passionately written about and felt in the journey the reader was led on, and the emotional and mental struggles the author and her multi-generational family underwent, including this cycle of trauma, were both tragic in its delivery and yet hopeful in the author’s achievements and experiences in the modern day. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ira Mathur is an Indian-born Trinidadian award winning multimedia journalist with degrees in Literature, Law and Journalism. www.irasroom.org .She is currently the Trinidad Guardian’s longest-running columnist , and has freelanced for The Guardian (UK) and the BBC.

IN 2021 Mathur was longlisted for the Bath Novel Award for her unpublished novel ”Touching Dr Simone.”

In 2019 Mathur was longlisted for the Johnson and Amoy Achong Caribbean Writers Prize. An excerpt of her memoir is anthologized in Thicker Than Water, (Peekash Press, 2018).

In 2018 she shortlisted for the Bridport Short Story Prize, the Lorian Hemmingway (short story) and Small Axe Literary Competition.

Mathur gained diplomas in creative writing at the University of East Anglia/Guardian with James Scudamore & Gillian Slovo and Maggie Gee at the Faber Academy. ( 2015/2016)

https://www.irasroom.org/

Full: Overcoming Our Eating Disorders to Fully Live by Melissa L. Kelley and Alayna Burke Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

TRIGGER WARNING: BOOK INVOLVES AND SPEAKS ABOUT THE SUBJECT OF EATING DISORDERS. FOR ANYONE WHO CAN NOT HANDLE A BOOK INVOLVING THIS SUBJECT, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Authors Alayna Burke and Mellisa L. Kelley share a personal story of anxiety, eating disorders, and the path they took to overcome the odds and find joy in their lives in the book “Full: Overcoming Our Eating Disorders to Fully Live”. 

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The Synopsis 

Growing up in the digital age, with the pressures of social media and increasingly competitive academics, Alayna’s perfectionism started early in life. She began to despise her body after a pre-teen wellness check when the physician told her to “lay off the snacks” and watch her weight. At age 16, Alayna was diagnosed with anorexia. She was three weeks from being sent to an in-patient treatment center when she decided to take charge of her life.

Plagued with body dysmorphia beginning at six years old, Melissa came of age in the diet culture of the 1970s and 1980s when fad diets, diet pills, and at-home exercise equipment dominated the golden age of advertising. Melissa was diagnosed with bulimia when she was 16 and her treatment included both inpatient and intensive outpatient programs over five years. After a series of traumatic events, she struggled with anorexia in her thirties.

Burke and Kelley weave their stories of illness and recovery through 12 topics that fed their eating disorders and share how they now manage those challenges to fully participate in life. FULL offers insight and hope to people struggling with eating disorders and those who love them.

The Review

This was such an emotional and captivating nonfiction read. The authors did an incredible job of finding just the right balance between the memoir style of writing and the specific focus on the topic of eating disorders and the impact they have on the person suffering from them. The atmosphere the authors create through their shared experience speaks both to the hardships they endured in their journeys and the hope they found in overcoming those disorders through the help of their families and proven techniques they discovered that helped them.

What stood out to me was both the exploration of each of these authors’ journeys in vastly different eras of history and the focus on personal experience more so than any technical or clinical focus on these disorders. The personal stories these authors share not only reflect their struggles but how the era they grew up in impacted how their disorders arose and presented themselves. This allows a larger group of readers to identify with the book and feel represented by the bravery and courage these authors have shown in writing this vitally important book. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, emotionally driven, and haunting yet hopeful all at once, authors Alayna Burke and Melissa Kelley’s “Full” is a must-read nonfiction and memoir-style book. The amount of knowledge and personal experience the authors share about their own journeys and how they related to one another over time, as well as the inspirational tone that the authors struck made this book readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alayna Burke started her idea for Full as an eighteen-year-old senior in high school. She grew up in Saint Charles, Missouri, and always loved to write as a kid. Alayna developed anorexia, stemming from anxiety and depression, as a sixteen-year-old. Outpatient treatment and a strong support system helped Alayna recover in about two years, although the voice of her eating disorder still nags at her every once in a while. Alayna often wished there was a book out there from the voice of a teen who could relate to her, so she’s providing just that for other women. FULL is Alayna’s first published work. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in nutrition and exercise physiology with a minor in psychology at the University of Missouri. Alayna plans to become a registered dietitian.

Melissa Kelley grew up in Saint Charles, Missouri, the third of six children. Her love for writing began in high school and blossomed in her forties when she began blogging and writing a memoir. Full is her first published work.Throughout her career, Melissa has worked in both corporate and civic non-profit organizations. She currently holds a leadership position in a company whose mission is to make the planet better through environmental sustainability services. In 2018, Melissa was named one of Saint Louis’ Most Influential Businesswomen by the St. Louis Business Journal. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Truman State University and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in Saint Louis. She lives with her two children, Athena Robin Kelley and Erin Iris Christine Kelley, and their Cavapoo, Noah, in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Something More! Essential Attitudes for Building the Life You Want (and avoiding mistakes along the way) by Amrit P. Kirpalani Kathleen Goolsby Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Authors Amrit P. Kirpalani and Kathleen Goolsby take readers on a journey to discover how to find their true purpose in life, unlearn the bad habits in life that block them from achieving that purpose, and how make the decisions necessary to earn that purpose in their book “Something More! Essential Attitudes for Building the Life You Want (And avoiding mistakes along the way)”. 

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The Synopsis

Do you keep thinking, “Is that all there is to life? I want something more!” Do you think you can’t achieve your best life? This book guides you in avoiding blind spots and challenges on your journey to fulfill your purpose and have a more meaningful life.

You may already have read other books discussing how to discover your purpose or calling in life. Or you may be just now starting to figure that out because you want to live your best life, a more meaningful life. Either way, Something More! provides what the other books lack: a guide to help you manage the emotional and decision-making challenges on your journey. And you absolutely need that information!

This book is like a journey map, guiding you in the way to achieve the life you desire, despite the challenges you’ll encounter along the way in your personal transformation journey. You’ll benefit from the insights shared from ordinary people, who share how they made the necessary decisions and career changes along the way and how they managed their self-doubts, past regrets, fears, and other inhibiting emotions so they could achieve their best life.

The book includes 16 Essential Attitudes and associated Do’s and Don’ts to help you avoid blind spots you didn’t know you have that can hinder your journey and to help you change the blind spots into attitudes and mindsets that will propel your journey. It also has practical tips for managing through change, despite any anxieties you may have. Most people are not comfortable with change; yet change is necessary to achieve a meaningful life based on your purpose.

It also provides all sorts of tips about making decisions, which is one of the most difficult aspects of a personal transformation journey to achieve the life you want.

It also shares insights about some self-defeating emotions and behaviors you may have that you need to “unlearn,” along with how your journey will evolve through several life stages.

Consider which of the following points describes where you are today:

  • You know what you want to pursue in life but feel stuck because of what seems like a lot of changes required to get to what you want to pursue.
  • You already started on your personal transformation journey but encountered challenges along the way that you didn’t know how to manage through; so now you feel stuck again or feel dispirited about trying to move forward.
  • You already discovered your purpose in life and started moving toward the dream of the life you want to live, but you weren’t a parent then and suddenly are now, or you weren’t handicapped then but are now.

Something More! is an insightful guide to support achieving your dream for your best life—no matter your fears, doubts, past regrets, or your age and well-being as you go through your journey from this point forward. I hope that, at this moment and with this book, you realize you now have all you need for your journey to a wonderful place—the fulfilling life you desire.

Buy it now and get started on transforming to your best life.

The Review 

This was such a well-written and incredibly put-together book. The authors did a brilliant job of presenting well-researched steps through interviews and studies to show the reader how they can accomplish their goals. The personable way the authors wrote the book out and the honesty they poured into their work allowed the reader to connect to the message and tone of the book much more. 

The thing that stood out to me immediately about the book was the way the authors presented the path that was taken to get to the point they found themselves rather than focusing on specific solutions. This allowed the book to feel more guidance based and less preachy in general and gave the reader a feeling that the lessons learned here and the goals we hope to see ourselves achieve are far more attainable than we thought possible. The way the authors presented this book as something to be used both for those seeking more out of life and those who have been impacted by negative events or thoughts who are seeking a means of pulling themselves back up was an inspiring direction to go.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, authors Amrit P. Kirpalani and Kathleen Goolsby’s “Something More! Essential Attitudes for Building the Life You Want (And avoiding mistakes along the way)” is a must-read nonfiction and self-help read. The easy-to-follow steps the authors lay out balanced the personal stories and blend of quotes and anecdotes well, and the relatability of the authors themselves and their message helped keep readers invested long after they finished the book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Amrit Kirpalani believes that most people want to make a difference in the world and that living your best life starts with discovering the “real you” and then using your uniqueness to contribute to the happiness of others. Amrit focuses on creating pathways to change and working with others to collectively make positive impacts in the world. He does this partly by advising community entities and nonprofits and serving on the boards of directors of various organizations. He also mentors entrepreneurs in successful mindsets and in how to avoid pitfalls in their new endeavors. And he advises leaders in Fortune 500 companies and other organizations in his role as CEO of NectarOM, one of two marketing consulting companies he founded. His favorite part of each day is when he spends time with his three daughters where the family lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

Visit www.amritkirpalani.com to sign up for his monthly e-newsletter and see examples of the inspirational articles in the newsletters.

https://twitter.com/amritkirpalani

Kathleen Sassaman Goolsby misses a lot of sleep because she loves reading books (especially historical fiction and action-packed Westerns). When not reading, you’d find her playing Scrabble or enjoying the high-desert mountain scenery where she lives in New Mexico. She has a passion for helping others learn and does this through writing business, inspirational, and self-help books and articles. She has a B.A. in English from Friends University.

Follow Kathleen on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-goolsby-5045a51).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BHDZW5Q6/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F63252333-something-more%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3D4U27qlhKN7%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

A Journey with Plato and My Monkey Towards Ground Zero by Khaled M. Issa 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.

Get ready to take a philosophical journey through one man’s self-reflection and accountability in author Khaled M. Issa’s “A Journey with Plato and My Monkey Towards Grand Zero”. 

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The Synopsis

Do you know your monkey? Do you truly know who you are or how you became so?

I was living in an illusion in the world that I thought I knew. I had painted such a great picture of myself, that I loved so much. My shortcomings and uncalled-for poor personal behaviors were always justified by either nature or by the presumed faults of others.

Then I met my monkey and we decided to take a journey together with Plato, representing knowledge and wisdom. We discovered that nature and people, most of the time, have nothing to do with our bad habits and poor behavior.

Join us in a journey of searching for the best version of ourselves by going back to ground zero. Then and only then shall we live the true essence of happiness, prosperity, and peace of mind.

The Review

This was such an insightful and thought-provoking read. The author did a fantastic job of crafting a book that brought a balance of almost memoir-style writing and self-help philosophy. The tone and creative imagery the author used to bring these ideas and concepts to life allowed the reader to connect even more to the author’s message and kept me hooked on the author’s story. 

The book’s strongest moments came when the author was delving into the heart of this book’s themes. The personal writing style reflected these themes, as the guide and message to readers honed in on the need to reflect and find ourselves and our place in the world. Rather than viewing the world solely as we see it, the importance of examining situations based both on our experiences and the realities of the situation is crucial. Rather than blaming outside forces for our failures or mistakes, it is important to take ownership of those mistakes and faults and grow from them. The exploration of multiple aspects of one’s personality, including the conscious and subconscious minds as separate entities, was an inspired choice to examine this topic.

The Verdict

Brilliant, captivating, and engaging, author Khaled M. Issa’s “A Journey with Plato and My Monkey Towards Grand Zero” is a must-read philosophy and self-help book. The thought-provoking themes and lessons the author discovered and imparted to the reader were momentous and will have readers going back to the author’s work over and over again throughout their lives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Khaled M. Issa graduated in 1986 from the University of Missouri at Rolla with a degree in mechanical engineering and became a patent holder with Caterpillar Inc. in 1991. With over three decades of experience in business management and consultancy, Khaled was able to create a successful career based on analytical thinking and process reengineering. During this time, Khaled was dedicated and passionate about employee training and leadership development, which made a significant impact on many of his team members both personally and professionally. He has not only been a CEO and board adviser of several companies, but he is also a loving father of five and grandfather to seven.

https://www.austinmacauley.com/us/book/journey-plato-and-my-monkey-toward-ground-zero