Tag: nonfiction

The Job Hunting Book by Ian Allen 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 Ian Allen shares a step-by-step guide to readers on the best practices to create the best chances at finding work, especially that first graduate job, in his book “The Job Hunting Book”.

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The Synopsis

Searching for your first graduate job is an exciting time, but can often leave you feeling lost and frustrated. So here’s a secret— it’s not all about you! Getting a job interview is also about your employer. Added to this, the tools that recruiters and job seekers use have changed, and to be successful, you’ll need:

* An online and in-person profile for yourself before you even approach an employer.
* A job application that solves an employer’s problems, and fulfils their hopes and dreams.
* To use technology as the cornerstone of your job seeking process.

In this practical, step-by-step job hunting guide, industry veteran Ian Allan will become your personal career guidance mentor. You’ll be given a foolproof process for writing a resume and cover letter that will go straight to the top of the “yes” pile, and a method for job hunting that includes identifying your skills gaps—and what to do about them.

Plus, Ian will teach you useful strategies for finding the four out of five dream jobs that aren’t advertised, and share actionable tips on how to build relationships so you get that job interview.

Draw on Ian’s decades of experience as an employee, employer and consultant to ensure you become an ideal candidate and land the job you’ve always wanted.

Bonus content: FREE access to four hours of video training and job hunting resources, including LinkedIn profile tips, downloadable templates, and real-world examples of successful job applications.

The Review

This was a well-written and incredibly researched book. The author did a fantastic job of showcasing a clear line of connection between a person getting a job by identifying with the employer themselves. The balance of personable and professional writing styles really elevated this book. It allowed the subject to shine brightly without getting lost in other areas of discussion in the job market. 

The clear-cut guide and interactive element of the book that challenges the reader to utilize these steps for themselves were inspiring to read and watch unfold on the pages of this book. The way the author delved into the impact on the job market these last few years have had, from how COVID-19 has changed how we work experience to the importance of having an online presence for many employers, really made the book feel relevant and accessible to a wide range of readers who are seeking employment in this new world.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and insightful, author Ian Allen’s “The Job Hunting Book” is a must-read nonfiction book of 2022. The educational value alone will keep readers invested. Still, the relatable and thoughtful way the author approaches the subject with such honesty and conviction will have readers eager to engage with the author’s guidance and practices and in the field looking for work ASAP. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Life has a way of throwing up challenges. Mine happened in my late teens. In the final year of my apprenticeship a nasty workplace accident forced me to rethink my career.

Fast forward to my early 30s, I’d been a furniture restorer, a furniture removalist, a bingo caller, a pedestrian accident researcher, a condom tycoon (for some reason that failed to impress my girlfriend’s mother), a software engineer, and a lecturer and researcher in spatial science. I won jobs, sometimes due to my tenacity, but looking back, mostly through word of mouth.

In the 90s I started a consultancy and did spatial modelling for universities, the water industry, all levels of the Australian government and the UN. Magically, consulting work and now my employees came via word of mouth.

So, after 40 years as an employee and as a consultant, I’ve learnt that the secret sauce for getting work is relationships, especially professional relationships. These need not be insincere or manipulative. Opportunities naturally arise for those who make the effort. The trick to giving relationships their best chance of yielding work is to put yourself in the other person’s boots and empathize with their problems, their hopes and their dreams. Getting work becomes a simpler exercise when you’ve customized your offering to meet someone’s needs. And that idea is essentially what I’m on about.

I’m a teacher at heart. Now, in my 50’s, I can look back on my career as an employee looking for work, as a consultant winning work, and as an employer hiring and firing. The guidance I write was not around for me when I was starting out. In the absence of a mentor, I had to work it out for myself. And so here are some of my thoughts for you.

https://www.ianallanauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/IanAllanAuthor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/i-allan/

Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir by Michael Anthony (Illustrated by Chai Simone 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 y own.

Author Michael Anthony takes readers on a journey of love and veganism as he searches for a way to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend as she dives further and further into “The Cause” in the graphic novel “Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir”.

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The Synopsis 

A rough-and-tumble Iraq War veteran is young and in love, and the last thing on his mind is food and the ethics of eating meat. But when his girlfriend becomes a vegetarian and animal rights activist, suddenly food is all he thinks about.

A true story of how love and vegetarianism can triumph over all else. Love, heartache, and the rest of the ingredients that make a reader laugh, smile, and stop-and-think, are all found in this enthralling graphic memoir. Amidst the stories of love and frustration, there are treatises on food, vegetarianism, and the ethics of the animal rights movement (some of it juxtaposed against Michael’s graphic wartime experiences). Told with Michael’s sardonic perspective and the delightful artwork of debut graphic novelist Chai Simone, this is a journey of true love gone temporarily astray.

The Review

This was such a unique and interesting read. The author did an incredible job of conveying real information and knowledge about the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle and how it can impact relationships while also infusing humor and wit into the narrative. The natural tone and atmosphere the author infuses into the story were great to see come to life. Typically in a memoir, the author has to work to infuse imagery into their stories, but the amazing artwork of Chai Simone did a great job of providing the warmth and depth this narrative held. 

Aside from the excellent utilization of the graphic novel format, what stood out to me was the deep emotional impact that this narrative had as well. The honesty and charm the author infused into the backstories of both himself and his girlfriend and the hardships they each had to overcome that led to their outlook on life (and subsequently the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle as a whole) was so profoundly moving and made the memoir feel more relatable and connected for many readers.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, gripping, and engaging, author Michael Anthony’s “Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir” is a must-read graphic novel meets nonfiction memoir of 2022. One of the top memoirs of the year, the author does an incredible job of finding his voice and infusing humor and emotion so seamlessly into the story of his relationship with both his girlfriend and his lifestyle as a whole and made this one book I didn’t want 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

Michael Anthonyis the author of the graphic memoir Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir,and the award-winning and acclaimed memoirs: Civilianized: A Young Veteran’s Memoir,and Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Deception, and Dishonor in Iraq.

Michael’s writing has been called “strong … and starkly honest…”-Publisher’s Weekly, “Dark Humored,” –Kirkus, “smart and mordantly funny,” –Milwaukee Journal, and “gut punching…”–Mary Roach. He has appeared in several anthologies, and has written for The Washington Post, Business Insider, Signature-Reads, and The Good Men Project, where he served for a year as chief editor of the War & Veterans section.

He has been featured in several documentaries regarding military service, philosophy, and comedy, and he has worked as a military consultant for award-winning theater and art installations.

A graduate of Bridgewater State University, Michael also holds an MFA in creative writing from Lesley University. A former US army soldier, he currently lives with his wife in Massachusetts and spends his free time working with veterans.

Michael can be reached through his website: MichaelAnthonyAuthor.com

https://twitter.com/M_ichaelAnthony

Love Soars the Skies: A Mother’s Quest to Reach Her Son by Linda Ann Jones 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 mother must learn not only how to cope with the grief of losing her son, but how to utilize the heartbreak that comes with that loss to see beyond the world we know and understand the hidden world that resides just beyond our perception in author Linda Ann Jones’s “Love Soars the Skies: A Mother’s Quest to Reach Her Son”.

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The Synopsis

A mother’s love lasts for all eternity.

Grief struck — paralyzing, debilitating — the day she prayed would never come.

The personal story of how one mother coped, to find answers and to somehow make sense of it. She knew that to reach her son in the place he now resides was her only hope.

This book will not tell you how to deal with the unfathomable grief of losing a child. It invites you to explore a bigger picture.

No one understands the complexities of drug addiction. But what if it was a plan all along? To learn, experience, and grow. Earth and heart have the same letters. What if it’s through heartbreak that we grow the most?

There is more to this world than meets the eye, and new vision is required to see past the paradigms that bind us.

Through her son, the author discovers extraordinary signs and synchronicities, some of which are supernatural.

This much is sure. There is an invisible world that we cannot see with our mere five senses. But we can sharpen our vision, to glimpse the wonders of eternity in all its powerful glory, and realize the mighty bond of love that forever weaves and sustains it. For love is the abiding force that connects the entire universe.

And absolutely nothing will ever diminish the unrivaled magnificence of a mother’s love.

The Review

This is truly an emotional and captivating read. The author’s writing really allows the reader to feel the depth of emotions that she felt and continues to feel after the loss of her son. The imagery and artistry of the author’s writing style really captured the impact of both this loss and the journey that she went on in the wake of that loss, and the subtle tones of hope and meaning lay amongst the waves of sadness that the author had to overcome really captured me as I read further and further into this journey.

Yet for me, the author’s striking balance between memoir, biography, and spiritualism as a whole really made this nonfiction read feel more profound. The way the author delved into the powerful themes of drug addiction, grief, and the meaning of death and life as a whole were perfectly elevated by the study of more supernatural elements in the author’s journey, such as the synchronicities that occurred in the wake of this tragedy and the search for communication on the other side that defined her grieving process.

The Verdict

A memorable, engaging, and heartbreaking story of love, parenthood, loss, and our place in the world, author Linda Ann Jones’s “Love Soars the Skies” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and spiritual book. Bringing the heart and deep impact that the loss of a child gives to parents at any age, the author instantly connects with the reader and allows us all to walk in her shoes on this journey of hers to make some sort of sense of this tragedy, and in that same vein understand the unexplainable nature of our world altogether. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to read this book immediately.

10/10

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About the Author

Linda Ann Jones grew up in beautiful upstate New York which probably had something to do with her love for poetry. Quite unexpectedly, that eventually led her to write an award-winning children’s book series titled Alphabet Anatomy. In 2014, she became a grieving mother, which led her on a path to reach her oldest son in the place he now resides. She and her family live in sunny Arizona with three lively dogs and one remarkable cat. Her motto for writing has always been, “Say what’s in your heart, and touch someone else’s.”

https://lajones.allauthor.com/

The Alphabet Anatomy Rap is on You Tube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxxZsC-70jg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BH6Y8TNL/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F62882247-love-soars-the-skies%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3DOMm2pKvrk8%26rank%3D3&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Guide to Smart Wedding Planning by Edna Dratch-Parker and Jeri Solomon 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.

Readers are treated to a practical and thoughtful approach to wedding planning in authors Edna Dratch-Parker and Jeri Solomon’s “Guide to Smart Wedding Planning”.

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The Synopsis

The Real Deal Wedding Insiders® Guide to Smart Wedding Planning gives you practical and actionable steps to take control of your wedding planning, make the best decisions, and keep your sanity along the way.

You’ll learn how to:

* Navigate stressful relationships

* Create a vision that represents you both

* Understand and build a realistic budget

* Choose the right venue and vendors

* Stay present and enjoy your wedding day

The Review

This was such an insightful and engaging book. The authors did an amazing job of taking the reader through the journey of wedding planning in great detail without losing themselves to an overabundance of backstories. The way authors were able to craft an interactive and educational read that has real-world practical applications that the reader will be able to share immediately.

The breakdown of information and reliability of the authors and their work is what stood out to me. The way the authors take the reader through every step of the wedding planning process, from the moment that you become engaged to the moment the wedding is over, was fantastic to read about, as there are so many aspects of the wedding process that the average reader doesn’t even think about. From the emotional side of things like learning how to be present in the moment of the wedding day to the finances and practical side of things that come with setting a budget with the person funding the wedding, this book does a great job of delving into the most important information that readers will be able to apply immediately.

The Verdict

Informative, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Edna Dratch-Parker and Jeri Solomon’s “Guide to Smart Wedding Planning” is a must-read book for the engaged couple seeking help with their wedding this season. The memorable and interactive writing style will keep readers invested in the information the authors have provided, and the brilliant and concise way the authors have collected this information will stay with readers well into their own weddings and beyond. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

With a combined 30 years and hundreds of weddings produced, Edna Dratch-Parker, founder, and creative director of EFD Creative—Event Planning & Design, and Jeri Solomon, owner of Jeri Solomon Floral Design, bring their depth of knowledge and real-life experiences to help couples avoid common mistakes, reduce stress, and truly enjoy the wedding planning process.

Website: https://www.realdealweddinginsiders.com/

INSTAGRAM: 

@weddinginsiders

@efd_creative

@jerifloral

FACEBOOK: 

@RealDealWeddingInsiders

@EFDCreative

@jerifloraldesign

TWITTER:

Handles to tag:

@RDWedInsiders

@EFD_Creative

@JeriFloral

TIKTOK: 

@RealDealWeddingInsiders

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MLX47b

Interview with Author S.L. Lucas

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

Firstly, I want to thank Anthony for this interview opportunity and for his review of Driveway Detailing Warrior click here to see Anthony’s review.

I was born and raised in the South East of England and became a voracious reader from an early age. I devoured Kipling, Blyton, and Charles Hamilton as a young child. I clearly remember my grandma thrusting in my lap at age ten a hardback copy of Alex Haley’s Roots and telling me it was time for me to graduate to ‘proper literature’!

A degree in English Literature inevitably followed, though strangely enough, much later, my clearest path into writing was as a policy drafter in the UK civil service. Sure, that kind of writing was as dry as dust, but it sewed in me the creative writing seed. Then, late in 2021, my wife casually remarked that I should write a book. The idea for Driveway Detailing Warrior was born, and I was off and running as a fledgling writer… 

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What inspired you to write your book?

As a car enthusiast and owner of a pristine 2010 Porsche Cayman 987.2, I was keen to keep my ride always looking her best. However, something was bugging me about the soaring cost of hiring professional detailers to bring out the full beauty in my Porsche’s sensual, flowing lines. Though my car was in excellent condition, I was quoted £1,231 ($1,650) by pro detailers for an exterior paint correction and ceramic sealant, £291 ($404) to have my alloys, brake calipers and exhaust tip ceramic coated, and £525 ($704) for undercarriage detailing and protection. Those three projects were quoted at a whopping £2,047 ($2,745) (the average of three separate quotes) from UK pro detailers in 2022 – far too much, methinks, and off-limits to the ‘on a budget’ sports car owner! 

So, I drew on my experience of owning, detailing, and driving three different Porsches since 2002: a 964 model 911, a 996 model 911, and my current 987.2 Cayman. There had to be a foolproof way to do these projects at home and achieve the desired, breath-taking results, and there definitely is! When my wife suggested that other car enthusiasts would love to know how to detail their ride, I was inspired to bring together in this book for the reader’s benefit, in an engaging and inspiring way, all the pro hacks and detailing techniques I have learned along the way. 

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

I hope readers will understand why they need not pay sky-high pro detailers prices to bring out their motor’s beauty. I hope they will learn how to keep their ride in stunning tip-top condition at a fraction of the pro detailer’s cost. Particularly amid this cost-of-living crisis.

I hope readers will understand why they should embrace the Driveway Warrior spirit as a petrolhead ideology and how to use the power of home detailing on a budget to thrive in their endeavour to create the ultimate DIY detailed street weapon…

Okay, I’m going to ask you to keep an open mind here. I can hand on heart tell you that detailing your own cherished motor is not only good for your pocket, but it’s also good for the mind, body and soul! Yes, plotting your detailing projects, being out in the fresh air, keeping busy and active, looking after your pride and joy, and enjoying the results is pretty darn rewarding for both the well-being and the wallet! Let’s face it; there’s plenty of time for vegetating on the sofa in front of the TV when it’s dark outside or while your ride is safely stored away over winter!

Most importantly, I hope readers will be empowered to seize the moment of medicine for the soul by cruising around in their immaculately presented, gleaming ride. While observing (and secretly relishing and delighting in) the admiring, envious glances of pedestrians and fellow motorists alike.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I wasn’t really thinking about any particular genre. I simply wanted to empower other petrolheads with the means to harness the power of home detailing on a budget. I hope I have been able to do so in an entertaining, engaging way.

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

This is yet to be determined. I have never been active on social media (too busy having a life). In fact, my initial attempts to engage Driveway Detailing Warrior on social media have been less than successful. Facebook – a deeply unsatisfying experience, Instagram – they closed my account after one day, goodness knows why (what the actual @$*!%#!). Detailing forums in the USA closed my accounts within one week – (again, what the actual…)

That said, I’m an optimist at heart, and I’m sure I’ll engage social media in a useful way eventually!

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

Keep a writing journal with you all the time. You never know when an idea will explode in your head. Sometimes I awake at 4am with a choice idea to start the next chapter, and I jot the premise down in my journal straight away before the idea spins and fades. Don’t be afraid to utilize writing aids like Grammarly Premium – if you don’t like the Grammarly suggestion, ignore it – simples!

Above all, go for it – why wait? 

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

The plan is to serialize the Driveway Warrior adventures, and book 2 is well underway for release in 2023. Don’t miss it…

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About the Author

S. L. Lucas is the owner and creator of the popular ‘Driveway Detailing Warrior’ home detailing blog and is a blogging mentor in the home detailing community. A published writer for the local press and a Porsche monthly magazine, he has bought, sold, detailed, cherished, and spiritedly driven three different Porsche models since 2002. He lives with his wife in Brighton in the UK and continues to detail and enjoy his current cherished Porsche Cayman 987.2 around the B roads of leafy Sussex.

Home Detailing your Car on a Budget – Driveway Detailing Warrior (driveway-detailing-warrior.com)

Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster 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 Catherine Forster takes readers on an emotional journey through a turbulent childhood and the pursuit of a new beginning in her book “Chasing Tarzan”.

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The Synopsis

In the 1960s, a relentless school bully makes Catherine’s life a living hell. She retreats inward, relying on a rich fantasy life––swinging through the jungle wrapped in Tarzan’s protective arms––and fervent prayers to a God she does not trust. She fasts until she feels faint, she ties a rough rope around her waist as penance, hoping God will see her worthy of His help.

As the second of eight children, Catherine is Mommy’s little helper, and like Mommy, Catherine is overwhelmed. The bullying and the adult responsibilities together foment her anger. She starts smacking her siblings, and becomes her younger sister’s nemesis. Spooked by who she is becoming, Catherine vows to escape for real, before she hurts someone—or herself.

Catherine finds salvation in a high school exchange program: new town, new school, new family, new persona. A passport celebrity. In New Zealand, nobody knows her history or her fears. Except for her Kiwi “mum,” who sees through Catherine’s façade and pulls her out from her inner safe-house.

Exposed, her sense of self implodes. Catherine must finally rethink who she is.

The Review

This was both a heartbreaking and inspiring read all at once. The author’s story truly held an emotional depth that so many readers are going to be able to relate to, and the authenticity for which the author writes captures the intensity of the author’s experiences growing up that led to her behavior and struggles to go into the exchange program. 

The imagery and tone the author struck early on in the book were so passionate and heartfelt and highlighted the anxiety and hardships that the author endured early in life. The themes were the heart of this narrative, as the exploration of the impact bullies has on a child, the cost of trauma on our outlook on life, and the need for changes in our lives to thrive and grow all played a pivotal role in the author’s story.

The Verdict

A moving and captivating coming-of-age meets memoir narrative, author Catherine Forster’s “Chasing Tarzan” is a must-read book filled with emotional storytelling, thoughtful attention to themes, and an honesty that cannot be replicated. The relatability that this story has will compel readers to dive into the story, while the travel and foreign exchange program aspect of the book will have readers invested as the author’s journey continues. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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

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About the Author

Catherine Forster honed her powers of observation early on, and later applied them to artistic endeavors. Although it didn’t happen overnight, she discovered that seeing and hearing a bit more than the average person can be beneficial. As an artist, her work has exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States and abroad. Her experimental films have won accolades and awards in more than thirty international film festivals, from Sao Paulo to Berlin, Los Angeles to Rome, London to Romania. Through her work, she explores the dynamics of girlhood, notions of identity, and the role technology plays in our relationship with nature.

In her capacity as an independent curator, she founded LiveBox, an eight-year project that introduced new media arts to communities at a time when few new what media arts was. For the past four years she has been a member of the curatorial team for the Experiments In Cinema Film Festival held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received a Masters of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Masters of Business from the London Business School, and a fellowship in writing from the Vermont Studio Center. She is also included in the Brooklyn Art Museum’s Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art.

You can follow her on her website as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Blog Tour Calendar

October 24th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster. We’ll be interviewing the author, sharing information about the book, and hosting a giveaway. 

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

October 25th @ Pages and Paws

Join the Pages and Paws blog and read the review of Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

https://pagesandpaws.com/

October 25th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews & Interviews

Join Lisa as she interviews author Catherine Forster about her book Chasing Tarzan.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

October 26th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit Anthony’s page and read his review of Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

https://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com/

October 27th @ Chapter Break

Join Julie as she shares a guest post by Catherine Forster about the role of imagination when children suffer torment.

https://chapterbreak.net/

October 30th @ Rockin Book Reviews

Join Lu Ann as she reviews Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

Home

November 2nd @ The Mommies Review

Join Glenda as she reviews Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster and hosts a giveaway on her blog.

https://themommiesreviews.com/

November 3rd @ Sioux’s Page

Visit Sioux’s blog as she reads and reviews Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

http://siouxspage.blogspot.com/

November 4th @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily as she reviews Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

November 5th @ Jill Sheets Blog

Jill interviews Catherine Forster about her memoir Chasing Tarzan.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

November 7th @ Clueless Gent

Join Michael as he reviews Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

Home Page

November 10th @ Word Magic

Come by Fiona’s blog and read a guest post about the mother-daughter relationship in all its complexities.

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

November 12th @ Just Katherine

Jamie shares her thoughts about Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

November 13th @ Writer Advice

Catherine Forster shares a guest post about how her idea for her memoir came to be and how she turned it into a novel.

https://writeradvice.com/

November 15th @ Choices

Madeline shares a guest post by Catherine Forster about the long-term effects of bullying.

http://madelinesharples.com/

November 17th @ All the Ups and Downs

Join Heather as she features a guest post by Catherine Forster about the role of adults and how they can be the potential savior for the wounded child.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/

November 19th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

Join Linda as she interviews author Catherine Forster about her book Chasing Tarzan.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

November 19th @ Life According to Jamie

Jamie shares her thoughts about Chasing Tarzan by Catherine Forster.

https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/

The Personal Cybersecurity Manual: How Anyone Can Protect Themselves From Fraud, Identity Theft, and Other Cybercrimes by Marlon Buchanan Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Marlon Buchanan takes readers on a journey into the must-know details surrounding cybercrimes and cybersecurity in his book “The Personal Cybersecurity Manual: How Anyone Can Protect Themselves From Fraud, Identity Theft, and Other Cybercrimes”. 

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The Synopsis

Cybercriminals can ruin your life—this book teaches you to stop them before they can.

Cybercrime is on the rise. Our information is more valuable and vulnerable than ever. It’s important to learn to protect ourselves from those who wish to exploit the technology we rely on daily. Cybercriminals want to steal your money and identity and spy on you.

You don’t have to give up on the convenience of having an online life. You can fight back and protect yourself and your loved ones, all with the tools and information in this book.

This book will teach you to protect yourself from:

Identity theft

Ransomware

Spyware

Phishing

Viruses

Credit card fraud

…And so much more!

Don’t be a victim of cybercrime. Anyone can follow the information in this book and keep hackers and other cybercriminals at bay. You owe it to yourself to read this book and stay safe.

The Review

The author did an incredible job of providing a balanced guide to both the types of cybercrimes that a person could face in this day and age and the steps that one could take to protect themselves from those same threats. The detailed work the author put into the research and knowledge the book contained was incredible to behold, and the depth of information that was put into this short read made for a thorough and educational reading experience.

For me, the balance of expertise and easy-to-understand knowledge the author was able to impart to the reader was superb. From understanding what cybersecurity is to know the best times to change your passwords to have a secure plan in place for disasters to a person’s secure home network, the author was able to delve into some detailed and thoughtful knowledge that will help readers to prepare and install the necessary security that our modern world of technology requires.

The Verdict

With the advancements in technology bringing us further and further into the future, the importance of having a modern security system in place for both our home and personal lives and the technology that runs it is vital to our security overall. Thought-provoking, engaging, and important, author Marlon Buchanan’s “The Personal Cybersecurity Manual: How Anyone Can Protect Themselves From Fraud, Identity Theft, and Other Cybercrimes” is must-read nonfiction read for those who are in need of help in securing themselves against the growing threat of cybercriminals. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Best-selling author Marlon Buchanan is an IT Director by day and a home technology hacker (the good kind) by night. He has over 25 years of combined experience as an IT director, software developer, systems analyst, college instructor, and smart home consultant. He has a bachelor’s in computer science and engineering from MIT and master’s degrees in business administration and software engineering from Seattle University.

He has been automating things around his house since he was a kid. Now, his wife and kids get to enjoy the fruits of his smart home exploits. He is best known for his smart home, home networking, and cord-cutting articles on his blog HomeTechHacker.com, and his book, The Smart Home Manual.

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Interview with Author Kari Loya

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I have spent nearly three decades in education, starting my career in a bilingual 1st and 2nd grade classroom in Los Angeles as part of Teach For America, and most recently running a private school in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I have managed to have a parallel career in entertainment – recording voiceovers in both English and Spanish for everything from commercials and corporate videos to network promos and video games.

I have kept a journal since college – I have found that helpful to clarify how I think and feel. My first major writing project was a unique way to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday. I spent that year writing down my favorite stories I’d shared over the years with friends and family, and most of that writing I did on my daily train commute into and out of New York City. It helped turn the worst part of my day into my favorite part of the day! The result was my first book: My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count (A Modern Man’s Story Collection).

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My dad and I biked across the country along the TransAmerica Bike Trail in 2015, something we’d dreamed about for several decades. He was 75-years-old at the time and had early-stage Alzheimer’s. Since I had done other shorter bike adventures in the past, I knew that the most interesting thing for me about bike travel was the people that came up to us along the route. With that in mind, I made a point of transcribing all the conversations we had with people along the way and asked if I could take their photo. I figured it would make a really cool coffee table book. It was only after the trip that I realized there was a much bigger story to tell – the father and son story, the story of facing Alzheimer’s, and the story of adventure – could we even pull this off?

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

I hope readers reflect on their own relationship with their father and their children – and on what really matters to them.

I hope readers gain a better sense of the Alzheimer’s journey – more than six million Americans have Alzheimer’s – and develop helpful perspectives for navigating through the difficult terrain.

I hope readers appreciate the diversity and generosity of the American people, especially across Rural America. We have a lot more in common than social media and media would make us think.

Most importantly, I hope readers will feel inspired to seize the day with someone they love – whatever that means to them.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I wasn’t thinking about genre. I simply wanted to share what happened in the hopes that this might be helpful to others.

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

This is still to be determined. I haven’t historically been active on social media. To be blunt, I’d rather be outside exploring, creating, and connecting deeply with others than posting, swiping, and counting “Likes.” That said, I am beginning to use in a limited fashion LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. I’m treating them like my car. I love my car, especially for road trips. But in a perfect world, I’d probably walk and bike most places and rarely be in the car!

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

Keep a journal regularly and write about anything that captures your fancy. I find the most interesting things to write about are often the extremes – whatever has you really excited, and whatever has you really pissed. At least that’s a great starting point! The let your curiosity guide you.

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

As part of a creative sabbatical, I have also undertaken a musical journey, systematically building my skills and releasing 40 songs since 2020. It’s a really fun way to synthesize life experiences, observations, and ideas in a three-minute story. As for genres, I’m all over the map – unabashedly eclectic – but most of my music falls into what you might hear if Keith Haring, Dr. Seuss, and Ricky Martin formed a band 😊

I am also building an executive coaching practice, helping people get from Point A to Point B, whatever that means to them. And if the right opportunity to lead another school or educational organization comes along, I’ll seize it – I love being part of learning communities.

About the Author

Kari Loya is an educational leader, storyteller, and adventurer. He has worked nearly three decades at a range of innovative educational institutions, beginning with Teach For America in 1993 and serving most recently as headmaster at the Good Hope Country Day School in the U.S. Virgin Islands, when he received a Klingenstein Fellowship from Columbia University. He is also an Emmy-winning bilingual voice talent, musical artist, and author. He spoke at TEDx UC Davis in April 2022 on the theme of “Metamorphosis.” He holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Columbia University. He currently lives with his wife and daughter in Sugar Land, Texas.

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Driveway Detailing Warrior: DIY Money-Saving Guide to Sports Car Detailing at Home on a Budget by S.L. Lucas 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 S.L. Lucas takes readers on a journey to understand how to best care for and keep their vehicles detailed and clean through tips, advice, and heartwarming stories in the self-help guide “Driveway Detailing Warrior: DIY Money-Saving Guide to Sports Car Detailing at Home on a Budget”. 

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The Synopsis

Psst, did you know that a filthy car could be a disaster for your love life?

It’s true; a survey revealed that 51% of those polled would end the first date early if their date showed up in a dirty car, and 23% have finished a relationship because of their partner’s filthy ride!

Tragic!

In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, S.L. Lucas serves up ten inspirational in-depth chapters full of sage advice, money-saving DIY detailing projects, the odd heart-warming story and occasional fruity language.

TO HELP YOU:

Understand why you need not pay sky-high pro detailer’s prices to bring out your motor’s beauty and how to keep her in stunning tip-top condition at a fraction of the pro detailer’s cost.

Learn the pro hacks and techniques on a journey of discovery where you’re empowered with the know-how to bring your beast back to her former glory with the power of home detailing on a budget.

Transform your Sports Car back to her former alluring beauty yourself, turning her into the glorious envy of friends and neighbours.

From the book’s beginning you’ll understand why you need to embrace the Driveway Warrior spirit. You’ll learn how to DIY detail your ride Driveway Warrior style and how to use the power of home detailing on a budget to thrive in your endeavour to create the ultimate DIY detailed street weapon…

The Review

This was such a detailed and informative read. The author did an amazing job of creating memorable and heartfelt nonfiction read that allowed readers to both connect with the author and his experiences and the specific tools and parts that are needed to service the various parts of a vehicle. The chapters go into wonderful detail on these aspects of detailing, from the materials that are used in a vehicle’s part and what is needed to keep it maintained and “healthy”, to the impact a car’s physical attributes and cleanliness have on a person both physically and emotionally. 

The knowledge and straightforward writing style the author utilizes in this book does an amazing job of keeping readers invested in the narrative and finds the perfect way of keeping readers engaged on the technical side of detailing and the inspiring aspect of the author’s own experiences and writing style. The human aspect of this book comes through the impact a car’s appearance and performance have on a person’s social status, as well as the impact it has on everyday life as well. It also allows readers to see the pros and cons of utilizing at-home care for your vehicle as opposed to professional help and the cost of both roads.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, educational, and engaging, author S.L. Lucas’s “Driveway Detailing Warrior: DIY Money-Saving Guide to Sports Car Detailing at Home on a Budget” is a must-read nonfiction book on automobiles, vehicle care, and detail in general. The rich wealth of information that the author imparts to the reader blends well with the human impact of car care both on the vehicle and on the car owner in their social status and financial impacts as well, making this a well-rounded read overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

S. L. Lucas is the owner and creator of the popular ‘Driveway Detailing Warrior’ home detailing blog and is a blogging mentor in the DIY home detailing community. A published writer for the local press as well as a Porsche monthly magazine, he has bought, sold, detailed, cherished and spiritedly driven three different Porsche models since 2002. He lives in Brighton and continues to detail, modify and enjoy his current cherished Porsche Cayman 987.2.

https://driveway-detailing-warrior.com/