Tag: nonfiction

The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap For Navigating Your Path by Pamela S. Showalter and Raylene Bell 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 balance of helpful tips and life experiences as a caregiver for a loved one take center stage in authors Pamela S. Showalter and Raylene Bell’s “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap For Navigating Your Path”.

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The Synopsis

The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap for Navigating Your Path

The Caregiver’s Journey serves as a roadmap for anyone navigating the role of caregiver. Initially started as an effort to manage stress through journaling, the book chronicles the author’s experiences during the five years they served as caregivers for a loved one who lived hundreds of miles away. Realizing their hard-earned lessons could help smooth the path of those in similar situations by helping others avoid some of their mistakes, the chronological narrative is interspersed with tips and recommendations to help readers better understand their own caregiving paths, while its six Appendices and 11 Tables expand further on critical topics.

* Chapter “Takeaways” Reinforce Tips From The Narrative

* Detailed Information About Costs of Care

* Coping Tools For Caregiver Fatigue, Stress, And Burnout

* Tips For Patient Advocacy During Hospitalizations

* Appendices Serve as Quick Reference Guides

The Review

One of the hardest, most emotional things a person can do for someone they love, whether it be a parent, child, relative, or significant other, is to take on the responsibility of caring for and looking after them in their most vulnerable and painful moments. So many have taken on this task in particular those who are elderly and experiencing hardships and struggles with their health. The authors and their own stories are both unique and all too familiar to readers who have experienced similar situations, in particular with dementia. The way the authors were able to relay their unique experiences to readers and find the most honest and personal way to outline their experiences in a way to be helpful to those going through similar things now was amazing to read.

What struck such a chord was the emotional change that the authors and their words took as the journey with the late Margene took hold. The tone and presentation of the events changes from a more poetic and emotionally driven narrative to a more clinical and matter-of-fact examination of the final months with Margene. This not only reflects the painful loss that the authors experienced, but the very hard struggle as time both slows down and speeds up all at once. This actually works to help prepare readers who are hoping to learn more about what to expect from their own experiences, but more importantly, this book overall gives readers a place to feel seen and to feel less alone, finding an outlet to feel validated in their own experiences overall.

The Verdict

Heartbreaking, informative, and emotionally-driven, authors Pamela S. Showalter and Raylene Bell’s “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap For Navigating Your Path” is a must-read nonfiction story of love, loss, and the process of grief while caring for a loved one. The journey these authors take is not an easy one, and while no child ever hopes to see their parents in such a difficult position, the lessons and experiences these amazing writers share in this book will be a beacon of hope to readers who are gearing up to face this similar situation. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

After earning a BA in English from Vanderbilt University I worked in the corporate world for ten years eventually becoming a financial analyst at a Fortune 500 company. Those years taught me a couple of important lessons: first, my parents were right, I really COULD do anything I set my mind to and second, corporate life was not for me. So I headed back to school, earning an MA in Anthropology from Arizona State University followed by a PhD in Geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Teaching beckoned and after stints at the University of Toledo followed by Texas State University, I retired as an Associate Professor with numerous peer-reviewed articles and a co-edited book, “Geospatial Techniques in Urban Hazard and Disaster Analysis” under my belt. My retirement coincided with the start of what (we didn’t know at the time) would be a five-year journey caring for my spouse’s Mom. “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap for Navigating Your Path” sprang out of those years and was specifically created to provide information to other caregivers that could be used to smooth their paths.

Raylene Bell earned both her BS and MS in Speech Pathology from Texas Tech University (Lubbock). She spent over 40 years in that field working for hospitals, in management, as a consultant, as an expert witness, and in her own clinics. She recently retired from her position as President of the Central Texas Region of Cole Pediatric Therapy.

Sisters in the Storm by Linda Hoff 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 Linda Hoff helps parents, in particular, mothers, who must take on the painful task of caring for their adult children as they develop a terrible mental illness and navigates the rough waters that journey will take them on in her book, “Sisters in the Storm”.

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The Synopsis

What do you do when your adult child receives a frightening and severe mental illness diagnosis that is progressive and incurable-and barely manageable? How do you support him or her without losing your own self to the disease? Sisters in the Storm is your coping tool. Written with love and extreme vulnerability, author Linda Hoff shares her journey of being a mom of a mentally ill adult child (MIAC) and guides you to navigate this rough road as only a seasoned veteran can.

The problems are numerous and never-ending: problems of finances, of living arrangements, of medication management, of medical authority, of your own mental equilibrium-and the issues of your breaking heart as you lose your formerly capable, enthusiastic child to the downward spiral of an incurable mental disease.

But you are not alone. You’re part of a sisterhood of mothers who are trudging the road together, supporting each other along the way, and emerging as changed but strong. Strong in their commitment to their child and strong in their commitment to themselves. Strong in their resolve to help their child and strong in their resolve to live their own full life. You are sisters-sisters in the storm. 

The Review

This was such an emotional and heart-wrenching yet hopeful read. The author does such an incredible job of delving into the heart of the journey that people take when caring for an adult child suffering from mental health awareness. The honesty and heart for which the author writes pour through on every page, and the way each chapter is crafted to take the reader through each stage of this process, no matter how painful, really showcases the author’s personal approach to the subject and the way in which readers are able to relate to this topic.

The thing that struck me the most was the author’s unique perspective. Rather than getting a professional psychologist’s POV or getting a more clinical approach to the topic, readers are treated to an honest, heart-to-heart conversation between a mother and the readers out there who need to hear this amazing author’s words. While not a parent, I am all too familiar with the effect mental health can have on both the people we love the most and those around them, and reading the author’s words and their experience with this topic was something that was not only identifiable but emotionally connective as well.

The Verdict

A memorable, tragic, yet emotionally connected and engaging read, author Linda Hoff’s “Sisters in the Storm” is a must-read book on mental health awareness and the journey parents must take to seek help for and care for their adult children suffering from said illness. The focus not only on caring for her child but finding a way of caring for herself and finding a way back to finding her new normal in life was a breath of fresh air in regards to this topic, and the emotional and heartfelt journey chronicled here is something readers will not want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy on May 1st, 2022! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Not only has Linda Hoff survived the storm, she has created a life of balance, joy, and purpose for herself and her mentally ill adult child (MIAC.) In her debut book, Sisters in the Storm, Linda shares her struggles, heartache, and lessons learned over the last ten years as she navigated through her son’s unexpected schizophrenia diagnosis. Linda shares a home on the outskirts of Saint Louis, Missouri with a friend and fellow mom of a MIAC, two dogs, and two cats. She visits her son regularly and loves to spend time in nature, traveling, reading, and enjoying time with her four grandchildren.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life As Possible by Jason Elias 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 Jason Elias takes readers on a journey into what it means to be a member of the elderly community and how to show the world their continued value and worth to the world as a whole in the book, “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life as Possible”. 

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The Synopsis

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging synthesizes and simplifies the components of conscious aging into a primer for individuals who are concerned about their own aging process and for those caring for the elderly who seek an enlightened understanding of how all of us may approach aging more consciously and, gracefully. In short, these Seven Graces can serve as stepping-stones toward attaining emotional or spiritual wholeness as we age.

Elderhood can be a time of reckoning, a time to look inside, to wonder where we have been, and where we are not going.The message of The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging is less about how to live a long life, and more about supporting vitality, being present, finding meaning and purpose, and sustaining a youthful heart-well into old age.

To shed light on this reckoning, I have interviewed and highlight the stories of a dozen individuals in their late seventies, eighties, and nineties, and one over one hundred. They are mentors, clients, and close friends. Each of these remarkable individuals, in his or her way, has refused to accept the timeworn script that equates old age with decrepitude. Instead, they have chosen to rewrite the script and embrace old age with dignity and grace. Listening carefully to their stories and insights inspired me and quieted my own fears about aging. They have become my Pathfinders, modern-day sages, who share their wisdom and experiences throughout this book.

In essence, as our Pathfinders show us, aging need not dictate dismal decline. When we debunk the negative preconceived notions of aging, we can even reverse the aging process. The studies cited in this book, along with the Pathfinders’ collective, lived experience and my 50 years in the healing arts, offer solid guidelines, practical resources, and inspiration for those who want to learn how to follow Dr. Ashley Montagu’s advice and die young as late in life as possible.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging include:

Rewriting the Script: reframing what it means to grow old;

Finding Your Tribe: honoring the importance of good relationships;

Practicing Mindfulness: learning techniques that enable us to live in the moment (the eternal NOW);

Awakening Joy through Simplicity and Humor: living a simple, appreciative, and accepting life;

Pursuing Your Passion: clarifying a long-dreamed vision or unrealized idea and practicing it;

Moving and Being Moved: exercising sensibly on a regular basis to prevent stagnation and enhance mental, emotional and physical vigor, acuity, and creativity;

Nurturing Your Body, the Temple of the Divine: giving your body the essentials it needs to thrive (clean air, nourishing food, pure drinking water, and loving relationships). 

The Review

One of the first things that I noticed about this book that readers are going to love is that this is the kind of book that becomes interactive with time. The author does an incredible job of building a book that causes readers to make notes, earmark pages, and keep tabs to come back time and time again as certain pieces of advice or steps the author has outlined become relevant to the reader’s life. The thorough and thoughtful way the author presented these chapters was well balanced with the personable and warmth of both the author’s words and the interviewees who participated to share their wisdom and views on life as we get older. 

I absolutely loved the duality of this book’s audience, as it not only speaks to older generations about how to not give in to any given narrative on how they are supposed to live their lives in their “golden years”, but also speaks to younger generations on how to live life to the fullest at all times, to find the people or community that will allow us to be our best selves, and to stop focusing on “perfection” as an ideal and instead learn to love ourselves and those around us as they are. The way the author is able to give tribute and honor to each interviewee and share these stories while accomplishing the goal of laying out these 7 goals makes this such a memorable read.

The Verdict

Honest, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jason Elias’s “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life As Possible” is a must-read book. The personal and memorable way the author was able to blend the stories of these incredible people with the lifelong lessons that readers can turn to time and again made for an absolute heartfelt read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jason Elias has had a lifelong passion for healing. His earliest memories include watching his Greek Jewish grandmother concoct herbal remedies and poultices in the kitchen of his boyhood home in Brooklyn. He would emulate his beloved elder by healing his family and neighbors with grass cuttings and sugar. As a young man, he studied psychology, acupuncture, and both Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine. His passion led him to study with many master teachers in New York City, California, the Philippines, Japan, China, India, and England.

Jason has been in private practice for more than 40 years, working with clients of all ages. He is the author of four previous books: Feminine Healing: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit (Warner Books) ISBN: 9780446672719, Chinese Medicine for Maximum Immunity: Understanding the Five Elemental Types for Health and Well-Being (Three Rivers Press) ISBN: 9780609802731, The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies (Dell Books) ISBN: 9780517149331, Kissing Joy As It Flies: A Journey in Search of Healing and Wholeness (Five Element Healing Press) ISBN: 9780996654203. For more information about his work, contact: http://www.fiveelementhealing.net

A Well-Launched Life: How Young People Can Live An Intentional, Fulfilling Life by Bruce Sheridan 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 Bruce Sheridan helps readers to find the tools and lessons that young people transitioning into adulthood will need to lead a successful life in the book “A Well-Launched Life: How Young People Can Live An Intentional, Fulfilling Life”. 

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The Synopsis

Transitioning from teen year to becoming a self-sufficient adult can be a rocky road, littered with many choices to make and potholes to navigate. Choices like, should you go to college? What kind of career do you want? Will you make enough money to live and save for the lifestyle you want? What type of partner are you looking for? The choices you make during this time will impact the rest of your life, so you must choose carefully.

The purpose of this book is to introduce you to a practical and simple method to plan and live a God-centered life with few mistakes and regrets. A Well-Launched Life is chocked full of practical advice on these important questions and looks at more personal questions surrounding addiction, premarital sex, and dealing with all types of abuse. You’ll learn from author Bruce Sheridan’s hilarious and sometimes treacherous real-life examples about how to, or not to navigate this defining decade.

The Review

The author does a fantastic job of capturing the personal and real-life experiences of his own life in a way that feels both relatable to readers and teachable as a means of showcasing to younger readers the path to adulthood that he himself took. The fast pace and the way the author was able to tackle not just the more humorous or light-hearted lessons life dealt him, but the more in-depth and mistake-treaded paths he crossed, made this book just sail smoothly from the onset. 

The care and attention the author took to more sensitive subjects and troubling situations, from abuse to addiction and everything in between was great to see handled in such a delicate yet much-needed way. While I myself may not, in particular, be religious, I found the book to be greater geared towards young people who are seeking a means of keeping their faith and beliefs alive while striking a harmonious chord with their responsibilities and choices in life overall. 

The Verdict

Powerful, heartfelt, and engaging, to say the least, author Bruce Sheridan’s “A Well-Launched Life: How Young People Can Live An Intentional, Fulfilling Life” is a must-read nonfiction and inspirational book. The author’s honest and humbling approach to the topic, as well as his unique approach from a balance of faith and life lessons, will appeal to those seeking a more faith-based inspiration for growing up and taking on the challenges life will throw young people as they turn towards adulthood. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bruce Sheridan was raised in Union City, New Jersey, the fourth child in a family of eight. He earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech while being a member of the Men’s Varsity track team. While working for Florida Power and Light he helped design and build the power grid that supplies electricity to residential and commercial properties. While working full time, Bruce earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami.

After working for General Electric and Bank of America for many years, Bruce became an entrepreneur and started a coaching business. Bruce knows that the foundation for his success is due to his relationship with God, and he weaves these messages into his coaching.

Bruce currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife Jan, an Irish Wheaten Terrier, and a Tabby cat. He enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, and serving his church.

Interview with Author Seth Kadish 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I’m a working psychologist and author.  My recently published memoir, “Home Boys,” available on Amazon as an e-book or paperback,  is the product of my interest and passion for psychology and writing.  

I began writing in elementary school and later took creative writing courses in high school and college.  I’ve always loved the written word as both author and avid reader.  My writing background includes sketches, novel, nonfiction, play, and screenplay.  I’ve had screenplays optioned and plays produced in New York and Los Angeles.

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What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve been a clinician since the late 1990s, counseling a wide variety of clients ranging from maximum security inmates to celebrities, working folk, foster care kids, and anyone and everyone in between.  But it was my early career work with Probation youth that deeply shaped my thinking and approach as a clinician.  I had a tremendous affinity for these kids.  They really touched my heart.  “Home Boys” is equal parts remembrance, information, and love.

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

One of the themes of “Home Boys” is “Look below the surface.”  A supposedly bad kid may be a traumatized or misunderstood kid.  It’s always worth trying to help him.  Which is not to say that we should excuse or allow criminal behavior, but rather hold out for the possibility that a life can be turned around with structure and guidance.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I am by nature a teacher, and I believed that a memoir would be effective in reaching an audience of early career therapists who would benefit from reading about the successes and missteps of a seasoned clinician.  I thought that a non-clinical audience would be moved by the story of Probation boys struggling to make their way through a difficult world. 

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

I post excerpts of “Home Boys” reviews as well as announcements about the book on Instagram and Facebook.  I recently had fun shooting and posting a humorous video featuring my sister, playing the role of an extremely annoying fan, begging me for a printed a copy of my book.  We’ll likely shoot a few more videos featuring her character.  My hope (or fantasy?) was that the video would go viral.  You can see it at Home Boys – The Price of Fame – YouTube.  

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

It may seem a bit trite or banal, but I think it’s important to write in your own style.  Be yourself.  There is no right or wrong way to write, only your way.  Place a Kurt Vonnegut novel and a Philip Roth novel side by side and you’ll see what I’m talking about.  Two distinguished writers who could not be more stylistically and thematically different.

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

I am co-authoring a nonfiction book, “The Truth About Rehab,” with two colleagues and also plan to re-publish my middle grade novel, “Baymo” (the publishing company went under a few years ago and the rights reverted to me).  It’s the story of a dog who wants to become a man and gets his wish.  

I have several other complete or nearly complete novels and nonfiction works on the shelf.  My goal is to publish them all over the next few years.

A final word:  thanks for reading this interview and much gratitude to Anthony for hosting and posting.  Please look me up on Instagram and Facebook and feel free to write me at drsethck@aol.com.

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About the Author

Seth C. Kadish, Psy.D., Director of Group Therapy at PCH in Mar Vista and former Clinical Director of Milestones Ranch Malibu, was a Staff Psychologist at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, counseling maximum-security inmates.  Prior to that, Dr. Kadish worked with Probation youth at Penny Lane in North Hills, CA where he was named Clinician of the Year 2001.  He is the creator of Pattern Identification and Reduction Therapy™, a clinical approach based on his work in prison, group home, private practice and treatment center and is the author of Pop Your Patterns:  The No-Nonsense Way to Change Your Life.  In addition, Dr. Kadish has been featured in a variety of radio broadcasts, documentaries and television series including Ryan and Tatum:  The O’Neals (Oprah Winfrey Network) and the award-winning documentary, Iceberg Slim.

https://www.huffpost.com/author/seth-c-kadish

https://www.instagram.com/kadishseth/

https://www.facebook.com/Author-Seth-C-Kadish-1483991035216345/

Insightful: Life Advice for Young Adults to Succeed by Michael Lezcano Review

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

Author Michael Lezcano takes readers on a thought-provoking journey to help young people growing up and heading into adulthood to understand the lessons that life often throws their way in author Michael Lezcano’s “Insightful: Life Advice for Young Adults to Succeed”.

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The Synopsis

Are you a young person seeking practical and relatable life advice? If the answer is yes, then this book is for you.

Life as a young person can sometimes be very difficult. There are so many challenges and experiences to overcome. Practical advice isn’t easy to come along these days. Not everyone has an older and wiser person that they can reach out to for advice. That is why the book Insightful was written. Most self-help books only cover one certain topic. They also require you to finish the entire book to gain value and you only leave with one useful message at the end. Insightful is very different from that. 

Throughout the book Insightful, you will receive advice on many different topics that can be useful for most young adults. It will include advice on intimate relationships, as well as dealing with family and friend issues. You will get advice about choosing what career path you embark on. The book will show how to save money and where to invest it. Give you useful tips on how to get in better shape physically. And will teach you how to deal with inner self-doubt. After reading this book, you will become an all-around better version of yourself. Insightful is a quick read and the advice given is very practical. It’s the perfect book for anyone graduating high school or anyone in their twenties that is struggling to figure life out.

The Review

The author did a fabulous job of finding a way of connecting with young readers to delve into both personal and professional struggles that are often faced early on into their adulthood. The honest and personable way the author delves into these topics helps the reader to feel related to and the tone of sincerity in the author’s words helps elevate the seriousness and knowledgeable approach the author has taken. 

From more external forces like finances and career goals to more intimate situations with romantic interests and family, the author covers a wide array of life lessons that are sure to impact the younger generations of adults heading out into the world today. While a quick read overall, the helpful way the author is able to highlight his own life experiences to showcase that there are answers out there to the questions plaguing us all as time goes on is such an inspiration and heartwarming to know younger generations can have the help they need in life. 

The Verdict

Educational, engaging, and thoughtful in its approach, author Michael Lezcano’s “Insightful: Life Advice for Young Adults to Succeed” is a must-read, non-fiction and YA Self Esteem read! The balance the author struck between practical and everyday lessons with the more emotional and personal moments that young people experience all the time was perfectly written into the book, and the relatability of the book’s message will strike a chord with both younger audiences and those who have lived through these moments themselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Lezcano is a writer based out Miami, Florida. His writing is focused on helping individuals in different aspects of their lives. His passion for helping people (primarily young adults) is his main motive for writing. Michael really connects and resonates with his audience by writing about his own personal life experiences.

Living the Promises of God, Devotions of Discovery by J. Traveler Pelton Review

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Author J. Traveler Pelton takes promises and messages from the Bible to help those seeing council or help throughout Lent to find the peace and help that God has promised everyone in the book, “Living the Promises of God, Devotions of Discovery”.

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The Synopsis

Lent is all about reflection, change, grace, and promises, and this devotional brings them all to you. Living the Promises of God, A Devotional of Discovery will take you on a journey into God’s realm of promises. You might not want to come back! If you need a change in your life, a release from boredom, and real adventure and growth, this is your spiritual emphasis book!

The Review

The educational yet personable way the author relays the information in this devotional was well done. The way the author is able to not only relay the faith-based knowledge of the book to the reader but connect with a wider audience over the struggles and strengths that we all hold within ourselves was widely felt in this book. 

This was the perfect read for those who enjoy faith-based devotional work and self-help/self-care. The author made sure to craft a short yet powerful read that was able to tap into the emotions and thought-processes of those who read the book and built a strong foundation for which those who seek to learn more about this subject can grow and learn to impart these practices and verses into their own lives.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and educational, author J. Traveler Pelton’s “Living the Promises of God, Devotions of Discovery” is a must-read book for Christian and faith-based readers. The heart and passion for which the author connects with their readers and the thought-provoking details the author provides from the Bible itself and the stud of how this relates to our lives was a fantastic study of faith overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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READ MORE OF MY REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS WITH J TRAVELER PELTON HERE!

About the Author

J. Traveler Pelton was born in West Virginia in the last century. She is active in her home church and was the Nation’s Mother for her tribe for several years. She is still wife to Dan after 47 years (He is so long-suffering!), mother of six adults, a grandmother of nine, a Clinically Licensed Independent Social worker in private practice, a retired adjunct professor of social work at her local university, and an avid reader. She lives on a mini-farm with her husband, seven alpaca, a flock of spoiled chickens, five Siamese cats, four Pomeranians, a talkative Amazon parrot named Gizmo, and her aviary of canaries. Traveler enjoys the intersection of fantasy, possibility, creativity, and speculation. Join her on the other side of the imagination tree. She’ll be sitting there waiting for your visit.

travelerpelton.com

Home Boys by Seth C. Kadish 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 Seth C. Kadish takes readers back to his beginning years as a therapist in the year 2000 by helping a caseload of troubled youths in his book, “Home Boys”. 

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The Synopsis

In the year 2000, new therapist Seth C. Kadish is assigned a caseload of Probation boys at a Southern California group home. It’s trial and error, with moments of insight and learning, as Seth attempts to connect with the challenging teens – violent, manipulative Timothy who loves his mother and sister … Ramon, a bouncing butterball of energy and mayhem … odd Ryan who states a desire to be the first man buried on the moon … rapper Joey, jokester Enrique, sweet-natured Manuel … wanna-be gangster Antonio whose father is in the Mexican Mafia … and Rodney, angry and mistrustful, whose sole aim in life is to get back to his drug-addicted mother.

“Home Boys” is the poignant and humorous story of the relationship between a novice therapist and a group of troubled boys whose stories will touch your heart.

The Review

This was such an insightful read. The author does such an incredible job of not only relating the experiences he had as a therapist for this group home for troubled youths, but how these experiences taught him the lessons he would use later on in his career as a therapist. The honesty and heart in which the author wrote spoke to the balance the author struck tonally between clinical and emotional. 

The way the author broke up each chapter to examine the cases relating to each individual patient within this group home was so fascinating to read. Not only was it interesting to see the author diagnose and examine what each boy was experiencing and going through, but how the sessions and interactions with these boys would teach the author as a newcomer to the world of therapy when dealing with patients later years. 

The Verdict

Heartening, thoughtful, and insightful to read and explore, author and Dr. Seth Kadish’s “Home Boys” is a must-read nonfiction book. The gripping narrative and insight into the impact the relationship between a doctor and their patient can get were so brilliantly written. Passionately written and giving readers an engaging experience to see the hardships and struggles these young men had that brought them to the author’s door, to begin with, this is one psychological, therapy-driven nonfiction read that you won’t want to put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dr. Seth Kadish received his Doctor of Psychology degree at the California Graduate Institute. Dr. Kadish is the former Clinical Director of Milestones Ranch Malibu, and Staff Psychologist at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, counseling maximum-security inmates. Prior to that, Dr. Kadish worked with Probation youth at Penny Lane in North Hills, CA where he was named Clinician of the Year 2001. Dr. Kadish is the creator of Pattern Identification and Reduction Therapy™, a series of techniques culled from his prison, group home, private practice and treatment center work. He has lectured on forensics and mental health topics at conferences, clinics, and treatment centers and has taught forensic and clinical courses at the graduate school level for many years. Dr. Kadish is the author of Pop Your Patterns: The No-Nonsense Way to Change Your Life.

https://www.huffpost.com/author/seth-c-kadish

Interview with David Edwards

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

Honestly, it is a means to an end. While working with a multi-disciplinary team to create the most effective health center in the world I had an epiphany, a “wow” moment. I realized that our care model was built around the ability of the patient to be the captain of the team, to lead their own path to health and wellness. So really, even with the most amazing facility, technology, and staff success is dependent upon the patient. 

I asked, “What are we doing to help the patient be successful?” I studied change models and my “wow” came when I realized that all of them depend on personal motivation. This is not some bolted on motivational speech or habit but a deeply personal and individual experience. I spent the next two years studying, thinking, and writing. I realized that a book would be a great way to share what I had learned, and hopefully help the most people uncover their own motivation to their lasting benefit. 

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What inspired you to write your book?

I suppose the previous paragraph mostly answers this question as well. As a Christian I hope that everything I do is motivated by my love. During the writing process there was a lot of academic research, but an equal amount of inspiration as I strove to both understand the material and make it understandable for my intended audience.

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

If I may, there are three. First, your life is important. No matter your position or status, what you think, say, and do matters. Second, your personal motivation is a source of power for you. It can be discovered and developed throughout your life no matter what has happened to you, or what you have or have not done in the past. Third, where you think you fall on the line or ranking of famous, successful, rich or whatever else it does not matter. The only thing that matters is that you are making some progress. This is a life-long journey, whether you are starting it at 18 or 88.  

What drew you into this particular genre?

Self-help seemed obvious. I have read a lot of this genre whether with a personal, spiritual, or business lens. The writing that appeals to me the most is applicable to all domains of life.

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

As I am just starting out that is yet to be determined. Since my target audience are people earning less than the median income, I am focusing on Facebook to start as my research showed that is the most common platform for this audience. 

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

Again, I am just starting out, so take this with an appropriate level of skepticism. Know that if you want to earn money by writing you must mind both the writing side and the business side. Both are essential, and spending time on both is time well spent. If you really hate the business side, then become the best writer possible and get an agent and seek to partner with a publishing house that can bear a lot of that load for you. Finally, be patient and consistent. The first time, independently published, NYT best seller is a rare breed indeed. So be patient, persistent, and continuously improve. Good things will happen. If you find you are beating yourself up regularly, I encourage you to read my book and apply the principles, it could help with that. 

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

Ah, the future. I don’t know, as none of us does. I am trying to influence my future in a few ways. I make daily work of promoting my book as it cannot help people if they don’t know about it. I am working on making a community college course out of the material, and lastly starting to plant the seeds of a version for Christians. I felt a lot of inspiration in the writing, as noted earlier, and there is great consistency between the 10 general enduring principles and principles of Christianity. Making those connections explicit could help people who would not otherwise be exposed to or pursue the book. 

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About the Author

David R. Edwards worked his way through school, eventually achieving an MBA in Healthcare Administration.  He served mostly lower income people on 3 continents over the last 35 years and is familiar with the challenges and unfairness of life.  In 2018 while working with doctors, dentists, counselors, nurses, community health workers, and others he had an epiphany.  The core challenge most people have is to generate the personal drive to direct their own life, enduring principles to guide, and the most current science-based tools to assist them through a bumpy and messy life.  His first book “New You! Who Knew?” is an attempt to put in writing an easy to digest and implement guide that builds confidence, esteem, and self-compassion in balance. David lives in the Western U.S. with Linda, his wife of 36 years and their Golden Retriever, Jasper. Dave and Linda have 2 grown daughters.

www.davidredwards.com

https://www.facebook.com/David-R-Edwards-100356142253306