Tag: nonfiction

Interview with Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I am a mom to 2 grown children and a grandma to 1 and have been married for 13 years! I have multiple fur babies who make life quite interesting at times. When I was younger I didn’t feel like I fit in much and suffered from depression. In my 30’s I was diagnosed with autism, which made my life make sense. 

During my teenage years when I was first dealing with depression is when I truly started writing. I had written skits and short stories when I was younger but as a teenager, I really delved into writing. It was how I coped with what I was feeling at the time. Those first poems were what turned into my first book about 20 years later. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My most recent book “Thoughts of a Warrior” came from a very strange moment. My mom mentioned something about me dieting (I was trying to lose weight at the time) and unintentionally made me feel horrible. To deal with that I wrote a poem. 

After writing that poem I decided it was time to release a follow-up to ‘Thoughts of a Warrior’, my first book about being depressed. It needed a follow-up showing that we can make it through the bad times – doesn’t mean there aren’t still some bad times but they are much fewer and farther between.

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

Mental illness knows no boundaries but that doesn’t make you broken. 

No one is alone. We all struggle, we all have ups and downs.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

There was a particular night that pushed me to publish. My youngest, who was struggling with depression, was crying about why no one liked her. It completely broke my heart and I realized that I wasn’t doing a good enough job talking about mental illness. That was the moment that I realized I needed to be loud.

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

Youtube has been the best. I host a weekly show, Write or Die Show, interviewing others and talking about mental illness. My guests and I share, connect and bring attention to mental illness. 

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

Write for yourself, don’t try to be something you aren’t. And remember that the first draft is not the final draft.

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About the Author

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

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.

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

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. 

Published Works:

Non-Fiction:

Thoughts of a Wanderer

A Mother’s Truth

Embracing Me

Fiction

A Little Scare

Children’s Books:

Operation Deck the Halls

Diamond the Cat

Contact Information:

https://linktr.ee/randib

Interview with Author Ray Franklin

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I grew up in Houston, Texas and became fascinated with science fiction when I got my first library card. Some of my favorite authors are Ray Bradbury, Martha Wells, Iain M. Banks, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Michael Swanwick. I wanted to write stories since I was ten, but only learned the craft of storytelling after 2022.

Engineering has been my career for years and I have remained interested in science and science fiction the whole time. I read the science magazines Discover and Science News to keep informed on the rapid pace of scientific progress. Sometimes, the articles trigger story ideas.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

NASA and the space race captured my imagination in the 1970s. When NASA released images from the Hubble Space Telescope, I wanted to see every one. Eventually, I realized I could share my excitement with others by writing a book. I settled on galaxies for the subject because Hubble generated such amazing images of these giant star configurations.

By digging deeper into what astronomers know about galaxies near and far, I learned far more about astronomy. The more I learned, the more I wanted to include in the book.

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

Galaxies grow and change in beautiful and amazing ways. We can’t watch these changes happen because they are so slow. But galaxies are born, grow up, get old, and then die, which makes them a bit like us. Each galaxy is also unique, just like every person.

We know so much about galaxies because astronomers have discovered the truth by looking through telescopes for hundreds of years. Any young person who wants to know more about our universe can become an astronomer.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Science fiction is fun and exciting, but science fact is what makes science fiction possible. Hubble Space Telescope images of galaxies are beautiful and incredibly moving. Non-fiction was the best way to tell the story of the galaxies that fill our universe.

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

I use Mastodon, @rnf@mindly.social, to connect with other writers. Mindly.social has worked out well in that regard. We share thoughts on the many challenges that every indie writer faces. Some people on Mindly might also be interested in reading my science fiction, when I have a novel published.

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

Write about something you love. Your passion for the subject will show up in your writing and readers will recognize it as authentic. That personal connection is one thing that kept me going when I hit difficulties with Galaxy Astronomy. I didn’t have the option to give up because I cared too much about my vision for the book. It gave me the strength to persevere, which is something everyone needs when life gets tough.

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

A companion to Galaxy Astronomy is in the idea phase. I envision using images from the new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to explore infrared astronomy. Astronomers need time to create each color composite image from the many sensors JWST uses. But the telescope is sending new images continuously. A single new image can take weeks, months, or even years to reach publication. I will also need to learn much more about JWST’s astronomical instruments, and time to browse all the available images. Understanding what each image means is as important as how marvelous it looks. Turning all that into a book can take me a year or more.

I’m also actively working on my first science fiction novel. It’s a space opera about humans and extraterrestrials. Set on a planet circling another star, the novel contains some horror and high-tech manipulation. This will be the first of a series of at least three books, and maybe more.

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About the Author

Ray Franklin grew up in Houston, Texas, the home of NASA. He followed the space race for years and stayed up late to watch Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. Years later, when stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope became available, he saw expansive possibilities. Being a father and working with kids as a volunteer had given him an appreciation for how fast children can learn complex topics with the right mix of fun and challenge. This is what drove him to write ‘Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide For Kids.’

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Revive the Interest to Learn Math: A Psychological Approach by Fidelis Mukudi 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.

In “Revive the Interest to Learn Math,” author Fidelis Mukudi provides a psychological perspective on the benefits of learning math. 

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The Synopsis

This is a short book written to give students hope that despite having a bad background or beginning in mathematics, they can always do better if they are guided well. It also offers hope to parents that their children can do better despite their background and environment. It lists the steps that students need to revive their prowess in mathematics. The topics in this book include; What You Were Fed With, The Battle in the Mind, Setting a New Beginning, A Guide to Studying Math, Tackling Abstract Concepts, and Application Questions. It also gives a summary of each chapter and highlights key points. The book takes a psychological approach to reviving or boosting the motivation to learn mathematics.

The Review

This book made me feel like the perfect demographic, speaking to audiences with a fundamental disconnect with math. Each of us has a subject in school that they excel in more than others, and for me, I was always more proficient in English and History than in Mathematics. Yet the author writes in a way that allows readers who are not well-versed in math to overcome the hurdles that keep them from pursuing this subject and reinvigorate their interest at the same time.

The amount of detail the author can fit into such a short time is astounding. From allowing readers to define themselves either as math hopefuls or math advisers to understanding that the first step is to face the battles of the mind that keep people from reaching that understanding of math and even gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the language of mathematics overall, the author can get the reader on a multitude of subjects.

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The Verdict

Insightful, fast-paced, and educational author Fidelis Mukudi’s “Revive the Interest to Learn Math: A Psychological Approach” is a must-read nonfiction book on merging psychology and mathematics. The guide’s practicality, combined with the mental approach to gaining a firmer understanding of the subject, will keep readers inspired and returning to this book over and over again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Introduction to the Modern World of Day Trading Stocks by Alex Smith 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 Alex Smith shares the dos and don’ts of day trading stocks and the path to becoming successful in the book “Introduction to the Modern World of Day Trading Stocks.”

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The Synopsis

Most people fail at day trading because they fail to educate themselves on what works and what doesn’t work. Becoming a successful day trader requires solid education on what works and what doesn’t work so you can double down on the former and avoid the latter.

In this book, Alex Smith provides the reader with factual information on what works and what doesn’t work in the modern world of day trading. A seasoned trader, Alex shares all the knowledge necessary for any self-motivated individual to begin their journey to becoming a successful day trader. He takes the reader on an 11-chapter journey that inundates them with everything they need to know to get started and grow their trading capital.

Once again, becoming a successful day trader requires solid knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work, and this provides economical access to such knowledge.

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The Review

This was a well-developed and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job presenting the ideas and work that go into day trading as an easy-to-understand process that appeals to newcomers and experienced day traders alike. The book’s practicality speaks for itself, often providing exercises and tools that beginners can use to better understand the practice of day trading.

The author also does a great job of demystifying the idea of day trading and speaking to the modern uses of day trading. For many, day trading is a risky and challenging job that only the rich can truly understand. Still, the author presents the tools needed to successfully navigate this world in a way that everyday people can put this into practice for themselves. The author also emphasizes the psychological impact this job can have on people, and the tools he uses to help manage the stresses and challenges make this a memorable book to read.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully written, insightful, and engaging, author Alex Smith’s “Introduction to the Modern World of Day Trading Stocks” is a must-read guide to the complex world of day trading. The inclusion of day trading terms and their definitions, and the author’s ability to simplify many of the technical aspects of this profession, make this a remarkable book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alex Smith is an entrepreneur and self-taught investor, and the author of Introduction to the Modern World of the Stock Market.

His work is focused on investment and navigating the stock market, aiming to help readers build wealth, no matter their experience level.

Alex has over half a decade of experience in stock market investment and is of the firm belief that anyone can build wealth by investing in the stock market. Having participated as both a trader and an investor, he has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the market and has seen considerable success himself – so much so that he now has the freedom to retire whenever he wishes.

Aware of the fact that many would-be investors are put off simply because they don’t know where to start, Alex is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help as many people as he can to build their wealth and work toward financial freedom. Now dedicated to this mission, he writes both books and articles to help new investors. His website, acdspublishing.com, provides further information and guidance.

Alex is a husband, father, and grandfather… and a self-confessed foodie who loves to travel. He and his wife have visited 32 states in the USA to enjoy the local cuisines and take in the sights, and they plan to keep traveling – an opportunity his investment success has enabled.

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Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide by Steven P. Unger (Photos by Ruth St. Steven) 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 Steven P. Unger shares the long and storied history of coffee, as well as the travel experiences of consuming coffee on multiple continents in the book “Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide.”

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The Synopsis

BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS LOVE: A Coffee Travel Guide, is the first and only book to trace coffee consumption from its origins in prehistory to becoming the world’s second-most-valuable commodity after oil—and to pair this history with replicable, affordable Coffee Experiences that provide a unique approach and added value to the readers’ destinations, no matter how many times they’ve been there before. This book is a multi-genre travel book with unique historical insights that immerse the reader in the culture of a country or city through the lens of the destination’s deep relationship with coffee. No other travel book has ever provided the kind of total immersion into a country or city—through histories, travel directions, one-of-a-kind photos, and recipes—that BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS LOVE: A Coffee Travel Guide, delivers in every chapter.

The timing is right for BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS LOVE: A Coffee Travel Guide, a history of coffee and a travel guide to Coffee Experiences on almost every continent. Plus, there are recipes.

Among the Coffee Experience destinations are places that almost no one goes to, like Ethiopia’s South Omo, and places masses of tourists go to, like Paris. Other Coffee Experiences are closer to home for Americans, as simple as sharing a colada at a ventanilla in Miami’s Little Havana; or taking the Canal streetcar to the end of the line, where Morning Call in New Orleans’ Spanish moss-shrouded City Park offers chicory coffee, beignets, crawfish bread, gumbo, alligator sausage, and jambalaya just a short walk away from the last remaining section of Bayou Metairie.

These Coffee Experiences result from three years of related travel, five years of research, and decades of travel and travel writing. These are the Best of the Best, the Coffee Experiences that surpassed all our expectations.

Linking the Coffee Experiences to history provides a unique approach to a city or country’s particular relationship to coffee. Coffee Experiences may be in the middle of, or adjacent to heavily touristed areas, but for the most part, they are places barely mentioned in guidebooks.

The Coffee Trail is full of curious twists and turns, spanning millennia and the rise and fall of great civilizations. Surviving bans from religions and regimes, coffee consumption has changed its style constantly to adapt to new customs, new physiologies, and new technologies with the driving mandates of better taste and more effective delivery systems for the physically and psychologically stimulating effects of caffeine.

All along the Coffee Trail, from Africa to Europe and the New World, each culture and country has added its own unique stamp to the passport of Coffee Experiences. This book is a journey through those countries and cultures with stopovers that are sometimes a reenactment, and sometimes a re-imagination of a unique time and place in the human history of coffee consumption.

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The Review

This was such a fascinating read. Like much of the population, I am a coffee drinker, but I didn’t always know that there could be a powerful history behind the cultivation of coffee beans throughout the world. The sheer volume of detail and insight the author provides is fascinating. The author explores different cultures and continents not only in terms of how the coffee bean has grown and evolved there but also how the consumption of coffee has evolved and grown over time. 

The balance of the beauty that photographer Ruth St. Steven captured with the imagery of the author’s writing style and the sense of adventure that this book brought made it such an engaging read. The book not only featured an eclectic collection of history and stories related to coffee, but each location the author explored came with recommendations for orders, recipes, and where to get coffee while there. 

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The Verdict

Equal parts reference book, guide, history, and adventure book, author Steven P. Unger’s “Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love” is a must-read. The honesty, depth of knowledge, and thorough exploration of this subject, the locations where these products can be found, and the passion for coffee will instantly draw readers in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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Steven P. Unger has traveled extensively in North, South, and Central America; Western Europe; the Middle East; Africa; Istanbul; and Romania. He has been published in numerous travel and bicycling magazines. His book, In the Footsteps of Dracula: A Personal Journey and Travel Guide, 3rd Ed., traces the voyages and eventual flight of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula from Transylvania to London and back in text and photographs, and pairs this journey with the life and times of Dracula’s real-life counterpart, Prince Vlad Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler.

Mr. Unger was an exchange student at a historically black college, Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and later a member of the Bear Tribe, a California commune that tried sharecropping, goat herding, and living in teepees—and failed spectacularly at everything. These adventures and many more are described in his novel Dancing in the Streets.

He also wrote the accompanying text and Preface for Before the Paparazzi: Fifty Years of Extraordinary Photographs, which includes over 250 pictures taken by Arty Pomerantz, staff photographer and assignment editor for the New York Post from the 1960s through the early 1990s.

Appearances by the author for Before the Paparazzi, 50 Years of Extraordinary Photographs included a video of his co-author’s life and work. In October 2014 at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism, the author’s presentation was followed by a roundtable on contemporary photojournalism with members of the New York Press Club and the New York Press Photographers’ Association. This presentation was given at the New York City Fire Museum and the Bronx Documentary Center, and was one of four lectures for the 2015-2016 California State University, Sacramento, Friends of the Library Author Lecture Series.

He lives with Ruthie St. Steven and their terrier mix Bailey in Elk Grove, California.

From South Boston to Cambridge by Otis L Lee Jr 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 Otis L. Lee Jr. shares the life experiences that defined his career and his life in the book From South Boston to Cambridge.

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The Synopsis

Version 1.0.0

Travel on a journey of evolution from naiveté as a child in the Jim Crow South, to self-actualization at “the Door of No Return,” on Goree Island, in Senegal, West Africa. Experience some of the travails of the lawyer as solo practitioner, the last of the Lone Rangers, a dying breed. This memoir, written in the nature of a novel, also includes a descriptive genealogical narrative of the Lee Family, one of Charlottesville, Virginia’s notable Black families. The solo practice of law in the big city, as well as in smaller towns, offers numerous learning and teachable moments. Maturing as a lawyer requires time, patience, perseverance and a sound strategy but in the solo practitioner’s case it also entails a unique occupational journey: From the apprentice lawyer to the journeymen lawyer the ritual of passage is the same regardless of race. Here, as in the military in a time of war, race is blurred by the need to learn and the will to survive and grow. Professional success requires relationships with strange bed fellows where many essential lessons are learned. The competence of the black professional is never assumed; it must be proven even to members of his own race. A curious paradox with roots buried deep in the American story. The politics of race starkly impacted the recent history of a major American city, Philadelphia-in the killing of a police officer, the incineration of a neighborhood and the election of that city’s first black mayor. Contrary to what many people may perceive, middle class black families have much in common with middle class white families. They encounter many of the same head winds except the resistance of color in American culture. As a consequence black middle class youth confront deeper issues affecting their journey toward the goal of attaining self-actualization; personal doubts, race acceptance and appreciation, skin color and complexion, obtaining a competitive education, not just an integrated education for the two are not the same; economic gamesmanship to master an unfriendly and demanding economic system, “equal opportunity” test challenging for all races but for the American of African descent all of this occurs in an unaccommodating culture, no less demanding especially the skill of converting income into wealth. From South Boston To Cambridge: The Making Of One Philadelphia Lawyer touches upon all of these themes in a tapestry of stories woven together around the life of one central character but by no means the only colorful character.

The Review

This was the author’s most personal and engaging read yet. The memoir perfectly balances the author’s life experiences with the cultural experiences of both the eras he lived through and the community he established along the way. The level of detail and precision with which the author recounted these experiences was amazing, showcasing the heightened focus and attention to detail that comes naturally as a former attorney. 

The numerous challenges the author faced throughout his life and career, and how he conquered those challenges, were inspiring. The emotional depth of the author’s experiences was also felt, as when a colleague at a Philadelphia law firm was held in contempt. The expertise he witnessed at his colleague’s treatment disillusioned the author with the recognition of true justice when his life and the lives of other people of color were not valued as much as others. The impact those experiences and realizations have on the author’s life plays out perfectly on the page.

The Verdict

Remarkable, astounding, and engaging, author Otis L Lee Jr’s “From South Boston to Cambridge” is a must-read nonfiction book and memoir. The honesty and relatability with which the author writes, as well as the plethora of experiences that helped define the author’s journey, will stay with readers as they delve further and further into the book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Otis L. Lee, Jr., a remarkable African-American individual, defied the barriers imposed by segregation and Jim Crow laws to achieve remarkable personal and professional accomplishments. Mr. Lee made significant contributions as a co-author in a 1980 project by the Howard University School of Business, which involved revising and editing the U.S. Department of Commerce manual titled “Local Economic Development Corporation, Legal and Financial Guidelines.”

He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Bar Associations. He also contributed his expertise to several universities in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Otis’s distinguished professional journey included significant roles, such as serving as a Trust New Business Solicitor at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois, as well as consulting the Mid-Atlantic Region Advanced Underwriting for the New York Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Lee was the Associate Director of the Center For Small Business and served as a Panel Executive for the Panel on Product Liability for the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

A retired attorney, he has now transitioned into an author who uses his powerful insights and experiences to inspire others. Through his writings, captivating video shorts, and engaging speaking engagements, Otis Lee, Jr. enlightens audiences with his unique perspective on resilience and triumph over adversity.

Lee’s 2013 debut memoir, “From South Boston to Cambridge: the Making of One Philadelphia Lawyer”, intricately weaves together a captivating narrative that chronicles his relentless pursuit of success, overcoming one obstacle after another. Within its pages, readers traverse alongside Lee, sharing in his profound emotions and experiences.

Published in 2019’s “The Last Train From Djibouti”, the story begins from an unassuming, yet metaphorical, location: a train voyage originating in Charlottesville, Virginia, bound for New York City’s Penn Station. For Otis, this journey recalls another train’s journey from distant times in a location many miles from home. Drawing inspiration from the accounts of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F. Karuhije, “The Last Train From Djibouti” brings us alongside these two women on a transformative odyssey, each embarking independently to the Motherland, spurred by a resolute desire to connect with Africa and self discovery. By artfully expositing passages from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s recounting, Otis portrays a microcosm of the African-American struggle to unearth roots within a culture that underwent upheaval, crossed oceans and emerged anew.

Coming in 2024, Otis Lee’s latest title “Black Spartacus, I Was Born in the Forest: A Traveler’s Guide to Quilombo, Maroon Societies in Brazil” embodies the struggle for liberty by Africans who were transported to the Americas aboard slave ships, hailing from regions like Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa.

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I Was Born in the Forest by Otis L. Lee Jr 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 Otis L Lee Jr shares the story of the town of Palmares, a settlement established in the mountains of Brazil for Africans who escaped enslavement in the 17th century to form their own Afrocentric community and hold onto their freedom in the book “I Was Born in the Forest.”

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The Synopsis

I Was Born in the Forest encapsulates the freedom struggle of Africans brought to the Americas in the bowels of slave ships from Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa. In the seventeenth century, many defied the odds by escaping and establishing Afrocentric communities in the mountains in Brazil. Palmares, the most notable among them, existed from 1605 to 1694.

Palmares was the forerunner of Black towns in America, and its mesmerizing leader, Zumbi, belongs among the pantheon of heroic African-descended leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Francois Dominique Toussaint Louverture, and many others. He and his people rose from nothing in a hostile, foreign land to create an enduring Black republic in colonial Brazil.

Palmares and Zumbi have become transcendent icons of hope, perseverance, and the tenacity of African-descended people and all colonialized peoples who strive for and refuse to accept anything but unfettered freedom. Through a mix of travelogue and history, their story comes alive.

The Review

This was such an insightful and engaging read. The author was able to both entertain and educate readers on a subject that is so very rarely discussed, honing in on the African communities established in other countries such as Brazil during a time when so many were taken and enslaved in what would become the United States. The level of detail the author provides gives such a clear picture of the impact slavery had on everyone, especially in South American countries like Brazil, including elements such as the impact religion had on both those brought in as slave labor and the slavers themselves. 

What stood out to me was something the author touched upon early on in the book, which was the assertion that African slave labor brought into the Americas was all docile and compliant to their captors, when in reality, that was not the case. The fight and actions of the community of Palmares, especially their final leader Zumbi, were not only inspiring to an entire community of people, but the author also explored in depth how these actions created myths and legends that would help inspire future battles for freedom and independence. 

The Verdict

Powerful, educational, and insightful, author Otis L Lee Jr’s “I Was Born in the Forest” was a must-read nonfiction history book. The reality is this information isn’t the kind of education taught widely in schools, especially in our modern world, where education regarding this subject matter is being heavily censored, and the wealth of information and guidance this bit of history can provide the rest of the world is more important than ever before. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Otis L. Lee, Jr., a remarkable African-American individual, defied the barriers imposed by segregation and Jim Crow laws to achieve remarkable personal and professional accomplishments. Mr. Lee made significant contributions as a co-author in a 1980 project by the Howard University School of Business, which involved revising and editing the U.S. Department of Commerce manual titled “Local Economic Development Corporation, Legal and Financial Guidelines.”

He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Bar Associations. He also contributed his expertise to several universities in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Otis’s distinguished professional journey included significant roles, such as serving as a Trust New Business Solicitor at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois, as well as consulting the Mid-Atlantic Region Advanced Underwriting for the New York Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Lee was the Associate Director of the Center For Small Business and served as a Panel Executive for the Panel on Product Liability for the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

A retired attorney, he has now transitioned into an author who uses his powerful insights and experiences to inspire others. Through his writings, captivating video shorts, and engaging speaking engagements, Otis Lee, Jr. enlightens audiences with his unique perspective on resilience and triumph over adversity.

Lee’s 2013 debut memoir, “From South Boston to Cambridge: the Making of One Philadelphia Lawyer”, intricately weaves together a captivating narrative that chronicles his relentless pursuit of success, overcoming one obstacle after another. Within its pages, readers traverse alongside Lee, sharing in his profound emotions and experiences.

Published in 2019’s “The Last Train From Djibouti”, the story begins from an unassuming, yet metaphorical, location: a train voyage originating in Charlottesville, Virginia, bound for New York City’s Penn Station. For Otis, this journey recalls another train’s journey from distant times in a location many miles from home. Drawing inspiration from the accounts of Dr. Michelle Palmer Lee and her mentor, Dr. Harriett F. Karuhije, “The Last Train From Djibouti” brings us alongside these two women on a transformative odyssey, each embarking independently to the Motherland, spurred by a resolute desire to connect with Africa and self discovery. By artfully expositing passages from Michelle’s journal and Harriett’s recounting, Otis portrays a microcosm of the African-American struggle to unearth roots within a culture that underwent upheaval, crossed oceans and emerged anew.

Coming in 2024, Otis Lee’s latest title “Black Spartacus, I Was Born in the Forest: A Traveler’s Guide to Quilombo, Maroon Societies in Brazil” embodies the struggle for liberty by Africans who were transported to the Americas aboard slave ships, hailing from regions like Congo, Angola, and other parts of Central Africa.

https://otislee.com/

Grief: The Silent Pandemic by Doug Lawrence 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 Doug Lawrence shares the steps to be taken when confronting and dealing with one’s grief in the book “Grief The Silent Pandemic.”

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The Synopsis

Grief is a profound and universal experience, a natural response to the loss of someone or something deeply cherished. Yet, for many, the journey through grief is made even more difficult by a lack of personal understanding and a society rife with misconceptions about what it means to grieve. This widespread misunderstanding has contributed to a mental health pandemic, leaving countless individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and without the tools to heal.

In Grief the Silent Pandemic, Doug Lawrence offers a guiding light in the darkness of loss. Drawing from decades of experience as a grief mentor and the deeply personal pain of losing his beloved wife, Lawrence provides a compassionate and insightful exploration of the grieving process. With raw honesty and profound empathy, he delves into the complexities of grief, shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and societal challenges it presents.

Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and actionable solutions, Lawrence empowers readers to navigate their own grief journeys. He challenges the stigma and misinformation surrounding grief, offering a roadmap to healing that is rooted in understanding, connection, and hope.

Whether you are seeking solace in your own time of loss or looking to support someone you care about, this book is a beacon of hope that reminds us all: healing is possible, and brighter days lie ahead.

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The Review

What a profound and truly moving read! The author does a remarkable job of finding the right balance between informing the reader and being empathetic to the nature of grief in general. The author’s ability to relate personal experiences to the grieving process and identify the root of what drives grief makes the education and practices related to the grieving process so much more moving and in-depth.

What stood out to this reader was the focus of the book’s inception on the COVID-10 pandemic, and how mental health in general, especially grief, got lost in confusion during that time. The horrors and fear that came with the pandemic and the hardship that came with having to face grief in such isolation and pain was so spot on, and thoroughly pushed through the core problems of pushing aside grief and mental health care in general to focus on other things to better help readers understand the importance of mental health altogether. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and emotional, author Doug Lawrence’s “Grief: The Silent Pandemic” is a must-read nonfiction book on mental health and grief. The informative nature of the guided book and the raw and emotion-driven experiences that the author shares on a personal level and as a mentor will help readers relate to the book’s message and get lost in the process the author lays out for readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on April 20th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Competence – Mentor and the Certificate of Competence – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Competence – Journey Mentor in the world today.

Doug served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 25 years retiring in February of 1999 at the rank of Staff Sargent.

Doug has been involved in the certification of mentors since 2009 when he first partnered with an organization to provide mentor certification based on knowledge. Doug has now partnered with an expert in certification to provide a certification for mentors based on competence.

Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in: 1) his teaching of others how to effectively mentor, 2)the mentoring of others internationally, 3) and being recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space.

He has been working with researchers to examine the role of mentoring as a support for those struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His experience in law enforcement coupled with working with people as a mentor who are suffering from PTSD has afforded him a unique view of mentoring and PTSD. His personal story is one that is compelling and it fuels his passion about wanting to help others.

Doug is a firm believer that mentoring begins with a person’s personal growth thereby helping to remove any obstacles or barriers to their professional growth and career development. As Doug has found, some of those barriers can be mental health and mental well-being challenges.

“You are Not Alone” came from the all to often stigma of people being afraid to ask for help, afraid to step out of the closet and say, “I need help”. Afraid to extend a hand to say, “its okay I will go with you on this journey.”

“You are Not Alone” came from cry for help and increased anxiety and depression from having to wait far to long for treatment and to begin a healing journey.

This book provides a solution to that problem.

Monday Motivation: Inspirational Quotes to Start Your Week Right by D.C. Gomez 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 D.C. Gomez shares a collection of inspirational quotes to help motivate people in their everyday lives in the collection “Monday Motivation.”

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The Synopsis

Mondays can be tough!

Why not kick off your week with the right mindset?

With so many distractions affecting our days, it can be difficult to follow our dreams.

Enjoy these quotes and reflections to help you stay motivated and focused.

Sometimes all we need is a little reminder that we are going the right way.

Enjoy: Monday Motivations- inspirational quotes to start your week right!

The Review

This was a quick yet inspiring read. The author perfectly captures the quotes that the author lays out in this book and the deeper meanings of the quotes. The quotes featured in this book were unique, as they didn’t delve into the deeper, hidden meanings in life, but the inspiration behind everyday life experiences, making this a more relatable reading experience.

I truly appreciated the concise nature of the book and the bright imagery accompanying each quote. The book is the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion, allowing the reader to take everyday experiences and troubles and find the inner strength to overcome those challenges. 

The Verdict

Succinct, honest, and inspiring, author D.C. Gomez’s “Monday Motivation” is a must-read nonfiction inspirational book. The best aspect of this book is its ability to prompt readers to return to whatever problems they may need motivation to move past, and the author provides that perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.

Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.

If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).

Happy reading.

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