Tag: review

Shapers of Worlds Volume V Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Authors featured in the award-winning podcast The Worldshapers share a new collection of science fiction and fantasy stories in the book “Shapers of Worlds Volume V”. 

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The Synopsis

The fifth and final installment in a series of powerhouse anthologies featuring some of today’s top authors of science fiction and fantasy

From outer space to inner space, from realms of the never-were to those of the here-and-now and the soon-to-be, the twenty-four authors in this fifth and final collection of science fiction and fantasy by writers featured on the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers plunge readers into fantastic worlds filled with unforgettable characters.

Teenagers are disappearing in a mysterious grove, and no one knows why—not even those who escape it. The god of love finds magical arrows just don’t cut it in the modern world of digital matchmaking. A prisoner discovers he has been stripped of thirty-five years of memories as punishment for a crime he cannot remember. Far from being a refuge from humdrum reality, dreams become a trap for one young man when he encounters those who dwell there. A man who hunts angels for a living has the tables turned on him by the last angel he corners. Talking beasts from the island of a certain infamous doctor arrive in London to make their way in the world of men, only to be caught up in the ongoing Martian invasion . . .

Shapers of Worlds Volume V showcases stories by Brad C. Anderson, Edo van Belkom, J. G. Gardner, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, Chadwick Ginther, Evan Graham, M. C. A. Hogarth, M. J. Kuhn, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Kevin Moore, Robin Stevens Payes, James S. Peet, Omari Richards, Lawrence M. Schoen, Alex Shvartsman, Alan Smale, Richard Sparks, P. L. Stuart, Brad R. Torgersen, Hayden Trenholm, Brian Trent, Eli K. P. William, Edward Willett, and Natalie Wright. Every story is illustrated with an original black-and-white drawing by Wendi Nordell.

Travel into the past, the present, and the future in stories set in our world, in deep space, in the land of dreams, and in worlds of pure imagination, shaped by an outstanding roster of authors featuring many bestsellers and award-winners. All you have to do is turn the page . . .

The Review

What a stellar collection of stories. The range that both the narratives and the author’s writing work in showcases this collection’s depth of talent, with stories ranging from deep sci-fi madness to heartfelt character studies and so much more. Each story can establish memorable characters in such a way. Short time stood out, such as in the story Coming of Age by Edo van Belkom, which takes a story of a failed colonization settlement on another world which affects the maturation of those born on the planet, and examines not only a close-knit father/son relationship, but the difficulties of growing up and facing the world on our own, while also exploring facing things on one’s terms. 

I loved the fusion of genres throughout these stories. The authors find ways of quickly bringing fantasy or mythological elements into heavily sci-fi narratives and creating worlds that simultaneously feel unreal and very relatable. One great example was Cupid 2.0 by Brad C. Anderson, with the god Cupid facing a new reality in the modern world of social media and dating apps, and the exploration of profits versus love for dating app companies.

The Verdict

Creative, thoughtfully crafted, and entertaining, “Shapers of the World Volume V” is a must-read anthology collection of sci-fi, fantasy, and even horror elements. The twists and turns in each story and the inventive twist on genre fusion propel each story forward, and these elements will stay with readers long after the last story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Inside the Insurance Industry: Fourth Edition: Insurance Help for Individuals and Businesses by Kevin L. Glaser 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 Kevin L. Glaser shares his knowledge and experience within the insurance industry to help people better understand how coverage works in Inside the Insurance Industry: Fourth Edition.”

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The Synopsis

This comprehensive guide is perfect for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of insurance, including individuals, business owners, students, attorneys, risk managers and insurance professionals.

Highlights of this book include:

  • New insights into managing risk and emerging industry trends.
  • Expanded sections on pricing, claims processes, and securing the best insurance deals.
  • Clear explanations of insurance company operations and how departments affect policyholders.
  • Practical tools like a sample Insurance Proposal Worksheet.
  • Tips for avoiding litigation and effectively handling insurance claims.
  • A glimpse into the future of insurance and its potential impact.

During a professional career as an insurance consultant spanning over 20 years, the primary focus during each project was to both enhance insurance coverage and save money for clients. This approach has been carried over into the contents of Inside the Insurance Industry – Fourth Edition, where readers can both improve their insurance knowledge and save more money than was spent on this book.

Written in plain language, this book breaks down industry jargon, offering actionable advice for saving money and making informed decisions. Whether you are new to insurance or looking to deepen your expertise, this resource is designed for you!

The Review

This is a truly informative and engaging read. The author does a remarkable job of outlining the ins and outs of insurance companies, how they work, and how both individuals and businesses can learn and adapt to these companies in their own lives. The author’s ability to provide so much detail yet write in such a succinct and engaging way made the subject matter feel meaningful and educational all at once.

The author’s ability to illuminate the information provided in this book was phenomenal. The author delves into everything from risk management to specific aspects of insurance companies, such as how claims adjustors work and their ultimate goals when working with those looking to make insurance claims. Because of that, readers can better understand the process of attaining and utilizing insurance as a whole.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enlightening, and memorable, author Kevin L. Glaser’s “Inside the Insurance Industry: Fourth Edition” is a must-read nonfiction book on the insurance game. The book gives readers an in-depth look into insurance, from specific tools such as sample worksheets to a full appendix explaining the language of insurance practices, along with a specified case study. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Inside the Insurance Industry – Fourth Edition: Insurance Help for Individuals and Businesses is Kevin Glaser’s most recent book. This edition expands prior topics, contains several new ideas to help readers save money, and assists with making informed decisions. Ultimately, it helps to avoid out-of-pocket payments resulting from inadequate coverage or failing to address uninsured risk exposures.

He has written other well-received books. Inside the Insurance Industry – Third Edition is a consumer-focused book that describes topics such as the inner workings of insurance companies and how insurance is sold. By better understanding the insurance process consumers can both save money and obtain broader coverages.

The Great Tompall: Forgotten Country Music Outlaw is an in-depth biography of Kevin’s uncle, Tompall Glaser, an iconic and influential country music performer and business owner during country music’s outlaw era. Tompall often stood alone in his fight for artistic freedom for Nashville musicians and he paid the price. While he became the “forgotten outlaw,” this book explains the significant roles he played in the development of country music during the 1950’s through the 1980’s.

Glaser’s primary occupation involves providing insurance and risk management consulting services, litigation support and expert witness testimony across the USA.

The New England Comic Book Store Owners by Christopher Denmead 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 “The New England Comic Book Store Owners,” Author Christopher Denmead shares the experiences and stories of comic book store owners across New England.

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The Synopsis

The New England Comic Book Store Owners is a look at the lives of comic Shop retailers and the love for their stores, their products and both their customers and their employees.

Dive deep-into what keeps them going day to day and how they survive a crazy business environment in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island.

The Review

What a unique and compelling read! The author does a remarkable job of revealing the experiences and inner workings of the comic book shops of New England. The focus on each comic book owner’s way of running their stores and their approaches to both the business side of things and their passion for the industry made this book flow smoothly.

The heart of this book was in the passion for comic books that each owner shared and how they came to be in the comic book business as a whole. The love for these stories of horror, fantasy, nd science fiction and the different ways comics were bought over the decades was remarkable to witness across the pages of this book. The way some owners embrace new comics and the popularity of modern pop culture merchandise in their stores versus those who appreciate the classics and iconic comic books in general was so passionately written and insightful into this industry. 

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The Verdict

Insightful, thought-provoking, and very relatable for comic book fans and passionate comic book owners everywhere, author Christopher Denmead’s “The New England Comic Book Owners” is a must-read nonfiction book. The reliability and the insight that readers gain from these stories and the passion that readers gain from these stories rom these comic book owners will inspire readers looking to understand people’s love for the comic book world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

RATING: 10/10

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh 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 author Alexander Morpheigh’s ” The Pythagorean, ” a young man finds himself transported back in time and in the body of another young man from Ancient Greece and must find a way to get back to his present. 

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The Synopsis 

The protagonist, a young man named Theodore, is about 36 years old and resides in Athens. Following a car accident, he finds himself in the body of a young man from Ancient Greece who attempted suicide. Confused about his whereabouts, Theodore sets out to find people and seeks guidance from the Delphic Oracle – Pythia.

Pythia reveals to Theodore that he must meet his true teacher, who alone can return him to his own time. To prepare spiritually for this encounter, Theodore’s best bet is one of the greatest teachers of European civilization – Pythagoras, who coincidentally lives during that era. Theo seeks out Pythagoras and becomes his student. Throughout his education, Pythagoras explains to Theodore why he ended up in the past and the significant mission awaiting him in the future. In the process, Pythagoras imparts a wealth of intriguing facts to Theodore, blending authentic Pythagorean teachings with alternative viewpoints from contemporary science.

Theodore’s beloved Elena remains in Athens, and his lack of attention towards her weighs heavily on him. Through his studies, Theodore learns the practice of lucid dreaming, enabling him to communicate with Elena in his dreams and share his experiences. In a critical turn of events, Theodore steals a bottle of expensive wine, leading to his arrest. Pythagoras intervenes, securing his release on bail. However, Theodore learns he can only remain on the island for a month. With his limited time, he must pass an interview with the local ruler. In another lucid dream, Theodore meets Alkeus, the young man from ancient Greece, who now inhabits his body in the present. Alkeus’ adaptability to modern life is hindered by amnesia, and he relies on others to remind him of his past.

As Theodore’s training progresses, Pythagoras not only introduces alternative, scientifically backed perspectives on the Universe’s structure and the existence of parallel worlds but also takes him on journeys to explore them. Theo’s situation becomes dire – execution awaits him if he stays in the past, while arrest and imprisonment await him in the future. In a lucid dream, he encounters his future self in a café, realizing that his true teacher is none other than himself. Spiritual purification is the key to his return to the present. Is he prepared to embark on his crucial mission?

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

What a fascinating and compelling twist on the time travel genre. The author does a spectacular job of crafting a unique and original way of taking these characters through the time travel trope and expanding upon it. The balance the author found in historical accuracy and sci-fi mythos was remarkable, with the use of imagery in the author’s writing style bringing both the past and present to life vividly and viscerally. 

The heart of the narrative, however, was in both the philosophical journey and emotional character development that the novel took on. Theo’s evolution throughout this novel, from a typical life led as a programmer in Athens to being forced to live in Ancient Greece and, in the process, learning more about himself and what matters most to him in life, made the narrative pop off the page. The way he adapts to life in Ancient Greece and becomes a mentee to Pythagoras himself was fun and fascinating, delving into some of the higher concepts of philosophy that the era became known for. Theo’s love and romance with Elena were heartfelt, and they kept the reader invested in these characters as the story progressed.

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The Verdict

Trippy, compelling, and thoroughly entertaining, author Alexander Morpheigh’s “The Pythagorean” is a must-read historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and the author’s exploration of unique time travel and sci-fi concepts like higher forms of reality, parallel dimensions, and the idea of consciousness itself made the story feel alive and fresh for the reader while also giving a story that felt personal and engaging from the characters’ point of view. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Can I Have a Hug First? By Mary Paula Hunter 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 unique blend of humor and tragedy comes to life as author Mary Paula Hunter turns years’ worth of performance art into short stories in the collection “Can I Have a Hug First?”

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The Synopsis 

CAN I HAVE A HUG FIRST? is a short story collection born out of author Mary Paula Hunter’s career as a performance artist. Her monologues turned short stories feature midlife adults struggling to align their crazy minds with an equally crazy world. Hilarious and tragic in a high energy mix, these stories will get the reader questioning what came first— the whacked mind or the whacked world?

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The Review

What a powerful and memorable read. The author establishes a tone of humor and realism in the narrative of each story very early, showcasing the haunting realities that so many women have to face on any given day and how some people cope with those realities. The originality and artistry behind the prose the author utilizes will stay with readers within each story, as the tension in each story is undercut by humorous dialogue or observations of the everyday life people encounter during these situations.

The themes and feelings of strength and paranoia in each story resonate with the harsh experiences that so many women are left to face. The unique delivery of the stories as an almost first-person monologue in a way allowed the reader to feel as if these stories represented personal conversations between the reader and the author. The titular story is an excellent example of this, with the narrator gradually becoming more and more afraid as she has strange encounters and is soon face to face with a unique outcome. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, performative, and engaging author Mary Paula Hunter’s “Can I Have a Hug First?” is a must-read fiction and speculative fiction genre. The poignant and carefully crafted narrative behind each story and the rich character dynamics built in such a short amount of time in each story made the collection both relatable and alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mary Paula Hunter is a writer living in Providence, Rhode Island. She received early praise for her writing when as a dancer and choreographer, she told stories about her eccentric Midwestern family while she danced.

Laurie Stone, in the now-defunct VILLAGE VOICE wrote that Mary Paula’s writing was brilliant. Jennifer Dunning in THE NEW YORK TIMES also praised her hybrid work, especially the honest storytelling.  Finally the writing won out… although she still creates dances (mainly in her kitchen), and works on performance art projects.

Visit Mary Paula Hunter’s Performance website.

https://www.marypaulahunterwrites.com/

The Abandoned Theater (Alderland Series Book One) by Dana Robertson 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 Dana Robertson’s The Abandoned Theater, the first in the Alderland Series, a young girl goes to an abandoned theater in search of a missing teenager, only to discover an evil that threatens multiple worlds.

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The Synopsis

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.

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The Review

What a compelling and engaging read. The author does a marvelous job of balancing the relatable, heartfelt character development with the visceral fantasy world-building that the author was able to create. The imagery in the author’s writing made the world the characters stumbled into feel alive on the page, and the mythology the author was able to drive into the narrative not only ramped up the drama quickly but honed in on some of the more personal mysteries tied to the characters themselves.

What stood out was how much this story seemed to embody the themes and nostalgia that so many projects in this genre have established beforehand while still creating a fresh and remarkable story. Whether it was Steven Spielberg’s E.T. or the modern-day Stranger Things, the idea of young people having to confront the strange and the unknown and face their own looming adulthood in the process was thoroughly presented in this narrative. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, magical, and entertaining author Dana Robertson’s “The Abandoned Theater” is a must-read middle-school/YA fantasy read. The magical world-building that the story takes on and the rich and relatable character dynamics of this novel make this a remarkable narrative that readers won’t be able to get enough of and will be eager for the next entry into the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 1st, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

Dana Robertson Books

Sell More With Webinars by Stefan Ciancio and Philip Schaffer Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Authors Stefan Ciancio and Philip Schaffer share the benefits and steps to selling to a larger audience in the book Sell More With Webinars. 

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The Synopsis

Are you tired of constantly chasing clients, working long hours, and still not seeing the results you dreamed of when you started your business? Sell More with Webinars reveals how to reach more people, make more sales, and gain more free time by leveraging the power of one-to-many selling. You’ll learn why webinars work in any niche, the latest framework for turning strangers into buyers in minutes, and psychological secrets to becoming the go-to expert in your field. Plus, discover how to create high-converting webinars quickly using Al tools and set up automated funnels that sell 24/7 without live presentations or tech skills. Packed with real-world examples, step-by-step systems, and proven strategies from over a decade of experience, this book is your guide to maximizing profit potential from one simple webinar. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, Sell More with Webinars offers actionable insights to transform how you work and achieve the business you’ve always dreamed of-one that serves you instead of enslaving you. Grab your copy now and start making more while working less.

BOPIS

The Review

This was an informative and compelling read. The authors do an amazing job of writing succinctly and thoughtfully, allowing the book to speak to readers looking to boost their business and understand the true nature of webinars. The attention to detail and the way the authors examine the software related to webinars and how integrating AI works with the software made this a gripping read. 

What stood out about this book was not just the expertise and skill that the authors delivered, but the drive and swift delivery of these steps the authors laid out for readers kept readers coming back to this book time and time again. The authors go into what makes a webinar function, how to launch a webinar, how to get content for the webinars, and even functioning marketing strategies to drive targeted traffic to those webinars. 

The Verdict

Insightful, thought-provoking, and engaging authors Stefan Ciancio and Peter Schaffer’s “Sell More with Webinars” is a must-read nonfiction book that guides modern-day business strategies. The author’s passion for this subject matter, attention to detail in exploring the art of webinars and the software behind them, and thrilling descriptions of the modern business world and how entrepreneurs can use this to build their businesses make this a remarkable book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Stefan Ciancio is a renowned digital marketing expert, serial entrepreneur, and Amazon bestselling author who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners achieve success online. With extensive experience in digital marketing, course creation, and online business development, Stefan has built a reputation for creating practical, actionable strategies that deliver real results.

Known for his straightforward teaching style and deep expertise in webinars, email marketing, affiliate marketing, product creation, and traffic generation, Stefan helps people navigate the complexities of online business. His work focuses on providing proven, step-by-step systems that beginners and experienced marketers alike can implement to grow their online presence and sales through automation.

Beyond his own success in digital marketing, Stefan is passionate about educating others and has trained thousands of students worldwide. His teaching approach combines cutting-edge marketing strategies with practical, easy-to-follow methods that have helped countless entrepreneurs build sustainable online businesses.

https://getwebinarkit.com/

Cursed Mage (Catenarian Chronicles Book 1) by TC Marti 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 young woman discovers her powers and lineage just as she discovers she has a long-lost sister who is in danger from a ruthless regime in author TC Marti’s “Cursed Mage,” the first book in the Catenarian Chronicles Series.

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The Synopsis

Every family has secrets. Hers are trying to kill her.

Kaija can’t wait to dive into university and leave the wreckage of her past behind. But becoming an orphan and moving in with her weird rich uncle wasn’t on the cards. Neither was discovering she’s a mythical Mage—and something rarer that the unscrupulous ruling party would kill to possess.

Now she’s dredging up long-buried family secrets, chatting with drowned ghosts, and dodging elite assassins and a ruthless mercenary Mage. All while learning to control magic so she can rescue the sister she didn’t know she had from the clutches of an oppressive political regime.

If Kaija fails, she and her sister won’t just lose their freedom, they’ll lose their lives… or worse. And the nation will pay the price.

Cursed Mage is the pulse-pounding first book in the Catenarian Chronicles. If you love chosen one dark paranormal fantasies packed with political intrigue, high-stakes action, and unforgettable characters, hang on for the ride of your life. Start reading today!

Flea and Tick

The Review

What a remarkable and exciting start to a brand-new metaphysical fantasy series! The world-building and mythos the author establishes between the Mages and the magic system itself are fantastic and well-established on the page. The balance of action with character growth and story development made this feel like a gripping and well-defined world to get lost in. The compelling world the author creates gives the reader a sense of familiarity while also transporting them into a world filled with magic and wonder. The thoughtful approach to the imagery used in the author’s writing style helped simultaneously elevate this setting and cement the mythos.

The heart of this story rests in the development of the protagonist and her journey. Kaija was both relatable and engaging as a character, bringing the same sense of wonder and awe that the reader felt discovering this hidden world and the power that rests in the hands of the Mages, all while layering the story with elements of mystery with her discovery of her sister and the intrigue that comes with the introduction of a potential boyfriend, with a supernatural twist. The story and the mythology the author establishes help elevate Kaija’s journey to an entirely new level.

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The Verdict

An intense, heartfelt, and powerful dark fantasy novel that readers won’t be able to put down, author TC Marti’s “Cursed Mage” is a must-read thrill ride. The heart and emotional story behind Kaija and her evolution throughout the narrative, the well-rounded supporting cast, and the blend of action with magical suspense made the author’s world feel alive and vibrant on the page. The twists and turns that the protagonist and her story go through and the epic world-building the author deploys make this feel like a concrete, engaging world that readers won’t stop getting lost in time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TC Marti is an avid workout warrior and author of the dystopian fantasy shared universe, the Renegades Epic. After spending years devouring the works of J.K. Rowling, George Lucas, and some of the greatest libertarian thinkers in world history, Marti has fused his imagination with free market principles whenever he metaphorically puts pen to paper.

Daadi Maa’s Diary of Secrets (Picture Books For Big Kids and Adults Book 1) by Monita Kumari 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 author Monita Kumari’s ” Daadi Maa’s Diary of Secrets, ” a young boy tired of his grandmother’s behavior soon discovers a hidden past that explains who she is.

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The Synopsis

Seven year old Vivek thinks his Daadi Maa (Indian Grandmother) is a mean old lady until he finds her diary. Although the first few entries are hilarious to him, Vivek soon realizes it was not meant to be funny. As he reads on, he recognizes that Daadi Maa is trapped in a vicious cycle. Her obsessive pinching is a coping mechanism. Although Daadi Maa has persevered outwardly, she still suffers silently. The diary brings the issue to the forefront and light is finally shed on the death of Daadi Maa’s brother Bhola, which is the crux of the problem. It also brings attention to the guilt she feels about the death of her son – Vivek’s father. Although Vivek’s mother has forgiven her, the fact remains that the last conversation Daadi Maa had with Vivek’s father was an argument about her pinching habit – which is why she cannot forgive herself. This obsessive-compulsive behavior which Daadi Maa suffered from most of her adult life touches the issue of neurodiversity. It is only after Vivek finds the diary that Daadi Maa faces her guilt. Here, she finally realizes that she doesn’t have to do it alone. She has a smart, educated family that will support her and love her as she is. No one will think less of her. All she needs to do is open up and ask for help even if not in those exact words. Daadi Maa’s Diary Of Secrets is a beautiful tearjerker picture book for young adults with twenty-two vivid and detailed illustrations (six of which are center spreads) that make the book come alive! The story explores the delicate issue of death in the family in a gentle way that young adults can relate to.

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The Review

This is a genuinely heartfelt and compelling read. The author’s ability to bridge the gap between adult and young readers through this story and the emotional connection the reader makes with Daadi Maa and her journey will stay with readers long after the book ends. The powerful imagery and thoughtful themes the author delves into create a harrowing yet poignant conversation for readers to deal with.

That conversation surrounds the topic of loss and its overwhelming nature. The book showcases the hardships and struggles that loss can have on a person and how it can dictate how they behave later in life. The book also shows the classic theme of not judging a book by its cover. The story shows the protagonist how their grandmother is not the way she is due to her just being mean but because of the experiences that life has given her.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, meaningful, and heartfelt author Monita Kumari’s “Daadi Maa’s Diary of Secrets” is a must-read illustrated young adult book. The themes of death, loss, and how to cope play a powerful role, and readers will instantly connect with and become invested in the narrative overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Fiji Islands, Monita is a trained medical professional, an artist and an amateur sitar player. She is a descendent of laborers brought to Fiji through the Indenture System from India, so her life has been a colorful mixture of both Fijian and Indian culture. When she has time to spare, she likes to watch her backyard birds. Monita lives in California with her family.

For more information, visit her website MonitaKumari.com