‘The Fairy Cat’ is the story of a magical cat. Photo: Amazon
Isla Skye is a teacher, herbalist and mother with a passion for sharing her love of the natural world and folklore. Her book “The Fairy Cat” is a charming children’s story that weaves together magic, friendship, and adventure in a delightful narrative. The story takes place in rural Ireland and centers around a young boy named Cianán who goes missing. Twenty years later, a black cat appears in a vegetable garden and helps a family recover their happiness.
The author’s writing is enchanting, capturing the whimsy and wonder of cats and their relationship to humans. The characters are endearing, particularly Ita and the magical wild cat. The author creates a vivid setting where the ordinary blends seamlessly with the extraordinary, inviting readers of all ages to believe in magic.
“The Fairy Cat” is a heartwarming story that celebrates the bonds of family, friendship ,and the power of belief. It is targeted for young readers up to 12 years but it’s a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys folk tales with a touch of enchantment and heart.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Paul Kane’s Travels in Indigenous North America’ by I.S. MacLaren explores the life, times, and challenging legacy of 19th Century Canadian artist Paul Kane. Photo: Amazon
McGill-Queen’s University Press announces the release of the four-volume publication “Paul Kane’s Travels in Indigenous North America: Writings and Art, Life and Times” by I.S. MacLaren, the first comprehensive survey of Paul Kane’s (1810–1871) life and work in more than fifty years. Kane’s field sketches made between 1845 and 1848 constitute the first visual record of Indigenous life all the way from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean by a Non-Indigenous artist. (Bow Bridge Communications, 2024)
Beginning his research three and one-half decades ago, MacLaren, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, provides a singular opportunity to examine the impacts of Kane’s travels in Indigenous North America through his writings, art, life, times, and complex legacy. A meticulous, panoramic examination, “Paul Kane’s Travels in Indigenous North America” also studies the artist’s legacy in terms of his contemporaries’, his technique, and the complicated history of the source of the works. The author examines Kane’s travels and output by focusing on four areas of study: history of the fur trade, book publishing history, art history, and ethnohistory.
Paul Kane, a portraitist based in Toronto, set out from the city in 1845 for Lake Huron and Wisconsin. From 1846 to 1848, he continued to the upper Great Lakes, the Prairies, across the Rockies, down the Columbia River, and through Oregon Territory to Puget Sound and Vancouver Island. MacLaren reconstructs the colonial processes that turned Kane’s unique descriptions and depictions of Indigenous peoples into benighted stereotypes, teaching contemporary readers valuable lessons about what we thought we knew about Kane and his art, how he let himself be turned into a detractor of Native Americans, and how society endowed him with authority that was not always warranted.
Kane has been called the founding father of Canadian art, and his “Wanderings of an Artist among the Indians of North America” (1859) is considered a classic of Canadian literature, albeit a controversial one if viewed from a contemporary perspective. More recently, he has been vilified as having misrepresented and exploited his subjects.
“Paul Kane’s Travels” features reproductions of nearly all Kane’s sketches—many published for the first time—and many of his studio paintings, as well as transcriptions of his field writings. The writings, which show the artist to have been a curious traveler fascinated by Indigenous lifeways, contain no negative references to Indigenous people. MacLaren’s work also features a transcription of manuscripts not in Kane’s handwriting (by unknown scribes), the text of the first edition of “Wanderings of an Artist,” an updated catalog, and detailed maps of Kane’s routes. Through the author’s in-depth research, the publication offers scholarly and first-hand understandings of the lives and histories of the real people Kane described and depicted while providing an authoritative biographical portrait of the artist. Thanks to family descendants’ support, MacLaren has identified 26 Indigenous people depicted in the portraits.
Publication Specifications 2,408 pages, 9 x 12”, 4-volume set, full color throughout | Cloth 9780228017479 $450 CDN / $375 USD | Available for purchase here.
‘How To Master Your Emotions’ by Richard Rokicki is a support system for readers looking to better manage their emotions. Photo: Amazon
“How To Manage Your Emotions” is an essential guide to navigating the complex landscape of human emotions. Through a blend of practical advice and psychological insights, Rokicki offers readers a roadmap to understanding and managing their emotions. He refers to it as a ‘survival guide.’
The author begins by identifying the four main pillars of survival: the physical pillar, the psychological pillar, the social pillar, and the spiritual pillar, which he used in his work as a palliative care psychologist. He divides the book into these 4 parts. He then explores the various strategies for mastering emotions, such as breaking out of BINARY communication, management of toxic personalities, and the importance of forgiveness, not forgetting. By using case studies, he encourages introspection and emotional resilience. He also analyses Near Death Experiences and how they change the people who have experienced them.
Chapters include: Introduction The physical pillar The psychological pillar The social pillar The spiritual pillar General conclusion
Highlights: The psychological pillar – where he emphasized the importance of putting our negative feelings on paper because it’s how we start to heal. He advised one of his patients to write a letter to her abusers: “There’s no need to pass the letter on to them, as the very act of writing is therapeutic in itself.”
The social pillar – where he describes the different types of toxic personalities, this way we can surround ourselves with the right people and set limits on the wrong ones so they don’t drain our energy. “No one is immune from being an energy vampire for the people they come into contact with.”
The best part about this book is practical approach and accessibility. The language is simple and to the point and avoids complicated jargon. He communicates his ideas clearly and directly, making it easy for readers to apply the principles in their daily lives. He also uses figures to make his point and speaks directly to the readers, calling them ‘survivalists.’
Overall, “How To Master Your Emotions” is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence and achieve greater emotional well-being. Whether you are grappling with stress, anxiety, or simply seeking personal growth, Richard Rokicki’s insights offer a thoughtful and practical guide to mastering your emotions. It is recommended for readers interested in personal development, counseling, and overall mental health.
“This book aims to give you the answers and methods you need to restore a sense of calm within yourself and regain solid self-confidence.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Last Night on Earth is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
End of the world thrillers grip the imagination with cataclysmic scenarios, weaving existential dread into narratives where humanity confronts its darkest fears. Whether through alien invasions, viral outbreaks, or environmental collapse, these stories explore the fragility of civilization and the resilience of the human spirit. They feature ethical dilemmas, survival instincts, and the desperate quest for hope amidst chaos. By pushing characters to their limits, they offer a chilling yet captivating glimpse into what might await at the edge of existence.
If you’re looking for a good one to stream this weekend, consider Last Night on Earth. It is available now On Digital and On Demand via Uncork’d Entertainment. It stars Leven Rambin, Jake McLaughlin, Sohvi Rodriguez, Shane West, and genre legend Dee Wallace. (Gold Star PR, 2024)
Last Night on Earth – Written and directed by Marcos Efron, it promises to captivate audiences with its intense portrayal of love and survival amidst a world on the brink of apocalypse.
Synopsis: After learning of the impending destruction of Earth by a planet-killing asteroid, Holly and Ryan plan to spend their final days living in harmony with nature in the tranquil mountains of Tennessee. But as society breaks down around them, religious zealots try to recruit them, and newcomers Gene and Gabby aim to flame out in a final crime spree that spoils Ryan and Holly’s peaceful plans.
‘Side Effects Are Minimal’ is the new legal thriller by Laura Essay. Photo: Amazon
Laura Essay attended the University of Nebraska and obtained a law degree from Creighton University School of Law. When her three grown children moved on to graduate programs in other cities, writing became her passion. “Side Effects Are Minimal,” her debut novel, is about a corrupt pharmaceutical industry, the guilt of physicians prescribing the opioids that kill, and the pain experienced by families who have lost loved ones to a widespread epidemic. Her knowledge of the opioid crisis stems from her passion for research and countless hours spent searching for the truth about opioids in America.
Synopsis:
“Side Effects Are Minimal” – ambitious attorney Claire Hewitt is asked to represent the Satoris, one of Philadelphia’s most prominent families in a lawsuit over the death of their daughter Emma. She is thrust into an opioid nightmare with deadly impact—and not for the first time. Even after twenty years after her sister Molly’s death from what she believes to be an opioid-related death, Claire still feels guilty for not being able to help her. Now, with this new assignment, her guilt comes full circle. Who was really at fault in Molly’s death? And who is at fault now?
Claire struggles to balance her desire for justice with the Satoris’ thirst for revenge. She knows she needs to expose the greed that transforms legal opioid production into illicit fabrications and the neglect that is the breaking point between physicians and their patients. There are powerful people who will seemingly stop at nothing to prevent these truths from seeing the light of day, and she is sabotaged at every turn. Can she push past the obstacles in her way to build a winning case?
Review:
The opioid epidemic in America has devastated communities nationwide, claiming countless lives and leaving a trail of shattered families. Laura Essay expertly combines real events with a compelling narrative. The story begins as Claire is excited at being assigned the Sartoris case even though in the long run it might be a class action suit. She is nervous but looking forward to the challenge partially because the opioid crisis affected her family as well when her sister Molly passed away and she sees this case as a way to get justice for her as well. Her character is confident and qualified but right from the beginning when she is assaulted and her briefcase is stolen, it becomes evident that there will be strong forces out to stop her at all costs.
I was drawn to this novel because of its exploration of the human experience within the medical and legal systems. The fictional court case brings to light the heartache faced by families touched by this crisis and how it transcends demographics, but at least the parents in this story are lucky to be wealthy enough to be able to sue the pharmaceutical supplier. The courtroom drama and the hard work by the lawyers and everyone working behind the scenes to bring these cases to court is gripping and eye-opening.
Essay’s writing style makes it easy to follow the medical and legal terms because she doesn’t use overly complicated jargon. Her use of descriptive language immerses the reader in the action: “Beads of sweat glistened on his upper lip and beside the veins spider-webbing his nostrils.” The characters she creates are vivid and relatable, each struggling with their own challenges and triumphs. This story explores the themes of family, courage, and power/corruption and the challenges that come in times of crisis. Highlights include the in-depth research on the case and Chapter 24 No Friend of Mine when Claire is given the spotlight when the trial begins.
Overall, “Side Effects Are Minimal” is a compelling novel that reminds us of the power of the court system and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of medical challenges. It is recommended for readers interested in learning more about the opioid epidemic and enjoy medical thrillers by Robin Cook, legal thrillers by Mike Papantonio and John Grisham, and strong female characters.
“Claire’s movements revealed the sorrow she felt. Her fingers glided along each line as she read. She whispered their names. She grimaced and smiled and often looked to the ceiling for a break. She squeezed her eyes shut when a break wasn’t enough.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Whataburger fans can enjoy a free coffee with a purchase of any breakfast entrée through July 22. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger is helping fans fuel up and save funds with a free 12 oz. Hot Coffee or 16 oz. Iced Coffee. The freebie is available with the purchase of any breakfast entrée when ordering in-store, at the drive-thru, or on the popular Whataburger App from July 8 at 11p.m. to July 22 at 11a.m. in local time zones. (Whataburger, 2024)
Guests can visit as often as they like and enjoy free coffee every time they order a breakfast item.
Whataburger’s signature Breakfast On A Bun® is a top choice for a savory start. To satisfy a craving that is both sweet and savory, the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is the way to go and pairs perfectly with a Mocha Iced Coffee. For a spicy kick, breakfast lovers can try the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit and grab a Hot Coffee. With a menu chock full of classic favorites, any coffee + breakfast entrée combination creates a dynamic duo, just like you like it.
For guests who order a Whataburger breakfast meal (which comes with a hot coffee), they will be offered another free Hot or Iced Coffee to keep them extra fueled or to share with a friend.
Whataburger’s new Hot and Iced Coffees are a premium blend of 100% Arabica beans from Colombia, Honduras and Nicaragua. They have the bold aroma of dark-roasted coffee with a vibrant finish and smoky, nutty flavors. Guests can customize their Iced Coffee with one of three new flavor selections: Vanilla, Caramel or Mocha.
The offer is available for all breakfast menu items except Cinnamon Rolls and Hash Brown Sticks ordered a la carte. This offer is not available through third party delivery. Prices and availability vary by market.
To celebrate National French Fry Day, Whataburger will offer its customers a free order of medium fries through the Whataburger app on Friday, July 12. Existing app customers will have the offer pre-loaded onto their accounts and ready for redemption on National French Fry Day.
Don’t have the Whataburger app? Guests can immediately begin earning rewards and exclusive offers when they create an account. New app users will receive an offer for a free Whataburger when they download the app.
Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
The Whataburger Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich isn’t just a fan favorite, it’s legendary. Back by popular demand and right in time for summer, the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich returns to heat up Whataburger’s menu again in 2024.
Load up on extra napkins before you sink your teeth into three crispy Whatachick’n® Strips smothered in Whataburger’s original spicy Buffalo Sauce and topped with cool Buttermilk Ranch and two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, all on a five-inch bun. The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich will also be available in the Jr. size. A perfect harmony of flavors, this beautiful “mess-terpiece” will only be available for a limited time starting Tuesday, June 25.
To celebrate its return, Whataburger released an 18” x 12” pillow replica of the sandwich. It is available at the Whataburger online storefor $14.99.
Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Guests who can’t get enough of Whataburger’s signature Buffalo Sauce or Buttermilk Ranch can find both on their local grocery store’s shelves. Select sauces are available for purchase online.
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich will be available in-store, at the drive-thru, online, and on the popular Whataburger App for Curbside pickup or delivery. Customers who create an account will immediately start earning rewards and exclusive offers. Prices and availability vary by market.
‘Hereditary’ will be released on July 12, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Cassadee Pope’s fourth LP, Hereditary, has been a long time coming for the Nashville-based singer/songwriter. Her first full-length since 2021’s Thrive marks her boldest, most resonant reimagining yet, a return to the upbeat, high-octane pop-punk sound she built her career on some 15 years ago. Pope is back where she belongs – aided by the benefit of years of personal introspection and a desire to fully understand her true identity.
The album’s 12 tracks are, in many ways, the reclamation of the grief Pope has experienced throughout her life. The album is the result of a decade and a half as a professional songwriter, but also a relatively newfound willingness to unlock the why behind her feelings. After years spent inside the machine, everything’s come full circle for Cassadee Pope, though she’s now finally confident enough to sit back and enjoy what’s to come. (Big Picture Media, 2024)
The Grammy-nominated, Platinum-certified singer-songwriter recently shared the new music video for the single “I Died (ft Daisha Mcbride)” off of her upcoming album, Hereditary, due out July 12. Pre-save Hereditaryhere.
The album marks The Voice winner’s first full length following her shift from country back to her pop punk roots. With “I Died,”the former voice of rock band Hey Monday masterfully captures the raw emotions of love, loss, and longing following a one sided breakup.
The pop punk / rap track explores the feelings of abandonment while channeling the strength it takes to move forward from heartache. The track serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in shared experiences. The collaboration between Cassadee and Daisha has created a genre blending fusion of pop punk and rap, proving that even when we feel our most vulnerable, music will always be there to offer a sense of community.
Cassadee’s powerful voice and storytelling brings heartache and healing to life on Hereditary, an emotional rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of life, love and self-discovery. Each track is a testament to the journey we embark on, shaped by our upbringing and the legacies passed down through generations. Whether that’s love, betrayal or the intricate web of family dynamics, the title Hereditary captures the essence of our roots, the echoes of our past and the quest to carve our own path.
“Hereditary offers a soundtrack to navigate the complexities of life with authenticity and courage. I couldn’t think of a better backdrop for these lyrics than pop/punk and I hope this album gives people permission to feel everything!” -Cassadee Pope
Cassadee released another Hereditary single and music video, “Three Of Us” earlier this year, which invites listeners to confront the darkness of addiction and embrace the power of empathy, compassion and community.
She will be hitting the road this summer on her headlining Hereditary Tour. The tour will be making stops throughout the country, kicking off July 11 in Anaheim, California and visiting Los Angeles, Knoxville, Albany, Charleston and more before wrapping on July 31 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This fall Cassadee will be joining multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band, Marianas Trench on The Force of Nature tour – produced by Live Nation, making stops across the US, including shows in Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York City, Chicago, Denver, and wrapping up in Salt Lake City.
Upcoming Cassadee Pope U.S. Tour Dates July 11 – Anaheim, California – Chain Reaction~ July 12 – Los Angeles, California – The Peppermint Club~ July 13 – Mesa, Arizona – Nile Underground~ July 14 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pop Punk Summer Camp Festival July 19 – Knoxville, Tennessee- Open Chord* July 21 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Turntable* July 22 – Louisville Kentucky – Headliners Music Hall* July 23 – Albany, New York – Empire Live* July 24 – Syracuse, New York – Funk ‘N Waffles* July 26 – Virginia Beach, Virginia – Elevation 27* July 27 – Durham, North Carolina – Motorco Music Hall* July 29 – Charleston, South Carolina – Music Farm* July 30 – Jacksonville, Florida – Underbelly* July 31 – West Palm Beach, Florida – Respectable Street* October 19-20 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival^ February 4-8 – Emo’s Not Dead Cruise^
~Foxies opening *Natalia Taylar opening / Foxies direct support ^Billed as Hey Monday
Hereditary tracklist
People That I Love Leave
Eye Contact
Secret Master
More To Me
Three Of Us
Rom Coms
Almost There
Capacity
I Died (feat Daisha McBride)
Hereditary
Ever Since That World Ended (feat. Aaron Gillespie)
Prepare for your radiation therapy journey with ‘Ready, Set, Radiation: How to Prepare for Radiation Therapy Treatments.’ Photo: Amazon
“Ready, Set, Radiation” is a comprehensive guide for those about to go through radiation therapy. While similar books are written by former patients, a medical professional wrote this one. Drawing from her own experience as a radiation therapist, Shaina Moore-Ivanov presents a clear and accessible roadmap through the uncertainty of cancer treatment. The goal is “to introduce you and your support system to radiation treatment as it pertains to cancer.”
The practical advice covers everything from understanding the radiation process to managing side effects and preparing emotionally and physically for each session. She addresses common fears and uncertainties and offers reassurances and empowers readers to take an active role in their treatment.
Some of the chapters include: Chapter 1 Cancer Diagnosis – What Comes Next? Chapter 2 What is Radiation Therapy? Chapter 5 – Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Undergo Treatment Chapter 6 – Consultation with a Radiation Oncologist Chapter 8 – CT Simulation – General information Chapter 9 – Tattoos, Patient Autonomy, and Self-Advocacy Chapter 22 – Scheduling Daily Treatment Appointment Chapter 23 – Arriving On Time and Prepared for Treatment Chapter 24 – Radiation Oncology Team Chapter 26 – Final Day of Treatment
Highlights: Chapter 1 Cancer Diagnosis – What Comes Next? – reminds patients “to advocate for yourself and to ask questions.” She explains that everyone’s treatment is different because not all cancers respond to treatment and that if you want a second opinion, to get one. The doctors will not be offended.
Chapter 8 – CT Simulation – General information – explains that the purpose of CT Simulation is to decide on the best position for you to be in when receiving radiation treatment which helps plan your treatment. The area will be marked to detail where the treatment will be.
She expertly combines medical expertise and human connection so that it’s not just a technical manual; it’s a companion that understands the fears and challenges patients face. The language is straightforward and doesn’t use complicated medical jargon, making it accessible to everyone involved in the treatment journey. I especially like that the tone is empathetic to patients without being condescending. The figures and pictures make it easy to understand the chapters on body positioning and the different machines being discussed. There are QR codes that you can scan for videos that further explain the topic.
Overall, “Ready, Set, Radiation” is an invaluable resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. Since it provides not only vital information but also a sense of solidarity and guidance during a challenging time, it is recommended for anyone facing radiation therapy or who knows someone who is.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
National Michelada Day is Friday July 12, 2024. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
As National Michelada Day approaches on July 12, Twang is sharing a recipe to elevate your celebration using Twang Michelada Mix & Twang Reserve Michelada Rimming Salt. Twang, a Tex-Mex inspired, family-driven company, specializes in the creation of products with flavored salt, sugar, and spice blends. (Twang, 2024)
Raise your glass to celebrate National Michelada day with Twang’s Classic Michelada recipe below:
Twang Classic Michelada
Ingredients:
Twang Reserve Michelada Rimming Salt
Choice of Twang Classic Michelada Mix, Spicy Michelada Mix or Pickle Michelada Mix
Mexican Lager of your choosing
Lime
Directions:
Rim glass with Twang Reserve Michelada Salt then fill with ice.
Add choice of Twang Michelada Mix and Mexican Lager.
Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
The secret to making the perfect Michelada is the 16oz. Twang Michelada Mix. Crafted with a blend of versatile and flavorful ingredients, Twang enhances the flavor of any beer with its rich and zesty flavor. Flavors include the Classic Michelada Mix, Spicy Michelada Mix and Pickle Michelada Mix. Priced at just $7.00 each, this mix is a staple for anyone who loves to celebrate with a flavorful and fun drink.
Made from premium salts and a blend of unique spices, Twang Reserve Michelada Rimming Salt adds a savory kick to your Michelada. Enjoy a perfectly salted rim ready to pair with any beverage priced at just $4.00.
‘Stress Test’ is the new memoir from Kay White Drew. Photo: Amazon
Kay White Drew is a retired physician and lifelong writer. Her essays, poems, and short stories are found in several journals including Hektoen International, The Intima, Bay to Ocean Journal, and Loch Raven Review, where one of her essays was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2022. Her new book “Stress Test” is a love letter to women in medicine and the feminist causes of the 1970s and the present day. (Amazon/Mindbuck Media Book Publicity, 2024)
“Stress Test” – The story covers a five-year ordeal, from the first day of medical school through the last day of pediatric internship. Unveiling the cadaver in the anatomy lab while her mother lay dying on an oncology ward; the excitement of making difficult diagnoses and the terror and tragedy of disastrous mistakes; the joy of connecting with patients and the heartbreak of losing them—it’s all here. Women made up less than a fifth of the author’s medical school class and as a white woman in the largely Black urban environment of West Baltimore, barely a decade after the Civil Rights movement and long before Black Lives Matter, she bore witness throughout her training to the human cost of racism.
The author navigated personal struggles as well: her mother’s death; several ill-starred romantic relationships, including an interracial love affair with a professor; a roommate’s suicide; and her own suicidality, depression, and experiences in therapy.
“Stress Test” joins a growing body of work by women physicians. This memoir takes place at a time when women were still years away from comprising half—or more—of medical school students, and when the second wave of feminism was surging; but many of the fears, griefs, and struggles that women in medicine face today are the same ones the author grappled with decades earlier.
SA Examiner 