‘Lucy and the Lake Monster’ is the story of a nine-year old orphan named Lucy searching for the sea serpent Champ. Photo: Amazon
Co-written by Academy-Award-considered filmmaker Richard Rossi and retired school teacher Kelly Tabor, “Lucy and the Lake Monster” is a children’s series and soon-to-be feature film that masterfully illustrates how to overcome mental health challenges like worry, depression, and anxiety with childlike faith. It is currently being adapted into a major motion picture. (Richard Rossi/Kelly Ann Tabor, 2023)
“Lucy and the Lake Monster” – Lucy Lago is a nine year-old orphan. She believes that Champ, the Lake Champlain Sea Serpent, lives and lurks in the lake by her cabin in Crown Point. She lives there with her grandpa, who she calls “Papa.” Despite mockery and mercenary forces opposing them, Lucy and Papa determine to venture out on their rickety rowboat and bring awareness of America’s Loch Ness Monster to the world.
“For me, growing up in Crown Point was magical. Hearing stories of our legendary Champ, captivated my interest as I swam and explored the shorelines and waters of Lake Champlain. As a teacher, I later took those stories and experiences I had with me into the classroom and shared them with hundreds of students over the years, piquing their interest.” – Kelly Tabor, Co-Writer
“Champ, the sea serpent, is an allegory for God. The pure in heart, like Lucy, see Champ as good. Others teach Champ is a monster for mercenary purposes, the way manipulative ministers scare people today.”- Richard Rossi, Academy-Award Considered Filmmaker, and Co-Writer
‘The Peacekeeper’ is the newest novel by B.L. Blanchard. Photo: Amazon
B.L. Blanchard is a graduate of the UC Davis creative writing honors program and was a writing fellow at Boston University School of Law. She is a lawyer and enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but has lived in California for so long that she can no longer handle cold weather. Her new novel “The Peacekeeper: A Novel” is set against the backdrop of a never-colonized North America, where a broken Ojibwe detective embarks on an emotional and twisting journey toward solving two murders, rediscovering family, and finding himself. (Amazon, 2023)
“The Peacekeeper” – North America was never colonized. The United States and Canada do not exist. The Great Lakes are surrounded by an independent Ojibwe nation and in the village of Baawitigong, a Peacekeeper confronts his devastating past. Twenty years ago to the day, Chibenashi’s mother was murdered and his father confessed. Ever since, caring for his still-traumatized younger sister has been Chibenashi’s privilege and penance. The story begins as another woman is slain on the same night of the Manoomin harvest. She is his mother’s best friend and this connection takes Chibenashi far from the only world he has ever known – to the big city of Shikaakwa. The city is home to the victim’s estranged family – two people Chibenashi never wanted to see again: his imprisoned father and the lover who broke his heart. As the questions mount, the answers will change his and his sister’s lives forever because Chibenashi is about to discover that everything about their lives has been a lie.
Regardless of location and time, there will always be family drama; such is the human condition. This story takes place in an alternate reality where North America was never colonized, the Native people live and thrive there, and Europeans are only visitors. Yet it is far from a perfect society because there is still division of the classes via a caste system and the working class is shunned. Such is the world where Chibenashi lives and as a Peacekeeper, he is tasked with investigating the small town’s newest homicide. Due to extensive character development, most characters, with the exception of Ashwiyaa (Chibenashi’s sister), who comes off as distant, cold, and childish despite being an adult, are relatable and likeable. The language is at times poetic “The watery purple light of early dawn seeped into the room” and helps move the action along at a steady pace. Some of the characters’ names are difficult to get through but that is the uniqueness of the culture. It is interesting to read about how when someone dies, his/her personal belongings are taken to “the recyclers or redistributed to the community” and about a justice system that is restorative instead of punitive. It has just enough plot twists to keep the story from becoming too predictable. “The Peacekeeper” is an excellent crime novel set in an alternate modern society where a murder mystery threatens to tear a family apart. It is recommended for fans of Native American story lines and alternate universes.
“He had slight paranoia that it [a tall skyscraper] would fall down. It reminded him of the way many of the tourists in Baawitigong would express fear that the tall trees in the woods would fall on them, which Chibenashi had always found ridiculous.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and anxiety’ is an essential guide to understanding and overcoming the effects of adult ADHD and anxiety. Photo: Amazon
Dr. Janet Willow, MD, PhDis an award-winning clinical psychologist specializing in the psychological treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health conditions. With decades of experience, she is a leader in her field and widely recognized for her passion to help clients achieve optimal mental health. Her innovative approach to therapy and counseling has had a tremendous impact on many lives and earned her recognition both within professional circles as well as among patients seeking relief from their suffering. Dr. Willow’s approach to therapy focuses on not just eliminating symptoms but also helping clients understand how they relate to their environment, making lasting changes that can improve overall life satisfaction. Her new book, “DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and Anxiety: A Practical Guide with Dialectical Behavior Techniques and Coping Skills to Overcome a Scattered Brain, Improve Focus and Achieve Optimal Mental Performance,” is an essential guide to understanding and overcoming the effects of adult ADHD and anxiety. (Amazon, 2023)
“DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and Anxiety” – Dr. Willow uses her decades of expertise in clinical psychology to create an accessible and comprehensive guide that provides readers with a strong understanding of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a strategy for addressing these conditions. The book focuses on helping readers develop tools and skills that will help them manage their symptoms associated with ADHD and anxiety — from relaxation techniques to tracking daily activities that lead to improved mental health. With each chapter, Dr. Willow helps readers identify maladaptive behaviors, uncover core beliefs that shape their self-image, and build positive coping strategies to promote sustained recovery. Dr. Willow draws upon her vast experience in treating adults with ADHD and anxiety conditions to provide readers with insight into common struggles they may experience while striving towards greater mental wellbeing. She offers practical guidance on how mindfulness techniques can be applied in everyday life — from organizing chaotic schedules to engaging in intentional conversations with family members or friends. By utilizing evidence-based practices such as DBT together with case studies of successful treatment approaches, this comprehensive DBT resource offers a revolutionary approach for tackling the challenges associated with adult ADHD and anxiety.
‘The Journey Within’ is the new book by Daniel Shaba. Photo: Daniel Shaba
Daniel Shaba is a poet and self-help author passionate about personal growth and self-discovery. His debut self-help book, “A Way to Find Self-Belief and Unlock Your Potential,” offered tools for building self-confidence and achieving goals. In “The Journey Within,” his latest poetry book, he invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace, encouraging them to explore their values and embrace life’s challenges and triumphs. His poetry, with a background in psychology and personal development, offers insights and inspiration for living a fulfilling and meaningful life, speaking to the heart and soul of its readers and offering hope and guidance on the path to personal growth and inner peace. (Daniel Shaba, 2023)
“The Journey Within” is a poetic masterpiece that takes you on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and inner peace. This book explores the challenges and triumphs of overcoming adversity, achieving your goals, and finding your place in the world. With chapters on positive thinking, emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and self-expression, this book offers tools and strategies for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Through the power of words and self-expression, this book encourages you to stand up for what you believe in and inspire change in your community. With a focus on gratitude, positivity, forgiveness, and mindfulness, this book encourages you to embrace life’s journey and find joy in the present moment.
From discovering your inner strength and finding your purpose, to building healthy relationships and exploring new possibilities, The Journey Within is a guide for personal growth and self-discovery. Through self-care, self-compassion, and self-love, this book offers tools and strategies for living a life of inner peace and contentment.
‘Shadow Link’ is the new science fiction novel by James Trait. Photo: Amazon
My name is James Trait and I live in upstate New York. I grew up loving science fiction and the adventures the characters had together. It helped me to escape the craziness of life and to see that there will always be better times ahead. My science fiction reflects both the adventure and the family elements I loved growing up. “Shadow Link” is my new book. (James Trait, 2023)
“Shadow Link”– Two men, two universes, endless connections. When a group of scientists discovers a device on an alien planet capable of travel into entirely new universes, the hope is to find the solution to their problems. But they soon discover one cannot gain an advantage without wreaking havoc for their counterparts. It is up to John Roman and his two teams, to determine just how to use this technology before it destroys the very people they wish to protect.
‘Living Your Best Life Now’ by Sterlyn Smith is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Sterlyn Smith is the author behind “Living Your Best Life Now” and “Getting Your Business On Track in The Digital Age.” He has a degree in Electrical Engineering and is a certified IT Professional and a business owner with a passion for awakening and empowering people who are getting starting with their online businesses. As an author, he hopes to create something that educates, inspires, and motivates his readers. In “Living Your Best Life Now: A Practical Guide to Personal Growth, Individual Freedom and Self-Empowerment” you will discover what it takes to change your life from wherever you are now to exactly where you want to be. (Sterlyn Smith, 2023)
“Living Your Best Life Now”– Are you feeling frustrated and disappointed in your life, and believe that there has to be more to it than what you are currently experiencing? Have you been questioning yourself wondering if you are on the right path? If you find yourself engulfed in uncertainty and asking these important questions then chances are you may not be Living Your Best Life right Now.
Within the pages of this book you will discover:
How to become more productive and self motivated in your life
How to take ownership over your happiness and reinforce your personal belief within yourself
How to remove toxic people and crush your fears
How to crush excuses and rise up after a tragedy strikes
Expand your understanding about self confidence and the power of persuasion
New ideas about finances and debt that can turn your life around
How to adjust to change and fully understand you learning style
This is a straight forward book that will help you and everyone you know who needs to find their way back to their own personal happiness. Living your best life is not a momentary situation that is established based on human emotions that can change daily. Living your best life is a full mind, body, spirit and emotional makeover where you have to develop some strength within each area of your life where weakness now exist. Stop spinning your wheels and going nowhere. Open up and read “Living Your Best Life Now” and begin the process of turning your life around so you can fill in the gaps and areas of weakness that have been holding you back for years.
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Author Sterlyn Smith. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Healing Begins With Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond’ by Ronni Tichenor and Jennie Weaver. Photo: Amazon
Ronni Tichenorhas a Ph.D. in Sociology specializing in family studies from the University of Michigan. Jennie Weaver received her degree from the Vanderbilt School of Nursing, and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice and mental health. In their new book, “Healing Begins with Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond” they share their inspiring and hopeful story of healing from their painful upbringing. (Ronni Tichenor, Jennie Weaver, 2023)
“Healing Begins With Us” is the story of two sisters who were not supposed to be friends. Ronni and Jennie grew up in a home with addiction, mental illness, and abuse issues that generated unhealthy dynamics and often pitted them against each other. In this book, they tell the raw truth about their childhood experiences, including the abuse that occurred between them. As they moved toward adulthood, they managed to come together and heal their relationship and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and abuse in creating their own families. Using their personal and professional experience, they offer advice to help others who are looking to heal from their own painful upbringings or heal their sibling relationships. As sisters and survivors who found a way to emerge from a tragic cycle of intergenerational trauma and abuse, the authors are able to share how to undo the harmful myths and patterns of dysfunction, how to recognize the family dynamics generated by abuse, addiction and mental illness, how to navigate the rocky road of healing damaged sibling relationships in a dysfunctional family, and how to find forgiveness despite the unlikelihood of reconciliation.
It is hard enough to survive abuse and trauma, but being able to recognize it can be half the battle. In Chapter One Introduction, the authors explain that they wrote this book ‘in the hopes of making our extraordinary journey commonplace’ and they only wish is ‘that others will recognize themselves in what we share and use our story….to facilitate their own healing.’ This is because they themselves did not recognize that their parents were abusive and that their home was dysfunctional until they were in their 20s, married, and trying to create stable, loving homes of their own. According to the authors, if children experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), they can cause health problems as adults. These ACEs include physical abuse, psychological abuse, and mental illness in parents, among others and more than 60% of people experience at least one. They are handed down from generation to generation and can cause coping behaviors such as overeating, smoking, and substance abuse. Most of the information is presented in the form of conversations between them so the language is easy to understand. Their main focus is on the effects of their experiences and they emphasize that they do not see themselves as victims. The material is honest, direct, and oftentimes painful to read, but they just want to bring awareness and validation to people who experienced similar upbringing. “Healing Begins With Us” is a powerful testament to the will to rise above childhood traumas and create a better tomorrow by breaking intergenerational trauma. The title comes from the fact that oftentimes, the abuser does not acknowledge the harm done, so it is up to us to rise above it. It is recommended for readers interested in self help books that deal with dysfunctional families and breaking intergenerational trauma.
“We are here to say, ‘We see you. We are you.’ We are telling our story to give a name to what so many people experience but don’t fully understand, and to invite them into The Light where they can learn, heal, and create lives of joy.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘The Union’ by Leah Vernon is a dystopian novel that explores the power of friendship in a future society. Photo: Amazon
Leah Vernon is an author, body-positive activist, and the first international plus-size Hijabi model. During her double master’s program, she started a blog about being a fat Black Muslim in Detroit experiencing everything from eating disorders to anti-Blackness. She has been featured in ads from Target to Old Navy and even made it to the New York Times and HuffPost. She currently resides in New York City. Her new book “The Union” is a daring dystopian novel that explores the power of friendship in a future society built on violence and division. (Amazon, 2023)
“The Union” – A thousand years in the future, a Black elite class reigns. The lower classes toil in the fields or scrape by in blighted cities, serving their rulers in a cruel, divided world. Among the Elites is eighteen-year-old Avi Jore, born to a powerful father and destined to rule. But as she comes of age, Avi cannot help but notice the injustices in her world―the treatment of enslaved workers, the oppression of the lower classes. Her disillusionment grows when she meets Saige Wilde, a mixed-race enslaved girl whose only goal is escaping beyond the borders of their brutal nation. When Saige saves Avi from an assassination attempt, their paths become intertwined in ways they never imagined. As Saige plots her path to freedom, Avi tries to enact change from the inside but it is a complicated endeavor, fraught with danger and malice. Together, their efforts could spark a revolution―and underscore the staggering power of friendship.
Publisher Note: This title was previously self-published as “Impure.” This edition of “The Union” includes substantial editorial revisions.
‘Unity of the Forgotten’ was conceived, researched, authored, edited, illustrated, and published by a multiracial collaboration of actively detained Inmates. Photo: Amazon
‘Unity of the Forgotten: An Inmate Discussion on Race and Politics During a Pandemic’ is the first and only book in the 21st century to be conceived, researched, authored, edited, illustrated, and published in its entirety by a multiracial collaboration of actively detained Inmates, without any professional assistance. If you are interested in a discussion that is real, and that has the ability to make a true difference, then this pulse-pounding edge of your seat experience is a must read for you. (A.I. Marchron, 2023)
Read about the remarkably genuine, first-hand account from Inmates of Black, White, and Latino heritage, how they unified to survive difficult circumstances, and their unfiltered message about what it takes to endure while being imprisoned during a pandemic. Learn about the round table gathering where Inmates gifted each other the unusual privilege of tolerance, as they discussed racially sensitive issues such as inequality, immigration and the border, slurs, physical abuse, and gun control. This fascinating book resides in a category of its own. See book trailer for more information.
‘Unity of the Forgotten’ – In the Prologue, A.I. Marchron, who has been designated the narrator, writes that the purpose of the book is to “help humanity to see us, and the conscientious side of our community, as what we are, people; people that have fallen, and that are trying to get back up.” The characters are real but their names have been changed to protect their identities because they are still detained. The original idea began with one person, then two, and ended up with sixteen inmates of different backgrounds, ages, economic status, and belief systems to achieve what most people would consider unfathomable: to write and publish a book while behind bars. The book is divided into four main sections: Black, White, Latino, and Unity and each has several subsections. Each of the first three sections (Black, White, Latino) has a specific ethnic historical background, and an interview with a member of this specific ethnic group which includes their personal story and point of view on current issues like politics, race, immigration, and gun control. The Unity section has a part where correction officers, one Baby Boomer, one Generation X, and one Millennial, give their thoughts on these same issues. In the Epilogue the discussion turns to environmental matters and their proposed solutions. The References section cites all sources used.
As the narrator states, people who are in jail are often forgotten once they step into a correctional facility. While it is a sad but true statement, this does not mean that they cease to have a voice. Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968, once said: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” In this case, a group of inmates went a step further and created their own table. They banded together to write and publish a book where they voice their opinions and concerns, and propose solutions to society’s ills. Narrated by A.I. Marchron, the language is easy to understand and the tone varies from formal to informal and is sprinkled with humor as comic relief “Napoleon was stripped of his title (and probably that nice hat from the pictures)…” The depth of the historical discussions is outstanding, given that he covers US history from the early settler days to the industrial revolution and politics, along with slavery, Europe, both World Wars, Mexico, South and Central America, and other interesting topics. Now more than ever we need a history lesson or two. One highlight is Part III Latino, section 11, Life In Left Latitudes, where he discusses Pre-Columbian history. The other is their proposed solutions to current issues like the climate crisis, immigration reform, police reform, and reparations for blacks, all of which include detailed plans of action. With the perfect balance of inmate profiles, history, and humor, ‘Unity of the Forgotten’ is an excellent insight into the inmate psyche. This fast paced, must read book is recommended for readers interested in memoirs from the perspective of an incarcerated person as well as history buffs who would appreciate a refresher course.
“Our goal was to bring you where cameras can never come, and to show you a different side of possibility. We are proud of our final product; it tells our story, and provided a rare venue for us to express ourselves and thoughts to the world in an honorable manner; and most importantly, in our “own” way, with no media outlet to filter us.” – A.I. Marchron
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Communicate with Courage’ is the new book by communication coach Michelle D. Gladieux. Photo: Amazon
Michelle Gladieux is an author and President of Gladieux Consulting, a Midwest-based team known for top-notch design and presentation of seminars in communication and leadership topics around the U.S. She provides executive coaching and facilitates strategic planning for clients in diverse industries, in governments, at non-profits, and in academia. She has 18 years of collegiate teaching experience at three universities in her home state of Indiana, accepting her first adjunct faculty position at age 23. She has worked as a Human Resources and Training Director in the cold storage, robotics, and construction industries and enjoys visiting conferences as a keynote speaker and workshop presenter. In her new book “Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges,” she teaches readers how to become fearless and peerless communicators by confronting the psychological blocks holding them back. (Michelle Gladieux, 2023)
“Communicate with Courage”– Being a good communicator is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world, but it takes courage to open up to others and invite others to open up to you. In the Preface, Michelle D. Gladieux explains that the purpose of the book is to help with communication skills not only in the workplace, but in daily interactions with family in friends right now and in the future. As a lifelong communication coach, she has discovered four obstacles that can keep you from becoming the best communicator you can be 1) Hiding—Fear of exposing your supposed weaknesses, 2) Defining—Putting too much stock into assumptions and being quick to judge, 3) Rationalizing—Using “being realistic” to shield yourself from taking chances, engaging in conflict, or doing other but potentially rewarding actions, and 4) Settling—Stopping at “good enough” instead of aiming for something better in your interactions. Overcoming these challenges requires taking risks—to reveal yourself, question your beliefs, take a leap of faith, or move out of your comfort zone. This book is divided into ten chapters, including one for each of these hidden challenges as well as Risks Not Worth Taking, and The Most Important Conversations to Have. Each chapter includes a real-world practice called a Pro Move and an exercise, both designed to help you overcome hang-ups and take more joy in communicating.
Being an effective communicator is an important skill yet one of the hardest to improve. It requires knowing your strengths and weaknesses, constant practice, and most of all, a genuine desire to grow. According to the author, becoming a brave communicator is “achieved by looking at potential payoffs rather than focusing on what can go wrong, and pushing past mediocre.” This is a small and easy to read book, mostly because the language is simple and down to earth. With the suggested Pro Moves and exercises, readers can practice their communication skills and put them to work in their lives. The subject matter makes this a reference guide worth circling back to re-read portions that might need refreshing over time. Highlights include Chapter 8 Risks Not Worth Taking where even though she encourages taking risks, she emphasizes that you should not risk your sanity by “engaging with manipulative or unethical people” and Chapter 7 Hidden Challenge #4: Settling for ‘Good Enough’ where she states the importance of outsmarting the urge to settle; in this case, raising your hand and letting people know what you have to say, diplomatically of course – voicing your opinion and experiences. “Communicate with Courage” is an effective guide to improving communications skills to become a braver and more effective communicator. It is recommended for readers who enjoy books on business management and personal enrichment focusing on communication and social skills.
“…there’s something waiting on the other side of courageous risk-taking for you, something good, illuminating, and life-giving. Whatever it is, it won’t come fully into view until you deviate from the safe route as a communicator.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
SA Examiner 