Category: Book news

Upcoming book release: ‘The Ghost in Her’ by Anika Savoy

Anika Savoy’s ‘The Ghost in Her’ will be released January 3, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Anika Savoy is an award-winning author and attorney who has always felt a supernatural pull. A healthy skeptic, she cannot deny her near-death experience and the shift it made in her life and writing. She attended McGill University and graduated with distinction in 1988 with a B.A. in English Literature. While at McGill, she won several creative writing contests. Thereafter, she wrote three historical romance novels. In 1998, Anika changed course and pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. She graduated from University of Cincinnati, College of Law with Dean’s Honors in 2001 and practiced law for almost 20 years. Now, Anika returns to her first love: writing historical romances. She strives to add paranormal elements that take readers into a fairy tale universe where ghosts and witches exist, and happy endings abound. In “The Ghost In Her,” the first in Anika Savoy’s Ungilded Series, she delivers a paranormal historical romance book that revolves around themes of class disparity and feminism. “The Ghost in Her, Ungilded: Book One,” will be released January 3, 2023 and is available for pre-order on Amazon and other fine retailers. (Anika Savoy, 2022)

“The Ghost in Her” – introduces readers to Maggie O’Connor, who comes from a long line of Irish female seers. She does not want to see ghosts, but there is nothing she can do to stop them from following her around New York City in the late 1800s. When her sister’s baby is kidnapped, she and her employer’s handsome son race to rescue the child. First, however, Maggie must escape from the madhouse she is sentenced to on Blackwell Island. Will the ghosts help her win in a battle where the obstacles seem insurmountable?

“The first book of Anika Savoy’s Ungilded Series, ‘The Ghost in Her,’ is a dark, immersive fairy tale, dusted with Gothic whimsy. It is a story for the romantic and the history buff, a rich page-turner that forces us to consider the ongoing social ills that, to this day, continue to haunt us.” Mike Robinson, award-winning author of The Enigma of Twilight Falls Trilogy

Savoy is an avid explorer and researcher. She spent time on Blackwell Island, known as Roosevelt Island today, investigating the location of the former asylum, as well as researching the Bowery of New York, and exploring her own family’s history for inspiration. Elements of the supernatural, Gothic horror, and mystery make the book a genre-bender that promises to entice fans of Harper Lin’s Southern Sleuth Series or Christina Skye’s Draycott Abbey Series.

“I’ve always had an interest in the supernatural. While I’m a healthy skeptic, I can’t deny the real otherworldly encounters I’ve had, including a near-death experience. This is what has fueled my writing, and what I hope helps deliver a plausible reading adventure to people in my new Ungilded Series.” – Anika Savoy

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New book release: ‘In Mommy’s Cloud’ by Lilian Shulika Tata

‘In Mommy’s Cloud’ is a fun and educational book that teaches the basic concepts of cloud computing. Photo: Amazon

Lilian Shulika Tata was born in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, Nso and is a mother of two very precious girls who inspired her new book. She holds three master’s degrees and is completing her Ph.D. thesis in Information Technology, focusing on Augmented Reality. She has carried out numerous research projects and blogs about technology and careers in tech. Lilian Shulika Tata started her career as a Diplomat but her research led her to the world of technology, where she is now settled on Cloud Technologies and uses her knowledge to volunteer and teach students. She is passionate about family, education, technology, and Artificial Intelligence. An extremely creative and adventurous person, she is always eager to learn and share her knowledge with the world. Her new book “In Mommy’s Cloud: An Introduction To Cloud Computing,” inspired by true life events with her daughters Haneefa and Faizahis, is a fun book for the whole family as everyone gets to learn the basic concepts about cloud computing. (Lilian Shulika Tata, 2022)

“In Mommy’s Cloud” is the first in its series of technology books for kids, with many others to come. It takes you through a playground containing resources used in cloud computing and gives you a basic introduction to those services in a fun and playful manner. Familiarize yourself with these terms as the next parts of this series will dive deep into the main components of the resources in the cloud.

The main objective of this series is to introduce kids to the terminology and resources used in the field of information technology in a playful and fun way. This helps them interact and understand these resources and gives them a foundational basis of what these components represent in the field of technology.

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Book review: ‘Living a Committed Life’ by Lynne Twist

‘Living a Committed Life’ is the new book by Lynne Twist. Photo: Amazon

For more than 40 years, Lynne Twist has been a recognized global visionary committed to alleviating poverty,  ending world hunger and supporting social justice and environmental sustainability. From working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta to the refugee camps in Ethiopia and the threatened rainforests of the Amazon, as well as guiding the philanthropy of some of the worlds wealthiest families, Lynne’s on-the-ground work has brought her a deep understanding of  people’s relationship with money.  Her knowledge and experience has given her profound insights about the social tapestry of the world and the historical landscape of the times we are living in. What would your life be like if you committed to something larger than yourself? Find out in “Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself,” the newest book from global transformation thought leader Lynne Twist. (Lynne Twist, 2022)

“Living a Committed Life” –By sharing stories and perspectives from her life, Lynne Twist reveals her unique experience as a thought leader and activist in multiple causes, from ending world hunger and protecting the Amazon rainforest to empowering women’s leadership. In the Introduction, Twist writes that although she hopes her stories inspire you, her goal in writing this book is “to inspire and motivate you to look inside yourself for your own commitments….” She starts off by sharing how, during an event called an Integrity Day, the speaker planted in her the vision that would guide her in her life’s work. She defines commitment as “an act of courage, integrity, and boldness” and that “committing oneself to an inspiring cause is what forges you into a great human being.” The book is divided into four parts: Part I The Power of Commitment, Part II The Soul of Commitment, Part III Challenges, Change, and Completion, and Part IV Creating Your Committed Life with a Discussion and Reflection Guide at the end to encourage deeper insight into the book’s topics. The Resources section lists organizations, like The Hunger Project and The Nobel Women’s Initiative, to consider if you are looking to get involved or make a difference.

Now more than ever, people are looking to make a difference in a world they see in constant conflict. Where do you start? How do you find your calling? Even though the author tries to help others in any and every way she can, she learned a powerful lesson: that somethings are not hers to do. This is a lesson we can all learn. We should know our limits and accept that we cannot do it all. We can only do so much. She has the mentality that every disappointment and every breakdown is an opportunity for growth but she admits that not everyone has the same struggles. She shows you how to make and keep commitments, engage in individual and collective action, and discover ways to connect and collaborate to make a difference. The language is easy and down to earth and her stories are engaging and inspiring. Highlights include Chapter 9 From Scarcity to Sufficiency where she lists the three toxic myths of scarcity: that ‘there is not enough,’ that ‘more is better,’ and that ‘it’s just the way it is’; and Chapter 10 Being Tested where she shares how she came to the realization that it takes a village to raise a child because even though her commitments kept her busy to the extent that she was missing out on some of her children’s lives, she was modeling a life of service to them and by her being gone sometimes, they became more independent and relied on each other and their father more, which strengthened their bond. “Living a Committed Life” is an excellent resource that teaches readers how to live a committed life to enrich their authentic self. It is a must read and recommended for fans of motivational self help books who appreciate advice on personal transformation.

“Living a committed life will bring you an experience of great freedom and profound fulfillment, as well as unimaginable joy.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication’ by Deborah Levine Herman

The second edition of Deborah Levine Herman’s ‘Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication’ is out now. Photo: Amazon

Deborah Levine Herman is a bestselling author, publisher, former literary agent, and intuitive writing coach who guides writers on their journeys. As a gifted spiritual teacher, an expert at author branding, and someone skilled in navigating the modern publishing world, Herman helps writers discover their spiritual writing path. She is the author of 13 books and has dedicated her 25-plus year career in publishing to writer education. She is also the CEO of Micro Publishing Media (MPM), a lawyer, journalist, and co-author with Jeff Herman on the industry bible “Write the Perfect Book Proposal: Ten Proposals that worked and Why.” In her latest book, “Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication” she embarks on her own mission as a mystic to combine her spiritual journey with the writer’s path. It was released last week. (Deborah Levine Herman, 2022)

“Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication” – Written by Deborah Levine Herman, a bestselling author, publishing veteran, former literary agent, and an intuitive writing coach, the book features timely information about the digital era and building an author’s platform in an increasingly competitive market. It is based on the premise that there are writers who want to write and those who write because they feel they have a calling. Deborah Levine Herman has dedicated her 25-plus year career in publishing to writer education.

The first edition of the book was published 20 years ago. Today, in a rapidly changing world, spiritual writers often hear a calling stronger than ever before. The publishing and writing world are often misunderstood by new authors. There are obstacles as well as new strategies to learn. The book provides the nuts and bolts and the dos and don’ts of how to get published in this evolving industry.

“I believe we are all here to raise the vibration of others. That’s why I want to guide and encourage spiritual writers to answer their call while teaching them about the craft of writing and how to navigate the path to publishing.” – Deborah Levine Herman

 

Book of the week: ‘Money on the Side: 75 Ways to Earn Extra Money Working Side Jobs’ by MM Barricelli

‘Money on the Side: 75 Ways To Earn Extra Money Working Side Jobs’ by MM Barricelli

MM Barricelli is a sales and marketing freelance consultant, writer, and author. With a technology background, she has 25 years’ experience in direct sales and new business development having held positions as a National Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. She also provides research on various topics for other writers, companies, and agencies. Her book “Money on the Side: 75 Ways to Earn Money Working Side Jobs” can help you find ways to earn extra money doing small side jobs using the basic skills you use everyday. (MM Barricelli, 2022)

“Money on the Side: 75 Ways to Earn Extra Money Working Side Jobs” – Are you working a full time job and still not able to make ends meet? Want to start a part time business but having trouble getting started? Are you interested in making extra money using your basic everyday skills? Thought about becoming a real estate agent, insurance broker but not sure how to get started? What about landscaping, personal bookkeeper, party planner, personal driver, personal chef? This book can help you get started with 75 Job ideas for earning extra income doing side jobs, short gigs, freelance and part time work. Taking control of your income gives you the freedom to be your own boss. You get to choose your own hours and the type of work and pay you desire. Outlined in this book are 75 job ideas for earning extra money. If you are working a full time job and need money don’t wait for that raise to come anytime soon in this crazy economy. Take control of your money and create multiple streams of income. The only way to gain financial freedom is to start making money on the side.

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Book review: ‘This Is Going To Hurt: The Truth Always Does’ by Michael Ernest

‘This Is Going To Hurt: The Truth Always Does’ is an informative and insightful book by Michael Ernest. Photo: Michael Ernest, used with permission.

Brother Michael Ernest is a graduate of Lincoln University, formerly known as Ashmun Institute, the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States, where he earned a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice. Brother Michael continued his educational pursuits and acquired a Master’s Degree from Wilmington University, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. His contributions to join several organizations to promote human welfare include being a proud brother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated and Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to continue the fight irrespective of race, religion, or political affiliation. Brother Michael has focused his study for many weeks, months, and years to compile an arsenal of knowledge and resources (writings, websites, book referrals, educators) to dispense among all people, various races, and religious groups to help promote the great humanitarian cause. His book “This Is Going To Hurt: The Truth Always Does” brings heated debate topics to the forefront of the “so-called” Black Communities throughout the United States. (Michael Ernest, 2022)

“This Is Going To Hurt: The Truth Always Does” – Written for all levels of literacy to indulge in the conversations, many of the subjects discussed in this book’s purpose are designed to rattle the heads of the afraid, complacent, and oppressed people of these “so-called” Black communities. Black Americans’ time for being apologetic for their misfortunes needs to come to an immediate cease-fire. “This Is Going To Hurt: The Truth Always Does” will do that. In the Preface, the author writes that the purpose of the book is to bring together history, research, and hard truths to Black Americans. The book begins with a conversation between two Black men that ends with the conclusion that their neighborhoods cannot be considered “Black communities” because they do not influence anything that goes on in their communities: from the banking institutions to public offices. From there, he discusses topics that should be addressed more frequently and divides them into four chapters: Chapter 1 Economic Sovereignty, Chapter 2 Child Support Hurts The So-Called “Black Community” More Than It Helps It!, Chapter 3 Black Mothers vs. Breastfeeding, and Chapter 4 The Wrap-Up Breaking The Chains of Servitude Get Conscious. Your People Depend On It!

To make effective change in our lives, first we have to face up to the uncomfortable truths. Or, as James Baldwin wrote in a 1962 essay for The New York Times, “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” With that said, Michael Ernest does an excellent job of touching on subjects that should be addressed head on. His tone is serious but not confrontational and the language, though sometimes slightly advanced, is easy to understand. One highlight is in the Introduction, where he states that it should be up to Black Americans themselves to strengthen the “Black race character, culture, and heritage.” That before, the slave owners were the bad element, but nowadays, it is drug dealers and gangbangers and that “the moral culpability has shifted to ourselves.” Also notable is Chapter 1 Business Sovereignty where he stresses the importance of business diversity in black neighborhoods because it “invites innovation, which ultimately benefits consumers with new and better products and services, helps drive economic growth, and increases living standards.” His advice is meant to enrich peoples lives, like the importance of surrounding ourselves with likeminded individuals and civic engagement. “This Is Going To Hurt: The Truth Always Does” is a small but informative book that should be on everyone’s to read list. It is eye opening and contains well researched topics dealing with urban life as seen through the eyes of a Black man. Even though the target readership is Black Americans, the information presented can apply to everyone, especially when he admonishes readers to “Hold yourself accountable. Don’t pass the buck!” It is recommended for readers who like motivational and self help books and can appreciate being presented with uncomfortable truths.

“Read literature from the scholars who came before you to liberate your mind of centuries of captivity. Only this will kill the roots of those weeds embedded in the dark part of your history, reversing the negative misfortunes that have been done to you and your ancestors.”

* The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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New children’s book: ‘Kindness is Wonderful’ by Hanna Yameen

‘Kindness is Wonderful’ is the new children’s book by Hanna Yameen. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Hanna Yameen is a creator of high-quality illustration books for elementary-aged children. She is a young aspiring author focused on creating easy-to-use learning resources centered around social skills, values, and difficult discussions for early-age children. Her new book “Kindness is Wonderful: A Children’s Book About Care and Empathy” teaches children the art of kindness. Kindness is powerful. Kindness is magic. It is available on paperback now and the Kindle version will be available on Thursday December 8 but is available for pre-order now. (Hanna Yameen, 2022)

“Kindness is Wonderful” – This preschool illustration book highlights the way kindness creates compassion, care, and empathy in early age children. It is designed for children ages 3 to 7 years old.

This amazing book with beautiful illustrations explains to your child in a simple and interesting way how to be kind and caring.

Guiding through characters and illustrations, the book will help your child:

  • express, empathy, and care for others
  • respect parents, friends, and classmates
  • help elderly people
  • know about nice manners
  • love nature and the environment
  • care for animals

In addition, the book contains an exercise for kids to list the acts of kindness they have done in their daily routines. This beautiful picture book shows preschoolers the way kindness, compassion and empathy help build friendship and community.

Kindness and empathy are traits best learned as young children. “Kindness is Wonderful” is an extraordinary children’s book that not only teaches children the importance of being kind, it gives them examples. It does not just “tell” them to be kind, it gives them scenarios that they may encounter “When I am dog-sitting, I make sure that I feed my little puppy. Kindness is feeding animals.” All these scenarios explain to children the meaning of kindness, like respecting others, sharing, and complimenting a friend. It also teaches them ways to be a responsible citizen, like picking up trash and recycling. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and professional grade. This holiday season, consider giving books as gifts, especially “Kindness is Wonderful” which helps children understand the importance of being kind with examples and an interactive page at the end where they can list ways that they can express kindness. Most importantly, it stresses the importance of parents setting an example by doing these acts of kindness with their children.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

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Movie adaptation: ‘Rickshaw Girl’ by Mitali Perkins

The movie adaptation of ‘Rickshaw Girl’ will be out on digital and on demand on December 8, 2022. Photo: Amazon

Mitali Perkins writes novels for young people, including “You Bring the Distant Near,” (nominated for the National Book Award) “Rickshaw Girl,” (NYPL best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years), “Bamboo People,” (ALA Top 10 YA novel) and “Tiger Boy.” (South Asia Book Award winner) Her newest is “The Story of Us,” a picture book from Beaming Books, and a nonfiction book for adults, “Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children’s Novels to Refresh our Tired Souls,” published by Broadleaf. “Rickshaw Girl” is the critically acclaimed story of a young, artistic Bangladeshi girl who bravely defies tradition in order to support her family through hard times. It was adapted into an award-winning film, which will be released in digital and on demand from Filmhub and Sleeperwave Films. Streaming options: Amazon, AppleTV, Hoopla, Vudu, and Kanopy. (Rickshaw Girl, 2022)

“Rickshaw Girl” – A daring Bangladeshi teen-aged girl battles the dangers of the big city when she disguises herself as a boy to earn extra cash for her struggling family. Daring and determined, teenage girl Naima longs to earn money for her poor Bangladeshi family, but her unrivaled artistic talent is of little use. When her father grows gravely ill, Naima feels she has no choice but to leave her small village for the bright lights of Dhaka.

In the big city, Naima finds the same economic, societal, and gender pressures faced by most young girls in Bangladesh. She cleverly disguises herself as a boy and takes the difficult job of a rickshaw puller. When her gender is revealed and her livelihood vanishes, Naima finds an unconventional solution to her problems.

“I was brought up in Dhaka, and from a young age, I traveled by rickshaw. Usually I could never remember the face of the rickshaw puller. Maybe because we usually don’t see their faces but only their backs. I could always see their muscular bodies drenched in sweat, but never understood the meaning of the sweat. As I grew up and my social and economic understanding got better, I realized that our country’s destitute people were oppressed by the upper class. I always wanted to tell a story about them.” director Amitabh Reza Chowdhury.

“I was moved and thrilled when I saw the film version of Naima’s journey. The story is deeper, richer, wider, and more authentically Bangladeshi. Amitabh Reza Chowdhury’s direction is genius, and the acting and cinematography are so captivating.” Mitali Perkins

Rickshaw Girl movie poster. Photo: Google
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Genealogy book: ‘The Book of Browns’ by E. Philip Brown

E. Philip Brown is the author of ‘The Book of Browns.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Interest in genealogy has grown in the last few years but doing the research can be daunting. With any luck, there are a variety of books out there to help you in your research. If your last name is Brown, or know anyone with the last name Brown and would like to know more about the history of the surname and all about people who share this surname you might want to take notice of “The Book of Browns: The Story of One Big Extended Family” by E. Philip Brown.

E. Philip Brown is a public historian, author, and educator. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst and an MA in Public History from American Public University. Prior to teaching, Phil was in the telecommunication industry for over 22 years working for carriers such as AT&T, Quest, and SBC. He and his wife, Chrisi, have two children and live in Haverhill, MA. He is the author of “The Book of Browns: The Story of One Big Extended Family.” (E. Philip Brown, 2022)

“The Book of Browns” – The Book of Browns looks at the history of the surname Brown and the people who are fortunate to share the same last name. Many famous people from all walks of life have this common surname but that does not mean they are ordinary.

It is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, goodreads, Kobo, and other book retailers.

Author E. Philip Brown. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Book of the week: ‘Empire Eternal: Reset’ by Philipp Münzer

‘Empire Eternal: Reset’ is book one in the Empire Eternal series by Philipp Münzer. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Philipp Münzer is living in Berlin, Germany, but he has proper Bavarian roots. His father passed on his love for Science Fiction and Fantasy novels when Philipp was a teenager. Now he writes books himself from his balcony. His book “Empire Eternal: Reset” is book one of six in the Empire Eternal series; a series full of mechs, magic, and aliens. It is an emotional ride for the main character, one filled with dangers and intrigue, as he is plagued by the memories of his future past. The series progresses in a wuxia style as the scope of the conflict becomes bigger and bigger. Follow the author on Twitter and Instagram. (Philip Münzer, 2022)

“Empire Eternal: Reset” – As Korbin stands on the ashes of an Empire, the last battle in the last human world is lost as he fights next to his prince and his friend Lo’Karr. Just as he tries to initiate a magic teleport sequence to flee Britannus, a wave of magical energy hits him and the lights go out. Korbin wakes up in his sixteen-year-old body, his memories lasting back thirty-five years since he last left the Imperial Academy. He faces a serious number of problems. For one, the Empire thinks it is alone in the universe but nothing could be further from the truth. The Vorrans are just around the corner, and Korbin knows that within a week the two races will be at war. And nobody knows that a mage can be much more than a glorified mech suit battery. The Vorrans teach the humans about the Initiations, the technique to advance a mage along the path of Ascension, but the humans never had enough runestone to even contemplate such a thing. But the greatest danger on the horizon are the merciless Reavers. They wiped out the Vorrans. They wiped out the humans. The Reavers are coming! Time is ticking. Korbin needs to grow a pair, restore his powers, grab his best friend, the prince and save the day. God hates a coward, soldier boy. Time to get to work.

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Author Philipp Münzer. Courtesy photo, used with permission.