The new children’s book ‘Immune Heroes’ helps children learn all about the immune system. Photo: Nimitry Books PR, used with permission.
Children’s books are windows to the imagination and portals to whimsical worlds where adventures unfold and lessons are learned. They spark curiosity and foster creativity in young minds, while the vibrant illustrations captivate young readers and ignite their love for storytelling. Whether it’s tales of friendship, bravery, or the magic of everyday life, children’s books hold the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. Some of the best books around encourage children to explore, dream, and embark on unforgettable journeys, and maybe even learn an important science lesson or two. One such book is Namita Gandhi’s “Immune Heroes,” where through engaging storytelling and colorful characters, children meet brave white blood cells, outsmart villainous bacteria, and learn how their bodies fight back.
Namita Gandhi is a seasoned immunologist with a Ph.D. who has dedicated over two decades to unraveling the complexities of diseases in her biotech career. Inspired by bedtime stories with her nieces and nephew, Namita crafts whimsical picture books that demystify the wonders of immunology and science for children. Her new book “Immune Heroes: A science adventure with a twist! Celebrate the immune system and its power within your own body” is an illustrated book that captures children’s imagination and provides an entertaining education. It is an excellent way for children to explore STEM, work on their reading, and understand why it’s so important to wash our hands. (Nimitry Books PR, 2024)
“Immune Heroes” – imagine if your children could embark on an incredible journey, diving deep into the fascinating world of the human body. Crafted by a scientist, this book simplifies complex concepts, sparking curiosity and reducing screen time. It is perfect for inquisitive kids who ask “why?” or kids interested in careers in STEM, and especially useful for early elementary teachers looking to introduce the wonders of the human body to young minds. Through this beautifully illustrated children’s book that combines education and fun, kids can explore the worders of the immune system.
‘You Like It Darker’ will be out May 21, 2024. Photo: Amazon
It is no secret that I love horror novels, especially from Stephen King. His were the first books I enjoyed in elementary school (yes, elementary school) but surprisingly, have yet to give me nightmares. I look forward to every one of his releases and my home library is filled with most of his books, especially the short story collections. I even have “The Bachman Books;” if you’re a Constant Reader, you get it. So today, I’m pleased to share that the Master of Horror has a new book coming out next month: “You Like It Darker.” Enough said.
Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes the short story collection “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” “The Outsider,” “Sleeping Beauties,” (cowritten with his son Owen King) and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes.” His epic works “The Dark Tower,” “It,” “Pet Sematary,” “Doctor Sleep,” and “Firestarter” are the basis for major motion pictures, with “It” now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His new book “You Like It Darker: Stories” will be released on May 21 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. It is an exciting new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER. (Amazon, 2024)
“You Like It Darker” – “You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that dig into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in “You Like It Darker,” readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.
“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.
King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.
‘Toxic Prey’ is the thrilling new Lucas Davenport novel by John Sandford. Photo: Amazon
John Sandford is in the top 10 of my favorite authors. His crime fiction and mystery books are so engaging to read and I’ve read almost all of his Lucas Davenport novels. So naturally, I was pleased to hear that the next Prey novel, “Toxic Prey,” has just been released. Prepare yourself for another exciting Lucas Davenport mystery.
John Sandford is the pseudonym for the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Camp. He is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three Prey novels; two Letty Davenport novels; four Kidd novels; twelve Virgil Flowers novels; three YA novels coauthored with his wife, Michele Cook; and three other books. His latest thriller, “Toxic Prey” is the 34th Prey novel and has Lucas Davenport and his daughter, Letty, teaming up to track down a dangerous scientist whose latest project could endanger the entire world. (Amazon, 2024)
“Toxic Prey” – Gaia is dying. That, at least, is what Dr. Lionel Scott believes. A renowned expert in tropical and infectious diseases, Scott has witnessed the devastating impact of illness and turmoil at critical scale. Society as it exists is on shaky ground and the direct link to Earth’s death spiral; population levels are out of control and people have allowed disarray and disorder to run rampant. While most are concerned about deadly disease, Scott knows that it is truly humanity itself that will destroy Gaia. It’s only by removing the threat that the planet can continue to prosper, and luckily, Scott is just the right man for the job.
When Scott disappears without a trace, Letty Davenport is tasked with tracking down any and all leads. Scott’s connections to sensitive research into virus and pathogen spread has multiple national and international organizations on high alert, and his shockingly high clearance levels at various institutions, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, make him the last person they’d like to go missing. As the web around Scott becomes more tangled, Letty calls in her father, Lucas, to help her lead a group of specialists to find Scott as soon as possible. But as Letty and Lucas begin to uncover startling and disturbing connections between Scott and Gaia conspiracists, their worst fears are confirmed, and it quickly becomes a race to find him before the virus he created becomes the perfect weapon.
‘On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope’ by Sarah Cart with Glenn Plaskin. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Sarah Cart was raised and educated in New York and New England. As a freelancer, she wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, the two moved to the Florida Keys. Then in 2017, Ben was diagnosed with a degenerative autoimmune disorder and over time, their relationship evolved to that of patient and caregiver and by the beginning of 2020, Ben was dying. Sarah’s new memoir, “On My Way Back to You,” is a first-hand account of the rollercoaster world of lifesaving transplants and the unimaginable challenges Sarah faced as she struggled to manage her husband Ben’s devastating illness and to save his life, their marriage, and her own sanity. (Amazon, 2024)
Synopsis: “On My Way Back to You” is the story of Sarah and Ben Cart. For the first 42 years they shared together, Ben was a successful entrepreneur and outdoorsman. Then the unthinkable happens. Not only was he battling an autoimmune disorder, but ten days into the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, his kidneys crash, his heart was failing, and he ends up in the ICU at Cleveland Clinic Weston (FL). In suspenseful and heartbreaking detail, Sarah shares how Ben’s incurable autoimmune condition was manageable and under control one minute and threatening to kill him the next. Thanks to a heart transplant, they now have a future, and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends.
Thrust into the role of nurse and caregiver, Sarah joined the ranks of 39 million Americans who champion and care for an ailing loved one. In addition to confronting doubts, fears, and endless setbacks, aggravations, and red tape, she also had to consent to daunting procedures on Ben’s behalf. She had to endure the months-long Covid-era restrictions on hospital visitations and the post-surgery snafus with home healthcare personnel. The ongoing heartfelt communication with family and friends sustained her through the darkest of days. It is divided into 18 chapters including Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, The Slippery Slope, and Battle Stations. She includes some of the email updates she sent out and sections such as Ben’s and his sons’ reflections on what was going on at the time.
Review: Memoirs are windows into the lives of individuals, capturing their experiences, emotions, and reflections. These deeply personal narratives offer insight into the human condition, revealing triumphs, struggles, and moments of self-discovery. By telling her story, Sarah Cart connects with readers on a profound level, inspiring empathy, introspection, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.
It’s easy to say that we would undoubtedly become a caregiver to a loved one, but the reality can be sobering, as she puts it in the first sentence of the Preface: “Life is hard, messy, beautiful, unpredictable…and fragile.” Covid complicated matters because it affected his treatment and because of the restrictions, friends and family couldn’t help her as much as they ordinarily would. Writing this memoir was therapeutic for her because she shares what she went through, including the medical and personal struggles: “Documenting the details of his condition…provided a means of grappling with the fear.” Most importantly, readers can learn the questions to ask, the notes to take, the signs to never overlook, and the importance of self care. Stand out chapters include Chapter 7 when Ben finally gets the transplant and all the after care he requires and Chapter 14 when even after all she was doing to care for him, someone files a complaint with the department of human services about elder abuse.
Overall, “On My Way Back to You” is a profoundly inspirational account of one couple’s medical journey and the patience, determination, and love that ultimately helped them find their way back to one another. The focus is on the care Ben received and how it affected their lives, so it doesn’t come off as depressing or overly personal and heartbreaking. It is easy to read and offers lessons anyone can benefit from, so it is recommended for readers who enjoy medical memoirs and appreciate reading about the details of a patient’s medical treatment. It is also a testament to the importance of organ donation.
“I offer you this story not because you will necessarily be interested in our particular saga but because life is hard and messy and unpredictable, and chances are high that ultimately each of us will face challenges we never imagined…”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Ghost Station,’ the new horror novel by S.A. Barnes will be released April 9, 2024. Photo: Amazon
S.A. Barnes works in a high school library by day, recommending reads, talking with students, and removing the occasional forgotten cheese-stick-as-bookmark. The author has published numerous novels across different genres, but “Dead Silence” is the first published as S. A. Barnes. She writes YA and romance under Stacey Kade. Barnes lives in Illinois with more dogs and books than is advisable and a very patient spouse. In her upcoming new horror novel, “Ghost Station,” a crew must try to survive on an ancient, abandoned planet. It will be released on April 9, 2024 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Amazon, 2024)
“Ghost Station” – An abandoned plant. A hidden past. A deadly danger.
Psychologist Dr. Ophelia Bray has dedicated her life to the study and prevention of ERS—the most famous case of which resulted in the brutal murders of twenty-nine people. It’s personal to her, and when she’s assigned to a small exploration crew who recently suffered the tragic death of a colleague, she wants to help. But as they begin to establish residency on an abandoned planet, it becomes clear that crew is hiding something.
And Ophelia’s crewmates are far more interested in investigating the eerie, ancient planet and unraveling the mystery behind the previous colonizers’ hasty departure than opening up to her.
That is, until their pilot is discovered gruesomely murdered. Is this Ophelia’s worst nightmare starting—a wave of violence and mental deterioration from ERS? Or is it something even more sinister?
Terrified that history will repeat itself, Ophelia and the crew must work together to figure out what’s happening. But trust is hard to come by…and the crew isn’t the only one keeping secrets.
“The Martha Stone” Series: Important Life Lessons through Engaging Stories is one of two books in a new books series for children. Photo: Amazon
Do you have a young child in your life that’s having a birthday or special occasion and need a gift idea? Books make excellent gifts because they can be entertaining as well as educational. The following are two books in an outstanding new educational series for children.
In an exciting development for young readers and their families, Boutique Digital Press is thrilled to announce the release of two groundbreaking children’s book series aimed at combining fun storytelling with educational lessons and multilingual learning. This series launch features the delightful titles “Hello, My Name is Luke: What’s Your Name?” and “The Adventures of Martha Stone: I Ate Too Much Candy,” each serving as the spearhead for their respective series. (Rita A. Saikali, 2024)
Both series stand out not only for their engaging stories and characters but also for their commitment to educational development. “The Luke Series” breaks new ground by incorporating multilingual learning into its narrative, offering a unique opportunity for linguistic development from an early age. Meanwhile, “The Martha Stone Series” tackles universal themes of self-discipline, moderation, and the value of making right choices, themes crucial for the development of young children.
In addition to their entertaining narratives, both books come with interactive elements and questions that encourage children to think critically about the stories and apply the lessons learned in their own lives. These series represent a valuable resource for parents, guardians, and educators seeking to nurture well-rounded, multilingual, and thoughtful children.
“Hello, My Name is Luke: What’s Your Name?” and “The Adventures of Martha Stone: I Ate Too Much Candy” are now available for purchase. These books are perfect gifts for the young reader in your life, providing not just entertainment but also valuable lessons and language skills that will benefit them for years to come.
“My Name is Luke” Series: A Multilingual Journey for Toddlers “Hello, My Name is Luke: What’s Your Name?” written by Rita A. Saikali, is the first book in “The Luke Series,” specifically designed for children ages 0-3. This innovative series introduces young minds to the fundamentals of Arabic, English, and Spanish through the charming story of Luke Luis Portillo, a young boy with Lebanese and Venezuelan heritage born in America. Through Luke’s engaging adventures, children are taught numbers, colors, and basic words across the three languages, fostering early multilingual awareness and appreciation in a fun, interactive manner.
“The Martha Stone” Series: Important Life Lessons through Engaging Stories Simultaneously, “The Adventures of Martha Stone: I Ate Too Much Candy” also penned by Rita A. Saikali, marks the beginning of “The Martha Stone Series.” This series is crafted to teach children essential life lessons in a gentle and accessible way. Through the narrative of Martha Stone, a bright and curious girl with a sweet tooth, readers learn about the importance of moderation and the consequences of indulgence. The story is filled with vibrant illustrations, engaging dialogue, and thought-provoking questions designed to spark discussions between children and their caregivers about making wise choices.
“My Name is Luke” Series: A Multilingual Journey for Toddlers. Photo: Amazon
Unlock the healing power of nature with ‘The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies.’ Photo: Amazon
Dr. Janet Willow, MD, PhD is 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 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 “The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies” is an essential guide to help readers discover the healing power of nature. (Amazon, 2024)
“The Modern-Day Guide to Science-Backed Herbal Remedies”– discover the fascinating world of herbal medicine and harness the therapeutic potential of plants with this groundbreaking book. It bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, providing readers with a comprehensive and accessible guide to natural healing.
The material discussed includes an in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural significance of herbal medicine, the science behind the healing properties of plants, detailed profiles of over 50 medicinal herbs, including their therapeutic uses and preparation methods, step-by-step instructions for crafting your own herbal remedies, from teas and essences to salves and syrups, practical advice on incorporating herbs into your daily wellness routine, and an extensive reference section with the latest research and clinical studies on herbal medicine.
This book contains everything you ever wanted to know about herbal remedies. In Chapter 1:Introductionto Herbal Medicine, the author explains how she became interested in the healing power of plants when as a child, she watched her grandmother enjoy a cup of chamomile and mint tea. Even after she got her scientific education, her fascination with herbal remedies lingered and she was determined to find a connection between both of them. In Chapter 2: The Science Behind Herbal Medicine, she takes readers on a journey to discover the science behind herbal remedies, while Chapter 3: History of Herbal Medicine gives the history of herbal medicine that proves that humans have always had a connection to the natural world.
The rest of the book is divided as follows:
Chapter 4 Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability – Honoring the Earth, Ensuring the Future Chapter 5 Safety First: Understanding Herbal Contraindications Chapter 6 The Herbal Apothecary Chapter 7 Herbal Remedies for Digestive Health Chapter 8 Herbal Remedies for Muscle Pain Chapter 9 Herbal Remedies for Respiratory Illness Chapter 10 Herbal Remedies for Cuts and Bruises Chapter 11 Herbal Remedies for Mood Enhancement Chapter 12 Herbal Remedies to Strengthen Immunity Chapter 13 Herbal Remedies to Improve Sleep Conclusion
From the science behind herbal medicine, to tips on setting up your own apothecary and herbal remedies for different types of ailments, there is so much useful information for readers of all levels. Whether you are just interested in the history portion or are looking for specific remedies, this is a must-read book. It is well researched and put together and is easy to understand without using complicated medical terms. Readers interested in wellness and herbal remedies should definitely add it to their reading list.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope’ by Sarah Cart with Glenn Plaskin. Photo: Amazon
Raised and educated in New York and New England, Sarah Cart, a freelancer, wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, they moved to the Florida Keys, but they returned every summer to the Pennsylvania Poconos. Then came Covid. The pandemic, combined with Ben’s health issues, necessitated their sheltering in place in Florida for the entirety of 2020. In the wake of Ben’s undergoing miraculous lifesaving measures, they have been afforded the unanticipated gift of a future and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends. In her upcoming new memoir, “On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope,” Sarah Cart shares how she became one of 39 million Americans taking care of an ailing loved one. It will be released on April 2 and is available for pre-order through Amazon. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)
“On My Way Back to You,” – In suspenseful and heart-rending detail, Cart recounts how, beginning with an incurable autoimmune disease, her husband developed one life-threatening condition after another. As each month passed, she felt her best friend, this brilliant businessman, successful entrepreneur, and energetically engaged and organized father to their four sons, slipping away, until eventually they received devastating news: Ben needed a heart transplant. But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Two weeks after the COVID-19 lockdown, they realized Ben’s body was shutting down and his only hope was to get on the list and get that transplant now—in the midst of a pandemic. And that wasn’t even half of what was to come.
Thrust into the role of nurse and caregiver, Cart required a deep well of faith, grit, and grace as she confronted doubts, fears, endless setbacks, aggravations, and red tape while struggling to help Ben regain whatever he could of all that had been lost.
Cart reminds us that “there is certainly no promise that the health we enjoy this evening will be with us in the morning” and provides guidance for others in her shoes. Sooner or later, everyone will either become a caregiver or need one. To help when time comes, she shares the questions to ask, the notes to take, the signs to never overlook, and the self-care necessary for the caregiver.
“On My Way Back to You” is more than a chronicle of Ben’s illness. It’s about love, resiliency, and the power of community: “When Ben was in the hospital, I felt all the people who’d ever loved him shining their light from the far reaches of the universe each time I begged them to do so.” It’s a roadmap through some of life’s greatest challenges and the journey of two people who used the power of love, determination, and endless patience to find their way back to each other.
Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence” is a comprehensive exploration of prevalent misconceptions that cloud our understanding of intelligence.
“Exploring the Complexity of Human Intelligence” – the core topic of this enlightening book is intelligence and the myths surrounding it. Such myths include the misleading notion of left-brain/right-brain dominance and the widespread belief in using only a fraction of our brain’s capacity. Other topics include gender differences when it comes to intelligence, emotional intelligence, the aging mind and how to address cognitive decline, neuroplasticity, and the cultural biases in IQ testing that can affect people who have different types of cultural intelligence.
In the Introduction, the author writes that the purpose of this book is “to empower readers with accurate knowledge about human intelligence.” By doing so, he hopes readers will understand that intelligence is made up of different factors and then arms them with the information necessary to make appropriate life choices. Chapter 1: Defining Intelligence defines intelligence as more than just what a typical IQ test might measure and that it includes a wide variety of cognitive capacities and aptitudes. In Chapter 2: Nature vs.Nurture, he clarifies the connection between genetics and environment and how they shape cognitive aptitude. In Chapter 3: Brain Myths and Cognitive Abilities, readers can learn all about the various learning styles and the importance of evidence-based approaches to education.
The rest of the book consists of:
Chapter 4: Creativity and Problem Solving Chapter 5: Learning Styles and Intelligence Chapter 6: Gender and Intelligence Chapter 7: Emotional Intelligence Chapter 8: Memory and Forgetfulness Chapter 9: Nature of Intelligence in Children Chapter 10: The Aging Mind Chapter 11: Neuroplasticity and Learning Chapter 12: Intelligence and Success Chapter 13: Intelligence in Different Cultures Chapter 14: Genetics and Intelligence Revisited
Overall, this is an extremely insightful and deeply researched book on intelligence – how it is made up of different factors but it is continuously changing and adapting, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence and neuroplasticity. By using down to earth language and examples of real people when describing the different learning and intelligence types, the author makes the subject easy to understand. This is a must read for readers interested in a deep study of intelligence and the complexities of the human mind.
“Success is, therefore, a multifaceted concept, and one’s ability to excel in a particular field is influenced by a complex interplay of various attributes and factors.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘The Journey Within’ is an excellent guide for personal growth and development. Photo: Amazon
Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His book “Journey Within” is an eye opening guide that examines the profound significance of self-discovery and purpose in leading a fulfilling and prosperous life.
‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma – Personal growth and development begins with getting to know yourself, your values, and your purpose in life. This is important not just for personal reasons since being a well rounded and fulfilled person affects those around us. In Chapter 1: Introduction, the author explains that individuals who are happy with themselves can inspire others and that “this ripple effect of positive impact contributes to creating a more harmonious and fulfilling society.”
Readers are guided in this transformative journey of self discovery beginning with Chapter 2: Understanding The Inner Self by learning to recognize just how important it is to truly get to know themselves. In Chapter 3: Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation the author explains that by practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present, they lessen the regrets about the past and the worries about the future. In Chapter 7: Embracing Change and Transformation readers learn about the importance of adopting a growth mindset because it makes them more resilient when faced with challenges and helps them view failures as opportunities to grow. Other notable chapters include Chapter 10: Embracing Gratitude and Abundance, Chapter 13: Living withPurpose and Intention, and Chapter 19: Empowering Others on Their Journey.
Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read through and reference back to specific topics. The most important lesson to be learned from “Journey Within” is that working on yourself can make a big impact in the world because “a healthy relationship with oneself is a foundation for healthy relationships with others.” This is an excellent book to read if you are working on self improvement because it emphasizes the importance of exploring who we are, fully understanding our values, passions, and strengths, and aligning our actions with our authentic selves.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
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