Paulino Mamiir Chol’s ‘Leading the Lost Boys: The Untold Story’ tells the story of his extraordinary personal journey from kidnapping survivor to leader. Photo: amazon
Paulino Mamiir Chol is an author and current PhD candidate dedicated to using his experience, expertise, and education to help his current community in the US as well as his East African homeland, South Sudan. For decades, despite multiple kidnapping attempts by the radical militias, airborne assaults, and the murder of his friends and family, Mr. Chol rose in the leadership hierarchy and helped over four thousand Lost Boys to come to America. Mr. Chol has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in Law and Policy from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He looked death in the eye multiple times, surviving abduction, a 3,000-mile barefoot trek in searing heat across South Sudan, and unspeakable starvation during the Second Sudanese Civil War. His memoir, “Leading the Lost Boys: The Untold Journey” tells of his extraordinary journey from kidnapping survivor to leader, showing how tragedy can be turned into triumph. (Mac Foundation, 2022)
As a member of the Lost Boys of South Sudan who led over 700 boys across three African countries, from refugee camp to refugee camp, Paulino Mamiir Chol is the only one in a position to tell this story. A testimony to the atrocities happening at that time—the killings and kidnappings committed by radical militias before and during the Second Sudanese Civil War—the book describes how the author had to build the grit, determination, and sheer organizational ability to save lives, and find freedom. In so doing, he also offers hope in the power of the human spirit to overcome trauma and tragedy—especially when we focus on serving others. “Leading The Lost Boys: The Untold Journey” is part of Paulino Chol’s effort to fight the inhuman darkness we are all capable of, and to empower and inspire the hearts of those suffering.
“This book is a form of defense, and I promise to fight against inhumanity and human rights abuses. This fight consolidates my belief, faith, and hope in humanity, and human rights.” – Paulino Mamiir Chol
All proceeds will go to the Mamiir Chol Foundation (MACH), which will provide funds to villagers in Twic County for clean drinking wells, clinics, schools, and community centers. Proceeds will also support organizations working for human rights, homeless children, widowed mothers, disabled people, and to protect women and girls from sexual abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence. “Leading the Lost Boys: The Untold Journey” is available in digital and paperback on amazon and other major retailers.
‘You’re Crazy, Volume Two’ by Craig Lewis. Photo: Craig Lewis, used with permission.
Craig Lewis is an Expert by Experience, a Psychiatric Survivor, author, a lifelong punk rocker, a fearless activist, a workshop trainer, and international speaker. Craig has survived a lifetime of struggle and has chosen not to waste it. Craig shares his experiences, knowledge, and lessons learned in the hopes of supporting others in living happier, healthier, and more satisfying lives. This is an ongoing journey and Craig, like all of us, is a work in progress. Two of his books are “The Craig Lewis Guide to Surviving the Impossible” and “You’re Crazy, Volume Two: First Hand Accounts of Surviving Trauma, Addiction & Mental Health from within the Punk Rock Scene.”
“The Craig Lewis Guide to Surviving the Impossible” is written by a human being who learned the hard way the difference between being alive and truly living. This book is intended to help readers figure out their true path. If you put in the effort, you will experience improvements. The bottom line is this: You, the person reading these words, have the power within to heal and become whoever you were born to be. That is the path that this author has chosen. May your journey result in healing, peace and love. “The Craig Lewis Guide to Surviving the Impossible” features fifteen passages and worksheets intended to encourage the reader to go within themselves and figure out how to heal what is hurting them.
“You’re Crazy, Volume Two” is a collection of personal stories written by twenty punk rockers from around the world. All of the writers have experienced trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles. As you read these stories, you will know both the pain and the beauty that makes these uniquely brilliant human beings who they are today. We are unapologetic for surviving. Instead, we choose to live the lives we deserve. We hope that others like us will read these stories and recognize that they, too, have the power to create the better lives they want. After all, we are Punk Rockers!
‘The Still Point’ is Kevin Krenitsky’s new book on spiritual enlightenment and awakening. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Kevin Krenitsky has been, at times, a professional rock musician, a medical doctor, and a business executive. Despite leading a life deemed outwardly “successful,” he lived with a deep background of anxiety, fear, and stress that came and went since early childhood. At the age of forty, in the midst of decades of suppressing tremendous inner and outer conflict, he reasoned there must be another way. This “willingness” led to a decade of studying non-duality by way of “A Course in Miracles.” At the height of a successful business career, he turned away into relative isolation and soon found the direct path to the recognition of our true nature. One day in meditation, a thought came that a book called “The Still Point” would be written. Five years later, the first words arrived. Krenitsky’s “The Still Point: The Simplicity of Spiritual Enlightenment” takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to the recognition that our self-aware nature is happiness and peace itself.
“The Still Point” begins with an Introduction where the author explains that this book is about “discovering and living as your indestructible, true self, which is deeper than just the body and the mind.” He refers to our true self as the Still Point and defines it as the experience of recognizing our own awareness; simply put: “being aware of being aware.” According to him, our unconscious living has not only created stress, anxiety, wars, and famine, but our choices have brought us to the edge of mass destruction. The earth has suffered greatly from our collective human unconsciousness. With this book, he shows us how to discover and live our lives in alignment with our true self. Each chapter begins with an introduction of the subject and is followed by a question and answer discussion. Some of the questions are from people he has encountered but most of them are questions he himself has had in his journey to self-discovery. The book is divided into two parts: the first has chapters such as The Discovery of Our True Nature, The Healing of Our Relationships, and Awakening and the Limits of the Mind; the second part deals with subjects such as Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness, Be a True Student of Peace and Happiness, and The Illusion of Control.
For such an intense subject, “The Still Point” is relatively easy to read, due in part to the Q & A format that the author chose to present his ideas. It reads like an interview and the language is straightforward and down to earth. The important takeaways include the significance of living in the moment, realizing that we share a consciousness with each other and the planet, and self-awareness. When we focus on the noise of the outside world, we lose our feelings of peace and happiness. Highlight include Chapter 14: Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness, as it reminds readers that “The desire to project blame on others, the world, or past events is a universal trait of the egoic mind” and Chapter 20: Be a Seed of Light in a Desperate World where it emphasizes the importance of taking pride in your job. It is important to find a job you like but “…never diminish whatever it is you find yourself doing in the present.” These may not be new theories, but in today’s world, in the midst of all the chaos, both external and internal, it pays to slow down and re-evaluate what makes life worth living. Filled with practical life advice, “The Still Point” is recommended for readers who value concepts such as meditation and self-awareness and are searching for tips on easing the load we all sometimes have to carry.
“There is no denying the terrible injustice that has been happening for a long time, but treating people who are desperately calling out for love with hate and anger simply will not work.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Norman Reedus’ debut novel ‘The Ravaged’ will be out May 10, 2022. Photo: amazon
Norman Reedus is known for starring in the popular AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead as Daryl Dixon, in the film The Boondock Saints (1999) and its sequel The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009) as Murphy MacManus, as Scud in Marvel’s Blade II (2002), Marco in Deuces Wild (2002), and for his AMC TV show Ride with Norman Reedus. His highly anticipated debut novel “The Ravaged,” which will be released on Tuesday May 10, is a fast-paced, up-in-your-face novel of gritty realism, exploring three different personal quests with eerily parallel outcomes. (amazon, 2022)
“The Ravaged” – Jack’s dying mother told him, “Run and never look back.” He spent his life amassing wealth, but after losing his family, he has no one to share it with. Alone with his demons and a backpack, he heads to South America, where people with nothing teach him what matters.
After thrashing his dog-abusing boss, Hunter learns of his father’s death in a mysterious fire. Biker buddies Nugget and Itch ride with him from North Carolina to California. Stories from his father’s life help ease the struggles of small-town Americans. Hunter discovers a secret past.
Seventeen-year-old Anne flees Tennessee after her older brother attacks her. She whacks him with a skillet and hops a freight to Alabama with her best friend. Living hand to mouth, they build friendships, uncovering something they never had.
‘You Speak For Me Now’ is the new novel by Sandy Graham. Photo: amazon
Sandy Grahamis a dual citizen of Canada and the United States. His dual citizenship reflects a North American ancestry dating back to both sides of the American Revolutionary War. It also leads to a desire to see all North Americans find a way to embrace their multiple cultures, languages, and ethnic backgrounds in a manner that provides an opportunity for all to enjoy a full life. His previous books include the Pillage Trilogy, (“Life Shattered,” “Life Rescued,” and “Life Threatened”) “Murder – On Salt Spring?” “The Pizza Dough King,” and “A Quite Rampage.” In his new novel “You Speak For Me Now,” Emma and John, a young couple, risk their marriage, their business, and their lives to speak out against inequality, racism, and fascism.
“You Speak For Me Now” – Emma Simon is a brave but introverted deaf woman of color and John McEwan is an extrovert with a passion for politics and singing. When they meet in the seventh grade, John is immediately smitten, proving that opposites do attract. Not only do they find happiness in marriage, but as business partners. They create an app – Sign-Talk, as a way to give deaf people a way to talk to everyone. As the popularity of the app grows, so does John’s public persona. While promoting Sign-Talk on national TV, John turns the conversation into a discussion about politics. He is quickly targeted by a popular conservative commentator who uses his platform and social media following to attack John’s views and his family. John becomes embroiled in this battle and drags Emma in with him. Forces against them turn violent, driving them into seclusion, tearing them apart, and destroying their rapidly growing company. In a world torn between democracy and dictatorship, can America survive the onslaught of authoritarianism and become once again a beacon of democratic leadership? In a dramatic role reversal, Emma reveals how a strong individual can rise in the face of crises.
Romance novels usually have a happy ending when a couple finally ends up together. Rarely do they expand the narrative to include a lifetime of ups and downs and unexpected surprises that come along the way. This is what makes “You Speak For Me Now” a more realistic account of one couple’s struggles and victories. Emma and John’s story is not a typical ‘happily ever after’ account and is both heart warming and heart breaking. Mr. Graham puts readers through an emotional rollercoaster while at the same time emphasizing music’s ability to heal and bring people together. It is an easy read and the action is mostly dialogue driven and since the story spans decades, the character development is excellent. It is worth mentioning that politics and social issues, such as income and race inequalities, as well as the current state of affairs in the United States plays a big part in the story which will no doubt elicit strong reactions, depending on the reader’s political leanings. Regardless, the book’s underlying message of unity and the need for peace and understanding stands out. “You Speak For Me Now” is a must read novel of love and courage in the midst of life’s toughest moments and is recommended for readers who enjoy romance and political fiction.
“Regardless of our political leaning, liberal or conservative, we must come together to right our ship, to return to morality, integrity, and mutual respect.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Suzie Newell’s ‘The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others’ will be released April 26, 2022. Photo: Suzie Newell
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, everybody needs effective coping strategies to deal with anxiety and change. Based on extensive research and work experience, Suzie Newell’s book, “The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others,” provides a roadmap for reclaiming health from the inside to the outside. The book releases April 26, 2022. (Suzie Newell, 2022)
“The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others”demystifies the concepts of mind, body, and spirit, allowing the readers to create a Path that is uniquely their own. It is a comprehensive guide to life that will empower them to become their best selves by fostering a healthy mindset and giving them daily direction. The book’s down-to-earth coping strategies will enable readers to live in balance and joy again. Most importantly, they will learn how to create activities and mindsets that build the feel-good hormones in their body.
“One day, I was sitting in my tub, where I do all my best thinking, and realized that there [are] a myriad of books out there for people who struggle with substance use disorder or other mental health issues. Those who are religious have access to all sorts of literature. But what about someone who is just tired, emotional, confused, or a hundred other states of mental distress? So, the idea of writing The Path 365 came to me. I can provide coping mechanisms based on my research for everyone, as a gal who has lived it, studied it and totally gets it. This book could be something that was not only useful, but something beautiful, poetic, and entertaining; something people would want to read.” – Suzie Newell
“The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others” is the culmination of Suzie Newell’s lifetime of work in health care, in peer support and within her own personal journey. Designed to be a daily companion, the book provides actionable steps for choosing compassion over resentment, willingness over avoidance, and self-love over anything in order to access happiness and endless possibilities. The book includes exquisite art and illustrations that make the hardcover version worthy of any nightstand or coffee table.
The book is available to pre-order on amazon and will be released in digital and hardcover editions. Suzie Newell has her doctorate specializing in coping mechanisms. She is a speaker and a nurse anesthesiologist. The work she did on substance abuse led her to the evidence revealed in image scanning, peer-reviewed research, and practical science about how the way one copes affects the brain’s ability to be happy.
Suzie’s journey began with a degree in political science working in social justice, but was inspired to work in anesthesia while in Guatemala during the 500 Years of Resistance campaign. From her experience working with women on obstetric units, she saw how mental health issues and substance abuse were tearing apart communities in heart of the opioid crisis. After the tragic loss of her own sister to an overdose, she was compelled to help more, and dedicated her life to health care.
‘Kingdom of Bones’ is the new thriller in the Sigma Force series and will be released on April 19, 2022. Photo: amazon
James Rollins is the author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the “top crowd pleasers” (New York Times) and one of the “hottest summer reads” (People magazine). In each novel, acclaimed for its originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets. His new book “Kingdom of Bones: A Thriller,” is the latest riveting, deeply imaginative thriller in the Sigma Force series, told with his trademark blend of cutting-edge science, historical mystery, and pulse-pounding action. It will be released April 19, 2022. (amazon, 2022)
“Kingdom of Bones”– It begins in Africa. A United Nations relief team in a small village in the Congo makes an alarming discovery. An unknown force is leveling the evolutionary playing field. Men, women, and children have been reduced to a dull, catatonic state. The environment surrounding them—plants and animals—has grown more cunning and predatory, evolving at an exponential pace. The insidious phenomenon is spreading from a cursed site in the jungle — known to locals as the Kingdom of Bones —and sweeping across Africa, threatening the rest of the world. What has made the biosphere run amok? Is it a natural event? Or more terrifyingly, did someone engineer it? Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force are prepared for the extraordinary and have kept the world safe, vigilance for which they have paid a tragic personal price. Even these brilliant and seasoned scientific warriors do not understand what is behind this frightening development—or know how to stop it. As they race to find answers, the members of Sigma quickly realize they have become the prey. To avoid global catastrophe, Sigma Force must risk their lives to uncover the shattering secret at the heart of the African continent—a truth that will illuminate who we are as a species and where we may be headed.
Harlan Coben’s new novel ‘The Match’ will be out Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Photo: amazon
Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries, with seventy-five million books in print worldwide. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and five of his books have been developed into Netflix original series, including his adaptation of ‘The Stranger,’ ‘The Innocent,’ ‘Gone for Good,’ ‘The Woods,’ and ‘Stay Close,’ which was released on December 31, 2021. His new book, ‘The Match’ will be released on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, is book two of the Wilde series. In this new thriller, Wilde follows a tip that may finally reveal the truth behind his abandonment—only to end up in the sights of a ruthless killer. (amazon, 2022)
‘The Match’ – After months away, Wilde has returned to the Ramapo Mountains in the wake of a failed bid at domesticity that confirms what he has known all along: he belongs on his own, free from the comforts and constraints of modern life. Suddenly, a DNA match on an online ancestry database brings Wilde closer to his past than he has ever dreamed, and finally gives Wilde the opening he needs to track down his father. But meeting the man brings up more questions than answers. So Wilde reaches out to his last, most desperate lead, a second cousin who disappears as quickly as he resurfaces, having experienced an epic fall from grace that can only be described as a waking nightmare. Was his cousin’s downfall a long time coming? Or was he the victim of a conspiracy as cunning as it is complex? And how does it all connect to the man once known as The Stranger, a treacherous fugitive with a growing following whose mission and methods have only turned more dangerous with time?
‘Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles’ will be released May 3, 2022. Photo: Steven Joseph
Award-winning author Steven Joseph releases a new children’s book this May 3, 2022. Filled with outlandish humor and lively storytelling, “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” is a feel-taste-smell good story for children ages 5-10, who will surely be left wanting more. (Steven Joseph, 2022)
“Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” – In a cranky world where cars run on sauerkraut, there is a new invention that will change everything: the SnoodleMobile, the brainchild of Herbie Snoodleman. Now cars are powered by noodles, and the delicious aroma produced fills everyone with happiness. While this is a major upgrade for society, the inventor of the KrautMobile, Sour Croodleman, is far from elated. Mr. Croodleman is furious that this newfangled pasta fad destroyed his business and the reputation of his beloved KrautMobiles, and his envy grows deeper every day. When Herbie Snoodleman unveils a flashy new art installation in the local museum, it is the final straw, and Croodleman hatches a plan to destroy it.
The envy monster is something we all deal with at some point, and kids are not exempt from this experience. From being jealous of a sibling to envying the birthday kid, childhood is rife with opportunities to feel frustrated at what others have. But the happy ending of the book teaches a valuable lesson: you do not always need to the most popular person in your group — if you have someone in your life who appreciates you for who you are and what you do, that is the most meaningful appreciation of all. However, perhaps for all readers, the most important lesson is this: Never be afraid to move your world.
Praised as an “adorable children’s book” by Reader’s Favorite, “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” invites readers to enter a world where imagination can solve any challenge, and even the crankiest person can find happiness. The book is filled with “outlandish humor and lively storytelling” and includes beautiful, full-color pictures. In a five-star review, Booktrib raves, “Whether this book is read as a bedtime story to children, or a story time read for the whole class, children will be able to enjoy the characters’ misadventures while also absorbing the important life lesson.”
Steven Joseph is an author, attorney, negotiator, and speaker. He is also a five-time Boston Marathon and 17-time NYC Marathon runner and a humorist who has spent 30 years as a partner with therapists, a lifetime of schuckling at countless synagogues, and practicing zen sitting on a cushion staring at a white wall at the Village Zendo. He is, however, a person still smart enough to know that he has not figured everything out – except for crankiness. His first children’s book, “The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris” was distinguished with the Mom’s Choice Award, and his self-help book, “A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The Crankatsuris Method” received over 300 five-star ratings on amazon.
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‘Dry Heat,’ Len Joy’s new novel, will be out March 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Len Joy is the author of three previous novels, “Everyone Dies Famous” (2020), “Better Days” (2018) and “American Past Time” (2014) and a collection of short fiction, “Letting Go” (2018). In his new book “Dry Heat: A Novel”which will be out Tuesday March 1, the day All-American Joey Blade turns 18, he learns his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, is betrayed by his new girlfriend, and is arrested for the attempted murder of two police officers. Then things get bad. Below is an excerpt from “Dry Heat.”
3 P.M. – SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 20, 1999 ROADRUNNER PARK – PHOENIX, AZ
The gangs were always stealing the nylon basketball nets, so the park director had replaced them with galvanized steel chain, which rattled obnoxiously on every bad shot. Joey frowned as his jump shot clanked off the front rim.
“Your shot sucks today, Joey Blade,” Mallory said as she bounced the ball back to him.
“Your boobs are distracting me. Maybe it’s time you started wearing a bra.” Blonde, with a pixie cut that framed her cute little-girl face, Mallory could have passed for a twelve-year-old if it hadn’t been for her huge breasts. She was fifteen, two years younger than Joey, and they had been playground buddies for ten years. She lived with her creepy father in a rundown brick house a block away and escaped to the park most afternoons.
“Come on, concentrate, Mr. All American.” She lifted up her sweatshirt, flashing him as he took his next shot. An airball.
“Aargh.” Joey chased after the errant shot, hip-checking Mallory as he grabbed the ball. He dribbled out to the corner and swished a turnaround jumper. “Yes! No distractions that time.” He pumped his fist.
Mallory smirked. “Better get used to it. You’ll have plenty of distractions when you’re in Lala Land next week.”
Lala Land.
Joey was out of time. He had to make a decision about his trip to USC and he had to make it now. He clanked another free throw off the rim.
“What’s wrong, Joey?”
“Dutch.”
Mallory scowled as she bounced the ball to him. She knew what Joey’s dad was like. Dutch Blade was an unfiltered, heart- on-his-sleeve guy. He could chew someone out one moment and be hugging them the next.
“He doesn’t want you following in the immortal footsteps of O.J.?”
Joey gave her a look. Mallory was always a smartass. Three weeks ago, in his last high school football game, the Shadow Mountain Matadors had defeated Apache Junction, last year’s state champion, 28 to 24. Joey rushed for 264 yards and scored all four touchdowns for Shadow Mountain. After the game, he was contacted by every school in the PAC 10, all promising that he would have a bright future playing football for their university.
He thought it would be cool to have all that attention, but it was really like trying to date five girls at once. Everyone insisted their school was the best choice for Joey. He didn’t like disappointing people and he didn’t want to string anyone along, so he quickly narrowed the search to USC in Los Angeles and the University of Arizona in Tucson.
He dribbled out to the foul line and took another turnaround jumper. The shot was a foot short and wide left.
Mallory scampered over and picked it up. “You can’t blame that one on me.”
Joey tried spinning the ball on his index finger, but he couldn’t keep his focus. “Dutch grew up in Tucson. He loves the Wildcats. He’s always said that if his folks had had the money, he would have gone to U of A instead of Vietnam.” He glided out to the corner again. “Ball!” he shouted. Mallory fired a chest high pass to him and he swished a fifteen-footer.
“Maybe he just wants to keep you close so you can help with the family business,” Mallory said with a faux expression of innocence.
Dutch had started Blade Engine and Crankshaft when he returned from Vietnam. With the help of Joey’s mom, Callie, it had become the largest engine rebuilder in the southwest.
“My dad thinks anyone who goes to California just wants to be a movie star.”
Mallory tilted her head and squinted at him. “You’re pretty cute with that curly hair and those girly eyelashes. I could definitely see you in the movies.”
“Shut up, Mallory. This is serious.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up? A football player? Or are you planning to take over the business?”
Joey gave her the finger. They’d had that discussion before. “I want to be a writer. USC would be better for that, but to my dad, a writer is even worse than a movie star. He doesn’t think it’s a real job unless you’re sweating.”
“So, your big problem is deciding between a free education in California or Arizona?” Mallory arched her eyebrows, suggesting that was the kind of problem most people would love to have. Then she grinned and said, “You want to come over to my place for a glass of ice tea?”
“Uh . . .” Joey stared down at his feet. Mallory was cool, but he couldn’t stand her father. Donny Stewart worked at Blade Engine as a mechanic doing engine installs. He thought he was some kind of comedian. He was always telling stupid, dirty jokes and his delivery sucked. He acted like Joey was disrespecting him for not laughing his ass off. Joey knew Stewart resented him because he was the boss’s kid. Donny Stewart was an all- around creepy guy.
“My dad’s running the install center today.” Mallory said. “He won’t be home for two hours.”
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