Category: Book Reviews

Author spotlight of the week: Tanya Hilson

Tanya Hilson is the author of several stand alone novels and children’s books. Photo: This That Production

Tanya Hilson is an author who loves the joy of storytelling and writing. Her passion for writing started at a young age and has stayed with her throughout her life. Focusing on children’s stories, family life fiction, women’s issues, and urban life novels, she has written several books ranging from stand alone novels, children’s books, and The Shadow Eyes series. Some of these include “Back Porch Secrets,” “Backporch Neighbors,” “Human Collateral,” which received high accolades on Coverfly, “My Cousin Sue,” and “John’s Hidden Truth.” (Tanya Hilson, 2023)

“Back Porch Secrets” – So much personal drama goes on behind closed doors, but wait until you read what is going on behind these doors. Take a glimpse into the lives and secrets of these Chicago neighbors. The Addict, The Drinker, The Abuser, The Dope Dealer. You never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life until now. Are you ready to clap, laugh, be surprised and cry as you read the trials and tribulations of these lives unfold? Mind-blogging, breathtaking, and so real, THESE are their SECRETS. Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Human Collateral” – Millicent “Mill” Brown is not the perfect mother – she runs her apartment as a trap house on the Southside of Chicago. However, when Mill’s apartment is raided and a deal goes wrong, Mill is arrested and her children are taken away by the Department of Children and Family Services. While this injustice system processes Mill into the court system, Director Mrs. Ross starts orchestrating the sale of Mill’s young son and daughter to traffickers on the black market, which includes some high office officials. Will Millicent be able to get out of jail in time to find her children, or will jail and her mental state become more harmful to herself and those around her? Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“My Cousin Sue” – Children can often say some mean things. Take a look into the world of Sue, a preteen born with vitiligo who is being homeschooled by her parents. With the helpful advice from her cousin London, can Sue find the courage to go back to regular school, or will the thought of being teased cause her to want to continue homeschooling? This book gives children the courage and strength to overcome their fears. Read the reviews.

“John’s Hidden Truth” – After months of torture by one of his peers, John is pushed to the edge. It is here that we are given a glimpse into one of this generation’s most heartbreaking tragedies in the American school system: bullying. Can John return to the way things were, or has he reached the point of no return? From Tanya Hilson comes a heart-wrenching story to help elementary-aged students comprehend and tackle the difficult subjects of racism, bullying, and gun violence within our American schools. “John’s Hidden Truth” tackles the difficult realities of today’s society in our school-aged children. Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Backporch Neighbors” – Lies, cheating, deceit, and back-stabbing. Take a look into the lives of these Backporch Neighbors. You never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life until now. Peek into the lives of these Chi-town folks: Scooter, the star football player; the building matriarch, Ms. Ruby; the neighborhood dope man, Bobby; and let us not forget, the gambler and drinker, Debbie. Are you ready to take a break from your own drama and dive into somebody else’s? If so, get ready to clap, laugh, sing, and cry as you watch the sorrows and triumphs of these everyday folks unfold. Mind-boggling, breathtaking, and hilarious: This is their story. Read the reviews.

Photo: Amazon

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Book review: ‘The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit’ by Elizabeth A. Gould

‘The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit’ by Elizabeth A. Gould. Photo: Amazon

Elizabeth Gould is a mother, teacher, art historian, and menstrual advocate and has long been fascinated with the importance of rites of passage and divine feminine archetypes for women in our modern culture. She has taught and mentored girls at puberty and is the former director of a nonprofit dedicated to positive menstrual/menopausal education. She holds a BA in Art History from Stanford University and an MA in Education from the State University of New York. “The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit” follows a female heroine through poignant moments of her adult life. (Elizabeth Gould, 2023)

“The Well of Truth” – Incorporating elements of fantasy, mysticism, and lore, Grace experiences life’s ups and downs. Through the initiations of marriage, raising children, getting divorced, going through menopause, losing loved ones, and ultimately making an independent life for herself, she gains insight and spiritual wisdom from unexpected places. These short stories are filled with reflections on feminine resilience, power, and agency. It begins with Grace deciding to spend the summer traveling in Scotland to work on her photography portfolio and research her Celtic ancestry. From there, her life’s milestones come and go, sometimes with unexpected surprises, but she always comes out on top a little wiser with the help of various deities.

Every woman’s life journey is different but we all share the same milestones and struggles. This is what makes Grace’s story so relatable. Readers bear witness to one woman’s transformation from young woman to mom and beyond, complete with victories as well as heartbreaks. The tone has a certain dreamlike quality, with the narration going back and forth between daydreaming and reality. Throughout her life, her personal values are deep rooted in nature and the different goddesses that push her along to succeed. The chapters/stories are short and easy to to read and the language is flowing and poetic. “The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit” is charming and entertaining and can easily be read in one sitting yet the themes of nature, resiliency, and personal growth resonate past the final page. It is recommended for readers who enjoy books on folklore, fantasy, spiritualism, and magical realism.

*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: ‘Sarcaun: The Journey’ by Simone Voltaire

‘Sarcaun: The Journey’ by Simone Voltaire. Photo: Amazon

Simone Voltaire is a first-time author who has always loved reading a variety of genres including the classics, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery books. The creativity and captivating imagination that she enjoyed reading inspired her to put her own imagination into words to share with others. Her father, Arnauld Voltaire, who himself wrote plays and stories, is the one who encouraged her to pursue her goal of writing. She first started by writing short stories that she shared with friends and family but eventually decided to set a goal of writing a book. She wrote “Sarcaun: The Journey” in a span of a few years; it is an integration of many short stories and adventures that she had written that entailed the world of Sarcaun when she first started writing. The book has been positively reviewed by Sarah Poulette from US Review of Books. She is currently working on completing book two of “Sarcaun.” (Simone Voltaire, 2023)

“Sarcaun: The Journey” – For millions of years, gifted Gens lived on earth, until they decided to leave to protect their kind from humans. Thousands of years later, Princess Norellyia is sent from Sarcaun on a trip to earth in order to change her attitude. While living with a family on earth, she discovers a secret about the daughter, Melanie. She intervenes and ends up rescuing Melanie from trouble. In the meantime, chaos ensues on the planet of Sarcaun as evil is unleashed through the portal created by her departure to earth. Norellyia finds herself on a journey that will change her life forever. Also available on Barnes & Noble.

Excerpt available.

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Book review: ‘Off The Dribble’ by The Governor

‘Off The Dribble’ by The Governor. Photo: Amazon

The Governor aka The Gov is a multi-talented musical producer, songwriter, performer, music executive/CEO now author. Born and raised in Oakland California, he is involved in a variety of genres from poetry, comedy, and urban ghetto stories. He hopes that by pouring his street knowledge and musical career into his books, it will provide a vivid visual for connecting with viewers from the different aspects of life. (Amazon, 2023)

“Off The Dribble” – This is an excellent work of urban fiction that centers around young Maxwell Pixar who grew up in East Oakland, California. His story begins during his youth, as he references the days, and his life’s struggles, which he compares to basketball and uses sports metaphors throughout the book. Based on his knowledge growing up, his life is made up of four levels: the gansta, player, Mack and hustler and even as a young boy, he was always looking around, absorbing everything around him and he learned lessons that served him as he grew older. Some of these included how there are two sides to every story and the importance of getting both before forming an opinion and that ‘the hood’ needs to be openminded and optimistic in order to grow and progress.

Further, he comments on the biases and the justice system and how they effect different types of people and in multiple ways. It is an interesting take on the judicial structures through the eyes of a young African American male. It brings out topics such as the fourteenth amendment and the issue of privacy between a detainee and his/her attorney. There is very interesting word play, which I am only assuming the author uses to give the story authenticity. It is a quick read and should interest readers who like urban fiction, reflected through the views of Black/African American voices.

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

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Aspire Higher’ by Ken Lindner

‘Aspire Higher’ by Ken Lindner Photo: Amazon

Ken Lindner is the founder of Positive Life Choice Psychology™ and the Positive Life Choice Psychology Lifestyle™. His calling is to envision what can be in people and to craft the steps that turn their great potential into a highly positive and productive reality. Ken Lindner graduated from Harvard University (magna cum laude) and from Cornell Law School. In “Aspire Higher: How to Find the Love, Positivity, and Purpose to Elevate Your Life and the World!,” he encourages you to truly love yourself, lead your very best and highest life, and spread that love to the world around you. (Ken Lindner, 2023)

“Aspire Higher” – The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought global devastation along with rampant violence, vitriol, racism, distrust, and anger. The world is in serious need of love, repair, and healing and so are all of us as individuals. There has never been a better time than right now to seize the life you truly crave, be your greatest self, and share that positivity with others in order to make the world a more loving and positive place. Most of us want love and peace in our hearts and in the world, but in this book, Ken Lindner, author, renowned celebrity career coach, and founder of Positive Life Choice Psychology, shows you how to actually achieve that goal through clear, actionable steps and strategies. He teaches you how to develop true, empowering inner love and organically share it with others, raise your feelings of self-esteem and self-worth, embrace positive emotions, and help create a far more respectful, civil, and empathetic country and world. It is divided into four parts: Part 1: Your Heart-of-Hearts, Part 2: How to Make Cognitively Clear Choices That Reflect Your Highest Values and Highest Self, Part 3: Know What Your Highest Values and Goals Are, and Part 4: The PLCP Philosophies, Aspirations, Ideals, and Words That Will Fill Your Heart-of-Hearts with Love. In the Author’s Note, he explains that the foundation of the book is Positive Life Choice Psychology,™ or “PLCP.” It is “a set of clear, logical, and accomplishable steps and strategies that will equip, enable, and – in the true sense of the word – empower you to make positive choices throughout your life.” The Appendix includes exercises to get the reader to further explore their own personal goals and accomplishments.

In these modern challenging times, we all need some positive and encouraging words to help us put our best foot forward. “Aspire Higher” is a positive, inspiring, and motivational book that gives step by step advice on achieving a more positive outlook and sharing it with others. The language is simple and easy to understand and the layout makes the information easier to take in visually. The exercises at the end are helpful and insightful. His tone is compassionate without coming across as condescending. Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read a chapter and contemplate on the topic afterwards. Highlights include Part 1, Chapter 1: The Negativity Bias where he explains that we tend to focus more on negative experiences, that they have more lasting effects and cause trauma, and that they are more contagious than positive experiences; and Part 2, Chapter 13: Correction Day where he reiterates that when you make a mistake, it is best to identify it, figure out how you can make better choices going forward, and the importance of not repeating the same mistake. Most importantly, he states that we should practice ‘selective amnesia:’ learning from our mistakes and carrying them with us into the future. His philosophies and advice come from a positive place and are intended to help readers improve their lives. “Aspire Higher” is an empowering book for the times and is recommended for readers interested in self help and motivational books.

“There are things in life that you can’t control, but you can control your choices, values, attitudes, perceptions, actions, and who and what you choose to include in your life.”

*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.

Book review: ‘The Peacekeeper’ by B.L. Blanchard

‘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.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Healing Begins With Us’ by Ronni Tichenor and Jennie Weaver

‘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 Tichenor has 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.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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Book review: ‘Unity of the Forgotten’ by A.I. Marchron

‘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.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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Book review: ‘Communicate with Courage’ by Michelle D. Gladieux

‘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.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘The Paper Tiger Syndrome’ by Rebecca A. Ward

‘The Paper Tiger Syndrome’ is a guidebook on the journey of healing and self-repair. Photo: Amazon

Rebecca A. Ward is an American therapist, activist, healer, author, speaker, and coach. As a trauma survivor herself, she has triumphed over extraordinary suffering and come out on other side to her joy again. As a licensed therapist in California and ICF-Certified Professional Coach, Rebecca holds a multitude of trauma-informed certifications, including Somatic Experiencing®. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation and CA Marriage and Family Therapists Association. In her new book, “The Paper Tiger Syndrome: How to Liberate Yourself from the Illusion of Fear,” Rebecca shares her personal trauma-to-resilience story and the wisdom from her own clients to help readers transform their own trauma wounds into personal growth, presence, resilience, and joy and reconnect back to the truest version of themselves—what she calls the Original Blueprint®. (Amazon, 2022)

“The Paper Tiger Syndrome” – Paper tigers are thoughts and experiences that conjure up dread but do not present any real danger, they just create the same physiological responses in the human body that our ancestors experienced when they were stalked by predators on the plains. In the modern world, however, those responses are unwarranted. They are neurological “misfires” that harm our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, all in an effort to keep us “safe.” In the Preface section of the Introduction, the author explains that the book is “a roadmap to guide you on that journey back home.” This is followed by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey to help readers find out where to begin since ACEs are known to be linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance abuse in adulthood. The book consists of examples from her clients’ lives, and her own, as well as journaling ideas and exercises/rituals to enhance the healing process. All together, she shares ways to overcome fear, stress, and trauma in your life to help regulate your physical body. Based largely on the principles of somatic therapy, it contains specific exercises and tools to help you walk the bridge from fear to safety to unconditional love. It is divided into ten chapters including The Anatomy of Fear, How We Survive Childhood, and It Takes a Village.

Now more than ever, people are struggling with anxiety and depression. Life’s hardships can create a sense of apprehension that is hard to shake but the truth is that most fears and anxieties are really just paper tigers. A paper tiger is defined as ‘something, or someone, that appears to be a threat, but in reality is powerless.’ The difficulties the author experienced and surpassed give this book an aura of authenticity; she knows what she is talking about and her tone is caring without being condescending. She even pauses every now and then to encourage readers to take a break if necessary. The language is easy to understand and the layout of the information includes diagrams, lists, and reflection opportunities. To get the full benefits, the author recommends having a personal journal to complete the written exercise and write down your thoughts or download the Companion Workbook. Highlights include Chapter Four: It Takes a Village where she stresses that a lack of connection ‘heightens fear reactions and diminishes virtually ever aspect of life, including longevity’ and Chapter Seven: Healing Childhood Wounds where she shares guidelines to help overcome harmful childhood conditionings like body shaming. “The Paper Tiger Syndrome” is a highly informative resource guide that is encouraging and therapeutic and includes the necessary tools to guide readers through their healing journey. It is recommended for readers interested in self help, personal transformation, and spirituality books.

“Fear is a cheap marketing tool to keep you in line. Fear is not the way any infinite Source wants us to feel. We’re here to discover love for all that is in us and around us.”

*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.