Category: Book Reviews

Book review: ‘Cast No Shadow’ by Nancy Leonard

‘Cast No Shadow’ is the new psychological thriller by ‘Nancy Leonard.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Nancy Leonard is an award-winning novelist who retired from a career as a physical therapist and rehabilitation clinic manager to pursue writing full time. Her focus is on psychological suspense thrillers, her specialty is in-depth character development with extensive research into Blackfeet Native American culture, wildland firefighting, and modern Middle Eastern culture and politics. She is the author of the Relentless River Series that consists of eight interconnected novels. While battling evil influences and life and death situations, characters cope with events in their pasts that have molded them while wrestling with their own morality. The series includes “Headwaters,” “Becomes A Horseman,” and “The Earth’s Backbone.” Her new novel “Cast No Shadow” involves the destructive collision between a psychopathic patriarch, Frederick Weingarten, and the two sons he dominates. (Amazon, 2022)

“Cast No Shadow” – The story begins as Bruce Weingarten and Alec Cummings are called into their father’s office. They are foster brothers who over the years have been manipulated to battle each other, especially for leadership of the family business. A woman, Eleanor, has been disrupting the father’s business interests and he wants her rattled into backing off. Fearing an innocent woman could be killed if he does not comply with Frederick’s instructions, Alec assaults her as instructed and is almost beaten to death in retribution when his identity is discovered. Tormented and in a rage of total despair and failure, his brother Bruce attempts to run two women off the road during a blizzard. They avoid serious harm but the horror of what he has become enables him to begin rebuilding his life. The young men’s attempts to free themselves from their father’s malevolent domination unleashes Frederick’s unrestrained rage at their betrayal. Alice Sanders and Tashi Long, two Blackfeet women who love and support Bruce and Alec, are caught in the crossfire as they become targets of Frederick’s quest for vengeance. They will ultimately battle for their souls and physical survival in the mountainous region and plains of northern Montana.

Psychological manipulation within the family unit has been proven to have lasting harmful effects affecting relationships for years. Such is the case between brothers Bruce and Alec. Although Alec is taken in by the family as a boy due to his abusive father and absent mother, they grow up together. What starts out as friendship develops into a cold and distant relationship brought on by the father’s caustic personality. Told in the first person point of view alternating between Bruce and Alec, readers witness their internal conflicts and their eventual redemption. The excellent character development makes them relatable, especially when Bruce and Alec’s new friends in Montana eventually welcome them as their own. With descriptive language ranging from describing a beating: “Blood is caked on the side of my face and my left eye is almost swollen shut. I have a deep crease of torn tissue under my left ear,” to the beautiful outdoor scenery: “The sapphire sky contrasts with aqua caverns, shimmering up from the glacial ice,” the reader is drawn into the story. The action is fast paced and naturally flows through the pages. Highlights include Chapter 3 which foreshadows Bruce’s change of heart, when he realizes that he is turning into his father, and not in a good way: “Suddenly I stop in horror. This has to stop. I’m becoming my father” and the action on Chapters 34 through 35 when Tashi falls in the ice while trying to rescue a little boy. “Cast No Shadow” is a fascinating story of two brothers who despite their volatile upbringing find ways to liberate themselves. It is a must read psychological thriller recommended for fans of the genre who also appreciate learning about Native American culture.

“I’m as far from all right as it’s possible to be and still be alive. I feel like I’m continually shrinking. Soon I’ll be so small I won’t even cast a shadow.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Book review: ‘Dissection’ by Cristina LePort, MD

‘Dissection’ is the debut suspense thriller by Cristina LePort, MD. Photo: Amazon

Dr. Cristina LePort was born in Bologna, Italy, where she attended medical school before emigrating to the USA to complete her Internal Medicine residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn and her Cardiology fellowship at West Los Angeles VA/UCLA. She has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years as Dr. Cristina Rizza. “Dissection: A Medical and Political Thriller” is her first published novel and a tense thriller with complex characters that combines cutting-edge medical technology with horrific yet still believable terrorist plots.

“Dissection” – DC heart surgeon Dr. Steven Leeds is suddenly overwhelmed by a handful of extremely complicated heart attack and stroke cases, all caused by a rare arterial injury―a dissection. The victims all have one thing in common: they receive harmless-looking cards announcing, “Your heart attack/stroke will arrive within one hour!” It all starts with Dr. Nirula receiving a card warning him of an impending fatal heart attack. At first he dismisses it because he knows his personal odds of such an episode are slim, but then he remembers that 25% of people who have heart attacks have no known risks. His heart starts pounding as his life flashes through his mind, but eventually he moves on. He is the first of many such cases but unfortunately some do not make it. When private detective Kirk Miner and FBI agent Jack Mulville start investigating, they immediately suspect Leeds’ former lover, Dr. Silvana Moretti, a brilliant research scientist who harbors a grudge against all the victims. When important people in the U.S. government begin to receive these same threatening cards and experience similar cardiac emergencies, it falls to the unlikely team of three―the headstrong FBI agent, the gifted private investigator, and the brilliant but conflicted heart surgeon―to find the actual perpetrators and to snuff out a catastrophic plot that only the medically astute can divine.

Dr. Cristina LePort has written an impressive debut novel. Her experience as a medical professional gives it an authentic voice, for example, when she describes a heart attack: “a heavy sickening pressure rose from the center of his chest and spread like an oil spill to reach his jaw.” When doctors themselves get sick, the experience tends to give them a reality check, such as when Dr. Nirula admits that it is not fun being on the other side, being the patient instead of the doctor. The thorough character development makes them relatable, flawed, but overall courageous. With her descriptive language, the author makes the story come alive: “Fear receded like a wave from the shore and crashed into anger.” The political thriller subplot gives it an extra thrill ride during the rush to find the designated survivor to avoid a catastrophe and in case the president does not make it. The chapters are short and the action is mostly dialogue driven. Highlights include Chapter 3: Dissection where Dr. LePort describes Dr. Steven Leeds preparing to perform surgery: he “slid a cap over his thinning black hair, reached for a sponge, and stepped on the pedal to switch on the water” and Chapter 31: Choices when all hell breaks loose and Kirk Miner and Jack Mulville relentlessly pursue the terrorists even though they have both been injured. “Dissection” is a must read suspenseful page turner that combines a fast paced medical thriller with white knuckle political action. It is recommended for readers who appreciate the best of Tom Clancy and Robin Cook.

“She stared at her husband for a long moment as if deciding how to best handle the possible emergency. The man flapped his hand, hurrying her to get ready. A few minutes later, man and wife sat buckled up in their car on their way to Capitol Hospital. The man’s headache and neck pain escalated with the car’s bouncing and swerving. To him, the city street lights appeared blurred. Panic set in.”

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

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘You Don’t Need Salvation’ by H. Conradie

‘You Don’t Need Salvation’ by H. Conradie will be available December 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

H. Conradie is a former Christian who preached on street corners at the age of 18 and struggled for many years to find the courage to openly say that creation does not align with creation myths. He is the author of “You Don’t Need Salvation: you have no sin,” the book that frees millions of people from the idea that they are sinful and need salvation. (H. Conradie, 2022)

“You Don’t Need Salvation” – Have you ever doubted the existence of the biblical Adam and Eve? Have you ever wondered why a book with so many contradictions should be called the ‘Word of God’? Have you wondered why no trace of Hebrew slaves can be found in any Egyptian records? Billions of people brought up to believe biblical myths have asked the same questions you do and are demanding answers now. The Christian narrative of mankind being ‘lost’ is based upon the myth of ‘Adam and Eve.’ Children brought up in Christian homes are programmed to believe in myths as if they were real and told that they are lost forever except if they believe in the solution offered for a problem that does not exist. The author provides proof that the Bible cannot be the ‘Word’ of a perfect God, as it is historically inaccurate, full of contradictions, scientifically inaccurate, and bases its ‘solution’ on the myth of the ‘first Adam.’ In the Introduction, he welcomes readers brave enough to question what they have been conditioned to believe since childhood. The book is divided into fourteen chapters such as What Is The Bible, Biblical History, and Biblical Contradictions. He invites readers to free themselves from the 2000-year-old lie that they are sinful and in need of salvation.

Anyone who grew up in a church can agree that you are taught that “faith is a one-way street.” You are told to believe that the Bible is the “Word of God” and that is the end of discussion. But what if you were presented with logical data, from a scientific viewpoint, that this may not be the truth. Can you honestly say that you would consider a different perspective? This is what H. Conradie does; he provides a compelling argument regarding the validity of the Bible. By applying the IF, THEN math logic, he investigates and summarizes what the Bible is and is not, whether it is without error, and whether it is considered inspired by God. Highlights include Chapter 7: Biblical Contradictions, where he examines several biblical themes, for example, the order of creation, and shows how it differs from Genesis Chapter 1 and 2; and Chapter 10: The Myth of Sin where he debunks the concept of sin because it is introduced in the creation myth story of Adam and Eve. If this all seems cold and disheartening, it should not be, for as the author points out, “science and spiritual understanding are moving ever closer together.” Concepts such as love, hope, forgiveness, morality, and the afterlife should not be considered the exclusive domain of the religious. His tone is non-confrontational and empathic and the language is down to earth. Aside from the Applying Math section in Chapter 2, which requires careful reading, the material is easy to understand. “You Don’t Need Salvation” is an insightful examination of the Bible and is recommended for readers who appreciate debate on widely accepted religious dogma and can remain open minded when presented with viewpoints that differ from their own.

“Once we acknowledge that no one has all the answers, we are ready to learn. Once we acknowledge that we will never know the whole truth, we are even further prepared for truth and growth.”

*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: ‘The #PACE Process for Early Career Success’ by Mark Zides

‘The #PACE Process for Early Career Success’ is the new business career guide by Mark Zides. Photo: Amazon

Mark Zides is the founder and CEO of CoreAxis Consulting, an award-winning custom learning and development, professional and leadership development, and talent management firm. CoreAxis partners with companies such as Amazon, Thermo-Fisher Scientific, Netflix, Nestle, and more, to develop innovative immersive learning solutions for their workforce. Over his 30 years advising clients on building future leaders and talent for organizations of all sizes, Mark brings a thoughtful and impactful coaching model to many aspiring trailblazers. Mark is now the bestselling author of “The #PACE Process for Early Career Success.” This book is impacting the lives of young Millennials and Gen Z professionals and helping them thrive in their careers. (Amazon, 2022)

“The #PACE Process for Early Career Success” – With the structure of the workforce changing now more than ever, it pays to shift our views regarding job search and career success. This book is designed to help you unlock the mindset, traits, and techniques needed to Plan, Apply for, Commit to, and Evaluate your ideal career path. In fact, those are the 4 sections of the book: Prepare, Apply, Commit, and Evaluate. Whether you plan to enter the corporate world, join a startup, or start your own business, you will learn how to build a network, master interviewing skills, leverage your personal brand, and even how and when to move on to your next opportunity. With more than twenty years of experience as an entrepreneur, businessman, and CEO, Mark Zides teaches young adults the skills they need to get their feet in the door, climb the ladder, and not stop achieving until they find success. In the Introduction, he makes it a point to introduce himself, his background, and what qualifies him to give the advice in this book. He is from a working class family and knows what it is like to work for a living and his own career path has not been easy. The material covers topics like job hunting, networking, and interviewing skills as well has how to find success in your given career once you get a job.

Career guides are invaluable sources of job search and career advice. “The #PACE Process for Early Career Success” is definitely no exception. Mark Zides uses real life examples, research, and sometimes some tough love to arm workers with the necessary skills to not just survive the modern workforce but to thrive. When looking through job listings, he advises, “….if you don’t like the language used in the ad, respect that feeling. It won’t get better, that much I can assure you.” His tone is approachable and the language used is easy to understand and follow. The chapter layouts makes the information easy to understand. Highlights include Chapter 4 Personal Brand, Résumés, & Cover Letters especially the section Company Red Flags, which describes how to identify what the company is looking for and their culture, and Chapter 7 Once You’re In which explains the importance of reading the contract when being offered a new job and creating a 90 Day Plan once you accept the job offer. The focused demographic is young people starting off their careers, but anyone looking for a career change, or even looking for a job, can benefit from it. Even if you are not currently job searching, the chapters on how to recognize burnout and how to know when it is time to move on are extremely informative. “The #PACE Process for Early Career Success” is the definitive guide for working professionals, both young and old and is a must-read for recent college graduates ready to enter the workforce. It is recommended for readers interested in career guides, books on job hunting and interviewing skills, and those looking for a refresher course in career management.

“…the ability to lead, communicate, adapt to change, and problem-solve when things don’t go your way (without taking it personally) are the most important skills that young professionals need to obtain for their long term success” – Joe Lazarek (Foreword)

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Book review: ‘The Public Relations Handbook’ by Robert L. Dilenschneider

‘The Public Relations Handbook” – fifth edition, edited by Robert L. Dilenschneider. Photo: Amazon

Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. Headquartered in New York and Chicago, the Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs, and international media. Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, Mr. Dilenschneider is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, and consumer groups, among others. He is the editor of “The Public Relations Handbook,” a comprehensive and invaluable guide for public relations practitioners in the 2020s and beyond. (Amazon, 2022)

“The Public Relations Handbook” – nineteen contributing authors navigate the subject of public relations. In this field, it is no longer enough to be able to write an attention grabbing press releases and to establish media contacts. Nowadays, you must also be able to navigate the digital world and be prepared to work with other professionals. The skills needed in today’s public relations include supporting a company’s marketing and sales, handling social media, managing government relations, effectively working with the media, communicating with the investment community, supporting top management during a crisis or scandal, and positively positioning the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and government issues. It is divided into seventeen chapters, including Engaging the Community: Public Relations Is All About People and Working with the Media: They Are Not the Enemy, but Care is Required. The first five revolve around public relations, what it is and how it works. The last six deal with how to navigate public relations in different places, like private families, higher education, and countries like China, Japan, and Canada. Each chapter ends with a ‘Takeaways’ section that summarizes the topics covered.

Public relations has always been an important part of all types of businesses because it facilitates relationships among business professionals. “The Public Relations Handbook” was first published in 1967 and this new fifth edition explains how to deal with a more complex and constantly changing digital world and addresses new challenges in the financial, economic, political, public health and societal sectors. Editor Robert L. Dilenschneider is a communications executive who brings together leading experts in the field to address the specific skill sets, strategies, and execution that public relations practitioners need today. The language is relatively easy to understand and the overall layout of the chapters makes the information clear and accessible to the general reader. Highlights include Chapter 11 Crisis Communications: Not If, but When because it discusses what to do in your organization when a crisis occurs including how to handle the backlash and Chapter 13 Going Forward with China: A Guide to Success because it goes into detail of specific scenarios, for example, at a formal meal in China, ‘it is considered very rude in Chinese culture to eat before the host starts.’ The target audience may be public relations professionals but everyone can benefit from it, especially the chapters dealing with how people outside the United States conduct professional and personal business. “The Public Relations Handbook” is a valuable resource guide for the public relations professional and is recommended for readers who appreciate learning about public relations and business management even if they are not in the business of public relations.

“Public relations professionals must be prepared to deal with a staggering variety of people, issues, and subjects. After all, ‘it takes a village’ – public relations, as we know from its very name, is not done in isolation. It is a collegial endeavor.”

*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: ‘Pitch Like Hollywood’ by Peter Desberg and Jeffery Davis

‘Pitch Like Hollywood’ by Peter Desberg and Jeffrey Davis. Photo: Amazon

Peter Desberg is professor emeritus at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award and Outstanding Professor Award. The author of 23 books, he has been quoted by such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today and The New York Times, and has consulted for companies including Apple, Boeing and Toyota in the areas of pitching and persuasion, corporate presentations, and using storytelling and humor in business presentations. Jeffrey Davis is a professor of screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and served from 2009-2019 as the department chair. As a consultant, his areas have also included writing, pitching, and employing storytelling and humor in business presentations. In their new book “Pitch Like Hollywood: What You Can Learn From the High-Stakes Film Industry,” they offer inside tips on how to craft pitches that seal the deal―no matter what industry you work in―and banish presentation anxiety forever. (Amazon, 2022)

“Pitch Like Hollywood” – From impromptu elevator pitches to full-board presentations, sales and marketing professionals face an “audience” daily―often with make-or-break consequences. As the person delivering the performance, you need to know you have a good pitch and are able to maintain composure throughout. There are no better coaches than clinical psychologist Peter Desberg and writer/producer Jeffrey Davis to help you polish both pitch and performance. With experience and insights from both the film industry and the corporate world, they understand the pitch process. Regardless of what business you are in, they explain how to up your game ―by incorporating elements of a classic Hollywood pitch: driving emotion, piquing curiosity, and ultimately winning over decision makers with powerful persuasion and performance. They guide you through the entire process, from defining the fundamentals to designing effective presentation strategies to overcoming stage fright. “Pitch Like Hollywood” is divided into seventeen chapters, including Pitch Basics, The Roots of Pitch Panic, and Creating the Pitch. In Chapter 1, Introduction, they explain that the goal of the book is to help you prepare, practice, and present a pitch because even though you cannot plan for everything, it is always better to be prepared. This way, no matter what happens, you will be able to think on your feet and get through any unforeseen obstacles.

Pitching can be nerve-wrecking and intimidating. Whether speaking to an audience of one or a team, being prepared can make or break your pitch. Peter Desberg and Jeffrey Davis give insider tips for successful pitching, including what to expect from a pitch meeting to how to deal with setbacks. This book is a master class on giving successful performances at board meetings, sales calls, or whenever else you want to make a case to get the results you want. It empowers and motivates those who are new to pitching as well as seasoned professionals who could use a refresher course. The focus is primarily on what Hollywood executives want and expect from a pitch but this type of advice can be useful when meeting with executives in any industry. The language is down to earth and straightforward and the chapter layouts make the subject matter easy to follow. Highlights include Chapter 15 – Practice Strategies, specifically Distraction Training (distraction exercises) and Practicing Breath Control (breath control exercises) and Chapter 8 The Pitch Panic Cycle, which consists of five stages: Making Predictions, Experiencing Anxiety, Providing Evidence for the Prosecution, Multitasking: Hit or Myth?, and Making Mistakes. “Pitch Like Hollywood” is a resourceful and informative business guide to pitching that is full of advice anyone can use. It may be specific to the entertainment business, but the information it contains is universally helpful regardless of the audience.

“…one of the obstacles you’ll face is that people don’t like change. Even if you have a better idea, there’s comfort in the status quo when we know that it works.”

*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: ‘Fonchito and The Moon’ by Mario Vargas Llosa

‘Fonchito and The Moon’ by Mario Vargas Llosa. Photo: Amazon

Mario Vargas Llosa was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 in recognition of his contribution as one of the most important voices in contemporary literature. Born in Arequipa, Peru, he received his doctorate in philosophy and letters in Madrid. His novels include “The Time of the Hero,” “The Feast of the Goat,” and “Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter.” “Fonchito and the Moon” is his first children’s book. It is illustrated by Marta Chicote Juiz.

“Fonchito and the Moon” – This is the story of Fonchito, who falls in love for the very first time and discovers that there is nothing one cannot do for a loved one, even if what they wish for is the moon. Fonchito is a little boy with his heart set on winning the affection of his classmate Nereida. She is beautiful, and all he hopes for is her permission to kiss her on the cheek. But she is shy and agrees under only one condition: that Fonchito bring the moon to her. Bring her the moon? What is Fonchito to do? In that moment his love inspires him to find a way to do the impossible.

One of life’s hardest lesson is finding a way to achieve your heart’s desire even when it seems impossible, especially for young children. This first children’s book by Mario Vargas Llosa, one of the world’s greatest writers, is an enchanting story about the magic in discovering how high you can reach for those you love, even if they ask for the moon. Fonchito has a crush on Nereida, a fellow classmate. All he wants is permission to kiss her on the cheek and he searches high and low for a way to grant her wish. “Fonchito and the Moon” is an inspirational story for children, focusing on finding a way to achieve the impossible and the merits of not giving up. The illustrations by Maria Chicote Juiz are bright and colorful and brilliantly bring the story to life. It is recommended for children ages 6-8 years old in grades in kindergarten through fifth.

*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.