Tag: Book news

Book to movie adaptation: ‘Mustang Miracle’ by Humberto G Garcia

Based on a true story, the movie adaptation of ‘Mustang Miracle’ will be released nationwide on April 12, 2024. Photo: Amazon

Humberto G. Garcia was born in 1955 and raised in the San Felipe section of the City of Del Rio, Texas. He spent many years as a migrant farm worker before graduating from high school in 1972. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin where he received his BA in Government in 1975  and then received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1978. He returned to Del Rio to practice law for six years and then moved to San Antonio where he has practiced as a litigator of civil cases for over twenty five years. In 2006 he became a professional golfer, playing several qualifiers into the Champions Tour as well as several mini tours. He continues to play golf professionally and is devoting time to writing. (Amazon, 2024)

“Mustang Miracle,” his first published book, is the story of young caddies who are recruited to form the San Felipe High School Golf Team and competed against all-white schools for the Texas State High School Golf Championship. The movie adaptation, which will be released on Friday April 12 under the name The Long Game, is directed by Julio Quintana and stars Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid, and Cheech Marin.

“Mustang Miracle” – In 1957, when very few Mexican-Americans were familiar with the game of golf, and even less actually played it, the young caddies are recruited  by two men who loved the game but who had limited access to it. Despite having outdated and inferior equipment, no professional lessons or instructions, four young golfers with self-taught swings from the border city of Del Rio captured the State title. Three of them took the gold, silver and bronze medals for best individual players. This book tells their story from their introduction to the game as caddies to eventually becoming champions.

Movie synopsis: The Long Game tells a true story of the San Felipe Mustangs, a group of Mexican-American youths located in Del Rio, Texas. In 1955, the group sets out to play golf at a white country club in town. Determined to learn how to play they created their own golf course in the middle of the South Texas desert. Despite prejudice, the Mustangs overcame these obstacles to become the 1957 Texas state champions and broke barriers for many Latino PGA Golfers to come.

The Long Game
Drama
Rated PG for language, racial slurs, thematic material, some violence, and brief rude material.
Run time: 1h 52 min

Photo: Google

Book to series adaptation: ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles

The series adaptation of ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ will be available on Showtime/Paramount +. Photo: Amazon

Amor Towles is an American novelist who graduated from Yale College and received an M.A. from Stanford University. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and “The Lincoln Highway,” as well as the short story collection “Table for Two.” His books have collectively sold more than six million copies and have been translated into more than thirty languages. His 2016 novel “A Gentleman in Moscow” was adapted into an 8 episode series and will be available on Showtime/Paramount + starting on March 31, 2024. It stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov. (Amazon, 2024)

“A Gentleman in Moscow” is a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel.

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.

Book to series adaptation: ‘Shōgun’ by James Clavell

‘Shōgun’ by James Clavell has been adapted into a 10 episode series for FX. Photo: Amazon

If you are a fan of historical drama, this new series is worth checking out. Shōgun is airing on FX and streaming on Hulu and is based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell.

James Clavell was a bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction best known for this epic Asian Saga novels. The son of a Royal Navy family, he was educated in Portsmouth. The Japanese captured him at the Fall of Singapore when he was a young artillery officer. It was on this experience that his bestselling novel “King Rat” was based. He maintained this oriental interest in his other great works: “Tai-Pan,” “Shōgun ,” “Noble House,” and “Gai Jin.” “Shōgun ” is the best selling classic epic novel of feudal Japan that captured the heart of a culture and the imagination of the world. It was previously adapted into a 1980 limited series and has now been adapted to television. The series premiered with the first two episodes on February 27 on Hulu and FX with new episodes of the 10-episode series then releasing weekly. (Amazon, 2024)

“Shōgun ” – After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen–Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is seventeenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne’s loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.

Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, “Shōgun” is a critically acclaimed powerhouse. The heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action combines seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the best-selling novels of all time but also one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, “Shōgun” provocative, absorbing, and endlessly fascinating, there is only one: Shōgun.

Vinny The Pug mug giveaway

Enter the giveaway to win your own Vinny The Pug mug. Photo: Allen Kimble Jr, used with permission.

Over the past few months, I have been featuring the heartwarming story of Vinny The Pug. When his family had to move in search of a better life from Florida to Arizona after the September 11 attacks, Vinny had to adjust from living in lush and green surroundings to an arid desert. He adapted, of course, and learned to pose atop boulders. You can follow Vinny’s journey in the adorable picture book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” by Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr. This book is perfect for dog lovers everywhere and includes pictures and coloring projects. It is suitable for all ages. (Allen Kimble Jr, 2024)

Now the author has created a beautiful collection of coffee mugs featuring different Vinny and is launching a Free Coffee Mug Giveaway. Here is your chance to own your very own Vinny The Pug mug. Over the next 12 months, he will be giving away one coffee mug every month and winners will be able to choose one of 100 Vinny The Pug designed mugs. On the first day of each month starting April 1, a winner will be chosen from those who’ve signed up over the previous month. If you wish to enter the giveaway, you can register by emailing the author at: vinnythepugmugs@gmail.com. The collection is available to view online at: https://d82713-c7.myshopify.com. The entry must contain your name, email address, and number of the mug you would choose if your name is drawn. Mugs are numbered #001 through #100.

About the author: Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the mid-1950s. Upon turning a young man, he entered the United States Air Force and served one year in Vietnam, eight years in Asia, and a total of 11 years total service time. While in South East Asia, he picked up photography as a hobby, which he still enjoy today. In 2001, he acquired a little pug in Orlando, Florida and named him Vinny. As a result of the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks, he took the family out west to Phoenix where Vinny learned to climb and pose atop boulders. His book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” is a picture story book of his best friend Vinny.

About the book: “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” is a true-life picture book of the life and times of Vinny The Pug. It began on September 12, 2001 following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Florida’s economy was left in shambles after the attacks. Overnight Orlando’s tourism industry ground to a halt, forcing Vinny’s human to move the family. They went out west to Arizona to find better employment opportunities.

When they arrived, Vinny was still just a puppy, not yet one year old. However, he was mature enough to be surprised by what he saw. Arizona was very different from what he remembered back home in Florida. Orlando was lush with greenery; there were trees, vegetation, and lakes everywhere. All at once it hit the little pug; his new home in Phoenix, Arizona was in the desert. This book of photographs shows how the little pug adapted to the harsh realities of living in Arizona. It shows how Vinny The Pug came to appreciate his new home in the the desert. Before a year had passed, he had even launched a challenge to set a new Guinness World Record.

Vinny The Pug’s picture book is an enjoyable experience that will work well in classrooms. It is suitable for all ages from 5 through adults.

It includes:

  • 50 – Color Pictures
  • 87 – Black & White Graphic Arts
  • 5″ x 11″ pages for best viewing
  • Includes coloring projects

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Book review: ‘A Digest on Cryptocurrency’ by Ansh Verma

‘A Digest on Cryptocurrency’ is the new book by Ansh Verma and an in-depth look at cryptocurrency. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher + author + philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including but not limited to technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investing, military, finance and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking/making sense of the world. His new book “A Digest on Cryptocurrency” covers a wide range of topics – the history of cryptocurrency, the different types of cryptocurrencies, and cryptocurrency and the future of finance, that provide a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency.

“A Digest on Cryptocurrency” – This expanded digest gives readers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the diverse aspects of cryptocurrency. Newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts will find it equally helpful, as it includes recent developments in the field. Ansh Verma defines cryptocurrency, covers the history behind it, describes the different types of cryptocurrencies, lists the challenges and concerns surrounding it, which include environmental concerns due to its significant energy consumption, and how it can be used in industries such as gaming and space exploration.

He begins in Introduction to Cryptocurrency by defining it “a revolutionary form of digital or virtual currency that operates on the principles of cryptography and blockchain technology.” He explains the concept, how blockchain technology makes it work, and its basic decentralized structure. In History of Cryptocurrency, he gets deep into the history of this digital currency, including the early beginnings of Bitcoin and the background of Satoshi Nakamoto, its creator. For anyone really interested in Blockchain Technology, this chapter goes heavily into how it works, its core features, and how it can be used to ensure security and transparency in cryptocurrency.

The rest of the book is divided as such:
Cryptocurrency Mining
Popular Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Crypto Wallets
Cryptocurrency Investment and Trading
Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Cryptocurrency Regulations
Cryptocurrency and the Future of Finance
Cryptocurrency and Environmental Concerns
Cryptocurrency in Everyday Use
Challenges and Opportunities in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency in the Media and Public Perception
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)
Cryptocurrency and Space Exploration
Cryptocurrency and Gaming Economies
Quantum Computing and Cryptocurrency Security

Overall, “A Digest on Cryptocurrency” is an extremely helpful guide to all matters concerning cryptocurrency. From the history of this innovative digital currency, to the wide variety of uses in various industries – as well as its challenges and concerns, readers will no doubt find these topics informative. The chapters are short and structured to make it convenient to re-read those of particular interest at any given time. Ansh Verma has a way of making any topic easy to follow and understand and this one is no different. If you are looking for a book that fully explains all the concepts of cryptocurrency, then this one is a must-read.

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Television adaptation: ‘The Never Game’ by Jeffery Deaver

The first season of Tracker is based on ‘The Never Game.’ Photo: Amazon

I always look forward to new shows, especially ones based on books. The first season of the new CBS series Tracker starring Justin Hartley is based on “The Never Game.” It premiered on February 11 and after having seen the first episode, I look forward to more of this exciting new action series. 

Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world and are sold in 150 countries and translated into over twenty-five languages. The author of over forty novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book, and a lyricist of a country-western album, he’s received or been shortlisted for dozens of awards. His book “A Maiden’s Grave” was made into an HBO movie starring James Garner and Marlee Matlin, and his novel “The Bone Collector” was a feature release from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. Lifetime aired an adaptation of his “The Devil’s Teardrop.” (Wikipedia, 2024)

“The Never Game” – The son of a survivalist family, Colter Shaw is an expert tracker. Now he makes a living as a “reward seeker,” traveling the country to help police solve crimes and locate missing persons for private citizens. “You’ve been abandoned. Escape if you can. Or die with dignity.” Hired by the father of a young woman who has gone missing in Silicon Valley, Shaw’s search takes him into the dark heart of America’s cutthroat billion-dollar video-game industry. When another person goes missing, Shaw must ask: Is a madman bringing a twisted video game to life? Encountering eccentric designers, trigger-happy gamers, and ruthless tech titans, Shaw soon learns that he isn’t the only one on the hunt: someone is on his trail and closing fast. (Amazon, 2024)

Photo: Google

Television adaptation: ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls

The television series adaptation of ‘One Day’ is now streaming on Netflix. Photo: Amazon

David Nicholls is a British novelist and screenwriter best known for “Starter for Ten,” “The Understudy,” “Us,” “Sweet Sorrow,” and “One Day.” “One Day” was published in 2009 to extraordinary critical acclaim and was translated into 40 languages. It became a global bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. His fourth novel, “Us,” was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction. He is the executive producer and a contributing screenwriter on a new Netflix series adaptation of “One Day.” The series consists of 14 episodes and the first one is available now.

“One Day” – Two people, one day. What starts as a fleeting connection between two strangers soon becomes a deep bond that spans decades. It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. They face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. Dex and Em must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself. As the years go by, the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed. (Amazon, 2024)

Motivational book of the week: ‘Successful Penalty Kick: A Successful Life’

‘Successful Penalty Kick: A Successful Life’ is available as an e-book or audio book. Photo: Sports Euphoria

Motivational books have the power to influence and change lives. They offer advice on personal and professional development as well as coping with life’s ups and downs. Athlete or not, If you have ever experienced sports euphoria, this feeling can be applied to everyday life. This is the topic discussed in the book “Successful Penalty Kick: A Successful Life” by Kemal Letifov and available through Sports Euphoria. It serves as an incredible source of inspiration and motivation for athletes of all kinds. It is also an all-around extremely educational and helpful manual for anyone looking to enhance their soccer penalty kick abilities.

Sports Euphoria is the ultimate destination for unlocking the secrets to success on and off the field. Sports Euphoria believes in the transformative power of sports and the invaluable lessons they can teach us about life. Their mission is to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential by drawing parallels between the world of sports, particularly the art of penalty kicks, and the journey to a successful and fulfilling life. Discover the secrets to penalty kick success and life triumphs in this powerful e-book. Unveil the mental process behind successful penalty kicks and learn how it intertwines with achieving success in life. Dive into the pages to unravel life-changing insights and revolutionize your approach to both sports and life. (Kemal Letifov, 2024)

“Successful Penalty Kick” is available through their website for a suggested price of $11.00, which reflects its value. However, if that prices poses a challenge, feel free to contribute what you can. They operate on a ‘pay-what-you-can’ model, allowing people to set their own price, ensuring that it is accessible to all. All contributions, regardless of amount, is appreciated.

“Successful Penalty Kick” – Is it possible to escape the hopeless fate of the penalty kicker who misses a penalty kick? Is every penalty kicker doomed to his fate and how can it be avoided? Can failure be completely avoided?

These are highly significant questions, and you will discover their answers within the pages of this book. These responses are impeccable, as they come from the very source of the emotional sports spirit, derived from years of practical experience. The crucial principles for achieving success are unveiled through the description of the mental process behind taking a penalty kick. There are sentences within that possess the potential to revolutionize anyone’s life, as the achievement of success in penalty kicks is intrinsically intertwined with achieving success in life. You will have an amazing experience of unique sports euphoria.

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Book of the week: ‘Karen the Origin Story’ by Andre Johnson

‘Karen the Origin Story’ is the second book in the Amish Sovereignty series by Andre Johnson. Photo: Andre Johnson, used with permission.

Literature and fiction does not always have to be so serious. Humor is essential to lighten life’s heavier moments, especially when dealing with history and everyday life. By now we have all heard of the term ‘Karen’ in modern slang. It usually refers to a middle class white woman who is seen as extraordinarily entitled or demanding. Today’s book highlight is “Karen the Origin Story” by Andre Johnson and it touches on that subject; it is available on Amazon. If you enjoy the lighter side of fiction, consider this humorous title by Andre Johnson.

Andre Johnson is the author of “Karen the Origin Story,” book 2 of 3 in the Amish Sovereignty series which also includes “Amish” and “Karen the Horror Story.”

“Karen the Origin Story” Noah and Anita are fraternal Amish twins. These twins and two of their friends go on their Rumspringa. While on Rumspringa, the group realizes that things are a little different and that they really like chili cheese fries. Midway though Rumspringa, they realize that they need to make a difference before going home. (Andre Johnson, 2024)

For anyone unfamiliar with Rumspringa, it is a rite of passage and period of growth for Amish young people during which they face fewer restrictions on their behavior and are not subject to the usual community norms. It usually begins at age 16 and ends when a youth chooses to either be baptized in the Amish church or leave the community. (Google)

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New book release: ‘The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1’ by Dapharoah69

‘The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1’ is the new book by Dapharoah69. Photo: Dapharoah69, used with permission.

Fantasy fiction takes place in faraway imaginary worlds that contain supernatural beings and creatures, including vampires. Vampires make for some of the most fascinating storylines I have read; especially when there is some type of power struggle between warring factions involved. Today’s new book release by the talented storyteller Dapharoah69 is one such book. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” features Khovahsh Burgoos, a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients, and introduces readers to Alicia Chay, a sadistic queen of torture. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get your copy today and find out what happens next. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” is available on Amazon.

Dapharoah69 is a multi-award-winning, best-selling, independent literary force born in Salinas, California and raised in Goulds, Florida. For twenty years, he has entertained millions of fans around the globe with his unapologetic writing. He is an LGBTQIA sex symbol, spoken word artist, poet, HIV activist, actor, professional model, dancer, literary icon, and a living legend. His success and killer ink have influenced a sea of writers in numerous countries for two decades. (Dapharoah69, 2024)

He wrote “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” of his vampire series in June of 1998 before he became Dapharoah69 at the age of 22. He was known as Ja’Breel Le’Diamond. He published his first book when he was homeless. He has penned thirteen books and three memoirs and notched ten Amazon and Barnes and Noble Top 100 bestsellers. He won Book of the Year and Male Author of the Year via the African-American On the Move Book Club, The Men of Integrity Award from Utopian LLC and a Certificate of Recognition from the New York State Senate for his literary achievements.

“The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” – Khovahsh Burgoos, an elitist demi-shifting reincarnate, is a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients. Alicia Chay, the sadistic queen of torture, ruled for forty centuries under the identity of someone else. With a family of savages as her fledgling, she detests mortals, but she loves feeding on them for blood. She became a vampire, built The House of the Hounds and created a treaty without clearance from the Dragonhead Ancients or the Queen Mother, Armona. Alicia hunts down insubordinate vampires that illegally use human bodies to harm precious animal life. Meanwhile, she is being observed by Khovahsh. He has direct orders to deceive her, but he has his own agenda. When they encounter each other, a chain of events compromises her life and opens the door for Muzzle, an angry villain, to threaten her for turning her back on The House of the Hounds.

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