Tag: Book Review

Airbnb Investment Guide for Beginners: Tips and Strategies

Airbnb Investment Guide for Beginners: Tips and Strategies
“Perspective Investments in Airbnb for beginners” by Oscar Ray.

Airbnb revolutionized travel accommodation by connecting travelers with unique lodging options worldwide. Founded in 2008, it allows individuals to rent out their properties, offering diverse choices from cozy apartments to lavish villas, often at competitive prices. Hosts can monetize their spaces while guests enjoy personalized experiences beyond traditional hotels. Airbnb’s platform fosters cultural immersion, enabling travelers to live like locals and discover hidden gems. However, its rapid expansion raised concerns about housing affordability, neighborhood disruption, and safety. Despite controversies, Airbnb continues to reshape the hospitality industry, catering to adventurous spirits seeking authentic stays and forging connections across borders.

Synopsis: Oscar Ray “Perspective Investments in Airbnb for Beginners” is an essential guide for anyone looking to dive into the world of short-term rental investments using Airbnb. Authored by seasoned investor Oscar Ray, this book offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap tailored for beginners. It details the newest strategies to not only get started but also to thrive in building a profitable short-term rental business.

From understanding the basics of Airbnb and real estate investment to mastering the complexities of property management and guest relations, this guide covers all the crucial areas. It is packed with practical advice, useful tips, and industry tricks that are designed to help readers navigate their way through the competitive market. Readers will learn how to identify promising properties, set competitive pricing, enhance guest experiences, and manage bookings efficiently. The book also discusses the importance of online marketing and how to use social media to boost your property’s visibility. (Amazon, 2024)

Review: This extremely useful guide is aimed at investors and homeowners who want to learn about the history of Airbnb and gives “insights and strategies needed to navigate the exciting world of Airbnb investments.” The main objective is to help readers learn all about Airbnb and how to use it to create passive income by providing key strategies for maximizing rental income. Readers will learn how to create a high quality detailed listing that draws traffic, how to provide an exceptional guest experience, and, most importantly, how to handle challenges and regulations such as zoning laws, and management duties.

Who will benefit from this book? Beginners get the basics of Airbnb and how to get started in their successful investment journey. Seasoned Investors get advanced strategies such as market analysis techniques and insights on optimizing operations. Entrepreneurs get advice on building their rental business, whether it involves single or multiple properties.

This guide also includes tools and resources such as checklists, the software needed, and case studies and real world examples of successful investors – their strategies and lessons learned. There’s also a glossary of terms related to Airbnb and real estate investment in case some of terms used seem unfamiliar.

It is divided as follows with chapters that include:

Introduction
Chapter 1 – The History and Growth of Airbnb
Chapter 2 – Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Chapter 3 – Criteria for Choosing Profitable Properties
Chapter 4 – Designing and Furnishing Your Rental for Comfort and Appeal
Chapter 5 – Providing Exceptional Guest Experiences for Positive Reviews
Chapter 6 – Methods for Acquiring Additional Properties
Chapter 7 – Handling Difficult Guests and Resolving Conflicts
Chapter 8 – Long-term Strategies for Building a Sustainable Rental Business
Chapter 9 – Emerging Trends in the Sharing Economy and Short-Term Rental Market
Appendices – Resources for Airbnb Hosts (Websites and Platforms, Community Support and Learning)

Overall, “Perspective Investments in Airbnb for Beginners” is an outstanding user manual for readers interested in using Airbnb to create passive income or as an investment option. Standout chapters include Chapter 4  – Setting Up Your Airbnb – how to create a listing by using high quality photographs and how to create a welcoming atmosphere on the property; and Chapter 7 – Navigating Challenges and Risks –  dealing with difficult guests and preventative measures to take that will ensure a smooth transaction. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering going into the Airbnb business. The material is easy to understand and the chapters are conveniently organized to make it easy to reference as needed and the resources listed in the appendix provide much needed support. It is a definite must have for investors of all levels.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Nostalgic American Word Search Puzzles’ by Laura Garrett

‘Nostalgic American Word Search Puzzles’ by Laura Garrett celebrates America’s best decades with 150 word search puzzles. Photo: Amazon

Word search puzzles offer a blend of challenge and relaxation for young and old. With a grid of letters hiding a selection of words to be discovered, they ignite the thrill of exploration. Engaging both hemispheres of the brain, they stimulate cognitive functions such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, and vocabulary recall. Their versatility spans from educational tools for language learning to leisure activities for down times. As eyes scan the grid, the satisfaction of uncovering a hidden word brings a sense of accomplishment.

Laura Garrett’s new puzzle book “Nostalgic American Word Search Puzzles: 150 Large Print Puzzles That Celebrate America’s Best Decades (1950s – 1990s)” celebrates America’s best decades with 150 large print word search puzzles. Embark on a nostalgic journey through the golden decades of American culture with this engaging collection designed specifically for seniors, offering hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. Iconic Themes from the 1950s to the 1990s cover everything from the birth of rock ‘n’ roll to the rise of pop culture. (Amazon, 2024)

These puzzles cover a wide range of nostalgic themes, including:

  • Classic movies and TV shows
  • Popular music and legendary musicians
  • Iconic celebrities and public figures
  • Memorable events and historical moments

With 150 carefully crafted word search puzzles, this book provides ample variety and challenge to keep your mind engaged and sharp. Each puzzle offers a fun and rewarding experience, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. The large print format ensures a comfortable and enjoyable solving experience, making it perfect for seniors or anyone who prefers easier-to-read text. Say goodbye to eye strain and hello to hours of puzzling fun. Whether you’re a baby boomer reliving your youth or a younger generation curious about the past, “Nostalgic American Word Search Puzzles” makes a thoughtful and entertaining gift for any occasion.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of America’s most memorable decades. This collection is the perfect companion for anyone looking to unwind, relax, and celebrate the best of American culture.

I have always loved word search puzzles and nowadays, I still pick one up every now and then to help me relax. If you enjoy the challenge of a good word search puzzle, consider “Nostalgic American Word Search Puzzles.” It is specifically designed for seniors due to the mental stimulation they provide, but anyone can benefit from them. I like that there’s 150 puzzles, all in large print, to minimize eye strain and make it easy to find the words. The theme is nostalgia, so they are divided by decade and with themes such as Classic Cartoons, Slang Words, Cultural Movements, and Fashion and Style. It’s fun looking back at what made each decade special while challenging your mind and unwinding. In a world of constant stimulation, word search puzzles provide a serene escape. So take a break from the constant screen time and exercise your mind. If you get stumped, the answers are in the back of the book. Looking for a unique gift idea? This puzzle book also makes an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys puzzles.

*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.

Book review: ‘Revival’ by Stephen King

‘Revival’ by Stephen King. Photo: Amazon

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes the short story collection “You Like It Darker,” “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” “Sleeping Beauties” (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes” (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His 2015 book “Revival” is a dark and electrifying novel about addiction, fanaticism, and what might exist on the other side of life. (Amazon, 2024)

Synopsis:
“Revival” – In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs—including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession. When tragedy strikes the Jacobs family, this charismatic preacher curses God, mocks all religious belief, and is banished from the shocked town.

Jamie has demons of his own. He plays guitar in bands across the country, living the nomadic lifestyle of bar-band rock and roll while fleeing from his family’s horrific loss. In his mid-thirties—addicted to heroin, stranded, desperate—Jamie meets Charles Jacobs again, with profound consequences for both men. Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, and Jamie discovers that revival has many meanings.

Review:
Like all the best novels from Stephen King, this story develops over five decades and follows Jamie Morton’s life from child to adult. His life is linked to Charles Jacobs right from the beginning and Jamie is thus destined to witness his chilling journey from minister to a madman obsessed with electricity and the afterlife. King masterfully weaves together elements of horror and psychological suspense to create a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

His vivid characterization and immersive storytelling transport readers into a world where the line between science and the supernatural blurs. True to his creative use of creature imagery, he doesn’t disappoint: “Now from the dead woman’s gaping mouth came a black leg with a flexing claw at the end of it. The claw was alive; it was a face.” The character development in both lead characters is impressive, which makes them highly relatable. Jacobs’ obsession with electricity is reminiscent of Victor Frankenstein, especially towards the end: “‘No heartbeat,’ he said. ‘Yet she lives. She lives!’”

“Revival” by Stephen King is a haunting exploration of obsession, faith, and the dark corners of human nature and is proof of his ability to entertain and unsettle his audience. With its eerie atmosphere and profound themes of family, death, and the afterlife, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to venture into its pages. It is the author at his best, and this novel is recommended for longtime King fans who appreciate horror stories with flawed but fascinating characters.

“This is how we bring about our own damnation, you know – by ignoring the voice that begs us to stop. To stop while there’s still time.”

Book review: ‘On My Way Back to You’ by Sarah Cart

‘On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope’ by Sarah Cart with Glenn Plaskin. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sarah Cart was raised and educated in New York and New England. As a freelancer, she wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, the two moved to the Florida Keys. Then in 2017, Ben was diagnosed with a degenerative autoimmune disorder and over time, their relationship evolved to that of patient and caregiver and by the beginning of 2020, Ben was dying. Sarah’s new memoir, “On My Way Back to You,” is a first-hand account of the rollercoaster world of lifesaving transplants and the unimaginable challenges Sarah faced as she struggled to manage her husband Ben’s devastating illness and to save his life, their marriage, and her own sanity. (Amazon, 2024)

Synopsis:
“On My Way Back to You” is the story of Sarah and Ben Cart. For the first 42 years they shared together, Ben was a successful entrepreneur and outdoorsman. Then the unthinkable happens. Not only was he battling an autoimmune disorder, but ten days into the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, his kidneys crash, his heart was failing, and he ends up in the ICU at Cleveland Clinic Weston (FL). In suspenseful and heartbreaking detail, Sarah shares how Ben’s incurable autoimmune condition was manageable and under control one minute and threatening to kill him the next. Thanks to a heart transplant, they now have a future, and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends.

Thrust into the role of nurse and caregiver, Sarah joined the ranks of 39 million Americans who champion and care for an ailing loved one. In addition to confronting doubts, fears, and endless setbacks, aggravations, and red tape, she also had to consent to daunting procedures on Ben’s behalf. She had to endure the months-long Covid-era restrictions on hospital visitations and the post-surgery snafus with home healthcare personnel. The ongoing heartfelt communication with family and friends sustained her through the darkest of days. It is divided into 18 chapters including Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, The Slippery Slope, and Battle Stations. She includes some of the email updates she sent out and sections such as Ben’s and his sons’ reflections on what was going on at the time.

Review:
Memoirs are windows into the lives of individuals, capturing their experiences, emotions, and reflections. These deeply personal narratives offer insight into the human condition, revealing triumphs, struggles, and moments of self-discovery. By telling her story, Sarah Cart connects with readers on a profound level, inspiring empathy, introspection, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.

It’s easy to say that we would undoubtedly become a caregiver to a loved one, but the reality can be sobering, as she puts it in the first sentence of the Preface: “Life is hard, messy, beautiful, unpredictable…and fragile.” Covid complicated matters because it affected his treatment and because of the restrictions, friends and family couldn’t help her as much as they ordinarily would. Writing this memoir was therapeutic for her because she shares what she went through, including the medical and personal struggles: “Documenting the details of his condition…provided a means of grappling with the fear.” Most importantly, readers can learn the questions to ask, the notes to take, the signs to never overlook, and the importance of self care. Stand out chapters include Chapter 7 when Ben finally gets the transplant and all the after care he requires and Chapter 14 when even after all she was doing to care for him, someone files a complaint with the department of human services about elder abuse.

Overall, “On My Way Back to You” is a profoundly inspirational account of one couple’s medical journey and the patience, determination, and love that ultimately helped them find their way back to one another. The focus is on the care Ben received and how it affected their lives, so it doesn’t come off as depressing or overly personal and heartbreaking. It is easy to read and offers lessons anyone can benefit from, so it is recommended for readers who enjoy medical memoirs and appreciate reading about the details of a patient’s medical treatment. It is also a testament to the importance of organ donation. 

“I offer you this story not because you will necessarily be interested in our particular saga but because life is hard and messy and unpredictable, and chances are high that ultimately each of us will face challenges we never imagined…”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Have It All’ by Gregory Nicholas Malouf

In ‘Have It All,’ is a road-tested guide to doing high performance business. Photo: Amazon

Because they offer insights, strategies, and practical advice for individuals looking to enhance their professional lives, business self-help books are a thriving genre. These books aim to empower readers with tools to navigate the complex world of business, improve leadership skills, foster innovation, and achieve success. Authors often draw from their own successes and failures, as well as from case studies and research, to provide readers with valuable lessons and strategies.

Such is the case with Gregory Malouf. In the early 1990s, he built one of Australia’s most successful independent residential estate agencies in Sydney’s prestigious Double Bay. As a successful entrepreneur, Greg could have had anything he wanted, and still his life fell apart. Despite his many successes, he would come to realize that his fortune was built on his drive to escape a traumatic past. Greg took time away from his businesses, accessed the courage to embrace change and find the answers to questions he’d long been asking, and transformed his life. In 2010, he established the Epsilon Healing Academy to share the many lessons he has learned, with the aim of helping others find their own life’s purpose and, in doing so, live their dreams. His book “Have It All! Turn Your Thinking Around and Find Success in 6 Simple Steps” provides time-tested and practical tools that can change your life. (Amazon, 2024)

“Have It All” can help you increase your wealth by improving your productivity, replace old beliefs that can hold you back and replace them with new and productive ones, access strategies to handle life’s challenges, gain work/life balance and improve your relationships at home and work, overcome criticism and doubt and take control of your life, and stay passionate and motivated for consistent results.

It is divided into seven chapters:

Chapter 1: My Story
Chapter 2: Moving From Outside-In To Inside-Out
Chapter 3: Out with the Old Thinking and In with the New
Chapter 4: Does Your Job Fit?
Chapter 5: Internal Stuff vs Internal Dialogue
Chapter 6: Changing Your Internal Dialogue
Chapter 7: The Remedy

The author begins in the Introduction by giving his purpose for writing this book: “…to offer you a proven road-tested guide to doing high performance business.” He uses anecdotes, motivational stories, and exercises to encourage readers to adopt a growth mindset and take proactive steps towards their professional development. By providing practical advice, insights, and inspiration, he empowers readers to realize their full potential and thrive in the competitive world of business. Highlights include Chapter 3 where he gives readers six steps to breaking productivity barriers, such as Take Your Primary Focus off Outcomes! and Value Relationships Much More, and Chapter 4 where he advises readers how to determine if your job is the right fit for them. He uses down to earth language, so the material is easy to understand, follow, and reference at any time. It may be a small book, but the information is invaluable for anyone looking to up their business game. The skills he shares are not based in theory, but in practice because they have worked for him. “Have It All” is recommended for readers who appreciate self-help books that provide advice from an expert in the field of business.

“This book will be a roadmap for changing internalized beliefs, making the path easier for you to observe and provide strategies for doing so based on certain keys and steps you will take away and apply to your own 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: ‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Journey Within’ is an excellent guide for personal growth and development. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His book “Journey Within” is an eye opening guide that examines the profound significance of self-discovery and purpose in leading a fulfilling and prosperous life. 

‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma – Personal growth and development begins with getting to know yourself, your values, and your purpose in life. This is important not just for personal reasons since being a well rounded and fulfilled person affects those around us. In Chapter 1: Introduction, the author explains that individuals who are happy with themselves can inspire others and that “this ripple effect of positive impact contributes to creating a more harmonious and fulfilling society.”

Readers are guided in this transformative journey of self discovery beginning with Chapter 2: Understanding The Inner Self by learning to recognize just how important it is to truly get to know themselves. In Chapter 3: Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation the author explains that by practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present, they lessen the regrets about the past and the worries about the future. In Chapter 7: Embracing Change and Transformation readers learn about the importance of adopting a growth mindset because it makes them more resilient when faced with challenges and helps them view failures as opportunities to grow. Other notable chapters include Chapter 10: Embracing Gratitude and Abundance, Chapter 13: Living with Purpose and Intention, and Chapter 19: Empowering Others on Their Journey.

Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read through and reference back to specific topics. The most important lesson to be learned from “Journey Within” is that working on yourself can make a big impact in the world because “a healthy relationship with oneself is a foundation for healthy relationships with others.” This is an excellent book to read if you are working on self improvement because it emphasizes the importance of exploring who we are, fully understanding our values, passions, and strengths, and aligning our actions with our authentic selves.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Digest on Genetics’ by Ansh Verma

‘Digest on Genetics’ is a deep study of genes and heredity. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavior, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Digest on Genetics”  is an enlightening journey into the captivating realm of genetics and a deep study of genes, heredity, and the diversity within living organisms.

“Digest on Genetics” – Genetics is the study of genes and heredity and understanding how they replicate, recombine, and mutate. It provides insight into how organisms evolve and adapt to their environment. In turn, this information proves valuable in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology.

To help readers understand genetics, the author begins with Introduction To Genetics where he discusses Gregor Mendel, the Austrian monk who is considered the patriarch of modern genetics, and his contributions. In DNA Structure and Replication, readers can learn all about DNA replication, cell division, and inheritance. The material starts to get more interesting but complicated in Genes and Chromosomes where he discusses genes and alleles but he manages to make it easy to follow and understand. The rest of the book consists of chapters like Genetic Variations and Mutations (the consequences of mutations on gene function), Genetic Disorders, and Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, which brings up the “possibility of creating designer babies or enhancing human traits through genetic manipulation…” I found The Philosophy of Genetic Studies particularly interesting because it addresses the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic engineering, such as genetic privacy.

Despite its small size, this book contains so much information about genes, genetics, and the pros and cons of genetic engineering in general. Whether you want information about the science of genetics or how it can be used to personalize a patient’s healthcare by targeting specific genes, the information is easy to process and understand. It is recommended for readers interested in all things related to genetics.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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.

Book review: ‘The Science Behind Unbreakable Parent-Child Bonds’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Science Behind Unbreakable Parent-Child Bonds’ is the new book by Ansh Verma. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches on 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, “The Science Behind Unbreakable Parent-Child Bonds,” unravels the mysteries of why individuals, even those who appear stoic and detached, maintain an enduring connection with their parents.

“The Science Behind Unbreakable Parent-Child Bonds” – in this book, readers embark on a fascinating journey through the complex world of human relationships from a unique perspective – behavioral science and logic. Delving deep into the evolutionary, cognitive, and emotional aspects of parent-child bonds, it uncovers the hidden drivers behind this unbreakable link. From the psychological mechanisms that underlie parental recognition to the influence of socialization and culture on these connections, it presents a rich mosaic of insights backed by extensive research and real-world examples. It also challenges conventional notions of parent-child relationships, offering a fresh and scientifically grounded perspective that explains why these bonds persist and how they shape our lives. With clear, engaging prose, this book invites readers to discover the profound behavioral science behind what truly keeps us forever linked to our parents, shedding light on the enduring power of this fundamental connection. (Amazon, 2023)

There is no doubt that the bond between parent and child is one of the strongest relationships out there and the author explores these types of human relationships through the perspective of behavioral science and logic. Not only does psychology play a part of this bond, but so does society and culture. It is well researched and even though the subject may be scientifically presented, he explains it in a way that is easy to understand.

Some of the chapters include The Evolutionary Roots of Filial Attachment, Cognitive Mechanisms of Parental Recognition, and Psychological Resilience and Attachment. A couple of my favorites are 5. The Influence of Socialization and Culture where he explains the impact of societal norms on the parent-child bond and 6. Stoicism and Parent-Child Bonds – even if the parents do not display feelings or complaints, it still has an effect on a growing child. If you have ever wanted to know more about the parent-child bond, I highly recommend this book. Even if you don’t have children, it will help you understand how your parents’ upbringing influenced who you are.

“When we assist our relatives, we are, in essence, promoting the survival and propagation of a significant portion of our own genetic code. This act of altruism…..indirectly contributes to the preservation of our genetic lineage.”

*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.

Book review: ‘Embracing God in the Right Perspective with the Right Foundation of Faith in Him’ by Chris Tham

‘Embracing God in the Right Perspective With the Right Perspective In Him’ by Chris Tham. Photo: Amazon

Chris Tham, a firm believer in the Gospel of Light through Christ Jesus, believes that the greatest joy in life is to discover man’s truthful identity in God and that every living soul in the history of mankind is a child of God. In this book, he writes about how we can discover our true identity in the spiritual realm and how our identity relates to God.

When it comes to religious studies, there are many books out there that can guide readers in their search for a deeper understanding of the Bible. What makes this one different is that it is an intense study of Christianity, God, and everything in between. At over 500 pages and 14 chapters such as Who is God and Who Are You and Who Are The Evil Spirits?, it is not meant to be read straight through; it is a reference guide meant as a companion in studying the Bible. It is heavy in Bible verses and references and often compares biblical themes such as sin, hell, and heaven according to the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran, different religions, and even offers atheist and agnostic views. The goal here is not to convert anyone, because the author is not in preacher mode. He is merely informing readers about intellectual concepts such as personal identity and destiny using biblical verses in a language most readers can understand. Most importantly, it “serves as a good text material for interfaith dialogue.” Some of his views are unconventional and may ruffle some feathers, so it helps to read it with an open mind. For example, he gives the undeniable historical fact that Germany was a Christian country under Adolf Hitler and questions why this was, if “the spirit of God desires for peace and not bloodshed among mankind.”

One highlight is Chapter 3 Knowledge Versus Truth which ponders the question that if we have stubbornly held onto strong beliefs with a closed mind all our lives, how can we differentiate between “is it knowledge or is it the truth.” Overall, it is a heavily researched teaching tool with graphics and bulleted lists that can be useful even for anyone who wants to delve into these topics. It is recommended for readers who like instructional books about the Bible, Christianity, and spirituality and appreciate different viewpoints.

“Before we came into this world, were we given the option to choose which country we wanted to be born in or which family we wanted to be born to? Therefore, some of us are predestined to go to heaven and some are predestined to end up in hell? Once again, is this the divine biblical truth?”

“Embracing God in the Right Perspective with the Right Foundation of Faith in Him” is available on Amazon, eSentral, Goodreads, and Authors Reading.

*This is an honest and heartfelt review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the reviewer.