Tag: Book Review

Book review: ‘Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold’ by T.K. Ambers

‘Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold’ is the new murder mystery novel by T.K. Ambers. Photo: Amazon

T.K. Ambers is the award-winning author of “Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair.” Her novel has been recognized in four different award competitions and took second place in the Pencraft Awards, Women’s Fiction category. Her eighth-grade English teacher loved her work and pushed her to publish. Though writing has always been her passion, it took nearly eighteen years before she decided to follow her teacher’s guidance. T.K. has a love for nature, travel, photography, concerts, off-roading, and hiking and aside from her novels, she runs a website on travel and life.  She lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin with her husband and two cats: Bellatrix and Kit. In her new novel “Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold,” everywhere Bell Price goes, death is stalking and toying with her. (Amazon, 2023)

“Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold” – The story begins with a Prologue that takes place overseas as a young lady is taken away to a new life. This is book two in the Runway Dreams series, so the events take place a few days after. Bell Price wants nothing more than peace, quiet, and a drama-free life for her family. With Martin now in custody, she thinks the worst is behind her but life has a few surprises for her. The last thing she suspects when she goes to the local police precinct is that the prior week’s horrors are only the start of what is headed her way. Gunshots ring out in the early hours of the morning and a scream pierces the air. It is now clear that an unknown assailant is stalking her with revenge in mind. Family, friends, and even innocent bystanders get caught in the middle as she is in danger no matter where she goes. She grows increasingly suspicious of everyone around her and finds it hard to trust anyone. Will Bell and her siblings be able to catch the stalker before one of them becomes the next victim? With their parents now gone, they must work together in spite of the increasing danger to finally have the much needed peace they all deserve.

The drama continues in the next installment of the Runway Dreams saga as the family of models is still in danger. Even though Martin is already in jail, someone out there is bound and determined to get revenge in his name. Danger and violence seems to follow the siblings wherever they go and just goes to prove that being rich and privileged does not protect anyone from the dangers of the real world, even with bodyguards and safe houses. The author brilliantly combines the action and suspense of a murder mystery with the glamour of the fashion industry, including fashion shows, parties, and traveling. Her writing style is beautifully descriptive: “A blood-curdling scream ripped through the early morning stillness” and brings the action to life. Thanks in part to it being highly dialogue driven, the story flows easily through the pages and makes this an easy read. Even though the characters can be considered privileged, they are still relatable due to the extensive character development, showing that everyone has drama in their lives and toxic relationships affect everyone, regardless of socioeconomic levels. As far as the murder mystery part is concerned, everyone is a suspect and there are plenty of plot twists to keep readers guessing. The young lady in the Prologue becomes relevant towards the end and perfectly wraps up it all up. Overall, “Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold” is a must read mystery novel and is recommended for readers who appreciate mystery, comedy, and psychological suspense fiction.

“The storm may have been outside, but it was raining inside the limo as a waterfall of silent emotion washed away their pain.”

*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: ‘My Goodbye Girl’ by Anna Gomez

‘My Goodbye Girl’ is a contemporary romance novel by Anna Gomez. Photo: Amazon

Anna Gomez is a hopeless romantic who writes about real life, flawed characters and the saving grace of unconditional love. Her experience of living and growing up in a foreign country plays a large part in her stories. Her full-time career and ability to travel extensively also add flair and individuality to the vividly written settings in her books. They transport the reader to faraway places and make them feel like they have been there before. Anna’s inspiration stems from the people she meets and the places that she has seen. Her stories are realistic and honest, thought-provoking and impactful. Her love for poetry is evident in her writing style. She also has written under the pen name Christine Brae and six books of her books have won literary awards and ranked as bestsellers upon release. In her latest novel “My Goodbye Girl” Tessa must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye. (Amazon, 2023)

“My Goodbye Girl” – This contemporary romance begins when Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont as they are both waiting to board a plane bound for La Guardia. Not only is she attracted to him, she is intrigued by how different their lives are. He is a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She is a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries. Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon. Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.

Romance novels are usually a guilty pleasure because they are predictable and include a ‘happily ever after’ plot. The two main characters in this story are so different from each other and meet at predetermined sites around that world that it is impossible to picture them having a serious future together. Tessa is a free spirited author who enjoys traveling around the world while Simon is a serious scientist who is ready to settle down. The first part is just about them meeting in different places and then hurriedly saying goodbye. Because there is little development or depth to these characters, they are not relatable, so it is hard to be concerned about what happens to them. The real action does not take place until the end of the first part, in Chapter 35, and by then, it feels rushed. Regardless, it is an easy read and since it is heavily dialogue driven, with descriptive language and short chapters, the story flows through the pages. Tessa and Simon’s story takes place through the years as they experience the harsh reality of life – no spoilers! Far from original, “My Goodbye Girl” is still an easy and enjoyable read about two people who are polar opposites yet are involved in a whirlwind romance that takes them around the world. It is recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and multicultural romances and appreciate emotional plot twists.  

*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: ‘Finding the Words’ by Colin Campbell

‘Finding the Words’ is the powerful account of one father’s journey through unimaginable grief.

Colin Campbell is a writer and director for theater and film. He and his wife wrote and directed the short film Seraglio, which won Deauville’s Grand Prix and was nominated for an Academy Award. His play Golden Prospects was nominated for five LA Weekly Theater Awards and was a Critics’ Pick in Time Out New York and The Los Angeles Times. Campbell teaches screenwriting at Chapman University and theater at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MFA from Columbia University. His book “Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose” is a powerful account of one father’s journey through unimaginable grief and offers readers a new vision for how to more actively and fully mourn profound loss. (Amazon, 2023)

“Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose” – When Colin Campbell’s two teenage children were killed by a drunk driver, Campbell was thrown headlong into a grief so deep he felt he might lose his mind. He found much of the common wisdom about coping with loss—including the ideas that grieving is a private and mysterious process and that the pain is so intense that “there are no words”—to be unhelpful. Drawing on what he learned from his own journey, Campbell offers an alternative path for processing pain that is active and vocal and truly honors loved ones lost. It is divided into ten chapters including Community and Meaning and Purpose and includes resource information, like Grief Resources that has a list of organizations that can help. He shares what worked for him and his wife and teaches readers how to actively reach out to their community, perform mourning rituals, and find ways to express their grief, so they can live more fully while also holding their loved ones close.

No one can deny that there are many levels of grief and that grief itself can be subjective. In the author’s experience, because his identity was so entangled with his children, he calls it ‘profound grief.’ He does not pretend to have all the answers: “this book will not take away your pain,” but his ultimate hope is that we can at least have open and honest conversations about the universal experience we call grief. His compassion and empathy are evident through the pages and his writing style is easy to follow and understand without coming off as preachy or condescending. In a perfect world, everyone would have the same resources to cope but knowing what works for others is an excellent start. At the very least readers can feel that they are not alone in their journey. This book is just as helpful for those grieving as well as for those who know someone who is grieving, so they can learn how to help instead of just saying “there are no words.” One of the highlights is the message of the power of community support; in his case, the overwhelming support of the Jewish community and the importance of mourning rituals. With practical advice on how to survive in the aftermath of loss, Campbell shines a light on a path forward through the darkness of grief. “Finding the Words” is a poignant and valuable guide for coping with grief and is recommended for readers who appreciate self help books on grief and loss.

“The act of verbalizing our grief, and having it be witnessed by our community, was key to us moving toward acceptance of reality.”

*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: ‘Gaining An Edge in Life & Business With AI’ by Jesse Roberts, PhD

‘Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI: Unleashing The Power of Generative AI and Chat GPT’ is the new book all about AI and business by Jesse Roberts, PhD. Photo: Amazon

Jesse Roberts, PhD is an award-winning author and one of the world’s foremost experts on artificial intelligence, business strategy, and human productivity. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford, where he published pioneering papers on machine learning and natural language processing. He also earned his MBA from Wharton, fusing his tech expertise with strategic business acumen. Over his 20+ year career, Dr. Roberts has led development of AI technologies at top Silicon Valley companies and advised numerous startups. His bestselling books have established him as a thought leader in leveraging AI to gain an advantage in work and life. His most recent book, “Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI and Chat GPT,” provides readers with practical frameworks for deploying AI solutions to become more innovative, efficient, and successful. Backed by decades of research and insider experience advancing AI, Dr. Roberts offers a rare mix of technical knowledge and big-picture thinking. (Amazon, 2023)

“Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI” is the must-have playbook for anyone seeking to leverage AI for unparalleled results. This is your ultimate guide to utilizing Chat GPT and Generative AI in ways you never imagined possible. Get the foundational knowledge you need to understand this ground-breaking technology. It includes comprehensive strategies for deploying Chat GPT to maximize ROI, improve customer relations, and drive innovation and real-world applications of AI in various industries—finance, healthcare, education, and more. The author gives the nuanced ethical considerations surrounding AI to ensure responsible usage and step-by-step procedures for implementing AI tools into your own projects, both personal and professional. Learn an expert’s take on what is next for AI and how you can stay ahead of the curve. It is divided into then chapters such as A Brief History of Generative AI, Mastering Chat GPT, and Using Chat GPT to Get Ahead At Work. Get your copy of “Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI” today and unlock the limitless possibilities that AI has to offer.

With the rapid rise in AI in business and society in general, “Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI” by Jesse Roberts, PhD has never been more relevant. The goal of this book is to arm readers with the tools necessary to get the most out of generative AI but also offers guidelines to make make sure that it augments rather than replace human intelligence. It starts with the history of AI in the 1950s and goes on to modern times and explains how neural networks allowed it to match, and in some cases exceed, human capabilities. Some of the more interesting sections include how to prompt Chat GPT4 in order to get better results and the cases in which it is most useful, like in creative writing and conversational interface apps. Of course, it inevitably covers how it has its limitations for logical reasoning and a potential for bias. Overall, it is an interesting and useful guide into all matters related to AI with plenty of strategies and real life examples to unlock AI’s full potential. It is recommended for CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, forward thinking professionals, and readers interested in AI and its many uses and benefits.

“With safety and ethics in mind, the journey ahead promises collaborative creativity between humans and machines like we’ve never seen before. Our future is filled with possibilities as yet unimagined – and AI may be the perfect partner to help discover them.”

*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: ‘Leo and the Magic Telescope: Adventure of Making Friends’ by Anjita Jain

‘Leo and the Magic Telescope: Adventure of Making Friends’ is the new children’s book by Anjita Jain. Photo: Amazon

Anjita Jain is an IT Professional by day, writes whimsical worlds by night, and masterfully bridges the realms of technology and tales. A mother of two and a lover of nature’s wonders, her life is a tapestry of tech insights, vibrant stories, and the simple joys of family and pets. Journey into the charming town of Minglewood with Anjita Jain’s debut children’s book, “Leo and the Magic Telescope,” a vibrant and heartwarming tale. Jain masterfully weaves a narrative that teaches valuable life lessons, while keeping young readers engaged with whimsical illustrations and enchanting storytelling. This story is a must-have addition to any child’s library. (Amazon, 2023)

“Leo and the Magic Telescope: Adventure of Making Friends” is a magical journey of friendship and self-discovery, where young readers learn that, just like the boundless cosmos, they too are full of endless possibilities and magic. The story centers around Leo, a little lion who discovers a magic telescope that provides him with enlightening insights into his friends’ fears and feelings. Through his journey, Leo learns about empathy, understanding, and the power of being uniquely himself. Join Leo in his heartwarming adventure and discover the magic that unfolds when we view the world through a lens of empathy and understanding.

This is the story of Leo the lion who lives in a town full of colors, as evidenced by the beautiful and colorful illustrations. He is about to start school, so he is understandably nervous because sometimes it is hard to make friends, even though you are a lion. When he gets to school, he is told he is too loud and too big which makes him sad because he has no friends. Until he discovers a telescope in the attic that promises magic. With a heartwarming message, this book is perfect for children ages 4-8 as well as parents and educators who can use it as a tool to guide children and teach them how to make friends by being a friend. It teaches the importance of empathy and friendship as well as self esteem and emotional intelligence. This resourceful and powerful book also serves as a bedtime story and reminder to your little one of the importance of being a good friend. The message of acceptance and empathy resonates with both children and adults. This book will surely become a treasured bedtime favorite, inspiring children to be kind, understanding, and above all, themselves.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Book review: ‘The Most Wanted (2004-2005)’ by Maria Angela Leon

‘The Most Wanted (2004-2005)’ is the new book by Maria Angela Leon about living with mental illness. Photo: Amazon

Maria Angela Leon is an author, licensed Aesthetician, and a professional hypnotherapist from HMI. She is the eldest female from a large family of ten and being the eldest female gave her the wisdom and direction to survive all the mental issues she has had to deal with. She uses her diverse experience to curate captivating and powerful stories to impact the lives of millions. She is the soul and heart of her own business in LA. In her new book “The Most Wanted (2004-2005),” she describes more than six decades of her life, during which survival was the only option she had. It also available in Spanish as “La Mas Buscada (FBI 2004-2005). Order your copy today to deepen your understanding of the complex world of mental illness. (Maria Angela Leon, 2023)

“The Most Wanted (2004-2005)” – Mental illness is real. Ignorance and judgmental views have held society back. By raising awareness and conversing openly about this topic, we can begin to heal. Any person, regardless of their religion, nationality, race, or class can be affected by mental illness, and the current societal taboo is brutal. In this country, mental illness is a touchy topic, especially when people who struggle with their mental health exhibit behaviors that fall outside what is socially accepted. People in in-patient facilities are often mistreated, judged, and punished. The author’s goal is to raise awareness of mental health and bring into the open the structural and societal issues that surround it. We cannot hide from or be ashamed of reality, especially if that means attacking, judging, or abandoning people who need help. The emotional and mental health issues in her family has been the engine of her existence; they have both broken her down and built her up. In this book, she shares the lessons she learned and the wisdom that comes with experience. It is divided into 19 chapters including The miracle that saved my life, When reality beats fiction, and The US Legal System. She begins by recounting her traumatic childhood at the hands of her abusive father and ends with her dreams of providing mental health services to the community.

Even though the title of this book is “The Most Wanted,” the main topic is mental health. In 2004, Maria Angela Leon was the FBI’s Most Wanted not because she was a criminal, a member of a cartel, or dangerous in any way. According to the US justice system, she was her sister’s accomplice, who was crazy and fled the country with her two children and her brother in law accused her of having the children, instead of her sister. This was a culmination of years of witnessing her family, including her father, mother, sisters, and brothers, suffer from various mental illnesses including schizophrenia. Her frustration at society’s inability to properly deal with those suffering from mental illness is palpable throughout the pages. The language is clear and easy to understand but it is hard to keep up with all the family member’s stories when she refers to them only as ‘my sister with the heart condition’ and ‘my sister who married a Puerto Rican,’ with the exception of her sister Olga. Highlights include Chapter 8 When reality beats fiction when she fled to the United States when she was 16 and pregnant to escape a forced marriage, and Chapter 13 The US Legal System where she recounts how she ended up as one of the FBI’s Most Wanted. It is heartbreaking to read about how so many members of her family have mental issues and how helpless she feels at being unable to help them. Just wanting to help someone is not enough, because there are so many other issues that come into play, like society’s indifference, healthcare, etc. Overall, “The Most Wanted” is an eye-opening account of one family’s struggle with mental illness and is recommended for readers who are looking to gain knowledge about this issue and are willing to have open conversations about it, including mental health professionals, social services workers, and law enforcement officials. 

“Fear is what destroys the human being, fear is also what builds us and takes us to other dimensions, and sometimes, when we master it, also fulfills our dreams! It’s a double-edged sword….”

*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: ‘Dimensions: First Jump’ by Leif J. Erickson

‘Dimensions: First Jump’ is the science fiction adventure novel by Leif J. Erickson. Photo: Amazon

Leif Erickson was born and raised on a grain farm outside Wheaton, MN, not far from White Rock, SD, which served as the inspiration for the Ghost Town series. From a very early age, Leif knew that he was going to be a farmer, just like his father and grandfather. Being an ecologist and former farmer, much of Leif’s writings feature forests, lakes, and nature in general. Leif has always been interested in science and its possibilities for the human race, pushing the envelope of technologies, and finding how far humans can go. Much of Leif’s science fiction writing explores these themes and ideas. His latest book “Dimensions: First Jump” finds Matt Levier crossing dimensions to rescue his sister Libby and ends up in the middle of an interdimensional war for power and control. It is available on Amazon and Book Selfie in audiobook and ebook format. 

“Dimensions: First Jump” – The story begins in the middle of a battle, where air sirens are going off and people are running for their lives. We meet the characters that Matt will eventually meet and how they fit into this ongoing battle for control. Chapter 2 introduces readers to Matt Levier, who always took the safe path. After his parents died in a strange accident, he stayed behind to look over his younger sister Libby, putting his college and work plans on hold. Then his sister is murdered under bizarre circumstances and on the night of her funeral, he receives a cryptic phone call at 3a.m. telling him that Libby is alive in another realm and there is a small chance that she can be saved. Matt agrees to meet with the caller, a man named Seth, who is a member of a mysterious group known as the Knights of Shiloh. Seth tells him a story of an interdimensional war that is threatening to rip the very fabric of the universe apart. A group, known as The Syndicate, led by a ruthless dictator has been amassing power and taking over dimensions by brute force, subjugating those they conquer. The only force, other than the Knights, attempting to oppose The Syndicate is the Goths, a shadow group not out for power but to destroy the Syndicate and Earth. Caught between the Syndicate and the Goths, Matt must train in the ancient knowledge of the Knights of Shiloh and help them stop the madness before all dimensions are enslaved by the Syndicate. As Matt uncovers his powers, Syndicate and Goths Forces close in on them. During this battle, Matt discovers secrets and lies and learns that he holds the keys to the salvation of all dimensions.

Time travel and parallel dimensions/universes make exciting storylines for science fiction fans. Having the characters jump from one dimension to another, sometimes at just the right moment, is one of the most thrilling elements of this story. The first time Matt defies gravity: “The pair felt gravity give way beneath them before Matt felt his feet on the ground” hints at similar scenes where they jump dimensions or teleport out. He is reluctant to get involved in this interdimensional struggle, he just wants to find out what happened to Libby. She is captured, but we are never told exactly why she was taken and she does not appear until the end. Her story is not really told, so it is hard to care what happens to her. The story is heavily dialogue driven, fast paced, and the language is easy to understand and poetic at times: “A silver-coin moon illuminated the area as countless stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.” There are so many characters that sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the names and they tend to be one dimensional. Highlights include the intense battle scenes in Chapter 1 that begins with “The whine of an air-raid siren overpowered the sharp yelling on the ground” and Chapter 17 when Sapphira gets stabbed by Miso but Matt goes back in time to prevent her stabbing and helps her but then passes out from the effort. The title and the cliffhanger of an ending imply that this will be a series so hopefully we will find out why Libby is so important to the story. Overall, “Dimensions: First Jump” is a thrilling science fiction novel that plays with the concept of multiple dimensions where wars are fought for revenge, greed, and power, and includes enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. It is recommended for fans of time travel and science fiction adventures similar to Star Trek, the Matrix universe, and the 2008 movie Jumper.

“Bravery isn’t simply doing the hard thing, bravery is standing up in the face of fear and moving on anyway. It’s telling your fear you are the master of your fate, not your fear. Fear can only hurt you as long as you allow it to.”

*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.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Book review: ‘From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases’ by Marc St. Omer & David Daniel

‘From Food To Grave’ will be released October 2, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Marc St. Omer is chef-in-charge and chief principal of Foodeva. He has spent the past three decades perfecting his skill and creating authentic Jamaican Caribbean Fusion cuisine since he graduated from the Art Institute of New York City. He was named one of the top chefs for Jamaican Jerk Chicken and other Jerk dishes by the Journal, a prominent New York publication. He was also featured in the James Bread Foundation magazine for his exquisite delicacies and milestone projects to shape the face of the nutritious food industries in the world. David Daniel is the Wellness Content Strategist, Curator, and Editor at Foodeva. They are co-authors of the upcoming new book “From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” where they write about how food and water can affect our bodies and cause chronic diseases. If you are genuinely concerned about your health and are open to learning more about this connection, consider this book. It will be available on their website beginning October 2, 2023.

“From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” by Marc St. Omer and David Daniel is composed of six chapters including The Emergence of Ultra-processed Foods and Their Effects on Health, Water’s Effects on General Health, and Diets & Exercises For Healthy Living.

In this book, you will:

  • take a journey into the anti-processed food movement
  • examine how our eating habits affect our health
  • learn about the growing popularity of organic and unprocessed food
  • discover nature’s amazing healing abilities
  • set out on a path to a more wholesome and unprocessed way of feeding your body.

The goal is to present the best choices for losing weight and getting enough vitamins and minerals as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. It “discusses the decline of today’s diet as a result of our fast-paced lifestyles and the need to pause, reflect, and commit to our health.” In the Introduction, they write that when we eat pleasant tasting foods, it releases a dopamine rush that promotes the behavior that caused that ‘feel good’ feeling. So if eating delicious food causes a rush, we become addicted to that rush, and therefore keep eating food that tastes good, even if it is not good for us: “the more processed food you consume, the more you will desire it.” The cultural shift in today’s modern world has made unhealthy foods more readily available. Other topics include modern diet trends, the effects of today’s fast life on our eating habits, diets and exercises for healthy living, and much more.

When it comes to learning about nutrition, exercise, and healthy living, you can never get too much information. What makes this book different is that it also shines a light on how water affects our bodies and the dangers of water contamination on the community and the environment. Highlights include Chapter Four: Water’s Effects on General Health– an in-depth examination of water contamination, its importance to humanity, how to treat water contamination, and the efforts from leaders, organizations, and others to solve the issue of water contamination; and Chapter Five: Food & The Timeless Teachings of the Classics – examines the healing ability of herbs, the health benefits of organic food and how it benefits the community and the environment. Poor eating habits have created an increase in medical issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer and the authors do an excellent job of explaining the long terms effects and how better eating habits can help. They use language that is easy to understand while the tone is educational without being patronizing. Especially helpful is the chapter on maintaining a healthy diet with examples of different diet plans and exercise recommendations. Overall, “From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” is an outstanding reference guide on the effects and benefits benefits of dietary life choices. It is recommended for readers who appreciate health and wellness information.  

“This literary work thoroughly examined the notable detrimental consequences of consuming unhealthy and manufactured food products on both persons and communities, highlighting the urgent need for modifying current practices.”

*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.
1696259667

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘From Food To Grave’ release date

Book review: ‘Paris On My Mind’ by Eugene Crowley, Jr.

‘Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem’ by Eugene Crowley, Jr.

Eugene Crowley, Jr. was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, has a master’s degree in General Psychology, and spent 32 years teaching the wisdom from mythology to his high school students in Chicago. He has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. He wrote his book, “Upside Down World: The Loss of the Sacred Cosmos,” to give his readers the meaning of life in discovering their own sacred cosmos. He would like to see a “New Enlightenment” with the use of the wisdom from the past holistic cultures who began civilizations. He encourages our culture to return to its Eastern roots by having its spiritual awakening in opening the mind and heart. After participating in the conference “A Language To Dwell In: James Baldwin, Paris, and International Visions” at the American University in Paris in May 2016, he wrote “Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem.” It reveals Baldwin’s views on racism, his observations, solutions, and consequences. (Amazon, 2023)

“Paris On My Mind” gives the truths of the past for readers to become victors instead of victims over social conflicts. The author expresses his thoughts on James Baldwin, his life and writings, and explains that his wisdom echoes ancient philosophers and encourages his readers not to fall victim to America’s social problems. He believes that knowing the truth would set one free. Baldwin provided the truths of the past and gives his readers their purpose in life. He depended on religion and the wisdom of the past in confronting social ills. The book is divided into 12 chapters including The First Time I Saw Paris, Examining Our Civilizations, and James Baldwin in a Post-Racial America. The first two chapters give the author’s early connection with Paris since his hometown, St. Joseph, Missouri, had a French founder, Joseph Robidoux. He also explains why he became enamored with Paris, including that since the city was the innovator of urban streetlights, could this mean that it was, metaphorically, “responsible for giving light to the entire world?” The rest of the book explores the American way of thinking in terms of racial and societal issues, highlights of Harlem today and in the 1920s, then circles back to his thoughts on Paris on the last time he visited the city.

Racism on a global stage can be a touchy subject but now more than ever, it needs to be addressed. Aside from taking a closer look at James Baldwin’s life, how he defined racism and his coping strategies, Eugene Crowley, Jr. stresses the importance of awakening the spiritual, not religious, part of our lives, similar to how past civilizations placed greater importance to the soul, which is divine in nature. In doing so, everyone, including blacks, whites, young, and old can use this wisdom to conquer their adversaries because when we re-discover our spiritual identity, we can live “more genuine, authentic, and peaceful lives.” This insightful and eye opening book is full of history, soul searching, and useful advice, written using language that everyone can understand and put into use in their lives. Highlights include Chapter 3: The American Madness where the author writes that racial conflict is not the ‘Negro problem,’ but rather ‘The American Madness’ and Chapter 5: Dwelling in Languages where he writes that due to the harsh language that he used sometimes, James Baldwin had his critics, but mostly because people “find it difficult to hear of their irrational behaviors.” In other words, people, regardless of race, tend to lash out when confronted with their questionable behaviors. One final piece of practical advice he gives, about life in general, is “The best solution for boredom is to become active. Life was not meant to be lived in one space.” Overall, “Paris On My Mind” is a an excellent examination of the life and works of James Baldwin and a gentle reminder that to live a more peaceful life, we should strive for a more spiritual existence. It is recommended for fans of biographies, personal growth, and spirituality who appreciate practical life advice.

“When we remember our spiritual identity, we place racism and bigotry in their proper place as immature behaviors from people who have not awaken their spirit.”

*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 Family Bones’ by Elle Marr

‘The Family Bones’ is the new psychological thriller by Elle Marr. Photo: Amazon

Elle Marr is the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of “Strangers We Know,” “Lies We Bury,” and “The Missing Sister.” Originally from Sacramento, Elle graduated from UC San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master’s degree from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She now writes and lives in Oregon with her family. In her new book “The Family Bones,” a young woman digs into her family’s shadowy legacy. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Family Bones” – Psychology student Olivia Eriksen’s family is notorious among true-crime buffs. Faced with a legacy of psychopathy that spans generations, Olivia has spent much of her academic life trying to answer one chilling question: Nature or nurture? The story begins with a brief news article about the chaotic events that took place at her family reunion. From there, it goes back two weeks with Olivia going through the 1945 trial recordings of her great uncle Calder Saffron Eriksen, who was charged with patricide, for her psychology dissertation. When she gets home she discovers the invitation to the Eriksen Family Reunion. Although she has kept a safe distance from her blood relatives for years, Olivia agrees to attend a weekend reunion. After all, her fiancé is eager to meet his future in-laws and the gathering may give her a chance to interview her elusive grandfather about the family traits, but nothing is ever peaceful among the Eriksens for long. First, Olivia’s favorite cousin is found dead in a nearby lake. Then another family member disappears. As a violent storm isolates the group further, Olivia’s fears rise faster than the river and an uninvited guest is about to join the party. True crime podcaster Birdie Tan has uncovered a disturbing mystery in her latest investigation—and she is following it right to the Eriksens’ mountain resort. No one, not even Olivia, will see the inevitable deadly twist coming.

Nature vs nurture is a frequent topic in stories that deal with psychology and in this case, Olivia is obsessed with her family history because she is nearing the age when most of her family members were diagnosed as “psychopaths” and she fears she may be next. It is fascinating to uncover the family secrets along with her. Halfway through, one begins to wonder if Olivia is the one responsible for the mayhem taking place at the reunion (she is not) and she just does not remember because she is experiencing disassociation from reality. When a book begins with a crowded family tree, you know the character list will be extensive and this one is no exception; it comes in handy as the story develops. It is narrated alternatively though the eyes of Olivia and the true crime podcaster Birdie Tan with newspaper articles filling in the details of the disturbing Eriksen family history. The references to the instances of animal cruelty perpetrated by family members in the past, though only hinted at, are rather cliché and add little substance to the story. Regardless, the language is easy to understand and beautifully descriptive: “moonlight washes the meadow in a white glow.” With relatable characters and a thrilling dialogue driven story that keeps readers guessing until the shocking ending, “The Family Bones” is a must read and recommended for fans of psychological thrillers with smart and multi layered female leads.

“A scream builds in my throat. It scratches at my shoulders, picking my collar. I should be wrestling with some deep-belly grief – the kind worthy of losing a loved one – but I stare at the wool material of the blanket until the urge to fall apart recedes. The precursors of hysteria slink back into the darkness.”

* 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.