“Daddy Sam” by Pamela Dubois is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that explores the dynamics of family, identity, and resilience. The story centers around Sam and his journey from a tough childhood stemming from losing his mother when he was nine years old, to serving in World War II, returning to civilian life, marriage at a young age, raising a family of his own, becoming a successful businessman, and navigating retirement. The narrative is emotionally charged and insightful, diving deep into Sam’s life. It includes pictures of a young Sam and his wife Virginia as well as pictures of a love letter he wrote to her while on military duty and other personal mementos.
Main Chapters: Introduction Preface Sam: The Early Years Marriage Military Service at the 38th Parallel Civilian Life Occupational Career Retirement Travel Second Career Life After Virginia Fay
The character development and authentic portrayal of familial bonds makes Sam relatable. Dubois’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the nuances of grief, love, and personal growth with remarkable sensitivity. The interactions between Sam and family and friends are depicted with a sincerity that will resonate with readers who have experienced similar struggles or joys in their own lives.
Overall, “Daddy Sam” is compelling read that offers valuable reflections on the nature of family, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Though it’s a brief overview of Sam’s life, Pamela Dubois has delivered a touching and memorable story that will linger with readers. It is an easy read and recommended for readers who enjoy biographies and family saga fiction.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Karl Pillemer, PhD, is the founder and director of the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging, a center that works to increase public awareness of aging research. Dr. Pillemer has authored more than one hundred scientific publications and has spoken widely throughout the world on issues of successful aging, family relationships, and elder care. His book “30 Lessons for Loving: Advice from the Wisest Americans on Love, Relationships, and Marriage” gives sage advice and memorable stories from extraordinary older Americans who share advice on love, relationships, and marriage. (Amazon, 2024)
“30 Lessons for Loving” – Based on the most detailed survey of long married people ever conducted, it shows the way to lifelong, fulfilling relationships. The author offers sage advice from the oldest and wisest Americans on everything from finding a partner, to deciding to commit, to growing old together. Along the way, the book answers questions like these: How do you know if the person you love is the right one? What are the secrets for improving communication and reducing conflict? What gets you through the major stresses of marriage, such as child-rearing, work, money issues, and in-laws? From interviews with 700 elders it offers unique wisdom that will enrich anyone’s relationship life, from people searching for the right partner to those working to keep the spark alive after decades together. It is structured around thirty distinct lessons, each offering practical advice and profound insights derived from real-life stories.
Chapters include: Chapter 1: Evening the Odds: Lessons for Finding a Mate Chapter 2: Communication Is the Key Chapter 3: Getting Through the Hard Parts Chapter 4: Keeping the Spark Alive Chapter 5: Thinking Like an Expert About Love and Marriage
Review: One of the book’s greatest strengths is its blend of empirical research with heartfelt personal stories. Pillemer’s approach is scholarly and accessible, making the wisdom of seasoned couples relatable and actionable for readers of all ages. The lessons cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of communication and forgiveness to the role of shared experiences in strengthening bonds.
Highlights: Chapter 2 Lesson Five: Three Danger Signs – Points to dangers signs that could signal that a relationship is in trouble including Violence – Once is More Than Enough; Your Partner Is Controlling; and Your Partner Demeans You.
Chapter 3 Lesson Two: Work-Family Stress: Make Your Home a Safe Haven – emphasizes the importance of making your home a safe place free from the stresses of work and avoiding the dreaded “spillover”: “…elders believe that adopting an attitude that ‘home is home and work is work’ is a critical first step.
Overall, “30 Lessons for Loving” is an optimistic yet realistic perspective on love and acknowledges the complexities and challenges of relationships while providing hopeful strategies for overcoming them. The practical advice, grounded in the experiences of those who have navigated long-term relationships, offers valuable guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their connections with loved ones. It is a thoughtful and enriching read for anyone interested in the enduring art of love.
“It’s true that the experts highlight verbal communication-they want you to keep talking. But in addition to conversations, they suggest that actions can speak as loudly as words.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘No Address’ is part of a five-pronged approach to shed light on the homeless situation and offer solutions. Photo: Amazon
In a continuation of the mission to bring awareness and solutions to homelessness in America, Robert Craig Films is announcing the upcoming release of the novel “No Address” published by Forefront Books with sales and distribution by Simon & Schuster. This is part of “The Big 5” movement to bring empathy and awareness to the stories of homelessness born from the Robert Craig Films – produced, award-winning No Address movie. The novel is now available for pre-order. (Anderson PR, 2024)
“In the pages of ‘No Address,’ the reader embarks on a literary journey that follows the story of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The plight of the unhoused is something we all see on a daily basis and we are humbled to present this book, knowing it will leave an everlasting mark on hearts and minds alike.” – Jonathan Merkh, President of Forefront Books
The novel “No Address” is written by 15-time New York Times Best Selling Author Ken Abraham. Based on the critically acclaimed dramatic film and inspired by true events, “No Address” shows how homelessness could happen to anyone. It will be available on September 10, 2024 through Forefront Books and available for pre-order.
“I look for stories that have the potential to transform the fabric of our society, and ‘No Address’ rises to the top in that category,” shares Ken Abraham. “To help someone who has no way of repaying you is one of the greatest joys in life and I believe ‘No Address’ can inspire that sort of response in millions of people.”
“No Address” is a gripping tale about a group of individuals who find themselves homeless due to unfortunate circumstances. It provides a realistic portrayal of their fight for survival against the gangs, vigilantes, and an uncompassionate community. It features celebrity cast members, including William Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, Beverly D’Angelo, Ashanti, Lucas Jade Zumann, Isabella Ferreira, Patricia Velasquez, and Ty Pennington. To take homelessness head-on and do more, “The Big 5” includes the “No Address” movie, novel, documentary, an interactive study guide, and an upcoming music album.
Robert Craig Films is a film company located in Placer County, California, with a mission to develop, create and produce high-quality, entertaining movies that inspire the audience to engage with greater empathy, compassion, and generosity in their communities.
‘Conflict Resolution Skills’ is Robert Moment’s new book.
Robert Moment is an ICF Certified Leadership, Executive, Emotional Intelligence, and Peak Performance Coach with over 15 years of experience in coaching and more than 20 years in Fortune 500 corporate roles. He specializes in building high-performing teams and unlocking the potential of leaders. Recognized as a Top LinkedIn Voice in Leadership Development, Robert is dedicated to empowering professionals to excel in their careers and transform their workplaces. His new book “Conflict Resolution Skills: The Proven System for Building Confidence, Communicating Effectively and Resolving Workplace Conflicts with Ease,” he provides a comprehensive guide to turning conflict into a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. (Amazon, 2024)
“Conflict Resolution Skills” – Drawing on over 15 years of coaching experience and 20-plus years of Fortune 500 work experience, Robert Moment shares strategies that have helped countless teams transform disagreements into opportunities for collaboration and success.
This book is packed with practical tools and techniques that will empower you to:
Approach Conflict with Confidence and Grace: Develop the mindset needed to tackle conflicts head-on.
Communicate Clearly and Effectively: Master the art of communication, even in the most challenging situations.
Build Trust and Foster Empathy: Learn techniques to create understanding and mutual respect among team members.
Navigate Difficult Conversations: Discover strategies for de-escalating conflicts, managing emotions, and finding win-win solutions.
Enhance Your Leadership Skills: Become a catalyst for positive change and create a harmonious, productive work environment.
Whether you are a manager, employee, or leader striving to improve your interpersonal skills, this book will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to resolve conflicts and drive positive change in your organization. Transform your approach to conflict and unlock the potential within your team.Order your copytodayand start your journey towards a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Review:
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics. In this useful guide, Moment organizes conflict resolution into accessible strategies, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.
He begins by defining conflict as what happens “when individuals possess differing needs, goals, or values, leading to disagreements that can either be personal or systemic within an organization.” Along with that, he explains the various types of conflict and the role that emotions play in it. The book is well organized, featuring clear explanations of core concepts and real-world examples that illustrate each point. The focus is on the importance of building confidence and effective communication, highlighting how these skills are crucial in diffusing tense situations. His step-by-step approach provides readers with actionable techniques, such as active listening and empathetic engagement, which can be immediately applied.
Chapters include: Introduction Chapter 1 The Foundation of Conflict Resolution Chapter 2 Effective Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution Chapter 3 Understanding Emotions in Conflict Management Chapter 4 Different Communication Styles and Conflict Chapter 5 Mastering Leadership Styles for Effective Conflict Resolution Chapter 6 Conflict Negotiation Strategies for Win-Win Outcomes Chapter 7 Conflict Resolution Skills: Top 20 Skills Managers Need to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace with Ease Chapter 8 Mediation Skills for Resolving Conflict Chapter 9 Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Common Scenarios and Solutions Chapter 10 Conflict Resolution and Organizational Culture Chapter 11 Legal and Ethical Considerations in Conflict Resolution Chapter 12 Self Care and Resilience in Conflict Resolution Chapter 13 Applying Conflict Resolution Skills Beyond the Workplace Chapter 14 The Conflict Transformer: 30 Expert Tips to Turn Workplace Challenges into Opportunities Chapter 15 R.E.S.O.L.V.E™ Your Workplace Conflicts: A Coaching Exercise Conclusion
Highlights:
Chapter 3: explains the importance of emotional intelligence, especially in yourself because once you acknowledge and understand your own feelings, you can begin to efficiently deal with conflict. Self awareness is key. “Emotions can act like unpredictable waves, crashing down unexpectedly or quietly bubbling beneath the surface, complicating even the simplest interactions.”
Chapter 13: emphasizes how knowing how to deal conflict can be useful outside the workplace, including in the community and in personal relationships. “Effective conflict resolution is not just about finding a quick fix; it can significantly strengthen relationships, enhance mutual understanding, and promote a sense of harmony.”
Each chapter ends with Coaching Questions which further enhance the learning experience. It is an easy read with language that is clear and concise. What I especially liked is the combination of theoretical insights with practical applications, empowering readers to not only resolve conflicts but also foster a more collaborative work environment.
Overall, “Conflict Resolution Skills” is an essential read for anyone seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills. It’s not just about resolving disputes; it’s about cultivating a mindset that promotes understanding and cooperation in the workplace. Though highly recommended for managers, team leaders, and employees seeking to improve their conflict management abilities and create a more positive and productive workplace, anyone outside the work environment can benefit from the practical material.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Consider: Harnessing the Power of Reflective Thinking in Your Organization’ by Daniel Patrick Forrester
Daniel Patrick Forresterfounded THRUUE, Inc., an expert consultancy that supports leaders and boards bridge the gap between strategy and culture. With the explosion of data and hyperconnectivity, Daniel’s curiosity led him to research how leaders responded to the onslaught of available data and to publish his first book, “Consider: Harnessing the Power of Reflective Thinking in Your Organization.”It centers around the role reflection can play in dramatically improving corporate outcomes. As a top nonfiction leadership book, it has impacted the lives and work habits of small and large organizations from around the world. (Amazon, 2024)
“Consider: Harnessing the Power of Reflective Thinking in Your Organization”
“STOP, THINK, AND DON’T DO SOMETHING STUPID!” This is the warning Dr. Robert Bea drills into his Civil and Environmental Engineering students at the University of California in Berkeley. Bea wants to dramatize what he terms the inevitable “oh shit” moments that present themselves—before an actual engineering calamity like the Deepwater Horizon/BP disaster happens.
There’s an intangible and invisible marketplace within our lives today where the products traded are four fold: attention, distraction, data and meaning.
The stories and examples within “Consider” demonstrate that the best decisions, insights, ideas and outcomes result when we take sufficient time to think and reflect. While technology allows us to act and react more quickly than ever before, we are taking increasingly less time to consider our decisions before we make them. Reflection supplies an arsenal of ideas and solutions to the right problems. Including interviews with leaders such as General David Petraeus, attorney Brooksley Born and global investor Kyle Bass, Forrester shows us that taking time and giving ourselves the mental space for reflection can mean the difference between total success and total failure.
Review: This book is an insightful exploration into how reflective thinking can revolutionize organizational dynamics and decision-making. Forrester suggests that the ability to pause, reflect, and engage in deep thinking is essential for encouraging innovation and strategic clarity in today’s fast-paced business environments.
It is organized around practical strategies and real-world examples, demonstrating how reflective practices can be systematically integrated into organizational cultures. He explains that reflection is not necessarily a passive activity but an active, intentional process that can lead to more informed and creative decision-making. By introducing concepts such as “reflective leadership” and “strategic pauses,” Forrester provides actionable tools for leaders seeking to cultivate a reflective culture within their teams. One term that stands out is “plastic time,” what people are now experiencing when they are in “a constant state of interruption and movement between many different tasks.”
It is divided as follows:
Introduction: The Space between Data and Meaning 1. The Human Need for Think Time 2. Forcing Think Time 3. Thinking Out Loud 4. Promoting Think Time 5. Taking a Step Back 6. Too Big to Think? 7. Rapid Contemplation 8 .Outside the Day-to-Day 9 .Reflection and Extreme Situations 10. The Future of Think Time and Reflection
By combining theoretical insights and practical advice, the information is accessible to both senior executives and mid-level managers. Forrester’s writing is clear and engaging, with a focus on real-world applications rather than abstract theories.
Overall, “Consider” is a valuable resource for leaders looking to harness the power of reflection to drive organizational growth and resilience. It is recommended for readers interested in books on workplace culture and leadership/motivation.
“I do not wish to suggest that being alone and thinking always leads the mind to positive and beneficial outcomes… Alone time and reflection when one’s mental model of the world is perverse can give rise to the unimaginable.”
*The author received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days’ by Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. Photo: Amazon
Experts in the field of private protection, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard served for two and a half years as the personal security team for Michael Jackson and have worked with numerous other high-profile clients, including Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Alicia Keys, and Shaquille O’Neal. (Amazon, 2024)
Coauthor Tanner Colby is the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in The Acts,” “Belushi: A Biography,” and “Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America,” which was nominated for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction by the American Library Association. He is also a frequent contributor to Slate magazine.
Their book “Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days” is the story of a man struggling to live a normal life under extraordinary circumstances and the story of a father fighting to protect and provide for his children. It dismantles the tabloid myths once and for all to give Michael Jackson back his humanity.
“Remember the Time”– Hounded by the tabloid media, driven from his self-made sanctuary at Neverland, Michael Jackson spent his final years moving from city to city, living with his three children in virtual seclusion, a futile attempt to escape a world that wouldn’t leave him alone. During that time, Bill Whitfield, a former cop and veteran of the security profession, and Javon Beard, a brash, untested rookie, both single fathers themselves, served as the singer’s personal security team
Stationed at his side nearly 24/7, their job was to see and hear everything that transpired, and to keep everyone else out, making them the only two men who know what 60 million fans around the world still want to know: What really happened to the King of Pop?
Driven by a desire to show the world who Michael Jackson truly was, Whitfield and Beard have produced the only definitive, first-person account of Michael Jackson’s last years: the extreme measures necessary to protect Jackson and his family, the simple moments of happiness they managed to share in a time of great stress, the special relationship Jackson shared with his fans, and the tragic events that culminated in the singer’s ill-fated comeback, This Is It. The truth is far more compelling than anything you’ve yet heard.
It is divided as follows:
Prologue Part One: Can We Go Back to Neverland? Part Two: Why Don’t They Just Leave Me Alone? Part Three: This Is It
Review: This book gives readers an intimate and compelling look into the last years of Michael Jackson’s life. It provides a unique perspective on the King of Pop, revealing the challenges and complexities of protecting such a high-profile figure.
Whitfield and Beard, who served as Jackson’s head of security and bodyguard respectively, deliver an insider’s view that humanizes the pop icon. Their accounts are filled with personal stories and reflections that paint a portrait of Jackson as a deeply private man struggling under intense public scrutiny. By exploring the logistical and emotional strains of safeguarding someone so constantly in the limelight it highlights the lengths to which they went to ensure Jackson’s safety and well-being.
Overall, while the book’s revelations are sometimes sensational, they offer valuable insights into Jackson’s final days and the pressures he faced. It’s a poignant read for fans and those interested in the complexities of celebrity life, providing a detailed understanding of Jackson beyond the headlines.
“Remember the Time” feels authentic, especially the heartfelt respect the authors clearly have for the late singer. An easy read, it is an important piece of pop-culture history and recommended for readers interested in knowing more about the late King of Pop, including the early years.
“Because all I felt was anger. That overtook everything else. I sat there with all these people getting up onstage and talking about what a great friend Michael was and how much he meant to them, and the only thing I could think was: Where were they?…Where were all these people when he needed them?” – Bill Whitfield
*The author received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Righteous Assassin’ by Kevin G. Chapman. Photo: Amazon
Kevin G. Chapmanis a writer and corporate labor and employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars, has taught legal writing to law students, and is the past chairperson of the Labor & Employment division of the global Association of Corporate Counsel. He is the author of the award-winning Mike Stoneman thriller series and other novels, short stories, and screenplays. His book “Righteous Assassin,” a Mike Stoneman thriller, is a thrilling page-turner with twists you’ll never see coming. (Amazon, 2024)
“Righteous Assassin” – The story begins with four unsolved murders in four months, each on the last Saturday of the month. A mob boss is eaten alive by tigers at the Bronx Zoo, a sweatshop owner is mutilated and left to bleed out, a pharmaceutical baron is tortured and frozen to death, and a fashion designer is poisoned in her Upper East Side apartment.
NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson must stop the elusive killer before he completes his decathlon of death. Each murder adds a piece to the killer’s puzzle, but even unravelling the clues and finding the killer’s pattern may not be enough to catch him.
The task force includes an FBI profiler, and Mike gets an assist from Medical Examiner Michelle McNeill, who seems to be on his mind a lot lately. She’s an asset to the investigation, but is this any time to be starting a romance? Each month is a race against the calendar. Only one thing is certain – on the last Saturday of the month, there will be blood.
This crime thriller is a pulse-pounding novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Detective Mike Stoneman finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning serial killer who’s targeting the city’s elite. The killer’s meticulously planned murders, each with a disturbing biblical twist, add a chilling layer of complexity to the case.
Chapman’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers deep into the gritty world of crime investigation. The plot is intricate and filled with unexpected turns, making it difficult to predict the killer’s next move. While the character development could be deeper, Stoneman emerges as a compelling protagonist, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice.
The narrative is tight and immersive, skillfully weaving together suspense and character-driven drama. Narrating the killer’s intentions in the first person makes his actions seem more disturbing “I shall now sleep the untroubled sleep of the righteous.” The pacing is relentless, ensuring readers are on edge with each twist and turn. Sam is a deeply flawed protagonist, struggling with internal demons as much as external threats, which makes his journey both compelling and relatable. Even though the murder scenes are gruesome, they are not overly graphic.
Overall, “Righteous Assassin” is a gripping dive into the world of vigilante justice and moral ambiguity. The author’s portrayal of moral dilemmas and the consequences of vigilantism is thought-provoking, making this more than just a thriller. It challenges readers to reflect on justice, ethics, and the cost of taking the law into one’s own hands. A fast paced, thrilling, and intense read, it is reminiscent of the movie Se7en and is recommended for fans of crime thrillers that revolve around serial killers similar to Thomas Harris’ “Silence of the Lambs.”
“I am confident that the description of the mystery man will yield no accurate details, since I carefully crafted a backstory to go along with my false identity. I have nothing to fear.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Discussion: I am new to this author and can’t wait to read more of his Mike Stoneman novels. Have you read any of them? Which one would you recommend? Are you a fan of the author? Have you read “Righteous Assassin”? If so, what are your thoughts?
‘Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity’ by Ricardo Jiménez. Photo: Amazon
Ricardo Jiménez is a Puerto Rico- and Barcelona-based writer, entrepreneur and active angel investor. Since 2014, he has performed direct investments in over 30 tech projects, including the Ethereum token launch. Jiménez, who was born in Spain, holds an MBA from Duke and is fluent in Spanish, English and conversational Indonesian. In his new book “Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity” he recounts his personal startup failure so that other entrepreneurs and business founders may learn from his mistakes as they chase their own business dreams. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)
“Crash Course” – For every Miracle Mop, Bombas sock or Squatty Potty, there’s a Plushky. What’s a Plushky? It’s a stuffed, colorful plushie shaped like a country. For six years, from 2010 to 2016, then Austin-based entrepreneur Ricardo Jiménez engaged in a relentless pursuit to find the market, customers, distributors, investors, partners and sellers that would make his line of Plushkies the next big thing.
Given these cuddly plush stuffed toys can’t be found on shelves of any major retailers or on any online marketplace, we already know the ending of this story. Jiménez failed in his efforts to get others to see his vision that these toys would bring the children of the world together. But not every entrepreneur can be a Joy Mangano, Dave Heath or Bobby and Judy Edwards. In fact, nine times out of ten, entrepreneurs fail.
But is it truly the ending of his story or his Plushkies? Jiménez shares what it’s like to pour your heart, your passion and your financial resources into a dream and vision that few others see and, most excruciatingly, fail at it.
“There are enough stories about entrepreneurs who lived their American dreams, but what about those of us who put ourselves on the line, worked endless hours, did everything we could to give our companies life, and still faltered and lost our money without ever creating a true profitable enterprise? That’s not a story people usually want to hear, but I am convinced it’s important—maybe even more important than endlessly studying Cinderella-like success stories” – Ricardo Jiménez.
Have we been given a how-to on what it’s like to fail at a startup? In “Crash Course,” Jiménez asks: Can failure inform a different narrative of accomplishment, as opposed to success by mainstream measures?
In his book, he offers advice on how to:
Learn the most valuable information first. What do your customers want? What are they willing to pay? How are they going to use the product?
Know your motives before you leap. Are you doing this for yourself or others? What is the number one driver of your decision to start a business?
Trust yourself. Follow your heart and do not fear the outcome, he says. You are bigger than your company or your enterprise. Life comes first, business second.
Learn when to let go. He shares the spiritual journey he took that led him to understand that sometimes the best thing to do is to let go.
Jiménez takes a clinical and honest approach of why his international toy company did not succeed, and he does not shy away from how his missteps, misguided decisions and mismanaged. He did not experience the classic happy ending of success; he lives in the real world. Accordingly, his book is for would-be entrepreneurs who want a clear-eyed vision of where they are headed and what they need to survive the journey. For those already on the entrepreneurial path, Jiménez shares the clarity, inspiration and self-understanding needed to decide whether to step off or continue the journey.
“Crash Course seamlessly merges spiritual wisdom and business savvy, providing a lesson-packed road map to prosperity with purpose.”
— Daven Michaels New York Times Bestselling Author & CEO
“A game-changer for entrepreneurs, it redefines success as a holistic journey in which the heart leads and financial achievement is trusted to follow.”
— Grace Ramírez Chef, Author, Entrepreneur and Global TV Personality
‘The Bospel of Peppermint’ is the holy book for the Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers. Photo: The Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers.
“The Bobspel of Peppermint”by The Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers is a whimsical journey into a world where peppermint isn’t just a flavor, but a divine essence. It invites readers into a realm where peppermint becomes a sacred symbol, revered by a mysterious group known as the Bobists.
Note: “This book contains content some may consider disturbing, including murder, violence, gore, bigotry, alcohol, language, references to sexual things, and mentions of heterosexuality. Despite no graphic sexual content, this book is very much intended for older audiences. Ultimately, it is up to the reader to decide if it is right for them.”
The print copy has high-quality printing of full-page color artwork. It’s for people who like the ebook enough to want a physical copy of their own. You can purchase it here, but if you just want to read it, you can request a free PDF on their website.
The narrative unfolds with poetic descriptions and mystical rituals, drawing readers into a universe where the ordinary is elevated to the spiritual. “Nora’s simple slip dress had transformed into a sparkling blue one with flowing, off the shoulder sleeves with navy peppermint striped trim.” Through vivid imagery and complex storytelling, the author paints a portrait of a community bound by their shared devotion to peppermint, exploring themes of belief, ritual, and the power of the senses.
Table of contents: 1. The Book of the Mintauloids 2. The Book of the Stars 3. The Book of Magic 4. The Book of the Mintidote 5. The Book of Performance 6. Bobist Glossary 7. Bobist Art Gallery
The prose is rich with sensory detail, evoking the aroma and taste of peppermint in every chapter. Readers are treated to a variety of cultural practices, social commentaries, and philosophical musings, all centered around this humble herb-turned-idol. The author’s ability to blend spiritual insights with a playful, almost tongue-in-cheek reverence for peppermint is one of its highlights. The other is the bright and colorful illustrations that make the characters come alive. The Bobist Glossary contains an explanation of all the terms used throughout the book.
Overall, “The Bobspel of Peppermint” is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys fantasy mixed with spirituality and a touch of whimsy. It challenges readers to reconsider the ordinary and find magic in unexpected places, making it a unique addition to the genre of speculative fiction. Enjoy the trip!
“When a creative soul writes a story, or paints a picture, or creates anything, really, a new universe is made.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Unlock the power of manifestation with this interactive journal by Katrina Lustre. Photo: Amazon
“My 90 Day Manifestation Journal”offers a structured and personal approach to manifesting one’s goals and aspirations. As a self-help tool, the journal guides readers through a 90-day journey of introspection and intentional living. The writing style is encouraging and empathetic, making it accessible to readers at any stage of their personal development journey.
It starts with defining manifestation and how it works, tips on creating a vision board, and developing an action plan. The emphasis is on daily reflection, intention setting, and proactive steps taken. The daily pages prompt the reader to focus on gratitude, affirmations, and specific goals, fostering a habit of mindfulness and positivity.
The journal is beautifully designed, with plenty of space for personal reflections and creative expression. The layout is natural, making it easy for readers to write their daily entries and track their progress over the 90 days.
Overall, “My 90 Day Manifestation Journal” is a helpful guide for anyone looking to manifest their dreams. This worthwhile journal combines practical exercises with motivational insights. It is recommended for readers interested in personal growth and manifestation practices.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
SA Examiner 