Tag: Mental health

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.

New book release: ‘Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family’ by Damian D. Lewis

“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” is the new book by Damian D. Lewis. Photo: Amazon

The subject of mental health, especially mood disorders like depression and anxiety, touches almost everyone at one time or another. Either we know someone who needs help, or we ourselves need help. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and can be influenced by genetics, our environment, and the sum of our life experiences. According to Damian D. Lewis, author of the new book “Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience,” “good mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness, but also about developing positive qualities like resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.” This book is not just for the person struggling with mood disorders, but for anyone who cares enough to seek guidance. It is available on Amazon. 

“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” – Within this book lies a powerful and heartfelt guide to conquering the challenges of depression and mental health disorders with the unwavering support of loved ones. It explores the often-overlooked impact that mood disorders can have on relationships and family, while providing practical strategies for finding hope and healing even in the toughest of times.

With compassion and insight, this book warmly welcomes you to a community of survivors, where you will find the courage to face your struggles and reclaim the joy that has been waiting for you on the other side of depression and related mental health disorders. Whether it is your mental health disorder or that of a loved one, this book offers the inspiration and support you need to move forward with strength and resilience.

Above all, remember this: you are never alone. Take comfort in knowing that help is always available, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how daunting the struggle may seem. Embrace the promise that your story, your strength, and your potential for growth are waiting for you, and let this book be your guide.

Meet Damian Lewis, your friendly neighborhood storyteller:

“Hey there, I’m Damian, and I’m a firm believer that stories have a magical power. They can whisk you away to fantastical realms, make you ponder life’s big questions, or simply give you a good chuckle—all in the time it takes to finish your morning coffee.

But there’s more to my tales than meets the eye. I’m on a mission to unravel the fascinating tapestry of the human mind, one story at a time. You see, I’ve always been intrigued by the way our emotions dance to the rhythm of our thoughts.

In my writing, I dive deep into the oceans of mental health, exploring the enigmatic currents of anxiety, depression, and resilience. It’s a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and I’ve found that stories are the perfect vessel to explore these uncharted waters.

As I always say, ‘The future is now.’ When you crack open one of my stories, you’re not just reading words on a page; you’re embarking on a voyage through the intricate landscapes of the human psyche. Whether it’s an offbeat comedy, a heartwarming tale of connection, or a spine-tingling thriller, my stories are designed to resonate with the human experience.

And hey, I’m not all about the serious stuff. I love to sprinkle a bit of humor into my narratives because life’s too short not to share a good laugh.

So, come along on this adventure with me. Let’s explore the extraordinary in the ordinary, find joy in the little moments, and dive headfirst into the incredible complexity of our minds—one story at a time. After all, the best tales are the ones we create together.” #DamianLewisStories

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New book release: ‘Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul’ by Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith’s new book “Authentically Grounded.” Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.

Part of self care usually means journaling as a way to get to know yourself better. For some people, this comes easy, while for others, they could benefit from guidance from an outside source. In today’s book news, Melissa Smith’s new book “Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” is this type of resource guide meant to guide you in your journey to self discovery and connecting with yourself.

Melissa Smith holds a Master of Science in Reading Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Radford University. Her academic background and esteemed personal and professional experiences equip her with the knowledge and empathy necessary to navigate complex social issues. Melissa’s career began as an elementary school teacher in underserved schools, where she utilized her skills to help students overcome personal and systemic obstacles. Today, she uses her platform to illuminate and challenge societal norms and systemic barriers, inspiring individuals, particularly Black women with diverse, intersectional identities, to embrace their authentic selves. (Melissa Smith, 2023)

As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Authentically Grounded, Melissa aids individuals and communities in breaking free from oppressive societal constructs, promoting their well-being, and encouraging the exploration of their unique identities. She provides transformative coaching, consulting, and development services, specializing in emotional flexibility, culturally humble pedagogy, decolonization practices, personal development, and self-exploration. Her work is clearly multifaceted, covering a broad spectrum of transformative personal and social change. With her authentic storytelling and ability to facilitate difficult discussions, Melissa connects with her audience on a profound level.

In her transformation from a public school educator to a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) professional leader, Melissa focuses on empowering others to acknowledge their potential and promote inclusivity in all walks of life. Join her on this transformative journey as she continues to inspire and liberate people worldwide. Her new book “Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” is a one-of-a-kind tool designed to help you tap into your inner strength and connect with yourself on a deep level.

Author Melissa Smith. Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.

“Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” offers a refreshing approach to self-exploration by providing a safe and empowering space to celebrate your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and explore your inner self. Through a unique blend of introspective prompts, self-care practices, and mindfulness exercises, this guided journal provides a nurturing environment for exploring your patterns, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling you to reconnect with your sense of self.

“Authentically Grounded” offers a distinctive method of supporting individuals from communities that have been historically excluded, marginalized, and underserved. This guided journal deliberately creates a welcoming environment for these communities to delve into their experiences, emotions, and feelings as they navigate their path toward personal growth and healing. You are worthy and deserving of the life you want, and you have the power to create it, one step at a time. Whether seeking inner peace, building self-confidence, or cultivating a deeper self-awareness, experience the transformative power of Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing your Soul.

Start your journey toward authenticity and wholeness today!

Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.

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New book release: ‘Self Care for Black Women’ by Layla Moon

‘Self Care for Black Women: A Powerful Mental Health Workbook to Quiet Your Inner Critic, Boost Self-Esteem, and Love Yourself’ is five books in one. Photo: Amazon

Layla Moon is a full-timer writer, spiritual practitioner, and a coach living in Brooklyn, NY. She struggled with poverty, as well as toxic relationships within families and partners throughout her life. In her mid-20s, she started seriously practicing the law of attraction, hoodoo magic, and other spiritual practices. Over the next 7 years, she would go onto successfully manifesting her dream life; a life filled with happiness, a loving partner, and a fulfilling career in writing and coaching. She now teaches others how to do the same through her books. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and discovering new books to read. Her new book “Self Care for Black Women: A Powerful Mental Health Workbook to Quiet Your Inner Critic, Boost Self Esteem, and Love Yourself” is a collection of five essential books for black women looking to prioritize their mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. (Layla Moon, 2023)

 **  For a limited time, from April 1 through April 9, this title will be available for .99 **

“Self Care for Black Women: A Powerful Mental Health Workbook to Quiet Your Inner Critic, Boost Self Esteem, and Love Yourself”

This compilation book includes:

  1. “Emotional Self Care for Black Women: A Powerful Mental Health Workbook to Silence Your Inner Critic, Raise Your Self-Esteem, And Heal Yourself”
  2. “Spiritual Self Care for Black Women: A Powerful, Holistic Workbook to Radically Love Yourself and Heal Your Mind, Body, & Soul”
  3. “365 Powerful Positive Affirmations for Black Women: Reprogram Your Mind to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem, Attract Success, Money, Health, and Love”
  4. “365 Badass Positive Affirmations for Strong Black Women: For BIPOC Women to Overcome Negative Thinking, Increase Confidence, and Self-Love”
  5. “One Year Self-Discovery Journal for Black Women: 365 Eye-Opening Questions to Discover Your Self, Raise Self-Esteem, and Embrace Your True Beauty”

Not only do these books provide useful knowledge and inspiration, but also come with a journal to record your own self-care journey. Each book has been chosen with care to provide black women a comprehensive picture of self-care, encompassing subjects like physical health, emotional health, mental wellbeing, and the importance of sisterhood and community.

After reading these books, you will acquire the skills and information necessary to take charge of your own mental health and develop a self-care strategy that works for you. This box set is the ideal resource whether you are trying to develop your practice or are just beginning your self-care journey.

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New children’s book series: Motivating Our Champions by Ife Akanegbu

Dr. Ife Akanegbu has written a series of books for children focusing on promoting positive mental health. Photo: Google

Ife Akanegbu has always had a lifelong passion for telling stories. He completed his medical training in Nigeria before achieving a Master’s in Health Management at the University of Leeds. Upon observing the alarming rise in depression, anxiety, and self-harm rates, he felt compelled to take action and he knew his gift for storytelling could make a difference. That is when he combined this talent with his more than fifteen years of medical expertise to create Motivating Our Champions, a game-changing children’s book series designed to help our precious little ones take good care of their mental health. The books in the series include “My Grandpa Is A Hero,” “Janel’s Struggle,” and “Lila And The New Bully.” (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)

Ife’s charming life story is full of inspiration, adventure, and compassion. In fact, he has mastered the art of captivating storytelling by sharing his experiences with others. Ultimately, this motivated him to use his skill to impact current mental health trends, an issue that concerns him deeply.

“My Grandpa Is A Hero” – Tyler spends all his free time in his room playing video games and does not even want to join the family for dinners. His siblings come to the table and play on their devices all through mealtime. Grandpa is staying with the family and is not happy with the lack of interest the kids have in being part of the family. Grandpa decides to do something about it and finds fun and engaging activities for the kids, they begin to live healthier, more well-rounded lives, and their mental health improves.

“My Grandpa Is A Hero” can teach kids and parents the value of family activities and how it affects the quality of life. Parents learn about setting limits for TV and electronic devices and kids learn they can have fun by not engrossing themselves in their electronics.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Janel’s Struggle” – Janel is going through a tough time because she is overweight and feels she does not fit in. No matter what she does, she cannot lose weight. She is bullied at school and feels she does not have any friends. After many attempts to try to lose weight, it begins to affect her mental health. Janel does not even want to look at herself in the mirror. Only the love and support from her mother helps her find the real reason why she cannot lose weight.

“Janel’s Struggle” will take you and your child through a heartfelt journey of how people’s perception and bullying of an overweight child is harmful to their mental health. It helps parents teach children about mental health as well as accepting who they are and asking for help when they feel something is wrong. It also teaches children how much making fun of someone hurts. “Janel’s Struggle” informs parents that when things are not right, there is not always an obvious answer.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Lila And The New Bully” – Lila’s mother moves her to a new school because Lila is being bullied. On the first day of class, Lila is confronted with the same issue from one of her classmates, Kima. Instead of being discouraged, Lila demonstrates empathy for Kima and wants to be her friend, so she comes up with a plan.

“Lila And The New Bully” will help your child realize that sometimes people are mean because they are hurting inside and their mental health is not good. Lila’s compassion and kindness show kids a positive way to handle someone who is mean to them and the importance of mental health. Sometimes showing love and kindness is better than acting out in a non loving way.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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New book release: ‘Meditation for People Who Can’t Meditate’ by Dr. Samuel Samtosha Steinberg

‘Meditation for People Who Can’t Meditate’ is a beginner’s guide to meditation. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dr. Samuel Samtosha Steinberg is a graduate of the Cornell University Plant Based Nutrition program and has a doctorate in Metaphysics. He is a special education teacher, a Yoga Alliance certified 500 E-RYT yoga teacher and educator and a meditation consultant to mental health practitioners and pain support groups as well as a relaxation teacher. Currently he is completing a doctorate in Naturopathic Psychology. He is the author of “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate” and “Free Bird,” a children’s book about freedom. He also authored “Parents Guide to Helping a Child With Learning Disabilities,” “Everything You Wanted to Know About Veganism,” “The Why’s and How’s of Vegetarianism,” “Anxiety, Depression & Panic Attacks,” “Promoting Positive Self Esteem In Children,” “A Guide to Autism in the Workplace,” “What Are Chakras and Why the Heck Should I Care?,” and “Weight Lost & Fitness.” His new book “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate” is an uncomplicated beginner’s guide to meditation. (Dr. Samuel Samtosha Steinberg, 2023)

New to meditation? Want a moment of peace from the chaotic world? Not sure how to focus? Discover how to meditate with this uncomplicated beginner guide. Dr. Samuel Steinberg presents meditation as an exquisite approach to attain peace, healthy, stress-free life by keeping it simple through basic techniques.

“Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate” is a perfect guide for beginners tangled between the right time, place, position, group, and props to meditate with. Let this book walk you through the core of how to meditate correctly, the benefits of everyday practice, and the diverse styles of meditation in a fun way.

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New book release: ‘Sailing In Dark Waters’ by Jordan Francis

‘Sailing In Dark Waters’ is the new poetry anthology by Jordan Francis. Photo: Amazon

Jordan Francis has been writing poetry off and on for almost 20 years. He hit his stride during Covid when he created his website enabling him to share his poetry with the world. This enabled him to gain the confidence needed to write more and gain a bigger platform. Jordan has struggled with depression and anxiety for most of his life and his lessons learned through them shine through in his writings. Back in 2013 the author survived a suicide attempt which is written about in his poem “Once, Twice, Thrice.” He has been a champion for mental health for the last 6 years and openly shares his story. He served in Law Enforcement for almost 11 years before leaving to go back to school and is currently working towards a bachelors degree in computer science while continuing to write and promote his book. His new book “Sailing In Dark Waters: A Poetry Anthology by The Mad Poet” is a powerful anthology of poems dealing with a variety of topics. (Jordan Francis, 2023)

“Sailing In Dark Waters” – deals with mental health issues, the writers’ struggle with their faith, and life in general. The poems are beautifully written and thought provoking. Many of the poems are autobiographical, especially “Love Won and Lost,” and “Once, Twice, Thrice.”   “Once, Twice, Thrice” tells the writers story of his own suicide attempt. All of the poems are written in free verse poetry though some do have a certain rhythm to them. This book of poetry is accessible to everyone and is truly written to be able to be appreciated by anyone.

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New book release: ‘DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and Anxiety’ by Janet Willow PhD

‘DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and anxiety’ is an essential guide to understanding and overcoming the effects of adult ADHD and anxiety. Photo: Amazon

Dr. Janet Willow, MD, PhD is an award-winning clinical psychologist specializing in the psychological treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health conditions. With decades of experience, she is a leader in her field and widely recognized for her passion to help clients achieve optimal mental health. Her innovative approach to therapy and counseling has had a tremendous impact on many lives and earned her recognition both within professional circles as well as among patients seeking relief from their suffering. Dr. Willow’s approach to therapy focuses on not just eliminating symptoms but also helping clients understand how they relate to their environment, making lasting changes that can improve overall life satisfaction. Her new book, “DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and Anxiety: A Practical Guide with Dialectical Behavior Techniques and Coping Skills to Overcome a Scattered Brain, Improve Focus and Achieve Optimal Mental Performance,” is an essential guide to understanding and overcoming the effects of adult ADHD and anxiety. (Amazon, 2023)

“DBT Workbook for Adult ADHD and Anxiety” – Dr. Willow uses her decades of expertise in clinical psychology to create an accessible and comprehensive guide that provides readers with a strong understanding of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a strategy for addressing these conditions. The book focuses on helping readers develop tools and skills that will help them manage their symptoms associated with ADHD and anxiety — from relaxation techniques to tracking daily activities that lead to improved mental health. With each chapter, Dr. Willow helps readers identify maladaptive behaviors, uncover core beliefs that shape their self-image, and build positive coping strategies to promote sustained recovery. Dr. Willow draws upon her vast experience in treating adults with ADHD and anxiety conditions to provide readers with insight into common struggles they may experience while striving towards greater mental wellbeing. She offers practical guidance on how mindfulness techniques can be applied in everyday life — from organizing chaotic schedules to engaging in intentional conversations with family members or friends. By utilizing evidence-based practices such as DBT together with case studies of successful treatment approaches, this comprehensive DBT resource offers a revolutionary approach for tackling the challenges associated with adult ADHD and anxiety.

Book review: ‘Heart Medicine’ by Radhule Weininger

‘Heart Medicine: How to Stop Painful Patterns and Find Peace and Freedom – at Last’ by Radhule Weininger, MD, PhD. Photo: Amazon

Radhule Weininger, MD, PhD is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher. She leads weekly and monthly meditation groups in Santa Barbara and leads retreats in the United States and internationally. She is the author of “Heartwork: The Path of Self-Compassion.” In her new book “Heart Medicine: How to Stop Painful Patterns and Find Peace and Freedom – at Last” she helps readers find freedom from life’s painful recurring patterns in 12 simple steps, with guided practices of self-compassion, mindfulness, and embodiment. (Amazon, 2022)

“Heart Medicine” – Do you ever feel trapped by experiencing challenging feelings over and over again–sometimes without realizing it? Or do you find yourself thinking “Why is this happening to me again?” or “Why do I always feel this way?” You are not alone. With “Heart Medicine,” you can learn to identify your emotional and behavioral patterns through the lens of loving awareness–without self-judgment or blame, learning to hold yourself as you would a dear friend, with space and grace. Radhule Weininger has decades of experience as a therapist and meditation teacher and uses it to help readers understand the trauma behind their patterns and offers twelve simple steps to work toward healing. Each chapter includes short practices so readers can begin to put the book’s concepts to work for transformation in their own lives. In the Introduction, the author defines what LRPPs are, Long-standing Recurrent, Painful Patterns of hurt and that this book is about identifying and healing our LRPPs. The book is divided into two parts: Part One: Meet Your Long-Standing, Recurrent, Painful Patterns (LRPPs), where she defines LRPPs and explains why we obsess and repeat and Part Two: Twelve Steps toward Healing and contains chapters such as Being Mindful of Body, Thoughts, and Feelings and Forgiveness. All together, it contains her personal story, case studies, and suggested practices, like mindfulness and breathing exercises as well as journaling, geared towards reducing these painful patterns.

The need for better mental health care has never been more important and there are so many books out there that can help. “Heart Medicine” by Radhule Weininger is one of them. Given that the author herself has gone through her share of rough times and picked up some coping mechanism along the way, it gives the book an authentic voice. She shares her personal struggles, as well as those of others she has helped, in the hope that readers will benefit from them. Her tone is heartfelt and comforting yet professional but never condescending. Highlights, both in Part Two, include Step 1 – Recognizing Your LRPP – because in order to begin healing, “we must first be able to identify when our LRPP is manifesting and the particular characteristics signifying its presence” which include twelve types of indicators, two of which are narrowing awareness and depleted life energy; and Step 12 – Service: Sharing Our Healing Sets Us Free because by sharing, we can restore some of the equilibrium in our bodies that has gone awry. Her combination of psychology and Buddhist principles give readers the tools they need to break through the patterns that can hold them back and in turn begin to live better lives. “Heart Medicine” is an exemplary guide book that can help identify and address emotional and behavior problems and is recommended for readers interested in self help, mental health, Buddhism, and philosophy.

“This book is intended as a medicine for the heart. I hope that we can all find healing and freedom within our distress that has so often kept us from living the lives we wanted to create for ourselves.”

*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: ‘What Could Go Wrong?’ by Brett Grayson

whatcouldgowrong
“What Could Go Wrong?” is Brett Grayson’s debut novel his experiences through marriage, parenting and depression. Photo: Google

Brett Grayson is an author and successful trial attorney with offices throughout the five boroughs of NYC and New Jersey.  Him and his wife Lauren have been on a long journey since they met in 2001 and have faced adversity related to mental health, pregnancy complications and birth complications.  His debut novel, “What Could Go Wrong?: My Mostly Comedic Journey Through Marriage, Parenting and Depression,” was released in January of this year and it is a memoir about their journey in becoming parents for the first time.  It quickly became an Amazon #1 New Release.

“What Could Go Wrong?” begins with an Introduction where the author relates a Valentine’s Day memory that starts out promising but ends abruptly when Liz, their three-year old daughter, has a bathroom malfunction.  It is best not to go into the gory details.  From there, the story goes back to the beginning to when Lauren first becomes pregnant and the various parenting adventures that follow.  The book is divided into four parts: Part One (the pregnancy) includes chapters such as Urine Catching, Hot Doctor Roulette and It’s an Octopus!; Part Two (parenting hurdles) with chapters like Second Hurdle – The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Third Hurdle – The Completely Insane Outside World; Part Three (parenting) and the chapters Stop Asking Me Whey Every Freaking Two Minutes and Avoiding Death, Accepting Ebola, and Zika as an Ally; and Last Part has the chapters New Kicks and Elsa and Anna Had Terrible Parents.  This is one family’s journey through pregnancy, the first years of parental cluelessness, the terrible twos, teenagers and the few years that follow when they begin to learn about a world that is crazier than they are.  It is a filled with pre and post-natal complications, battles with his own mental health and his son’s diagnosis of the rare genetic disease CLOVES syndrome.

Parenting is one of those experiences that binds people together; yet the journey is different for everyone. Out of all the parenting books available, most are from the female perspective and this is what makes “What Could Go Wrong?” unique in that it is written from the male first person point of view. The language is down to earth, which makes the story easy to follow and understand.  He does drop the F bomb, including in the opening sentence, and a few other colorful words, but that is what makes it real.  As a whole, it is raw, in your face, sometimes poignant but mostly funny.  The target audience is parents, who will, no doubt, relate to his struggles, including his distaste for all things Frozen, from having seen it thousands of times. This page-turner is recommended for readers who appreciate reading about someone else’s adventures in parenting, marriage and mental health, to remind them that others have had similar struggles and that they are not alone.

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