Tag: New book

‘Ashes of the Republic’ Book Review: A Chilling Vision of a Dystopian America

‘Ashes of the Republic’ by James Chesterton. Photo: Amazon

Related post: The Future Is Now: ‘Ashes of the Republic’ by James Chesterton

Book Review: Ashes of the Republic by James Chesterton

Ascent of Dennison Series, Book One

Release date: April 28, 2026.

The Premise: A Republic in Ruins

In the year 2046, the “blueprint” for authoritarian rule is no longer theoretical, it’s fully operational. Ashes of the Republic presents a chilling vision of a United States overtaken by Christian Nationalism. In this near-future dystopia, liberalism is a punishable offense, women’s bodies are governed by data, and AI has replaced human medical professionals.

The Catalyst (2026)

The narrative begins in the Western U.S. with Charity, a young prodigy with degrees from Oxford and Johns Hopkins. As a rising star at Dennison Robotics, Charity works closely with Iwanna Dennison, the President’s daughter and the de facto leader of the American Christian Right.

When a project meeting turns into a heated disagreement, Charity is fired. Realizing she is now a target of the burgeoning regime, she turns to her estranged, wealthy father. He helps her “vanish,” providing her with a new identity and they are only to contact each other once a year, on her birthday.

The Consequence (2046)

Twenty years later, Charity is gone, replaced by Lily Osbourne. Living a quiet, anonymous life in Colorado, Lily is dating Jeff Maslow, a former teacher who lost his job after a copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass was discovered during a routine body search.

Their fragile peace is shattered during a routine airport screening. A TSA agent informs Lily that she is pregnant, an unregistered state that is strictly controlled by the Republic. In this world:

  • All pregnancies are flagged immediately.
  • Fetuses are issued Social Security numbers at conception.
  • The state is notified of “unauthorized” biological activity.

As Lily and Jeff fight for survival, Iwanna Dennison continues her psychotic climb to the highest reaches of power.

Why This Novel Stings

James Chesterton’s writing feels less like speculative fiction and more like an inevitability unfolding in slow motion. The grounded realism makes it a stand out in modern literature.

Key Themes & Highlights:

  • Plausible Terror: The systems of control, AI-driven healthcare, reproductive tracking, and algorithmic governance, are presented as logical extensions of technology we use today.
  • The Reversal of the American Dream: In a haunting role reversal, the novel depicts people fleeing from the United States into Canada.
  • Relatable Stakes: While the political themes are heavy, the emotional base remains the relationship between Lily and Jeff, two people trying to maintain their humanity in a system designed to strip it away.

Final Verdict

Ashes of the Republic is a stark reflection of the present pushed to its logical extreme. Chesterton excels at grounding high-concept political thriller elements in vivid, descriptive prose.

“The sun’s oppressive presence in the sky had retreated to a warm and more docile position just beneath the horizon.”

Recommended for: Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale, political thrillers, and speculative fiction that isn’t afraid to be provocative.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) A solid, unsettling start to the Ascent of Dennison Series.

“There was nothing to be said. Lily and Jeff held hands, staring out the window at the swarms of broken people everywhere. At night, they were frightening. In the day, they were heartbreaking.”

*Thank you to Meryl Moss Media and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

The Future Is Now: ‘Ashes of the Republic’ by James Chesterton

‘Ashes of the Republic’ is the forthcoming new speculative thriller by James Chesterton. Photo: Amazon

New Book Spotlight: Ashes of the Republic

A Dark Speculative Thriller by James Chesterton

In James Chesterton’s dark and thrilling futuristic satire, Ashes of the Republic, the year is 2046 and Christian Nationalism has fully consolidated power. Evidence of liberalism is subject to punishment, women’s bodies are governed by data, medical professionals have been replaced with AI, and the blueprint for authoritarian rule is no longer theoretical, it’s fully operational. It will be released on April 28 and is available for pre-order. (Meryl Moss Media, 2026)

The Plot: A Fragile Invisibility Shattered

At the center of the story is Lily Osbourne, a gifted technologist who once helped build the very systems that now govern daily life. After crossing her employer, Dennison Robotics CEO Iwanna Dennison, Lily is cast out of power and retreats into quiet anonymity.

That fragile invisibility shatters during a routine airport screening when a TSA agent informs her that she is pregnant, a state strictly controlled by the government.

In the Republic, all unregistered pregnancies are flagged. The fetus is issued a Social Security number immediately. The state is notified, and the body is no longer one’s own.

Lily and her boyfriend, Jeff Maslow, a former professor once arrested for the “crime” of reading Walt Whitman, must find a way to survive. Meanwhile, Iwanna Dennison claws her way to the highest reaches of power, driven by a psychotic and relentless ambition.

Where Fiction Meets Reality

Deeply rooted in current events, Ashes of the Republic draws from real-world debates surrounding:

  • Reproductive surveillance and the erosion of privacy.
  • The fusion of religion and state power.
  • The role of AI and data in modern governance.

Policies and ideas that felt speculative during the novel’s early drafts have since emerged as real-world court rulings, legislative proposals, and political platforms. This isn’t distant dystopia; it is a “near-now” reality where the mechanisms of control already exist, waiting only for the removal of institutional limits.

Key Themes of the Republic

  • Theocratic Surveillance: The United States has transitioned into a state governed by religious authority and high-tech monitoring.
  • Performative Democracy: Elections still happen, but they no longer carry the weight of choice.
  • Criminalized Dissent: Opposing the status quo is a high-stakes legal risk.
  • Bureaucratized Freedom: Personal liberty is slowly being filed away by administrative systems and unchallenged executive power.

This isn’t your parents’ sci-fi. The tone is controlled, unsentimental, and wickedly funny, a fast-paced thrill ride full of twists and turns.

Ashes of the Republic is the first installment in the Ascent of Dennison series. These gripping political thrillers ask a terrifying question: What happens when legal, cultural, and moral guardrails are deliberately dismantled by leaders who believe themselves divinely justified and technologically unaccountable?

About the Author: James Chesterton

James Chesterton is the author of Ashes of the Republic and Holding Patterns, a financial crime thriller inspired by his 30 years in the banking industry.

A graduate of Hunter College, he began his career teaching high school English before earning an MBA from the University of Connecticut and transitioning into corporate banking. Chesterton’s work confronts the real-world consequences of power exercised at the highest levels.

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The Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing AI at Work (2026 Edition)

‘AI At Work’ is the new book on AI for nontechnical professionals by Kate Marshall. Photo: Amazon

New Book Spotlight: AI At Work by Kate Marshall

Stop wondering where to start with AI and start using it.

We all know AI is changing the professional landscape, but without a clear entry point, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. AI at Work: A Step-By-Step Foundational Guide For Implementing AI eliminates the overwhelm by providing a proven, structured process to integrate generative AI into your daily routine. (Amazon, 2026)

This isn’t a collection of random tips or high-level theory; it is a practical roadmap designed to move you from initial setup to full workflow automation.

📘 Overview: AI Literacy Made Practical

Written specifically for non-technical professionals, this guide walks you through a system for bringing generative AI into your daily workflow. The best part? No technical background is needed. Each section is designed to be implemented in under 30 minutes, featuring:

  • Copy-paste-ready prompts
  • Actionable checklists
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • QR codes linking to updated digital resources and FAQs

🚀 What You Will Learn

This book covers the full spectrum of modern AI implementation, including how to:

  • Choose Your Tool: Compare ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and Grok to find the best fit for your specific needs.
  • Master Prompting: Set up custom instructions and engineering techniques to get useful results on your first try.
  • Automate the Mundane: Triage emails, generate meeting notes, and handle repetitive tasks to save hours every week.
  • Build Reusable Workflows: Create SOPs, templates, and AI workflows for documents and presentations.
  • No-Code Automation: Use Zapier, Make, and Power Automate to build business systems without writing a single line of code.
  • Stay Secure: Navigate data classification, enterprise plans, and “Shadow AI” to ensure you’re using these tools safely.

👤 Is This Book For You?

AI at Work meets you where you are, whether you are an individual contributor, a manager, or an executive. This book is for you if:

  • You are drowning in repetitive work and ready to reclaim your time.
  • You want productivity tools that fit into your actual routine, not another app collecting dust.
  • You are done with the hype and want a beginner-friendly, structured system.
  • You want real outcomes: time saved, better workflows, and professional growth.

Note: The 2026 Edition is updated quarterly via QR codes to ensure you stay current with the rapid evolution of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

About the Author

Kate Marshall helps professionals implement AI safely and effectively, drawing on over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity training, project management, and courseware development.

She is the founder of TheGrai, a consultancy focused on AI adoption, training, and governance. Kate works with executives, HR leaders, and small teams who know AI matters but don’t have time for endless experimentation.

‘When AI Shops:’ A Guide to Marketing in the Age of AI Agents

‘When AI Shops’ is the new book on agentic commerce by Geoff Gibbins. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: The Future of Commerce is Agentic

In the time it took you to perfect your marketing funnel, the game changed. While brands are still fighting for clicks, a new player has entered the chat: The AI Agent. (Amazon, 2026)

In his new book, When AI Shops: Agentic Commerce and the Revolution in How We Buy and Sell, author Geoff Gibbins explores a world where machines aren’t just suggesting products, they’re buying them.

The Reality Check

The digital landscape is shifting beneath our feet. Consider these startling shifts:

  • The Search Shift: Over two-thirds of Google searches now end without a single click to a website.
  • The Revenue Driver: AI already influences 35% of Amazon’s total revenue.
  • The New Storefront: With 800 million weekly ChatGPT users, consumers are bypassing traditional SEO and buying directly within AI interfaces.

“Agentic commerce isn’t coming. It’s here.”

What You’ll Discover

This isn’t just a book about problems; it’s a manual for the solution. Gibbins, who has advised giants like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Mastercard, provides a roadmap for the “two-sided web.”

Key Takeaways:

  • The Death of the Funnel: Why the traditional purchase funnel is being replaced by a five-capability flywheel: Learn, Anticipate, Explore, Influence, and Transact.
  • Optimizing for Machines: How to create content for AI agents without losing your human audience.
  • The Scarcity Paradox: Why “limited time offer” messaging—which works on humans—actually reduces AI recommendations.
  • Strategic Roadmaps: Practical steps for both personal and organizational transformation.

Why This Book?

Unlike theoretical deep dives, When AI Shops is built on hard-won insights from 2024–2025 market data and real-world pilot projects. It offers specific frameworks and “early warning indicators” to help business leaders track the shift in real-time.

The Bottom Line: Read the book. Understand the change. Act while a competitive advantage is still possible.

About the Author

Geoff Gibbins is the Founder of Human Machines, a transformation company focused on the intersection of AI and human ingenuity. With nearly 20 years of experience, including a tenure as Managing Director at Accenture, Geoff has built AI-powered systems for brands like Walmart and Vanguard. He holds Master’s degrees from Oxford and Imperial College London and resides in Manhattan.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of Agentic Commerce?

Stephen King to Write Introduction for Nat Cassidy’s New Horror Collection

‘I Know a Place’ is the new short story collection by Nat Cassidy. Photo: Shortwave Publishing.

The King of Horror Joins Forces with Nat Cassidy for New Collection

PORTLAND, OR – In a massive win for horror fans, Shortwave Publishing has announced that the legendary Stephen King will write the introduction to bestselling author Nat Cassidy’s upcoming short story collection, I Know A Place. (Shortwave Publishing, 2026)

King, who rarely lends his pen to contemporary introductions, has previously written forewords for literary staples such as Lord of the Flies and The Haunting of Hill House. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Cassidy, placing him among a select few living authors to receive such an endorsement from the “King of Horror.”

A Record-Breaking Release

The buzz surrounding I Know A Place is growing. Since its announcement, the collection has:

  • Peaked in the Top Ten Most Requested Books on NetGalley.
  • Remained the #1 Most Requested title in the Horror category.

This follows the massive success of Cassidy’s most recent novel, When The Wolf Comes Home, which was both a USA Today bestseller and a Goodreads Choice Award nominee.

About the Collection

I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours

There are locations in this world where the light doesn’t seem to reach. Where, no matter how illuminated the place might be, shadows creep in too strongly to fight back.

From a suspiciously empty gas station littered with googly eyes to a tech millionaire’s haunted kitchen, Cassidy takes readers on a travelogue through the macabre. The collection features:

  • “Rest Stop”: The Bram Stoker Award-nominated novella named one of Esquire’s Best Horror Books of 2024.
  • New Material: A number of original short stories, including several never-before-published pieces.

“I Know A Place is a travelogue down twisting side streets and through alleyways where the darkness has eyes… and teeth. Let’s hope you make it home in one piece.”

Meet the Author: Nat Cassidy

Nat Cassidy is a multi-talented force in the horror genre, writing for the page, stage, and screen.

  • The Novelist: Named one of the “writers shaping horror’s next golden age” by Esquire, NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, and the NY Public Library have featured his work.
  • The Playwright: A winner of multiple NY Innovative Theatre Awards, Cassidy has written everything from one-man shows about H.P. Lovecraft to commissions for the Washington National Opera.
  • The Actor: You may recognize him as a “Bad Guy of the Week” on shows like Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, and Quantico.

Mark Your Calendars

I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours officially drops on May 5.

Ready to secure your copy? The collection is available for pre-order now at Shortwave Publishing and wherever books are sold.

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Fear, Noise, and Propaganda: Reviewing ‘Piper at the Gates of Dusk’ by Patrick Ness

Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: New World Trilogy: Why Patrick Ness’ New Book is the Must-Read Sci-Fi of 2026

Book Review: Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness

In Piper at the Gates of Dusk, Patrick Ness returns to the beautiful and brutal landscape of New World, the setting first introduced in the Chaos Walking trilogy (The Knife of Never Letting Go). This continuation feels urgent and intimate, bridging the gap between a scarred past and an uncertain future. It will be released on April 7, 2026.

A New Generation in a Fragile Peace

Set twenty years after the original trilogy, the story follows Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max. Having grown up untouched by the violence that shaped their parents, the brothers now navigate a peace that feels increasingly thin.

The novel opens with a heart-pounding sequence: a figure the boys call a “god” emerges from the woods, leveling trees in its path. Ness’ prose captures the sheer scale of the terror:

“Like a mountain coming at you, like the whole landscape peeling up into the sky, as if someone’s grabbed the far corners of it like a blanket and pulled it into the air, and all you can do is watch your death come at you, because there’s nowhere to stand, nowhere to run–.”

While they survive the encounter, Ben is left injured, forcing Max to leave his side to find help, setting the emotional and narrative stakes early.

The Evolution of “Noise”

For those new to this world, Noise is the telepathic broadcast of thoughts. When settlers first arrived, men’s thoughts became public, while women’s remained private. While a “cure” was eventually developed, it came with side effects. For Ben, it affected his vocal cords; unable to speak, he relies on a communication device and sign language.

Now, a new threat is emerging:

  • Nightmares: Young people are experiencing terrors believed to be brought on by Noise.
  • Paranoia: As suspicion falls on indigenous people and rumors of an ominous object in the sky swirl, the adults’ fragile truce threatens to unravel.

The Weight of Legacy

The story is told through dual first-person perspectives, offering a poignant look at what it means to inherit a hero’s history. Ben carries Viola’s analytical strength and navigates the world through logic and sign language while Max inherits Todd’s impulsive bravery and is driven by action and the need to protect this brother.

Ness’ vivid language propels the action:

“The scream comes again, louder this time, like a siren blaring right in your face but filled with terror and pain.”

Themes: Fear as a Weapon

When children begin to vanish, the “uneasy truce” of New World collapses. Ness uses Noise as a brilliant and painful metaphor for the modern mental health crisis and the corrosive power of internalized fear.

In this new saga, Noise becomes a targeted psychological weapon used to create chaos and spread propaganda. It is a haunting examination of how quickly communities turn on one another when fear is weaponized.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a gripping and atmospheric science fiction novel. It explores whether the stories we tell ourselves are meant to protect us or if they are the very things keeping us in the dark. Epic and deeply personal, it stands confidently on its own while honoring the emotional legacy of the original trilogy.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

  • Thought-provoking discussions on xenophobia and disinformation.
  • Imaginative world-building and sci-fi landscapes.
  • Nuanced explorations of gender identity and family legacy.

“They want the comforting lie, the one that lets them sleep at night. They want to know who their enemy is, because they’re never, ever going to believe it’s themselves.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Sara DiSalvo for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Senator Tamika Smith Returns in a High-Stakes Battle for Truth

‘The Blockchain Syndicate’ is the new thriller by Robbie Bach. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: The Blockchain Syndicate by Robbie Bach

Related post: Book Review: ‘The Wilkes Insurrection’ by Robbie Bach

About the Author
Robbie Bach is a bestselling author and former tech executive who helped lead Microsoft through some of its most dynamic years. As the Chief Xbox Officer, he spearheaded the creation of the iconic Xbox and Xbox 360. After retiring from Microsoft, Bach turned his focus to philanthropy, civic advocacy, and storytelling.

In his latest novel, The Blockchain Syndicate, Bach continues the gripping saga of Senator Tamika Smith as she battles a cryptic conspiracy threatening America’s financial and political foundations. With sharp insights into both technology and public life, he brings a unique perspective to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Story Overview
It’s the first day back at Aragon High School in San Francisco after the holiday break. Phoenix Humboldt is sitting outside during study hall with her friend Vanessa, reading The Iceman Cometh, when shots ring out. Acting on instinct, she rushes to help her friends.

Meanwhile, Senator Tamika Smith receives an email threatening to expose her past, an ultimatum from someone she believed was dead. “The glow from her computer monitor illuminated the angry scowl on her face.”

At the same time, Johnny Humboldt, Tamika’s significant other, is stopped by a supposed FBI agent at the airport and whisked away to see his daughter, Phoenix, who’s been injured in the shooting. Soon after, a personal crisis spirals into a national conspiracy. Johnny’s kidnapping becomes part of a larger plot to destroy Tamika and destabilize the country she loves.

The attacks are professional and coordinated, driven by someone who sees America as broken and intends to “fix” it their way. The intent is to destabilize the country through a financial collapse.

Review
In The Blockchain Syndicate, Robbie Bach delivers a fast-paced techno-thriller that feels chillingly close to reality. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and digital warfare, the novel plunges readers into a world of blackmail and high-stakes power struggles.

Bach’s intricate plotting and insider knowledge of political systems lend authenticity to the chaos. The short, sharp chapters and tense prose make it impossible to put down. As one line summarizes it: “Like a psychological boomerang, he’d grown to hate his father but internalized the need to win at all costs.”

Tamika Smith remains a compelling protagonist, intelligent, honorable, and deeply human. Her flaws and emotional depth make her relatable, while her courage keeps readers rooting for her.

Bach’s second installment in the Tamika Smith series (following The Wilkes Insurrection) blends political intrigue with a cautionary look at technology’s dark potential. Whether you’ve read the first book or not, this one stands strong on its own.

Final Thoughts
The Blockchain Syndicate is a gripping thriller and a sobering reflection on the fragility of truth in a hyperconnected world. Fans of Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and strong female leads will find plenty to enjoy here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A timely and thought-provoking political thriller.

“But over time, he realized that the normal political calculus had changed in fundamental ways. One plus one no longer equaled two. In fact, there were very few pluses to be found.”

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Love and Loss in Wartime – Mario Fortunato’s ‘The Innocent Days of War’

‘The Innocent Days of War’ is a haunting portrait of WWII lives. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: The Innocent Days of War by Mario Fortunato

Fans of John Boyne and Simon Mawer will find much to admire in Mario Fortunato’s latest novel, The Innocent Days of War (On Sale: October 28, 2025). This gripping coming-of-age story unfolds against the sweeping backdrop of World War II, tracing how love, ambition, and destiny intertwine as Italy and England are forever changed by the war. (Other Press, 2025)

A Story of Youth, War, and Intersecting Lives

Set in central Italy on the eve of World War II, the novel introduces a group of young Italians whose lives are about to be upended by history. Among them is Stefano Portelli, a hopeful young lawyer filled with idealism and in love with Eleonora. His sister-in-law Nina hides a secret relationship with Sergio, a partisan leader fighting for his cause.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, the story follows Alastair Ormiston, an English Royal Air Force pilot who finds solace in the works of Virginia Woolf as he dreams of an ideal companion. His best friend, Edna, seeks her own sense of purpose and joy amid the devastation of Nazi bombings in London.

When these characters’ paths intersect, the result is both tragic and transformative—a convergence of love, loss, and fate that consumes everything in its wake, blending joy and pain into a single, unforgettable tapestry.

About the Author

Mario Fortunato was born in Cirò, Calabria, Italy. A longtime literary critic for L’Espresso, he continues to write for Süddeutsche Zeitung and has contributed to The Guardian and Le Monde. Fortunato is a former director of the Antonio Ratti Foundation and the author of several novels, including South (Other Press, 2023). He has also translated the works of literary greats such as Evelyn Waugh, Virginia Woolf, and Henry James into Italian.

About the Translator

Julia MacGibbon has translated fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, including Sunken City by Marta Barone. She lives near Rome.

Praise for Mario Fortunato:

“As I read Fortunato’s writing, I have the impression of being faced with that kind of writer, rare in Italian literature, who, despite starting from a poetic state of mind, nevertheless manages to be a storyteller.”
—Alberto Moravia

“Mario Fortunato is a natural storyteller.”
—Doris Lessing

Rediscovering Respect: How One Small Virtue Can Change Everything

‘Respect’ is Robert L. Dilenschneider’s forthcoming new book. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Respect – How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time

By Robert L. Dilenschneider
Release Date: October 28 — Available now for pre-order

🕊️ Why Respect Still Matters

In a world where online outrage spreads faster than kindness and conversations often turn into confrontations, the idea of respect can feel almost old-fashioned. Yet, what if rediscovering this simple value could be the key to improving how we live, work, and connect?

That’s the premise behind Robert L. Dilenschneider’s new book, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time. A veteran public relations expert and thoughtful observer of human behavior, Dilenschneider explores how showing respect in our tone, actions, and choices can reshape not just our relationships, but the culture around us.

📘 What’s Inside

Chapter 1: A Call for Respectfulness
Chapter 2: Is Respectfulness Truly Possible in the Age of Retribution?
Chapter 3: What’s In It For Me?
Chapter 4: Start with Self-Respect
Chapter 5: The Top Five Qualities of Respectfulness
Chapter 6: Respectfulness at Work
Chapter 7: Respectfulness in Family and Personal Relationships
Chapter 8: Respectfulness in Civic Institutions
Chapter 9: Transforming Society

🌟 Highlights

  • Chapter 3: Offers tips on what to do when disrespect turns into bullying, and explores how respectfulness can lead to improved relationships, stronger professional connections, and a less stressful daily life.
  • Chapter 5: Explains that respect is more than politeness or manners, it’s about recognizing people as individuals with their own unique identities.

💬 Why It Matters

The tone throughout the book is conversational and grounded, yet deeply reflective. Dilenschneider urges readers to see respect not as a surface-level courtesy but as a transformative social force. Each chapter ends with a “Think About It” section inviting readers to pause, reflect, and apply the ideas to their own lives.

By combining practical wisdom and moral clarity, the book moves beyond abstract principles to offer real-world ways to practice respect daily. Whether in the office, at home, or within our communities, Dilenschneider shows how small gestures of empathy can ripple outward to build trust, cooperation, and understanding.

Ultimately, Respect is an essential guide for anyone seeking to improve communication, leadership, and human connection. In an age of division and incivility, this book serves as both a call to action and a blueprint for a more compassionate world.

Perfect for managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this book reminds us:

“Far from outdated, respectfulness is a vital part of the foundation of a well-functioning society and a fulfilling life. We would do well to cultivate it, and this book will show you how—and why.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

👤 About the Author

Robert L. Dilenschneider founded The Dilenschneider Group in 1991 after serving as President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He has counseled major corporations, trade associations, and educational institutions, helping clients navigate complex communications challenges.

He is the author of numerous books, including Power and Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, and 50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life. His most recent work before Respect was Character and Respect.

💭 Let’s Talk

Do you think respect is becoming a lost art — or are we just redefining what it means?
How do you practice respect in your everyday interactions, especially in challenging situations?

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re keeping respect alive in your corner of the world.

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Forgotten Places, Living Memory: A New Work by Raja Shehadeh

‘Forgotten’ by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials

What do forgotten ruins, abandoned mosques, and erased memorials tell us about a people and their history? In his newest work, Raja Shehadeh, alongside Penny Johnson, takes readers on a journey through Palestine’s hidden past and contested memory.

Palestinian human-rights lawyer, activist, and acclaimed author Raja Shehadeh returns with a new work that is both poignant and necessary. Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials (co-authored with Penny Johnson) is a profound meditation on memory, loss, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage. The book releases on September 30 and is available now for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

Uncovering the Forgotten Corners of Palestine

In Forgotten, Shehadeh explores hidden or neglected memorials and places across historic Palestine—now Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. From ancient ruins to sacred sites like the Nabi ‘Ukkasha mosque and tomb, each chapter reveals what these places might tell us about the land and the people who live between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

With Johnson by his side, Shehadeh poses urgent questions: What has been memorialized? What has been left abandoned or erased—and why?

Memory, Erasure, and Resistance

Whether standing on a cliff overlooking Lebanon or at the Dead Sea—the lowest land-based elevation on earth—the authors trace the fragile threads of memory in a fragmented landscape.

In elegiac, elegant prose, they confront the complexities of commemoration: Israel’s resistance to acknowledging the Nakba, and the evolving ways Palestinians remember—or are prevented from remembering—their own history.

Ultimately, Forgotten reminds us that remembering is not a passive act. It is resistance.

Recognition and Praise

  • Publishers Weekly: Longlisted in Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview Titles: History
  • The New Statesman: Book of the Day selection
  • The New Statesman: Named one of the Best Books of 2025 So Far

✨ Forgotten is more than history—it is an act of remembrance, defiance, and storytelling. If you’re interested in exploring how memory shapes identity and belonging, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

📚 Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation on what it means to remember—and resist.

Advance Praise for Forgotten:

“Shehadeh and Johnson, a married couple based in Ramallah, began the book as a way to explore the landscape during the pandemic. The resulting work, Forgotten, is a heartbreaking, hopeful look at how Palestinian culture endures in spite of the occupation and the Israeli government’s attempts to remove all traces of it from the land that they ‘share unequally.'” —THE IRISH TIMES

“In this journey through Palestine, married couple Shehadeh and Johnson explore the careless treatment and outright destruction of the region’s Muslim memorials and historical sites. One of the more complex realities they grapple with is not just Israel’s hand in erasing this history, but Palestine’s own role.” —THE NEW STATESMAN