Tag: New book

Healing Through Sound: Dr. Stephen Porges’ Revolutionary Safe and Sound Protocol

‘Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing’ is the transformative new book by Dr. Stephen Porges. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Mental health awareness is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and depression are increasingly common. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help. Various therapy methods are available, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns; dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), used for emotional regulation; and art therapy, which provides creative outlets for expression. Mindfulness-based therapies and medication management also play vital roles. Addressing mental health is essential now more than ever, as it promotes resilience, healthier relationships, and improved quality of life in an increasingly complex society.

In today’s book news, “Safe and Sound” is the new book by Dr. Stephen Porges where he addresses Safe and Sound Protocol as another means of therapy.

Safe and Sound Protocol is a groundbreaking therapy based on the Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. Now, together with researcher Karen Onderko, they have written “Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change and Healing.” (Sounds True, 2025)

In this new book,Porges and Onderko offer a glimpse into this innovative approach, highlighting not only the origin of SSP and its best practices, but also real-life stories of transformation and healing. SSP is backed by neuroscience and this technique aids in stress reduction and mental wellness. It’s gaining traction for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions.

Stephen W. Porges, PhD, is author of “The Polyvagal Theory” and creator of the Safe and Sound Protocol. He’s a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University, where he’s founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium.

Karen Onderko, a cofounder of Polyvagal Institute, helped bring the Safe and Sound Protocol from the research lab to clinicians, who then enabled people to experience the benefits of improved nervous system regulation.

From Polyvagal Theory pioneer Dr. Stephen Porges comes a new resource sharing the origin and best practices of his groundbreaking new protocol, and highlighting real-life stories of transformation and healing.

“Safe and Sound” – We all want to live and share our truth, but when we don’t feel safe, it can be impossible to fully express or even know who we really are. The nervous system impacts daily well-being, to our benefit or detriment. Understanding how may be key to truly knowing yourself and better supporting the challenges holding you back.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a groundbreaking therapy based in Polyvagal Theory, which looks at the role the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve play in regulating health and behavior. SSP involves listening to music that’s been filtered to prioritize frequencies of human speech, providing auditory input that enables the nervous system to reset to its homeostatic state.

Porges and Onderko offer a glimpse into this innovative approach, highlighting not only the origin of SSP and its best practices but also real-life stories of transformation. They showcase clinical evidence demonstrating SSP’s impact on emotional dysregulation, social interaction difficulty, and auditory sensitivity, providing a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic potential.

Some features and conditions addressed include:

• Depression
• Perfectionism
• Addiction
• Suicidal ideation
• COVID recovery
• Navigating gender identity
• Living with Parkinson’s disease
• Hypermobility
• Autism
• ADHD
• Dyslexia

Whether patient, family member, friend, or clinician, you’ll find a deeper understanding of the nervous system and tools for a more resilient experience. Illustrating the incredible range of application and how autonomic regulation can lead to significant improvements—from stress and anxiety to grief and trauma—”Safe and Sound” demonstrates how SSP can promote a state of safety and calm, facilitating the foundation for long-awaited healing.

‘Two Truths and a Lie’: The Mind-Bending New Science Fiction Novel by Cory O’Brien

‘Two Truths and a Lie’ will be out on March 4, 2025. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Science fiction books captivate readers by offering thrilling escapes into worlds of limitless possibilities. They ignite imaginations with futuristic technologies, interstellar voyages, and encounters with alien civilizations.Beyond mere escapism, sci-fi often serves as a mirror to our own society, exploring complex themes like technological advancement, social justice, and the human condition. Readers are drawn to the genre’s ability to pose “what if” questions, prompting reflection on our present and potential futures. From dystopian warnings to utopian dreams, science fiction offers a unique lens through which to examine humanity’s place in the cosmos. Its enduring appeal lies in its power to both entertain and provoke thought.

Coming out next month is the new cyber punk science fiction novel by beloved internet humorist Cory O’Brien.

Cory O’Brien is the author of “Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes” and “George Washington Is Cash Money.” He has written for numerous award-winning video games, including Monster Prom and Holovista, and designed multiple tabletop games, including Inhuman Conditions and Hand to Hand Wombat. His new novel “Two Truths and a Lie” introduces an unforgettable investigator to the drowned streets of L.A. in a hugely imaginative and heartfelt blend of noir and cyberpunk. It will be released on March 4, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

“Two Truths and a Lie” – In a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, aging combat-drone veteran Orr Vue now lives a simple and small life, trading snippets of what’s become the most valuable currency: information. So when the cops show up at his door looking for data on a murder he’s not even aware has happened, things get interesting for the first time in 25 years.

At first, Orr is happy to exchange whatever he knows about the demise of InfoDrip’s top exec to buy booze and pay rent on his memory storage, but that plan goes to hell when Orr’s old boyfriend, Auggie Wolf, shows up as the number one suspect. Forced to stretch his atrophied spy skills and take his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees, Orr finds himself in the crosshairs of the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Barely avoiding getting killed with every clue he collects, Orr realizes he’s uncovered not just a murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. Ahh, the things we do for love…

But in a world where memories can be bought and sold, how can you truly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of? Fast paced, funny, and shockingly romantic, “Two Truths and a Lie” is Raymond Chandler reinvented for the 22nd century.

EARLY GLOWING REVIEWS

“O’Brien’s (George Washington Is Cash Money) fiction debut is a highly intriguing vision of the near future that examines the role of memory in a functional aspect, which also underscores the utility of forgetting: Funes the Memorious by Jorge Luis Borges meets Total Recall by Philip K. Dick, with a wry narration that balances the grim reality.”- Library Journal’s December Debut of the Month Pick & Starred Review

“A stunning achievement, Two Truths and a Lie is many things at once: a hilarious satire, a gripping thriller, a meditation on memory and identity, and a love story that will have you wiping tears from your eyes, all set in a carnivalesque future where the darkest dreams of capitalism have come true. Like other great comic novelists—Thomas Pynchon, Rachel Yoder, Charles Yu—Cory O’Brien balances humor and pathos to marvelous effect, a literary magician who can do almost anything on the page.” – Scott Guild, author of ‘Plastic’

CORY O’BRIEN AUTHOR TOUR

Tuesday, March 4 – 7p.m. PT:
Mysterious Galaxy | San Diego, CA
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore | 3555 Rosecrans St | Suite 107 | San Diego, CA 92110

Wednesday, March 5 – 4p.m. ET:
WORD | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person Stock Signing
Address: WORD | 126 Franklin St | Brooklyn, NY 11222

Wednesday, March 5 – 7p.m. ET:
POWERHOUSE Arena | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person In Conversation with Mattie Lubchansky, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: POWERHOUSE Arena | 28 Adams St | Brooklyn, NY 11201

Thursday, March 6 – 6:30p.m. ET:
Literati Bookstore | Ann Arbor, MI
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Literati Bookstore | 124 E Washington St | Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Friday, March 7 – 6:30p.m. CT:
The Book Cellar | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: The Book Cellar | 4736 N Lincoln Ave | Chicago, IL 60625

Sunday, March 9 – 4p.m. CT:
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | 3182 N Elston Ave | Chicago, IL 60618

Wednesday, March 12 – Time TK:
Union League Club of Chicago | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Union League Club of Chicago | 65 W. Jackson Blvd. | Chicago, IL 60604

Saturday, March 15 – 1p.m. CT:
Highland Park Public Library Author Fest X Secret World Books | Highland Park, IL
In-Person Author Fest Event Participation
Address: Highland Park Public Library | 494 Laurel Avenue | Highland Park, IL 60035

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‘When I Hear Spirituals’: A Heartfelt Journey Through Music and History in Children’s Literature

New from Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd – “When I Hear Spirituals.” Photo: Amazon

Illustrated children’s books play a crucial role in early literacy development by combining visual and textual elements to engage young readers. The vibrant images capture attention, making stories more accessible and easier to understand, while the text introduces new vocabulary and concepts. These books stimulate imagination, foster emotional growth, and help children connect with the world around them. The visual storytelling also supports comprehension and retention. Illustrated books offer a pleasant aesthetic experience that can make reading enjoyable, encouraging a lifelong love for books. Their appeal lies in their ability to entertain while nurturing cognitive and emotional development.

Out this month is the illustrated children’s book “When I Hear Spirituals” by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by London Ladd. (Holiday House Publishing, 2025)

Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is cofounder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” a groundbreaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. “When I Hear Spirituals” is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, New York.

“When I Hear Spirituals” – A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.

A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.

When I hear spirituals
Sometimes
A big, full feeling
Grows in my chest . . .

Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.

The author of the classic picture book “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.

Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.

Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.

Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.

Reading age: 6-9 years
Grade level: 1-4
Pages: 40

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves, and the various changes in perspective and composition echo the emotion behind the songs;”—The Bulletin, Starred Review

“A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.”—Booklist, Starred Review

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain: What ‘Out of Your Mind’ Reveals About the Human Brain

‘Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain’ will be released in January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The search to understand how the brain works has been a long-standing scientific endeavor, exploring the complexities of cognition, emotions, memory, and consciousness. Neuroscience and psychology have made significant strides, yet much remains unknown about the brain’s intricate processes. Books such as “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks delve into neurological disorders, offering insight into brain function. In “How to Change Your Mind,” Michael Pollan explores neuroplasticity and the impact of psychedelics. Meanwhile, Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” illuminates decision-making and cognitive biases, offering a deeper understanding of human thought processes.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the brain but found the subject too complicated, there’s a new book coming out next month that aims to make it more accessible to all readers.

“Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain” by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin goes on sale January 28th, 2025. It’s an introductory journey into your own mind—if your inner voice had a Ph. D. in brain science, cracked jokes, and drew cartoons. (Penguin Random House, 2024)

Why do you love? Why do you lie? What makes you happy? Every single thought you have comes from one place: your brain. But what makes it tick? How much of it have we decoded, and how much of it remains an impenetrable mystery?

Join best-selling author and online cartoonist Jorge Cham and neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin on a deep dive into the fascinating world of the human brain, in which they will explore questions such as: What is consciousness? Where is you in the brain? And do we have free will? All while illuminating everything we know (and DON’T know) about one of the most complex objects in the known universe.

Think of it as conversation-ammunition for your next cocktail party, or a quick fascinating read while you’re in the bathroom (don’t worry, the chapters aren’t that long). Centered around questions we all ask ourselves at some point but don’t usually have answers to, “Out of Your Mind” is an illustrated book about the brain that isn’t too brainy. Playful, accessible, and deeply insightful, it’s the one brain book that’s truly accessible and suitable for all brains.

Some of the questions that are addressed include:

  • Where is the mind?
  • Why do we love?
  • Why do we hate?
  • Will an AI take my job?
  • What are the limits of memory?
  • What is addiction?
  • What is consciousness?
  • What makes us happy?
  • Do we have free will?
  • What happens when we die?
  • What makes us human?

JORGE CHAM is the Daytime Emmy-nominated and best-selling cartoonist creator of the popular online comic strip “Piled Higher and Deeper” (known as PHD Comics – phdcomics.com). He is the co-creator, Executive Producer and Creative Director of “Elinor Wonders Why,” one of the highest-rated animated shows on PBS Kids, and the co-author of two popular science books: the best-selling and award-winning “We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe and Frequently Asked Questions about the Universe,”as well as the children’s book “Oliver’s Great Big Universe.” Jorge is also the co-host and co-creator of “Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe” a popular podcast and radio show. He obtained his Ph.D. in robotics from Stanford University and was an Instructor and Research Associate at Caltech from 2003-2005. He is originally from Panama.

DWAYNE GODWIN is a neuroscientist, an educator, and an academic leader who is a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience and served as graduate dean at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His research centers on the cellular basis of abnormal brain rhythms, including active projects on calcium channel function, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. His goal is to use emerging insights about the brain to develop treatments and potential cures for neurological diseases. His science outreach includes Mind in Pictures, cocreated with Jorge Cham for Scientific American Mind, as well as blogs for the Society for Neuroscience and the Museum of the Moving Image.

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Navigating Life’s Crossroads: How ‘The Art of Changing Course’ Can Transform Your Life

‘The Art of Changing Course’ is Chris Ruden’s new book. Photo: Amazon.

Motivational and self-improvement books offer valuable guidance for personal growth and achieving one’s goals. They provide insights into mindset shifts, productivity techniques, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. These books often share inspiring stories, practical advice, and actionable steps to help readers enhance their self-awareness, build resilience, and cultivate positive habits. By exploring diverse perspectives and proven methodologies, individuals can gain clarity, boost their confidence, and drive meaningful change in their lives. Ultimately, they empower readers to unlock their full potential and create a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. Keynote speaker and author Chris Ruden has new book out that’s worth mentioning: “The Art of Changing Course”

Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, motivational keynote speaker, author, and disabled model who was featured on The Rock’s hit TV show “Titan Games.” From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world. In his new book “The Art of Changing Course: A 3-Step Strategy to Get Unstuck and Solve Your Real Problems,” he shares the foolproof framework to take back control and create immediate lasting change. (Amazon/Athelo Group, 2024)

“The Art of Changing Course” – Getting stuck in life is a guarantee. Staying stuck is a choice. Chris Ruden provides a clear-cut process that walks readers through digestible, actionable stages to get unstuck, allowing you to rise beyond simple awareness of the desire to change and become the person you truly want to be. Backed by numerous psychological principles, management techniques, and organizational change theories, “The Art of Changing Course” focuses on helping readers make three distinct shifts: from subconscious to conscious, conscious to communicated, and finally, communicated to broadcasted.

In this book, you’ll learn about:

  • Moving past your go-to reactions of excuses and distractions when thinking about change
  • Harnessing the language of how you speak to yourself to open up possibilities for change
  • Giving yourself intrinsic permission to become the best version of yourself

People are stuck, lost, and confused―you, the people you care about, and strangers you interact with in your day-to-day life. “The Art of Changing Course” gives you the tools to actually do something about it. It will help you move from overwhelm to action, transforming from hopeless, scared, and stuck into confident, actionable, and limitless―an essential read for anyone looking to find success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives, and help others do the same.

Paul Kane’s Travels: A Cultural Odyssey through Indigenous North America

‘Paul Kane’s Travels in Indigenous North America’ by I.S. MacLaren explores the life, times, and challenging legacy of 19th Century Canadian artist Paul Kane. Photo: Amazon

McGill-Queen’s University Press announces the release of the four-volume publication “Paul Kane’s Travels in Indigenous North America: Writings and Art, Life and Times” by I.S. MacLaren, the first comprehensive survey of Paul Kane’s (1810–1871) life and work in more than fifty years. Kane’s field sketches made between 1845 and 1848 constitute the first visual record of Indigenous life all the way from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean by a Non-Indigenous artist. (Bow Bridge Communications, 2024)

Beginning his research three and one-half decades ago, MacLaren, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, provides a singular opportunity to examine the impacts of Kane’s travels in Indigenous North America through his writings, art, life, times, and complex legacy. A meticulous, panoramic examination, “Paul Kane’s Travels in Indigenous North America” also studies the artist’s legacy in terms of his contemporaries’, his technique, and the complicated history of the source of the works. The author examines Kane’s travels and output by focusing on four areas of study: history of the fur trade, book publishing history, art history, and ethnohistory.

Paul Kane, a portraitist based in Toronto, set out from the city in 1845 for Lake Huron and Wisconsin. From 1846 to 1848, he continued to the upper Great Lakes, the Prairies, across the Rockies, down the Columbia River, and through Oregon Territory to Puget Sound and Vancouver Island. MacLaren reconstructs the colonial processes that turned Kane’s unique descriptions and depictions of Indigenous peoples into benighted stereotypes, teaching contemporary readers valuable lessons about what we thought we knew about Kane and his art, how he let himself be turned into a detractor of Native Americans, and how society endowed him with authority that was not always warranted. 

Kane has been called the founding father of Canadian art, and his “Wanderings of an Artist among the Indians of North America” (1859) is considered a classic of Canadian literature, albeit a controversial one if viewed from a contemporary perspective. More recently, he has been vilified as having misrepresented and exploited his subjects.

“Paul Kane’s Travels” features reproductions of nearly all Kane’s sketches—many published for the first time—and many of his studio paintings, as well as transcriptions of his field writings. The writings, which show the artist to have been a curious traveler fascinated by Indigenous lifeways, contain no negative references to Indigenous people. MacLaren’s work also features a transcription of manuscripts not in Kane’s handwriting (by unknown scribes), the text of the first edition of “Wanderings of an Artist,” an updated catalog, and detailed maps of Kane’s routes. Through the author’s in-depth research, the publication offers scholarly and first-hand understandings of the lives and histories of the real people Kane described and depicted while providing an authoritative biographical portrait of the artist. Thanks to family descendants’ support, MacLaren has identified 26 Indigenous people depicted in the portraits.

Publication Specifications
2,408 pages, 9 x 12”, 4-volume set, full color throughout | Cloth 9780228017479
$450 CDN / $375 USD | Available for purchase here.

The Power of Tapping: Donna Eden and David Feinstein’s Approach to Energy Medicine

‘Tapping: Self-Healing with the Transformative Power of Energy Psychology’ is the new book by David Feinstein PhD and Donna Eden. Photo: Amazon

Donna Eden is the author of “Energy Medicine,” has treated over 10,000 individual clients, and has taught hundreds of classes, speaking to standing-room-only audiences throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Since childhood, she’s been able to perceive the body’s subtle energies and now works with those energies to heal others and to teach others how to work with them. David Feinstein, PhD, a clinical psychologist, has served on the faculty of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and has received nine national awards for his books on consciousness and healing. Together, they have written “Tapping: Self-Healing with the Transformative Power of Energy Psychology.” (Sounds True, 2024)

In “Tapping,” Eden and Feinstein detail the procedures that signal your nervous system to reduce fear, anger, stress, and grief while activating brain regions involved with problem-solving and managing emotions. The goal is to help you find inner balance and take charge of the internal models that govern your life. Physically tapping energy points on your skin while bringing problems and goals to mind changes the brain in ways that help to overcome those challenges and support those aspirations. This stimulating practice places an astonishingly effective tool into your own hands. The approach is as deceptively simple as it is potently effective. 

Through their extensive research and field-tested refinements on this method, Eden and Feinstein have emerged as top experts on this approach for self-development—combining the verified effectiveness of tapping with the best practices of psychotherapy. “Tapping” is an unprecedented resource for self-care and personal growth.

New book release: ‘Wild Horses of Skydog: Blue Zeus & Families’ by Clare Staples

‘Wild Horses of Skydog: Blue Zeus and Families’ is a beautiful tribute to wild Mustang family groups that have been reunited after suffering roundup and separation in the American West. Photo: Amazon

Clare Staples is the founder and president of Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary in Malibu, California, and Bend, Oregon, which provides long-term homes for formerly free-roaming wild horses gathered from the American West by the United States government. Staples is a lifelong wild horse advocate, managing the Sanctuary with a passion and commitment that has helped make her one of the world’s leading voices on the plight of Mustangs and the myriad social and political issues that surround them. (Miller PR, 2024)

Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary recently announced the release of “Wild Horses of Skydog: Blue Zeus & Families,” a captivating tribute to the strength and beauty of wild Mustangs reunited after enduring roundup and separation in the American West. Written by activist and philanthropist Clare Staples, this beautiful book promises to reshape perceptions of wild horses and their plight. The book is published and distributed by Trafalgar Square Books.

In this remarkable book, founder Clare Staples shares touching narratives of Mustang families torn apart by captivity bureau of land management roundups and the tireless efforts of the Skydog team to reunite them and restore their freedom at the Sanctuary. Through stunning photography and heartfelt storytelling, readers are immersed in the journey of twenty-one horse families, including the iconic Blue Zeus, whose heartbreaking tale symbolizes the hope and determination driving Skydog’s mission. Skydog Ranch has already rescued over 300 wild horses and 50 donkeys and mules from a variety of terrible conditions, as well as reuniting bonded families separated during the roundup process.

“Wild Horses of Skydog: Blue Zeus & Families” offers an intimate look at the struggles and triumphs of these majestic creatures, showcasing the steady commitment to preservation and compassion that defines Skydog Ranch. A percentage of all sales directly supports Skydog’s efforts to rescue and reunite wild horses and donkeys, ensuring their legacy for generations to come.

The cover price of “Wild Horses of Skydog: Blue Zeus & Families” is $49.95. Copies can be ordered from the Skydog website with profits benefiting Skydog Ranch. The book is also available through Ingram Publishing Services, supplying national online retailers like Amazon, BN.com, Target.com, and select independent bookstores.

“Writing this book was a true labor of love, and it was my pleasure to tell the stories of some of the wild horse families of Skydog. In this environment, they have the freedom to decide their destinations, companions, and preferred proximity to humans, creating a sense of safety and happiness.” – Clare Staples, founder of Skydog Ranch.

Located in Malibu, California, and covering 9,000 acres near Bend, Oregon, Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary provides a haven for wild horses and burros in need. Founded on principles of kindness and respect, it offers refuge to equines who have endured neglect and mistreatment, often finding themselves in dangerous circumstances such as kill pens or auctions. Their mission extends beyond rescue; they prioritize the reunification of wild horse families, recognizing the deep bonds that unite them. Committed to transparency and accountability, the sanctuary maintains a platinum rating on GuideStar and are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. With daily updates on the residents and rigorous annual inspections, Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope and compassion in the land of horses.

New book release: ‘Immune Heroes’ by Namita Gandhi

The new children’s book ‘Immune Heroes’ helps children learn all about the immune system. Photo: Nimitry Books PR, used with permission.

Children’s books are windows to the imagination and portals to whimsical worlds where adventures unfold and lessons are learned. They spark curiosity and foster creativity in young minds, while the vibrant illustrations captivate young readers and ignite their love for storytelling. Whether it’s tales of friendship, bravery, or the magic of everyday life, children’s books hold the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. Some of the best books around encourage children to explore, dream, and embark on unforgettable journeys, and maybe even learn an important science lesson or two. One such book is Namita Gandhi’s “Immune Heroes,” where through engaging storytelling and colorful characters, children meet brave white blood cells, outsmart villainous bacteria, and learn how their bodies fight back.

Namita Gandhi is a seasoned immunologist with a Ph.D. who has dedicated over two decades to unraveling the complexities of diseases in her biotech career. Inspired by bedtime stories with her nieces and nephew, Namita crafts whimsical picture books that demystify the wonders of immunology and science for children. Her new book “Immune Heroes: A science adventure with a twist! Celebrate the immune system and its power within your own body” is an illustrated book that captures children’s imagination and provides an entertaining education. It is an excellent way for children to explore STEM, work on their reading, and understand why it’s so important to wash our hands. (Nimitry Books PR, 2024)

“Immune Heroes” – imagine if your children could embark on an incredible journey, diving deep into the fascinating world of the human body. Crafted by a scientist, this book simplifies complex concepts, sparking curiosity and reducing screen time. It is perfect for inquisitive kids who ask “why?” or kids interested in careers in STEM, and especially useful for early elementary teachers looking to introduce the wonders of the human body to young minds. Through this beautifully illustrated children’s book that combines education and fun, kids can explore the worders of the immune system.

New book release: ‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ by Aaron Ryan

‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ is book number one in the Dissonance Trilogy. It is available now. Photo: Amazon

Dystopian sci-fi thrillers take place in societies in decline where the characters are battling environmental ruin, technological control, and government oppression. These are some of the most imaginative novels out there and are one of my favorite genres. If you are ready for your next dystopian sci-fi thriller, consider today’s new release: “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” by Aaron Ryan. It is the first in the Dissonance Trilogy and promises plenty of thrills and is defined as Aliens meets A Quiet Place. “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” is available through the author’s website. More about the author here.

Aaron Ryan is the author of the Dissonance series, several business books on multimedia production penned under a pseudonym, as well as a previous fictional novel, “The Omega Room.” He has always had a passion for storytelling. When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, “The Electric Boy” was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron’s desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.

He enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment. Aaron’s favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King. Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry and Pippin, the finches.

“Dissonance Volume I: Reality”

Plug your ears. Don’t look. The war for humanity has begun. Cameron “Jet” Shipley was there when they arrived in 2026. He, and everyone else, lived through the next decade and a half, learning to hide. Learning to never make a sound. Learning the most important rule of all: You just…don’t…look.

The year is now 2042, and humanity is eking out an existence in the shadows. Cameron and his team are sent out on a recon mission in Clarksville Tennessee, with events and developments that may alter the trajectory of Earth’s fate…and his own.

Joined by newcomers Bassett and Trudy, Cameron and his brother Rut will have to contend with a powerful force that has laid waste to the planet and annihilated over eighty-five percent of civilization. Will Jet’s expeditions lead him on a slippery slope of discovery that demands accountability and answers? Or will it plunge the earth, and everything in it, into further dissonance?

Coming soon: “Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning” and “Dissonance Volume III: Revenge”

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