‘No Words Needed’ is Michael Freeman’s new book about the power of nonverbal communication. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book Spotlight: No Words Needed: Learning to Listen With Your Eyes by Michael Freeman
What if a single glance could change everything?
We live in a world overflowing with noise: constant talking, constant explaining, constant performing. No Words Needed is the quiet rebellion we didn’t know we needed.
Michael Freeman offers a powerful, compassionate guide for men who don’t always speak first but feel deeply. The ones who walk into a room already reading the atmosphere. The ones who’ve been called “too quiet,” when in reality they were listening the whole time.
What You’ll Learn
In this short and impactful read, Freeman teaches you how to:
Recognize attraction through eye contact and subtle nonverbal cues
Build genuine connection without overthinking every word
Develop confidence without pretending to be someone you’re not
Understand emotional energy both yours and the woman in front of you
No Words Needed is written for quiet men, introverts, deep feelers, and overthinkers. It’s the book that finally acknowledges the men who move through the world with awareness, sensitivity, and intention.
If you’ve ever been misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure whether she was speaking to you with her eyes, this book becomes your playbook. Whether you’re starting over or simply want a deeper understanding of women, this isn’t just advice, it’s a mindset shift. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
About the Author
Michael Freeman is a storyteller, observer, and quiet disruptor of the norm. His writing centers on emotional presence, personal growth, and the invisible language of attraction.
No Words Needed: Learning to Listen With Your Eyes is his debut work and an intimate guide for anyone who has ever felt more than they could say, especially men who are learning to lead with presence rather than volume.
Born and raised in Vallejo, California, Freeman blends cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and lived experience into short, resonant reads that linger long after the last page. He writes for the ones who notice the small things, who feel deeply, who understand that silence often speaks first.
‘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.
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.
Sandra Hüller stars in the heist comedy Two to One. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Heist comedies blend the thrill of elaborate adventures with sharp humor, making them a favorite among movie lovers. These films captivate audiences with clever schemes and unexpected twists, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone. The balance between tension and comedy—watching a team of misfits outwit authorities or rival thieves keeps viewers engaged while delivering laughs. Classics like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job showcase stylish execution, witty banter, and satisfying payoffs. The genre’s mix of high stakes and humor makes for endlessly entertaining, feel-good storytelling that invites audiences to root for the underdogs.
London, UK: Tull Stories is delighted to announce that Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One (Zwei zu eins) will be hitting UK cinemas from May 2nd after its UK Premiere at Glasgow Film Festival. (Strike Media, 2025)
A light-hearted ensemble comedy about friendship, community, love, and capitalism, Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One is set in the long, hot East German summer of 1990.
Maren, Robert and Volker have known and loved each other since childhood. In the final weeks before reunification and with Germany about to change forever, the trio stumble across a fortune in soon-to-be-worthless East German currency, left to rot in Government storage.
With just days to work out what to do with this unexpected windfall before it becomes useless, the three assemble the friends and neighbours living in their crumbling apartment block and together hatch an elaborate plan to exchange the cash for goods – outwitting the incoming Westerners and their capitalism before time runs out.
But can a community previously living under strict socialist values handle this sudden wealth…?
Two To One had its World Premiere opening Munich Film Festival, where Screen Daily said it was a “comedy with heart.” It features stand-out performances from Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, Toni Erdmann), Max Riemelt (Berlin Syndrome, Sense8,) and Ronald Zehrfeld (Phoenix, Barbara).
Distributed By: Tull Stories Theatrical Release: May 2nd 2025 Short Synopsis: As German reunification looms in the summer of 1990 three close friends in Socialist East Germany hatch an elaborate plan to make a fortune when they find a bunker full of soon-to-be-worthless currency. With the help of their friends and neighbours they tackle progress and capitalism head-on. Directed By: Natja Brunckhorst Cast: Sandra Hüller, Max Riemelt, Ronald Zehrfeld, Ursula Werner, Peter Kurth, Martin Brambach and Kathrin Wehlisch Run Time: 116 minutes
‘Jeddah Bride’ is the new memoir by Patricia Bonis. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Memoirs offer a unique and personal perspective on life, drawing readers into the intimate experiences of an individual’s journey. Unlike autobiographies, which often focus on public achievements, memoirs highlight specific moments, emotions, and reflections, making them more relatable and human. Their appeal lies in their authenticity and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect with the author’s struggles, triumphs, and growth. They offer a sense of shared experience and a reminder of our common humanity, sparking empathy and introspection in readers.
“Jeddah Bride” is a new memoir out this month by Patricia Bonis that recounts her experiences with Rahman Abbar, a man from Saudi Arabia.
Patricia Bonis runs her own interior design firm and has designed the homes, offices, and embassies of CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers for over 30 years. She has an equally long standing and passionate career as an equestrian, actively competing in the World Equestrian Festival, the Hampton Classic, and numerous other horse shows across America. Her first book is “Jeddah Bride,” a memoir about a smart, free-spirited girl who fell in love with Rahman Abbar, son of a wealthy Saudi Arabian family
Synopsis:
“Jeddah Bride” – When Rahman suggested they marry, it was the happiest day of her life. But Patricia was not prepared for life as a Saudi woman-a life spent looking through curtains and veils at the world outside, a life that of necessity was curtailed and protected from the toxic masculinity of the culture, a life that, for an American girl used to sneaking out and hitchhiking, was dangerous and frightening and foreign. She was not prepared to give up all her freedom: freedom to drive herself, to go where she wanted when she wanted, to read books and listen to music she wanted, even to give up making a career for herself. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)
After years in Jeddah, Patricia and Rahman moved to America, where Patricia gave birth to two children and started her own successful career. She thought their family was complete and that they would stay in America to raise their children in freedom and security.
Until Rahman starts talking about leaving America and moving back into the jet-set lifestyle-regardless of Patricia’s needs and wishes. After previous disappointments, Patricia is ready to divorce him and strike out on her own. But she is not ready for her children to be kidnapped.
Review:
The story begins in 2002 as Patricia is reuniting with Karim, her oldest son, after fourteen harrowing years of looking for him. He was just a boy when their father took him and his sister Sultana out of the United States during a court appointed visitation. She tracks down Karim and introduces herself to a grown man and proceeds to attempt to get back into his and Sultana’s life.
From there, it goes back to the 70s when a young Patricia meets Rahman while out partying one night. She is instantly drawn to his magnetic personality and exotic good looks and finds it impossible to resist the fast life filled with parties, money, and connections. But not everything that shines is gold, and when she makes a trip to Jeddah to meet his family, she is introduced to a world that she had only heard about. Despite the culture shock, she continues the relationship but the years ahead will alter her life in ways she could have never seen coming.
In “Jeddah Bride,” Patricia Bonis offers a deeply personal and poignant memoir that chronicles her life as an American woman married to a Saudi man. The book captures her journey of navigating cultural divides, familial expectations, and her evolving identity while living in Saudi Arabia.
The narrative is introspective and engaging, providing readers with a window into the complexities of cross-cultural marriage and the challenges of living in a society with strict cultural norms. She contrasts the freedom of her American upbringing with the constraints of Saudi society, particularly as she experiences the difficulties of life in Jeddah. Her honesty about the emotional and personal sacrifices required to integrate into her husband’s world is compelling, yet she never shies away from addressing the difficulties and moments of isolation she faced.
The language is down to earth and even though there are some tense moments, the tone doesn’t get too dark and depressing. Since the focus is on her early experiences, the chapters on her divorce and custody battles are brief and towards the end.
Overall, “Jeddah Bride” is an honest portrayal of marriage and culture clash as well as an exploration of identity and belonging. It’san insightful and heartfelt memoir that will resonate with readers intrested in the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, making it a thought-provoking read for those curious about the nuances of love, tradition, and change. A fast and easy read, it is recommended for fans of women’s memoirs.
“Never wavering in my efforts to reach my children in Saudi, I did attempt to rebuild my life. I had no choice. Fourteen years is a very long time and I needed to soothe the ever present pain in my heart.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
“Return To Me: A House Divided”is the story of Ethan Salmanaire who had a rough childhood. While still young, he meets Melodia Procaccini Licciardello and eventually they get married and have children of their own. Along the way, they open their home to several children who were either abandoned or abused. Theirs is a complicated story filled with secrets, strained family relationships, and personal struggles.
This novel is a combination of literary fiction and family drama that explores the complexities of loyalty, love, and legacy. The writing is rich with detail: “The excitement is her voice traveled like a breeze in a meadow through Giovanni’s hair, more so in a concerning manner;” while the narrative emphasizes the themes of reconciliation and personal growth, painting a portrait of a family struggling to heal in the midst of external and internal conflicts. The topics of reconciliation and self-discovery are handled with sensitivity, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships.
Ethan and Melodia’s journey is poignant and insightful and told through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to experience the chaos and conflicting loyalties each character faces. The characters are richly developed, with their individual struggles making them relatable and real. The pacing is steady, with tension building as the family confronts their shared history.
Overall, “Return to Me: A House Divided” is a thought provoking and heartfelt tale about the power of family ties and the resilience needed to mend them. Focused on the power of love and the enduring bonds of family, it is recommended for readers interested in the complexities of human relationships, particularly siblings and blended families.
“The empty cups shimmered in the sunlight that seeped through the window as we spoke at the table. It was unsettling, unreal. Expecting nothing was new to me because, for the first time, all the administrators of oppression were gone.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Karl Pillemer, PhD, is the founder and director of the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging, a center that works to increase public awareness of aging research. Dr. Pillemer has authored more than one hundred scientific publications and has spoken widely throughout the world on issues of successful aging, family relationships, and elder care. His book “30 Lessons for Loving: Advice from the Wisest Americans on Love, Relationships, and Marriage” gives sage advice and memorable stories from extraordinary older Americans who share advice on love, relationships, and marriage. (Amazon, 2024)
“30 Lessons for Loving” – Based on the most detailed survey of long married people ever conducted, it shows the way to lifelong, fulfilling relationships. The author offers sage advice from the oldest and wisest Americans on everything from finding a partner, to deciding to commit, to growing old together. Along the way, the book answers questions like these: How do you know if the person you love is the right one? What are the secrets for improving communication and reducing conflict? What gets you through the major stresses of marriage, such as child-rearing, work, money issues, and in-laws? From interviews with 700 elders it offers unique wisdom that will enrich anyone’s relationship life, from people searching for the right partner to those working to keep the spark alive after decades together. It is structured around thirty distinct lessons, each offering practical advice and profound insights derived from real-life stories.
Chapters include: Chapter 1: Evening the Odds: Lessons for Finding a Mate Chapter 2: Communication Is the Key Chapter 3: Getting Through the Hard Parts Chapter 4: Keeping the Spark Alive Chapter 5: Thinking Like an Expert About Love and Marriage
Review: One of the book’s greatest strengths is its blend of empirical research with heartfelt personal stories. Pillemer’s approach is scholarly and accessible, making the wisdom of seasoned couples relatable and actionable for readers of all ages. The lessons cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of communication and forgiveness to the role of shared experiences in strengthening bonds.
Highlights: Chapter 2 Lesson Five: Three Danger Signs – Points to dangers signs that could signal that a relationship is in trouble including Violence – Once is More Than Enough; Your Partner Is Controlling; and Your Partner Demeans You.
Chapter 3 Lesson Two: Work-Family Stress: Make Your Home a Safe Haven – emphasizes the importance of making your home a safe place free from the stresses of work and avoiding the dreaded “spillover”: “…elders believe that adopting an attitude that ‘home is home and work is work’ is a critical first step.
Overall, “30 Lessons for Loving” is an optimistic yet realistic perspective on love and acknowledges the complexities and challenges of relationships while providing hopeful strategies for overcoming them. The practical advice, grounded in the experiences of those who have navigated long-term relationships, offers valuable guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their connections with loved ones. It is a thoughtful and enriching read for anyone interested in the enduring art of love.
“It’s true that the experts highlight verbal communication-they want you to keep talking. But in addition to conversations, they suggest that actions can speak as loudly as words.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents’ is the new book by Anne-Marie Springer. Photo: Amazon
Being a new parent is a joyful occasion, but like everything else, it has its ups and downs. One of those times is when your baby just won’t stop crying. There are many reasons why they cry, and the challenging part is figuring why and how to handle the situation. Thankfully, there are books out there that address this particular subject. If you are a new parent, or know someone who is, consider today’s new book release. “Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents” by Anne-Marie Springer contains sensible, compassionate advice to help you through your baby’s crying episodes. It is available on Amazon.
Anne-Marie Springer has had a passion for nursing and taking care of others for as long as she can remember. Always a caregiver, she loved babysitting, comforting sick family members, patching up friends’ skinned knees and dreamed of following a career in medicine. This inspired her to join the United States Navy for the college fund and to ultimately obtain her Nursing Degree from the University of South Florida. After graduation, she spent the next 10 years working in Mother Baby, Neonatal, Medical Surgical, Emergency Room, and Family Practice units honing her patient care skills until her retirement from the Navy in 2009.
From there she transitioned to a position as a Population Health Nurse in Family Practice providing education and caring for babies, children, and adult patients ensuring they receive the best preventive care possible. Anne-Marie is the mother of three adult children and a favorite aunt of four nieces and two nephews. She and her husband now reside in Illinois with their two goofy and loveable dogs. With her new book “Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents” she hopes to encourage new parents to search out and take advantage of all available resources to help them raise their babies with the least amount of stress and most amount of fun, loving, and joyful memories. (Anne-Marie Springer, 2023)
“Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents” – If you have picked up this book, chances are that you have or will soon be having a baby in your home. While having a baby means countless cuddles, giggles, and love, it also means a crying baby and sleepless nights. If you are looking for sensible, compassionate advice to help you through your baby’s crying episodes, this book is your one stop solution. With over 24 years of expertise in Family Practice, Military, and Population Health Nursing, Anne-Marie will advise and guide you through your parenting journey. Anne-Marie has helped countless families as a tireless advocate for parents and children and has a deep commitment to sharing her knowledge and teaching the best practices for child care. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the truly amazing, challenging, and rewarding experience of raising your baby with the help of this book.
‘Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness’ by David Trock. Photo: Amazon
As anyone who has ever been a patient can tell you, it is never easy being sick. Not only do you have to deal with your illness, but there are so many other issues that can make matters worse. One way we can help is to show a little kindness. This is the topic of today’s new book release “Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness” by David Trock. It is a timely reminder for anyone from caregivers to medical professionals that helping others begins with kindness. In this season of giving, this would make an excellent holiday present for anyone in healthcare, whether they are nurses, PAs, doctors, medical assistants, or physical therapists. Anyone can benefit from a gentle reminder of the rewards of being kind and helping others. “Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness” is available on Amazon.
David Trock has written in several genres including medical journals, book chapters, non-fiction books “Healing Fibromyalgia” and “Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness,” and a humanist murder mystery titled “A Religion Called Love.” He grew up in Brooklyn, NY and served for 30 years on faculty at Yale University School of Medicine and 18 years as Chief of Rheumatology at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. His insight into patient care, bedside manner, and Stoic Philosophy will delight anyone who has ever taken a patient by the hand. (David Trock, 2023)
“Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness” – In an era of busy doctors, virtual visits, electronic records, and complicated insurance, patients are feeling frustrated. This book is a reminder that patient satisfaction begins with kindness and is achievable by following a few simple principles. The inspiring words of this book include patient narratives, advice for young caregivers, champions of healthcare, and stirring accounts of kindness in medical decision-making. Readers of “Let Me Help” will recognize the keys to patient satisfaction and the rewards of helping others.
‘How to Take a F*ck Boy’ is the new book by Emmanuel Simms. Photo: Amazon
Relationships can be complicated but dating is a whole other level of messy, especially in today’s modern world. Nowadays, there are a myriad of books out there that offer advice on navigating these troublesome waters but at least they bring the topic to the table and get people talking. If you are looking for a unique book on relationship advice, consider Emmanuel Simms’ new book “How to Tame a F*ck Boy.” The title might be off-putting, but the term is just another way of saying ‘bad boy’ or ‘bad girl.’ In reality, it is a real, raw, and relatable guide that “acknowledges the messiness of modern love, yet offers actionable advice (and a few laughs) to navigate it.” It is a short read filled with personal stories, humor, and practical advice. It is available on Amazon.
Emmanuel Simms MFA is an American writer best known for his book “The Rules of a Successful Failure.” In his writing, he explores social issues such as race and discrimination within minority communities. Simms has an urban tone in his writing, which allows him to explore these complex topics in a way that is both informative and relatable for his readers. (Emmanuel Simms, 2023)
Simms grew up in a low-income, inner-city neighborhood. He witnessed firsthand the effects of discrimination and poverty on minority communities. This shaped his view of the world and inspired him to write about these issues in his books. In “The Rules of a Successful Failure,” Simms uses his personal experiences to explore what it takes to overcome adversity. He offers readers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by minorities in society and provides valuable advice on how to overcome them.
Simms’ writing is important because it offers a rare look into the lives of minority communities. His insights can help readers to better understand the difficulties faced by these groups and can provide hope to those who are struggling to overcome them. His new book “How to Tame a F*ck Boy : 12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy,” the first in the #RelationshipGoals Mastery series, is a humorous and insightful look at navigating the complex world of modern dating.
“How to Tame a F*ck Boy : 12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy” (#RelationshipGoals Mastery Book 1) – In the exhilarating dance of modern relationships, Emmanuel Simms offers a bold and candid guide to understanding, navigating, and potentially taming the enigma known colloquially as the ‘F*ck Boy.’ Through “12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy,” Simms delves into the dynamics that make these relationships both enthralling and tumultuous. Drawing from a mix of personal anecdotes, humor, and practical advice, this book doesn’t just shed light on the allure of the F*ck Boy but also offers tangible steps for those hoping to find balance in such partnerships. Whether you’re caught in the throes of a whirlwind romance, seeking clarity, or just in for an entertaining read about modern love’s complexities, this book is your compass. Dive in and discover a blend of humor, wisdom, and raw truths that will resonate, provoke thought, and maybe even guide you to a healthier, happier relationship dynamic.
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