‘Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime’ is the new poetry book by Regina Medina Alvarado. Photo: Regina Medina Alvarado, used with permission.
Poetry is a type of artistic writing meant to stir the reader’s imagination or emotions. It is often used as a creative vehicle to express one’s feelings or to speak out for social causes or against social injustices. As a poet myself, I’m always on the lookout for impactful poetry books. Today’s new book release, “Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime” by Regina Medina Alvarado, touches on contemporary social issues with hopes of healing and renewal. It is available on Amazon. On December 24, 25, and 26 only, you can take advantage of a FREE download promotion on the e-book format.
Regina Medina Alvarado is a Northern Californian who gets her inspiration from the sights, sounds, news, events, and people she observes, as well as from first-hand accounts. She was never a poet by profession but eventually found enough quiet time to begin writing. While she speaks in defense of those affected by police brutality, she now finds herself at the mercy of police in help of searching for the person who took her grandson’s life this past November 21st. (Regina Medina Alvarado, 2023)
“Stormy Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime” – This debut poetry book by Regina Medina Alvarado dives into life’s uncertainties, mysteries, hopes, and triumphs. It memorializes prolific issues and events that grip America and society at large with a path toward healing and savors the splendor of a poetic dawn and a revealing of hope for mankind. It is both a conversation starter and a keepsake to be shared. This book will stand as a time capsule for our generation, as seen only through the eyes of a poet. Get a front-seat view to this moody, emotional rollercoaster ride that comes full circle into poetry’s renaissance.
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‘Story Sunshine: The Poetry Experience of a Lifetime’ is also available as an e-book. Photo: Regina Medina Alvarado, used with permission.
‘Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?’ is volume one in the series by Mark Stouffer. Photo: Mark Stouffer, used with permission.
The Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, is Judaism’s foundational text. If you ever wanted to delve into the teachings of this Hebrew text, then today’s new book release might be of interest to you. In “Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?,” Mark Stouffer proposes that it foreshadows the Messiah that the Jewish people have been waiting for. Join the author as he leads readers on a quest to hear the message of the Tanakh, as opposed to what they want to hear. Whether Jewish or Christian, or even if you are just interested in biblical studies in general, this book promises a well researched examination of both faiths. It is available on Amazon.
Mark Stouffer is an engineer who lives with his family in Columbus, Ohio. Mark was born in 1960 and grew up loving sports. Mark has a passion for the Bible, which he has been studying and teaching for nearly 40 years. Mark has been to Israel and has great respect for the Jewish people. His new book, “Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?,” is for Jewish people who want to know the truth about Jesus. It is also for Christians who want to learn about the Hebrew Bible. (Mark Stouffer, 2023)
“Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?” While arguing with the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; . . .” In this book, the author examines the Tanakh in order to see if Jesus’ claim has any merit.
“Hesed: Volume One” is the first book in a four volume series written for Jewish people who want to know the truth about Jesus. This book is also good for Christians who want to learn about the Tanakh, or Old Testament. The series examines five elements in the Tanakh that appear to foreshadow Jesus. Volume One covers the first two elements.
The five elements are:
1. Sacrificial atonement in the Torah 2. A series of Biblical heroes who had experiences that were similar to things that happened to Jesus 3. The messianic prophecy of the Tanakh 4. G-d’s plan for humanity 5. The incompleteness of the Tanakh in which the issue of our moral guilt is not decisively resolved
Volume One examines the subject of sacrificial atonement in the Torah to see if it foreshadows Jesus’ death on the cross. It also covers the lives of Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, and Cyrus. For they each went through experiences that Jesus also wound up going through many centuries later. The question is, were these moments from their lives placed in the Tanakh intentionally or coincidentally?
‘Reunion’ by Scott Moss is a novel about love, friendships, and the secrets we all keep. Photo: Amazon
Continuing on the topic of the afterlife, a medium is a person who claims to be able to contact and speak to people who are dead and pass messages between them and people who are still alive. Now I do not know if I believe in mediums, I have never met one, but I like to keep an open mind. This is the topic of Scott Moss’ book “Reunion.” Robert and Mike went to high school together but were just acquaintances. At their high school reunion, they both come across the women they had crushes on in high school. They become close after that, but both Mike and Robert are harboring deep secrets. These secrets are big and will determine whether the relationships they have will last and will eventually affect Jessica and Samantha in big ways. So if you enjoy romantic fantasy books about mediums and angels and spirit guides, give this one a try. “Reunion” is available on Amazon.
Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. Scott has been writing for years. He specializes in adult fiction and children’s books. His passion for life provides his unique literary spark. Scott enjoys making people laugh and bringing out the best in everyone he meets. Scott’s most interesting character trait is his sense of humor. That is what makes the books he writes so much fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. His book “Reunion” is a story of second chances and representative of how love works at its own pace. (Scott Moss, 2023)
“Reunion” is about four friends who find themselves single at their 20-year reunion and rekindle their high school friendships. This page turner has it all: suspense, love, relationships rekindled, and deep secrets.
Mike is a successful entrepreneur who has recently lost his wife to breast cancer. Robert, a medium who can communicate to the individuals in the afterlife, is having difficulty maintaining a relationship because of his abilities. He receives a message from Mike’s wife but feels it is too soon to reveal it. Robert also has communicated with previous classmate Samantha’s husband, who lost his life in Afghanistan. Jessica, a single mom of three, was attracted to Mike in high school but they never found the timing to be right. With the help of Robert’s abilities as a medium, the four find long-lasting love.
‘The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle’ is the new novel by Walter Jones.
Supernatural thrillers that feature characters with supernatural powers have always fascinated me. Not just because of the power itself, but because there is so much more going on behind the scenes. There are always unintended consequences and people who want to use that power for their own purposes, whether good or bad. Such is the case in today’s new book release: “The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” by Walter Jones. It is a small book for young readers that combines religion, spirituality, and supernatural elements to weave a story of a young boy torn between two fates. That sounds interesting, doesn’t it? If this sounds like a book you might enjoy, pick up a copy today, it is available on Amazon.
Walter Jones was born in Jacksonville, Florida and attended the Armed Forces Culinary Arts School in Patuxent River, Maryland. He ministered at The Upper Room Ministry in Jacksonville and enjoys bowling, fishing, and working out at the gym. His new book “The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” is the story of Kwame, a healer – a boy whose mere presence undoes the worst and most grievous injuries, but his powers come with a price. (Walter Jones, 2023)
“The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” – Kwame is a healer. They say miracles are born of dreams. When an old, childless couple living in a remote village make their wish, they realise that their destiny has greater plans for them—and the child. But their blessing comes interwind with tragedy, and the fate of their child is significant not only for the people of their village, but also for the gods and the spirits of the forest themselves.
Kwame knew he was different from the moment he was born. His birth had been prophesized long before he existed. Throughout his entire life, the people of Amani keep telling him how special he is, and how special he must become.
But Kwame’s powers do not manifest so easily. One tragedy follows another as everyone who loves and care for Kwame seems to be in constant pain and surrounded by ill-luck. Growing up, he begins to wonder whether his so-called gifts are ever going to emerge, and whether they would end up being a curse.
The story of Kwame is the story of a boy whose destiny catapults into both joy and sorrow, and as the boy learns to understand and accept his miraculous powers, he must also come to decide the answer to the most important question of them all. Who is he? What does he want? And how will he use his incredible abilities in this life?
Kwame is torn between two fates—the one drawn for him by the gods themselves—and the one illustrated by his caretaker and surrogate mother, a woman who despite her earnest behavior, seems to be hiding a dark and painful past of her own. And so, Kwame must make a choice, one that will affect not only himself, but the soul of nature itself. What should he do with his powers? His answer might have consequences not just for him, but for all of humanity.
‘Finding the Words’ is the powerful account of one father’s journey through unimaginable grief.
Colin Campbell is a writer and director for theater and film. He and his wife wrote and directed the short film Seraglio, which won Deauville’s Grand Prix and was nominated for an Academy Award. His play Golden Prospects was nominated for five LA Weekly Theater Awards and was a Critics’ Pick in Time Out New York and The Los Angeles Times. Campbell teaches screenwriting at Chapman University and theater at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MFA from Columbia University. His book “Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose” is a powerful account of one father’s journey through unimaginable grief and offers readers a new vision for how to more actively and fully mourn profound loss. (Amazon, 2023)
“Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose” – When Colin Campbell’s two teenage children were killed by a drunk driver, Campbell was thrown headlong into a grief so deep he felt he might lose his mind. He found much of the common wisdom about coping with loss—including the ideas that grieving is a private and mysterious process and that the pain is so intense that “there are no words”—to be unhelpful. Drawing on what he learned from his own journey, Campbell offers an alternative path for processing pain that is active and vocal and truly honors loved ones lost. It is divided into ten chapters including Community and Meaning and Purpose and includes resource information, like Grief Resources that has a list of organizations that can help. He shares what worked for him and his wife and teaches readers how to actively reach out to their community, perform mourning rituals, and find ways to express their grief, so they can live more fully while also holding their loved ones close.
No one can deny that there are many levels of grief and that grief itself can be subjective. In the author’s experience, because his identity was so entangled with his children, he calls it ‘profound grief.’ He does not pretend to have all the answers: “this book will not take away your pain,” but his ultimate hope is that we can at least have open and honest conversations about the universal experience we call grief. His compassion and empathy are evident through the pages and his writing style is easy to follow and understand without coming off as preachy or condescending. In a perfect world, everyone would have the same resources to cope but knowing what works for others is an excellent start. At the very least readers can feel that they are not alone in their journey. This book is just as helpful for those grieving as well as for those who know someone who is grieving, so they can learn how to help instead of just saying “there are no words.” One of the highlights is the message of the power of community support; in his case, the overwhelming support of the Jewish community and the importance of mourning rituals. With practical advice on how to survive in the aftermath of loss, Campbell shines a light on a path forward through the darkness of grief. “Finding the Words” is a poignant and valuable guide for coping with grief and is recommended for readers who appreciate self help books on grief and loss.
“The act of verbalizing our grief, and having it be witnessed by our community, was key to us moving toward acceptance of reality.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate’ is an informative guide on meditation by Dr. Samuel Steinberg. Photo: Amazon
Today’s topic is meditation. I have tried it before and I have to admit I have so much to learn. Are you new to meditation? Feeling overwhelmed by the chaotic world around you? Not sure how to focus? Then allow me to recommend “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate” by Dr. Samuel Steinberg. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Books-A-Million, and other booksellers.
Dr. Samuel Steinberg is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse range of expertise. He holds a Doctorate in Metaphysics and one in Theology. He also graduated from the Plant Based Nutrition program at Cornell University. In addition, Dr. Steinberg is a qualified special education teacher, a Yoga Alliance certified 500 E-RYT yoga teacher and educator, and a highly regarded meditation consultant to mental health practitioners and pain support groups. He is the author of several notable works, including “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate,” “Free Bird,” and “Parents Guide to Helping a Child With Learning Disabilities.” He has also written extensively on topics such as veganism, vegetarianism, anxiety, depression, positive self-esteem in children, autism in the workplace, chakras, and weight loss and fitness. (Dr. Samuel Steinberg, 2023)
“Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate”– In this beginner’s guide to meditation, Dr. Samuel Samtosha Steinberg presents meditation as an easy and effective approach to attaining peace, health, and a stress-free life. With basic techniques and a simple, uncomplicated approach, this book is perfect for those struggling to find the right time, place, position, group, or props to meditate.
Inside you will learn:
how to meditate correctly
the benefits of everyday practice
the diverse styles of meditation in a fun way.
And much, much more!
Get ready to overcome the challenges of meditation and find inner peace with this informative guidePrint length – 325 pages
Language – English Publication date – November 23, 2022 Dimensions – 6 x 0.74 x 9 inches ISBN-10 – 9692592014
‘Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem’ by Eugene Crowley, Jr.
Eugene Crowley, Jr. was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, has a master’s degree in General Psychology, and spent 32 years teaching the wisdom from mythology to his high school students in Chicago. He has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. He wrote his book, “Upside Down World: The Loss of the Sacred Cosmos,” to give his readers the meaning of life in discovering their own sacred cosmos. He would like to see a “New Enlightenment” with the use of the wisdom from the past holistic cultures who began civilizations. He encourages our culture to return to its Eastern roots by having its spiritual awakening in opening the mind and heart. After participating in the conference “A Language To Dwell In: James Baldwin, Paris, and International Visions” at the American University in Paris in May 2016, he wrote “Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem.” It reveals Baldwin’s views on racism, his observations, solutions, and consequences. (Amazon, 2023)
“Paris On My Mind” gives the truths of the past for readers to become victors instead of victims over social conflicts. The author expresses his thoughts on James Baldwin, his life and writings, and explains that his wisdom echoes ancient philosophers and encourages his readers not to fall victim to America’s social problems. He believes that knowing the truth would set one free. Baldwin provided the truths of the past and gives his readers their purpose in life. He depended on religion and the wisdom of the past in confronting social ills. The book is divided into 12 chapters including The First Time I Saw Paris, Examining Our Civilizations, and James Baldwin in a Post-Racial America. The first two chapters give the author’s early connection with Paris since his hometown, St. Joseph, Missouri, had a French founder, Joseph Robidoux. He also explains why he became enamored with Paris, including that since the city was the innovator of urban streetlights, could this mean that it was, metaphorically, “responsible for giving light to the entire world?” The rest of the book explores the American way of thinking in terms of racial and societal issues, highlights of Harlem today and in the 1920s, then circles back to his thoughts on Paris on the last time he visited the city.
Racism on a global stage can be a touchy subject but now more than ever, it needs to be addressed. Aside from taking a closer look at James Baldwin’s life, how he defined racism and his coping strategies, Eugene Crowley, Jr. stresses the importance of awakening the spiritual, not religious, part of our lives, similar to how past civilizations placed greater importance to the soul, which is divine in nature. In doing so, everyone, including blacks, whites, young, and old can use this wisdom to conquer their adversaries because when we re-discover our spiritual identity, we can live “more genuine, authentic, and peaceful lives.” This insightful and eye opening book is full of history, soul searching, and useful advice, written using language that everyone can understand and put into use in their lives. Highlights include Chapter 3: The American Madness where the author writes that racial conflict is not the ‘Negro problem,’ but rather ‘The American Madness’ and Chapter 5: Dwelling in Languages where he writes that due to the harsh language that he used sometimes, James Baldwin had his critics, but mostly because people “find it difficult to hear of their irrational behaviors.” In other words, people, regardless of race, tend to lash out when confronted with their questionable behaviors. One final piece of practical advice he gives, about life in general, is “The best solution for boredom is to become active. Life was not meant to be lived in one space.” Overall, “Paris On My Mind” is a an excellent examination of the life and works of James Baldwin and a gentle reminder that to live a more peaceful life, we should strive for a more spiritual existence. It is recommended for fans of biographies, personal growth, and spirituality who appreciate practical life advice.
“When we remember our spiritual identity, we place racism and bigotry in their proper place as immature behaviors from people who have not awaken their spirit.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate’ by Dr. Samuel Steinberg. Photo: Amazon
Meditation is a practice that helps you achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state of being. You can do this by using a technique such as mindfulness or focusing your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train your mind to be attentive and aware. Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Well, I have tried to meditate before but my mind always wonders and eventually I give up. Thankfully, there are books that teach the basics including the benefits of meditating and tips to incorporate in your routine to get the most out of it. Dr. Samuel Steinberg’s book “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate” is an excellent guide to meditation. After reading a sample, I now know that you should start small, with 5 minutes, instead of trying to meditate for an hour right from the start. It has ancient techniques to help quiet your mind, like getting back to nature, and how to establish a daily routine to help you meditate. The chapters are small and the information is presented in list format that make it easy to learn. If you are interested in meditating and need a smart and resourceful guide, consider “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate.”
Dr. Samuel Steinberg is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse range of expertise. He holds a Doctorate in Metaphysics and one in Theology. He also graduated from the Plant Based Nutrition program at Cornell University. In addition, Dr. Steinberg is a qualified special education teacher, a Yoga Alliance certified 500 E-RYT yoga teacher and educator, and a highly regarded meditation consultant to mental health practitioners and pain support groups. He is the author of several notable works, including “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate,” “Free Bird,” and “Parents Guide to Helping a Child With Learning Disabilities.” He has also written extensively on topics such as veganism, vegetarianism, anxiety, depression, positive self-esteem in children, autism in the workplace, chakras, and weight loss and fitness. In his book “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate,” Dr. Samuel Steinberg presents meditation as an easy and effective approach to attaining peace, health, and a stress-free life. (Dr. Samuel Steinberg, 2023)
This beginner’s guide to meditation includes basic techniques and a simple, uncomplicated approach. It is perfect for those struggling to find the right time, place, position, group, or props.
Inside you will learn: – how to meditate correctly – the benefits of everyday practice – the diverse styles of meditation in a fun way. – And much, much more!
Get ready to overcome the challenges of meditation and find inner peace with this informative guide.
‘I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life’ by Randa and Nadiath Adechoubou. Photo: Amazon
For readers who like inspirational and self-help books, “I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life” by Randa and Nadiath Adechoubou is a collection of inspirational quotes and positive affirmations that is sure to lift your spirits.
Randa Adechoubou holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and a BPhil in political science from Northwestern University. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Randa is exploring or daydreaming about her next travel destination. In her books, she provides practical action plans to help you recognize what is keeping you stuck, as well as the talents and brilliance you can use to move forward —all in a friendly conversational tone. So be prepared to laugh and learn as you will finally find the confidence to let your brilliance shine. She is the author, along with Nadiath Adechoubou, of “I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life” – a collection of inspirational quotes that will inspire you to live your best life. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Bookshop, among others. (Randa Adechoubou, 2023)
“I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life” – Have you ever wondered why some people can, but others cannot? How some can stay positive when others cannot find the light in the darkest times of their lives? Experiences leave their mark, and for those who have gone through difficult times, they know the tough times never last. They kept going, trusting they would see light at the end of the tunnel. In this book, the authors have created a collection of funny, uplifting, and inspirational quotes to get us motivated. Whether you are looking for that creative spark, trying to find the energy to carry on, or just want to put a smile on your face, “I Hope You Dance” will be your companion. This book is for anyone who needs a pick me up, anyone who has been knocked to the bottom, and anyone struggling to get back up: keep on dancing.
SA Examiner 