Thursday, September 15, 2011

30 Things He Told Me But Can't Tell You

30 Things He Told Me But Can't Tell You, by Mischa P. Green, is the book for the newly wed bride, seasoned wife, bride-to-be and ex-wife. Green presents a number of common instances where men see things differently from women. Green, a divorcee of over 6 years, reflects upon everything that led to the collapse of her marriage in order to reveal to women things that often go unnoticed and unaddressed.
30 Things He Told Me But Can't Tell You is organized for readability, as each chapter is divided into easy to understand sections that state common “conversation topics” and what this means to the man, called “commentary,” as well as a list of immediate applications in a section called “What might be helpful.” With topics ranging from problems with girlfriends and balancing children with marriage to cheating, Green covers it all—bringing to light potential marital problems.

With a spunky common sense attitude and a writing style that is very pleasant to read, Green positively connects with readers throughout the entire book, exposing possible shortfalls in a non-threatening way. Using sensitivity and understanding, she unlocks many truths that women simply don't understand about their husbands, opening up much needed conversation and revealing ways to make marriages strong and resilient.

Green does a phenomenal job pulling the reader in, skillfully developing an author-reader rapport. She has a warm and inviting tone not unlike a close older girlfriend or sister, leaving the reader comfortable with personal topics. Indeed, this book is just what its title claims, 30 things that real husbands wish they could tell their wives. 30 Things He Told Me But Can't Tell You serves as a secret window into the minds of men that is both relevant and needed in today’s society. An absolute must-read for women today.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Worlds Apart


  Luke Loaghan's Worlds Apart is a wonderful new world take on the classic Greek myth, “Orpheus and Eurydice.” The book tells the story of David, who is wrapping up his senior year of high school at the very competitive Stanton High in Brooklyn. Worlds Apart is full of typical teenage angst and David, realizing that his insecurities are holding him back from what he wants most. David writes sports for the school newspaper, and is a very talented guitar player. Also, he experiences things that most teens don't, including an average of nine deaths at his school per year, rivaling gangs, and backward personalities.

  Worlds Apart is an intelligent coming-of-age story, carefully crafted in a highly interesting light. It is a story of young love, found in Delancey, a girl for whom David patiently waits, and with whom he finally begins a relationship. David and Delancey soon discover the differences in their separate worlds. Loaghan captures the very essence of both normal and abnormal high school experiences, and seamlessly ties them in with the Greek myth beautifully. Worlds Apart is also set in the eighties, presenting a very interesting story line that is highly enjoyable, and at the same time it is full of substance. The problems of American teenagers are at once truly timeless and era-specific, and this story really reiterates that fact.

People of all ages will relate to Worlds Apart because everyone has or will experience at least one of the circumstances depicted in this book. Full of heart and harsh realities to which teenagers are sometimes subjected, this is the kind of book that will never grow old or irrelevant in theme. Loaghan wrote a wonderful story from which everyone can enjoy and learn. To be sure, this one will thoroughly entertain from cover-to-cover.
  

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Ticket




The Ticket is a powerful book written by Sean Liv, a motivational speaker, fitness expert, and life strategist. The Ticket is an inspiring work aimed to help you to create a powerful new life by learning how to pull together mind, body and spirit. The most inspiring element of this book is that the author struggled through depression herself, and does a phenomenal job of explaining all of the keys involved in creating a fulfilling life, which include weight management and health, as well as achieving a healthy mindset. Liv reveals a very straightforward approach, emphasizing the importance of a goal-oriented life style, refraining from a sedentary lifestyle, and improving opinions of yourself. Liv abstains from preaching, instead speaking from experience, and encouraging her readers to rely upon themselves to turn their lives around. She also explains the visualization techniques to be used, as well as mental exercises to create a healthy mindset. The Ticket's primary focus is to increase positive thinking, which triggers positive body image and confidence that encourages a healthy lifestyle.

The Ticket explains learning to trust and appointing yourself to be in complete control of your brand new life. Liv's book is a groundbreaking ally in fighting obesity, low self-esteem and self-loathing. The Ticket emphasizes realistic and healthy ways to truly take control of your weight, and sensible concepts that really work. The Ticket is stuffed full of information and insight that will help everyone in one way or another, to create the lives that they have always wanted. Liv inspires us to fix the little things, in order to solve the larger life issues. Truly, everyone can glean valuable gems from this book. The Ticket is literally your ticket to a fulfilling life that will last your whole lifetime.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

First Contact: Digigtal Science Fiction Anthology 1




      First Contact: Digital Science Fiction Anthology 1, is a book full of mind-blowing short stories that will reel you in from page one. First Contact Anthology 1 is the very first installment of a monthly rendition of anthologies. First Contact is made up of ten fictitious short stories written by a number of authors from various parts of the world. Partners Stephen Helleiner and Craig Ham come together with Editor Jessi Hoffman to choose stories that allow the human mind to run wild within the pages of this book. All of the stories feature an easy-to-follow conversational style that grabs the attention of readers, leaving them on the edges of their seats. Each story has its own unique effect, evoking from the reader a full array of emotions. Just when the reader thinks he/she has the story figured out, he/she is left breathless with suspense as the plot changes in an instant. First Contact contains everything readers look for in a great series; suspense, laughs, romance, drama, and terror- all bound in one book.
"How I Lost Eleven Stones and Found Love," by Ian Creasey is the first story in the book. The engaging tale of a boy and girl, and of course, an alien—it's truly everything you would expect in the story of an alien encounter. This one absolutely leaves you wondering about the possibility of such an encounter with life beyond Earth.
From horror to mystery and everything in between, these stories engage the reader with themes that resonate and plots that thoroughly entertain. For example, the thrilling suspense of “Biting a Dead Man's Hand,” or a nice, quiet story like “The Caretaker,” it’s easy to see that the team did a phenomenal job creating the desire to turn the page for more.
If you're looking for a book that keeps your attention riveted from cover to cover, First Contact: Digital Science Fiction Anthology 1 is definitely for you!

Jade Writing


    Jade Writing is a translated copy of a two thousand-year-old classic Chinese manuscript titled Yellow Court Classic, translated for the first time in its entirety in English by Imios Archangelis Jade Writing is full of ancient secrets of healing, which have been widely studied in past generations. Jade Writing brings the ancient teachings to life for the present generation to enjoy. The author does a wonderful job of taking centuries old meditations and thinking practices and applying them to the modern day problems that plague many. Archangelis draws the parallels between ancient insights and modern science, preaching that meditation and visualization are the keys to both longevity and health. Archangelis bridges the gap between ancient language and culture and modern society, and includes the original text for further study and cross-referencing.

Focusing on solutions to problems that are found in alchemy, Jade Writing has plenty of powerful symbolism of mind, body and spirit. The book exudes hope of the true power of mankind. A person’s true power comes from within, and is at his/her strongest when at peace with him/herself and his/her surroundings. Collectively, Jade Writing is page after page of ancient philosophies and insights.

This book seeks to promote inner peace and overall health for the human body. The text is accompanied by footnotes that supply additional resources and establish credibility, and it also includes a glossary with meanings of important words and symbols that are found throughout. The book is designed to make Taosim easy to understand.

Jade Writing is a great example by which to live, and readers will eagerly turn the pages of this book in order to gain peace and serenity in a chaotic world.
   

The Fountain Of Youth


     The Fountain of Youth by Sherman Woods: Cycle 1 Volume 1, is a futuristic musical that is action- packed from cover to cover. The book portrays the classic battle of good verses evil—but in a new way. With the use of lyrics and classic themes, Woods creates a story that is both unique and familiar in content, and in heart.
Woods doesn't waste any time plunging into the action. In the opening chapters, the Evil Lord has Virtue trapped in his regal castle. He enters the scene angry, singing the first song of the musical called “Chop, Chop,” telling how he will execute all the liars. The Evil lord gives the Planet Of Truth very little time to survive. Ryan arrives for the rescue, strong in his beliefs and unafraid, even in the face of death. When he is killed for standing with such bravery, Virtue stands strong against the Evil Lord's attempts to sway her, fueled by her disgust for what she had witnessed.
The news of Ryan's death at the castle reaches The Planet Of Truth with devastating strides, and one brave young man is left as the only one willing to defend the planet and save Virtue from the Evil Lord's hands. Virtue finds herself with no choice but to fight the battle along side him.

With the help of the four Timekeepers, Passion, Faith, Loyalty and Ruby, the pair learn how to prevail. It seems one must have true and flawless love for Virtue in order to save her and her planet. The Fountain of Youth is a story of true love and undying heroism. The epic and ongoing battle between good and evil continues in this musical novel that never lacks excitement. Dive into the realms of an unknown distant future in the pages of The Fountain Of Youth.
   

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Defeating Depression

   Have you ever wished for a calmer, simpler lifestyle? Leo J. Battenhausen explains how easily life is made simple, using what he calls the “Calm and Sense” approach, in Defeating Depression. Battenhausen explains why most people continue to suffer after being diagnosed, “Calm and sense is unlike any other approach to treating depression.” Battenhausen talks about creating a Calm and Sense lifestyle that can last an entire lifetime. Throughout the book, he shows you how the Calm and Sense approach will “help you out of unhappiness and guide you toward a future you only dreamed possible!”
   A former Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Relationship Specialist and a Certified School Social Worker, Battenhausen has years of experience backing him, as well as a Master’s Of Social Work from a major University. Battenhausen explains the various problems plaguing people—in a fresh, new way. Using real life clients with major problems, he reveals what has caused their issues, and the Calm and Sense applications necessary for solving them. Readers will sense that the author is seemingly speaking directly to them, through the problems of others. Battenhausen expertly makes his words personal.
    The author structures the book in four parts: What is Calm and Sense?, How to Live a Life of Calm, Calm and Sense in Love and Relationships, and Some Calm and Sense Tips. These contain chapters in which Battenhausen explains what it truly means to have Calm and Sense, and how it can benefit each area of life.
   In Defeating Depression, Battenhausen shows insightful tips and solutions for truly coping with depression, and more importantly, for solving depression in a personalized, step-by-step way that is nothing short of life changing. Defeating Depression: The Calm and Sense Way contains something for both the severely depressed, and the happiest of happy.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife

   Dr. Nancy Irwin’s You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife is a fascinating self-help, educational text that combines theory with real life stories of individuals over forty. It breaks free from the notion that a timeline is set for each individual, and when that time passes, one can no longer be productive, change careers, or make a “you-turn” in life to do something that he/she always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity.

The message Dr. Nancy Irwin delivers to her readers is that, “It’s easy to get on the wrong path or get sidetracked, or even get run off the road.” In crystal-clear, layman’s terms, she hammers home her point: “It’s like driving 50 miles out of your way. Frustrating, isn’t it? But do you just give up and say, ‘Oh, well, I’ll just keep driving down the wrong road’? Of course not! You’d turn around, wouldn’t you? So why stay on the same course of life or career?”

In other words, it’s never too late to turn around and pursue something else; in fact, certain choices we make early on usually factor into our later decisions—and instill within us skills that will be useful, if and when the you-turn is made. For example, Dr. Nancy Irwin talks about her own life as a mediocre student with less than stellar SAT scores. At the time, her passion for performing for an audience led her to become a stand-up comedian. Dr. Irwin simultaneously volunteered in the community, working with sexually abused children. Her ability to speak in front of hundreds of people played an influential role in her decision to become a public speaker and to pursue her doctorate in psychology.

There are at least forty other cases of you-turns, like Dr. Nancy Irwin’s, that orchestrated a complete transformation within the individual. The stimulating aspect of this book is that it is very much like a career assessment counseling session. Dr. Irwin compiles a questionnaire for her readers, asking questions such as, “If money were no object, what would you be doing?” and “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”

You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife is the fusion of a self-help guide with memoirs of Dr. Irwin’s personal transformation, as well as the stories of forty others. While each story is touching and meaningful, there are several stories that truly stand out as ultimate you-turns. In chapter 14, for example, Irwin shares the story of a forty-six year-old woman with a crippling back injury. Instead of moping and giving up on life, the woman restructures her life en route to becoming a radio talk show host. Later, in Chapter 24 there is the example of another significant you-turn, as a fifty-year old divorcee seeks out his high school sweetheart and establishes a career as a relationship coach.

The bottom line with all these stories is to bring people to understand that it is never too late to turn around. There is no need to have regrets later when the possibility is always there to turn around and consider a new direction in life. Ultimately, You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife is a spectacular read that shares real life cases of people who reassessed their lives, and decided to make changes. Though the target audience is for middle age, this is a book that would be beneficial to a wide range of readers.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

More Foxes

   Charles Daniel’s Foxes is an action-packed romance that thoroughly entertains on every level. Foxes continues the story of Daniel’s first novel, which took place at Annapolis Naval Academy. From the beginning, Foxes fully captures the reader by spicing up the plot when Rachel, the main character, finds out that her love interest, Bruce, has been lying to her—throughout all of Daniel’s first novel—and he is not a commander in the Navy, but rather an FBI agent on a sting mission at the academy. This book will surely interest fans of Daniel’s debut novel, as well as young adults and Navy and Marine veterans.

The book opens up with Rachel finding her way amidst a largely all-male staff of recruiters. There is no denying that Rachel is quite gorgeous, forcing her to state that, “Be a hard nose boss. I have to. I have to make my subordinates be afraid of me so that they don’t concentrate on my being what you call, ‘A Fox’.”

While Rachel and Bruce are the central characters of the story, there are a slew of other characters that help to move the plot along and add comic relief. Rachel’s parents are obsessive about becoming grandparents, constantly nagging for a grandchild. Josh, Rachel’s older brother and musician, and Conrad, a leading officer in the Marine Corps round out the other principal characters.

After much deliberation, Rachel settles on Captain Conrad Cooper to lead a battalion of well-trained and highly dangerous Marines in Afghanistan. The passage that best describes Captain Conrad Cooper and his troops is, “Afghanistan the corrupt. That’s where Captain Cooper and his company landed. Why only a small group? It was a company with a specialty. It had linguist capabilities among other things. Something like a special forces unit. Several of the companies had special forces for the mountain area. These troops were the extreme of deadly. They also were equipped with mine destroyers. Some of them were experts in disguise with capable accents for the different language groups. Their purpose was to become a member of the insurgents with their cunning abilities to be convincing.”

Each member of the troop receives medals in Afghanistan. In Yemen, the Navy Seabees have performed a miracle in building a natural hideout that blends seamlessly with the land, where they celebrate their accomplishments as they rotate in and out of the assignment. Ultimately, Rachel and Bruce get married, while her brother, Josh, falls in love with a music professor, Kelly. The parents finally get their wish, as baby Mike is welcomed into the world.

Overall, this is an intriguing read that will be particularly appealing to veterans of the Navy and Marines. Charles Daniel’s Foxes truly satisfies readers on many levels, including those who relish a good romantic novel with dynamic characters and a rousing plot. Readers should be prepared to settle back and plan to turn pages to the very end.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Fantasia On a Theme Of Thomas Tallis

   Vaughn Petterson’s Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis is a penetrating book that exposes the pretenders of society. While it’s thoroughly entertaining, it is a highly philosophical love story revolving around Joe, successful, yet cynical, and an adamant opponent of illegal immigration. This story explores the theme of pretension, as some aren’t always who they appear to be. Instead, too many individuals hide behind masks in order to establish a position in society.

Petterson’s novel rips into this element of society—the allegedly altruistic aristocracy—and unveils the extent to which hypocrisy is ever-present in today’s culture. For example, Joe states, “Charities huh? Not to toot my own horn but I know that I’ve given more and to more charities than anybody who was present last night. And on top of that I’ve given a lot of my time to helping out sick kids.”

Despite his unpleasant demeanor, Joe is depicted as a genuine character, whose cynical attitude is reinforced when he finds out that his wife, Sandra, has been cheating on him long before their impending divorce. “‘Of course!’ she incredulously barked. ‘I've been seeing him for months.’" A disastrous night ensues, with a tirade against Joe and his reprehensible remarks toward Sandra’s friends, culminating in a decision to divorce.

The turning point in the book comes when Joe undergoes his metamorphosis and learns to appreciate true beauty for what it really is. More than anything else, it is music that changes his life and helps him understand what true beauty is. Many music aficionados claim that music has the power to heal and to transform, and Joe is the perfect example of this. At the same time, the transformation is the result of a combination of music—and art and literature—and the person with whom Joe shares these artistic experiences: Maria. When asked by his friend whether he can commit to a woman who is ridden with the health problems that Maria has, Joe responds, "I'm surprised at you, Greg, for thinking like that. I'm dead serious about her. She's not a play thing for me. I love her and she's changed my life, and she's changed it for the better."

The dichotomy of personalities present in this book is intriguing. For example, contrasting Joe and Maria with Sandra and her elitist friends, one comes to realize that being a cynic isn’t such a bad thing when it one’s true character. At the same time, an individual in bad health should not automatically rule out true happiness in life. Maria shows that one can have a positive outlook, regardless of health conditions. Whenever people are genuine and true to themselves, they can be trusted, and they can change for the better, as evidenced in Joe.

One passage that captures the spirit of the book states, “It has a much more human touch to it; and by human touch, I mean the good human touch, not the rotten, mean human touch." In essence, there is a very human, very real element to this book that is revealed through the trials and tribulations of the main character, Joe.

Read Vaughn Petterson’s Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, and find out what happens in Joe and Maria’s transcendental love story, and to the hypocrites like Sandra, Joe’s ex-wife, who try to use their status and wealth as crutches to elevate themselves in society. This is a must read for all who appreciate an uplifting story that will have the pages turning until the very end.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Why Pastor's Kid Refused To Go To Church

Why Pastor’s Kid Refused to go to Church, by Grace Zuzo, is a delightful and heartwarming story about a child’s naiveté and the ensuing miracle that affirms her belief. The child in the story is none other than Grace Zuzo herself. The author’s purpose in writing this book is to share a memorable piece of her childhood that she has yet to share with anyone—until now.

Why Pastor’s Kid Refused to go to Church relates the author’s story, in a step-by-step manner, to today’s youth—with the message that miracles can and do occur through faith and prayer.

The story revolves around Chuaro, a nine-year-old Pastor’s daughter who pieces together two opposing teachings—one from her English teacher and one from her father, and comes to the conclusion that if she worships on Sunday, she is not following her duty and is going against the teachings of the commandments. As is often the case, what children are taught at school is not always in line with what they have been taught at home and at church. Chuaro’s English teacher tells her that Sunday is the first day of the week, while Saturday is the last day. On the same note, Chuaro’s father, the minister of their African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Africa, tells Chuaro that the last day of the week is the day of the true Sabbath.

In this easy-to-read text geared for young churchgoers, Grace Zuzo emphasizes the power of communicating with God. One of the more powerful sequences in the story has Chuaro confronting her father, and ultimately rejecting to go to his church:

Chuaro, what happened?” asked her father. “I did not see you in church this morning,” he commented the first Sunday she was not in church. “So sorry, Dad, I am looking for a church where I can keep God’s Sabbath holy. My teacher told us that the seventh day of the week was Saturday and not Sunday and mom confirmed it.” “Wow, this child is going to obey God and not me,” said her dad.

Chuaro’s wish to worship on the true Sabbath comes true when she asks for it during a New Year’s midnight prayer. Though several years had passed and Chuaro was now sixteen, her prayer was answered. The narrator states, “Chuaro spent a sleepless night thanking God for answering her New Year’s midnight prayer. She thanked God for sending her to a school where all Ten Commandments were kept, especially the Sabbath day commandment. Chuaro went through her school years not telling her story to anybody. She was used to having a private relationship with God.”

Overall, Zuzo’s story is about a child’s relationship with God, and the miracle of prayer. Why Pastor’s Kid Refused to go to Church is a light-hearted tale that celebrates the persistence of children in search of the truth.