Sophie and the Shadow is a Children’s Book written by the author Georgia Garfield-White. This is an interesting story featuring a little girl Sophie who didn’t like her shadow. Sophie wished she could have her father’s or mother’s or even little brother’s shadow. Sophie feels that her shadow is quiet and shy. Grab a copy of this interesting story book and find out will Sophie be able to get rid of her shadow or will she learn to love it.
The plot of the story is interesting. Through this book, the author has explained the importance of our shadow to the little readers. Cover photo of the book is nice and the title couldn’t have been more appropriate. I enjoyed every bit of this story and like to recommend it strongly to little readers.
Muhenda: Infernal Paradise is a black science dystopia set in Africa. Story is written by an African author, Wilson Miguel. The Black lives matter movement was successful and black had earned the right to live free but a white supremacist ended the law and all black people were asked to return to Africa. With the rupture of the ozone layer, things turned upside down and the Kingdom of Muhenda, in Africa is the only place with little biodiversity. Many people immigrated to Africa and became slaves.
Kwame Nankela is Muhenda’s crown prince. He hated a slave Selena whose father was executed, after he was supposedly accused of assassinating the former king of Muhenda. All the slaves have to suffer severe punishment often because of Selena. Even though she is determined to free them from slavery but everyone turned against her when Darren (Soviet Prince), was beaten badly by Kwame.
Story is interesting and unique. I appreciate the author’s imagination in writing this intriguing story. Cover photo of the book looks nice and the title is suitable. Characters are interesting and even though there are many characters in the story, the author has described them well. I enjoyed every bit of this story and like to recommend it to other readers.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Mihret Adal Gidi, born and raised in Ethiopia Addis Ababa. I would say I am quite a story teller who could not recall when exactly she started developing her love for literature, in general. But it would be fair to put it like; she is born for it. After all, writing is what makes me feel alive. As it defines me. I have a totally free spirit with no imagination boundary, at all. Many around me would say I was quite a story teller; I used to tell stories even as a child. I was known for my writings at school; I used to participate in many medias and even present my assignments in quite unique manner, which got me my teachers’ attention; giving me recognition that I should consider writhing as a serious part of my life. One cannot imagine her/his path. On that count, I used to think that I would be a dramatic artist who would bound herself with the love between her brush and her imagination weave of art. Fortunately, that part of my life; the rapacious thirst to art, is now benefiting me; I grow up to be an author who would also work on her book designing, artistically. I am also a cloth designer. I am a person whose soul belongs to art.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hell Again’ book?
We all have multiple challenge working on every dream. Let alone writing a novel, even to write this very interview answer I realized that I am my own biggest challenge, primary. I seem to face a hard time to decide on manners to present my given thoughts to anything. I have an obsessive behavior with over writing everything I write. I would go back to reading my own work and simply find it hard to satisfy myself enough with structures or amount of information in them For Hell Again, things were different; I was supposed to conduct research that would contribute solid touches to the story in ‘Hell Again’ and it was hard; to be able to acquire unbiased data regarding any religious aspects was challenging, for the story is more focused on the spiritual entities. I figured that every religion is the only religion that is right in the eyes of the believers. The other challenge was the payment methods. Ethiopia has quite fenced in methods of payment; international money transaction is difficult for locals. Which means, it is hard to complete any international payments for any purpose and that almost drove me insane.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love all writing of Poulo Cello, J.K. Rowlling, Chinua Achebe, Yismake Worku and Kate White. These are some among many authors that inspired me.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Even though my country is with numbers of destinations, I would love to point out Dega island on Tana lake as one of my favorite places; for its amicable society and the tranquil feeling it fills the visitors with. It is also a place with most beautiful smell coming from the plants and fruits on the island. Truth is, my favorite spot anywhere in the world, is a seat right next to my mother. She is my inspiration, my best friend and someone who is always there for me my entire life in every possible way.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Usually, ideas come to my mind anywhere and at any time, but when it comes to writing, I usually put an effort to make sure that I am mentally ready to jot down anything. I love to conduct research over any topic before allowing my pen to meet my paper. When it is an idea, I write it down just like that, but to have a constructed story I take my time; conducting research and mental preparation to have a fixed writing manner, the style I mean.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Bleeding Hearts Of A Butterfly’ book?
Entirely it takes me around five years to complete ‘Hell again,’ with the researches I conducted to add as a recipe to the story. But it takes almost a year to get it published.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
Austen Maculy, amazone, Good reads, ebay, Black Wells, Water Stones, Barnies and Nobles, Kobo, Hive… many more.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books ?
The essence of the story drives the title, in the end. As I mentioned, earlier, I have a vivid imagination and based on that I tried to work on it in as much as I can. But my primary challenge is myself that I was not satisfied with my work and other’s work of art; illustrating my mind. That is when I meet an artist, Selam Mekonin who developed my sketching into a water painting.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Clearly stating it, reading is the best mechanism to keep everything fresh. The more we read, the more we understand the options in hand. When I say reading, I mean any types of books; fiction, non-fiction, motivational books… reading various types of books can expose us to acquire different methods of writing mechanisms. Besides, we have choices in what makes us feel happy while reading, but we should know the fact that there is no bad book. Every book come with different stories or materials that can benefit us in life; working life or our social/family life. For writing fresh and updated or even, interesting story, I believe we should keep reading different types of books.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The book is full of secrets, secrets that unfolds with each chapter. Saying that, it is hard to point out one secret among many. I would only hope readers would enjoy the igniting curiosity in the process of the story telling.
Scars Of A Magician penned by the author Robert B Herring Jr. is a fantasy novel. Story is set in Seven Moon village in the Old Creek Mountain. Main character of the story is a seventeen years old high school student named Derrick Blackwell. He is a student of Seven Moon High School. Derrick’s mom Kayla led the school as principal, while his dad, Jacob, held the position of science and potion teacher. Derrick has heard many stories from his grandmother about grandpa Jarvis who was smart, stubborn and brave.
At high school, Derrick landed into the Principal’s office after he and his best friend played a prank on Mr Cash. Derrick has performed a spell from The Red Wizard Book. He got the book from a creepy old lady’s carriage. Grab a copy of this book and get to know yourself what’s gonna happen next.
This story reminded me a little about Harry Potter. Plot of the story is interesting and I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. I really enjoyed reading about Derrick’s character. Pace of the story is fast and I wasn’t bored anytime while reading this story. I am looking forward to reading more of the author’s work.
Book: Practice Tests For The SAT (Test Prep Series)
Publisher: Vibrant Publishers
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 4/5
Practice Tests For The SAT (Test Prep Series) published by Vibrant Publishers is a 528 pages book. This book has different tests like Reading Test, Writing and Language test, Math Test and Essay. At the end of the tests, the answer key is there so students can verify whether their answers are correct or not. Detailed answers explanation is what I appreciate the most in this book.
The Math section has various graphs and diagrams that will help students in their analytical skills.
Students who are preparing for their SAT exams will have the most enriching learning experience with this amazing book. I appreciate the content that is there in this book. Furthermore, the content is in line with the current version of the tests. The detailed explanations to answers is an invaluable tool to students and will prepare them to score good in the SATs. Cover photo of the book looks nice. Book is properly formatted so it will be easy for students to make effective use of it.
“What Does It Mean to Be Green?” written by the author Rana DiOrio and illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda is an interesting read. This book teaches different ways to kids how they can be green in the things they do in their daily routine.
Author has mentioned so many ways in which we can save energy and earth’s resources. Pandemic has taught us a great lesson. We should respect Mother Earth to maintain balance in nature.
Grab a copy of this picture book and get to know different ways of saving the environment. This is a well written book. Kids will love this story and they will be happy to have so many tips to be green. Well illustrated book. I like to strongly recommend it for little readers.
Wide Sky People penned by Bruce Mitchell is the first installment in the Thornton Series, and the author’s debut novel. It’s an exciting tale of Mick and Cate Thornton and their two young boys who emigrated from Ireland to Australia in 1841. After spending nearly five months on sea, they enter Sydney Harbour.
The family finds lodgings at ‘Dawson’s Boarding House’, and after a disheartening search Mick finds work as a stableman; but their world is upturned when Cate is arrested for theft. What follows is an adventure in the dark back streets of The Rocks, with a thrilling climax.
The story unfolds west of the mountains where the family works the land and encounters both hardship and reward. Mick and Cate’s two sons Michael and John play an important role as adventurers and graziers.
I loved this story. Bruce’s writing style is captivating and I couldn’t put the book down. The plot is unique and the pace is fast, with vivid narration from the author. The loss of a loved one is not easy to handle and I became a little emotional while reading. The book’s cover looks wonderful and the title couldn’t be better. I am interested to read more of Bruce’s work.’
Book: Miracles and Mayhem: A Testimony of God’s Ever-Present Love and Protection
Author: Belinda Smith Cicarella
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Miracles and Mayhem: A Testimony of God’s Ever-Present Love and Protection” penned by the author Belinda Smith Cicarella is a guide to God. In this book, the author has expressed how faith in God can do miracles in our life. Belinda who hadn’t done anything to deserve God’s kindness saw miracles and God’s mercy in her own life. This made her faith in God stronger.
There are various stories that show her faith in God. In the small town in the Yucatán Peninsula, Belinda realized how impoverished people think they will not be happy until they have more, and enriched people are joyfully certain they have everything. She was grateful to the warm hospitality she received from people. Inside the jungle, a dark creature was after Belinda. But she was saved by a Brahma-type bull with wide horns. She felt this bull as a heavenly protector and felt peace in her heart.
Another incident in Acapulco, Mexico when God kept the shark from pursuing her. I could relate well to the author’s stories as I was once about to drown and it was God’s mercy on me that I am alive today. I believe in God. I like readers to give a read to this book as there are various testimonials of God’s love and protection. This book also has stories about the loss of loved ones like Josie.
This is a nicely written book. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Stories that Belinda has mentioned in this book are worth reading. Have faith in God and let him illuminate your path. I appreciate the author’s work in this book. I loved the words of encouragement at the end of stories. Go ahead with this book without thinking twice.
IELTS Vocabulary Flash Cards are really helpful and a faster way to master IELTS vocabulary. There are different word categories like Travel, Education, Environment, etc. IELTS aspirants can master the words of different categories easily. Also, these cards come in a box and one could carry one category card in an easy carrying box so it will be easier for students to improve their vocabulary anywhere anytime.
The quality of the cards is high and they are durable. I have gone through 352 IELTS vocabulary cards on my recent trip. I carried the card box in my bag and in my free time I added so many new words to my vocabulary. I really appreciate the efforts Educational Software Technologies Limited; Vibrant Publishers had put in manufacturing this product. I loved the easy carrying box. It’s amazing and this entire box is such an innovative idea.
Each card has a word, its meaning, synonyms, antonyms, use in a sentence and other forms as well. I like to strongly recommend this product to IELTS aspirants and to those who love enhancing their vocabulary. Go ahead with this without thinking twice.
“TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan” written by the author Blue Spruell and illustrated by Miya Outlaw is a fantasy fiction. Main character of the story is Taro, a young boy living in feudal Japan. It’s Taro’s seventh birth day and Lord Takeda tells that Taro is the heir to Yōgaiyama Castle and the whole dominion of Kai Province. Taro keeps himself immersed in the books all the time. He even escapes from his home to have a place where he can peacefully read but his father wants him to get the training. Story becomes more exciting when Taro is taken in by a witch and he gets to know the animals of Mount Fuji.
This is a well written story. I love reading folklore and I am glad to get my hands on this one. Taro is a great character and I enjoyed reading about the titular character. This is a great coming-of-age fantasy novel and more and more readers should get their hands on this. Illustrations by Miya Outlaw are amazing and helped me to understand the story better. Cover photo of the book looks like. Title is short and suitable. If you are a fan of folklore then don’t miss to grab a copy of this book.
Sassy Reviews 