๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: Confronting Chaos: The Civility Crisis ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Nelson R. Grimmett โ๏ธ . .
๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: “Confronting Chaos: The Civility Crisis” penned by the author Nelson R. Grimmett is a highly recommended read. Through this book, the author is bringing the reader’s attention to the lack of civility in contemporary America. The author has mentioned that we need to come together to build a culture of respect so we can bring back the values of civility. We need to bid goodbye to racism and the injustices.
Civility means treating others with respect, empathy and dignity even when we disagree with others. It inspires us for peaceful conflict resolution. Lack of empathy and understanding are the main reasons for lack of civility. There are many consequences of the lack of civility. Trust and respect has eroded from society and the lack of civility causes stress and depression, which further spoils an individual’s mental health.
This book is a wake up call for us to be more understanding and empathetic. It’s high time that we come forward together and treat everyone properly so people can trust anyone easily. The author has done great work in this book. For ourselves and our future generation, we should restore civility and make this society better again. The pace of the book is fine and I am glad to read it. Nelson has shared valuable information in this book in a lucid language so more people could come forward and make their contribution in building a civil society. The author’s narration is smooth and strong.
This book has inspired me to be more empathetic. I am delighted to read it. The ideas expressed in it are fantastic and the title is suitable. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I describe myself as a matriarch, a mentor and a mystic.
As a Matriarch, Iโve cultivated a global sisterhood, providing a nurturing space for women from all walks of life to explore and celebrate their diverse cultures, customs, and values. I offer the gift of guidance and support, offering the wisdom I’ve obtained from my experience to women of varied backgrounds.In my role as Mentor, Iโve dedicated myself to shaping the future generations, not through wealth or power, but through the sturdy foundation of love, wisdom, and respect for humanity. I aim to leave behind shoulders strong enough for them to stand on, inspiring them to craft something truly extraordinary.
As a Mystic, I traverse the world with a heart filled with joy, embracing the beautiful tapestry of humanity. My faith is my anchor, guiding me to trust in the power of love as the ultimate source of strength.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Enneagram Made Easy”?
The key challenges were distilling the Enneagram down into understandable terms without losing its essence or power. I could easily have written hundreds of more pages!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I too am a voracious reader so my interests are very broad. In this vein of thought it would have to be. C. G.Jung, Richard Rohr, Pema Chodron, Russ Hudson and Beatrice Chestnut.
Q4. Whatโs your favourite spot to visit in your own country? New York City and what makes it so special to you?
I was born there. It will always be home and the city energizes me.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Know Justice Know Peace’?
There is great power in looking at the way you are showing up in the world. I believe if people slow down and take a look at the consequences of their actions, they might change their behaviors. The Enneagram helps you to do that, and with all the ways that we marginalize people all over the world itโs important to have some tools in place that will help us to look at the way we are โotheringโ people, as in treating them like objects. Kindness matters.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Enneagram Made Easy’?
About a year.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
My books are available everywhere books are sold. Amazon, Barnes and noble even target Walmart. The easiest way to access my books and audio books is to go to my website Deborahegerton.com. The links to the books take you directly to a purchasing option.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Know Justice Know Peace’?
The book cover, is really part of the creative genius of my co-author Lisi Mohandessi. Lisi is a graphic artist. We both wanted something that represented Beauty and strife at the same time. The colors of the book are beautiful and yet there is something somewhat twisted and tortured in the graphic depiction of the human terrain. Itโs what we look like beneath the surface of the skin.
The title came quickly. We will never be able to elevate the consciousness of the human species if we do not understand Justice and Peace. We must take the time and get to Know Justice and Know Peace if we are to move forward.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I make sure that I remain very present. I donโt try to force words to come I actually let the words come through me. When the words are not there, I let it be until they come back and then I will resume the writing. Everything comes in its correct time and season I trust that,and that is how I write.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโve been given about writing?
someone told me once, (and I donโt remember who) that anything that was meant to be written by me would come through me. I have found that to be true. Writing is something that I enjoy. I do not labor over it. I do not stress during the process of trying to allow a book to be born. A book cannot be born before it is ready, and I have the wisdom in this season of my life to recognize that.
๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: “Enneagram Made Easy” is an intriguing read penned by the author Deborah Threadgill Egerton. This book introduced me to the concept of Enneagram. The Enneagram is an archetypal personality system that identifies nine distinct types. These nine points reflect nine different energies.
The author has discussed these nine points in detail. Reflections for each point is helpful. By gaining deeper insights about these points, one would be more aware and confident about their own self-growth instead of being insecure and judgemental. With the learnings from this book, you would develop a compassion for a fellow human being and could appreciate them more.
The author has done great work in this book. The knowledge shared in it is helpful. The title of the book is suitable. This powerful book helped me in having a better relationship with myself. Also, I developed a better understanding of certain behaviors of other people.
Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts. It’s a must read.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. My name is Dick (Richard) Contino and I am an attorney / businessman, specializing primarily in the finance area. I founded and co-founded a number of businesses as well as joint ventures with major companies, and currently I am the CEO of a relatively new business that sets up finance companies for equipment manufacturers, the Managing Director of a specialized investment banking company and the founder and managing partner of an equipment leasing specialized law firm.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Emotional Intelligence at Work”?
A2. I was writing about an aspect of the business process that is generally not recognized as existing, and a topic rarely addressed in business schools or in life in general. Most people are indoctrinated by their parents, teachers, mentors and society in general to believe emotional issues do not belong in the business process and therefore we are lead to believe do not exist in business. So, in writing about emotional issues in business, I needed to identify examples that the reader could relate to notwithstanding what they believe.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Initially I was most influenced by business self-help books and books on psychology; that is, until I actually began my own businesses and encountered issue after issue that seemed to block progress. And the more I encountered business challenges, the more I realized that business self-help books in the market did not address how to really overcome the hurdles and negativity resulting from progress roadblocks. So, I found that the many suggestions offer by business self-help books, although theoretically appealing, did not in fact solve challenges I faced almost on a weekly basis. And as I became more aware of my feelings in the business process I realized that what I have been taught, emotions are not a part of the business process, was not in act the case and that there was a lack of books that effectively addressed how to succeed/prosper in business and address the underlying feelings and emotions that we are rarely aware of and that dictate how we progress or do not progress in the business environment.
Q4. Whatโs your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. The Outer Banks water community in North Carolina, USAโhands down. Spending time by the water provides the ultimate relaxation time.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Emotional Intelligence at Work’?
A5. As I progressed in various startup businesses and consulted for other businesses where management struggling to progress, I began to see not only where my unconscious emotional roadblocks were but where they existed in others. And how the unconscious roadblocks either slowed progress down or completely blocked it. And this reinforced my emerging belief that societyโs well-meaning cultural and socialized beliefs imposed on each of us as we grew up were clearly a self-limiting issue.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Emotional Intelligence at Work’?
A6. I spent 8 months, part time, 2 to 3 early mornings hours per day, every week.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Amazon
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Emotional Intelligence at Work’?
A8. The book publisher provided a book cover designer and the title was based on what I was advancing as an awareness concept.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I try to address in a simple and understandable way the various aspects that the book was conveyingโnot going into any more detail than necessary to advance an idea that would benefit people in business, both for themselves and in working with and for others
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโve been given about writing?
A10. If you want to write do it, even when your writing at first is not acceptedโkeep on going and eventually you will succeed. And convey your ideas simply and in plain English. Do not use fancy words in an effort to make yourself look smart.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: Sad Eyes: Book Two: 1939 to 1951 ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Dan Perkins โ๏ธ . .
๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: “Sad Eyes: Book Two: 1939 to 1951” penned by Dan Perkins is a historical fiction. The main character of the story is Mary Ellen Murphy. She is a fine Irish woman with red hair and green eyes. Mary was a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital and she works in the emergency room. Once, she met a guy named Shamus. He was a trainee for the Army Air Corps at Ryan Aeronautical.
Shamus was also Irish and was impressed by the beauty of Mary. They got into a relationship and started writing letters to each other when they were away. Before World War II, Shamus told Mary about the resources that would be needed from America. Mary got inspired to leave her civilian life and join the Army Nurse Corps. As the story progresses, Mary receives more and more opportunities to serve others and her country.
The language used in the story is easy to follow. The title of the book is suitable and the cover photo is nicely designed. Those who enjoy reading stories involving strong female protagonists should definitely get their hands on this book. This story inspired me to dig deeper into the history of World War II. The plot of the story is well knit. Great work by Dan in this book.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Born in outside of Chicago, I am a RN with a 35 year career in organ transplantation & retired from UCSF in 2014. My Mystery series has been referred to as page turners – Mysteries with a Mission and a side of humor. I love improv and graduated from Second City in Chicago. In addition to killing people I didnโt like at work and using their organs for transplant I enjoy practicing yoga and teaching it. I also love swimming and meditation.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Cut”?
A2. It was my first work of fiction so it was a steep learning curve and I was grateful to have a coach and a wonderful developmental editor and copy editor.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Louise Penny – Janet Evanovich – Loved the Artist Way by Julie Cameron – really enjoy historical fiction by C.W. Gortner,
Q4. Whatโs your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. There are many but Chicago is my favorite city since I lived there for 31 years – the food – the people the music so much to do and see – love it especially in the Fall and Spring
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Match’?
A5. I wanted to tell the story of kidney transplantation and how many options there are now – also to highlight the challenges the dialysis can pose.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Hold’?
A6. It took about a year – it was the hardest to write as I lost two close friends while I was writing it so that was tough.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. My books are available everywhere both on audio and paperback. I always encourage people to buy books from their local independent bookstores whenever possible.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cut’?
A8. My publisher – She Writes Press worked closely with me to finalizing the cover – I also checked with some colleagues who are surgeons to be sure the blade on the scalpel was right.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I created two best friends, who are the main protagonists – Jackie Larsen and Sarah Golden who face a new challenge in each book – their friendship gets them through tough times and they know how to have fun – sometimes they surprise me. Also each book goes to different geographic locations and they meet new characters.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโve been given about writing?
A10. Consider taking a creative writing class at your local community college – they are so fun and helpful. Read the type of books you want to write and if possible have an accountability partner who can help you achieve your goal.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: Answering Liberty’s Call: Anna Stoneโs Daring Ride to Valley Forge ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Tracy Lawson โ๏ธ . .
๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: Those who are fans of historical fiction should get their hands on Tracy Lawson’s book “Answering Liberty’s Call: Anna Stoneโs Daring Ride to Valley Forge”. The main character of the story is Anna. She is a twenty-nine-year-old mother of three. Her brothers and husband were at the army’s winter camp at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. From her husband Benjamin’s letter, she found out that her brothers Henry and Jeremiah are ill. She follows a map to go from Virginia to Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. Anna wants to deliver food and supplies to her family.ย
Anna’s mother couldn’t afford losing her so she insisted Anna not go. However, Anna is determined to help her brothers and husband. Her character is written well by the author. Reading about her journey and the challenges she faced on it kept me on the edge of my seat. Her courage and determination is inspiring.
If you are a Virginia lover and a historical fiction fan then go ahead with this book without any second thoughts. I enjoyed reading the letters between Anna and her husband. The writing style of the author is amazing. Anna’s conversation with her horse Nelly is also enjoyable. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: Those who enjoy reading memoirs should get their hands on Michelle Eades’ book “Why”. In this book, the author has opened up about the horrific events from her childhood and how they affected her family and her.
When Michelle was a young girl, she was visited by her Uncle Charlie many times. He always found a way to sexually abuse Michelle. He asked her to keep his adult secret with her otherwise she would be taken away from her mum and dad. At a young age, we get afraid and the abusers take advantage of it. As Michelle grew up, the memories of the abuse were in her mind. She has shared about her various relationships over the years and how she always craved to be a mum. Her journey with her daughter is also worth reading.
Those who are a victim of abuse should definitely read this book. The author inspires them by telling them that there is life after abuse and they are not alone. I am impressed with the author’s thinking of how she sees herself as a survivor instead of considering herself as a victim.
This story is a reminder to all the parents that they should teach their kids about good touch and bad touch from a young age. I am grateful to the author for sharing her story with us. The writing is descriptive and easy to follow. This story kept me hooked till the last page. Great job by Michelle in this memoir.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello. My name is Sebastian Lee. I am from Korea and moved to Malaysia when I was seven. I have lived in Malaysia for 12 years and moved back to Korea in 2016. I have always liked reading books and writing since I was young. I identify as demiman, meaning I identify mostly as a man, but not fully as one. My pronouns are he/him and they/them, and I like to use them interchangeably. My current interests are K-pop, neurodiversity, and LGBT issues.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Queer Penguinโs Survival”?
A2. The key challenge I faced while writing my book was my procrastination. One of my weaknesses is starting a project recklessly without thinking about whether I can finish it. This project was done recklessly. I struggled because I was unsure what or how to write. There were times when I feared not being able to finish this book. There were also times when I became doubtful whether this book was worth publishing. I never thought I would be able to finish it, and finishing this book gave me hope that I would be able to write more books.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I loved reading fantasy, mystery and horror. My favourite writer was Rick Riordan, the writer of the Percy Jackson series. Not only does he write his books interestingly, but he is also quite inclusive. The series representation of ADHD may not be perfect, but it was surely a positive one. It portrayed ADHD not as something that needed to be cured, but as a difference that should be embraced. The series also included a lot of queer people. Some contents have a queer character, but mostly it would be a gay side character, and they would be the only queer character that ever exists in the entire book. However, this was not the case for this series. The series contains a lot of queer characters including Nico who is gay, and Alex who is genderfluid. And as a queer person myself, it inspired me to be more inclusive in my future books.
Q4. Whatโs your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I don’t travel around often, I stay indoors or just go to places that I am familiar with. My favourite spots to visit in Malaysia are Coffee Bean, Golden Screen Cinema in 1Utama, and my school, Garden International School. I like Coffee Bean as I enjoy eating Break O’day. It is my favourite food. I am sad this is not available in Korea. GSC is my other favourite spot as I love watching movies, and I chose my school as I have a lot of memories with that school.
My favourite spots to visit in Korea are coffee shops and Yongsan I’Park Mall. Although I cannot eat Break O’day, I enjoy drinking a green tea latte, and writing is a lot easier when I do it in a coffee shop. I enjoy going to Yongsan I’Park Mall as I can go to the cinema and go to the bookshop as well.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Queer Penguinโs Survival’?
A5. A teacher told me it would be nice if I wrote a book about myself. Since then, I have been thinking about how I should write a book about my life. I knew I wanted to write a book about myself, but I was unsure how to write it. Should I make it hundred per cent fiction, should I just write it as an essay? In the end, I decided to write it as fiction, changing many names, and events to make it more interesting.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Queer Penguinโs Survival’?
A6. It took about a year to get it finished. I
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. You can find it on the Partridge Publishing website, and Amazon. You can buy a hardcover version, a softcover version, and an e-book of my book.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Queer Penguinโs Survival’?
A8. The cover was chosen by the publisher after I expressed the want to have a penguin in the cover. As for the title, It was inspired by a K-pop Idol, Kyuhyun of Supre Junior. According to him, penguins approach humans thinking they are one of their kind, then get confused, and shocked when it finds out the human is not the same species as human. This resonated with me a lot as I always felt like an outsider trying to find someone who was similar to me. That is why the title is “A Queer Penguin’s Survival.”
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I am not sure how to answer this. I just write an overall plan for the book such as what would happen in the beginning, climax, and the end. Then I would write about what the main characters are like (their personality, their appearance and such). After writing the rough plan of what would happen at what stage, I write the rough draft of my writing, and then go over it to make sure if there are any corrections I can make. There are still areas that I miss, but I still try my best to correct as many mistakes as I can.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโve been given about writing?
A10. Just write. I am not the best person to be advising people about writing. I am not the best writer. All I can say is just write. I know this is not the best advice, and it would feel quite unrealistic. Still, this is the only thing I can say. There would be days when you would not be able to write any words, and there would be times when you would be so immersed in writing that you would forget about your surroundings. Whatever it is, you will earn something if you don’t give up. I wish you luck.
๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ: “Chaos Ascending: A Feast of Betrayal” penned by the author R.C. Vielee is a dark fantasy novel. The story is set in two worlds: Tartica and Evidar. Devil’s Blacksmith has given the task to Dylla to confirm him about the death of Reyne Brenton. Dylla lied to him mentioning he might be dead but Blacksmith needed certainty. Dylla knew that he would kill her if he found out that she had lied.
He wants Dylla along with her team to search for a massive Tartica so Reyne can be killed immediately. Blacksmith’s mission is to merge two Earths from alternate dimensions, Tartica and Evidar into one shared reality. Blacksmith’s people had taken twenty years to find Edruk’s son. Now, they want to kill him and save their own world.
Reyne is preparing for a transition through the Void to enter Evidar. On the other hand, the people of Evidar are aware that Reyne is alive. Read this book to find out more about Reyne’s journey.
This book explores dark themes. I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in creating the fantasy worlds of Tartica and Evidar. The plot is engaging and it pulled my attention into the story so much that I forgot the real world around me. I loved the character of Reyne Brenton. The author has done great work in this book. Those who are fans of dark fantasy couldn’t afford to miss reading this novel.
Sassy Reviews 