Book Reviews – Page 31 – Sassy Reviews

March 18, 2025

The Harmless Necessary Cat

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Harmless Necessary Cat 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sepehr Haddad ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Harmless Necessary Cat – A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran by Sepehr Haddad is a gripping historical novel.

Sohrab Ahangar was born in Tehran, growing up under the guidance of his beloved father. However, at the age of thirteen, his world shattered when his father suddenly passed away from pneumonia, leaving an irreplaceable void in his life.

Following their father’s death, Sohrab’s older brother, Arash, returned from Germany to take over the family business, bringing along his German wife, Krista.

Meanwhile, Franz Mayer, a skilled German engineer, was invited by the Iranian government to help develop the country. Seizing this opportunity, he embarked on a new journey with his son, Karl. Upon arriving in Iran, Karl quickly befriended Sohrab. Before his passing, Sohrab’s father had warned him about the British and Russian interests in Iran. With the Iranian forces unprepared, what will happen when the country faces invasion by the combined might of the British and Russian armies?

If you’re drawn to stories of love, loss, and resilience, this book is a must-read. Richly detailed and deeply immersive, it offers valuable insights into Iran’s history. I found it impossible to put down until the very last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 16, 2025

The Murmur of Everything Moving

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Murmur of Everything Moving 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Maureen Stanton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Murmur of Everything Moving: A Memoir” by Maureen Stanton takes readers on an emotional journey of love, resilience, and the unpredictability of life. The story begins in Wappingers Falls, New York, where Maureen, then working at the Hitching Post bar, first crosses paths with Steve. Determined to chase her dreams, she saved diligently and embarked on a backpacking adventure through Europe, where fate brought them together again.

Steve’s life was already complex when he met Maureen—he was navigating the aftermath of an eight-year marriage and fatherhood to three children. Having decided to finalize his divorce, meeting Maureen brought an unexpected spark. For Steve, their relationship became a revelation of what love could truly be. Together, they navigated the highs and lows of building a life, including making sacrifices for their bond over professional aspirations.

However, their journey took a devastating turn when Steve was diagnosed with Stage IV terminal cancer. Maureen’s memoir details the profound challenges they faced, her unwavering care for Steve, and the heartache of confronting mortality. Through her vivid storytelling, Maureen reflects on how her vision of adulthood transformed in ways she never anticipated.

This beautifully written book is deeply moving and relatable, offering readers insights into resilience, love, and the fragility of life. The pacing keeps you engaged from start to finish, and Maureen’s reflections resonate long after the final page. It’s a heartfelt narrative that stays with you, reminding us that life often unfolds in unexpected ways.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 14, 2025

Get Gribnitz

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Get Gribnitz 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Howard Gimple ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The story follows Stew Gribnitz, an advertising copywriter at a Madison Avenue firm. When the new creative director, James G. Persons, arrives and belittles everyone’s work, Stew, frustrated, fires back with an insult in front of the entire office. The next day, Persons is found dead, and all fingers point to Stew as the prime suspect.

Barnett Boyce, however, refuses to believe that Stew is a murderer. Though Stew loses his job, Boyce helps him secure a new position under Edward Rivette. But soon after, Rivette also turns up dead. Now, the real question remains—who is the actual killer? Can Stew prove his innocence before it’s too late?

This story reinforced an important lesson: sometimes, it’s best to keep our mouths shut. Stew’s impulsive words got him into trouble he never intended. The author’s writing style is engaging, and the cover design is striking. The suspenseful storyline kept me hooked, and Stew quickly became my favorite character. This book will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 12, 2025

Maroon Town Girl

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Maroon Town Girl 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Gloria Hamilton-Forde ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Maroon Town Girl” by Gloria Hamilton-Forde is a captivating read. In this autobiography, the author offers readers—and her family—a glimpse into what it was like to be born and raised in Colonial West Africa. Gloria was born in Mabang, a town in Sierra Leone’s Tonkolili District, where her father served as the District Postmaster.

She shared a deep connection with her mother, often spending hours in conversation. Gloria was christened in 1942 and completed her primary and secondary education at the FSSG. At just 11 years old, she met Winston Forde, who was a year older than her.

It was fascinating to learn that Sierra Leone gained independence from the United Kingdom in April 1961. The inclusion of wedding photographs and an overseas telegram made the story even more relatable. I especially enjoyed reading about Gloria’s children and grandchildren, as well as her lifelong journey with Winston. Her 80th birthday celebration was also a highlight.

This autobiography provided valuable insight into life in 1950s Sierra Leone. Future generations of her family will gain a deeper understanding of her story through this book. I highly recommend it to my fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 12, 2025

Where Love Means Nothing

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Where Love Means Nothing 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Howard Gimple ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Jake Marks, a renowned tennis player, leads a double life—off the court, he operates as an assassin for Millennium, a shadowy paramilitary organization with obscure ties to the U.S. government. His latest mission: eliminate Russell Townsend, an anti-nuclear activist.

Going by the codename Lone Ranger, Jake fires four shots at Townsend. However, a mysterious fifth shot takes the life of Brigid Quinlan, the wife of retired U.S. Army Colonel James Kelleher. Millennium wrongly believes Lone Ranger is responsible for Brigid’s death and shifts its focus to Kelleher.

Meanwhile, Kelleher’s daughter, Maggie, believes her father died fighting the British in Northern Ireland. Unaware of Jake’s dark past, she becomes his fitness trainer—and soon, his love interest. As their bond deepens, Jake faces the ultimate challenge: can he clear his name and walk away from his deadly profession?

Howard Gimple’s writing is sharp and engaging, with a well-paced plot filled with intricate subplots and unexpected twists. The gripping cover sets the tone for an action-packed read that kept me on edge until the very last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 11, 2025

Shakespeare’s Table

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Shakespeare’s Table 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Howard Gimple ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Shakespeare’s Table by Howard Gimple is a captivating and unique story. The protagonist, Jordan Day, serves as the Head of Archives and Special Collections at the DeVere Library. One Halloween, she comes across what appears to be a gruesome prank—Professor Spenser Berg’s severed head on a spike. But upon closer inspection, she felt it’s horrifyingly real.

When university police investigate Berg’s home, they uncover his mutilated body. The shocking news leaves President Angelina DellaRosa in disbelief. Before his death, Berg had fiercely argued that William Shakespeare never wrote the works attributed to him. His controversial claims drew criticism, particularly from Harry Gabriel, who challenged him to provide proof. Now, with Berg murdered, suspicion falls on Harry. Can he find the real murderer to clear his name?

This gripping thriller is packed with twists and turns that kept me engaged until the very last page. The action-driven plot, well-crafted characters, and intriguing premise make it a memorable read. The title perfectly suits the story, and the originality of the narrative will stay with me for a long time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 8, 2025

After Hour Reflections

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: After Hour Reflections 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kerry & Sarah Batchelder ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“After Hour Reflections,” written by Kerry and Sarah Batchelder, is a heartfelt collection of poetry that delves into the authors’ most personal thoughts on spirituality and their observations of the physical world. Each poem offers a glimpse into their reflections, blending faith, emotion, and introspection.

The poem “Trust Him” serves as a powerful reminder that we are always enveloped by God’s healing grace, even in times of hardship. It reassures us that we are never alone in our struggles—God listens to our prayers and extends His healing touch to those in need.

“Our God” is a deeply spiritual piece that enriches our understanding of God’s unwavering presence. It highlights how He provides for us in ways we least expect, instilling a sense of faith and dependence on His divine plan.

In “Home,” the narrator shares a touching story about her mother’s journey through a second knee replacement surgery and her remarkable recovery. The poem captures the joy of seeing a loved one heal and the relief of knowing she can finally return home.

This collection is filled with relatable themes and a wide range of emotions. The language is simple and accessible, making it easy to connect with the heartfelt sentiments behind each poem. The book also features humorous poems that add a lighthearted touch to the reflective tone. Overall, “After Hour Reflections” is a thought-provoking and engaging read. Those who appreciate poetry that resonates on a spiritual and emotional level will find this collection both inspiring and rewarding.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 7, 2025

The Carpenter and the Apprentice

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Carpenter and The Apprentice 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Grace Zacaroli ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Carpenter and the Apprentice” by Grace Zacaroli is a captivating novel that takes readers on a profound spiritual journey. The story follows an elderly carpenter and a young man named Danat. Upon arriving in a small town, Danat seeks out the carpenter’s help to repair a young woman’s broken cart. Instead of simply assisting him, the carpenter offers Danat the opportunity to become his apprentice.

Spending the night at the carpenter’s home, Danat soon grows restless the next day. Frustrated, he accuses the carpenter of treating him like a servant rather than teaching him any valuable skills. However, when he leaves, the townspeople reveal that apprenticing under a carpenter is a path to learning far more than he realizes.

Danat is a war survivor, having lost his family in the conflict. His sister was taken prisoner, and he has no idea where she might be. The carpenter, however, recognizes Danat’s sharp perception and keen eye for detail. When the town faces the threat of an invasion, Danat returns to warn the carpenter. As he begins to assist the townspeople using his unique abilities, what fate awaits him?

Readers who appreciate themes of self-discovery, healing, growth, and spirituality will find this book deeply enriching. It reminded me of The Alchemist, as I enjoy stories about travelers and the challenges they encounter along their journey. If that resonates with you, don’t hesitate—this book is well worth your time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 7, 2025

The Carpenter and The Apprentice

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Carpenter and The Apprentice 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Grace Zacaroli ✍️
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𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

March 6, 2025

Cerebral Body

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cerebral Body 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Domenico Pisanti ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Cerebral Body: From Discord to Harmony: Rewiring Your Brain for Unrestrained Potential by Domenico Pisanti is a compelling and insightful exploration of the neurophysiological foundations of child development. This book serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting an innovative technique designed to harness the power of the brain’s adaptability. By combining scientific research with practical applications, Pisanti equips readers with effective tools and strategies to help children overcome developmental challenges and unlock their full potential.

The core of the book revolves around a structured, high-intensity three-phase approach that supports and enhances a child’s neurological development. The Cerebral Body Approach is meticulously designed to stimulate the brain, fostering improvements in both functional movement and sensory processing abilities. Pisanti emphasizes the crucial role of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt—as well as the importance of synaptic pruning in refining neural connections. This makes the book not only an essential resource for parents but also for trainers, educators, and therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of the nervous system and its impact on a child’s growth.

Reading this book has significantly broadened my awareness of the intricate processes involved in a child’s neurological development. The depth of knowledge presented here is invaluable for parents striving to support their children’s progress and well-being. Through the transformative insights shared in this book, children can embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment. I truly appreciate the opportunity to explore this work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon