Book Reviews – Page 6 – Sassy Reviews

May 12, 2026

The Founder’s Treadmill

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Founder’s Treadmill 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: David Grau Sr. ✍️
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The Founder’s Treadmill is a highly practical book that addresses one of entrepreneurship’s biggest hidden struggles: burnout caused by over-involvement. David Grau Sr. clearly understands the mindset and habits that keep founders stuck, and he presents these challenges in a relatable and straightforward way.

The book stands out because it combines mindset shifts with operational strategies. Readers are encouraged not only to rethink their role within the company but also to implement processes, hire intentionally, and establish accountability systems. The included reflection prompts and checklists make the learning experience interactive and easy to apply.

This is more than just a business book, it’s a roadmap for founders who want to escape constant hustle and create healthier, more scalable companies. Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or managing a growing business, The Founder’s Treadmill offers valuable lessons that can transform how you lead and operate.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 7, 2026

A Tree Frog’s Eyes: Haiku

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Tree Frog’s Eyes: Haiku 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: David E Navarro ✍️
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A Tree Frog’s Eyes: Haiku by David E. Navarro is a thoughtful and meditative collection that beautifully captures the quiet wonders of nature and everyday life. Through carefully crafted haiku and occasional senryu, Navarro invites readers to slow down and observe the subtle details often overlooked in daily routines. From winter snowfalls to blooming spring flowers, mountain landscapes to ocean shores, each poem reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world and the fleeting moments that make life meaningful.

The poems are organized around seasons, landscapes, flora, fauna, and human experiences, creating a journey that feels both personal and universal. Navarro also offers valuable insight into haiku traditions, Zen influences, and his own poetic philosophy, helping readers better understand the depth and intentionality behind his work. This makes the book not only a poetry collection but also an educational exploration of haiku as an art form.

A Tree Frog’s Eyes is an enjoyable read for poetry lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking moments of stillness in a busy world. The collection succeeds in honoring traditional haiku sensibilities while adding the author’s personal voice, making it a rewarding experience for both newcomers to haiku and longtime admirers of the genre.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 7, 2026

The Trauma-Informed You

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Trauma-Informed You 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh ✍️
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This is a practical guide for readers seeking to understand how trauma shapes their inner world and daily behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on what happened in the past, the book thoughtfully shifts attention toward the relationship individuals have with themselves as a result of those experiences. This perspective feels empowering, inviting readers to move beyond survival mode and begin rebuilding self-trust, safety, and emotional awareness.

The author has translated complex psychological concepts such as nervous system responses, trauma adaptations, boundaries, and self-abandonment into language that feels clear, relatable, and actionable. The framework built around trauma-informed principles like safety, trustworthiness, peer support, empowerment, and self-authority gives the book both structure and depth. Readers are not only encouraged to reflect on their own patterns but are also provided with practical tools to begin meaningful internal change.

The Trauma-Informed You is a valuable resource for anyone navigating the long-term effects of trauma, emotional neglect, or unhealthy relationship patterns. Its tone is validating, making it approachable for both mental health professionals and general readers. By emphasizing healing through a stronger connection with oneself, this book stands out as a thoughtful contribution to the trauma and personal growth space, leaving readers with both insight and hope for deeper self-renewal.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 5, 2026

Two Minutes to Everything

Book: Two Minutes to Everything

Author: H. W. Cumming

Two Minutes to Everything is a deeply introspective novel that traces the emotional architecture of one man’s life. The book opens with Daniel standing alone under a Queen West streetlight, reflecting on a life that feels both full and fractured. From the beginning, readers are introduced to a protagonist who is thoughtful, ambitious, and emotionally observant, yet often disconnected from his own needs. This opening sets the tone for a story centered not on plot twists, but on personal reckoning and self-discovery.

I loved the way the novel builds Daniel’s character through his earlier identities. As a young hockey goalie, Daniel learns discipline, responsibility, and the instinct to protect. Later, his teenage dream of becoming a rockstar adds another layer to his identity, revealing his creative side. These chapters are especially engaging because they show Daniel before adulthood hardens him into someone defined by achievement and control.

The novel becomes even richer as Daniel evolves into a builder and entrepreneur, creating software companies and chasing ambitious ideas with relentless focus. Two Minutes to Everything is ultimately a moving portrait of a man who has succeeded in building companies and careers, but must learn how to rebuild himself. Thoughtful, honest, and emotionally resonant, this is a gripping read about ambition, love, and identity.

Rating: 5/5

April 20, 2026

Broken Realm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Broken Realm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jenna Greene ✍️
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The story features Keely Thompkins, a reserved and introspective young woman whose internal struggles with anxiety are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. The early chapters immerse readers in a village setting, where small, everyday moments like preparing for a town celebration carry emotional weight. Keely’s perspective, filled with hesitation and quiet courage, creates an immediate emotional connection that draws readers into her world.

The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Briggs Ray, whose rough-edged charm and survival-driven mindset provide a strong contrast to Keely’s cautious nature. When a mysterious phenomenon transports them into a barren, altered version of their world, the story shifts from gentle character study to gripping survival fantasy.

Themes of resilience, trust, and personal growth are woven well into the unfolding mystery, as both characters are forced to confront their limitations and adapt to an unforgiving environment. This novel offers a thoughtful and immersive fantasy experience, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 20, 2026

The New Empire

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The New Empire 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alison McBain ✍️
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The New Empire by Alison McBain is a powerful historical novel that immerses readers in a story of survival, identity, and transformation. The story follows Jiangxi, a young boy torn from his homeland and thrust into the horrors of slavery, beginning with a harrowing journey that strips him of both freedom and memory.

As the story unfolds, the novel shifts into a more introspective exploration of culture and belonging. Jiangxi’s relationship with Onas, his master and spiritual guide, becomes the emotional and thematic core of the book. Through this dynamic, McBain explores the intersection of different worlds: Chinese heritage, Indigenous traditions, and colonial tensions creating a layered narrative about identity in a fractured world.

The slow evolution of Jiangxi’s character, from a broken child to someone navigating complex loyalties and beliefs, is handled with nuance. The inclusion of spiritual elements, particularly the mysterious role of the kuksui, adds a haunting, almost mystical dimension to the story.

McBain skillfully balances historical detail with emotional depth. The book is well paced. I am impressed by the world building and the character development. Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong cultural themes and morally complex characters will find this novel worth reading.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

FIRE

Book: FIRE

Author: Pat Daily

The novel follows Will Kwan, a teenager shaped by loss and hardship, who returns to the augmented reality world of SPARK in search of meaning tied to his past. The premise stands out for its mix of gaming culture, artificial intelligence, and dystopian undertones, creating a vivid setting where virtual quests intertwine with real-world consequences.

Will and Feral’s evolving relationship adds emotional depth to the otherwise action-driven plot, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Will’s internal conflict, his trauma, guilt, and search for identity feels authentic and compelling, while Feral provides both strength and contrast. The action sequences, especially the attack on SPARK, are vividly described.

FIRE succeeds as a gripping sci-fi adventure with a strong emotional core. It explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the blurred lines between virtual and real worlds. While some readers may find the complexity of its world-building and multiple plot threads demanding, the payoff lies in its immersive storytelling and thought-provoking ideas.

Rating: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

Escape to Jekyll Island

Book: Escape to Jekyll Island

Author: Sandy Malone

Escape to Jekyll Island by Sandy Malone is set against the picturesque backdrop of Jekyll Island. The story immediately draws readers in with vivid descriptions of coastal landscapes, ocean views, marsh air, and the island’s unique charm. The opening chapters introduce Tally, a protagonist returning home after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and her journey feels deeply personal and relatable.

Tally’s return to Jekyll Island is not simply a physical journey but also an internal one, as she grapples with heartbreak, trauma, and the uncertainty of her future. The author uses the storm’s aftermath as both a literal and symbolic force, representing the chaos that has disrupted Tally’s life. The supporting characters and the close-knit island community add warmth to the narrative.

Escape to Jekyll Island is a heartfelt and atmospheric read that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about fresh beginnings. Sandy Malone’s detailed storytelling and strong sense of place make the island feel like a character in itself. I had a great time reading this book. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.

Rating: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

Spelldrifts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Spelldrifts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: A-M Mawhiney ✍️
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Set in a post Earth tipping future, the novel immediately draws readers in with its vivid opening, an air of mystery surrounding a hidden object in a rose garden and the quiet tension between secrecy and destiny. The integration of telepathy, emerging powers, and ecological harmony creates a unique backdrop.

At the heart of the story lies a compelling cast of characters, particularly the younger generation: Saki, Ali, and Cady whose evolving abilities and personal struggles drive much of the narrative forward. The bond between Saki and Ali stands out, balancing vulnerability and adventure as they uncover the existence of a mysterious dragon egg. Their journey from grief and uncertainty toward purpose adds emotional depth, especially in Saki’s arc of loss and rediscovery. Meanwhile, the older generation: Fania and Nuna carry the weight of foresight and responsibility, creating a layered dynamic between wisdom and youthful curiosity.

The discovery of the dragon egg introduces a sense of wonder and looming significance, hinting at larger conflicts yet to unfold. At the same time, grounded subplots, such as the crisis within Ben’s family, reminds readers that even in a near-utopian world, human struggles persist. Mawhiney crafts a story that is both adventurous and introspective.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 17, 2026

The Walker Chronicles

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Walker Chronicles 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jason Kristopher ✍️
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The novel opens with a military investigation that quickly descends into visceral terror as soldiers encounter corpses exhibiting horrifying, predatory behavior. The author’s descriptive strength is immediately evident, the bleak landscapes, the stench of decay, and the psychological strain on the men are rendered well.

The story expands beyond a simple outbreak narrative, weaving through different historical periods including World War II and beyond to suggest a long-standing, hidden war against these walkers. Each timeline introduces new characters and moral dilemmas, from soldiers forced to make brutal decisions to secret units tasked with containing an unexplainable threat.

The book excels in its core themes: duty, sacrifice, and the cost of survival in the face of the unimaginable. Fans of historical horror and military fiction will find Walker Chronicles a bold read. The backdrop setting is impressive. Add this book to your bookshelf without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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