Death, Where Is Your Sting?
Robert Reiss
This book is about both the process of dying and the question of what, if anything, happens after death. Starting with theology and ending with an overview of the authors' conclusions, this is a thorough and deeply thoughtful process of Death and the right to die. ~ Karen Kilby (Reviewer), NetGalley
Wanderers on Earth, The
Susan Plunket
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars........I give this book 5 stars. Originally I had it at 4 stars but by the end, I raised it to 5 stars. The reason for the raise was that I had to laugh at some of the inferences I made from the book. For instance, digs were made at the president of the United States, Donald Trump. Not just him but the administration. They also made digs at the other world leaders. Then I thought about the federal government agencies that handle the law and criminals such as the FBI and the CIA.
I said to myself I can see why people think that science fiction heralds war, destruction, and domination. I can see why analysts read normal news stories and see big plots for the killing of Americans. I admit to having those thoughts when reading this book. However, keeping in mind that science fiction itself can go in any direction, the story itself discusses religion and the belief that good can and will triumph over evil. The people are not alone in their fight to right the wrongs. And in doing so create characters that people like. Even the evil ones. It may take you at least three to five days to read this book but it is well worth the week. I do recommend for the science fiction fans of the world this book. ~ Nicole Harmon (Reviewer), NetGalley
Chronos Crime Chronicles - Jane Parker
Charlie Fenton
Jane Parker, better known as Lady Rochford, the sister-in-law of Anne Boleyn has always interested me. She has been blamed for betraying two queens for centuries, and she is generally portrayed in TV series and novels as a rather scheming, nasty woman. Charlie Fenton, who runs the Through the Eyes of Anne Boleyn blog, makes a good case for her defence in this short, but fascinating and well-researched book.
I also enjoyed the details of life at court, and the lives of the ladies-in-waiting. Her friendship with Henry VII's daughter Mary is also interesting.
This is well-worth reading if you like historical biographies, especially the Tudors. ~ Lisa Sanderson, Book Addiction
Good Grief
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. After losing multiple family members and friends this past couple of months, I 've decided to dwelve into the world of grief-help books.
This one one of the best ones I've read so far. It touches upon the subject of not just grief itself but life and death as well. There is a very great transition in-between these chapters and we get multiple ideas on how to process our own kind of grief with the kind of religion spirituality we follow. I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking into ways to improve their mental health after the loss of loved ones. ~ Judit Béres (Reviewer), NetGalley
Bea's Witch
Daniel Ingram-Brown
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This was a cute little book. It was geared more towards younger adults than I was expecting. The story went by very quickly, and left me wishing for a little bit more. Overall though, it was really nice. ~ Cari-Leigh Williams (Bookseller) , NetGalley
Peace or Pacification?
Liam Ó Ruairc
Who won the war in an Irish town? From the tyranny of fear to fear of freedom
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03098168211018014 ~ Paul Stewart, Tommy McKearney, Capital & Class, vol. 45, 2: pp. 311-318. , First Published June 6, 2021.
Bea's Witch
Daniel Ingram-Brown
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I had a great Sunday reading this. It’s such a quick, short read but really packed full of emotions. I loved the characters and the writing was easy to get into. Would highly recommend. ~ Jess Miller (Reviewer), NetGalley
York Princesses, The
Synopsis: As a collective, the lives of the Princesses of York span across seven decades and the rule of five different Kings. The daughters of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, they were born into an England that had been ruled over by the great Plantagenet Kings for almost three hundred years.
Their young years were blighted by tragedy: the death of their beloved father, followed by the disappearance and possible murder of their two brothers, Edward and Richard of York, forever now known to history as the infamous Princes in the Tower.
With their own futures uncertain during the reign of their uncle, Richard III, and their mother held under house arrest, the Princesses had to navigate their way through the tumultuous years of the 1480s before having to adjust to a new King and a new dynasty in the shape of Henry VII, who would bring about the age of the Tudors.
Through her marriage to Henry, Elizabeth of York rebuilt her life, establishing herself as a popular, if not hugely influential Queen. But she did not forget her younger siblings, and even before her own mother's death, she acted as a surrogate mother to the younger York princesses, supporting them both financially and emotionally.
The stories of the York Princesses are entwined into the fabric of the history of England, as they grew up, survived and even thrived in the new Tudor age. Their lives are played out against a backdrop of coronations and jousts, births and deaths, marriages and divorces and loyalties and broken allegiances. From the usurpation of Richard III, to the Battle of Bosworth, the brilliance of the court of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII, to the rise of Anne Boleyn, the York Princesses were there to witness events unfold. They were the daughters, sisters and aunts of Kings, and this is their story.
Critique: A simply riveting history, "The York Princesses: The Daughters of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville" is a natural follow-up to Sarah J. Hodder's first book, "The Queen's Sisters", which told the stories of the lives of the sisters of Elizabeth Woodville. Once again with laudable attention to detail and with a natural talent for bringing history to life, "The York Princesses: The Daughters of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville" will prove to be a welcome, informative, and entertaining addition to community, college and university library British & European Royal Biography collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The York Princesses: The Daughters of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville" is also readily available in a digital book format.
~ Midwest book reviews, Review
Generation Panic
Synopsis: Feeling anxious and on the back foot? No idea where or how to start getting relief? Anxiety making you feel overwhelmed and alone? Presented in bite-sized chapters, "Generation Panic: Simple & Empowering Techniques to Combat Anxiety" by Agi Herale is a simple, easy-to-follow DIY guide that teaches you to take back control and combat your anxiety. With its dip-in-and-out format, "Generation Panic" is ideal for busy professionals in their twenties and thirties who are not feeling themselves, are out of control and are struggling to manage their anxiety. From setting boundaries to using the 7-7-7 breathing method, "Generation Panic" sets out over 100 quick techniques. Readers will be able to start learning all the tools and techniques needed to get them back on track and start living a fulfilled, happy and panic-free life again.
Critique: Exceptionally and thoroughly 'user friendly and effective in organization and presentation, "Generation Panic: Simple & Empowering Techniques to Combat Anxiety" is an ideal and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists of any one having to deal with anxiety attacks (especially in the era of pandemic), as well as community, college and university library General Psychology and Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections. It should be noted that "Generation Panic: Simple & Empowering Techniques to Combat Anxiety" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).
Editorial Note: Agi Heale, CPCC, PCC is a professional certified coach and a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner. She has coaching practices in London and Singapore, where she helps clients who are feeling overwhelmed to feel calm and confident. Agi has suffered from anxiety on and off throughout her life and had a bout of panic attacks in 2014. Using the simple techniques she showcases in "Generation Panic", she learnt how to manage her anxiety and has not had a panic attack since that time.
Midwest book reviews ~ Midwest book reviews, Review
Beginner's Guide to Managing, The
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Beginner's Guide to Managing: A Guide to the Toughest Journey You'll Ever Take", author, entrepreneur and corporate executive Mikil Taylor presents first-time managers with a how-to guide for adjusting to their new leadership roles so they can become successful managers without learning exclusively from mistakes. Few managers are adequately prepared and trained, which has a severely negative effect on the newly-promoted manager, their team, and the quality of the team's work. After reading "The Beginner's Guide to Managing", even the most novice and inexperienced of new managers will be able to successfully run their new teams successfully.
Critique: Exceptionally well written and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Beginner's Guide to Managing: A Guide to the Toughest Journey You'll Ever Take" is an ideal DIY instructional guide and manual that is especially recommended for community, corporate, college and university library Business Management instructional reference collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of MBA students, entrepreneurs, business managers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Beginner's Guide to Managing: A Guide to the Toughest Journey You'll Ever Take" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Mikil Taylor is the VP of Analytics at Healthcare Bluebook. Like most new managers, he was thrown into the flames to learn how to manage a team. After years of struggle, and by combining his own positive and negative experiences with the advice that actually works in the real world, he has built a thriving team that recently won the Nashville Technology Council's "Team of the Year" award. Mikil has a passion for helping other new managers avoid the most common pitfalls in their new role, giving them the tools they need to also build a successful team.
Midwest book reviews ~ Midwest book reviews, Review
Finding Sustainability
Synopsis: What if the foundation of your family business were threatened by something out of your control? What if the livelihood of 70 employees and their families were at stake, as the license to operate your business became called into question? What if 57 years of family history, grown through generations of hard work and sacrifice, were at risk of being lost? What if the reasons were actually one with which you fundamentally agreed?
Readers will be fascinated when reading "Finding Sustainability: The Personal and Professional Journey of a Plastic Bag Manufacturer" as author Trent Romer (who is the 3rd generation co-owner of his family's business custom plastic bag manufacturing business for over 25 years and which was founded in 1961 by his grandfather) takes them on a journey to 8 states, 3 national parks and 3 countries to experience the life-changing education and adventures that led him to finding sustainability for his plastic bag manufacturing business and for himself.
Critique: An inherently interesting read that will have special appeal for environmental activists, "Finding Sustainability: The Personal and Professional Journey of a Plastic Bag Manufacturer" is an impressively informative and exceptionally well-presented account that will prove to be a welcome and timely addition to personal reading lists, as well as community, college and university library Environmental and 'Green Business' collections and supplemental studies curriculum lists.
Midwest book reviews ~ Midwest book reviews, Review
Antidote to Violence, An
Patricia Anne Saunders
This is not your casual mid-afternoon read. It is a thought-provoking and in-depth presentation of a still-controversial topic, Transcendental Meditation (TM). The authors, Barry Spivack MA and Patricia Saunders Ph.D. have created a monumental piece by critically analyzing decades worth of scientific research on the social effects of the practice. After a careful evaluation of evidence, the authors conclude that there is indeed an antidote to violence. ~ Timea Barabas, Best Sellers World
Wonder of You, The
Lynn K. Russell
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The book provides arguments that could comfort non-religious people who have lost a loved one and who are still looking for a way to reconcile with their loss. A very attractive subject, I have 3 friends who have had this type of experience and also the reading was very resonant within me for other reasons.
This book reflects a very current and important aspect of the evolution of the collective consciousness of humanity, where a significant percentage of individuals are in search of a more transpersonal paradigm that empowers us on the one hand. And on the other, we look for a unifying model, to go beyond our dual perception of reality, to stop judging our experience, into two contrasting ideological positions. But to live from a more expanded and transcendent interior space from which to honor, resolve our existence and feel whole. But to live from a more expanded and transcendent interior space from which to honor, resolve our existence and feel complete. As a therapist and in myself, I have experienced and witnessed that when we deeply reconcile traumatic experiences that fragment us, when we manage to integrate them, then a feeling of gratitude and happiness permeates the entire experience, we find a transpersonal meaning, we empower ourselves with wisdom; by learning and to evolve we empower ourselves to move forward, honoring the experience, reconciling ourselves with the people involved.
By reconciling all of this, we access an expanded heightened state of consciousness that we associate with Light and a coherent unifying sensation that we perceive as spiritual Love. When this occurs in deep healing, and here I resonate with what the author says, these very crucial experiences could dismantle the armor of the ego, thus allowing our individual consciousness to access interconnected dimensions of a living Universal Reality to which we belong. ~ Roger Reancont (Educator), NetGalley
Great Matter Monologues, The
Thomas Crockett
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I loved the premise of this book and felt it was really well executed. I really like the three-way narrative. I could easily imagine the staging of the story - I would love to be in the audience for it! ~ Kimberly O'Hara Nunez (Educator) , NetGalley
Generation Panic
I am the daughter of the generation that used 'Keep Calm and Carry On' as their motto following the war years; or if you like, the 'stiff upper lip/brave face brigade'. So I was taught by silent example to hold stress in rather than letting it out or managing it with coping strategies such as Agi Heale has laid out for her readers in Generation Panic.
Had this book been to hand I may have avoided a nervous breakdown, or burnout as I prefer to name it, many years ago. I went on to learn about anxiety ad how to manage it during my training as a professional counsellor. I am very glad that the generations below me are confronting mental health issues full on. It is a subject swept under the carpet, not explained or addressed for far too long.
This book explains what anxiety feels like, what to look out for, how to easily avoid a full blown panic attach and gives easy to follow techniques to conquer fears and worries. Have a notebook to hand to jot down tips, or stick page marker for quick reference when needed.
I have often recommend journal writing as a way to alleviate stress. Other coping strategies are excellent examples and I loved the analogies throughout the book which are most helpful. As you read, if feels as if Agi is there in front of you, talking to you through the examples of her personal experience and ways of combating anxiety. Her calming voice and easy to follow instructions will benefit readers no end.
It is a 'dip in' or read-straight-through book, one that sparks deep thoughts, changes your mindset and helps you know you are not alone suffering anxiety at any level, from mild symptoms through to a chronic state and panic attacks. The techniques, illustrated with simple and effective line drawings, can be referred to over and over again until you have mastered change.
Readers will identify with Agi's experiences, learn from the action that can be taken and be reassured there is a way to live better. I highly recommend Generation Panic for anxiety sufferers, those who live with a highly anxious person, counsellors, coaches, medics etc.
Well done Agi Heale. ~ Susan M Flint - Retired Counsellor & Supervisor of Counsellors
Intrigues of Jennie Lee, The
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed the political and historical thriller parts, it was an easy read for me. I couldn't put it down. It's genre is historical fiction but it seems to have some true parts. It definitely reads as a "true" book. ~ Ashley Westerman (Reviewer) , NetGalley
Bea's Witch
Daniel Ingram-Brown
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Heartwarming middle grade or young adult mix of fantasy and the struggles of foster children/adopted children. I love Bea’s internal dialogue. Bea struggles with finding herself in a new home and the cruelty of her middle school classmates. She visits a wishing well and strange things begin unfolding around her until she meets a witch that wants to make a bargain, a story for a story. Will Bea choose to give up her own story or will she use her own struggles to become strong and overcome her fears? ~ Brittany York (Reviewer) , NetGalley
M.E. Myself and I - Diary of a Psychic
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This book is a real life story from a famous psychic called Nicky Alan. Nicky has M.E. and Fibromyalgia and in her book, which is like a diary, she explains what it was like for her when she was going through bad times while she was very sick with these illnesses. Reading her book and diary, I felt very sad for her, but I was also happy to see her strength and bravery and how she fought through every setback to overcome the bad times and set herself on the right path again. I was happy to read that Nicky is back at work again, even though she still has some illnesses. The main thing is that she is still fighting and she is still helping people through her spiritual work. She is an inspiration and a light in this world. I have looked her up on youtube since reading her book and it was nice to see her there chatting and doing her work. I am also a spiritual person so I am very interested in her work. ~ Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) (Reviewer), NetGalley
Mysteries of Reality, The
Gayle Kimball, Ph.D.
........The Mysteries of Reality: Dialogues with Visionary Scientists, by Gayle Kimball features interviews with 19 scientists, all of whom are of the conviction that the materialist paradigm is destructive and limits human abilities and potential, and must be replaced by a more accurate expansive and useful understanding of reality. Indeed, it is my view that a post-materialist position is the only tenable one that justifiably can be held on the question of the nature of consciousness. Gayle wanted to find out where these 19 men and women from around the world, nearly all of them PhD holders, found their courage to challenge the mainstream, what they were like as people, and at the same time to provide an update on the latest research in their various fields.
She says she found the interviews ‘fascinating, informative, sometimes funny and always eye-opening’ So will the reader. In bringing them together within the covers of a single volume, both edifying and accessible, she has performed a sterling task on behalf of everyone concerned about how our culture continues in a dubious direction under the Faustian bargain it has made with materialism...https://geoffjward.medium.com/heralding-the-third-copernican-revolution-2bb413edc9e0
~ Geoff Ward, Medium.com
Where After
Mariel Forde Clarke
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This book goes in depth with stories from people who have come close to death. I enjoyed reading it and appreciate that the author offered so much hope for those of us who have recently lost a loved one. ~ Karen Opper (Reviewer), NetGalley
