Oak Logs and Gasoline Tending Your Internal Fire by Jake Knox, Raising Readers How to Help Your Child Learn to Read by Amy Coffey; The Platinum Workforce: How to Train and Hire For the 21st Century's Industrial Transitions by Trond Arne Undheim; The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking to Union by James Compton

Oak Logs and Gasoline: Tending Your Internal Fire by Jake Knox 

  Jake Knox’s personal development book, Oak Logs and Gasoline: Tending Your Internal Fire, uses fire as an extended metaphor for life and the choices that we make. This metaphor is concrete and poetic as Readers are encouraged to consider whether their lives overwhelm with excess heat, are underdeveloped leaving them in the cold, or provide just the right amount of warmth.

Knox used various analogies such as that people are “simply cold” because they don't know how to start their own fires. He advises Readers to find a “woodsman” or a mentor that will build a fire that lasts and guides Readers to use their talents and choices wisely.

This book encourages inner reflection and considers questions like "Why am I here? What drives me? Who am I here for? Who makes this worth fighting for? What do I want in life?" These questions and the answers help readers shape their journeys. They are the sparks that light the flames.

Each chapter includes reflections and conversations. They ask questions like “When was the last time you said or did something that is truly yours not copied, not influenced but born from what you believe?” 

A unique approach is that the reflections ask from the perspective of both the student and the mentor. Mentor questions include “when in your life did you first find your own voice-the moment you stopped echoing and started speaking from conviction?” 

This allows Readers to focus on where they are in their specific journeys either just starting out and looking for advice or if they are experienced and want to guide others. 

Raising Readers: How to Help Your Child Learn to Read by Amy Coffey

Reading is very important as a necessity and as a pleasure. Unfortunately, many statistics state reading problems or have high basic reading skills but none for pleasure. This book discusses what the brain does to read, why reading is important, and what parents, guardians, and educators can do to encourage a generation of readers.

The brain lights up in all four lobes and enables three jobs: visual process of registering orthographic symbols, translates symbols to sounds, and sounds into meaning and comprehension. Many children that have trouble with that process are dyslexic. Educational methods and technology do their part in shaping this process.

The book suggests different means to encourage children to read like online tutoring services like Reading Adventures, reading out loud with children, have interactive questions and answer sessions about the book, sound out and study hard to follow words and terms, compare books to other pop culture touchstones like movies and television, play games like I Spy or card games with words, have book club parties, and high impact tutoring, and of course work with teachers, librarians, principals, and educators together to create a comprehensive plan from all sides.

The Platinum Workforce How to Train and Hire For the 21st Century's Industrial Transitions by Trond Arne Undheim 

The current workforce is changing because of the abundance of AI and the remaining need for the human element. Futurist and author Trond Arne Undheim suggests ways that workers can adjust to work with and not against AI. There are certain things that AI is unable to replicate like creativity, critical thinking, human to human communication, and empathy. This book takes a look at that changing environment and what employers and employees need to do to adapt and adjust to it.

Among the suggestions that Undheim makes is for employers to revamp their reskilling programs to help employees train skills that they may not have learned or known before. It would also do a lot of good for employers to reskill and retrain as well.

Other suggestions include enhancing human capabilities through scientific and engineering interventions like AI systems, genetic modification technologies, biotechnological innovations, nanoscale engineering, neural interface development, and cybernetic integration. Many of these and other fields are transformative in nature and still rely on human technology interaction.

Undheim also suggests changing the workforce by becoming aware of various skills, managing the integration of these skills and employees, and teaching by using immersive real world learning activities. The Human+ workforce features two core skills: human-AI collaboration and interoperability mindset. The future critical capabilities include eco-awareness, maker skills, mediation, megascale operations, mobility, risk aptitude, agile R&D, psycho-resilience, socio-technological insight, agentic AI management, and systems thinking.

This book shows that it is indeed possible to have a workforce that builds on AI innovation and human interaction and connection.

The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking in Union by James Crompton 

This is a summary of the review. The full review can be found on Reader's Views website. The link is provided above.

James Crompton 's memoir, The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking in Union, is a deeply personal and spiritual memoir about a man’s search for faith and finding it in the form of the Goddess Figure who appears within various mythologies and religions under different names.

Because the Divine Feminine takes many forms and names, she isn't limited to any one specific myth or religion. Crompton speaks of her as Mary, Sophia, Shakti, Kali, Lalitha and others. She can offer wisdom, sensuality, abundance, justice, beauty, maternity, shelter anything. 

This book can be seen as a starting point for those who are interested in other mythologies and spiritual paths to find a connection with a deity who represents some personal struggle. 

Crompton describes his own personal issues, the process of meditation, his vision of the Divine Feminine and in what form(s) she took, the message that she conveyed, and how he implemented it into his life. The solutions or messages weren't all quick fixes. Sometimes it took years to find answers, or led to a separate path than the one Crompton visualized. Mostly it took a lot of study, research, openness, understanding, and acceptance. 

Nonfiction Short Review Extravaganza #3: Cookbooks, Study Guides, and Personal Development

 Nonfiction Short Review Extravaganza #3: Cookbooks, Study Guides, and Personal Development 

By Julie Sara Porter 

Bookworm Reviews 

ATI Teas Exam Prep by Deborah Stanford 

For Amazon Book Readers 

This guide will help prepare any future nurse for their education. It includes practice questions and answers, content review, effective test taking strategies, and study plans. It will help inspire confidence in students as they improve their study habits and teach their best scores.

Zero-Stress Diabetic Cookbook by Mark Primitive

For Amazon Book Readers 

This cookbook will help those who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels and the meals that they can eat. They can make healthy meals that help monitor their levels. Best of all, they don't have to sacrifice taste, creativity, or variety for health. They can eat healthy and love what they eat.

Women! Wake Up. Step Up. Speak Up! By Julie Greggs 

For Amazon Book Readers 

This is an important message that all women need to get behind. Women have been told to be polite and accommodating. This book encourages women to find their voices. Women will learn that they don't have to strive for perfection and that they can set boundaries, they don't have to apologize when they haven't done anything wrong, and can confront toxic behavior. Women can be assertive and speak up.

The 15 Minute Anti-Inflammatory Slow Cooker Cookbook by Paxton Chisholm 

For Amazon Book Readers 

This book provides many healthy options for an Anti-inflammatory Diet. The meals reduce inflammation and restore energy. The recipes provide good health and mouthwatering meals. Readers will delight in the healthy delicious simple food choices.

The Definitive US Citizenship Test Study Guide by Crestline Press

For Amazon Book Readers 

People who are planning for their US Citizenship will want to read this book. It includes explanations of the various questions on the exam, instructions for filling out forms, advice on how to prepare for the interview and the exam, and practice tests. The naturalization process is given this step by step process so readers can follow it thoroughly.

NREMT Study Guide by Oliver Bowen

For Amazon Book Readers 

This book gives important information for those studying to become EMTs. The book provides protocols for EMS operations, a glossary of medical terms and emergencies, information to address breathing difficulties, critical steps to take during emergency situations, and practice tests with various questions. EMTs will be prepared for their exams and chosen career.

The Ultimate 20 Minute Carnivore Diet Cookbook for Busy People by Joshua Donaldson 

For Amazon Book Readers 

This book provides a great diet for people who are often busy and love to eat meat. The recipes are simple and require only 20 minutes to prepare. The cooking techniques save time and need little equipment. The meals are packed with protein and are meant to maximize testosterone, energy, and mental clarity. The meals are healthy and delicious time savers.

Carnivore Diet Cookbook for Beginners by Charlie Tokebon

For Amazon Book Readers 

Those who want a healthy balance of meats and proteins in their diet, may want to try this book filled with recipes to please the most carnivorous.

The book includes over 100 recipes and a 28 day meal plan to make the most of them. There are various bonuses such as wins pairings for meals, a diet meal prep and storage guide, and the ultimate condiment and sauce guide. This cookbook will help Readers enjoy a full healthy and hearty meal. 

The Last Invention The Day Death Died by Diane Lilli; Echoes of Resilience: Stories to Inspire by Nabraj Lama; Cooee Baby by Charles Moberly

 The Last Invention The Day Death Died by Diane Lilli; Echoes of Resilience: Stories to Inspire by Nabraj Lama; Cooee Baby by Charles Moberly 

By Julie Sara Porter 

Bookworm Reviews 

The Last Invention: The Day Death Died by Diane Lilli 

This is a short review. The full review is on LitPick.

The Last Invention is a sharp and brilliant commentary on the overabundance of technology and the potential sentience of AI. It is also an insightful and compelling character study about two sisters dealing with grief and loss while exploring their different experiences with and views on the AI. 

In the near future, MetaX Tech Guru Clive presents the first sentient AI that creates a virtual world that is as close to the real one as possible. For now, Clive needs some human guinea pigs to test and enter into the AI. One of the testers is Amanda Carducci. Amanda's son, Dylan has died and she suffers from intense grief. She quickly signs up if it means reuniting with Dylan in the AI world and shutting out the real one. Amanda's activist sister, Emily, however is outside the system trying to uncover the ulterior motives and potential harm that this new technology will bring. One sister embraces the virtual world while the other tries to save her and bring her back to the real one.

It definitely is a Science Fiction dystopian novel that says just as much about our times as it does about the near future. Clive is clearly meant to be a composite of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and especially Elon Musk, tech CEOs with a lot of money, a lot of intelligence, and a lot of ego. 

The Last Invention gives us two sisters who represent the different sides of the AI vs. Real debate. Emily represents the real world. Emily worries about the docile addicted shell that her sister is turning into and the physical torture that her body is going through. She sees that this isn't just happening to Amanda. It's happening all over. She's on the outside choosing to live a life of reality and wants to free her sister from her passive accepting prison.

Amanda represents the AI and is understandable within her grief. Who wouldn't want a do over and have a deceased loved one back, even if they aren't a completely real one? Who wouldn't want to live a better life of one's choosing? It may not be a full life but it is one that provides soothing comfort and an escape.

 It's this fascinating dichotomy in which different perspectives are given equal time that make this book memorable. It asks difficult questions about when AI hits will you submit to it or fight against it?

Echoes of Resilience: Stories to Inspire by Nabraj Lama 

Nabraj Lama’s book Echoes of Resilience: Stories to Inspire, is an inspirational book filled with stories to encourage Readers to work hard, prepare, be innovative, help others, and use their gifts wisely to achieve not only outward success but personal happiness.

Each story follows the same pattern: One page gives us the moral or main lesson. The next page features a short five paragraph story about someone faced with some sort of conflict, how they dealt with that problem by displaying or not displaying certain virtues and then what the results were.

One example is “Learning from the past is the beginning; applying it to shape the future is the goal.” Lama then penned a story about a wise man who was known for his sage advice and recall of the village’s history. He was challenged by a local boy about why he didn't use his wisdom to help fix current problems concerning the village now. 

The wise man changed his outlook and became more proactive towards current issues. The lesson is while it's great to study and learn about the past and research information, it's more important to use that vast knowledge to address the world around you.

Many of the stories are about people who struggled with their scholastic or career pursuits. One called “Challenge your past and prepare for your future.” A junior drafter was upset about his stagnating career. A life coach advised him to improve on what he did yesterday. The drafter focused on enhancing his daily work, improving his skills, and becoming more organized. 

Eventually, the drafter improved his position and received accolades from his employers and peers. The takeaway is there is always room for improvement and one must be humble enough to recognize those spots and work towards fixing them.

Some of these stories are similar to fairy tales because they feature two characters, one who follows a good path and the other who doesn't with the former being successful and the latter being met with misfortune. 

One such story has the lesson of “Build your identity on your own aspirations, not on societal expectations.” One of a pair of brothers embraced the conventional path forced on him by his community and family. The other was often misunderstood and seen as rebellious. He had a unique vision and his own aspirations. 

The conventional son lived a solid life but always chose the safe path, never standing out. The iconoclastic son studied in a specialized field and explored innovative ways, enhancing his unique interests. His dedication led to success not just within his community but within the nation. While convention has its merits, sometimes one has to take risks and do something different to make their mark.

Sometimes the stories don't have a happy ending. They aren't depressing in that the experience that the protagonist faced was a learning one and they can use that lesson to make better decisions in the future. But they are faced with disappointments and setbacks all the same. 

One story begins with “Avoid dwelling on trivialities to the extent that you lose sight of what's truly important.” It tells of an art master at a prestigious institution who was noted as a great instructor who inspired students to embrace their creativity. Overtime, he became absorbed in the inconsequential details of the school like itemizing expenses, managing staff behaviors, and handling administrative tasks, things that he could have delegated to others. 

Because of this, the instructor's teaching suffered and the quality of his instruction diminished. The board, noticing the decline in his teaching and classroom size, relieved him of his duties. The message is not to absorb oneself with mundane tasks that take away from the main one. Trust others to do them and keep focused.

In a true example of “experience being its own teacher,” Lama himself has a story of his own in a chapter called “Ordinary efforts do not yield extraordinary results.” Lama explained how he worked on his manuscript for years. He edited and rejected his book and received nothing but rejection. Undaunted, he sought advice from other authors, colleagues, peers, writer's guides, and Readers. He took their advice and made his writing clear and precise. 

Lama wrote articles on the Internet and received different perspectives that gave him a sharper focus on his work. Within two months, Lama's book had greatly improved with collective wisdom and a refined purpose. The publishers recognized the effort and the book was accepted. This story reminds us to never be afraid to reach out and ask for advice, even refine our approach and voice, to truly make a lasting impact and success.

Echoes of Resilience is a lovely and compassionate book that reminds us that everyone has a story in which they struggled. They may have succeeded and they might not have. But they always learned something.

Cooee Baby by Charles Moberly 

Cooee Baby by Charles Moberly is an intriguing captivating book about a protagonist who thinks that she knows everything until she is put into a situation where she realizes that she knows absolutely nothing.

Awhina Fernandez, who sometimes goes by the name Athena, is a woman of great intelligence, plenty to say, and a large ego. She does not get along with her indifferent father and her intrusive mother, the latter of whom she calls, “The T-Rex.” She's a Cambridge student who majors in astrophysics. After graduation and before she begins her PhD studies, Awhina goes with her mother on a cruise around Indonesia and is cast asea during a diving mishap in the Straits of Sundabang. She finds herself stranded in West Papua and is caught in between two warring tribes, the Walukek and Suamu. She has to find the inner strength and resilience to survive in a world where her intelligence and education don't mean anything. 

Cooee Baby has an interesting premise with a protagonist who is not always likeable. Awhina is the worst kind of academic who is fixated, insufferable, and extremely arrogant. 

While a student, she brags about her arguments with her professors where she insists that she's right and everyone else is an idiot. She has self-deprecating moments concerning her name which is often mispronounced and her appearance which some think of as Polynesian and makes her stand out. She sets herself higher than everyone around her so she has few friends and lovers. She insults everyone around her in a way that is not self-aware but is instead ingratiating.

 Granted, Awhina is diagnosed with Asperger's and she marks the symptoms point by point but it doesn't help make her beyond a character sketch of those symptoms without giving her depth beyond them. At times, this Reader wanted her to shut up.

Awhina comes into her own when she is stranded in West Papua. There are comic scenes where since she doesn't speak the language, she uses cultural references and a variety of movements like the haka to communicate with the tribes. She displays some creativity and survival instincts to think on her feet. She bonds with many of the people on the island such as a visiting anthropologist and a female villager, the latter of whom almost becomes a love interest.

Awhina also becomes aware that her actions have consequences. She plays the part of a mythological figure from their legends and gets off on their worship and obedience to her every word. She is told that this is a dangerous move because they might respect her when things are great but will turn against her when things go wrong. She pays no heed to that warning until it happens and she is put into danger. It becomes a huge blow to an ego that needed to get a little bruised before she learned something. It is through this experience that she becomes a better, more enlightened person who learns through failure as much as success.

The ending somewhat drags as Awhina deals with the instant fame that her story brings. At times, she falls back to some of her earlier character flaws but she also acts as a bridge between the person that she was to the person that she becomes.

Traumatization and Its Aftermath: The Systemic Approach to Understanding and Treating Traumatic Disorders by Antonieta Contreras: The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and The Philosophy of Life by B Johny;

Traumatization and Its Aftermath: The Systemic Approach to Understanding and Treating Traumatic Disorders by Antonieta Contreras

Antonieta Contreras’ book Traumatization and Its Aftermath: The Systemic Approach to Understanding and Treating Traumatic Disorders is an in depth look at trauma, how it affects our lives, and what can be done to treat it.

While there is some confusion over what trauma is and isn't, Contrera describes trauma as “the effects of the activation of the innate survival circuits that are designed to protect the individual from the possibility of dying after a severe reaction to a threatening occurrence.” 

It's good to separate what trauma is (long term, creating barriers between self and an event to keep from experiencing it again or dying) and what trauma isn't (short term, emotional distress or disappointment without extensive change in lifestyle or behavior). The means of understanding what trauma actually is helps define, identify, and ultimately recognize and treat it.

Contreras identifies the various stages of traumatization by using a lightning strike as an example. The lightning that appears in the sky and scares the person is called traumatic. The trauma process officially begins by a traumatic event for example getting struck by lightning and becoming aware of the danger. 

Traumatization starts when the person becomes shocked and scared. Survival circuits are activated by reacting in fear, perhaps filled with anxiety and fear of loud noises. The reaction dissipates info defeat as the survival mode is depleted. When this final stage is met, the mind and body react with long term lasting injuries and complications which reignite the traumatization long afterwards. The stages help Readers recognize the patterns in their own lives and where they may lie within that cycle. 

The book also goes into detail about the effects that trauma has on the body particularly the brain and emotions. It focuses on how external traumatizing agents like abuse, neglect, and systemic adversity can create internal agents like distorted perception, shame, guilt, fear and defeat. Mechanisms like the Fight-Flight-Freeze-Fawn response are also explored. Traumatization is an ongoing continuous process which can be physically, mentally and emotionally troubling. 

The book uses medical and psychological terms to analyze and systematize trauma. Some of it can be dense and hard to follow but the basic approach is to show how a person lives with trauma and how it affects their lives and relationships with others.

Contreras like many authors uses case studies to prove her point but unlike many authors who name several specific examples, Contreras uses one study of one specific individual spreading their story across several chapters to give an in depth look on how trauma can continue for years even decades after the first traumatic event.

Contreras tells the story of Michaela who was drugged and raped by an acquaintance. This traumatic event grew as Michaela tried to seek counseling but received a lack of empathy and a lot of insulting questions towards her ethnicity. The rape and the questions led her to feel fear, shame, and an inability to articulate or share her trauma. 

Michaela then developed PTSD from the ordeal. She avoided people and situations that reminded her of the rape or her rapist. She had negative thoughts about herself, blamed herself, and lost interest in things. 

After therapy and self reflection, Michaela realized the rape wasn't her only bad experience. She realized that she was abused in other ways by previous relationships though she did not recognize it as abuse at the time. She dealt with them by dissociating herself. 

She also recalled a neglected childhood from a mother who was herself abused when she was young. Michaela also had a contentious relationship with a brother who ran away from home when she was a child. 

Michaela recognized these earlier events and patterns contributed to the post trauma from her rape. Understanding and naming the trauma gave her the awareness and courage to work through it. Michaela’s story is an example for us all.

Traumatization and Its Aftermath brings trauma to the forefront so it can be seen, analyzed, understood, treated, and maybe someday ended.

The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and The Philosophy of Life by B. Johny

B. Johny’s The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and The Philosophy of Life is a detailed and descriptive trip through India and we're all invited. Well sort of.

That's because Johnny writes the book in first person plural using “we”, Instead of “I.” While people often travel in groups and Johnny could very well be referring to his actual traveling companions, the pronoun may have been chosen for stylistic reasons. It's a way to draw the Reader in so they can vicariously enjoy the trip alongside Johny.

From August 20 to October 22, 2022 Johny travelled to India to recover from a bout of depression and for a journey of self-discovery. During that time, Johny visited many places, encountered many people, and reflected on many things. 

Johny describes his experiences rather well in a way that invites Readers to picture them in their heads. He describes Horniman Circle Garden in Mumbai as “filled with people enjoying their time in peace. Some read quietly, others nap on the grass, and some engage in deep discussions….As we rest near a tree, we observe small rats scurrying about in search of food.” Johny wants us to experience everything in India, the beauty and ugliness, the rare and commonplace, the familiar and unfamiliar. 

Johny finds meaning in various experiences on his trip. He describes passing through a tunnel as “we feel a sense of joy, knowing that at the end of the darkness lies light. Witnessing that light is a satisfying experience….We only realize the presence of light when we go through the darkness. Similarly, life is filled with peace and happiness, which we appreciate only after experiencing some conflict and sorrow.”

Even hardships on the trip lead to valuable life lessons. When Johny came down with a fever, he recognized the importance of being sedentary even while traveling and scheduling an extra week for just such an occasion. “Just like race cars need a pit stop, it's time for a pit stop in our journey….A day to rest, rethink, replan, and refresh. Such pit stops are applicable throughout our lives. This long journey itself is a pit stop in life.”

Since this is a journey of self-discovery, spirituality is often discussed. Johny found a deeper connection to spirit in various people, places, and things. He describes a train ride as one of the best meditation techniques. “When we gaze out of the window, countless thoughts arise, often unexpectedly. The very thoughts we had been seeking….The interesting thing is that we gradually transition between locations, making it difficult to recognize the differences easily. This mirrors life itself; we gradually transition through ages, and it's not always apparent how we’ve changed as we grow older. Recognizing who we are requires self-reflection. Ultimately, our consistent self-reflection leads to self-realization, a deep pursuit of knowing ourselves. By being mindful of our actions, words, and intentions we can effectively navigate this journey.”

Just as we can through life.

Masters of the Star Machine by Joe Crawford; Motivated Mastermind by Johnny Shaheed Miller; The Lebanese Cuisine Cookbook: An Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Culinary Journey with Delicious Modern and Traditional Easy-to-Make Homemade Recipes Directly from the Heart of Lebanon by Maysa M Rehmen; The Traeger Grill & Smoker Cookbook: 1000 Days Smoke and Delicious Recipes, Expert Tips, and Pro Techniques for Mastering the Art of Wood-Fired Cooking by Dr Clare; Hearty Harvest Soups: A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons Discover the Rich Flavors of Seasonal Produce with Timeless Soup Recipes for Every Month by James Stott Python Programming and SQL: 5 Books in 1-The #1 Coding Course from Beginning to Advanced by Mark Reed

 Masters of the Star Machine: Manipulated by That Incessant TV/Movie Viewer by Joe Crawford; Motivated Mastermind: Master the Art of  Powerful Thinking with Captivating Stories and Real Life Examples by Johnny Shaheed Miller; The Lebanese Cuisine Cookbook: An Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Culinary Journey with Delicious Modern and Traditional Easy-to-Make Homemade Recipes Directly from the Heart of Lebanon by Maysa M Rehman; The Traeger Grill & Smoker Cookbook: 1000 Days Smoke and Delicious Recipes, Expert Tips, and Pro Techniques for Mastering the Art of Wood-Fired Cooking by Dr Clare; Hearty Harvest Soups: A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons Discover the Rich Flavors of Seasonal Produce with Timeless Soup Recipes for Every Month by James Stott; Python Programming and SQL: 5 Books in 1-The #1 Coding Course from Beginning to Advanced by Mark Reed

By Julie Sara Porter 

Bookworm Reviews 

Masters of the Star Machine: Manipulated by That Incessant TV/Movie Viewer by Joe Crawford

This is a summary of the review. The entire review is found on LitPick. 

Masters of the Star Machine is an intriguing look at fame and how desperate some are to get away from or hold onto it long after their heyday is over.

Steve Wilkerson, Judy Bentley, and Doug Sanchez starred in the sitcom, The Three Little Amigos but eventually went their separate ways. Years later, they are hired to appear in a Western directed and produced by Judy’s ex-husband. The more they spend time together, the more they realize that old friendships and romances never really die. 

There are a lot of great inside references and shout outs to many films and shows. Even some real life Hollywood types play alongside the fictional shenanigans, giving a sense of reality to the Hollywood make believe. 

The three protagonists react differently to their old days and subsequent years and it reflects many of the choices that they made. 

Doug has a history of addiction in which he has been in and out of rehab and relationships that ended badly. He hopes that his return to the top will give him an incentive to remain clean and sober.

Judy gained a notorious reputation because of her struggles with bipolar disorder and some behind the scenes drama. She wants to get her career back and she doesn’t care whom she has to step on or use to do so. She constantly strings Steve along to help her expose her ex not for justice but to gain some fame and positive exposure.

Steve is more ambivalent about his child star days than his co-stars.  He isn't interested in becoming a star as he is in recapturing his friendship with Doug and especially his romance with Judy. He sees the people of his memories not the troubled mess that Doug is or the manipulative user that Judy has become. He won't accept that they have grown up and are different than the people that he once knew if they ever really were.

This is a book that reminds us that Hollywood and nostalgia can be very similar. They trick us into seeing an illusion, air brushes out the flaws, make us only remember the good times, and make us accept a fantasy over a reality.

Motivated Mastermind: Mastering the Art of Powerful Thinking with Captivating Stories and Real Life Examples by Johnny Shaheed Miller

Johnny Shaheed Miller’s book Motivated Mastermind is an inspirational book about making goals and facing challenges with determination, resilience, and motivation.

Miller talks about activating the “Warrior Mentality:” Understanding that “S#@% happens and to learn from it.” In other words, setbacks and disappointments teach us lessons like how to take advantage of opportunity, use time wisely, and learn about self-reflection and self-awareness. 

Discipline is key when taking on the “Warrior Mentality,” Miller writes. It gives one the tools to master self control, seeing past excuses, and acting with purpose instead of talking about goals but never accomplishing them. When many meander away from their pursuits, discipline is often the first thing to go. This book is designed to make that first and foremost in Reader’s minds since any goal takes time and discipline in using that time wisely. 

This book offers exercises and projects to help Readers maintain focus and concentration and doing so with strategy and precision. The most important exercise is probably the  “30-Day Focus Challenge.” It shortens what could be an insurmountable task of goal achievement into small increments. Day 1 is devoted to selecting a goal. Day 2 involves setting the master plan on how to achieve said goal. Days 3-29 is where the real work begins by monitoring and tracking the progress of which parts of the goal were met and which still need to be achieved. Day 30 ends with increasing one's confidence by reflecting on the progress and celebrating the accomplishments. Goal setting can be a difficult process but it is made easier by focusing on the individual steps to make the end result.

Motivated Mastermind offers plenty of chances for reflection on how those goals are met. Did we act with integrity? How did we develop our network? How did we face adversity? What did we learn? Where did we succeed and what needs work? Are there other goals to set and what remains to be done? This is a book that gives Readers the motivation to achieve, accomplish, and succeed.

The Lebanese Cuisine Cookbook: An Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Culinary Journey with Delicious Modern and Traditional Easy-to-Make Homemade Recipes Directly from the Heart of Lebanon by Maysa M Rehman

One way to understand a culture is to experience its food and Maysa M. Rehman’s The Lebanese Cuisine Cookbook takes Readers to a culinary trip through Lebanon to experience the best of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking.

The book offers tasty authentic recipes that capture the Lebanese dining experience. They include, “Baba Ganoush,” “Mujadara,” Shawarma B'ham,” “Mankoushe with Cheese”, “Asabe Zainab,” “Cocktail al Fakhara,” and “Ras Asfour.” The recipes include meals for soups, main course, drinks, appetizers, breads, snacks, and special occasions. 

Besides recipes, the book includes fascinating information about how food pertains to Lebanese culture. There are sections that discuss important ingredients that are used in many traditional dishes like specific aromatic herbs and spices like Bharat, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. Important grains like bulgur wheat and legumes like chickpeas are also suggestions that capture the taste and smell of Lebanese cooking. The most essential ingredient is olive oil. It is so important that Rahman devoted a whole section to it alone. There are also sections on utensils and cooking methods to make the dining experience an inclusive one.

By far, the most interesting chapter is the one concerning the mezze, a small dish that heralds the beginning of the meal. It is so important to Lebanese culture that a whole chapter is devoted to mezze and its significance. It is described as an integral part of Lebanese culture, heritage, and hospitality. Families who serve mezze engage in conversations and combine traditional foods inspiring unity and closeness. It is good to learn where these traditions came from and why they are still important in modern life.

The Lebanese Cuisine Cookbook is a great book that opens a rich tradition and culture of food, family, and togetherness.

 The Traeger Grill & Smoker Cookbook: 1000 Days Smoke and Delicious Recipes, Expert Tips, and Pro Techniques for Mastering the Art of Wood-Fired Cooking by Dr Clare

Barbecuing and outdoor cooking is a frequent pastime during the spring and summer seasons. The Traeger Grill & Smoker Cookbook offers some great recipes to try on your grill or smoker as well as some advice on how to use wood fired cooking.

The recipes feature suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and appetizers. They include “Bacon and Egg Breakfast Tacos,” BBQ Chicken Flatbreads,” “Traeger Smoked Meatballs,” “Traeger Grilled Corn on the Cob,” and “Traeger Smoked Deviled Eggs.” The variety of meals promise to be healthy and delicious. 

The introduction to the book includes tips and techniques to master the art of wood fired cooking. Such tips like choosing the right wood such as hickory or mesquite to provide seasoning and flavor help elevate the outdoor cooking experience. Tips like understanding indirect heat where food is cooked away from direct flames help Readers understand how to master wood fired cooking properly.

The Traeger Grill & Smoker Cookbook is highly recommended for those who want to cook, eat, and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. 

Hearty Harvest Soups: A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons Discover the Rich Flavors of Seasonal Produce with Timeless Soup Recipes for Every Month by James Stott

Soup is probably the ultimate comfort food. It is meant to provide warmth for a cold day, serves as the first course for a tasty meal, and invokes memories of childhood days. Of course, such a heartwarming inviting food staple has many ways to make it and James Stott’s Hearty Harvest Soups is a short but nice and colorful cookbook

There are plenty of different ways to make soup and this book shows that variety. Readers are treated to such tantalizing varieties as “Lentil Soup with Spinach and Lemon,” “Corn Chowder with Bacon,” “Chicken Tortilla Soup,” and “Classic Chicken Noodle Soup.”

There are international soups for those whose feet and taste buds want to travel to other countries. The soups come from such places as Morocco, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Vietnam, Russia, Thailand, India, Cuba, France, Hungary, and Korea. It is perfect for those who want to implement more diverse food into their regular eating habits.

The Hearty Harvest Soups Cookbook is filled with inviting bright colorful photographs that activate the senses of sight as well as taste. It promises an appetizing meal with plenty of heart, warmth, variety, and pleasant memories.

Python Programming and SQL: 5 Books in 1-The #1 Coding Course from Beginning to Advanced by Mark Reed

The Python Programming and SQL Series is an intensive look at programming languages and how coding is used to help us understand and use computers and other modern technologies. To understand something you have to learn the language and this book helps Readers to master these programs.

 It explains the various definitions used in coding and how they are used. Readers can learn for example what the SQL/JSON model is and how it can be implemented into a database. 

The books also take the Reader on a step-by process on how to write a computer code and put it together. The Python book for example introduces Readers to Integrated Development Environment. Then it teaches how to create a simple code with the words, “Hello there.” It’s a good interactive lesson for future coders and programmers. 

There is also plenty of advice on troubleshooting or as one of the chapters bluntly describes, “when things go haywire” and how to fix those situations during coding. It also includes sections on personalizing databases and making them unique such as inserting graphics and large objects.

This 5 in 1 book series is a great start for anyone who is curious to learn more about coding and programming languages and how to implement them into regular use. 

The Daily Stoicism Bible: [4 in 1] The Highly Actionable Guide to Face the Uncertainties of Modern Life with Ancient Wisdom and Self-Control. Including Essential Stoic Practices and Exercises By Christopher H. White; Computer Networking Bible: [3 in 1] The Complete Crash Course to Effectively Design, Implement and Manage Networks. Including Sections on Security, Performance and Scalability By Rick C. Worley; Book-fluence: How to Write a Book to Position Yourself as a Leader in Your Industry by Nailah Harvey, M.A.Ed; Blackstone Griddle Cookbook for Beginners: Delicious, Healthy, Affordable, Flavorful Grill Recipes with Techniques and Tips for Beginners and Advanced Users with Pictures by Dr. Maria

 The Daily Stoicism Bible: [4 in 1] The Highly Actionable Guide to Face the Uncertainties of Modern Life with Ancient Wisdom and Self-Control. Including Essential Stoic Practices and Exercises By Christopher H. White; Computer Networking Bible: [3 in 1] The Complete Crash Course to Effectively Design, Implement and Manage Networks. Including Sections on Security, Performance and Scalability By Rick C. Worley; Book-fluence: How to Write a Book to Position Yourself as a Leader in Your Industry by Nailah Harvey, M.A.Ed; Blackstone Griddle Cookbook for Beginners: Delicious, Healthy, Affordable, Flavorful Grill Recipes with Techniques and Tips for Beginners and Advanced Users with Pictures by Dr Maria 

The Daily Stoicism Bible: [4 in 1] The Highly Actionable Guide to Face the Uncertainties of Modern Life with Ancient Wisdom and Self-Control. Including Essential Stoic Practices and Exercises

By Christopher H. White

Christopher White's 4-part series, The Daily Stoicism Bible, is a fascinating look on how Readers can practice the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism and implement it into their daily lives.

While many believe that Stoicism involves denying one’s emotions and behaving almost robotically, White challenges those assumptions. Instead it is defined as knowing and accepting things can change for better or for worse, that terrible things can happen, understanding and accepting when they do, and making steps to learn from and find solutions to those problems. It's  about understanding hardship, loss, and suffering from a distance and feeling but not being overwhelmed by them or allowing them to control one's life. 

One of the most interesting aspects to the book are the various practices that one could do to achieve a Stoic outlook on life. Procedures like journaling, meditating, and visualization help to clear the mind and prepare one to view difficulties and hardships with a focused and reasonable mind.

Some of the chapters emphasize visualizing the worst and asking questions about it. Much of the fear and anxiety stem from the unknown, the possibilities of what could happen. Questioning and visualizing bring those fears to life and breaks them down into parts that can be recognized and either dealt with and cannot. For example, one can't change the entire economy but can achieve the positive mindset to send their resume to potential employers, perform well at an interview, and become an ideal employee.

This series helps Readers practice Stoicism

so they can face what they can't change, work on what can, and recognize the difference.

Computer Networking Bible: [3 in 1] The Complete Crash Course to Effectively Design, Implement and Manage Networks. Including Sections on Security, Performance and Scalability

By Rick C. Worley

Rick C. Worley’s The Computer Networking Bible is an interesting 3-part series which invites Readers into the inner workings of a computer network.

The book splits into three books which focus on the fundamentals of a network, how a network is built and managed, and various advanced networking topics. It makes sometimes difficult and confusing terms clear and comprehensible. 

The terms are nearly and precisely defined so Readers who are new to networking can understand various models, standards, devices, topologies, protocols, and services. It's a crash course in learning what those terms mean and how they combine into a huge network.

The second and third books are more detailed in how networks are designed and  maintained and how they can be advanced with other tools. Readers are walked through implementing a network and applying security to keep it and users safe and protected from hackers and grifters. Other components are virtualization, automation, and performance optimization. They allow members to update the network and interact with each other.

Advanced topics include Cloud Computing, Software-Defined Networking, the Internet of Things, Applications, Services, Programming Languages, API, Monitoring Tools, and A

Analytics. These chapters help users update their network. 

This book is a basic course on how to create and update a network to become more advanced and interactive in an ever-changing, technological and interconnected world.

Book-fluence: How to Write a Book to Position Yourself as a Leader in Your Industry by Nailah Harvey, M.A.Ed

Nailah Harvey’s book Book-fluence is a helpful book on how anyone who is knowledgeable in their field could put their experience and advice into book format.

The book is efficiently organized as an acronym for WRITE: Work on your author mindset. Record your expertise. Identify your framework. Tailor your book. Expand your network.

It begins by asking the potential writer what they are great at, what they want to be known for, and what they should write their book about. This asks writers to think about themselves and what they want the main theme or topic of their book to be. 

There are also tips on exploring the market and where to look for publishers. Thinking about who to tailor the book to, the title, and content allow the focus to be narrowed into a digestible length for readers.

The final chapters deal with the aftermath of writing the book. Once the book is written, the chapters are laid out, and the tone and audience are selected, it's important to edit and proofread before sending it to publishers. Checking for spelling, grammar, and narrative helps sell the book to the publisher.

Marketing is also another step that this book addresses. Buying an ISBN number, using social media contacts, and interacting with potential buyers and readers are discussed.

Book-fluence is the book for when you want encouragement to use your expertise and guide others in book form.

Blackstone Griddle Cookbook for Beginners: Delicious, Healthy, Affordable, Flavorful Grill Recipes with Techniques and Tips for Beginners and Advanced Users with Pictures by Dr Maria 

It's the time when the weather's getting warmer and many are looking forward to picnics, barbecues, and any meal

over an outdoor open fire. If you are, then this book is for you.

This book contains mouth watering recipes for those who love their beef, game, and pork. There are varieties of ways that such meats can be prepared from chicken, bacon, burgers, and vegetable meals. What is particularly fascinating about this book are the various burgers and sandwiches that are offered. It brightens the options that are usually recognized in a typical barbecue.

The book is neatly divided into basic chapters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also identifies the foods that are considered the healthiest and most beneficial. There are also plenty of tips on how to season and savor the food to give the meal extra taste.

The Blackstone Griddle Cookbook for Beginners is one that will make any outdoor picnic and barbecue a wonderful experience. It will make such an outing memorable.