Julie Sara Porter, Bookworm Reviews

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Dr. Barbara O'Neill’s Ancient Book of Revived Herbal Remedies 4 Books in 1: 600+ Holistic Cures, Teas, Balms, Essential Oils, and Natural Antibiotics for Complete Modern Healing Inspired by Her Teachings by Margaret Willowbrook; 2025 Emeril Lagasse French Doors Air Fryer Cookbook: 2000 Days Easy, Tasty & Quick Dual Zone Air Fryer Oven Recipes Book for Beginners to Fry, Grill etc. | Stress-Free 30-Day Meal Plan by Baiyurbora Duspiveriy; Hygee Corners Cozy Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute and Simple Designs of Relaxing Nooks and Comfy Spaces for Stress Relief by Lulu Coloring;

Dr. Barbara O'Neill’s Ancient Book of Revived Herbal Remedies 4 Books in 1: 600+ Holistic Cures, Teas, Balms, Essential Oils, and Natural Antibiotics for Complete Modern Healing Inspired by Her Teachings by Margaret Willowbrook; 2025 Emeril Lagasse French Doors Air Fryer Cookbook: 2000 Days Easy, Tasty & Quick Dual Zone Air Fryer Oven Recipes Book for Beginners to Fry, Grill etc. | Stress-Free 30-Day Meal Plan by Baiyurbora Duspiveriy; Hygee Corners Cozy Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute and Simple Designs of Relaxing Nooks and Comfy Spaces for Stress Relief by Lulu Coloring;

Dr. Barbara O'Neill's Ancient Book of Revived Herbal Remedies: 4 Books in 1: 600+ Holistic Cures, Teas, Balms, Essential Oils, and Natural Antibiotics for Complete Modern Healing Inspired by Her Teachings is a comprehensive in depth book that explores the various herbal remedies with each of the four books discussing a specific usage for herbal medicine.

Book 1 covers holistic cures and natural antibiotics to help the body's defenses against common infections and imbalances. The top antibiotics include Manuka Honey and top antifungal and antiviral herbs include Echinacea.

The book covers various specific ailments and the herbs that can be used to treat them like Eucalyptus for respiratory illness, Ginger for bloating, Aloe Vera for skin problems, Willow Bark for pain relief, Spicy Chai blend for anti-inflammatory, Red Root for liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, Andrographis for strengthening immunity, Cat's Claw and Hibiscus for an immune boosting tonic, Chaste Tree for regulating hormones, Sage for menopause, Maca Root for fertility and to enhance libido, Lavender for anxiety, Magnolia Bark for sleep aids, Tulsi for mental clarity.

Book 2 discusses herbal teas and non-alcoholic tinctures to promote vitality and well-being. Teas can be used at different times of the day for different reasons. They include Peppermint for an energy boost in the morning, Spearmint for rejuvenation and balance in the afternoon, and Skullcap for calm and relaxation in the evening. Valerian or Ashwagandha can be used for non-alcoholic tinctures with glycerin or vinegar as a solvent.

The teas and tinctures for specific healing properties include Ginseng for revitalizing energy, Eleuthero to combat fatigue and enhance stamina, St. John’s Wort to uplift moods and motivation, California Poppy to relieve stress and maintain calm, Rosemary for focus and memory, Nettle and Dandelion for immunity boosting, Peppermint for digestive support, Burdock Root for detox and gentle cleansing, Dong Quai for hormonal balance, Yarrow for menstrual health, Fenugreek for pre-and post-natal support, Chamomile for children's health, Hawthorn Berry for elderly health, and Cinnamon for family wellness.

Book 3 introduces essential oils and balms, exploring their applications in both physical care and emotional support. One of the most important oils used for this kit is Lavender because it promotes relaxation, improves sleep, and soothes minor irritation and burns.

Specific balms and oils used for injuries and illnesses include Calendula to heal skin, Arnica for muscle and joint pain reliever, Beeswax for antiseptic and soothing salve, Ylang Ylang for calming sleep and soothing anxiety, Citrus oils for mental clarity and focus, Frankincense for meditation and emotional balance, Tea Tree Oils to stimulate immunity, Thyme for respiratory health, Lemon Oil for cold and flu season, Rosemary for hair health, Tea Tree for glowing skin, Coconut Oil and Beeswax for crafting facial oils and cleansing balms, Boswellia for acne, scars, and blemish free skin, Vinegar for house cleaning products, and Lemon Oil for providing fresh scents for the home.

Book 4 presents preventive health practices and daily routines, empowering Readers with strategies for consistent, long-term wellness. It suggests things like integrating herbal remedies at different times of the day and being consistent with the type and amount of herbs that are used.

This portion also suggests building a first aid kit of healing balms and oils for emergencies and taking teas and supplements for long term care. It also features a chapter about using natural herbs and oils for house cleaning products.

One of the important suggestions is to create a 7 Day Herbal Cleanse with Day 1 consisting of Preparation and Intent Settings, Days 2-4 Detox Phase, Days 5 and 6 Herbal Support and Reflection, Day 7 Gradual Reintroduction.

Using these old remedies will help relieve the stress of modern life and will encourage Readers to be healthy and calm and to live longer lives.

2025 Emeril Lagasse French Doors Air Fryer Cookbook: 2000 Days Easy, Tasty & Quick Dual Zone Air Fryer Oven Recipes Book for Beginners to Fry, Grill etc. | Stress-Free 30-Day Meal Plan by Baiyurbora Duspiveriy

The Emeril Lagasse French Doors Air Fryer Cookbook by Baiyurbora Duspiveriy makes the most of a kitchen appliance to create delicious healthy meals.

The introduction discusses the benefits of the French Doors Air Fryer. The double door design is safe, convenient, easy to access, and visibility to watch the food as it is cooked. It also includes various functions for air frying, rotisserie, baking, dehydrating, broiling, and roasting.

Cooking with air fryers requires less oil and fat so is healthier, uses less energy so is sustainable, and the temperature and time setting adjustments allows for more precision and control during the cooking process.

The recipes include “Cinnamon Yogurt Pancake Bites” for Breakfast, “Mocha Cocoa Muffins” for Breads and Grains, “Spicy Cayenne Chicken Legs” for Poultry, “Cuban Pork and Cheese Sandwich” for Beef, Pork, and Lamb, “Herb Butter Jumbo Shrimp” for Fish and Seafood, “Spicy Paprika Tortilla Chips” for Snacks and Appetizers, “Herb-Seasoned Air Fryer Italian Peppers” for Vegetables and Sides, “Red Wine Marinated Air Fryer Tofu” for Vegetarian Mains, and “Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast Baguette” for Desserts.

The Lagasse French Doors Air Fryer Cookbook is a great book that advises its Readers to prepare and eat delicious meals on a convenient, sustainable, and easy to use appliance.

Hygee Corners Cozy Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute and Simple Designs of Relaxing Nooks and Comfy Spaces for Stress Relief by Lulu Coloring

The Hygee Corners Cozy Coloring Book for Adults and Teens is a fun way to cultivate a hobby of coloring.

The book is filled with cute and simple designs of various rooms like living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and studies/offices. The pictures are created with bold lines and exaggerated shapes to encourage simple color and design.

This is particularly a good activity book for those who are just beginning to color as a hobby because of its easy design. Those who like more elaborate and challenging pictures will also have fun as well.

Monday, December 9, 2024

The Blue Girl, Candy Lee Caine by Mickey J “Mike” Martin; Fascinating Portrait of a Troubled Marriage

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews

Spoilers: If ever there was a book that was made for the cliche that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, The Blue Girl, Candy Lee Caine by Mickey J. "Mike" Martin would be it.

It tells the story of a troubled marriage that gets worse because of the well meaning but thoughtless action of one spouse to another.

Mike Holder met Candice Lee “Candy” Caine Wilson at a college conference in 1969. The staid steady Mike was intrigued by Candy’s vivacious personality, her home life with doting adopted parents, and their mutual desire for a stable home life. The two married one year later.

What starts out as a seemingly happy marriage quickly becomes troubled as Mike climbs the academic ladder for an administrative position. This requires the couple to move around from college to college, town to town, state to state. At first Candy takes the moves in stride being complacent, uncomfortably so. She acquiesces by playing the supportive spouse externally but internally she displays symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Mike is unable to cope with the changes in his wife's emotional and mental state, so he tries to look for a solution or even a cause. His curiosity gets the better of him as he looks into Candy’s background and researches her life before her adoption, despite her repeated urges for him not to. The search for Candy's family history reveals some unpleasant things and inadvertently leads to a violent confrontation that tests the Holders’ marriage.

This is a marriage featuring a couple that loves and cares for each other but still are capable of causing great damage towards one another. Candy's mental health issues cause her to lash out and act unpredictably. She isn't always able to control herself and doesn't get the psychiatric care that she needs. Neither her adopted parents nor her husband encourage her to seek mental health services. Instead they attribute her emotions as just quirky personality traits that are just her being herself.

Mike and Candy's parents don't see the potential danger until it's too late and the danger comes forward. They love her undoubtedly but her parents attributed it to her upbringing (more on that later) and errantly believed that once that was fixed then she would magically recover. They don't account for the long term post traumatic complications that would result or that when she reaches certain milestones in her life like marriage or a career, that she would be unable to handle them.

Mike also inadvertently puts a lot of pressure on her. He commits himself to his academic career and the material gains from it. He assumes that as long as Candy acts supportive and doesn't argue, that she actually is supportive and doesn't have reservations. The constant relocation where she often feels like an outsider isolates her and makes her more dependent on her husband. She feels like if she objects or disagrees, she will seem at best like a nagging shrew or at worst a mentally unstable person. She keeps it all inside and Mike is ill equipped to see beyond that and ask if something is actually wrong or what her actual feelings are about things.

With some exceptions that peer into Candy's family history, the majority of the book is told from Mike’s first person point of view in hindsight. It's clear that he realizes that he made some colossal mistakes and regrets them. This keeps the Reader from seeing him as an abuser or a sadist who delighted in the pain that he caused Candy. He knows that he was a thoughtless heel and admits it.

While their marriage is fraught with unspoken tension, it is when Mike researches Candy’s family history that he crosses the most lines. He is repeatedly told by Candy to drop it and that she doesn't remember or want to talk about it.

He looks up records, newspaper announcements, and talks to distant relatives and family friends without Candy's knowledge or permission (which brings a plot hole that Mike would be unable to find most of that information, particularly official records without Candy herself being present and granting permission but no matter).

Even when he gets the backstory to Candy's ancestry, that still isn't a clue to drop the subject. He is told about three generations of racism, alcoholism, trauma, mental illness, abuse, and neglect before getting to Candy's immediate family and childhood. It should have been enough to connect the dots and realize that chances are Candy's upbringing was not sunshine and roses but no Mike can't let the search die.

Mike feels that he has to be the problem solver, that learning about Candy's family will get to the root of her problems and she will get better. It becomes a mystery that his mind wants to solve but doesn't account for his wife's emotions or that maybe he's better off not knowing. For a time, the problem is more important than whether the solution leads to more unhappiness.

Mike confronts Candy using some of the most toxic language to do so. He does the “If you love me, you would do this” routine. He guilt trips her that marriage should be built in trust and honesty and browbeats her into talking about her childhood. It's a very emotional chapter that makes the Reader turn against the designated hero and question his motives.

Is he willing to jeopardize his marriage and his wife's fragile emotional state to find out the truth? Is he potentially an abuser without realizing it? Are they better off separated instead of trying to work through a marriage that is this bad?

Once Candy talks about her life with her birth parents, the Caines, it becomes apparent why she didn't want to talk about it. She opens up memories of addicted abusive parents, a large unruly mob of loud angry delinquent siblings, and intense poverty and neglect. Candy's past was so traumatic that even though she was adopted by loving parents, the Wilsons, the long term damage was already done.

Again to his credit, when she finishes Mike regrets asking her and is empathetic towards her suffering. He also sees that the confession of Candy's upbringing, tears open old wounds which never healed. What had once been forgotten or rather forced to the back of her mind is now put out in the open. Her mind regresses, so the comfortable middle aged woman disappears. In her place is the troubled young girl who reacts to violence with escalating violence.

Candy's breakdown leads to some actions that change the course of the book which for spoiler’s sake won't be revealed. But it changes her and Mike's status considerably and forces him to objectively look at his wife's upbringing and his own thoughtless actions in contributing to her downfall. He sees a woman who was let down not only by her birth family and society but by the people who loved and were closest to her.

This revelation that Mike unwittingly contributed to Candy's unhappiness makes the ending a bit hard to swallow. It suggests hope and potential support between an older and wiser couple than we met before. However, it is established that they made each other miserable and added to their problems by acting happy when they weren't.

Candy needed psychiatric evaluation and to face accountability but Mike needs help too. He needs to recognize his own controlling and potentially manipulative nature that led to this conflict. It might do him some good to seek counseling himself and spend time apart from Candy.

Perhaps they needed to temporarily separate and work on themselves instead of staying together. Mike and Candy need to work out their issues apart, strengthen their individuality, and then maybe discuss getting back together. That would have made a better more realistic ending for a couple who may love each other but sometimes love just isn't enough.

December's List

Despite some personal turmoil, stress, and election-sized disappointment at the beginning of the month, I managed to finish my reading and reviewing list.

Now onto the final month of 2024 including everyone's favorite articles The Best of The Best Year End Review.

2025 Emeril Lagasse French Doors Air Fryer Cookbook: 2000 Days Easy, Tasty & Quick Dual Zone Air Fryer Oven Recipes Book for Beginners to Fry, Grill etc. | Stress-Free 30-Day Meal Plan by Baiyurbora Duspiveriy

Hygee Corners Cozy Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute and Simple Designs of Relaxing Nooks and Comfy Spaces for Stress Relief by Lulu Coloring

Echoes of Resilience: Stories to Inspire by Nabraj Lama

The Blue Girl, Candy Lee Caine by Mickey J. “Mike” Martin

The Girl Who Didn't Get Married by Mark Ross

Cooee Baby by Charles Moberly

Double Takedown: A Mike Stoneman Mystery by Kevin G. Chapman

Desulti: An Epic Fantasy by Ross Hightower & Deb Heim

The Last Invention: The Day That Death Died by Diane Lilli*

Best of the Best 2024: Contemporary & Historical Fiction

Best of the Best 2024: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Best of the Best 2024: Horror, Mystery/Thriller, & Nonfiction

If you have a book that you would like me to review, beta read, edit, proofread, or write, please contact me at the following:

Mastodon

Email: juliesaraporter@gmail.com

Prices are as follows (subjected to change depending on size and scope of the project):

Beta Read: $35.00-50.00

Review: $35-50.00**

Copy/Content Edit: $75-300.00

Proofread: $75-300.00

Research & Citation: $100-400.00

Ghostwrite/Co-Write:$100-400.00

*These are books reviewed for LitPick and will only feature a summary and a few paragraphs. The full review is on LitPick's site.

**Exceptions are books provided by Henry Roi PR, Coffee and Thorn Book Group, LitPicks, BookTasters, Reedsy Discovery, Voracious Readers, and other noted book groups.

Payments can be made to my PayPal account at juliesaraporter@gmail.com

Well that's it. Thanks and as always, Happy Reading.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Innocents, Immortals, and Amoral Gods (The Emergent Designs Book 1) by Harry Dehrian; Wide Reaching Immersive Science Fiction Novel Excels in Character and World Building

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews

Spoilers: Among my favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy novels are the ones that don't involve Earth or characters from our world. I enjoy them because the authors have to work twice as hard to create them. They have to be aware of this new world, the names, the topography, the political landscape, the society, and the species and people that inhabit it. That imagination increases tenfold when writing Science Fiction, because often the author doesn't settle on creating one world, they have to create several as characters hop from planet to planet introducing Readers to these brave new worlds. That's where Innocents, Immortals, and Amoral Gods, the first book in Harry Dehrian’s Emergent Designs comes in.

Innocents, Immortals, and Amoral Gods is an epic Science Fiction novel that created a wide-ranging immersive world.

Trouble is afoot in the Amestra Nuvo planetary system in the Styx Galaxy. The mutilated body of a member of the Elite has been found, possibly eaten by a leviathan. The opportunistic megalomaniacal Governor Jaas has designs on expanding his control beyond his planet of Mosaar. Meanwhile visions of an entity plague the various mortal inhabitants of the Amestra Nuvo System. It becomes clear that a great cycle is about to end and a new one is waiting to reset.

This is a Science Fiction novel that carries many plots and characters to draw the Reader into this world. The subplots are numerous as various characters are affected by the changes in their system.

The Styx Galaxy is rich in character and detail. We are shown technology like Qu-ducts which allow faster than light travel. There are skinsuits, body suits that hold to the skin and appear as a full body. The technology is worked on by mekanoots, automatic mechanics. There is a lot of specfific terminology and even a glossary to describe these terms.

The planets have unusual characteristics like one where the sun rises and sets in the same direction. Then there is a planet of mostly water which is inhabited by blood thirsty leviathans who would probably hang out with Cthulhu.

By far the strangest beings are the Daune Reesh. They are the Most Elite of the Elites, wealthy, powerful and are often at the ear of politicians and royalty. They are able to manipulate and move situations into their favor. They are also immortal and are rumored to have certain powers. They bring overwhelming awe and hostile suspicion towards others because of their immense power but dubious motives.

Because of this vastness in setting and character, more than one character is given a point of view. The narrative is divided by six main characters. They are:

Vierdaat AKA X Dev-He is a cynical recently promoted Giest, law enforcement officer with questionable ethics but dogged perseverance. Dev’s assignment is to investigate a series of graphic murders which he hopes will lead him to a dangerous psychopathic criminal.

Razia-She is an idealistic adventurous member of the Liberation Crusade, a military organization that protects various planets and species from captivity. As she becomes involved in violent struggles and corrupt politics, she finds her previously firmly held values threatened.

Lord Baelin-He is an elite and trusted advisor to Queen Meiral. He is on a diplomatic mission between sympathetic worlds as well as looking after the Queen’s children. His endurance and confidence in his place in the universe end up in jeopardy as he challenges the motives of those around him.

Princess Disa Ecrit M’Rota-She is Queen Meirel’s bookish and studious daughter. The young princess is assigned to do a series of taxing physical and academic challenges that test her skills and abilities. She discovers an inner strength and wisdom she never previously knew.

Princess Nora Ecrit M’Rota-She is Disa’s arrogant feisty sister and Meirel's older daughter. She is aware of her future as queen. Like Disa, she too participates in the series of tests and has to learn some things about real leadership and personal responsibility.

Prince Vikaron Ecrit M'Rota-He is Queen Meirel's brilliant ambitious son and Nora and Disa's brother. He longs to prove himself as a future king to his mother. He investigates a mass genocide that puts him directly in the path of Governor Jaas and places targets on his and his family's backs.

The main characters provide a rich tapestry of the Amestra Nuvo System and Styx Galaxy with their interactions with the various settings and other characters.The Reader becomes invested in each character’s personal journey and their involvement within the larger picture around them.

Dev has a strange symbiotic relationship with his false-bod, a mechanical vehicle which he dubs the “little beast.” It grows from owner and machine to surrogate parent and child. He also has to weigh his own actions, interactions with others, and violent tendencies with his new role as an officer upholding laws as he hunts his prey.

Dev also develops a surprisingly touching bromance with Vikaron as their paths to investigation overlap. They compare notes about their goals and their places in the universe. Vikaron himself has been catapulted out of his comfort zone and has to rely on his wits, strength, and the assistance of others to survive this universe.

Nora and Disa spend a lot of time together and have to rely on one another's strengths and weaknesses. They encounter a fighting group, whose leader challenges their status and leadership and could be a potential love interest for one or both girls.

Meanwhile, Baelin acts as a father figure towards the royal youngsters becoming more personally involved in their lives than their mother. His affection for the children is present as he questions his allegiance to the Queen and the system that he represents.

By far one of the darkest chapters involves Razia and a situation that is all too common on Earth as it is in Styx Galaxy. She and her crew help a charismatic politician seek power that plays on their commitment towards justice and loyalty. Once he is elected, he gives a speech that conveys the exact opposite of what he previously claimed to represent. Razia’s stunned revelation that she and her team willingly allowed an authoritarian dictator through the front door is heart wrenching as it retains a lot of relevance these days in real life.

On the surface this book seems to be a pure Space Opera with clearly drawn heroes and villains where good triumphs over evil. However, there is a dark undercurrent that hints that something Apocalyptic is on the horizon. There is the constant talk about cycles ending and beginning. It seems that all of these random violent corrupt events with natural disasters, military coups, and manipulative power groups might not be so random. It suggests that this cycle might be coming to an end in the most violent way possible and everyone is out for themselves to take all that they can with them.

There are also various statements that describe Styx Galaxy in negative terms. It's cold, lonely, and filled with a vast nothingness. This suggests a Nihilistic or Cosmic Pessimism where the characters are alone in the universe and have to rely solely on themselves and the trusted few that will ride the storms alongside them.

Another clue to the book's theme is in the title. The Innocents are clearly the main characters that are being maneuvered and placed into situations beyond their control. The Immortals has a double meaning. It refers to the literal immortals like the Daune Reesh who use their long life span to bend others to their will. It also refers to politicians and royals, Elites who want their names to be immortal. They can go down in history and they don't care who they step on to achieve it.

The last part of the title Amoral Gods is initially confusing. There are no shown deities in the book. None of the characters pray to them or speak about them and that's the point. The only being that they refer to in any reverence is The Styx Galaxy and as previously mentioned not in the most glowing terms. This suggests that they are alone in the universe. If there are deities or a higher power, they are at best apathetic to the concerns of mortals and at worst play with them for their own amusement.

That the book ends in cliffhangers where the characters are in various forms of danger suggests that the cold universe isn't through playing with them. Things are about to get darker and a whole lot worse before they ever get better. If they ever do get better.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

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.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Sailing By Gemini's Star (The Constellation Trilogy Book 3) by Katie Crabb; Pirate Trilogy Docks With Thrilling and Particularly Emotional Finale

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews

Spoilers: Since this is the final book in the series, please read my previous reviews for Sailing By Orion’s Star and Sailing By Carina's Star. I must reiterate that this review contains MAJOR HEAVY DUTY SPOILERS!!!!!

The final volume in a series needs to end on a high note. This is the last time that we encounter these characters and we need to see them become better, stronger, more mature people who are changed by the various conflicts. The plots should move to a definite conclusion and all loose ends should be tied. We should close the book with a sign of relief and maybe a lump in our throat and a tear in our eye that the adventure is over. Katie Crabb’s final Constellation Trilogy Book, Sailing By Gemini's Star does all of that and more. It is a perfect ending for one of my favorite series that I read for this blog.

In the previous volume, Pirate Captain, Rene Delacroix, Sailing Master/Navigator Frantz Seymour, and Quartermaster, Auden Carlyle have been arrested for piracy. They are being taken to their former stomping grounds of Kingston, Jamaica to await trial. It also means that Rene has to reunite with his abusive grandfather Governor Sir Andrew Travers, his weak willed father Naval Admiral Michel Delacroix, his loving mother, Astra Travers Delacroix, and Michel’s first mate and surrogate son and Rene’s one time surrogate brother, Nicholas Jerome. Needless to say, it's a very uncomfortable family reunion.

Rene, Frantz, and Auden’s mentor, Captain Ajani Danso and his crew are planning for a rescue mission putting their own freedoms on the line. To free his son, Michel suggests that Rene plead insanity, that he followed Danso out of hysteria and an obsession with pirates, so he can be released and move to London to get away from it all. The Royal Navy can take care of Danso and his crew. As for Frantz and Auden, they will have to take their chances. Well, Michel asked the wrong guy because Rene says nothing doing. He would rather fight and die with the surrogate family that loves and accepts him than the blood family that he ran away from. Meanwhile, Michel, Astra, and Jerome have to make tough decisions that affect their own futures.

Sailing By Gemini's Star develops the characters in ways that are very surprising and ultimately rewarding. It reminds us that for all of the elaborate sea battles, pillaging, sword fighting, and daring escapes, there are rich vibrant people that are involved in them. In fact Crabb makes most of her characters so relatable and identifiable that when they engage in one on one battles it's hard to know who to root for.

Even though he is in his twenties, Rene has matured from the naive kid that he was, to an adventurous adult with a strong moral compass, to a wily veteran sea dog who has left behind a legendary status as “Lucifer The Morning Star.” Even though he had previously sailed on Danso’s crew, he has retained a reputation in his own right.

He found a surrogate family with Danso’s crew and won't abandon them. Danso mentored and encouraged him in a way that his father never did. He taught him but gave him enough room to create his own legacy. It's this devotion that motivates Rene to stand against his birth family and alongside his adopted one.

Returning to Kingston reconnects Rene to many of the issues that he left behind. To find comfort from the mother who supported him. To call his grandfather out for the abuse that he and Frantz were forced to endure. To find closure with his father. Also, to resolve his complicated relationship with Jerome, someone who he once admired, then grew to despise, and now feels empathy for.

Danso is ready to move on to the next chapter in his life leaving a vacancy wide open for Rene to fill. Rene also wants to strengthen his relationship with his lover, Frantz but he can't move forward if he can't fully face his past.

Besides Rene, other characters go through wonderful meaningful changes. Astra finally asserts her independence away from her father and unhappy marriage and becomes part of Team Pirate. She reunites with a former lover and lives a life beyond her previous conventions. She becomes a better stronger character than the one who felt empathy for others but lacked the courage to openly help them.

Michel also develops as a character. He becomes a man who realizes almost too late that he lost everything and everyone that is important. It is only when he hits rock bottom and finds himself alone without his wife, son, or closest friends and truly sees the monster in Jerome that he helped create. Only then does he make some serious changes in his life and frees himself from his former identity as lackey of the Royal Navy.

By far the strongest development occurs in the most unlikeliest of characters: Nicholas Jerome. Just as I was prepared to write him off as a remorseless bigoted villain, Crabb pulled a switch on me. As I began this book and saw Jerome's vulnerabilities, I said, “No no don't do this to me, Crabb! Don't make me start caring about him when I disliked then hated him for two books!” But sure enough she did and I did.

In a way, Jerome has become one of the most important characters of the whole series, if not the actual central character. He is the first character that we meet in Book 1 working as a cabin boy right before Danso and his future first mate, Abeni make their escape. We have seen him bond with Michel and Rene treating them like the family that he never had. We see him worry that his half-Romany heritage will turn him into a target and reject his estranged mother for not only her background but for abandoning him. We see the years of military regimentation transform him into a ruthless and efficient pirate hunter. We see him vow to hunt down Danso, who slipped past him, and Rene, sacrificing their previous friendship.

In this volume, Jerome goes through intense emotional and mental turmoil as he is abandoned by those that he loves the most in the world, particularly Michel. Left on his own and then ultimately at the ironic mercy of the pirates, Jerome takes a long hard serious look at his life and the remorseless duty bound unfeeling monster that he has become. He is turned into someone whom Michel and Rene can't quite reject because of their familial bond but who also feels unworthy of their forgiveness, love, or understanding.

Jerome's redemption is a slow moving process as one by one the kinks inside his armor are stripped away leaving him with no ship, no title, no crew, no friends, and no family. He is completely broken and devastated when faced with the reality of his previous actions. It is a truly well earned and rewarding moment when Jerome finally accepts the overtures of friendship in Danso's crew, particularly from Rene and fights on their side.

Sailing By Gemini's Star is a fine ending to a wonderful series where final battles are drawn, future plans are made, people move forward, and the crew disembarks at their final destination. However, there is a slight glimmer of hope beyond the horizon that suggests that the story is not quite over for Ajani Danso, Rene Delacroix, and Nicholas Jerome. That as long as there is an open sea and a ship to set sail, there will always be plenty of new adventures.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Over 350 Barbara O’Neill Inspired Herbal Healing Home Remedies & Natural Medicines Vol. 1 & 2 by Margaret Willowbrook; The Ultimate Flavorful Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook: 2000+ Days of Mouthwatering and Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners to Enjoy a Stress Free Gourmet Life Inc. Tips & Tricks by Jose C. Fisher; The Complete Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners: 2000+ Days of Easy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Recipes for Effortless, Home-Cooked Meals, from Breakfasts to Desserts, Snacks, Lunch, and Dinner by Terry Stover

Over 350 Barbara O’Neill Inspired Herbal Healing Home Remedies & Natural Medicines Vol. 1 & 2 by Margaret Willowbrook

Over 350 Barbara O'Neill Inspired Herbal Healing Home Remedies & Natural Medicines by Margaret Willowbrook is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn about using herbs for medicinal purposes.

This book is split into two volumes. Volume 1 concentrates on what herbal remedies are, why they are necessary, and what advantages that natural medicines can bring to the body, mind, and emotions.

Herbal medicine is guided by several principles. It is based on the understanding that plants can be used for healing purposes. It is personalized for each individual that has unique health needs and responds differently to various herbs and treatments. Herbal medicine works holistically not only on the body but also for emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.

The book explores safety and health considerations when using herbs such as monitoring side effects, abstaining during certain times like pregnancy, monitoring allergies, and making sure to consult medical professionals for advice. It also talks about preparing herbs such as balancing and taking herbs that complement each other.

Some of the best chapters are the ones that emphasize specific health properties that herbal remedies can be used to treat. Herbs can be used in various means such as drinking tea, taking supplements, and bathing for detoxification.They can be used to expel toxins and restore and rejuvenate the body's systems.

Herbs can be used for specific health issues concerning men and women. Men and women experience different hormone balances and can have specific diseases like menstrual disorders and prostate enlargement. Herbs help such issues like reproduction, preventive health, prostate health, cardiovascular disease, mental health and stress management. It is very thorough and in depth describing the various illnesses and what herbs can do to aid them.

Specific case studies describe people who were helped by herbal treatments Emily for example used Valerian Root and Lemon Balm to treat her insomnia. Kevin is another example. He took Passionflower and Kava to treat his anxiety. The cases bring individual experiences forward to show the Readers that herbal remedies can help anyone.

Volume 2 is mostly a list of specific concerns and herbs that can help treat them. They include: Green Tea and Lemon Elixir for an Antioxidant Boost, Lavender Oil Bath for Relaxation, Magnolia Tea for Sleep Disturbances, Licorice Root for Digestive Health, Hibiscus Flowers for Blood Pressure, Cinnamon and Honey for Immune Boosters, Ginger Compress for Muscle Pain, Gingko Biloba Leaf Tea for Brain Health, Motherwort Tea for Menopausal Symptoms, Saw Palmetto Berry Tea for Prostate Health, Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburn, Eyebright and Chamomile Eye Wash for Eye Strain, and Sage and Sea Salt Gargle for Sore Throats.

This book is a comprehensive and exhaustive account of the various ways that herbs improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

The Ultimate Flavorful Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook: 2000+ Days of Mouthwatering and Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners to Enjoy a Stress Free Gourmet Life Inc. Tips & Tricks by Jose C. Fisher

Jose C. Fisher’s The Ultimate Flavorful Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook is a fascinating book that offers some great recipes to help users make the most of their air fryers.

The introduction offers tips on how to use and care for the air fryer. It includes, “preheat the air fryer,” “prepare your food,” “place the food in the air fryer basket,” “set the timer and temperature,” “check and flip the food,” and “enjoy your delicious meal.”

The recipes are diverse and nutritious. They include “Not-So-English Muffins” from Breakfast, “Fried Oreos” for Dessert, “Sea Bass with Roasted Root Vegetables “ for Fish and Seafood, “Golden Tenders” for Poultry, “Beef Loin with Thyme and Parsley “ for Beef, Pork, and Lamb, “‘Faux-Tato’ Hash,” for Vegetables and Sides, “Mediterranean Pan Pizza” for Vegetarian Mains, “Hush Puppies” for Snacks and Appetizers, “Air Fried Butternut Squash with Chopped Hazelnuts” for Fast and Easy Everyday Favorites, and “Cajun Shrimp” for Family Favorites.

The Ultimate Flavorful Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook is an excellent cookbook that promises delicious food and an effective tool to cook them on.

The Complete Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners: 2000+ Days of Easy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Recipes for Effortless, Home-Cooked Meals, from Breakfasts to Desserts, Snacks, Lunch, and Dinner by Terry Stover

Terry Stover’s The Complete Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners is perfect for those who want a slow burning but thoroughly tasty and healthy meal.

The introduction provides advantages to crock pot cooking such as simplicity in food preparation, making healthy, wholesome, and economical meals.

The meals are versatile and creative. They include “Huevos Rancheros” for Breakfast, “Moroccan Oatmeal” for Beans and Grains, “Just-Peachy Pork Chops” for Beef, Pork, and Lamb, “The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Breast That You Will Ever Eat” (that's its actual name) for Poultry, “South-of-the-Border Halibut” for Fish and Seafood, “Potato Soup with Possibilities” for Stews and Soups, “Mom’s Buttered and Parsleyed Potatoes” for Vegetables and Sides, “Everybody's Favorite Snack Mix” for Snacks and Appetizers, “Warm Gingerbread” for Desserts, and “Middle Eastern Sandwiches (for a crowd)” for Pizza, Wraps, and Sandwiches.

By using a slow cooking appliance like a crock pot and following recipes with wholesome names and simple ingredients, Readers of The Complete Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners offers plenty of suggestions for warm comfort food.