Blog Archives
Stoic Solutions. Simple Steps to Tranquility. A Handbook of Stoic Principles to Overcome Mental Distress.
Stoic Solutions, by Ross Taosaka, offers a thoughtful and practical dive into the enduring wisdom of Stoic philosophy. The book explores how timeless teachings from ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can help modern readers tackle stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Through clear explanations and actionable advice, Taosaka connects the principles of Stoicism to everyday challenges, encouraging readers to build mental resilience, gain clarity, and find peace amid life’s chaos.
What stood out to me most was the way Taosaka distilled complex ideas into bite-sized and relatable lessons. He writes with a conversational tone that feels like talking to a wise friend, and the examples he uses, both historical and modern, help ground these ancient teachings in the real world. The chapters feel like they’re designed to be referenced again and again, each one filled with practical steps to shift your mindset and take control of your emotions.
The integration of history adds depth and credibility to Taosaka’s advice. I found his summaries of Zeno’s stoic founding and Marcus Aurelius’ reflections fascinating and easy to grasp. Often, philosophy books feel bogged down with theory, but Taosaka strikes a perfect balance. His personal anecdotes and real-world strategies, like reframing adversity and focusing on what you can control, make the book relatable and actionable. He even tackles misconceptions about Stoicism, like the idea that it’s all about suppressing emotions, showing instead how it fosters strength, balance, and purpose.
Chapter 7: Temperance – Managing Desires and Emotions really hit home for me, especially the section on living with intention. The idea of starting each day with a clear purpose felt like a breath of fresh air in my often chaotic mornings. The advice to ask, “What virtues do I want to embody today?” or “How can I practice moderation in my actions and thoughts?” was such a simple yet profound shift. I tried it, and it was amazing how setting that mental roadmap calmed my mind and gave me direction. Instead of being pulled in a hundred different directions, I felt grounded and focused. The phrase, “It’s like giving your mind a calming mantra to follow, keeping you grounded and centered,” perfectly captured how this practice helped me let go of stress and approach my day with clarity. It’s such a small change, but it made a huge difference in how I navigate both my emotions and my to-do list.
One of my favorite aspects of the book overall was its structure. The chapters build on one another, creating a sense of progress as you read. And Geoffrey Adams Clark’s illustrations add a creative vibe to the experience.
I highly recommend Stoic Solutions to anyone looking to improve their mental well-being and find a clearer path through life’s challenges. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or already familiar with its teachings, this book has something to offer. It’s perfect for those feeling overwhelmed by modern stress or for anyone curious about philosophy’s practical side.
Pages: 199 | ASIN : B0DLV9Z99N
The What-If Kid – First Day of School
The What-If Kid tells the story of Kale, a young boy whose wild imagination often spirals into anxiety and worry. We follow Kale on his nerve-wracking first day of school, where “what ifs” about the bus, getting lost, and making friends swarm his mind. With the help of his patient mother, an encouraging teacher, and a kind playground friend, Kale learns that new experiences aren’t so scary after all.
The writing is simple and rhyming, which makes it feel sing-songy and fun to read out loud. The rhymes do a great job of mimicking the pace of anxious thoughts, racing along in rhythm like Kale’s worries. There are some lines that really made me smile, like when Kale nervously wonders if the bus will fall apart or whether he will get lost in the sea of kids. The playful language will likely resonate with kids who can relate to Kale’s big feelings.
I loved how the book handled the theme of anxiety in a gentle and reassuring way. Kale’s mom, Ms. Martin, and even a friendly girl named Miley all chip in to soothe his fears, making it a story that highlights the power of kindness. Miley’s part, in particular, was a heartwarmer. She doesn’t just cheer Kale up but offers to guide him gently, a touch that will surely comfort kids who need a helping hand. This part stood out to me because it shows that support doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just a kid-to-kid moment that makes a difference.
The illustrations are vibrant and full of expression, giving life to Kale’s worries. I found myself chuckling at how exaggerated some of his imagined fears are. The images add humor to what could be a heavy topic, lightening the mood and making the story more approachable.
The What-If Kid: First Day of School is a heartfelt and charming picture book for any child who has ever been nervous about something new. It’s especially perfect for young readers about to start school or try a new activity. Parents and teachers will find it a helpful tool for starting conversations about feelings and worries.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DG5ZR5MC
Not Just a “Mental Game”
Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days introduces readers to your HASH60 system, an innovative approach that blends a variety of techniques into a practical and easy-to-follow guide, allowing readers to take control of their emotional well-being. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The motivation behind writing Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days stems from a deep desire to provide a truly integrative, accessible approach to emotional well-being. In my years of research and practice, I’ve seen that no single technique or method works for everyone, which is why the HASH60 system blends a variety of approaches—mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, breathwork, and heart-rate variability training.
What makes this book important is that it doesn’t just offer theoretical advice. Instead, it gives readers a structured, yet flexible, path that they can tailor to their own needs. The techniques reinforce one another, creating a synergy that empowers readers to take control of their anxiety and stress. The focus was on making it practical and easy to follow, so people can seamlessly integrate it into their daily lives, leading to lasting transformation.
By blending these different modalities, the HASH60 system addresses both the mind and the body, allowing readers to not only manage anxiety but to build a foundation of sustainable happiness. That integrative approach is at the heart of why this book felt so necessary to write.
What are the common misconceptions people have about anxiety?
A common misconception about anxiety is that it’s purely a mental issue, something that exists solely in the mind and can be “thought” away. While thoughts do play a significant role, anxiety is deeply intertwined with the body. Our physical responses—racing heart, shallow breathing, muscle tension—are often the fuel that keeps anxiety going.
People often believe they can control anxiety through willpower alone, but this overlooks the need to address the physiological side of the problem. That’s why in the HASH60 system, I emphasize techniques like breathwork and heart-rate variability training, which help regulate the body’s stress response.
In reality, anxiety is a complex interplay between the mind and body, and understanding that it’s not just a “mental game” is key to managing it effectively.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days, it was important for me to communicate that transforming psychological distress into lasting happiness requires work across several domains. One of the key ideas is that we can’t just focus on one aspect of our well-being and expect everything to fall into place.
First, identifying and living in alignment with one’s core values is essential. When we’re out of sync with what matters most to us, it creates an underlying tension that fuels anxiety and stress. I wanted to emphasize that real transformation begins when we understand our values and make daily decisions that reflect them.
Another vital idea is the power of consistent meditation and heart-rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) practices. These aren’t quick fixes—they’re ongoing practices that gradually retrain both the mind and body to handle stress more effectively. Meditation helps cultivate mental clarity, while HRVB allows us to manage the physiological side of anxiety. Together, they create a balanced system of emotional regulation. Last but not the least, regular physical exercise is of paramount importance.
Finally, I stressed the importance of establishing routines that integrate these learnings into daily life. It’s one thing to know what to do, but without regular practice and structure, those insights don’t translate into real change. The HASH60 system is designed to help people form habits that support long-term well-being, creating a foundation for sustainable happiness rather than temporary relief.
These ideas—working in multiple areas, aligning with values, and committing to consistent practices—are crucial to shifting from distress to well-being.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days?
A key message in Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days is that happiness isn’t something we can chase or force into our lives. It’s not a destination we arrive at by checking off a list of achievements or pleasures. Instead, happiness comes when we create the right conditions for it—when we cultivate a space in our mind and body for it to alight, much like a butterfly settling softly on a flower.
Through the HASH60 system, I emphasize practices like mindfulness, heart-rate variability training, and aligning with core values because these build the foundation for happiness. By managing anxiety and stress effectively, we calm the turbulence that often blocks happiness from finding us. The process is about creating inner harmony, rather than pursuing external rewards.
When we stop chasing happiness and focus on cultivating a balanced, calm, and open space within ourselves, happiness has room to naturally appear. It’s not forced—it’s allowed. That’s a key shift in perspective that I hope readers take from the book.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In a world where stress, fear and anxiety run rampant, Dr. Harry Somaraju offers a refreshing perspective in his book “Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days”. He delves deep into the root causes of these modern plagues, examining them with a critical eye. But Dr. Somaraju doesn’t stop there. Instead, he guides you on a practical journey, one step at a time, showing you how to conquer these overwhelming emotions and construct a fulfilling and blissful life.
Dr. Somaraju’s ability to bridge the scientific with the accessible sets his book apart from similar reads. Drawing inspiration from ancient traditions such as Buddhism and Stoicism, he crafts practical solutions that anyone can grasp and apply. His approach is nothing short of transformative.
“Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days” is more than just a book; it’s a roadmap for a life transformation within a mere 60 days. If you’re ready to unlock meaningful joy from within and embark on the journey toward a balanced , peaceful life, this book is a must-read.
Overcoming Anxiety and Depression; Practical Strategies for Managing Symptoms, Embracing Well-Being, Achieving Long-Term Holistic Health
Lillyin Love’s Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: Practical Strategies for Managing Symptoms, Embracing Well-Being, Achieving Long-Term Holistic Health is a self-help guide designed to empower readers struggling with anxiety and depression. The book combines practical tools, such as breathing techniques and mindfulness practices, with a focus on holistic well-being, covering topics like diet, exercise, and sleep. Love offers strategies to build resilience and manage symptoms effectively while weaving in personal insights and evidence-based therapies.
Lillyin Love’s Overcoming Anxiety and Depression takes you on an emotional journey in the best way possible. It is more than just a guide; it feels like an immersive experience. Love’s writing is like sitting down with a close friend who truly gets what you’re going through. There’s no preaching or pretending here, just honest, empathetic storytelling that makes you feel seen and understood. She has a remarkable gift for transforming heavy topics like depression and anxiety into something relatable and even beautiful.
Through Victoria’s story, she weaves in therapy, mindfulness, and the healing power of nature in a way that feels both natural and profound. Readers walk alongside Victoria, experiencing every challenge and victory. The vivid imagery, like the calming clouds of relaxation and Victoria’s unbreakable spirit, stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. You’re not just a reader; you’re living the journey alongside her. And here’s the best part, Love doesn’t stop at inspiration. She arms you with practical tools, strategies, and motivation to make meaningful changes in your own life. It’s a rare blend of personal development and captivating storytelling, and it works beautifully. It is worth noting that, at times, the prose becomes a bit poetic, and I feel this approach may not appeal to all readers. However, this is a minor detail in an exceptional and impactful book.
If you’re searching for a book that will challenge you, help you grow, and leave you feeling empowered, this is it. Lillyin Love’s Overcoming Anxiety and Depression is a must-read for anyone facing anxiety, depression, or simply in need of some inspiration.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0CY5LR7W1
Anxiety Produced by Sounds
Noise All Over follows a little boy with sensitive ears who runs away from loud sounds because they hurt him. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have noticed that, surprisingly, many people—children and adults—suffer from loud noises. After all, “primitively” thought, loud noises are often warnings or alarms about dangers threatening people, from which it is necessary to flee or wise to protect oneself.
This over-activation and exaggeration also apply to our other senses, but I decided to focus on hearing in this book. The change in the sound environment in modern times has been swift. In part, this is because technology has brought sounds everywhere. Different sound stimuli compete with each other for people’s attention in entertainment and marketing.
The loudest and most annoying sound – downright noise – often wins this competition for people’s attention. Its effect may actually harm its target but generate money in its creator’s wallet.
I’m a sensitive person who strongly feels the stimuli in the environment. On the other hand, I’m very social and eager to meet people, experience various situations, and go to different places. I have to find a suitable balance between these opposites for myself. A sound environment that suits you can be good, even if it is loud and intense. When the sounds of nature roar around or an orchestra plays my favorite music at full power, I’m in the same tune, even if the sounds are loud.
Adults have a special responsibility to observe sounds around children. We must protect them from noise that is harmful to them.
How did you decide on the title of this novel?
The title of this book—Noise All Over—is a natural consequence of how I personally experience disturbing noise. I thought about the environment around the exceptional, sensitive child in the story and the feeling of alarming elements around him. They attacked from all directions, and the boy felt helpless and threatened.
With the book’s title, I wanted to emphasize the comprehensiveness of the disturbance and anxiety produced by sounds. The oppressive feeling grows if we can’t escape the noise and can’t decide for ourselves what happens in our environment in terms of sounds.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Noise is an individual experience. It is one form of stimuli that can become overwhelming for an individual. So we are talking about a real problem, especially for sensitive people.
Various forms of disturbing noise exist—some more obvious and others more hidden. It can be a single loud, frightening, or even painful sound element or a sum of many smaller and weaker stimulants, which become an overwhelming experience when combined or followed without a reasonable break. One must be able to protect oneself from noise in a way that is characteristic and suitable for the individual.
The role of adults as guides and helpers of the child’s burdening experience is essential. The constant awareness of noise can be a secret burden in the child’s life. It can be difficult for a child to explain what bothers or scares him in different sound environments. This hidden experience can restrict or depress the entire life. The child can be reluctant to confess the problem as it might not be pleasant to differ from the others in this respect.
However, I want to show with my book that there are cures for this difficulty. It is essential to realize that no one has to be alone with problems caused by excessive sensitivity, and there is always someone who understands.
Of course, at the end of the story, I can’t resist mentioning nature and its power to level and “understand” human experiences. Nature is always a place where I can at least seek balance in various challenging situations.
Do you write novels for adults or only children’s books?
I must admit that I am also one of those writers with several adult novels under development and unfinished. I haven’t given them up yet, but writing for children has taken up most of my time – so far, I’ve published more than 60 books in English and even more in Finnish.
I have also written for adults—both nonfiction and fantasy. On the nonfiction side, I have written texts related to my legal scholar background and an extensive nonfiction book that deals with the life work and production of the most famous Finnish storyteller, Zacharias Topelius (1818–1898), from a legal perspective. Including a vast amount of law and justice in fairy tales and reflections on morality and justice, in general, is possible. This topic is close to my heart on all levels of writing.
I have also participated in a peace-themed writing competition, and my essay was included in an anthology of the prize-winners. That was very encouraging as I have written many children’s books about the themes of war and peace, too – in a delicate way.
I’m also constantly writing short stories for adults, and I’ve already published one book where I give a voice to people who don’t usually get one. My motto is that for ordinary people, shockingly big and unusual things often happen in their ordinary lives, even if others don’t always notice them. There seem to be enough stories ready for another book now, so maybe I will publish something for adults again shortly.
There should also be a way to get adults to read more instead of excessive, passive entertainment. There is a lot of talk about children’s reading, but the role of adults as role models is often overlooked. It would be a dream if I could find a way to write about topics touching many people and raising everyday problems to a level where you can see through them more clearly. I don’t mean any self-help books, but stories that make their readers notice new life nuances and possibilities. This became a big wish, but a writer must have such!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Dinosaur Rock Band concert for children should be the highlight of the summer. Liam is going with his aunt and cousins.
However, there is an unpleasant surprise in store for Liam. The loud music is painful to his sensitive ears. The only solution is to escape!
Talking About Adolescence: Book 1: Anxiety, Depression, and Adolescent Mental Health
Adolescence is a period of immense change, swirling emotions, and the constant push-pull between independence and dependence. It’s no surprise that teens and the adults who love them often find themselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Talking About Adolescence: Book 1: Anxiety, Depression, and Adolescent Mental Health, by Eichin Chang-Lim and Lora L. Erickson, serves as a vital compass for navigating this challenging journey.
Chang-Lim and Erickson offer more than just a theoretical exploration of adolescence. They craft a practical guide that tackles the real issues teens face today. Social media addiction, academic pressures, and the ever-present anxieties of growing up are all dissected with clarity and understanding. The authors don’t shy away from difficult topics either. Self-harm, substance abuse, and the often-stigmatized subject of mental illness are presented with sensitivity, focusing on providing resources and fostering help-seeking behavior. What sets this book apart is its accessibility. Gone are the days of dense, jargon-filled self-help books. Chang-Lim and Erickson use clear headings, bullet points, and engaging storytelling to ensure that teenagers can grasp even the most complex concepts. Personal anecdotes pepper the text, allowing teens to connect with the experiences shared and feel less alone in their struggles. This accessibility extends beyond teenagers themselves.
Talking About Adolescence is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone who interacts with young adults. The book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to navigate the often-turbulent waters of adolescence. Parents will gain valuable insights on fostering open communication and recognizing the signs of mental health struggles. Educators will find guidance on creating supportive learning environments that address the emotional well-being of their students.
Talking About Adolescence empowers teenagers to take charge of their emotional health. The book doesn’t offer empty promises of a smooth ride but rather equips them with the tools to weather the storms of adolescence and build a strong foundation for a fulfilling future. Chang-Lim and Erickson have crafted a must-read for anyone invested in the well-being of today’s youth, providing a comprehensive and compassionate guide to understanding and supporting adolescent mental health.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0CTKZ3DGH
Routine Dental Visits
Peter’s Trip to the Dentist follows a six-year-old boy who visits the dentist for the first time and learns all about dental hygiene in a fun and engaging environment. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Peter’s Trip to the Dentist was having had the opportunity to work in a pediatric dental setting, which provides a kid-friendly environment suited to meet the dental needs of children. The children were always so happy to come in for the routine check-up and cleaning with the two real-life dental characters featured in my book. The dentist and staff are trained to work with children, fostering a foundation for dental health with early detection, oral care lessons, and nutritional counseling. I wanted to share a positive experience with young readers, alleviate any anxiety, and help prepare children for their dental visits.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The important educational aspects of this book include a step-by-step guide dictating to children what they should expect for their routine dental visits. It was also important to encourage healthy eating and drinking habits, as well as caring for one’s teeth with brushing and flossing.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal was to make this children’s dental book a fun read and to reach many young readers in an exciting way by introducing the world of dentistry to them.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Readers can continue to read more fun books about pediatric dentistry, such as Charlotte Gets Braces, and Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, both of which share a unique story and step-by-step guide for both procedures, with colorful illustrations and characters that bring the story to life through each of their journeys.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
An elaborate office, embellished in a Zoo-like theme, gives a warm, welcoming feeling to all of its pediatric patients. The office’s dental hygienist, Ms. Stacy, guides Peter step-by-step throughout the entire procedure of his dental cleaning as she introduces all the fancy tools and equipment that she uses during the treatment. Yummy flavors are always an incentive for getting your teeth polished, as the choices are endless. Removing sugar bugs off of the teeth produces a sparking smile, while radiographs help to ensure there is no tooth decay, which may be underlying. Peter learns about taking X-ray pictures and gets a lesson on home care instructions to maintain a healthy dentition. Goody bags and treasure prizes are such a treat, making Peter’s trip to the dentist complete.
A pleasant time with the hygienist and dentist makes Peter look forward to his next dental visit!
Kids With Anxiety are Not Alone
In Cameron and the Shadow-wraiths, a young boy finds himself in a battle to save his friend from the clutches of otherworldly entities as he fights an inner battle with anxiety and self-doubt. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was important because my son struggled with anxiety for many years. In fact, his anxiety became so severe, I had to quit my job as an engineer and homeschool him. When I asked him what the daily panic attacks feel like, the level of hopelessness and dread he shared with me was shocking. I knew I needed to tell this story so other kids would know they are not alone. While writing this book, I worked with a team of child psychologists. They read the book, then gave me all of their anxiety coping strategies, terminologies, and breathing exercises they use with their patients. I wove all this information into the story. So, when a child with anxiety reads this book, they’ll not only hear the teachings of their therapist in the story, but will also see the main character, Cameron, put the anxiety coping strategies into use, sometimes successfully, and sometimes not.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
In writing this book, I gave the main character my son’s anxiety symptoms, and as I wrote the book, I realized that I’d felt some of these symptoms when I was a kids . . . that was unexpected. This helped me as I could more easily put myself in the head of Cameron as he was struggling with his fears.
I find the world you created around Cameron fascinating. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I’m a HUGE fan of the movie Goonies, but I also love it when fantasy intersects with the real world. So my goal was to merge these two world together, kinda like a mashup of Goonies, Gremlins, and Stranger Things. I chose New Orleans because I was going to include some information about Ley Lines, and there is an intersection, or a vortex, near New Orleans, but as I wrote, I realized that I didn’t need to include the Ley Lines information; kids don’t care why the monsters are there in the swamps of Louisiana; they just want to go on an exciting ride. I’m hoping that’s what I gave them.
Can fans look forward to a third installment? If so, where will it take Cameron next?
There is a third book in the series, called The Gargoyle’s Revenge. I’m working on other things right now, so I don’t know when I’ll put quill to parchment for this book . . . hopefully soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Shadow-wraiths from Agartha have crossed over to Earth and are executing an evil scheme, starting with abducting Cameron’s friend, Jessie. Because of last year’s battle with Malphas and his monster horde, everyone thinks Cameron is a heroic figure who can easily save Jessie from the clutches of the terrifying wraiths, everyone, that is, except for Cameron. His anxiety, or his Beast as he calls it, is still very much a part of him, filling him with fear and uncertainty. But Cameron knows, he has no choice. He must save his friend, even if it costs him his life.
With his friends at his side, Cameron will journey across the swamps of New Orleans, confront an army of alligators, battle against shadow-wraiths, and watch a dear friend perish before he finally reaches his goal, the Swamp of Forgotten Souls. At the Swamp, Cameron will be forced to confront his fears and failures in order to use the Earth-magic he desperately needs to save all his friends.
But does he realize Malphas is watching from the Void and waiting for Cameron’s failure?
Just like in Facing the Beast Within, Cameron must confront his anxiety, his Beast, while fighting an army of Shadow-wraiths in a hopeless battle to save his friends.
Buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride.
LITERARY TITAN 