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A Story Worth Sharing
We All Want To Be Happy, Volume 3 follows your brother John through the mid- and late-sixties as he searches for peace through army life, factory work, fiery revivals, marriage, and the uneasy space between faith and fulfillment. Why did you decide to devote an entire volume to your brother John’s early adult years?
Every person experiences challenges in becoming an adult; however, those challenges were multiplied by the early death of his mom, his dad’s rather unique approach to fatherhood, as well as his way of dealing with losing a second wife. I observed firsthand my brother’s courage and journey and believe his journey is both inspirational and educational, i.e., worth sharing with the public.
Looking back, what do these years reveal about growing up in the 1960s South?
The 1960s were a volatile time in the South, particularly in the rural South where we attempted to determine “our” place. The older generation, such as John’s father, born in 1895, was uncomfortable with and afraid of the changes. Rock and roll and integration were among the areas generating fear, and that fear created a greater gulf between parents and children, even more so in rural areas.
How does the idea of “peace of mind” evolve across the volume?
As John encounters each obstacle, he fully embraces and studies the opportunities attached to the “possible” ladder out of his instability. Each time, he is reminded of his mother’s teachings and takes another step toward realizing that peace and happiness are his responsibility.
What does happiness mean to John in this volume? Do you think he finds it?
Yes, John does find peace, or at least the road toward peace and joy. He learns that it is not something to find outside oneself, but rather an acceptance of who you are. Once he stops looking outside of himself for the source of contentment, he finds it. He learns: “If you want someone to make you happy, look in the mirror.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
As I spend more time with others, particularly young people, I find many are unable to find the bright side of what seems to be a tragedy, a mistake, or a bump in the road. A lack of maturity and experience often creates the inability to look beyond the surface. Some people get lost in what didn’t happen, rather than see the blessings of what did. It may be a normal human reaction, yet as we age – another blessing of getting older – we realize unexpected outcomes result in the most valuable life lessons.
In Volume III, my goal is to share experiences that I observed in my brother’s life. He has been kind enough to allow me to share pertinent times in his much younger years. His memories, as well as our conversations, provided me a deeper look into and understanding of his life. Perhaps the stories will remind you of your own experiences, or those you have witnessed, or provide a laugh, a tug at the heart strings, or a reason to rekindle a friendship.
I WISH YOU JOY AND PEACE OF MIND.
WE ALL WANT TO BE HAPPY VOLUME 3
We All Want To Be Happy, Volume 3 follows the author’s brother John from Thanksgiving 1963 into the mid and late sixties, as he hitchhikes between army posts, small Louisiana towns, and Dallas, chasing work, women, and some kind of peace in his own skin. We watch him drift out of the military, land in miserable factory jobs, fall under the spell of fiery revivals, marry Ruth, and throw himself into Bible reading and lay preaching. The book moves in episodes rather than a single big plot, and each one shows John wrestling with family, faith, money, and that quiet longing for “peace of mind” that sits at the heart of the volume.
I felt pulled in most by the way the writing handles scenes. The hitchhiking trips, the tin roof at Grandpa’s, the Resistol hat factory full of “toads,” the Davis Street auditorium with its bluegrass band and healing line, the Stratton Cleaner sales meeting that feels suspiciously like a revival meeting, all of that felt sharp and specific. The dialogue rings true and carries a lot of weight, especially between John and the older men in his life. I noticed how often the author lets a joke land flat in the moment, then uses that silence to show John’s insecurity. The prose itself is plain and direct, which fits the world. Sometimes scenes run a bit long, but the voice never feels fake. It reads like someone who has lived close to these places and these people, and that authenticity resonated with me more than once.
The book is not just about religion; it is about how a hungry soul can latch onto anything that promises meaning. John throws himself into Pentecostal revival life, studies the Bible every spare minute, works in a hat factory while trying to save coworkers and even a confused cop at White Rock Lake, then slowly realizes that zeal does not automatically equal peace. The tent revival scenes with Brother Gene Ewing, the healing spectacles, the baskets circling for offerings, all raise hard questions without turning the story into a sermon. I felt both moved and uneasy in those chapters, which I suspect is exactly the point. The book keeps circling this tension between genuine spiritual hunger and human ego, between being “saved” and being honest with yourself. By the time John gets pulled into high-pressure sales culture with Stratton, the echo between religious hype and commercial hype feels deliberate and pretty biting.
I came away feeling that We All Want To Be Happy, Volume 3 is a thoughtful portrait of a young man trying to grow up without losing his soul. It will suit readers who enjoy memoirs and biographies set in Southern or Southwestern life in the sixties, working-class families, and evangelical church culture with all its beauty and contradictions. If you are curious about how faith, work, and family pressure shape a person over time, and you do not mind sitting in some emotional discomfort while he figures that out, this book is a good fit.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0GGDZW6CK
Creciendo Juntas: Narrativas de Empoderamiento de las Mujeres
Leí Creciendo Juntas y me encontré con una antología que une las voces de quince mujeres que exploran sus luchas, sus pérdidas, sus revelaciones y la forma en que reconstruyen sus mundos. Desde duelos profundos hasta despertares personales, cada autora narra su vida con una honestidad que no se esconde y con una fuerza que se siente desde el prólogo, donde se plantea que estas historias son pequeñas revoluciones que parten de lo cotidiano y avanzan hasta el alma misma.
Mientras avanzaba, sentí que el libro me hablaba desde muchos lugares a la vez. Hay textos que duelen y otros que despiertan una chispa de esperanza que llega cuando menos lo esperas. Me sorprendió la forma tan sencilla en la que varias autoras expresan emociones complejas. Nada se siente disfrazado. Todo es directo y sin ruido. A veces la vulnerabilidad me golpeó de lleno y tuve que detenerme porque una idea se quedaba dando vueltas en mi mente. Otras veces solté una sonrisa porque reconocí en sus palabras la terquedad de seguir adelante a pesar de todo.
También me gustó cómo cambia el ritmo entre historias. Unas hablan con suavidad. Otras cortan como si todavía ardiera la herida que cuentan. Esa mezcla crea una lectura que no se puede vivir de forma plana. Me llevó de la mano por caminos inesperados y me hizo pensar en las veces que yo también he tenido que romper algo en mí para poder construir algo nuevo. No todo me identificó, claro, pero sí sentí respeto por cada historia que se compartió con tanta apertura. El libro no pretende complacer ni adornar. Más bien se siente como un espacio donde la verdad tiene permiso de ocupar todo el cuarto.
Al terminarlo pensé en quién podría disfrutarlo más. Creo que sería ideal para mujeres que atraviesan cambios grandes y buscan un espejo donde verse sin filtros. También para quienes disfrutan de historias reales que no siguen un molde y que nacen desde el deseo de entender la propia vida. Yo lo recomendaría sin dudarlo. Es un libro que acompaña, que sacude y que, de alguna forma, invita a crecer con calma y con valentía.
Pages: 211 | ASIN : B0DHV7MT4L
The Criminalization of Addiction: The US vs Gary Scott Hancock Case
The Criminalization of Addiction tells the tragic and deeply personal story of a mother watching her son, Gary Scott Hancock, fall into opioid addiction and then be swallowed by a justice system that confuses illness with criminal intent. Written by Scott’s mother, Dr. G.D. Hancock, a retired professor of finance, the book traces her son’s descent from a normal, middle-class upbringing in St. Louis to a twenty-year federal prison sentence for sharing fentanyl with a friend who later overdosed. What begins as a story about one family’s heartbreak expands into an unflinching critique of how the U.S. legal system handles addiction. Hancock lays out how drug-induced homicide laws, mandatory minimums, and prosecutorial power punish the sick rather than heal them. Through a mix of biography, legal analysis, and raw emotion, the book asks a hard question: when did compassion become a crime?
Hancock’s writing doesn’t hide behind theory or legalese. I could feel her disbelief turning into fury as she realized her son wasn’t seen as a person at all but as a statistic to feed a broken system. The writing moves between moments of aching tenderness and pure outrage. It’s not polished in the literary sense, and that’s what makes it powerful; it’s the voice of a mother who’s seen too much. I found myself angry right alongside her, especially when she exposed how prosecutors twist facts and judges’ hands are tied by mandatory sentences. Her mix of love, guilt, and disbelief feels brutally honest. The tone is emotional but steady, and it carries the weight of lived experience rather than abstract policy talk.
This is a very emotional book. There were moments I had to set the book down to breathe. Still, that exhaustion mirrors what the author lived through. Her background as an academic gives the story structure and evidence, yet she never loses the personal edge. The sections on medical evidence and justice reform could have been dry, but her anger keeps them alive. It’s heartbreaking to see how easily an addict’s cry for help can turn into a life sentence, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how many families must be living this same nightmare without the words to tell it.
I would recommend The Criminalization of Addiction to anyone who believes justice should be fair, or who thinks it already is. It’s especially important for lawmakers, medical professionals, and families dealing with addiction. The book isn’t easy to read, but it shouldn’t be. It made me ache, it made me furious, and it made me want change. If you’ve ever looked at addiction and thought, “That could never touch my family,” this book will prove you wrong.
Pages: 54 | ASIN : B0FNLX2T2K
Treat Caregivers with Respect
Being a Caregiver, Is It a Profession? explores the responsibilities, challenges, and societal perceptions of caregivers and serves as both a heartfelt tribute to caregivers as well as a call for change in how their contributions are acknowledged. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Caregiving is a vocation I am passionate about and seeing all the shortcomings I feel something need to be done which prompted me to write this book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Being a Caregiver we do it out of love or just a job. The difference means a lot to the patient.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about caregiving?
Caregivers are treated as domestic helpers which is very sad as they are expected to do house chores which family members can do.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Caregivers treat them with respect
Author Link: Facebook
We need to remind ourselves caregiving is Unconditional for the well-being of the sick or elderly.
Caregiver as a Profession for those embarking as a Career, we as individuals or organisation need to ask ourselves is it for the unconditional love in giving or the renumeration
Being a Caregiver, is it a Profession?
Dr. David Soh Poh Huat’s book Being a Caregiver, Is It a Profession? delves into the often-overlooked role of caregiving in society. The book explores whether caregiving should be classified as a profession, weaving through the responsibilities, challenges, and societal perceptions of caregivers. With a focus on raising awareness and advocating for formal recognition, Dr. Soh discusses the skills needed, the evolving definition of caregiving, and the necessity for international standards. The book serves as both a heartfelt tribute to caregivers and a call for change in how their contributions are acknowledged.
One aspect I appreciated is how Dr. Soh shines a spotlight on the blurred lines between caregivers and domestic workers. The section on “Reality” hit me hard, it’s frustrating yet eye-opening to see how often caregivers are expected to perform dual roles without adequate recognition or fair compensation. His argument that caregivers deserve specialized training and certification feels not only logical but overdue. For instance, Dr. Soh points out that “caregivers, much like doctors or nurses, require specialized training,” yet no global standards exist to back this up. The clarity with which he argues this point is both convincing and emotionally impactful.
The section on family dynamics also stood out to me. Dr. Soh emphasizes the importance of family members understanding the caregiver’s role, which is a refreshing take. He even suggests that families attend caregiving courses themselves, a proactive solution that could foster empathy and cooperation. The chapter “Caregiving Begins With Family” reminded me how caregiving is a shared responsibility. Dr. Soh’s personal touch, acknowledging the emotional labor and practical challenges involved, brings the subject closer to home. One of my favorite parts was the vision he outlines in the “Profession” chapter, where he advocates for caregivers to receive liability coverage and formal recognition akin to other established professions. It’s bold and inspiring, yet practical.
Being a Caregiver, is it a Profession? perfect for anyone involved in caregiving, whether professionally or within their families. Policymakers, too, could gain a lot from Dr. Soh’s insights. If you’ve ever doubted the value of caregivers or overlooked their challenges, this book is an excellent wake-up call. It left me with a renewed sense of gratitude for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others and a strong belief that their work deserves the respect and formalization Dr. Soh advocates.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DR4C1NJK
That Guy
That Guy by Larry Hankin offers a vibrant dive into the life of its author, a stand-up comedian turned actor whose journey through the pulsating heart of show business is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From precarious beginnings in Greenwich Village to navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, Hankin intersperses his tale with encounters with iconic figures like John Huston, Lenny Bruce, and Bob Dylan. This autobiography is as much about the grit and glamour of the entertainment world as it is about personal resilience and transformation.
This book is a delightful read, brimming with juicy backstage stories and heartfelt moments that make you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend over coffee. Hankin’s knack for storytelling shines as he draws us into his world, packed with eclectic characters and pivotal moments that shaped his career and personality. The book excels in depicting a wide array of individuals—from mentors and icons to rivals and friends—who influenced Hankin’s career and life. The narrative can sometimes feel disjointed, especially when transitioning from one era to another, which might leave readers wanting a smoother storytelling experience. While the insider anecdotes are fascinating, they occasionally overshadow broader thematic developments, making some sections feel more like a collection of vignettes rather than a cohesive story. The book’s engaging style and rich detail effectively portray the entertainment industry’s challenging yet rewarding nature. Themes of perseverance, identity, and transformation resonate throughout the text, making it a worthwhile read for anyone fascinated by the complexities of celebrity life or seeking inspiration in overcoming their hurdles.
Larry Hankin’s witty and reflective style, along with his ability to draw vivid characters and settings, makes That Guy a notable addition to the autobiography genre. For fans of showbiz tales and personal journeys alike, That Guy offers a unique glimpse into a life well-lived and hard-won victories in the face of adversity.
Pages: | ASIN : B0CW18F4D3
Finding Common Ground
Karma and Kismet is an insightful and captivating literary work that delves into the intricacies of human connection and self-discovery. It is not just a personal memoir, but rather a profound exploration of the universal human need for understanding and meaningful relationships. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I obsessed about my story for over fifty years. My ruminationss were almost certainly neurotic, but perseverance eventually awoke an inner demand for expression of the story. I came to understand that I had gone through a unique passage that also perhaps would speak to others who might identify in some way. In a sense, I became the story’s servant and it expressed itself through me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main arc of the story could be codified as father-hunger, the universal craving for connection with their fathers felt by sons. I don’t know if I had a stronger case of this than most boys, but my familial and societal circumstances drove home the feeling of father-loss and it remained a strong undercurrent for my entire childhood and adulthood––until I was able to give expression to the voice that we discover in Karma and Kismet. I believe that father-son conflict is all too common, but what is not common are father-son stories that describe the entire cycle–– from violent conflict, estrangement and cutoff to reconciliation.
The ”lessons” that emerge all came inductively from the story and became a part of the book’s tapestry. Some of these include the impacts of earlier generations’ history––antisemitism and the Holocaust. Other themes include openness and curiosity, faith in going forward even when you don’t know what lies ahead, the kindness of family and strangers, the power of travel and cross-cultural immersion in shaping a new mindset. Taking risks, what one might call becoming a reasonable adventurer. The human need for belonging, purpose, and connection to others.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
There were many aspects of the story that were challenging to write––from the vivid scenes of fighting with my father, to my family’s terrible dynamics. But the intricacies of the peer relationships with my spiritual brothers and sisters in Vancouver was perhaps the most challenging because of the deep involvement of a powerful and charismatic guru figure from whom I needed to detach.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
I hope readers will find common ground in my story and double up their efforts toward connection, be it with a father, mother, or a friend.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
KARMA AND KISMET
Michael Shandler’s sixties and seventies spiritual odyssey catapults him across continents, cultures, and eras, after a turbulent childhood. KARMA AND KISMET is a wounded stranger’s testimony as he seeks reconciliation with his painful past and finding his people and place in new lands.
Shandler’s unflinching ride through the twists and turns of his karma is a personal and universal story of transformation, and a demonstration of kismet in shaping destiny.
