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Karma and Kismet
Karma and Kismet, authored by Michael Shandler, is a compelling memoir that traces the poignant journey of self-discovery. Michael, uprooted from his home at the age of 13, embarks on a quest in his adulthood to unearth his true identity. This quest is not just a geographical journey but an emotional one, marked by a rich tapestry of love, acceptance, belonging, and healing. As he navigates through varied landscapes and cultures, Shandler finds himself grappling with the concepts of Karma and Kismet, which play a pivotal role in his understanding of life and destiny.
Shandler’s narrative style is noteworthy for its vivid and immersive quality. His ability to draw readers into his world is remarkable, making them feel as if they are journeying alongside him. This vivid storytelling in this memoir transcends the confines of a mere travelogue, offering a window into the diversity of cultures and the intimate recesses of the author’s personal saga. It’s a tapestry interwoven with cultural richness and personal introspection. Shandler’s journey is not only geographical but also a deep dive into his psyche, prompting readers to contemplate their own sense of identity and belonging.
Karma and Kismet is more than an account of travel; it’s a source of inspiration. It encourages readers to venture beyond their comfort zones, suggesting that in such exploration, one might find a more profound sense of connection and belonging. Shandler’s story resonates with anyone who has ever sought their place in the world or questioned their identity. The book is infused with elements that enrich its narrative – impactful dialogues, encouragement for self-reflection, and a celebration of acceptance. These aspects make Karma and Kismet a heartwarming read that leaves readers with a sense of joy and introspection. One of the book’s central themes is the significance of hospitality and support in an often indifferent world. This theme adds depth, highlighting the universal need for connection and understanding.
Karma and Kismet is a beautifully balanced blend of heartfelt storytelling, serene narration, and meaningful dialogues. It’s a memoir that tells a story and invites readers to reflect on their journeys and the paths they choose in life.
Pages: 312 | ISBN : 979-8-88824-382-4
I DECIDED
In I Decided, Wahiba C. Rekkab presents an inspiring narrative of personal transformation, emphasizing the profound impact of mental perspective on physical health and well-being. The book traces Wahiba’s journey from a determined child aspiring to make her parents proud, through the challenges she faced after relocating to France post-marriage. Battling isolation, discrimination, and health issues, Wahiba’s story takes a pivotal turn upon discovering the vital link between mindset and health.
The blend of a personal narrative with practical insight makes this book particularly engaging. Wahiba not only shares her compelling story but also offers valuable guidance on reshaping one’s attitude toward life. A standout feature of the book is its focus on positive affirmations. Phrases like, “I am pure light. I am pure love,” resonate deeply, suggesting a transformative power in nurturing a positive self-perception.
Wahiba’s self-awareness is a central theme in the book. Her detailed account of both her professional and personal life, coupled with an introspective examination of her mindset, presents a journey rich in knowledge and understanding. I feel this aspect of the book will particularly appeal to migrants and those feeling out of place in their environment. Wahiba’s experience with cultural restrictions, such as being discouraged from wearing her hijab, offers relatable content for readers facing similar challenges. Furthermore, the book delves into the importance of not neglecting one’s aspirations, illustrating how such neglect can have far-reaching mental health implications. This insight underscores the book’s overarching theme: the essential role of self-understanding in leading a fulfilling life.
I Decided strikes a balance between heartfelt storytelling and motivational guidance. Wahiba’s language is straightforward yet emotionally powerful, effectively conveying her experiences of sadness and other adversities. The book stands as a beacon of hope and practical advice for readers confronting similar health challenges, affirming the importance of a positive, health-oriented mindset.
Pages: 186 | ISBN : 978-2-9589304-0-0
Bundy: A Clinical Discussion of the Perfect Storm
Robert DePaolo’s work, Bundy: A Clinical Discussion of The Perfect Storm, presents an exhaustive exploration of Ted Bundy, one of the most enigmatic and infamous serial killers in American history. The dualistic nature of Bundy, an ostensibly charming and well-adjusted individual who managed to maintain strong relationships yet, behind closed doors, committed more than 30 murders over four years, continues to captivate audiences. This book grapples with the challenging question of how Bundy, who seemingly led a conventional life, descended into the monstrosity unnoticed by those around him. Delving deep into whether his predilection for evil was inborn, pathological, or born of other factors, the book offers a compelling analysis of Bundy’s psyche, motives, and actions.
DePaolo’s approach to understanding Bundy’s behavior is rooted in examining his early life, familial medical history, and distinct narcissistic tendencies while establishing correlations with his manipulative strategies and the psychological methods he employed to control his victims. This book distinguishes itself from other Bundy narratives through DePaolo’s clinical perspective, adept integration of psychological theories with empirical data, and firsthand anecdotes, creating a detailed image of Bundy’s mind.
The chapter, ‘In his own words,’ is a standout section, as it delves into the numerous tests employed to diagnose Bundy and his written correspondences with his doctor and her ensuing inferences. DePaolo makes a noteworthy observation about Bundy’s struggle with his identity:
‘A highly significant aspect of the dialogue is Bundy’s extreme ambivalence about his identity. He appears caught between an urge for others to comprehend his violent actions’ complexity and the risk of admitting guilt…Bundy seemed to regard the murders from an intellectual viewpoint as if he sought acknowledgment for his crimes’ strategic execution, charisma, and physical strength…This speaks to his extreme egocentricity and his emotionally numbing ability to be so fixated on personal achievement that he becomes psychologically oblivious to his actions’ repercussions.’
Bundy: A Clinical Discussion of The Perfect Storm is a profoundly enlightening read which can be completed in a single sitting. It encourages readers to question humanity’s darkest potentialities. It is a commendable choice for those intrigued by true crime, psychology and those studying psychiatry. In addition, it provides a valuable case study for exploring developmental psychology, identity, and self-perception.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B08MZYWJF3
Boy Wander – A Coming of Age Memoir
Second-graders should be carefree, have plenty of time to play with friends, and lack all the worries of adulthood. Jobert, however, lives quite a different life altogether. His father is politically active, and his mother’s concerns for his safety spill over into their everyday lives. Jobert, at the tender age of seven, has been forced into recognizing his own sexuality and deals on a daily basis with the memory of abuse by an adult he believed he could trust. Jobert begins a long journey of seeking approval and trying to find himself along the way.
Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, by Jobert E. Abueva, is the moving account of young Jobert’s experiences as the son of parents who have their own approaches to encouraging and molding his future. Jobert is an elementary student when his life is impacted by abuse–abuse on which he dwells and keeps to himself. Around the same time, Jobert realizes he has strong feelings for a boy in his school. Abueva’s writing brings young Jobert to life. His feelings, his struggles, and his fears are almost palpable. I found myself wanting to reach through time and space to comfort Jobert. One of the most impactful moments in the book came in the first few pages. After reading about Jobert’s horrifying experience as a six-year-old, I was moved to tears when I then scrolled to see the photo of a three-year-old Jobert, innocent and precious. I don’t know that Abueva could have made a more striking statement without ever typing a word. The enormity of Jobert’s treatment at such a young age hits home with a single photo. The history relayed in Abueva’s writing is an added bonus and only serves to enrich Jobert’s story. I was especially moved by the plight of the boat people from Vietnam. Abueva truly brings Jobert to life as the reader sees historical events through his eyes. His innocence is essentially the main character in Abueva’s work, and readers will find themselves completely wrapped up in his experiences.
There are some books that move you and some that simply take your breath with their honesty and biting reality. Abueva’s work, Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, is of the latter. Nowhere will readers find a more open and honest look at childhood and all of its challenges. I recommend Abueva’s work to anyone interested in exploring a new author who, without a doubt, writes from the heart.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0BVJNJMQN
Khuda Buksh
Khuda Buksh: The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangladesh: An account of his life and work authored by Muhammad Obaidur Rahim, is a riveting and informative memoir that chronicles the life and legacy of Khuda Buksh, a trailblazer in the insurance industry. Despite his passing, his impact endures, as he was the driving force behind promoting the significance of life insurance to all members of society. In the past, insurance was not a topic that aroused much public interest, and he faced significant opposition when he tried to introduce it to the masses. Nevertheless, his unwavering determination laid the foundation for life insurance in Pakistan and its surrounding regions, resulting in the establishment of a resilient insurance business.
Khuda Buksh was a popular figure who possessed a charming personality, intelligence, and a selfless and determined character. He exhibited these qualities from an early age, from sharing his books with friends who didn’t have them and inviting them to meals as a child to sponsoring the education of underprivileged individuals as an adult. Khuda Buksh was interested in the development of those around him, regardless of whether they were strangers or family members. As a devout Muslim, he had extensive knowledge of the Quran and practiced its teachings.
The memoir, penned by Khuda Buksh’s son, delves into his early years and is fascinating, shedding light on the history of Pakistan. Memoirs of great people, such as Khuda Buksh, can be inspirational and offer insight into the nature of true success. The book details his family life, education, career, and philanthropic endeavors. Muhammad Obaidur’s admiration for his father is clear when reading this memoir. This fascinating book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and development of life insurance in Pakistan. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for biography and memoir enthusiasts.
Upon reading Khuda Buksh: The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangladesh: An account of his life and work, readers will undoubtedly be inspired by his remarkable life and gain a deeper understanding of the significance and importance of life insurance in our society.
Pages: 397 | ASIN : B0BC2L71H5
Yes I Can!
Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is one book that will make you grateful for life and embrace all the world offers. The author shares his personal journey with what society calls developmental disabilities. As you read about Paul Wichansky’s story, you realize that, as human beings, we have a flawed perspective on what we consider normal. Raising a child, or being a child that is born with physical limitations, is not easy. With Paul Wichansky, however, the reader is enlightened on the multiple aspects of disabilities. The author himself is not a fan of the word disability. Paul Wichansky uses different phrases and embraces positivity when writing about his conditions. Paul Wichansky had hearing loss and cerebral palsy when he was young. Naturally, this would take a toll on the average kid but not Paul.
In his book, the author writes in-depth about what living with these conditions was like. Paul clinches on positivity. The author did not write this book to seek pity, nor did he feel sorry for himself. Dr. Wichansky starts the book by giving a little background about himself, writing about his family as he progresses to his later years. I like how the author took a free-style approach when writing. For example, Paul Wichansky could be narrating about his childhood, then in the middle of the paragraph, throws in some scientific information about specific conditions. By writing in this manner, the reader is educated on subjects rarely spoken about while enjoying the beautiful life story of the author.
Many things stand out from the author’s life and his writing. I like that the phrases used, the tales told, and the experience shared all have some positivity in them. Paul is here to help you deal with your sorrowful moments and convert them into happy moments. His life is testimony enough that no matter how difficult things may appear and how many obstacles you may have to overcome, you can still live an accomplished life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is ‘…that optimism can become your access to success’. This phrase makes a good inspirational quote that will keep many readers going.
While reading this book, the reader cannot help but ask themselves specific questions. Why are some things considered normal while others are not? Why are some conditions shunned? Why does society treat people that are differently abled peculiarly? Paul Wichansky answers these and more questions throughout the book. There are many lessons from the author, but the main lesson I got is that having a positive mindset will take you places.
Paul Wichansky has, through the chapters, discussed many crucial topics that will help everyone succeed in life. You learn about having a support group, having the proper perspective, building friendships, and keys to success, among many other topics. The best part of Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is the photo section, where the author takes us down memory lane with his beautiful photos of family and friends.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0BJW1YKLH
Literary Titan Book Awards August 2021
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and imagination of these talented authors.
Gold Award Winners
The Narcissism of Small Differences by Dennis Dorgan
Silver Award Winners
What the boy hears when the girl dreams by Greame Friedman
PIZAHN by Axel Schilton
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
