Blog Archives
Wings Of The Impossible
Wings of the Impossible tells the true story of two men who tried to build a dream too heavy for most people to even pick up. The book follows Igor Dmitrowsky and Barry Clare as they chase the creation of Baltia Air Lines. Their journey begins with escape from the Soviet Bloc, moves through years of hustling in New York, and rises toward an almost impossible goal, the launch of a new international airline. The story covers everything from Igor’s rough beginnings in Riga to the first sight of the 747 sitting in the Arizona desert waiting to be reborn. It reads like a long climb full of setbacks. It’s hopeful. It’s painful. It’s ambitious in a way that feels almost reckless.
The writing style is direct and steady, and it doesn’t hide the grit. The early chapters describing Igor’s escape, his restless ambition, and his quiet moments with Boris had real heart. I liked how the author let the scenes breathe. The small rooms, the long nights, the makeshift workspaces, they felt lived in. I got the sense that every step forward cost these men something. I also enjoyed how the book mixes hardship with humor and warmth, especially in the moments where Barry enters the story. His energy jumps off the page. The contrast between him and Igor gives the book a rhythm that made me want to keep turning pages.
There were also parts that I found to be very emotional. The constant pressure, the endless money struggles, the never-ending regulatory hurdles, all of it built tension that was emotionally stirring and thought-provoking. I felt frustrated for them. At times, I even felt tired on their behalf. The author makes it clear that chasing a dream this big is messy and slow and sometimes humiliating. I appreciated that honesty. Nothing is polished. Nothing feels exaggerated. It’s just two determined men trying to drag an airline into existence with grit and belief.
I walked away with real respect for the size of their ambition. I liked the emotional tone of the final chapters, which show both the strain and the loyalty that kept the whole thing alive. It left me with a mix of admiration and sadness, because the dream is beautiful and the cost is enormous.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy true stories about persistence, aviation buffs who love the romance of old airlines, and anyone who’s ever chased a goal that felt too big for the room they were standing in. It’s a story for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone who appreciates a tale where heart matters as much as skill. The book is long but worth it, and it left me thinking about the people who keep pushing even when the sky keeps moving farther away.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0G6TWNKRQ
Triumphs and Tragedies
In War of the Words, you share your family’s experience building the company that shaped the modern office and the crushing blow that came with the Information Age. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It’s an untold story—that of the early days of tech innovation, before Silicon Valley. The earliest implementers of tech were secretaries who had to convert from typewriters to word processors. Ultimately, these women became the ones who transformed their offices into full-blown automated offices. Office automation elevated everyone. The crushing blow came to companies such as ours that couldn’t compete with Microsoft’s power and money. Few small companies and even some tech giants could.
I appreciate the candor with which you tell your family’s story. What was the most difficult thing for you to write about?
My memoir has twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies. My mother’s devastating illness, my father’s allegiance to a “new Age Cult,” and my brother’s alcoholism all contribute to the arc the story takes. The rise and fall of a most unusual company that was instrumental in the dawn of the Information Age.
What advice would you give someone who is considering writing a memoir? Why are you writing it?
To inspire, to heal? Give yourself time to reflect, to pause, as you write. Memoirs bring up emotions that have to be dealt with, and some can stop your progress. Allow time to heal as you write, for writing a memoir is a healing process. By sharing your story, perhaps others can heal or be inspired.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your family’s experiences?
Take chances. Live a full and exciting life. Make a difference. Try something new. Be daring.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Despite its clunky name, MASS-11 was a powerhouse–loaded with features, lightning-fast in performance, and trusted by a Who’s Who of the Fortune 500. Scientists, engineers, and office workers alike used it to document pivotal developments, including the Patriot Missile, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Alaska Pipeline, the first HIV test, and major pharmaceuticals like Zoloft, Zithromycin, and Prozac.
The Karels brothers, through their company MEC, saw the untapped potential of the VAX computer before DEC itself realized its impact on office automation. The author, a nurse by profession who joined the family startup from the beginning, offers an insider’s view of an industry undergoing rapid and radical change–an industry that would ultimately reshape society.
She reflects on the grueling world of office work before digital transformation, where secretaries typed on IBM Selectrics from nine to five, only to retype entire documents the next day for even minor corrections. With vivid detail, she captures a rarely told slice of history: the monochrome, repetitive rhythm of office life before the rise of word processors, email, fax machines, and the Internet changed everything.
War of the Words
Carol Karels’ War of the Words: The Office Revolution That Transformed the Lives of Women and the Men They Worked For is a fascinating mix of family memoir and tech history. Karels tells the story of Microsystems Engineering Corporation (MEC), the small family company her father and uncle founded in the late 1970s that created MASS-11, a powerful word processor that quietly helped shape the modern office. From NASA contracts to the early days of Digital’s VAX computers, she traces how a homegrown business rode and was eventually crushed by the wave of the Information Age.
What grabbed me right away was how personal it felt. Karels doesn’t hide the messiness: her brother’s public one-star review of her first book, her father’s fierce ambition, and the family’s chaotic dynamic all sit side by side with the story of a company at the center of a digital revolution. When she recalls their product being featured at the Paperless Office event at the Watergate Hotel or the excitement of reading Alvin Toffler’s The Third Wave, the scenes feel alive, filled with awe and possibility. Yet underneath, there’s tension, the sense that every success came at a cost.
I loved how Karels mixes technical history with heart. She writes about computers, word processors, and office automation, but always brings it back to people: her father’s restless drive, her brother’s pride, and her own search for purpose. Her prose has a natural rhythm, part storytelling, part confession, and even when she dives into details about the DEC VAX or the shift from typewriters to terminals, it feels human and intimate.
One of the most memorable moments for me was her father’s blunt advice: “Learning MASS-11 might be the best goddamn thing you ever do.” That line sums up the entire book, equal parts tough love and belief in possibility. Karels writes with humor, honesty, and just enough bite to keep you hooked.
War of the Words is perfect for readers who love memoirs that connect personal lives to cultural change. It’s about family, ambition, innovation, and the strange beauty of watching a dream take shape, and then fall apart. Anyone curious about women in tech or the human side of the computer revolution will find this story both moving and unforgettable.
Pages: 332 | ISBN : 978-1953728432
Telling Stories That Matter
Women Making a Difference is an anthology featuring women from around the world and their stories of triumph over adversity. Why was this an important collection for you to write?
I knew that there were women making a difference in big and small ways all over the world, and yet so often these stories are not the kind that we hear about, the mainstream media always telling the sensationalist news rather than sharing positive, hopeful and uplifting news. But these stories matter and are so important to be told as they provide real-life inspiration for others to think about how they can make a difference too. You never know whose story will resonate with someone and be the catalyst for them to take action on changing the world in their own way.
Can you share with us a little about your process for selecting stories for this anthology?
Each author submitted a written application to be considered for this anthology. We received over 100 applications from women all over the world. When selecting authors for this anthology there were a number of factors we were particularly looking for – representation is important to us, so ensuring that we had a diverse collective of voices ensures that when someone reads this book they’ll find someone who’s story, experience or perspective they can relate to. We also looked for tales of courage, resilience, and overcoming significant challenges to reach success. We wanted to acknowledge that making a difference is not always an easy road, yet if you’re committed to your vision it is possible, no matter what obstacles that stand in your way.
Did you learn anything about yourself during the course of putting this book together?
During this process I learned that the work I do makes a difference too! I realised that by providing a platform for women to tell their stories I’m providing a powerful way for them to share their voices on a global stage and a powerful tool for healing through rewriting their narrative.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Our next anthology is Begin It Now! This one is a call to action to women to step into their greatness, to follow their dreams and to overcome self doubt, fear and the feelings of not being enough which so often hold women back from taking the first step.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Featuring Authors
Dr. Cara Lenore Antoine, Comfort Dondo, Ellen Hooper, Florence Kayungwa, Gaëlle Berruel, Heather McCarthy, Iris Mhlanga, Janette Salmi, Justine McLean, Kabinga Mazaba, Kate Fisher, Laura Goldberg, Leanne Butterworth, Lisa Benson, Melanie Wentzel, Nicola Baker, Patricia Gonde, Rebecca Rylands, Dr Sarifa Alonto-Younes, Zara Celik
Women Making a Difference
Women Making a Difference is a stirring anthology spotlighting the voices of women across the globe who have transformed adversity into impact. Compiled by Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, this collection features personal stories from trailblazers in tech, social justice, education, business, and healing, each chapter a testament to resilience and purpose. Through raw honesty and bold vulnerability, these women share what it truly takes to be a change-maker—not just in theory, but in practice and not without scars.
What stood out to me most was the way the book cracked open the illusion that making a difference is about big stages or perfect plans. Dr. Cara Lenore Antoine, in her chapter “Be the First,” writes with sharp clarity and warmth about being a woman in tech, often the only one in the room. She didn’t just show up—she redesigned the room. Her story of fighting for women’s PPE in male-dominated industries struck me hard. It was funny, frustrating, and deeply human.
Comfort Dondo’s chapter, “Transformative Healing and Proactive Advocacy,” pulled me into a different kind of storm—one made of trauma, community pain, and quiet, fierce courage. Her words are heavy with truth, like when she says, “I was trying to continue to offer a lifeline for other women, while my own was still shaky.” I felt that in my bones. She makes it clear that advocacy without healing is a path to burnout. The idea of healed healers reshaping the systems that once broke them resonated deeply.
The Silent Difference by Dr. Sarifa Alonto-Younes is a quiet storm of a chapter—calm on the surface but brimming with strength underneath. She writes about the power of leading with humility, compassion, and integrity, even when no one is watching. Her story, rooted in her Muslim faith and her experiences as an educator and global advocate, reminds us that dignity, patience, and purpose can move mountains in silence.
This book isn’t about polished resumes or highlight reels. It’s about messy, brave women who said yes to something bigger than themselves. It’s about pain, yes, but also purpose. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to make a difference, this book will call you out, lift you up, and push you forward. I walked away from it feeling seen, inspired, and more determined than ever to keep showing up—not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Women Making a Difference to women leaders, aspiring changemakers, or anyone feeling worn down by the weight of trying. This book doesn’t give you permission to give up—it gives you a hundred reasons to keep going. And it reminds you, beautifully and powerfully, that you’re not alone.
Pages: 245 | ASIN : B0DNY75MZQ
A Great Fit
Tom Murry’s A Great Fit explores the continual journey of self-improvement and personal development, an endeavor aptly encapsulated in Edgar Albert Guest’s quote, “I have to live with myself, and so, I want to be fit for myself…”. Murry’s narrative is a blend of introspection and practical guidance, rooted in the lessons he garnered from influential figures in his life, notably his grandmother, Nana. The book artfully navigates the realms of cultivating personal traits such as taste and charisma, emphasizing the impact these qualities can have in a professional context. Murry draws on captivating stories and examples, including inspirations from iconic figures like Calvin Klein, to illustrate how these attributes can be developed and leveraged in one’s career.
Central to Murry’s discourse is the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and a well-defined sense of purpose. He invites readers to introspect their motivations and passions, advocating for career paths that resonate with one’s core values and interests. His narrative, enriched by his entrepreneurial journeys starting from a young age, underscores the significance of deriving joy and satisfaction from one’s pursuits. Murry draws extensively from his experiences, ranging from his formative years to his tenure in the corporate world, distilling essential lessons for attaining success and fulfillment professionally. Particularly notable is his examination of the interplay between happiness and success, challenging the conventional wisdom that equates financial wealth with fulfillment. He thoughtfully explores the roles of gratitude, purposeful work, and meaningful relationships in nurturing genuine happiness. Murry’s writing style is accessible and engaging, presenting complex ideas with clarity and ease. The fluidity with which he weaves together different facets of his life and career insights is commendable, offering readers a cohesive and immersive reading experience. His authenticity and earnestness foster a connection with the reader, making his experiences and perspectives relatable and impactful.
A Great Fit excels in its pragmatic approach to career growth, touching upon diverse elements such as cultivating success-driving traits, uncovering one’s driving forces, and finding joy in professional endeavors. Murry insightfully balances the discussion between inherent qualities and acquired skills in pursuing success, acknowledging the roles of personal background, environment, and individual choices. This book is a valuable resource for anyone aiming to harmonize career success with personal fulfillment.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B07WRT1NVS
