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This Is Us! Growing Up With Humour
This Is Us! Growing Up With Humour by Sheila and Corinne Deitch is more than just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt family project. The book serves as a collection of stories, carefully crafted to document the history of the Deitch family, beginning with Sheila’s parents. The authors present their family’s journey much like a photo album, filled with vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes that bring each family member to life. Throughout their narrative, they capture the essence of familial ups and downs, reminding readers that laughter remains the best remedy in the face of life’s challenges.
The idea of preserving family genealogy holds a special place for many, particularly for older generations. It’s a noble endeavor to document one’s family legacy for the benefit of future generations. Not everyone has the privilege of knowing their roots, but the Deitch family is fortunate to have a matriarch dedicated to compiling their history through personal photos and memories. Reading through the memoir, I found myself with the Deitch family. The charm comes from the obvious love and dedication Sheila and Corinne have poured into preserving their family’s legacy. Their passion for their roots is contagious. For example, Sheila’s recounting of her parents’ lives is tender and filled with the kind of details that make family history come alive—like the stories of her father Sam’s positivity and generosity, and her mother Betty’s struggles with depression. These moments paint a vivid picture of the family’s dynamics and provide context for the generations that follow. The memoir may pose challenges for readers unfamiliar with the Deitch family. At times, the narrative introduces snippets of information without immediate explanation, which can be frustrating. For instance, in chapter one, the authors mention, “More about the name Winston in a later story,” yet it takes several chapters before the significance of this name change is clarified. This delay in providing context leaves readers in suspense, sometimes without resolution.
This Is Us! Growing Up With Humour is a labor of love that will resonate most with those who have a deep interest in genealogy or personal family histories. This book is a touching tribute to the Deitch family’s journey through the years. If you enjoy diving into the intricacies of family life, this memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into one family’s past.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0D46RBY4F
JimiJix Special Brew
JimiJix Special Brew is a gripping crime thriller that follows the unraveling life of Killian Doyle, a man shattered by the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. As he struggles to navigate his grief, Killian’s once-thriving career in advertising begins to crumble. His relationships deteriorate, culminating in a shocking act of violence that sets off a chain of events plunging him into a dark world of crime and revenge. The novel’s fast-paced narrative is infused with tension and unexpected twists, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
What struck me first about this book was how deeply it explores the psyche of a man broken by tragedy. Killian’s transformation from a vibrant, passionate professional to a hollow shell of his former self is palpable. Doherty does an excellent job of portraying the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in Killian’s character. The shift in Killian’s personality is a powerful commentary on how loss can fundamentally change a person, sometimes in ways that even they don’t recognize. The writing style is straightforward and punchy, which suits the gritty tone of the story. There are moments where the dialogue feels a bit too on-the-nose, almost like the characters are spelling out their thoughts for the reader. While this can be jarring, it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience. The interactions between Killian and his mentor, Ted, are particularly vivid. Ted’s brutal honesty about the advertising industry paints a stark picture of the world Killian inhabits. This no-holds-barred attitude contrasts sharply with Killian’s growing sense of disillusionment, adding layers to his internal conflict. Doherty clearly has a deep understanding of the industry’s inner workings, and he uses this knowledge to create a backdrop that feels both authentic and suffocating. The cutthroat nature of the business is reflected in the novel’s tense atmosphere, where every decision feels like it could be the one that brings everything crashing down.
JimiJix Special Brew is a dark, intense thriller that delves deep into the human condition. It’s a story about grief, revenge, and the lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits. While the writing can be a bit heavy-handed at times, the story’s emotional depth and the relentless pacing more than make up for it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers with complex characters and a psychological edge. It’s particularly suited for readers who appreciate stories that explore the darker sides of both human nature and professional life.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0D3FNXMR5
Hopelessness To Hope
The Valley of Your Life is a collection of moving poems that draws inspiration from iconic works of art. What was the inspiration behind this concept?
It was spring 2020. I was on a sabbatical leave putting together my first book of poems, Swimming, Not Drowning. When I finished sending my manuscript to different publishers and was waiting to hear from them, I was hungry for inspiration to write more poetry, so I turned to works of art. I started with painters I was familiar with and loved, like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Frida Khalo . . . , and I couldn’t stop. I kept on searching for paintings that talked to my heart, and they kept on coming to me. Visual art has a way to evoke strong feelings in me. Once the feelings take root in my body, I need to let them out in the form of poetry.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection?
I am drawn to strong emotions and strong emotions create strong reactions. I see life in terms of light and shadows and paradoxically, the shadows that I often find myself in and struggle so much to accept are what bring me to the light. Once I saw that clearly and started to appreciate this unavoidable and necessary duality, I had the overall idea behind my book. Life is full of shadows, aspects that are very challenging, moments when we may feel it is easier to give up than to continue pushing through. Disappointment, rejection, conflict, cruelty, war, mental health issues, physical limitations, disease, ultimately death, all these are shadows we need to confront, learn how to live with, even embrace, because they are the other side of the light. Those are what make us human and help us connect with each other. Those are what make life the beautiful experience it is.
How did you decide on the title of this poetry collection?
Originally, I wanted to entitle my book, From Your Desert to the Valley of Your Life, which is the last line of my proem, “The Dance of Life.” I wanted to convey the whole idea behind the book that we have the ability to move from our arid moments to more fertile territory, from hopelessness to hope, and when we do that, we emerge stronger. Then, I realized it was too long and decided that The Valley of Your Life also conveyed the ups and downs we encounter in life and the beauty behind it all.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Valley of Your Life?
Art transforms. Both visual art and poetry touch us in ways that awake us from within. We need more art appreciation and less false idols and false beliefs in our lives. The world would be a much better place. We are all pure light deep within, but we cannot see it until we push through and uncover all the shadows that are part of being human, living a human life. I hope this book serves as a reminder.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Vice and Virtue
Notes From After Dusk follows two people through their journal entries as they explore psychological and philosophical topics and how childhood experiences impacted their adult mental health and personality issues. What inspired the setup of your story?
I decided to write Notes From After Dusk during a particularly difficult time in my life. I had been reading books such as On the Heights of Despair, Nausea, and Lolita. I had been interested in experimenting with the epistolary format, and I wanted to write a novel about love, sadness, and philosophy.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I believe in the existence of free will. Moreover, I believe that every human being is capable of vice and virtue alike. I believe that these aspects of human nature fuel literary fiction.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I knew from the beginning that I wanted Notes From After Dusk to explore Existentialism, love, and depression. As the novel developed, I realized that I also wanted to explore Marxism and Liberalism as well.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve been working on some prose that I think is very promising. I want my next book to be more intensely philosophical than Notes From After Dusk. Hopefully, it’ll be published within the next two or three years.
Author Links: Website | Book Review
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality
Seth Varkees, the Young God, embarks on a journey long foretold, a destiny steeped in ancient prophecy. On the enigmatic Dark Continent, he hunts the sinister beings known as the Hands of Sin, entities that have sown chaos and corruption throughout the world. His task is far from simple. These enemies have woven alternate realities, casting Eden into deep shadow. As Seth navigates this treacherous path, the Neo God watches from the periphery, their fates seemingly intertwined. A final showdown looms on the horizon. Will Seth resist the dark temptations crafted by the Neo God and the Hands of Sin, or will evil prevail?
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality, by Daniel Varona, continues the expansive narrative of the Cycle of Eden series. This fantasy tale is likely to resonate with YA audiences, though it certainly holds appeal for older readers as well. The story centers on Seth, a protagonist born to embody goodness, destined to clash with the malevolent forces represented by Cain and the Hands of Sin. This prophecy is not merely symbolic; it is Seth’s reality. He carries the immense weight of this burden, knowing he is literally the savior Eden has awaited. Despite his godlike nature, Seth grapples with the fears and flaws of a mortal man, adding layers to his character. Seth’s complexity makes him compelling and relatable to readers. His vulnerability draws readers in, making his struggle against formidable adversaries even more engaging. The conflict between Seth and his enemies feels grand in scope, filled with twists that keep the reader on edge. Varona crafts an intriguing world with rich detail, and a strong cast of supporting characters—Ria, Valentina, and Chase—breathes life into Eden. The interplay among these characters adds depth and texture to the narrative.
Shadows of Reality delivers a captivating fantasy experience. The story’s unique premise, combined with its well-drawn characters and unexpected moments, makes it a compelling read. It’s a novel that both young adult readers and seasoned fantasy enthusiasts can enjoy, offering a journey through a vividly imagined world where light and dark forces collide.
Pages: 483 | ASIN : B0D8JSBMWB
Politics of Being: Wisdom and Science for a New Development Paradigm
In Politics of Being, Thomas Legrand paints a bold picture of a future where politics moves beyond the usual materialistic and competitive norms. He pushes for a shift toward wisdom, blending spirituality and science to help us navigate the mess we’re in today. Legrand digs deep into how spiritual values can mix with political and social systems, creating a world that’s not only more peaceful and just but also sustainable. With a mix of big ideas and practical tips, he maps out how we might get there.
Legrand’s passion is clear, and his ideas are thought-provoking, though he does pack a lot into this book. He dives into the flaws of our current economic model, really laying out the grim future if we don’t change course. His arguments hit home, but the sheer amount of information can feel like a lot to take in at one time. Still, his enthusiasm is contagious, and you can’t help but get pulled into his vision for a better world.
One of the highlights of the book is how Legrand brings together spirituality and real-world policy ideas. In chapters like “Work and Organization” and “Governance,” he doesn’t just float lofty ideas; he gives practical steps to take. For instance, his push to bring mindfulness into schools and workplaces is both fresh and doable.
What really makes the book stand out is how personal it feels. Legrand shares his own journey, which makes his arguments hit closer to home. His experiences in Mexico, where he connected with nature and indigenous wisdom, give the book a unique and rich flavor. In “My Personal Journey,” he talks about a deep spiritual awakening in the Sierra Madre, where he felt a powerful bond with the earth. This personal touch not only strengthens his arguments but also invites readers to think about their own spiritual paths and how these might shape their views on politics and life.
Politics of Being is an ambitious and thought-provoking book. It’s a great read for anyone looking for a more rounded and meaningful approach to politics and development. It’s especially good for those open to mixing spirituality with science and policy. If you’re up for a book that challenges the usual way of thinking and offers a hopeful view of the future, Legrand’s work is definitely worth a read. Just be ready to dive in deep, because this isn’t light reading, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Pages: 584 | ASIN : B09N2Q1XS9
Jaimie’s Magical Words
Jaimie’s Magical Words by Amarie Jelly is a delightful introduction to the concept of positive affirmations, perfect for young readers. Each morning, Little Jaimie begins her day with a series of uplifting affirmations, setting a positive tone as she embarks on her daily adventures. As Jaimie navigates her world—whether playing at the park or helping with chores—she continuously reinforces these affirmations, tackling each task with confidence and grace.
This charming book invites readers to join Jaimie on her journey, offering a simple yet powerful lesson on the importance of positivity. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, the ability to find and foster positivity in everyday moments is a crucial skill, and this story beautifully demonstrates just how easily affirmations can be woven into daily life. Jaimie’s kind and courageous spirit shines through as she consistently speaks words of encouragement to herself and others, illustrating the transformative impact of positive thinking. The vibrant illustrations by Katerina Voytes perfectly complement the story, brimming with life and warmth. Together, the engaging narrative and colorful artwork create an irresistible combination, making Jaimie’s Magical Words a must-read.
This is a heartwarming tale of empowerment, self-love, and the magic of positive words, making this story enchanting from start to finish. Suitable for readers of all ages, Jaimie’s Magical Words is a wonderful reminder of the power we all have to bring a little more kindness and love into the world each day. Whether enjoyed independently or read together, this beautiful storybook encourages everyone to unlock the magic of positivity within.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D6XQZHYB
LITERARY TITAN 