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Understanding and Solidarity
Well, Mama, This is It (it’s Now Or Never) is part confession, part storytelling, and part letter-writing, all stitched together with raw honesty and a strong emotional pulse with reflections on love, faith, and the messy business of being human. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was important for me to write because it allowed me to explore different characters and express what I had imagined. It was a way for me to connect with readers who may be going through similar struggles and offer them a sense of understanding and solidarity. This book is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the beauty of embracing our imperfections.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were key ideas that I found important to share. Some of these ideas include the importance of self-love, unapologetically being yourself, and the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.
How has writing this book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Writing this book has changed me as a writer, and it’s all thanks to amazing readers like yourself and everyone who has been a part of this journey. I have learned that I am capable of overcoming challenges and self-doubt to produce a work that I am truly proud of. This experience has not only improved my writing skills but also boosted my confidence in my abilities as a storyteller. Writing this book has shown me that with dedication and passion, I can achieve my writing goals and continue to grow as an author. Once again, thanks to everyone!
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Well, Mama, This is It (it’s Now Or Never)?
I hope that readers take away a sense of empowerment and inspiration.
Author Links: GoodReads | Snapchat
We don’t have to fight
We do not have to cry for the rest of our lives
Cause Boys
Girls
And Everyone we know
Seems to drift away just a little bit
That’s life”
Step into a world where love knows no bounds and equality reigns supreme. In this gripping tale, a group of men and women defy the odds and fight for their right to be themselves. As they navigate the twists and turns of their lives, they discover that the greatest strength comes from within.
Meanwhile, teenagers grapple with their own struggles, trying to find their place in a world that often seems to be against them. But as the characters’ stories intertwine, they learn the power of love, the importance of equality, and the beauty of being true to oneself. This is a story that will inspire young women and men in our community to embrace their uniqueness and strive for greatness. So come along on this unforgettable journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and discover the power of love and equality in a world that often seems to be lacking in both.
Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers (Animal Teachers)
Annie Yu’s Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers is a tender, thought-provoking story that invites young readers into a world where wisdom flows like the tides. The book follows Riley, a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What begins as frustration unfolds into reflection, as Riley learns timeless lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance from the creatures that inhabit the ocean’s depths.
Through encounters with lobsters shedding their shells and sea otters basking playfully under the sun, Riley begins to see his own struggles mirrored in nature. Each animal becomes a gentle teacher, revealing how resilience, patience, and adaptability can transform challenge into growth. A particularly memorable moment features the sea jellies drifting peacefully with the current, an elegant reminder that not everything in life can, or should, be controlled. Sometimes, peace comes from surrendering to the rhythm of the world around us.
Yu’s storytelling is as soothing as it is insightful. Her calm narrative tone encourages reflection and emotional awareness without ever feeling didactic. Young readers will easily connect with Riley’s emotions, while adults will appreciate the book’s subtle invitation to slow down and breathe. The illustrations, rich with color and texture, offer endless opportunities for conversation between parents and children, each page a spark for curiosity about the ocean and its many wonders.
What makes Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers truly special is its power to teach emotional wellness through storytelling. In a world where children often feel pressure to move quickly and succeed constantly, Yu’s message of calmness and presence feels vital. By the end of the book, Riley has not only learned to manage his emotions but has rediscovered joy in the activities he once resisted. His transformation is gentle, believable, and inspiring, a testament to the strength that comes from self-awareness.
This book deserves a place on every child’s shelf. It nurtures empathy, encourages mindfulness, and reminds young readers that wisdom can be found everywhere, even in the quiet whispers of the sea.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0FL81CRH9
Leadership Is a Holistic Endeavor
Seven Core Values To Become An Impactful Leader shows how Integrity, Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Determination, Empathy, and Respect form the foundation of authentic leadership. What inspired you to frame leadership around the acronym I-L.E.A.D.E.R.?
The acronym I-L.E.A.D.E.R. (Integrity, Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Determination, Empathy, and Respect) emerged from a deep desire to provide a memorable and actionable framework for aspiring and current leaders. My personal journey and extensive professional background revealed that these seven values are not merely abstract concepts but are foundational to sustained impact and thriving organizational cultures. I wanted to create a tool that leaders could easily internalize and apply daily, transforming their intentions into tangible actions that resonate deeply within their teams and communities. This framework serves as a constant reminder that leadership is a holistic endeavor, demanding both competence and compassion. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to truly guide and uplift others, offering a beacon for ethical and effective leadership. Embracing I-L.E.A.D.E.R. empowers you to lead with purpose, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
How did your military background shape your perspective on softer values like empathy and respect, which many leaders overlook?
My military background has profoundly shaped my understanding of values like empathy and respect, demonstrating their critical role even in the most demanding situations. In high-stress scenarios, effective leadership requires not only command but also a genuine understanding of individual struggles and the fostering of cohesion. I learned that authentic leadership builds trust and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and shared success. These “softer values” are not weaknesses; they are powerful catalysts for unity and collective achievement, essential for inspiring unwavering commitment and cultivating a truly impactful team. Experiencing the consequences of their absence firsthand solidified my conviction that empathy and respect are indispensable for genuine leadership, creating a powerful bond that transcends rank and ensures mission success. It is through these values that we unlock the full potential of every individual, fostering an environment where collaboration flourishes and spirits soar.
In your experience, which of the seven values do leaders struggle with most and why?
Leaders most frequently struggle with empathy among the seven core values because it demands vulnerability and a willingness to transcend one’s own perspective. Many leaders prioritize task accomplishment and measurable outcomes, inadvertently overlooking the importance of the human element. Developing empathy requires active listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and genuinely connecting with team members on an emotional level, which can feel challenging and time-consuming in fast-paced environments. However, neglecting empathy creates a disconnect, hindering psychological safety and ultimately stifling innovation and engagement within the team. Genuine empathy requires a conscious effort to step into another’s shoes, which, while challenging, unlocks unparalleled loyalty and commitment. It is the bridge that connects hearts and minds, forging a team that is not only productive but also deeply unified and resilient.
If someone only remembers one takeaway from Seven Core Values To Become An Impactful Leader, what do you hope it is?
If someone remembers only one takeaway from “Seven Core Values to Become an Impactful Leader,” I hope it is this: “Leadership is an act of service, rooted in consistently living your values.” It transcends titles and positions; it is about inspiring others, fostering growth, and creating a positive ripple effect through your actions and character. Your commitment to these core values defines your legacy and truly elevates your ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you lead. This single realization empowers individuals to become beacons of positive influence, transforming every interaction into an opportunity for growth and inspiration. Embracing this principle means leading from the heart, knowing that genuine impact stems from a place of integrity and a selfless dedication to others’ success. This truth will guide you through any challenge, ensuring your leadership leaves an indelible mark of positive change.
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Dr. Gomez, a scholar-practitioner with a doctorate and multiple master’s degrees, meticulously outlines how these values translate into tangible leadership competencies. Each chapter offers practical strategies and real-world examples, enabling readers to internalize and apply these principles for immediate impact. This book serves as an indispensable compass, guiding aspiring and seasoned leaders toward a purposeful and impactful leadership journey, ultimately shaping a new generation of value-based practitioners.
Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star
When I first opened Not Logan, I thought I’d get a goofy story about a kid messing around on YouTube. Instead, what I got was a sharp, funny, and oddly moving ride through middle school awkwardness, internet fame, and the chaos that comes when the two crash into each other. The book follows Logan Blake, a painfully normal twelve-year-old who stumbles into viral success after a ridiculous video glitch. From there, his channel explodes. What begins as a small escape from everyday life turns into a whirlwind of sponsorships, trolls, fan art, cookie-shaped sidekicks, and the strange pressure of trying to keep the internet entertained. Beneath all the jokes and silliness, though, the story quietly asks what it means to be yourself when the whole world is watching.
Reading this book felt like listening to a kid tell you the wildest story of his life while constantly interrupting himself with jokes, embarrassing confessions, and sarcastic asides. I laughed. A lot. The humor is quick, self-deprecating, and just the right mix of cringe and charm. But what surprised me was how often I caught myself nodding along, feeling that familiar knot of anxiety about being “good enough” or the weird hollow feeling when attention shifted away. The writing makes those moments land without getting heavy or preachy. Instead, they sneak up in between the punchlines and the chaos. I loved that balance. It kept me grinning even while I was thinking about bigger stuff.
The book leans a little into the randomness. Whole chapters spin off into tangents about burnt cookies, bizarre sponsorships, or ridiculous meetups, that are usually funny. I found myself wanting to stay with the quieter beats, like when he doubts himself after reading cruel comments, or when he chooses to step back and just be a kid for a while. Those parts hit harder, maybe because they’re honest in a way that doesn’t need exaggeration. Still, the over-the-top bits are clearly part of the charm, and I can see why younger readers especially would eat them up.
I had a blast with Not Logan. It’s goofy, fast-paced, and full of ridiculous scenarios, but it also has a big heart. It reminded me how strange and fragile it can feel to put yourself out there, and how important it is to laugh at your own disasters. I’d recommend this book to middle schoolers who spend too much time online, to parents who wonder why their kids watch endless YouTube streams, and to anyone who’s ever felt both invisible and too visible at the same time. It’s not just funny. It’s weirdly comforting.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0FH2G6N67
The Original Pink Salt Weight Loss Trick: The Real Science-Backed Morning Ritual for Fat Loss, All-Day Energy, and Craving Control
The Original Pink Salt Weight Loss Trick sets out to demystify the much-hyped ritual of warm water and Himalayan pink salt, often splashed across social media as a miracle weight-loss hack. Author Laura Whitlow peels away the noise and lays out a structured, science-inspired approach, weaving together hydration, minerals, metabolism, and hormones. She frames pink salt not as a magic bullet but as a grounding ritual that supports energy, digestion, and long-term balance. The book walks through the myths, the facts, and the science, then builds up to a 28-day reset plan with meal templates, recipes, and practical reflection prompts. It’s equal parts handbook and lifestyle guide.
I found myself both intrigued and skeptical as I read. The simplicity of the ritual felt refreshing. There’s something appealing about starting the day with a warm cup of salted water when it’s framed as a small, mindful act rather than a viral trick. Whitlow clarifies the science. I appreciated that she consistently reminded readers of limits, that pink salt doesn’t burn fat, doesn’t detox the body, and doesn’t replace common sense. That grounded honesty gave the book more weight than I expected.
I appreciated the structure the book offered. The 28-day reset, the detailed recipes, and the calorie templates gave it a hands-on quality that makes it genuinely useful for anyone who wants a concrete plan to follow. It took a simple idea and expanded it into a full, guided program that felt supportive and approachable. While the science-based chapters on myths, minerals, and hydration stood out as my personal favorites, the added structure made the book feel like a complete package, part education and part practical toolkit.
I’d recommend this book to readers who are drawn to health rituals and want a realistic, science-leaning framework without being promised miracles. If you like structured resets and meal plans, you’ll love the detailed approach here. If you’re more interested in light, digestible science, the early chapters may be the most rewarding. For anyone tired of overhyped hacks and looking for a grounded reset to daily health habits, this book could be a helpful place to start.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B0FHL36BGM
Who Are We, Really?
In Who Are We, Really?, author and illustrator Nielle P. Marques introduces readers to three inseparable tadpoles, Polly, Molly, and Joey. These best friends spend their days swimming, playing, and exploring, yet one question lingers in their young minds: Who are we, really? Each tadpole imagines what they might become: a shark, a turtle, even a dragonfly, sparking a journey of curiosity and wonder that captures the heart.
This charming story is both tender and thought-provoking. It beautifully captures the innocence of friendship and the excitement of self-discovery. What stands out most is the trio’s closeness, how they support, laugh, and dream together. Their bond gently reminds young readers that friendship is a treasure to be cherished every day.
Marques’s story also celebrates imagination without limits. As Polly, Molly, and Joey dream about their future selves, children are encouraged to do the same, to envision, to wonder, and to create. Each tadpole’s dream opens a door to boundless possibility, inspiring young minds to see beyond the ordinary and embrace their own creativity.
The illustrations, also by Marques, are a delight on every page. Full-page watercolor scenes burst with gentle hues and fluid textures, inviting readers to pause and take in every detail. The visual flow mirrors the rhythm of the story, making the reading experience both soothing and visually captivating.
Who Are We, Really? is a story that will charm readers of all ages. Its playful spirit, heartfelt message, and vivid artistry make it a book children will want to return to again and again, each time discovering something new about friendship, imagination, and the joy of growing up.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DTT8BML7
The Infinity Within
The Infinity Within tells the story of Gabe, a man haunted by strange, otherworldly experiences from childhood through early adulthood. Floating toy trains, impossible escapes from car accidents, and flashes of cosmic memory pull him into a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he meets a guide named Elias, who helps him see that what he thought were random anomalies were actually glimpses of something greater. The central theme is clear: illusions and fear cloud our lives, while faith and trust in our inner power dissolve those illusions. Through orchard experiments, brushes with death, and lessons from both spiritual figures and modern visionaries, Gabe comes to realize that we all carry infinity within us, and our choices shape the reality we walk through.
I found myself both inspired and challenged by this book. The writing is at once poetic and raw. It drifts into mystical language, but always circles back to lived experience, which grounds it in something tangible. At times, I caught myself leaning in, pulled by the honesty of the storytelling. The author doesn’t preach, he invites, and that softened my skepticism. There’s a vulnerability in admitting confusion, fear, and doubt, and I respected that. Gabe isn’t written as a flawless mystic but as a regular person stumbling toward something bigger. That made me feel like maybe I could stumble too, and still be on the right track.
I was intrigued by the way spiritual giants like Jesus and Buddha were set beside Elon Musk, and I found the comparison surprisingly refreshing. That mix of sacred and everyday fit the book’s message: that the infinite can be glimpsed anywhere, whether in meditation or rocket launches. My reactions swung between awe, doubt, and wonder. I liked that it stirred me up rather than letting me drift along passively.
I’d recommend The Infinity Within to seekers who crave something beyond surface-level self-help. It’s not a quick-fix manual or a tidy list of steps. It’s more like sitting with a friend who has lived through strange and unexplainable events and is willing to share the details. If you’re someone who has had odd glimpses of the unexplainable, or if you’ve ever felt the gnawing sense that there must be more to life than work and routine, this book could resonate deeply. It’s best for readers who don’t mind wandering through mystery and who are comfortable sitting with questions instead of chasing neat answers.
Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0FH4CC13K
The Other Side
Timothy Palmer’s The Other Side is a supernatural thriller told through the eyes of Mitch Parker, a young detective killed in the line of duty. Instead of peace, Mitch awakens in a strange in-between world called the Veil, where angels, demons, and lost souls struggle in a realm that is neither heaven nor hell. The story follows his journey through this haunting place as he confronts terrifying creatures, finds unlikely allies, and battles with the pull between family, faith, and survival. It’s part ghost story, part horror, and part meditation on what it means to carry duty beyond death.
This book was a wild ride. I loved the fast pace and the blunt honesty in Mitch’s voice. He feels like a flawed but real person, someone who is both arrogant and vulnerable, and that makes his descent into the afterlife all the more gripping. Palmer doesn’t shy away from raw emotions, and I could feel Mitch’s pain when he thought about leaving his wife and children behind. At the same time, the book hits with pulpy fun. Vampiric monsters, hellish visions, and wild chases through hospitals and city streets kept me turning pages. It’s not a quiet or subtle book, and I liked that. It leans into spectacle and dread, and I could almost hear the soundtrack of a horror film playing in my head as I read.
The writing style has a raw energy to it. Some of the dialogue leans dramatic, and a few scenes reminded me of action movie moments. At times, I wished the story would linger a bit longer to let the tension build before moving on to the next big encounter. But even with those bumps, I admired how unfiltered the story was. It has heart. It made me think about regret, choice, and the messy gray area between right and wrong. More than once, I caught myself imagining what I’d do if given the same choice Mitch faced, step into the light or stay behind for the people I love. That moral tension gave the story weight beyond its horror trappings.
The Other Side is a bold, strange, and emotional book. If you enjoyed the gritty supernatural battles of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files or the chilling suspense of Stephen King’s The Outsider, you’ll find The Other Side delivers a similarly gripping mix of horror, heart, and high-stakes thrills.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0DNRHT6HP
LITERARY TITAN 