Blog Archives
The Night Blooming
The Night Blooming, by Sally and Jonah Ismael, offers an engaging and thoughtful examination of resilience and identity set against the challenges of adversity. This memoir recounts the twins’ progression from a modest garage dojo to the illustrious world of international Taekwondo competitions, presenting more than just an athletic journey. It thoughtfully addresses the complex themes of racism, rejection, and abuse, weaving these issues into the broader narrative of their personal and athletic growth.
The memoir’s strength lies in the heartfelt honesty and vulnerability of the narrators. Sally and Jonah Ismael draw readers into their world, sharing both their difficulties and achievements with striking openness. The depiction of their journey, tackling societal barriers and inner struggles, is presented with an authenticity that is both engaging and motivational. The narrative occasionally fluctuates between introspective exploration and story progression, but I feel these shifts do not affect the memoir’s overall impact.
The central message of hope and persistence effectively dominates The Night Blooming. Significantly, the book also highlights the twins’ philanthropic efforts through the establishment of “The Power Within.” This nonprofit organization, created in response to their own experiences, emphasizes the memoir’s message of turning personal challenges into opportunities for wider community support and empowerment.
The Night Blooming transcends a mere account of sporting achievements to become a poignant narrative about carving one’s path in a sometimes hostile environment. It is an inspirational read, showcasing the power of courage and collective effort in overcoming obstacles. The story of Sally and Jonah Ismael is a compelling testament to the potential within each of us to face challenges and aspire toward greater goals. This memoir is recommended for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome personal barriers to pursue their dreams.
Pages: 439 | ASIN : B0C46GTM6F
Be Your Own Hero
Can You Be follows a woman living a self-imposed, sheltered life who, after receiving a mysterious box, starts to open up and discover who she is and starts to heal from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like to write stories of self-development and self-discovery, focusing on the pivotal moments of a character’s life. This is what I did with Naina in Can You Be, and was the inspiration for this novel. Naina is about to turn thirty and receiving the box sets her on a path where she chooses to face herself, her fears and insecurities, and explore who she wants to be. Naina is an underdog and learns to become her own hero. I want to showcase that anyone can change their life and bring their dreams to reality. It can be as simple as making a choice, which Naina did. She chose to be different, heal, forgive, take a chance, and go on a life-changing trip. She learns and grows tremendously through the course of the book.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
The best scene to capture the morals of the story is one towards the end where Naina and Holy Man are sitting on a towel at the beach on Sullivan’s Island. The location is special to Naina, and she regularly goes there when she needs solace, but she usually does it alone. This time, Holy Man joins her. She has already grown a great deal through the journey she’s been on but needs a final push, if you can call it that, to get out of her own way. The conversation she has with Holy Man helps her.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I have already shared the theme of self-discovery and self-development, which are tied into the topic of exploring who we can be. There is the theme of “being” in discovering who Naina is as a person, but also not having the pressure to “do,” which comes up for her a lot, and rather to “be,” which she struggles with. Food and travel are featured in the book as an avenue to showcase diversity and multicultural elements. Naina is born in America but of Indian descent, Raiya is Indian, and there are other characters from other countries. Naina travels to Stockholm, the Baltics, and Helsinki, yet most of the book takes place in Charleston, South Carolina. I also explore spirituality in a grounded way through crystals, mindfulness and meditation, Angel Oak, and a mysterious Holy Man. All of them help Naina on her journey.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few projects I am working on. I have a daily reflections deck of cards that I am collaborating on with Jess Fowler, an artist based in Australia. It will be a deck of 77 cards that encourage daily self-reflection. I also am working on another poetry collection called “Journeys.” It’s a collection of books that explores journeys through various facets of life such as travel, health, relationships, love, faith, and so much more. The cards and the first book of poetry in the Journeys collection should be available in 2024. I am also working on my third novel, which is a story about a woman who leaves everything behind to become a tarot card reader. It follows her struggles and how she overcomes them to evolve into taking on her dream career. This should be available in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Everything begins to change after the arrival of the box, and Naina is presented with a chance to change her life and explore compassion, forgiveness, and believing in herself. She struggles to understand the power of connections and the potential of expanding her horizons. Naina’s journey is mystical and, in portions, it takes her through Stockholm, Helsinki, and the Baltics. Will this quest lead her to discover who she can be?
Can You Be
Navigating the subtle threshold between solitude and self-imposed isolation, Can You Be by Sonee Singh explores the theme of self-reflection through the lens of a young woman’s life. The narrative delves into the starkness that can arise from an over-simplified existence, probing the depths of the void left by routine’s meager offerings. The protagonist, Naina, finds herself at a pivotal point when an enigmatic parcel triggers a cascade of incremental shifts, suggesting that embracing minor alterations can pave the way for monumental growth.
In this contemporary fiction piece, Singh crafts a tale that threads through the intricate tapestry of Naina’s reclusive existence, marred by childhood wounds, an emotionally distant caregiver, and the resulting social invisibility. Her retreat into the realms of fantasy is a poignant coping mechanism for her solitude. The arrival of a cryptic stone becomes the fulcrum upon which she begins to reassess her life. Naina’s physical and metaphorical odyssey unfolds at the intersection of the mystical and the tangible, leading her toward self-realization, healing, and a transformative personal evolution.
The prose is articulate and captivating, ideal for mature audiences who are drawn to narratives that unravel the complexities of a character’s history and aspirations. The novel touches on historical and socio-political topics as part of Naina’s exploration into who she is. These sections enhance her journey, tying it to the real world and giving readers an inclination for rich, contextual backdrops that touch upon broader societal themes; these forays add a layer of depth to the narrative.
Can You Be is crafted to inspire readers to venture beyond the confines of their comfort zones, reclaiming the reins of their destinies from the clutches of their past. This thought-provoking and accessible work poses a dual proposition: it is both a challenge and a solution, resonating with those who seek a narrative of authentic and relatable metamorphosis.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0CG8ZBFXH
The String
A young boy was having a normal ordinary day when he discovered a ball of string. There is nothing magical or special about this string. However, when he ties the string to his finger, he remembers to do his chores, wear his helmet, do his homework, and brush his teeth. Then the boy uses the string to do fun things like walk the dog and fly a kite. It isn’t long before he imagines all the fun and exciting adventures he can go on with his string. What started as a simple ordinary string became an extraordinary source of imagination and inspiration for many great adventures.
The String, written and illustrated by T.C. Bartlett, is a whimsical picture book about a boy and how he discovers all the fun he can have using his imagination and a piece of string. The illustrations are humorous and engaging, taking young readers on a journey with the boy to discover all the uses for his newly found string. I loved the creative uses for such a simple object. No magic or mystery was involved, just one active imagination and willingness to see what could happen. This is an important lesson for kids, a chance to grow their minds with simple things in a world where electronics seem to rule the entertainment industry. Yet, this incredible story shows that something so simple and common can provide hours of enjoyment and use.
The String is a beautifully written children’s book that teaches children to look for wonder in simple everyday objects. It teaches them to use their imagination to find things to explore their world. This is a beautiful book for preschool and kindergarten children to read and open up discussions of exploring their environment to make the most of what is around them each day.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 1733908676
DJ’s Mean Business
DJ’s Mean Business, by Amani Roberts, is an interesting and informative read from a DJ’s perspective about leading a successful life. In this eye-opening book, Amani Roberts, aka DJ AmRo, talks about his experiences as a DJ, a Professor, and a businessman. He shares the ups and downs he learned in these professions in this practical book to help readers become successful entrepreneurs.
Roberts’ writing style is conversational and caring. He uses simple and direct language that guides the reader through the topic he is covering. The arrangement of the chapters outlines the different time slots as if he is DJing from the start of a program until it is wrapped up. Readers will appreciate the short and concise chapters as the author gets right to the point. The first thing that Robert covers is how to introduce yourself in a manner that gives you credibility and authority. First impressions do matter when you are an entrepreneur. Once that first meeting is over, the next step is to build a rapport and make sure what you are selling is in demand. Here the author uses examples from successful businesses to support the tried and true strategies he teaches.
Readers will appreciate his candid writing and how he uses his own life situations as examples, making for a more authentic read. Whether DJing, teaching or focusing on his brand, Roberts interchangeably uses these venues to provide important lessons about business to the readers. Topics such as branding, marketing tips, and staying focused are a few topics discussed in this book that I found helpful.
DJ’s Mean Business: One Night Behind the Turntables Can Spin Your Company’s Success is an unconventional business planning book on how to be a successful entrepreneur. It is just as entertaining as it is informative. The information provided will be beneficial to those looking for tips on how to start a business or revamp their current business.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B084KW9HLM
Your Next Big Idea
Samuel Sanders has written an inspiring and encouraging book that will have you view life in a different dimension. Readers will find encouragement to think outside the box and try out things that they previously would not have paid attention to. Samuel Sanders is a diverse author writing to readers of all levels. Whether readers are a student, starting a small business, or are in the corporate world, Samuel Sanders will share with readers how they can grow that small idea that they have been sitting on. The author has a guide that will enable readers of all kinds to grow as a person and as a brand.
Your Next Big Idea: Improve Your Creativity and Problem-Solving is a great book for both creatives and those that do not consider themselves to be creative. Samuel Sanders will bring out the creativity in those that read this intellectually invigorating book. The author directs his readers to think beyond their surroundings. The language and tone the author uses are friendly and welcoming, like having a conversation with a friend or colleague. This approach is helpful for getting outside of your comfort zone and really analyzing methods that will work to advance whatever project you are engaged with. These tools will benefit people across all areas in life and can be applied to more than just business undertakings. Reading this inspiring book will make readers aware that the next big thing in whatever project they are working on is achievable.
Your Next Big Idea: Improve Your Creativity and Problem-Solving covers topics like identifying problems and looking for solutions, how to be an inquisitive person in an intelligent manner, erasing stigmas, strategizing in different areas, welcoming ideas, and how to interact with those that have the same mindset. This is the ideal book for readers looking for problem-solving skills and how to be better in one’s craft.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B08QZXG1X4
Open Our Consciousness To Creativity
Lost in the Circle, Found on the Line is an motivational self help journal that encourages readers to consider the precious moments and essence of each decade of life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My intention behind the writing of “Lost in the Circle, Found on the Line” was to empower the motivated reader and participant to wake up yet slow down, and…Be Found!
As a motivational self help book it provides a hands on methodology towards gaining that most important perspective in our lives: figuring out who we really are in order to live our most satisfying life on earth. Each one of us have unique gifts to offer, yet busy schedules often preclude and exclude us from our true selves. We work without conscious thought of the larger picture with the unfortunate squandering of what could be a dynamic existence during our short time on earth. It is proven that the mind hand connection is a powerful way to open our consciousness to creativity, which in turn leads us to personal growth. I want to share what helps me through my journey by prompting artistic expression which ultimately leads to visualization and insight. It is quieting, it is centering, and it is an effective way to become mindful: Live the life of your dreams.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
The one thing I hope readers take away from my book is that each and every one of us has something exceptional to offer based on the fact that each and every one of us is absolutely unique from anyone else. Think about that and you’ll see that’s truly amazing!
Discovering that gift will fulfill you and lead to living your most satisfied life; your life of being, of who you are. Getting in touch with core values reveals the direction your life will take. You begin to understand your character and your strengths and realize your life has its own beautiful story, meant to enhance the world. The quotes, poems and art prompts in the book are meant to inspire and encourage little habits which will ultimately bring success.
I loved the poetry and imagery included in the book. What were some sources of inspiration for the pieces in this book?
As an ecologist and garden designer, the natural world provided sources of inspiration for my book, as well as for my life. I believe nature is the way to show us the path to stillness and beauty. I chose the book cover artwork from calligraphy based on a quote about the importance of mans respect for the planet: ‘If all the beasts were gone, man would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man.
All things are connected; whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth ‘. The use of the circle through out the book is symbolic of many things: the cyclical nature of the seasons, our lives lived in the full circle of life with no beginning and no end, the circle ring representing unity and infinity, and as a vehicle for centering ourselves as we circle back to connect the dots to our life’s patterns. Each chapter of the book is divided into values crucial to that specific decade of life. As such, Decade 8 chapter on Compassion is represented by a Tear Drop Garden pen and ink watercolor as a significant piece to my accomplishment of this book. It acknowledged a painful disruption in my life which had to be accepted and seen as ultimately a positive vehicle for growth and moving forward. Decade 10 on Patience as the final chapter illustrates the extraordinary design of Dumbarton Oaks by Beatrix Farrand, a landscape architect of the Country Place era when great gardens were designed for beauty and pleasure. The drawing of this plan extracted blood sweat and tears from me as I toiled to document the exceptional design. The quote by May Sarton sums it up: ‘Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into slow circles of nature is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.’
Do you plan to write more book on this same subject?
Although I could envision another interactive journal that encourages free thinking and multiple aspects of creativity to inform an intentional life, I have no plans to write a sequence at this point.
I have begun working on a series of early reader children’s books to accompany graphic t- shirts. With twelve designs drawn, and only one story written to date, I have a little bit of work ahead of me; slow and steady is my mantra.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | LinkedIn | GoodReads
This self help journal gives rise to your life’s story as a curated record of inspirational quotes poems and art. Its design is an interactive format chronicling creativity into a keepsake of your life – honoring yourself and ultimately bringing respect to you and those around you.
Based on ten Master values, this book is organized as prompts to encourage you to consider the precious moments and essence of each decade of life and how your hopes and dreams evolve into the person you want to be. Because the sundries of living often preempt our focus, the format jump starts procrastination, encouraging thinking through your personal writings and artful additions.
Add to the poetry, include photographs, paintings, drawings and collages using the natural world as inspiration. The result is a gift for yourself, to yourself, and the world beyond.
The Scented Bones: The Svabodina Case Files
![The Scented Bones: The Svabodina Case Files by [Kerner, Angelina]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51sv4HsgrFL._SY346_.jpg)
The Scented Bones is an outstanding contribution to the world of paranormal and light-hearted romance. The author, Angelina Kerner, provides a novel which opens up a whole range of emotions and mysteries. The unique plotline of The Scented Bones is both humorous, enticing and intense. Kerner’s nerve-wracking story line is perfect for those who are thrill seekers that enjoy all things odd, weird and truly abnormal.
From shape-shifters, to witches, to vampires and werewolves, The Scented Bones really does captivate all key elements of the paranormal world. Nothing beats a book that is full of mystery, tension and the unknown. Angelina is able to write a fluent and creative plot. Her heroine, Angel, is a forensic anthropologist when her life is turned upside down when the skeleton that she has been working on vanishes. This book follows case files to help solve what happened to the skeleton. But along the way, Angel has to face all sorts including the Fae Queen. Can she solve the case with the help of different paranormal families?
Angelina Kerner does a fantastic job at writing fluently with regards to her characters. Right from the offset, I was instantly drawn into the heroin, Angel, and her Grandma. The characters are well described, well thought out, and appeal to all types of reader. Kerner continues to keep the reader’s attention with both humans and paranormal characters, providing the ultimate paranormal novel.
One of the great things that Angelina Kerner articulates in her writing is the ability to look beyond reality and enter a world of pure make-believe. The author of The Scented Bones reinforces ideas such as the paranormal and the unknown – something that all of us are slightly bewildered by.
The Scented Bones is a book that is easy to follow and written with unique style and creativity. What is even more, is that the author has gone out of her way to create a vocabulary section at the beginning of her book to ensure readers know the meaning of bizarre words and/or phrases.
After reading The Scented Bones, I can safely say that this book took me out of my comfort zone. However, I can honestly say that I enjoyed the narrative, plot twists and characters. Angel plays the perfect heroine throughout this book, and I loved reading how her journey played on. From beginning to end, Angleina Kerner kept me on the edge of my seat. This is the first book that I have read by Kerner, and I can safely say that I will be back for more of her books.
An articulate, creative and highly imaginative novel blending an array of themes and emotions with the unnatural world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Scented Bones and I believe this book has lots of things to offer a wide range of readers. You will not be disappointed with what this book has to offer! Trust me!
Pages: 156 | ASIN: B07DHZFBD4
LITERARY TITAN 