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Think Critically and Deeply
In Beyond Power, you present the idea that Western society is departing from its moral core and the ideas on which democracy was founded. How long did it take to research and compile this book?
I developed it over a period starting when there were severe tensions in Israel over democracy 2022 and strong anti-Israel post October 7th, 2023.
Did you learn anything while writing Beyond Power that surprised you?
Many of the issues plaguing society seem to have a common conceptual cause.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
To think critically (and deeply) about all we see, hear, and are told.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
At first glance, these may seem like separate struggles, political, cultural, or geopolitical yet they are deeply connected.
By tracing the tensions between power and ethics, this work explores how successful democracies evolved, why politics so often devolves into hostility, why societies fracture, understanding more deeply the progressive agenda and why Israel in particular stands at the center of so much global controversy. It examines how democracies are corroded from within, how oppressive regimes weaponize ideology, the dynamics of geo political tensions and how Western progressivism redefines compassion.
Rather than despair, the book points toward renewal, offering diagnoses, practical proposals, within the context of a profound conceptualization of the notion of state itself, one capable of transcending today’s divisions.
The Art of Thinking Critically with Clarity for Optimal Health: Your Longevity Is Determined by How You Think!
The Art of Thinking Critically with Clarity for Optimal Health focuses on sharpening our thinking when it comes to our health. Author Jerome Puryear takes a practical approach, breaking down complex concepts into simple lessons on weighing choices, sorting through misinformation, and making decisions with both heart and reason. He explores ways biases cloud our judgment, how logic strengthens choices, and the tools like emotional intelligence and metacognition that can shape healthier outcomes. What makes it stick is the way he ties everything back to real life, choosing a doctor, weighing treatment options, or simply trying not to drown in endless health information.
Reading it, I felt both challenged and reassured. I appreciated Puryear’s clarity, never hiding behind jargon. Some parts felt a bit heavy with lists and frameworks, almost like a textbook, but that structure also made it easy to digest.
What really stood out for me was his honesty about how messy decision-making can be. He didn’t promise that critical thinking is a magic fix. Instead, he demonstrates that this is a skill we stumble through and build over time. That gave me a sense of relief. I felt less pressure to “get it right” every time. The sections on misinformation and bias also hit close to home for me. I caught myself thinking of moments where I’d trusted a headline or gone with my gut, only to regret it later.
I’d recommend The Art of Thinking Critically with Clarity for Optimal Health to anyone who feels overwhelmed by health choices or just wants to think more clearly day to day. It’s especially useful for people who prefer having a toolkit they can actually use, not just theory. If you want a guide that balances practical advice with a thoughtful framework, this is an essential read.
A Greater Sense of Accomplishment
Space Autistic Author’s Puzzling Innerverse follows the narrator living in the “Innerverse,” aboard a spaceship called the Endoprise as he faces his daily challenges, represented through a series of whimsical, bizarre, and clever puzzles. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. When I was around 11 years old, just out of my early life autistic fog, I obtained James Razzi’s Star Trek Puzzle Manual. It was a new experience for me, introducing the idea of putting puzzles into the context of an already interesting universe. The timing was perfect. Right when I was feeling my confusing differences and isolation, my autistic brain was catching up. It’s a highly impressionable age anyway, but the simple immersion that Razzi did with his puzzles hit my brain like that beam of light from another galaxy you mentioned. Before then, puzzles tended not to hold my attention for very long, but that immersion changed everything. It accelerated my development and expanded my mind.
In 2024, I was suddenly overcome by a need to “pay that forward” to kids around that age. To be frank, the development process that followed was almost subconscious. My inner child told me what it would like to see in such a book, updated for the modern world, and a few months later Puzzling Innerverse was born. That made it a deeply honest process.
In fairness, though, the basic idea of my “Innerverse” was already something I had developed for my indie-cross-promotion, garage-animated entertainment series Space Autistic Author on YouTube. It was the natural choice for the “world” in which this more-than-a-puzzle-book would be based. But I didn’t just use it for immersion — there’s a thread, full-spectrum engagement, and, best of all, transformation.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I knew the puzzles could not be boring, standalone, busywork diversions, they had to have a purpose and had to have educational content, especially in the realms of “how to think,” “how to approach a problem,” and especially “don’t get intimidated by a first glance at a seemingly scary puzzle.” I can’t stand ‘dumbing down,’ both as a reader and a writer. I also knew I wanted to include compound puzzles, which provide a greater sense of accomplishment if you commit to helping “X.” get through his day (i.e. payback for being a decent person).
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
The basic idea of this book was almost entirely out of my wheelhouse. I’m not trained in education. For this book, my approach came from my inner child’s perspective rather than from an educator’s perspective. At my age, that’s a long reach back.
Also, aside from the intellectual goals mentioned above, which are tricky to implement, I knew that I had to bring the user along on a personal transformation arc. Vulnerability and emotional honesty aren’t enough, I wanted to show the user a transformative experience. It was crucial not to simply present random puzzles with a world as a passive backdrop. I knew I had to use the world immersion to truly enable both intellectual and emotional payback.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have no plans to create a novel as a follow-up to Puzzling Innerverse. Some day, I might find myself creating a Puzzling Innerverse follow-on, but who knows?
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | YouTube | Substack | Amazon
Step into an immersive world where every brain challenge helps you grow—both intellectually and emotionally. In this interactive book, you’ll join author X. Ho Yen as he navigates his day, confronting a series of intellectual and emotional hurdles.
These challenges are more than puzzles—they’re opportunities to develop patience, creativity, and resilience. As you solve each challenge, you’ll gain valuable skills for life.
Perfect for ages 10-12 and up, this book offers a unique experience that sharpens your intellect, fosters emotional growth, and encourages you to approach life’s challenges with both thoughtfulness and heart.
Black & White interior graphics (to keep the price down)
Immersive, educational brain tasks promoting emotional health and critical thinking
Categories:
Humor & Entertainment › Puzzles & Games › General
Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Activities, Crafts & Games › Interactive Adventures
For 10-12+: Activities, Crafts & Games › Puzzles
#STEAM
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Puzzle books are fine for those who already love doing puzzles. This unique interactive book is more for those who might
enjoy a little immersion. And it draws upon a variety of skills.
These challenges are threaded together with story and healthy introspection and objectivity (using a translucent fourth wall).
Instead of an infinite pile of standard puzzles to grind, this book features a variety of perplexities for you to thwart with your
patience, ingenuity, and heart.
Most challenges are combined with others, requiring thinking, not just grinding. It could be more fun as a family/team activity.
Use it for middle and high school (and general life) prep for ages ~10-12+, but also just fun for anyone who may not have
had an interactive book experience quite like this before.
This bespoke book is more of a participatory educational experience, almost social, like a road (space) trip with a friend.
Try To Give It Your Best
The Pink Crayon is the story of a little girl who learns the value of sharing, even when it comes to her most prized possession. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I distinctly remember a peaceful day in my backyard, enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful afternoon. Seated beside me, my daughter was immersed in coloring, going through a phase where everything had to be in shades of pink, from her clothes to her favorite spoon at daycare.
Just for fun, I asked if I could use her beloved pink crayon. What unfolded next was unexpectedly touching, revealing the pure innocence and creativity inherent in children.
This moment became the focal point of my story. I also sought to incorporate educational concepts suitable for the 2-5 age group. My writing inspiration stems from daily interactions with kids, and I strongly believe that a picture book has the potential to empower and educate them more effectively than parental rules alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In today’s world, where everything is so fast-paced, there is an ever-increasing need for empathy, collaboration, kindness, and generosity. The need of the hour is to work with people, make choices—possibly difficult ones—each day, and try to give it your best. Sharing does not always mean giving up things; it also means showing empathy, respecting, helping, and taking people along with you as you embark on any adventure. These skills not only help build grit and character but also help us stay grounded and always learn from others. The Pink Crayon has a true entrepreneurial spirit, not just in creating something but also in helping others make their dreams a success.
The artwork in your book is fantastic. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Noor Alshalabi?
I feel truly fortunate to have discovered Noor Alshalabi for my book. What initially drew me in was her impressive portfolio. Noor’s natural artistic style embodies transparency, rich textures, and a serene atmosphere—qualities that were crucial for capturing the essence of my book. To my delight, Noor generously provided a free sample page based on the text I supplied.
Our collaboration began approximately 6-7 months ago. In our initial phone call, I shared the vision and details about the character. The first phase involved character design, where Noor showcased exceptional attention to detail, patiently incorporated my feedback, and underwent multiple revisions.
As we progressed to the book pages, Noor presented initial sketches outlining the entire narrative. We engaged in several revisions, and Noor was accommodating enough to add extra pages to enhance the story’s flow. While the sketching phase demanded time, the transition to colored illustrations was seamless.
Noor’s professionalism shines through in her work. She adopts a modular approach, creating designs with multiple layers, allowing for swift additions or revisions. Her punctuality in updates was commendable, maintaining weekly email conversations throughout the project.
Upon completion of the book, Noor provided all necessary files for uploading to various POD platforms. She remained available for any queries and even made adjustments for specific platforms after the contract concluded. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and delightful illustrator. Working with Noor was a pure joy.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This kicks off the series of five books. I’m honing in on the social aspects of early learning for this character—tackling anxiety, being assertive, and building grit. These ideas are on my mind, and I’ll likely start working on them, possibly late next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Pink Crayon tells a captivating story that subtly imparts valuable lessons in early learning like empathy, critical thinking and independent decision making. This book encourages young readers to explore the exciting world of numbers, counting and colors, turning learning into a delightful adventure.
The pages are adorned with vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life, ending with a heartwarming and colorful conclusion. But the fun doesn’t stop there! After the story, readers can enjoy hands-on activities like puzzles and quizzes, extending the joy of learning beyond the book.
A must-have for every bookshelf, “The Pink Crayon” seamlessly combines learning with joy. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and makes for a thoughtful gift for any occasion. Grab your copy today!!
The Pink Crayon
The Pink Crayon, by Radhika Nair, narrates the delightful tale of Little Mimi, a young girl with a passion for art who faces the unexpected challenge of sharing her cherished art supplies. Set against a backdrop of vibrant outdoor scenes, the story unfolds as Mimi grapples with the arrival of visitors who take an interest in her favorite pink crayon. This narrative elegantly explores the complexities of sharing, especially when it involves items that hold significant personal value.
Nair’s storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, as it doesn’t offer a straightforward solution to Mimi’s dilemma. Instead, it subtly nudges readers to engage in creative problem-solving, encouraging them to think of various ways Mimi could resolve her predicament. This approach is particularly effective in fostering critical thinking in young readers, as they are drawn into Mimi’s world and her quest to find a solution that benefits everyone. Complementing the story’s charm is Noor Alshalabi’s artwork, which is nothing short of exceptional. Alshalabi’s illustrations are a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and warm expressions, adding depth and vibrancy to Mimi’s journey. The depiction of the pigeons, in particular, is a delightful touch, enhancing the story’s appeal. While the narrative adeptly addresses themes of critical thinking and problem-solving in stressful situations, it also excels in showcasing the importance of compromise and empathy. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, making this book not only an entertaining read but also an educational one.
The Pink Crayon is an excellent resource for introducing young readers to the fundamentals of critical thinking and problem-solving. Its suitability for a wide age range makes it an ideal choice for both independent reading and shared experiences in family or classroom settings. For those seeking a children’s book that combines a compelling story with valuable life lessons, The Pink Crayon stands out as a heartwarming and insightful choice.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CMPML4KW
LITERARY TITAN 