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The Rise and Fall of the American Republic
Books offering opposing viewpoints and unique takes on current events always catch my eye. I believe that learning what makes others tick can be helpful in the long run. As a public school educator of over 25 years, I was intrigued and felt compelled to read D. Jonathan Scott’s most recent work, and I was not disappointed.
The Rise and Fall of the American Republic offers readers a complete breakdown of the current status of the government of the United States, its history, and what today’s structure looks like compared to its beginnings. Scott goes into great depth as he explains the results of his research into Communism’s appearance in the United States. Scott’s research is thorough, and his examination of Socialism and Communism gives readers a unique perspective on which to contemplate.
Christianity and anything that stands as a threat to it are important in Scott’s examination of current political events in the United States. Readers who are concerned with maintaining a Christian-based society will appreciate Scott’s research, especially when it comes to schools, the media, and laws. Scott has gone to great lengths to help explain how far our country has strayed from its original plans and how that has impacted each and every aspect of our lives today.
As a teacher, I found Scott’s research on education particularly interesting. It’s always enlightening to hear another perspective on public schools and how our children are being taught. Scott not only shares the results of meticulous research, but he gives a list of suggestions for getting our country back on track.
The Rise and Fall of the American Republic is thorough and enlightening and I highly recommend it, although at times it does feel like a textbook. I recommend Scott’s work to anyone looking for a carefully researched explanation of today’s political climate as well as a hard, no-holds-barred breakdown of all that is wrong with our country. Scott minces no words, and his work will resonate with many a reader.
Pages: 112 | ASIN: B08NFP8L1B
Way Outside My Comfort Zone
Higher Connections is part humor, part educational, and part real-life experiences, all in relation to the use of cannabis and how it can help create deeper connections and meaning in life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
To be up-front, I NEVER thought I would write a book, especially about a topic like this. I am a Certified Public Accountant – I deal with numbers all day, every day! So writing a book was WAY outside of my comfort zone.
However, after I started having some of these interesting experiences and connections while high, I eventually got up the nerve to speak to my wife (Alexandra) about what thoughts I was having and she encouraged me to write them down.
It wasn’t until after I had my out-of-body experience that I detail in Chapter 5 of the book that I really thought people might want to hear and understand what I was going through.
The real importance to this book, however, comes in Chapter 6 where I talk about the benefits to me and my relationships from cannabis that I never had with alcohol. I am more at peace, I am able to understand others better and my “elevator music” stops and I can focus on the important things in my life much better than I can otherwise.
I know some people grew up hearing cannabis was evil or a gateway drug so I thought it was important for me to tell my story and hopefully others will be more comfortable at least trying the plant out, going forward.
What is one thing cannabis that you think is misrepresented in the media?
As I note above, some people have heard that marijuana is a gateway drug or that is addictive, which based on my experiences is very far from the truth. I am not addicated (I just took a mone month tolerance break and was just fine) and it has not led me to do acid, shrooms, LCD or any other pschodelic drugs.
One thing I stress in the book is that if you look at other things that most humans consume on a daily basis (e.g. red meat, sugars, fried foods, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) that are perfectly accepted in society, you will find that marijuana is likely better for you (or at least not as bad) as several of these items yet it is still federally illegal because of xenophobic positions taken all the way back in the early 20th century.
Hopefully as more professionals and others come out in support of marijuana, this will change and marijuana will FINALLY be legal and I can advertise my book on Amazon 🙂
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Overall, the research was really just attempts by me to somehow support the crazy thoughts that were in my brain.
When I was researching the information about witching hours, multiple personality disorders, paranoia, possessions and reincarnation, it really did amaze me how most of those concepts could be explained by the ability of humans to connect to other humans or other energy in the universe through the concept of a third-eye.
I am not saying that is what is actually happening but it was interesting to research the impacts on the brain when those situations are occurring and to potentially explain what causes each of those circumstances to occur.
It was also interesting to read the limited research on marijuana in humans to strengthen my arguments about what is happening in my brain when I am high (i.e the brain does seem to speed up under the influence of THC).
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
As I mentioned, I am not a writer. Explaining some of these thoughts around third-eyes, souls and simulation theory was not easy and I tried my best to do it but I am sure it may be perceived as just ramblings of a guy high on cannabis. That is fair and I would certainly be apprehensive about some of the things I write about in this book.
However, when you step away from that and look at all of the cool connections and experiences that Alexandra and I have had, I hope people become more open and willing to try this for themselves in order to (Hopefully) develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with those around them. You can try to connect with anyone in your life – a friend, family member, work colleague – it doesn’t have to exclusively be to someone you are in a romantic relationship with. Chapter 7 gives a summary of how anyone reading can attempt to connect with someone around them to see if they feel or think something different than they normally would.
On our podcast, Higher Connections, Alexandra and I came up with a great way to do this. If you are trying to connect with someone – watch THEIR favorite movie together while you are high (Alexandras was Boomerang) and see if you react similarly to how they are reacting. This may be a great way to determine if you are able to connect with someone else.
Either way, Alexandra are I really enjoyed the process of writing this out and hope the readers enjoy the content as well!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
The book summarizes my experiences with cannabis, the interesting connections I have made, the benefits to me from making these connections, what I think is happening that allows me to make these connections, and some other random and (hopefully) funny observations I have written down while high.
I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I did.
The Art of Psychotherapy and the Liberation of the Therapist
The Art of Psychotherapy and the Liberation of the Therapist is an academic work by Dr. Len Bergantino, Ed.D., Ph.D. This book educates the reader on psychotherapy and shows how it has progressed throughout the career of Dr. Bergantino as well as the work of many other experts whose work he has carefully studied and evaluated, and the experiences and views of the patients.
At the beginning of the book Dr. Bergantino points out that on the cover of his book is a picture of the American Revolutionary War hero Patrick Henry who was noted for his famous quote “Give me liberty or give me death.” Dr. Bergantino explains that the only way to see progress in psychotherapy is if both the psychiatrist and the patient are completely liberated from everything around them and are entirely open and honest in the work that they are doing, and that is the approach he tried to use throughout his career.
This enlightening book is divided into two parts, with part two being a continuation and deeper dive into the topics in part one. This work covers topics from the existential moment, working with children, the holistic approach to psychotherapy, narcissism, couples therapy, schizophrenia, clinical psychology, and more. It also includes experts such as Freud, Whitaker, Frankl, and others. The book is filled with stories from Dr. Bergantino’s career and shows readers how he handled situations with different patients such as a very tall, overweight man who carried a knife with him which made for a very unpleasant, unsafe, and stressful work environment, or a recent widower who was left alone with his young children, and many more.
A key term in this book is ‘existential moment’ which is defined as a full sense of being between patient and therapist. Those two human beings are capable of experiencing the focus of the moment, as it is applied to therapy. It deals with authenticity and the vulnerability that comes from two people facing each other as equals. Readers will also be met with the question that Shakespeare asked so many years ago, “To be or not to be?” The book explores how we interpret that question in our own lives, along with psychotherapy, and more interesting topics readers otherwise may not have thought about.
The Art Of Psychotherapy and the Liberation of the Therapist is an informative and thought-provoking book that I would recommend to readers looking for a compelling memoir or an edifying book on the topic of psychotherapy. This book takes an incredible dive into the world of psychotherapy and will appeal to practitioners, psychologists, or students in the psychotherapy field, as well as patients who want to learn more about psychotherapy.
Pages: 516 | ASIN: B07SKMW57C
It’s So Cute
What A Muck follows a young child who encounters several mishaps while trying to be helpful and learns a valuable lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?
Actually, this book is based on 2 true events. The roll away car happened over 35 years ago and my father really did run like lightning. Everyone was fine in that story too. The other incident happen pretty much how it reads in the book, just the timing and setting are different. Every time my grandson hears this part of the book he says, “Do you remember when that happened to us Nana?” It’s so cute. I was inspired to retell the story to help children learn car safety in an entertaining way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Katrina Sachs?
Thank you! Katrina and I had a lot of back and forth. My book took many revisions to finish. Even my character name changed from Max to Drew, because it was easier to find words to rhyme with Drew, and it’s gender neutral. Since I wanted Drew to be gender neutral I asked Katrina to make the character that way too. We also decided to bring the car and truck to ‘life’ to add some humour to the serious storyline. Beyond that, I let Katrina have freedom to create. She has a fine eye for detail and perfectly captures the essence of a story. My daughter is patient and great to work with.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This was my first attempt to write in rhythm and rhyme. It was important for me to see this through, because when a book is entertaining and easy to read it helps build confidence and develop a love for books. I think the message in this book is as much for children as it is for care givers. Vehicles are not a toy and children need to know that it’s important to ask questions when unsure how something works. Adults need to take precautions to keep everyone safe.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is called, No More Stuff. In this book, hopefully children will think about their personal space and see how they can help reduce their foot print in the world when it comes to celebration time. There’s a catchy verse that goes to the tune of, How much wood can a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood. I think children will have fun repeating it. The main character will take us on their journey to learn a new way of thinking, and in the end take the lead to help their family reduce their foot print too. I plan to publish No More Stuff in April 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In this children’s picture book, young Drew has good intentions of helping. The day begins with thoughts of having fun, but quickly things are turned upside down. Drew has been watching Papa and Mom, and now a CLICK and a CLUNK have them all in a muck.
Can watching big people help fix a problem too? Can Drew know what to do in time to save Papa’s truck?
Find out in this fun to read a rhyming story. Filled with wonderful and expressive illustrations featuring a comical car and truck. If they could talk, Drew’s day may have turned out much differently.
Learn from Drew what not to do before it happens to you!
Attentive Children
This book showcases the obvious, that children watch our every move. Children learn to speak from listening – every right and wrong word we say. They learn about the world around them through instruction and from watching you.
Drew observes Mom and knows what one button inside her car can do. Maybe? The first attempt to be helpful begins the day’s troublesome journey. We learn lessons through trial and error, but Drew hopes your child will learn from the mistakes made in What a Muck.
One reader wrote: “This book is great for sparking a conversation even when we have good intentions, things can go the wrong way. It touches on how we can all make mistakes in life, which is ok because it allows us to learn and grow. “What a Muck” is a sweet rhyming colourful picture book that takes you on a day in life of a young boy named Drew who has a series of unfortunate events happen when all he wants to do is be a good helper.”
Rhyming
A good book doesn’t have to rhyme, but a good rhyming book serves an important purpose. Rhyme helps aid in a child’s language and reading development. It teaches verbal and memory skills. When a child hears pitch and rhythm, they are developing listening and attention skills. When a book is easy and fun, a child builds confidence in the ability to recite it. This leads to more reading. When reading is fun to hear or listen to, your child develops important academic skills, all the while being entertained.
Gender Identity
Drew is gender neutral. The author intentionally does not refer to Drew as he or she so the reader can relate to the character as they like.
About the Author
Linda Sachs writes books children and caregivers can relate to and will want to read often. She understands the importance of reading to children and developing books that children can read themselves. Some times it just takes one good book to spark the love for reading, and your child is off to a world of imagination and growth.
Linda thanks a school librarian and her intuitiveness to know how to spark the love of reading. She has been writing for many years, and recently entered the publishing world with her debut children’s picture book No More Pets. You can follow Linda on social media, her website, https://lindasachs.com and join her VIP newsletter. She would love to hear from you.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and dreams of writing more fun books for children.
Worries About Visiting The Dentist
Ellie Visits the Dentist follows a little girl on her first visit to the dentist where she learns how to take care of her teeth and finds that the dentist’s office isn’t scary. What was the inspiration for the idea behind this children’s book?
This story is based on my own daughter, who went through a similar experience when she visited the dentist for the first time. She was, understandably, nervous enough about her first dentist visit and then finding out she had cavities only added to her anxiety. Thanks to her wonderful and patient dentist, her experience turned out very positive, and she has since grown to love her dentist. I knew that other kids were probably experiencing similar fears regarding visiting the dentist, and I wanted to write a book that they could read and relate to that would help them understand that the dentist does not have to be a scary place, but rather it can be interesting and even fun.
The art in the book is vibrant and cute. What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
I would have to say that the first spread, which depicts Ellie playing with her three brothers, was my favorite scene to create. I love this scene because the kids in it are based on my own children, and I tried to make each of their own personalities really show in their character. It is also just a fun, loving picture, showing siblings getting along and playing nicely together, which doesn’t always happen in real life!
What were some ideas that were important for you to include in this book?
I wanted to show that Ellie’s fears and worries about visiting the dentist were completely valid and justified, and that it was important for her mother and her dentist not to minimize them. However, at the same time, I wanted her mother and her dentist to clearly explain and also demonstrate that it is important not to let her fears take over, but rather to understand that the dentist is a person who provides a service to her that helps her and that nothing bad will happen at the dentist’s office.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book, which is still in its early stages, is going to be based on my oldest son, and the topic is going to be practicing good sportsmanship by being part of a baseball team while dealing with both winning and losing. Since I’m still working on drafting the story, I don’t have an expected release date yet, but I’m hopeful for sometime next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Visiting the dentist for the first time is often frightening for many children since they do not know what to expect. Receiving the unwelcome news that the child may require dental work will likely amplify this fear. Ellie Visits the Dentist is the heartwarming story of a little girl who experienced these same fears. Though she is scared when it is discovered that she has cavities, her kind dentist helps her through the process and Ellie realizes that the dentist’s office is not a place to fear.
Enemies of Africa
Enemies of Africa is a factual and historical description of how widespread the slave trade was and how there is still widespread racism and discrimination even today. Author Jaiden Baynes has done an excellent job and provides readers with an essential read. Baynes’ writing will open your eyes to how the slave trade started and the factors that led to it being so widespread.
Enemies of Africa is a well-researched and planned work of pure fact. I thought I knew a lot about the slave trade, but there is so much that the history classes left out. This eye-opening book filled in all the blanks, and I am more educated on the slave trade now than I ever was by a textbook.
It is very apparent that so much research went into this novel to ensure factual and precise information. This book explains how the slave trade started and why. It also showcases just how horribly slave traders treated their slaves. Enslaved people weren’t treated like humans. They were beaten and starved, and their children were sold into slavery as well. I think it is essential for information like this to be shared. While this is a heavy topic to read about, Jaiden Baynes lays out the facts in a way that makes absorbing this appalling piece of history possible.
Enemies of Africa is an educational resource on the dark history of slavery. This factual book teaches readers the things that average history courses skip over. Unfortunately, there is a cultural bias toward Africans, and I think everyone needs to read what this book says about it. Enemies of Africa is worth the read. Well done, Jaiden Baynes, for laying out the information and touching on a challenging subject in a digestible way.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B0BCGF2ZK3
LITERARY TITAN 