Blog Archives
The D Word
The D Word: 12 Steps to Diversity Recovery is a book that will make you appreciate everyone’s background, and understand that it is ok to be different. Susan McCuistion writes extensively about diversity, sharing her journey as a child of many cultures and writing about her experiences. The author did a lovely job telling her story. Many readers will enjoy and even relate to her tales. Susan McCuistion is a great narrator and one gets engrossed in the stories that she shares. When talking about diversity, the author ensures that the reader understands the importance of inclusivity and why working with people from different races, nationalities and ethnicities is a great thing.
Susan McCuistion is a great author not just because of how well she narrates her story, but also because of the solutions she gives when airing out issues. The 12 steps to diversity recovery shared in the book are what every adult needs to read in order to understand diversity better. The author breaks down diversity and goes deeper to share how it affects our daily living, each of the 12 steps is crucial in our growing and living. One of the biggest things that I took from the steps is that not many people admit when they are wrong. Society has conditioned us to group ourselves on the basis of us versus them, which takes a physical and emotional toll on many. Susan McCuistion writes on the dangers of grouping and gives effective solutions on how each situation should be handled.
The D Word: 12 Steps to Diversity Recovery is easy to understand, even when diving deep into topics. I also enjoyed this book because it gets one to be curious about different cultures and the ways of life of people that live in different parts of the globe.
The D Word: 12 Steps to Diversity Recovery provides readers with a candid examination and reevaluation of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in our community. It provides actionable advice to implement real change and shows how that change will benefit us all in real and life changing ways.
Pages: 144 | ASIN: B0964CH26D
Tribal and Human Values
Christianity and the Tribal Societies of North East India provides readers with an in-depth exploration of Indian tribes and Christianity. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The north eastern region of India comprising of seven states, covering the sub-Himalayan mountain ranges, has seen waves of migration from time immemorial. It exhibits a plurality of cultures, races, languages and religions and is one of the most unique and romantic places. I lived there for fifteen years and thus had the opportunity to visit the places and have contact with people. My appreciation for their social, cultural and religious life and the way they led their political and economic struggles and faced the challenges and threats from the natural forces, prompted me to write the book to convey relevant messages to modern man.
What were some key aspects of tribal societies that were important for you to include in this book?
Their loyalty and faithfulness to the tribal traditions and way of life, their struggles to keep up their tribal identity in spite of modernization, their desire for imparting education to their children, their involvement in the struggles for obtaining political statehood on tribal basis, gender equality, higher status of women in some tribes as an inspiration for women liberation, absence of any caste system found in many major population groups in India, their love for singing and dancing etc., are some of the important aspects included in the book.
What kind of research did you undertake to complete this book?
It is a descriptive and analytic research that I have followed in this work. I have given a clear and precise picture of the seven states in the north eastern region of India, their topographical and geographical details, the tribal people inhabiting the states, their cultural, social, religious and political life, the struggles for the formation of the different states and the scope and challenges in the economic and agricultural fields. I have also analysed various aspects of their socio- cultural life and advances in education and political consciousness and I have made theological reflections in the light of these.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
The one thing, I hope, the readers will take away from the book is their high sense of tribal and human values, characterised by sincerity, openness, simplicity, solidarity with fellow human beings and concern for the poor and the weak.
Author Links: Website | GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
The north-eastern region of India comprising of the seven states known as the ‘Seven Sisters’ represents an area of enormous ecological, geographical and ethnical diversity. This region which is inhabited by 166 diverse tribes is blessed with dense and lush green forests, hills and valleys, rich flora and fauna, and holds immense mineral and power resources. Its passes and valleys have witnessed centuries of migration and served as a gateway of commerce and culture. The North East has a plurality of races, religions, cultures, languages and dialects, making it one of the most diverse and picturesque regions of India. Ending its isolation, this region has come into the main stream of national life through the educational and modernization process set in motion in the region chiefly by Christian missionaries. The region has also over the years been through much unrest and turmoil. With growing awareness, people have also been demanding a greater share in the achievements of the nation. But often their aspirations are met only partially, and the dissatisfaction with the poor development of the region and the absence of adequate opportunities prompt the younger generations to adopt what often turn out to be unconstitutional and militant ways to end exploitation and domination, culminating in much violence and bloodshed, throwing the entire region into turmoil. As Christianity has much influence on the life of the people here, it is its responsibility to take seriously the situation of insurgency and militancy that directly affect the people’s aspirations for an authentic, dignified and peaceful life. In order to enable the Church to respond adequately to this situation, it is essential that a suitable theology emerge in the multicultural and plurireligious context of the North East. Such a theology will not be limited to that region, but will have consequences also for dealing with several problems affecting the universal Church. The present study is undertaken with a view to examining the features of the theology that will emerge in the north-eastern context, and also its impact on universal theology. The North East of India can exert tremendous influence on the debates on current theological issues and can pave the way for the emergence of a Church with truly indigenous features.
Millionaire Mind In 5 Days
![Millionaire Mind In 5 Days by [Mark Spencer]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413cR4SWIxL.jpg)
The biggest takeaway from this inspiring book is that it is never too late to turn your life around. Mark Spencer’s message is that of hope and inspiration. The stories he tells, the experiences he shares and the lessons he has learned through the years. Millionaire Mind in 5 Days is an inspirational book where Mark Spencer lays it all bare. When reading the book, you realize that the author is candid with the stories that he gives and is not ashamed to talk about his failures.
When first getting into the book, the author prepares you for the content that you will consume. The first few chapters help you understand where the author comes from and why everyone’s story matters. The first chapter is one of the most significant chapters in the book. The author has a list of five crucial questions every ambitious person should ask themselves. How often do you ask yourself if you want to be successful or rich or find inner peace? The author poses these questions to the reader, making them reflect on their journey in life and the decisions they make. The content in the first chapter is valuable and gives one the urge to keep reading.
Mark Spencer is engaging throughout the book and that is why Millionaire Mind in 5 Days is not your regular inspirational book. The author shares personal and thought provoking stories that help readers understand the content, and the author, on a deeper level. Reading this book was easy and refreshing. The author gives pragmatic and actionable advice along with a bit of humor to make it all feel conversational.
Mark Spencer provides thoughtful insight into finances, commercial success, and shows how we can fix the flaws in our lives. Talk of family, old friends, colleagues and even neighbors; this book will enable you have a better relationship with the people that you interact with everyday. Thinking like a millionaire and working towards being a millionaire are the goals. Millionaire Mind in 5 Days will help you get out of the hole that is making you unsuccessful.
Pages: 242 | ASIN: B091V6F4HZ
Life’s Complex Journey
The Classroom of Life shares inspirational stories, lessons learned, and wisdom gained through your life to help readers navigate the obstacles in their life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The concept of the book was developed more than fifty years ago after our first child Maria was born. Each day as I looked into her darling face, I was confronted with the fact that life is replete with obstacles, challenges, and adversity. That epiphany sparked a personal mission to provide a more expeditious roadmap in order to successfully traverse life’s journey. It took 53 years to collect a compendium of useful knowledge and strategies from the many diverse gurus and sages of the past. As time passed, I determined that whether you’re a child, young adult, parent, or grandparent, this book would assist in navigating life’s journey. These lessons, inspirational stories, humor, memorabilia, and wisdom were gathered from the most venerated and enlightened minds and assembled in “The Classroom of Life”. It was my sincere hope that this knowledge would facilitate life’s complex journey.
What is a common misconception you feel young people have about challenges in life?
There are a number of misconceptions that young people have about their challenges in life. First and foremost is their naiveté about the dangers faced and the subsequent catastrophic consequences. Few are equipped with a realistic concept of what to expect. They include stress, melancholy, adolescence, sex, letting go of past events, addictions, fears, and many more. Problems are an everyday occurrence requiring strategies to deal with their variety and seriousness. In addition, many, especially young adults, have a perceived sense of invulnerability and unrealistic feeling of herculean strength.
What were some ideas that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was very important to explore the many intricacies of everyone’s life. My goal was to bring awareness and necessary action plans to tackle the many diverse and difficult situations faced regularly. It is with words of comfort and confidence that I offer new perspectives with meaningful answers. Being idealistic and optimistic I ultimately wanted to address the multitude of challenges we all face. They included the meaning of life, love, happiness, inner peace, freedom, and the pleasures that we all can achieve.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Hopefully, the reader will discover new understandings as well as viable and proven techniques to help deal with the daily stressors of age, anger, coping with difficult people, parenting, and the myriad of other obstacles and problems. Besides the many cogent quotes and righteous morals found throughout this treatise, I wanted to convey at least two very critical messages:
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant” Robert Louis Stevenson and, “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.” Martin Luther King Jr.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads | Website
In 1967 I had a dream about my children and the future children of the world! Having already started my own journey, I had discovered the many obstacles needed to overcome life’s sojourn. If only I could build a classroom to guide my youngsters and their worldly brethren.
My treatise would address the problems met during life’s voyage, and it would propose solutions to each. The book would include the wisdom and advice of the sages, past, and present. It would embrace a compendium of stories, research, quotes, and down to earth lessons. This virtual classroom would identify the multitude of obstructions faced on life’s odyssey, including its painful trials and tribulations, the development of rules of conduct, a moral compass, social skills, emotional maturity, humility, character, and all the other necessary adaptations and applications to weather life’s struggles.
I began collecting as much documented knowledge as possible. It included quotes, stories, books, seminars, cartoons, articles, and notes. After a half-century, I was mesmerized at the volume of hidden jewels collected. And, humbled by the mental giants whose cherished words had endured for millennia. This was my Holy Grail, a cache of many rare and priceless antiquities. With resolute passion, I began my dream, to share this treasure trove of instructional and inspirational gems.
The Evil Within Us
Tayyib A Tayyib’s The Evil Within Us: Evolution of Social Systems & The Ideal State is a great book because it enlightens the reader on how nations operate and why it is important for countries to work in unity. Tayyib A Tayyib uses proven data to expound on his narrative of the world. When reading the book, you realize that the world is much more complex than you may have imagined. The Evil Within Us is about social, political, and economic structures across the globe. Reading this book makes one realize that despite various governments using different modes of operation while governing their states, the impact felt by citizens across the world is almost the same.
Lovers of history will also enjoy this book because of the historical events and facts that the author included in his book. Want to know why the United States got to be so powerful? Why are South American nations not thriving as they should? Will Africa remain in the same state year in year out despite its people working hard to elevate their position? Tayyib A Tayyib answers these and similar questions by going to the root of the problem and discussing how global political history has influenced the state of some of the nations that are not doing well. The author will teach you about inequality and the unfair distribution of resources. Reading this book gives one the impression of being in a political science class.
The content in this book is for individuals that are conscious about the political climate and socio-economic affairs in the area that they reside in. Reading this book will help you challenge systems and political structures as the author has written in-depth what ails many communities, societies, and countries, and how solutions can be met. His work experience and background have contributed to the information he has, which is a great thing as it will encourage readers to explore more and get exposed to things outside of the areas or countries they reside in.
The topics in this book are serious but Tayyib A Tayyib explains them in a thorough manner. The Evil Within Us will help readers understand that the gap between rich nations and poor nations can be reduced if those in charge do the right thing.
Pages: 468 | ASIN: B08XN2RZ7B
I Needed to Entertain My Toddler
Lisa Forsythe Author Interview
Simple Activities For Toddlers provides parents with lots of fun and educational ideas that will keep their kids engaged. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Last year (2020) was challenging for many families. In March Spain, along with many other countries, went into lockdown. We were confined to our apartment with an almost 2-year-old. Suddenly, I needed to entertain my toddler all day long whilst making sure I offered a variety of activities and physical exercise while cooped up in an apartment. I drew on my experience as a primary school teacher to create play-based activities to engage my son whilst ensuring he was developing holistically. I started an Instagram page, @simpletoddleractivities, to share some of the activities we were doing with friends and family to offer activity ideas if they needed them. Then, it became something to keep me sane during that challenging time.
Throughout this journey, I realized parents wanted some inspiration for play-based activities to keep their toddlers busy whilst giving them the best start in life. Being a primary school teacher and parent, I wanted to use my teaching expertise to create simple activity ideas that are attainable for other parents and yet achievable for their toddlers. I try to use resources that are easily accessible, like recyclables, household items and common craft supplies. Furthermore, I want to help reduce overconsumption that plagues many families and in turn, has negative impacts for the environment.
The activities were so fun and easy to follow. What is your favorite activity from the book?
Modern art. The activity allows kids to enjoy the process of creation as opposed to creating a finished product. Creating a space where children can freely experiment with colour mixing, different brushes, lines, and materials encourages the use of the child’s imagination and ‘out of the box’ thinking. It is a type of art that they can be totally involved in and requires little assistance.
What advice would you give to parents who are struggling to engage their kids in different activities?
Start with something simple that is based on your child’s interests. For example, if they are into dinosaurs, choose a dinosaur related activity. As a parent it is important that we are playful and get down to their level. Remember your child wants your time, your undivided attention – YOU are enough. The activity does not have to be what you would consider amazing, your presence and engagement is sufficient.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on another book for slightly older children. As we are not in lockdown, I would love to write a book that incorporates more outdoor learning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The activities in this book are of high educational quality that maximizes the best use of your time, resources, and space. These play-based activities help your child thrive and ensures that they get a head start in life. All the activities have been ´toddler approved´ or field tested by Thomas.
Lisa Forsythe has over 15 years of experience as a teacher across Australia, NZ & UK. Since becoming a mother to Thomas she has focused her time on developing simple activities that develop foundational skills toddlers need to learn before engaging with more complex concepts and understandings. This is a practical guide for parents that creates opportunities to bond with your child and make beautiful life-long memories.
The activities predominately require things like recyclables, household items and common craft supplies; so, saving you money whilst being kind to the environment. There are a range of activities from sensory play, imaginative play, STEAM, crafts and games. They spark curiosity, enjoyment, motivation, deep learning, and creativity. The hard work of planning and ensuring that your toddler is equipped with the foundational skills they need for life has been done for you.
Simple Activities For Toddlers
It can be difficult to find activities to please a moody toddler and even more challenging to find something to do with only what you have on hand at home. In addition, if activities are too involved, require oddball materials, or take too long to complete, things can go downhill for a frantic parent very quickly. Fortunately, Lisa Forsythe offers parents, caregivers, and teachers of children ages 2-5 a fantastic how-to guide on quick and easy activities that hold interest and provide important lessons at the same time.
Simple Activities for Toddlers: A Practical Play-at-Home Handbook for Parents, by Lisa Forsythe, is a real lifesaver for families as well as teachers and caregivers. Cover to cover, the author has filled this handy book with step-by-step instructions for engaging projects and quick activities to keep toddlers’ little hands busy in a constructive and not-so-scary-for-parents manner!
This book is a gold mine for things to do on weekends and rainy days. I was especially taken with the format of the activities. Forsythe leaves no parent guessing–she lays out every activity in very simple terms, includes easy-to-access materials, and shows it all in lovely photographs that further excite kids as well as adults. I think my favorite activity is the Sea Creature Craft–so easy and just classically cute.
As a teacher, I can’t say enough about Forsythe’s attention to detail with reading, math, and writing skills. The more parents and caregivers can do at home with toddlers, the better off their children will be once they start kindergarten. These activities are rich with opportunities for little ones to practice those skills side by side with their parents–and none of it will feel like work to the toddlers.
Simple Activities for Toddlers: A Practical Play-at-Home Handbook for Parents, by Lisa Forsythe was written with 2-5 year olds in mind. I can see many of these activities fitting smoothly into elementary classrooms as part of thematic units. From cardboard boxes to noodles and muffin tins, the author keeps it simple and stress-free. Forsythe has given parents and teachers a true treasure!
Pages: 158 | ASIN: B08YS62P5Q
The Rules of a Little Boss: A book of self-love
![The Rules of a Little Boss: A book of self-love (Big Boss Series) by [Haelee Moone, Arsalan Khalid, Dedrick Moone]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51u1EE0RYzS.jpg)
The Rules of a Little Boss helps readers accept who they are and provides the tools needed to be self-confident and stand up to bully’s and peer pressure. This vivid children’s book shows kids in various situations that they normally face in school and in life. The book shares positive messages about being who you are and never being ashamed of it.
I really loved the diverse cast of characters in this book and how the story shows that that is why we’re all special. The lessons in the book range from building self-confidence, to being nice, to avoiding drugs. All the lessons are delivered with colorful graphic art and emotive characters that will certainly keep the attention of any children reading along.
Every page of the book shares a new message about self-love and being kind and gives readers simple but powerful messages that will help motivate them to implement these ideas in their own life. As the introduction to the book states “you have to be willing to do the work”. This book serves as a fantastic guide for children to follow, and is a great book for parents and teachers to use as talking points about self-esteem.
The Rules of a Little Boss shares important messages that can improve children’s lives for years to come. This is a beautifully written children’s picture book that deals with a variety of personal and social issues in an easy-to-understand manner and truly embraces the values of diversity and inclusion.
Pages: 25 | ASIN: B097193LWG
LITERARY TITAN 