Blog Archives
I Was Playing Checkers While God Was Playing Chess: The Power and Presence of God in My Life
James Bass’s I Was Playing Checkers While God Was Playing Chess is a raw and vulnerable memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from deep childhood trauma to spiritual awakening and redemption. Drawing on vivid metaphors from the game of chess, Bass uses each chapter to map out pivotal “moves” in his life—moments of heartbreak, divine intervention, and personal growth. Through the lens of abuse, addiction, love, and faith, Bass tells the story of how God’s unseen hand was guiding his life’s trajectory, even when he could barely keep his own head above water.
Bass’s writing isn’t polished in the traditional sense—it’s honest. Honest like a wound still healing. There’s power in that. His voice jumps off the page, not like a preacher, but like a man who’s been through the worst and is just grateful to be alive. The early chapters, especially those about his Abuelita and the horrifying abuse he endured as a child, were painful to read. But that pain is the point. You can feel his desperation and confusion, and then—slowly—his transformation. The chess metaphor could’ve easily been gimmicky, but here it’s brilliant. It gives shape to his suffering and makes it feel like maybe all our worst days aren’t just random punches from life.
Where the book really shines, though, is in the sections about Crystal—his wife, his partner, his mirror. Their love is not a fairy tale. It’s messy, cracked, and sometimes brutal. But it’s also real. Bass’s depiction of being a caregiver to someone with a severe mental illness is unflinching and brave. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. And that’s why it works. His sacrifices don’t feel like grand gestures. They feel like daily choices to love someone no matter what. That kind of love—resilient, imperfect, relentless—feels holy. And when he finally connects his childhood reading struggles to his ability to advocate for Crystal later in life? It was powerful. You can’t make that stuff up.
This isn’t a book for people looking for tidy answers or happy endings wrapped in bows. But if you’ve ever asked God “why?”, if you’ve ever looked at your life and felt like nothing made sense, or if you’ve ever wondered whether your pain had a point—this book is for you. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to know the next move. You just have to trust that the board is in the hands of a Master. I’d recommend it to anyone navigating trauma, caregiving, broken family dynamics, or just plain soul exhaustion.
Pages: 78 | ASIN :
Marvelous Marcus and Master Mason: 6th Grade Super Sleuths
This quirky kids’ chapter book follows two clever brothers, Marcus and Mason, who aren’t your average sixth graders. Marcus can draw things that come to life, literally. Mason has the power to focus so hard that he can teleport himself and his brother right into Marcus’s illustrations. Together, they solve goofy, gross, and often ridiculous mysteries at their school, taking on characters like Farting Freddy, Stinky Cheese Chuck, and Bad Breath Billy. Each chapter reads like a mini adventure where the boys use their wild powers to outsmart bullies and save the day, usually with a good laugh.
This book had me grinning more than I expected. The writing is simple, which makes it easy to follow for kids, but what really got me was the nonstop silliness. The names, like Big Bad Booger Bobby, are the kind of thing that kids eat up. You can tell the author had fun writing it, and that energy bubbles up on every page. Sometimes the plot jumped too fast, and I found myself flipping back to make sure I didn’t miss something. Still, the playful tone kept it from feeling like a drag.
I also really liked the bond between the brothers. It’s not spelled out in long paragraphs, but you can feel their teamwork and trust through all the chaos. And let’s talk about the ideas—superpowered drawings? A brain that can teleport you? That’s gold for kids with big imaginations. Even when things got downright disgusting (there is a chapter about an evil fart artist), it was clear this book knows its audience and leans into what makes them giggle.
Marvelous Marcus & Master Mason is a silly and heartfelt ride through a world where gross is good and being clever wins the day. It’s perfect for kids around 7 to 11 who love comics, fart jokes, and offbeat superhero stories. If your kid is into wacky humor and wild adventures, they’ll be hooked from the first page.
Pages: 51 | ISBN : 1963737296
I Was Playing Checkers While God Was Playing Chess: The Power and Presence of God in My Life
I Was Playing Checkers While God Was Playing Chess is part memoir, part testimony, and all heart. It’s the story of a man who lived through a mountain of trauma. Abuse, racism, addiction, marital struggles, and found God moving in places he didn’t expect. Every chapter uses a chess move to explain a turning point in his life, like how his grandmother giving him an encyclopedia set as a boy set the stage for him to one day decode complex psychiatric info and care for his wife. It’s deeply personal, packed with emotion, and reads like someone sitting across the table, telling you their truth.
One chapter that really hit me was “The Fork” about his abuelita. She steps in during his horrible childhood, gives him love, and literally hands him books when no one else believed in him. That whole section had me teary-eyed. It reminded me how sometimes the smallest gestures change everything. And the way he ties it back later, like decades later, to how he understood medical texts to help his wife, was amazing. That’s not just a good story. That’s fate with a plan. I could feel how much those books meant to him. It wasn’t just about reading. It was about survival.
Then there’s Crystal. She’s not just his wife. She’s a whole force of nature. That part where she tells him, “I love you for the man you’re going to become,” after he’s cheated and blown up their marriage? I had to put the book down for a second. That line wrecked me. You feel the weight of what they’ve been through, but you also feel the hope. The love between them isn’t pretty or easy, but it’s real. The mental health stuff is raw, too. He talks about psychosis, ER visits, and disappearing acts. And yet there’s faith threaded through it all, like a lifeline.
Later on, when he talks about writing his first book and speaking publicly, it’s a total shift. That’s when you realize the guy who used to think he was worthless is now lifting other people up. There’s this full-circle moment when he reconnects with an old boss who turns out to be a pastor. The way it all lines up? It’s wild. It feels earned. I could see the gears turning in his life even when he couldn’t. That made me look at my own life differently. Like maybe all this chaos has some kind of pattern.
If you’ve ever felt like you were getting hit from all sides and couldn’t see the bigger picture, this book is for you. If you’ve ever loved someone who was hard to love, or were that person yourself, this book is for you. It’s not fancy or polished. But it’s real and full of heart.
Pages: 78 | ISBN : 978-1963737240
Fun, Faith-filled, and Relatable
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp follows six children as they bond through silly pranks, epic camp experiences, and their budding faith. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The inspiration for Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp came from our Pastor’s daughter, Annabelle—who actually became one of the characters in the book! She approached us with a simple request: could we write a chapter book, since she loves reading so much? My wife and I were eager to create something meaningful, but we initially struggled to land on the right concept—something fun, faith-filled, and relatable for the kids in our church.
The breakthrough came when we volunteered at our church’s four-day Vacation Bible School. Immersed in the laughter, energy, and genuine faith of the children, everything clicked. By the end of the week, the characters, camp mischief, and spiritual moments had practically written themselves.
Can you share a little about your collaboration process?
As for our collaboration process, it’s truly a team effort. My wife and I bounce ideas off each other constantly—sometimes over dinner, sometimes late at night with notebooks on the couch. We each bring a different perspective: she’s great at capturing emotional depth and faith moments, and I tend to lean into humor and story pacing. We take turns drafting scenes, then review and revise together until it feels right. Working on this book as a couple has been one of our most rewarding creative journeys.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the most important themes we wanted to explore—alongside clean, lighthearted humor—was the idea that children can be guided and corrected with love, patience, and understanding, rather than harsh punishment. My wife and I are both survivors of severe child abuse, so this theme is deeply personal to us. Writing this book gave us a chance to model the kind of discipline we wish we had experienced—discipline rooted in compassion, communication, and faith, not fear.
We wanted to show that kids can make mistakes, pull pranks, and test boundaries, and still be met with grace and guidance instead of punitive responses. Through the camp leaders and adult characters, we hoped to reflect a nurturing approach that builds trust and helps children grow—not just in behavior, but in their sense of worth and belonging. It was important to us that the story demonstrate how correction can go hand in hand with love, and that forgiveness, faith, and community are powerful tools for shaping young hearts.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring the Paraclete Hills crew? What are you currently working on?
We are definitely discussing the possibility of turning Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp into a full series in the very near future! The characters have so much more to explore, and we’ve already been tossing around ideas for new adventures, deeper friendships, and meaningful lessons that continue to reflect faith and fun in equal measure.
As for our current projects, my wife has returned to working on the next installment of her Charlie and The Magic Tree book series, which has its own whimsical charm and heartwarming messages. Meanwhile, I just wrapped up writing a brand-new children’s book—but this one is a total departure from Paraclete Hills. It’s very different in tone and style, which made it an exciting creative challenge. We’re both passionate about creating stories that connect with young readers in unique and lasting ways, and we’re grateful for every opportunity to do so.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When a pack of prank-loving pals rolls into Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp, they have one holy mission: turn every lesson into a laugh and every campfire into chaos. From Bible lessons to epic water balloon battles, these six mischief makers keep the counselors on their toes and the camp in a constant state of “Oh, no, not again!”
But when an unexpected guest shows up – sent by someone with a prank playbook straight from the pearly gates – the tables turn faster than you can say, “Hallelujah!” Suddenly, the crafty chaotic campers are the ones begging for mercy.
Will these pranksters rise to the challenge, or end up as the punchline of the summer? Grab your flashlight, marshmallows, and best battle cry for this laugh-out-loud adventure of faith, friendship, and a whole lot of fun.
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp: Prayers, Praise and Perfect Pranks
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp, by James and Crystal Bass, is a sun-drenched, laughter-laced ride through summer camp. It follows six lively kids—Annabelle, Ariel, Zion, Bo, and twins Big Jay and Little Jay—on their hilariously mischievous, often heartwarming journey of faith, friendship, and epic pranks. Through silly escapades like fart-sounding balloons in Bible class and googly eyes on school supplies, they explore what it means to grow, learn, and bond in ways that go beyond marshmallow roasts and canoe races.
I loved how genuine this story felt. The kids aren’t perfect. They make a mess, push boundaries, and pull off pranks that would give any camp counselor pause. But they’re never cruel. Their balloon prank during Pastor Coleman’s Bible lesson had me laughing. But even better was how the adults handled it—with humor, a touch of wisdom, and a good-natured lecture that turned the chaos into a lesson about kindness. That balance—fun without meanness, correction without scolding—made this more than just a goofy camp story. It felt real. Like a place I wish I’d gone to as a kid.
Then there was the moment Micah the Menace arrived. A toddler armed with the appetite of a vacuum and the tantrum power of a hurricane? Genius. But it wasn’t just for laughs. The counselors flipped the script on the pranksters. Watching the kids learn humility through a pint-sized storm named Micah was both hilarious and surprisingly touching.
As the story moved into the later chapters, especially “The Apology and Making Amends” and “A New Kind of Fun,” it honestly got me a little misty-eyed. The kids’ decision to write apology letters and then organize a camp-wide talent show? That hit home for me. It reminded me of how we grow up in spurts—first we laugh, then we reflect. That campfire scene, with everyone clapping and singing, wrapped the whole thing up in the best way possible—warm, sincere, and full of love.
If you’re a parent, a youth group leader, or anyone looking for a story that teaches lessons without preaching, Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp is a treasure. It’s especially perfect for middle-grade readers who want humor with heart. Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Sunday school. This book made me laugh, smile, and think, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who believes that joy, mischief, and growth can all live in the same chapter.
Pages: 58 | ISBN : 978-1963737837
Metabolic Reboot: From Crisis to Cure with The Power of Food
In Metabolic Reboot, James and Crystal Bass share an unflinchingly honest journey from the shock of a devastating diagnosis to a powerful transformation grounded in whole-food nutrition, faith, and intentional living. The book begins with Crystal’s painful diagnosis of Paget’s Disease—a chronic and degenerative bone condition—and blossoms into a practical and emotionally rich guide to reclaiming health through diet, low-impact exercise, fasting, and holistic supplements. With detailed explanations of bodily systems, a wealth of nutritional guidance, and heartfelt testimony, the Basses aim to educate, inspire, and offer a path forward for those battling chronic illness.
What struck me most was the raw sincerity of the storytelling. The opening chapters are heavy with emotion—there’s fear, grief, and a sense of helplessness that’s almost tangible. But woven through that vulnerability is this strong, unwavering love between James and Crystal. They don’t pretend to have all the answers, and that humility makes their advice land with more weight. When they talk about organic food, supplements, and lifestyle shifts, it doesn’t feel preachy—it feels like a hand extended to help you up.
It is worth noting that parts of the book felt a bit encyclopedic. The lists of nutrients and supplements were informative and broke up the emotional rhythm of the narrative. I appreciated the clarity and practicality. There’s no fluff. No empty promises. Just a real couple navigating pain, offering what worked for them. I found myself dog-earing pages and writing notes for my own pantry overhaul. It’s clear they’ve done their homework—and lived it.
Metabolic Reboot isn’t just a wellness book. It’s a love story. It’s a faith journey. It’s a wake-up call. If you’re someone who’s hit a wall with conventional treatments, or if you’re just looking to live with more intention, this book is worth your time. It’s especially helpful for those dealing with chronic illnesses or seeking gentle, sustainable health practices.
Pages: 96 | ISBN : 978-1963737936
Power of Self-Love
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a deeply personal and emotionally charged memoir that explores the trials and tribulations of caring for your wife who battles severe mental health issues. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Great question, thank you for asking.
One of the main ideas I wanted to drive home was the importance of educating oneself when it comes to caring for someone with a serious medical condition. I wanted to stress the significance of proper, extensive research and share the resources I came across. It wasn’t just about understanding the medical jargon; it was about grasping the emotional and psychological impact her illness had on her and our marriage. The more I learned, the better I could empathize with her experiences and anticipate her needs.
Understanding her medications was another critical aspect. I needed to know the purpose of each medication, their side effects, and how they interacted with her mind and body. This knowledge was vital in managing her care and ensured I didn’t endanger her life. It also allowed me to communicate effectively with her doctors, making sure they had all the necessary information to adjust her treatments when needed.
But perhaps most importantly, I wanted to share what I learned with others. I knew there were other husbands and caregivers out there facing similar struggles, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. By sharing my journey, I hoped to provide some guidance and reassurance. I wanted to let them know that they weren’t alone. I wanted to be a resource for others in similar situations.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Wow. Another great question but a tough one.
Reliving the delicate and frail nature of my wife’s health was an emotional rollercoaster. Every day, I was reminded of her struggles and the immense toll her illness took on her. But what made it even harder was grappling with my own mental health challenges.
As my mental health began to deteriorate, the flashbacks and the visual and auditory hallucinations I experienced were intense and terrifying. These weren’t just fleeting moments; they were vivid and intrusive, making it hard for me to focus on anything else. The constant worry and stress took a toll on my mental well-being, and for a while, every day felt like a battle just to be present for my wife.
There were days when it felt like the weight of it all was too much to bear. I struggled to maintain my composure, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility and the fear of what could happen next. It was a dark and lonely place, and I often felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy.
But revisiting and sharing my mental health decline became a crucial part of my journey. By sharing my experiences, I began to process my emotions and understand the impact they had on me. It wasn’t easy, but somehow, I knew it was necessary.
Opening up about my mental health struggles also allowed me to seek the support I needed. I started seeing a psychologist, who helped me develop coping strategies and helped me manage my depression and PTSD. I learned the importance of self-care and making time for myself.
Through it all, I discovered that being present for my wife didn’t mean ignoring my own needs. In fact, taking care of myself was essential to being a better caregiver. By acknowledging my struggles and seeking help, I was able to find a balance that allowed me to support my wife while also taking care of my mental health.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
This is perhaps, my favorite question of all.
As I reflect on my journey as a husband and caregiver, I hope the main takeaway from my story is the importance and power of self-love and unconditional love. These two forms of love have been my anchors, guiding me through the toughest times and helping me find strength I didn’t know I had.
Self-love is something we often overlook, especially when we’re focused on caring for someone else. But I learned that taking care of myself was crucial. It wasn’t about being selfish; it was about ensuring I had the energy and emotional stability to support my wife. Self-love meant recognizing my limits, seeking help when I needed it, and giving myself permission to rest and recharge. It was about treating myself with the same compassion and kindness that I showed my wife.
Unconditional love, on the other hand, was the driving force behind everything I did. It’s the kind of love that remains steadfast through the highs and lows and doesn’t waver when things get tough. This love was my motivation to keep going, even when it felt like everything was falling apart. It gave me the patience to handle difficult days and the courage to face the unknown.
I think we often underestimate the power of love. It can move mountains, mend broken hearts, and potentially save lives. When my wife was at her most vulnerable, it was love that kept us both going. It was love that made the impossible seem possible, that turned despair into hope.
Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that love isn’t just an emotion—it’s a force of nature. It has the power to heal, to inspire, and to transform. When we embrace self-love and unconditional love, we tap into a strength that can carry us through the darkest times.
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my story, it’s this: never underestimate the power of love. Whether it’s love for yourself or love for someone else, it can make all the difference. It can be the light in the darkness, the reason to keep going, and the force that helps you overcome any obstacle. So,
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Continuing the saga from the author’s award-winning autobiography, “In Love with My 5 Wives, A Broken Man’s Journey on How to Love His Broken Wife,” this poignant narrative underscores the transformative power of love and support within a marriage. It powerfully demonstrates how the author’s unwavering commitment became both a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of selfless sacrifice, inspiring men with the potential of these elements in a marriage.
The book vividly portrays the author’s emotional and psychological challenges, taking readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Through a delicate balance of heartfelt storytelling and agonizing reflections, “Back to Loving My 1st Wife” is an inspiring tribute to the strength and enduring impact of a husband’s love.
Back to Loving My 1st Wife: A Husband’s Unconditional Love & The Aftermath of Caregiver Stress
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a deeply personal and emotionally charged memoir by James Bass that explores the trials and tribulations of caring for his wife, Crystal, who battles severe mental health issues. The narrative is a heartfelt journey through the complexities of mental illness, the challenges of caregiving, and the enduring power of love and resilience.
From the onset, Bass’s writing captivated me with its raw honesty and vulnerability. The detailed accounts of his struggles, from navigating the intricacies of the DSM-5 to confronting the inadequacies of the healthcare system, paint a vivid picture of a man determined to save his wife. His decision to take Crystal home against medical advice, driven by a profound sense of love and duty, is both compelling and inspiring. This section resonated deeply with me, highlighting the often unseen sacrifices made by caregivers. Bass’s reflections on his own mental health struggles added a rich layer of complexity to the memoir. His candid discussions about experiencing PTSD and the emotional turmoil he faced while supporting his wife were particularly poignant. The moments where he describes his flashbacks and the constant battle to maintain composure in the face of his own inner demons were powerfully evocative. These passages underscored the memoir’s theme of resilience and the personal cost of caregiving. One of the most striking aspects of the book is Bass’s exploration of his past and its impact on his present. The memoir delves into his childhood experiences with a violent stepfather and the lasting effects of trauma. This background provided a deeper understanding of his current struggles and motivations, particularly in the chapter where he wrestles with the desire for revenge against those who wronged him and his wife.
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a powerful testament to the strength of love and the human spirit. James Bass’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by caregivers and those living with mental illness. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of mental health issues on individuals and families, and for caregivers who will find solace and solidarity in Bass’s experiences. It is a must-read for those who believe in the transformative power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pages: 131 | ASIN : B0D5NJX8CJ
LITERARY TITAN 