Blog Archives
BLITZED: What I Learned Reading 100 Books in 100 Days in My Target Language
Blitzed, by Jason S. Comely, is a fascinating and somewhat eccentric dive into language learning through an intense, self-imposed challenge. Comely embarks on a 100-day journey to read 100 books in Polish, a language he is just beginning to learn. The book chronicles his experiment, blending personal anecdotes, language-learning tips, and reflections on the books he blitzes through in this mental marathon. It’s a quirky mix of language-learning guide and memoir, offering insights into the highs and lows of this unconventional approach.
One thing that stands out immediately is Comely’s relentless drive and creativity. His creation of the “Bimodal Blitz” method—reading while simultaneously listening to audiobooks—shows a commitment to hacking his way through the frustrating walls of traditional language learning. For instance, when he tackles classics like Animal Farm and Candide, the struggle is palpable. He often loses his place, gets mentally exhausted, and admits to barely understanding chunks of the text. Yet, there’s something inspiring in his persistence. He doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. That honesty makes the book relatable and motivating for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by learning a language.
Comely is open in sharing his thoughts througohout this experience. When he blitzes through Lolek, a memoir about the bond between a man and his dog, Comely notes improvements in his Polish comprehension but doesn’t seem to connect emotionally with the content. In some cases, the rapid-fire consumption of literature sometimes reduces the books to mere stepping stones in his language journey rather than meaningful experiences.
The book is also full of moments that resonate emotionally. Comely’s reflections on books like Anne Frank show a more introspective side. He finds himself moved by Anne’s unwavering optimism despite the grim historical context, a sentiment that clearly touches him on a personal level. It’s in these moments that Blitzed transcends from being just a log of a language experiment to a heartfelt exploration of human resilience and connection through the written word.
Blitzed is not your typical language-learning book. It’s raw and sometimes chaotic. Full of triumphs and stumbles. Comely’s journey is a testament to the power of immersion and persistence in learning a new language. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in learning a new language, especially through an unorthodox method. It is also great for people who enjoy stories of personal challenges and growth, with the added bonus of discovering new books along the way.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0D8BLRXJN
Self Love: Journal your Journey. The challenge is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else.
Self Love, by Natalie Bears, is an insightful guide on creating the life you desire through the power of self-love. Bears explains the scope of self-love and how it can transform your life by exploring essential topics like gratitude, routines, and mindset. Each chapter includes a journal section, providing readers with the opportunity to reflect and engage deeply with the material.
The book delves into the relationship between self-love and respect, as well as self-love and emotions. Bears reinforces her concepts with thought-provoking quotes from thought leaders and famous personalities, adding depth and resonance to her messages. One of the most compelling themes of the book is the impact of others’ opinions. Bears discusses how external views affect our self-perception and why this can be detrimental to our well-being. She further explores the importance of positive self-talk, emphasizing how the way we communicate with ourselves is crucial for maintaining a healthy mindset.
Self Love offers valuable insights. I would love to have seen the inclusion of real-life case studies or additional information on the psychology behind self-love. While the content occasionally revisits similar themes, this repetition helps reinforce key messages. Bears’ uplifting ideas and positive approach make the book a worthwhile read.
Self Love is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore self-love without getting bogged down by technical information. It’s particularly suited for readers who appreciate Natalie Bears’ unique perspective on self-improvement.
Pages: 83 | ASIN : B0D5FS2Y15
The ABCs of Motivation
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t?: Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life combines real-life stories with research-backed strategies, providing a comprehensive resource that can rekindle a teen’s enthusiasm for learning. What was the inspiration for writing a book on this topic?
A student asked one of my (Becca’s) colleagues, who was teaching a class on study skills, “Can you help me give a sh*t about high school? I want to, but I just don’t know how.” That colleague came to me and another colleague for advice. In the process of offering support, I realized that most of the books out there only offer token anecdotes about students’ experiences, without really collaborating with them on building solutions. So I began interviewing young people about their most and least engaging experiences in high school, and what made the difference between them. In the process, my first interviewee, Grace, became my co-author. We interviewed high school and college students from across the country, and integrated their anonymized stories into insights for parents and educators in this book.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
It took us about two and a half years to conduct the research, write, and revise this book. We formally interviewed 20 young people from all over the country and identified the themes in their experiences. We also reviewed secondary research from education and psychology to confirm if the themes students were surfacing had shown up for other researchers, and interviewed professionals (educators, researchers, and psychiatrists) and parents to generate actionable insights for the end of each chapter.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea is that student motivation, like any human motivation, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s not just a personality trait that some people have and other people don’t. It’s heavily influenced by environmental factors, and students, educators, and parents can do things to make those factors more supportive of motivation. If you make environments that support what we refer to as the ABCs of motivation (ability, belonging, and choices), motivation increases.
The other key idea is that this can’t happen for people, it needs to happen with them: students, educators, and parents need to collaborate to build solutions together. Parents and educators also struggle with their motivation – they’re overburdened and stressed out, frequently in situations that limit their own ABCs. Respectful, creative, and thoughtful collaboration is the only sustainable way to build solutions that will work for everyone.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t??
If you’re a student, parent, or educator feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or apathetic about school – you’re not alone! These are flip sides of the same coin, and a natural response to a system that, on the whole, isn’t designed to help anyone in it maintain sustainable motivation for learning, curiosity, and growth. At the same time, waiting on systemic change can take too long for the people stuck in difficult situations right now. This book will help give ideas on what to do right now to improve motivation, as well as start conversations that can improve the broader system over the long term.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Sparked by this student’s request, educator and parent Dr. Rebecca Block and undergraduate student Grace Edwards began talking with teens across the country. Students spoke about when and how school fell short and what made the difference when it didn’t.
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? shares those stories, alongside research in psychology and education, to explore how to help young people build lasting motivation – not the kind that leads to short, panic-driven bursts of productivity, but the kind that energizes over the long haul.
Don’t wait for systemic changes. Discover engaging stories and practical strategies to empower parents and educators to:
– Build relationships that support sustainable motivation
– Encourage student voice and agency
– Make school feel more relevant
– Manage screens’ impact on motivation
A must-read for anyone invested in rekindling students’ love of learning. Get this book to start making a difference in your teens’ lives today.
I’m Not Dead…Yet: How I Turned My Misfortunes Into Strengths
I’m Not Dead…Yet, by Dr. Joshua J. Caraballo, is a profound narrative of personal resilience and transformation. The book chronicles Caraballo’s tumultuous journey through the adversities of cancer, addiction, mental health struggles, and time in prison, ultimately leading to self-acceptance and redemption. It’s a raw reflection on the human condition, framed by Caraballo’s unique experiences as a gay Puerto Rican man navigating a world often unkind to those who are different.
Caraballo’s writing is both engaging and unflinchingly honest. He draws the reader in with vivid descriptions of his early life, such as his experiences with racial discrimination and the challenges of growing up as a queer person in a conservative environment. The way he recounts these memories, with a blend of humor and pathos, makes the narrative incredibly compelling.
One of the book’s strengths is Caraballo’s ability to reflect on his experiences with a critical yet compassionate eye. His discussion of addiction and mental health is particularly powerful, offering a candid look at the destructive cycles he found himself in and the painful process of breaking free from them. His account of the two years of torture due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma is harrowing, yet it’s his reflection on becoming the victim and eventually rising above it that is truly inspiring. Caraballo’s exploration of identity is another highlight. His journey to self-acceptance, particularly regarding his sexuality, is a central theme. His narrative about finding solace in storytelling and the arts, and how these passions helped him navigate his identity, is deeply moving.
I’m Not Dead…Yet is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of personal transformation and resilience. Dr. Caraballo’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of self-acceptance. His honest reflections offer valuable insights into the struggles faced by those dealing with illness, addiction, and societal prejudice. This book is particularly recommended for readers who appreciate memoirs that don’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, yet find hope and redemption within them.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0CZT4NH32
See the Good/God in Everything
Regina Clifford’s See the Good/God in Everything presents a compelling case for gratitude as the right approach to handling life’s challenges. Through an inspiring and deeply personal account of motherhood, faith, and everything in between, Clifford invites readers to seek divine purpose and goodness in their everyday struggles. Structured as a collection of heartfelt reflections and prayers, each snippet focuses on different aspects of human life.
Clifford punctuates these reflections with Bible verses and prayers that offer comfort and invite readers to reflect on their life experiences. Her simple, accessible, and conversational approach makes the reader feel she understands your hardships and seeks to soothe you. Her candid sharing of her own life and struggles fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection, making readers feel they are not alone.
The author carefully and tactfully explores perceptions and challenges across different spheres of life, emphasizing that no experience is less valuable than another. She validates and hears the reader without them needing to unburden themselves. The rapport and sense of community she creates through her relatable narrations and occasional light humor prevent the book from becoming too heavy or overwhelming. One significant takeaway from this book, in addition to practicing gratitude, is the power of patience. Clifford assures readers that everything passes eventually, and all you need to do is get through today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Her honesty makes the book highly relatable, providing solace to readers who feel they are not alone in their struggles. The Bible verses are relevant and subtly integrated within the narrative.
See the Good/God in Everything is heartfelt and encouraging, offering honest and valuable hope and support. It serves as a much-needed reminder of God’s presence and the silver linings in life. Regina Clifford’s work will resonate with anyone who reads it, making it a universally relatable and uplifting read.
Pages: 304 | ISBN : 978-0975663639
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life
Are you concerned about your teen’s lack of motivation in school? Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? by Dr. Rebecca Block and Grace Edwards provides a refreshing and practical approach to addressing student apathy. Inspired by a student’s heartfelt plea for help, this insightful book explores the root causes of motivation struggles among teens, primarily focusing on the issue of disconnect.
Rather than placing blame, Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? offers a constructive guide for parents and educators to bridge the gap between teens and their education. Block and Edwards present a wealth of practical strategies to foster meaningful connections and support systems that resonate with today’s youth. This book transcends the often slow pace of systemic change, equipping readers with the tools to build relationships that make teens feel understood and valued. The authors delve into methods that encourage students to take ownership of their learning, helping them see the relevance of schoolwork to their personal goals. Additionally, the book addresses the significant challenge of managing screen time and its impact on student motivation, offering actionable advice on navigating this modern obstacle.
Written in a captivating and accessible style, Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? is essential reading for anyone committed to improving a teen’s educational experience. It combines real-life stories with research-backed strategies, providing a comprehensive resource that can rekindle a teen’s enthusiasm for learning—and perhaps even reignite your own passion for education.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0D2N2319G
Celebrate Success in Various Ways
The Success Guidebook is a self-help book designed to help readers find their definition of success and teach them the steps they need to achieve their idea of success. What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write The Success Guidebook because of my own personal journey and experiences and over the years as a master coach, I see patterns with my clients reaching out for help with the topics of change and success.
I think it is time for people to know they are already wildly successful. For example, I think Taylor Swift would want us each to know how amazing we are. Right now, she’s probably one of the most, if not the most, monetarily and chart-topping, successful young women on the planet. But that’s her success. What’s your success? Since we can’t all be Taylor Swift, for example, it’s time we start redefining success for our own authentic selves, as this one-size-fits-all-concept is not only outdated but unworkable. We’re all different with different needs and different things that make us unique. Success for me is different than success for you and different for those you know. It’s time we celebrate success in various ways. Success is so much more than data or dollars.
As the CEO and founder of Best Ever You, a multimedia company dedicated to personal development and empowerment, I felt a strong desire to share my insights and strategies for achieving success with others. I want to help people go inward, upward, and outward to see it, be it, and do it and to fully understand how you can live life most authentically and aligned to you. Also, I’d love to see people maintain and sustain your vision for what success looks like for you personally and professionally and feel proud and valuable rather than searching and seeking thing after thing and always feeling less than.
I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential and live their best lives, which served as the driving force behind writing this book. I want to help people be and feel successful without the overwhelming drive for whatever society defines as “success” that so often overrides so many aspects of our personal lives. I help people create a life where personal and professional success live together.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I teach my clients about gratitude, compassion, change, and success. These are four concepts that I always want to share in my books through my own personal stories, contributors, or through the exercises that help a reader implement what they’ve learned. This book is the 2nd in the Guidebook Series. The first was The Change Guidebook – How to Align Your Heart, Truths, and Energy and Find Success in All Areas of Your Life. This guided readers through the Ten Points of Change.
In the Success Guidebook, I guide readers through the Ten Factors of Success. I developed these factors during my many years of working with clients as a master coach and founder of The Best Ever You Network. They are the proven tactics of creative action to help you visualize, actualize, and amplify excellence and success—and make them last. Whether you are dreaming big to achieve the awesomeness within or making a pivot, this process can be used time and time again to achieve the results you seek.
My goal is to help you master the Ten Factors of Success so that you have the tools to actualize your dreams and goals to amplify professional and personal success. These factors can help you navigate, overcome stubborn obstacles, and harness the power to courageously move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose, and the confidence to build a life of bold and infinite possibilities.
One of the things that stood out to me about your book is that it does not define success; instead, it teaches readers how to identify their own version of success. How did you come up with the exercises that you teach readers to help them find their paths?
Prior to becoming an author and owning Best Ever You, I spent many years as a corporate trainer in the financial services industry. I have an extensive background in developing courses and training materials for people of all ages. I am always learning more in the field of teaching and coaching people and my mentors Gary Kobat and Barbara Wainwright also check my work, make suggestions, and guide me. I’m very grateful for their help. I have always really loved the idea of journaling and completing exercises like this as I think they reinforce learning, not only the materials but more about yourself as well. I also wrote them, so they don’t take up a huge amount of time to complete but are still thought-provoking. I didn’t include anything that I didn’t personally take the time to complete and find value in doing so.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Success Guidebook?
My books are here to help us all be more confident and never feel alone or like you’re the only person going through feeling the way we feel at times. I’ve tackled two huge topics in my books: change and success. These are topics where people generally feel fear or feel less than or not enough. The topics are confidence crushers, and I want people to feel anchored and centered in their confidence and knowledge. I hope my books are added to your Best Ever You Toolbox and they help you harness your power and move toward a life with unlimited possibilities. I seek to give people their power back and place it in their hands. It’s time to move forward with clarity, renewed purpose, and personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave, and infinite possibilities.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Author Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, master life coach and founder of The Best Ever You Network has long espoused that we must redefine success for our authentic selves—a one-size fits-all-concept is not only outdated but unworkable. Success is so much more than data or the dollars in our bank account. True success is reflected in the smiles that brighten our faces and the peace that settles in our hearts. It’s the gratitude we seek in all things and the intention and actions being our very best in each moment.
In The Success Guidebook, readers will find inspiration, motivation, and a pathway to live their best, most fulfilling life. By implementing Elizabeth’s unique Ten Factors of Success—the behaviors consistently exhibited by people who stand out and behave with world-class excellence—readers will learn how to finally overcome the stubborn obstacles that have stood in their way and harness the power to move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose, and the personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave, and infinite possibilities. Included are profiles of 20 people who exemplify these principles. Here’s the secret: You don’t need to be on a national or international platform to be world-class. You can have it right in your own home, to be and feel successful in each and every moment of your life. This book will help you learn how to tap into world-class behaviors and get the results you desire—at last.
HOW TO HACK BACK YOUR MIND: Reclaim Control Over Your Life
In How to Hack Back Your Mind, Ramzi Najjar offers more than just insights into mental wellness; he provides a structured guide to understanding and mastering one’s cognitive processes. This book delves deep into the intricacies of the human brain, utilizing a blend of scientific research and logical analysis to demonstrate how our conscious and unconscious minds interact to influence our perceptions, choices, and behaviors.
Najjar’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. Unlike typical self-help books that may prescribe motivational mantras, Najjar chooses to present clear facts and practical strategies instead. He equips the reader with tools to access their subconscious, enabling them to overcome negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and societal pressures. This book doesn’t merely cheer you on; it acts as a comprehensive manual for integrating body, mind, and spirit in self-improvement. The author’s clarity of expression and methodical progression of ideas make the text both accessible and engaging. Each section logically flows into the next, bolstered by questions and relatable examples that maintain reader interest. Najjar employs a conversational tone throughout, effectively holding the reader’s attention with a compelling argumentation style grounded in evidence and expert opinions.
How to Hack Back Your Mind encourages readers to actively improve their mental faculties, offering specific techniques for doing so. Najjar’s insightful guidance is beneficial for those ready to take proactive steps toward managing stress and anxiety, navigating challenges, and achieving greater personal success. This book is a valuable resource for anyone motivated to make substantial changes in their life, providing the necessary momentum to transform understanding into action. It effectively stretches the limits of the mind, revealing the potential for personal growth and resilience.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0D22WKC6B
LITERARY TITAN 