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Café Philosophy
Café de Sophia follows an intelligent young teenager who meets a group of philosophers in a cafe and learns about life and himself from their conversations. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The concept of a café where people would gather and discuss all sorts of topics is already present and the name of such cafes is café philosophique, or Café Philosophy. Being a lover of discussion and debate myself, I find the idea of a café dedicated to philosophical conversations very intriguing and that was my inspiration for the setting of the book.
You choose to use Socratic dialogue in this novel; what made you decide on this style of writing, and how do you think it changes the way the story is read?
Personally, when it comes to learning, I find the teaching method of dumbing a whole lecture on someone’s head off-putting and unengaging unless that person is seeking the knowledge in the lecture, and even in that case, it can be tiresome. The advantage that the Socratic Method has is the ability to help the learner reach the desired knowledge instead of just giving it to him. It is more active, engaging, and helps in building interest within the learner.
On top of that, since my story is more focused around the topics discussed instead of the personal life of the protagonist, I thought this approach might be best to explore the different perspectives of the topics.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
An important theme that I tried my best to explore is how does a young mind get introduced to philosophy? This was the reason behind choosing a teenager as a protagonist and writing from his perspective, it was really important to hear his thoughts on the arguments put forward.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book I’m planning to work on is a sequel to Café de Sophia. I have a lot of topics to discuss and I’m planning to make a series out of it. Something like the works of Plato. Considering the nature of the book, it requires me to do a lot of research and investigation into different schools of thoughts and perspectives before writing about one topic. Thus, I cannot say for certain when the next book will be available but I can assure you that it will be of the same essence as Café de Sophia.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Every encounter with the philosophers explores a different topic that shapes the stepping stones of Nate’s journey. This journey toward the beauty of speech, logic, and wisdom is told in the Socratic dialogue fashion through Nate’s perspective.
License to Loot
License to Loot: How Racial Injustice, Able-Bodied Americans, Illegal Immigrants, and the Opioid Epidemic Split America by Pascale Batieufaye discusses issues that impact the United States from a different perspective or lens. The author covers a wide range of contemporary problems, including the mismanagement of resources, the government’s role in protecting Americans, and other societal issues that impact all areas of life, including education, health, drugs, crime, and controversial subjects.
Pascale Batieufaye is straightforward about the topics discussed in this book and does not shy away from speaking his mind. He covers subjects that are often not openly discussed without backlash, and he offers long-term solutions to addressing problems in America, which may or may not be successful. Realistically, many of the issues facing Americans today do seem to have an easy solution, especially where there are multiple problems impacting numerous communities.
The author begins the book with an in-depth discussion of the opioid epidemic and how this crisis impacts Americans directly and indirectly. Batieufaye dives into how this epidemic extends to involve the pharmaceutical industry, economics, and individuals who suffer from addiction. There is further discussion on homelessness, debt, tax evasion by corporations, and many other factors that shape the world Americans live in.
My favorite part of the book is the second part, which tackles one of the most important questions every reader will ask: How do we improve America? The author covers a wide range of political points, including the various administrations, their faults, and how many governments do not face the consequences of their actions when they fail, and he readily applauds their successes.
License to Loot: How Racial Injustice, Able-Bodied Americans, Illegal Immigrants, and the Opioid Epidemic Split America is a rich and layered read that provides a lot of content to digest. It’s an important learning experience, from a socio-economical point of view.
Pages 194 | ASIN 1954647026
Café de Sophia
Café de Sophia starts out from the POV of a sixteen-year-old boy named Nate. He’s walking home from school one day and it starts raining so he decides to seek shelter in a nearby café. While he waits for his mom to pick him up, Nate is drawn to the environment of the cute café and admires the décor. He meets a man named Plato who is a regular at the café. Plato is an educated and sophisticated man. He enjoys conversation and getting to know people through his conversations. Nate learns a lot from Plato, as well as his friends who frequent the café. The café is the spot where they like to hang out and have deep intellectually-invigorating conversations about a variety of topics. In the end, Nate learns more about himself because of the wisdom Plato shares with him.
This is a sharp and cerebral book that uses Socratic dialogue to share observant and analytical deductions on life and all of the things it consists of. If you enjoy a story that is brimming with provocative ideas and astute observations about the world then you will enjoy M.A. Alsadah’s book. This is a story for those that like to ponder as this novel gives you plenty of food for thought.
The book is filled with deep and intellectual conversations between characters that all seem likable. The story uses Nate as a vehicle to deliver some fascinating ideas and I especially found the logical deductions intriguing. Any philosopher, or any readers that consider themselves so, would find the shrewd ruminations especially engaging. I would suggest readers not familiar with Socratic dialogue first familiarize themselves with the format. This will help readers understand the format and be in the right state of mind before diving in.
Café de Sophia is a thought-provoking literary fiction novel that uses an age-old format to tell a compelling story that is full of perceptive reflections on life.
Pages: 201 | ASIN: B0B75M9TGQ
The Hamster Wheel of American-style Modernity
Onward, At Last looks at the reasons why the American Dream is not what it once was, what people are led to believe it can be, and what can be done to fix things. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Onward, At Last is a clarion call to those of us who are grinding on the hamster wheel of American-style modernity to stop, quiet the external noise of our busy lives, and reconnect with the inner voice of our true selves. Some people may refer to this inner voice as conscience, but regardless of the label, this quiet voice reflects the steeped wisdom of our lived experience. For far too long, we have been influenced by external interests to defer our sense of truth to social expectations & norms (virtues), public figures & leaders, credentialed experts, and social narratives. The book reminds us the truth we have come to know has been far more a function of the wisdom of our lived experiences than the reasons provided by external sources.
Did you do a lot of research to maintain the accuracy of the subject?
In the preparation of the book, I did no specific research. Outside of the book project, and over the course of a 30-year career in banking, I have done deep reading and research on American history, economics, politics, climate science, philosophy, Christianity, spirituality, music, and a variety of topics. See the Starting Points of Reference section of the book for a sample list. Yet, I do not ask the reader to trust my recounting of these topics. The value of my recounting is whether the commentaries resonate with the lived experience of the reader.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Nothing in nature lives independently.
We are each far more than these uniforms we wear.
Truth is found by looking inward not outward.
Sustainability is symbiotic not competitive.
The economy exists within the ecology.
Utopia has always been the next stage of our social evolution.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have no plans for a next book. Onward, At Last is my opus. The conversation continues with new commentaries which can be found on the blog tab at https://onwardatlast.com.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
I work hard, built a successful career, possess all the trappings of an American middle class success story, and yet I feel deeply disillusioned. As I look around, I realize most everyone I meet shares my disquieting sense of dread from experiencing our society and nation in decline. Where is this all heading?
Onward, At Last provides a deep exploration into the virtues that define our lives…freedom, independence, self-interest and competition, and asks the foundational question: What if our own defining virtues are actually the root cause of all that afflicts our society and ourselves? Onward, At Last presents a series of social commentaries that utilizes our shared experiences to examine what has gone so terribly wrong and what each of us can do to make it right.
The Sanctimonious Psychoproctological Invasions
In The Sanctimonious Psychoproctological Invasions: The Handbook for Political Analysis, Dr. Len Bergantino discusses the political climate in the United States while paying attention to the first amendment. The author extensively writes about this constitution clause, enlightening his readers on the political workings, how the government runs its daily business and the life the political class lives. The author exhausts every point regarding political discussions, giving sober analysis in every argument. The reader gets the privilege of reading through Dr. Bergantino’s notes, letters, and opinions on issues that not many are comfortable discussing.
One of the most remarkable features of a good author is his bravado. Dr. Bergantino is bold in his work. He writes his truths and does not shy away from addressing controversial matters. The confidence displayed by the author makes reading this informative book interesting and engaging. Throughout the book, the reader learns about the political world and human stories. Dr. Len Bergantino shares personal tales, writing about his private life, professional life, passions, and the impact modern-day politics has had on his life. I relished reading his personal stories, his interactions with the who-is-who in the political class, and his contribution to his community.
Dr. Len Bergantino displays wisdom in his language and does not openly show partiality when writing about either Right Wing or Left Wing politics. The discussions are balanced, and the analysis is delivered objectively. Even when using strong language, Dr. Len Bergantino ensures that his message is not lost depending on the phrases he uses. America is the land of the free, and even with all its freedoms, American society seems to fall short in some areas. Dr. Len Bergantino does not conceal the evil of the political class, as he writes about it all; the good, the bad, the ugly, the embarrassing, and the pride instilled in Americans.
As an educator and political expert, Dr. Len Bergantino seems to be the ideal person to discuss the status quo and the battement of society. This educational book is arranged in an unconventional manner, which is great as the reader can choose and pick which topics to start reading first. The images of the author’s works shared between the pages give the reader a good idea of how Dr. Len Bergantino’s mind works and thus give one a better comprehension of these thoughts.
The Sanctimonious Psychoproctological Invasions: The Handbook for Political Analysis is a one-of-a-kind book that will expand readers’ scope in politics, help readers to fully understand their rights as a citizen, and enlighten them on how the world works. I recommend this fascinating book to political science students and readers who enjoy political and socio-economic literature.
Pages: 366 | ISBN : 1955691835
God Glasses
God Glasses by medium Ann Monster encourages the reader to seek out a more profound spiritual and equally individualistic relationship with what they interpret as being God the Creator. Through her personal experiences talking with God about topics that weighed on her heart, she found clarity and meaning in her own life. She wants to share this experience with readers and help them gain the same healing she did.
Beginning with Monster’s own spiritual awakening. As a stressed thirty-five-year-old mother of two, she desperately needed a minute of relaxation. However, instead of a quiet moment of peace, she claims to have been greeted with a vision of Christ. This led to a noticeable self-transformation in the days following.
The book is structured meticulously. Based on the author’s conversations with God, she breaks down God’s perspective on highly controversial topics like race, HIV/AIDS, gender, and sexuality. These discussion topics span several chapters. Through the use of opening lines which form diary-like entries and provide everyday, real-world examples, the groundwork is laid for Monster to pose questions to ‘God’ as the basis of her chapter-by-chapter thesis items.
I particularly enjoyed one chapter which posed this question to the reader: “when does the natural and beautiful sexual desire that one human being can have for another become sin?” It considers how ‘sin’ has been redefined. Monster approached this sensitively and tastefully, bringing a welcoming and inclusive tone to God Glasses. This chapter assessed the literary interpretation of sin in accordance with the dictionary, then compared it to scripture teachings and how society has capitalized on sexuality through subliminal messages, which have caused humans to consider sexuality as the only facet of life that has any importance. It removed the stigma attached to pre-marital sex, sexual exploration, and leisure – it was not what I expected to see in a religious piece and was favorable.
God Glasses is a good balance of self-incitement and relatability; it does not aim to evangelize or coerce the reader. It would suit readers wishing to develop an intimate relationship with God but may be unsure that Christianity includes themselves.
Pages: 218 | ISBN: 153201774X
The Gift in Gratitude
K P Weaver’s The Gift in Gratitude will make you find new meaning in life and appreciate the little things the universe offers. The author has extensively written about gratitude as a virtue, dealing with successes and failures, and how human beings process thankfulness. Does gratitude have a formula? The author writes about the formula of gratitude, which may appear simple but, in reality, has its complexities. K P Weaver describes a winning gratitude formula as gratitude plus emotion bundled together with focused intentions and aligned action. The tone applied by the author throughout the book is affirmative and encouraging. K P Weaver uses moving words that get the reader in the moment and makes one reflect on how they show gratitude to themselves, others, and the universe in general.
K P Weaver is an excellent author and does not complicate the text in the book; rather, she uses words and phrases that are easy to digest. K P weaver also discusses finding joy, which was one of my favorite parts of the book. The author encourages readers to prioritize joy as much as possible. The world we are living in can be depressing, and as an individual, it is your duty to look for ways of making yourself happy without external input. K P Weaver will get you to focus on the constructive aspects of your life and be contented with what you have. The text in the book is simply transformational.
The use of diagrams in the book is praiseworthy. The author uses charts and figures when she wants to explain a difficult subject in the most simple of ways. K P Weaver’s diction and sentence structure are other astounding elements of her writing. The various topics tackled in the book are helpful to the reader as an individual and valuable to society. The author is making everyone ponder on ways of showing gratitude and the impact it has on souls.
Some of the most remarkable topics in the book for me were gratitude and money, the science of gratitude, grateful parenting and relationships, gratitude in business, being grateful even when you are not feeling it, and finding gratitude in procrastination. Each of these chapters was exceptionally written, with life-changing content. I like how the author ended the book with gratitude through moving stories. This section of the book is significant and even more intriguing as she tells personal stories from different people to make the point home.
The major takeaway from ‘The Gift in Gratitude’ is that showing gratitude and being appreciative will bring you joy, happiness, and fulfillment. To summarize, the book, The Gift in Gratitude, can be described as perceptive and heartwarming. The stellar writing displayed by the author is one of the many excellent things about this book.
Pages: 154 | ISBN : 978-0-6455205-8-3
Evolution Ended: The Next Stage of American Society
Evolution Ended: The Consequences Have Just Begun begins with vivid and colorful descriptions of the 1960’s that showcase this time in history in a nostalgic way. It immediately captures the reader’s attention and uses similar vibrant narration throughout the book, from one era to the next.
The author’s point of view becomes clear early on: human evolution, and the pique of greatness, was reached in the 1960’s and has since slowed or declined. While technology continues to advance and society adapts in many ways, the author points to rapid shifts in how we live and the contributing significant factors in how evolution has changed and gotten us to where we are now. The author discusses how we are harvesting the results of the aftermath of the sixties, and how modernity is contributing to the slowing of our development.
The author’s writing is excellent in that all the ideas flowed consistently into one another. The assertions are clear and reasoned and the claims that are examined throughout the book are coupled with the authors incisive logic, leaving little in contention. While the ideas are profound the authors straightforward writing makes the ideas easy to absorb, but readers will need plenty of time afterward to ponder the full implications. While some of the topics touched upon in this book are subject to debate and controversy, the narration gives readers a thorough understanding of the author’s thoughts in a clear and concise manner. While I found this book to be intellectually-invigorating, I would have appreciated a few citations to give the reader points of reference.
Evolution Ended: The Consequences Have Just Begun by J.J. Jerome is an impassioned and insightful read. It’s an excellent way to invite discussion on various topics surrounding human and societal evolution, technology, and how previous developments play a role in how we live today. This book is a provocative yet intriguing read that delivers a unique perspective that some may find divisive, but all will appreciate the unique discussion this book provides.
Pages; 152 | ASIN: B0BMXMDSTF
LITERARY TITAN 