Blog Archives
Open Water
Open Water is a heartfelt, raw, and deeply personal memoir by Alex Dean that chronicles his upbringing in a fractured family, his early love for academics, and the onset of a mysterious medical condition that would alter the course of his life. The story begins in a psychiatric hospital and then rewinds to Alex’s childhood in Kansas, toggling between two very different homes, one calm and loving, the other chaotic and emotionally volatile. With a voice that’s at once humorous, honest, and emotionally naked, Dean invites readers to walk through his struggles with mental health, physical illness, family conflict, identity, and perseverance.
Dean’s writing is beautifully conversational. It flows like a journal. The honesty is almost jarring at times, but that’s what makes it so powerful. He doesn’t over-polish his memories or wrap everything up in neat little lessons. His childhood was messy, his thoughts often contradictory, and his pain palpable, but he tells his story with such clarity that you trust every word. And somehow, despite the darkness he describes, he never lets the book become bleak. There’s this through-line of hope, humor, and love, especially for his family, that never goes away, even when things get really hard.
What struck me most was how relatable this story is. I wasn’t reading about someone extraordinary doing superhero things. I was reading about a smart, anxious, lovable kid doing his best to navigate a really confusing life. The family dynamics alone are enough to break your heart. The way Dean talks about his parents, especially his deep bond with his dad, and his complicated, painful relationship with his mom, felt so familiar and real. And then there’s the body that keeps failing him and the mind that won’t stop fighting him. He never pretends to have all the answers. He just keeps swinging, his favorite metaphor, and you end up rooting for him with everything you’ve got.
Open Water is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by their own mind, their body, or their family. I would absolutely recommend it to young adults, therapists, teachers, parents, and anyone trying to understand the messiness of growing up with both invisible and visible struggles. If you want real and moving and strangely funny in the most painful places, you’ll find something here that sticks with you.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0CS4SYP23
Strength Training for Seniors Over 60: Safe and Effective Exercises to Improve Balance, Increase Mobility, and Stay Independent in Just 20 Minutes a Day
After reading Strength Training for Seniors Over 60 by Adina Vitalis, I came away feeling both informed and inspired. This guide is packed with practical advice, engaging encouragement, and detailed instruction designed specifically for older adults looking to improve their strength, balance, and independence. The book breaks down the science of aging and how tailored exercise can combat common issues like muscle loss, joint stiffness, and fall risk. Structured workout plans, safety tips, and lifestyle insights, including nutrition, sleep, and mindset, are all covered in a clear, conversational tone. Best of all, it promises real change in just 20 minutes a day, which makes it feel both achievable and sustainable.
What I liked most was the way the author addresses fear and doubt head-on. Adina Vitalis has a knack for making you feel seen. She anticipates the common excuses or anxieties like “I’m too old,” or “I might fall,” or “I don’t have time,” and gently dismantles them with facts, compassion, and stories of real seniors who made it work. The voice is friendly, and she’s practical without being boring. The chapter on building a home workout space with stuff you already have really resonated with me personally. It reminded me that exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Her analogies, like the one comparing our bodies to aging cars that need maintenance, are simple, relatable, and effective.
One thing I appreciated was how the book reinforced key ideas throughout. Topics like goal setting and the benefits of resistance bands come up more than once, which really helps the messages stick. This kind of repetition can be a great way to make sure the information sinks in, especially for readers who are new to exercise or returning after a long break. The writing stays focused and purposeful, consistently reminding you of what matters most. At times, it felt more like a knowledgeable coach guiding you step by step rather than rushing ahead, which makes the book feel steady, thoughtful, and built to support long-term success.
I’d recommend this book to anyone over 60 or even approaching it who wants to take control of their health and stay independent longer. It’s especially great for people who’ve never exercised or are coming back to it after a long break. If you’ve got aging parents or grandparents who could use a little nudge, this book is a gentle but firm push in the right direction. It’s not flashy or filled with gimmicks. It’s just solid advice, clearly laid out, with real heart behind it.
Pages: 144 | ISBN : 978-1069069900
Longevity for the Lazy
Longevity for the Lazy is a clever, practical, and surprisingly compassionate guide to extending your life without overhauling your entire existence. Dr. Richard Malish, a military physician turned longevity strategist, uses his deep knowledge of public health, cardiology, and human nature to offer a framework he calls the “Longevity Mental Model.” Rather than pitching another trendy diet or rigid routine, the book helps readers understand the major causes of early death, namely atherosclerosis and cancer, and how to fight them with minimal effort. It blends scientific research, history, and strategy into a mental map for living longer, even for those of us who’d rather do the bare minimum.
What I like most about this book is its voice. It’s equal parts seasoned doctor and war-hardened realist, but with an unexpected sense of humor and humility. Dr. Malish writes like someone who’s seen behind the curtain and is now giving you the straight truth without fluff. He acknowledges up front that most people are lazy, and rather than judging it, he embraces it. The book is packed with practical advice, yet it’s never preachy. The core message, kill your killers early and often, lands hard, but he delivers it with enough compassion and realism that I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I appreciated that he doesn’t idealize superhuman health habits. Instead, he arms the reader with simple strategies that don’t require daily marathons or going vegan overnight.
At times, I found myself surprised by how motivating the book was, especially considering its “lazy” theme. It made me feel less guilty for being myself. The military metaphors, enemies, campaigns, and offensive weapons worked better than I expected. They added urgency without melodrama. The science is solid but never dense, and the recurring “Take-Home Messages” made the lessons stick. That said, if you’re looking for glossy photos, flashy life hacks, or someone to tell you aging is optional, this isn’t the book. It’s grounded in reality, and that’s what makes it powerful. It respects your time and your intelligence.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by wellness advice, or if you know what you should be doing but never seem to get around to it, this book is for you. It’s also a great fit for skeptics, minimalists, and anyone who wants to understand the science of longevity without feeling shamed into perfection. Longevity for the Lazy won’t guilt you into green smoothies and CrossFit. Instead, it’ll make you think smarter, act sooner, and want to live better.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0DGDBFZ94
Unbroken: A Survivor’s Journey After Sexual Assault
Lesley Goth’s UNBROKEN is a raw, honest, and deeply personal guide for survivors of sexual assault, told through a blend of professional expertise and lived experience. Each chapter addresses tough, often unspoken questions survivors carry. Questions about guilt, bodily autonomy, trust, pleasure, and healing. Goth uses stories, affirmations, and exercises to help readers reconnect with themselves and shed the shame and self-blame they’ve carried. With her compassionate tone and direct guidance, she offers a clear path through the fog of trauma toward hope and recovery.
Goth doesn’t just write like a psychologist; she writes like someone shining a light for those climbing out of their emotional trenches. Her language is simple and heartfelt, never preachy or clinical, which makes it feel like sitting with a wise, loving friend. What hit hardest for me were the sections that dealt with feeling complicit. “What if I liked it?” and “What if I gave consent?” They break open the myths we often use to silence ourselves. She tackles these grey zones without judgment, which is rare and brave and necessary. The real-life stories she includes aren’t sanitized, and that’s what makes them powerful.
I also appreciated the practicality of the book. Goth doesn’t leave the reader with just emotions and theory; she gives you tools. Exercises, guided imagery, breathing techniques, and even journaling prompts–all doable. I tried some of them while reading and was surprised by how quickly they brought up things I hadn’t realized I’d buried. She encourages you to move at your own pace, and that permission alone feels like healing. The tone of the whole book is soft but firm. She doesn’t coddle, but she always has your back. I found myself highlighting entire paragraphs and whispering, “yes,” more than once.
This is not an easy book to read, but that’s the point. It’s for survivors who are ready to stop pretending and start facing the pain, confusion, and sometimes even twisted memories of their trauma. It’s for people who’ve felt lost in therapy, or who haven’t yet found the words for what happened. It’s also a guide for those supporting survivors, partners, friends, and family who want to understand without intruding. UNBROKEN would be especially helpful for anyone navigating the messy aftermath of assault while still trying to function in everyday life.
Pages: 134 | ASIN : B0CZYBCRMC
Charismatic Presence
Eleni Kelakos’ Charismatic Presence is a practical, personal, and surprisingly heartfelt guide to becoming a more effective, engaging, and authentic public speaker. Built around five core principles: Know Thyself, Be Thyself, Prepare Thyself, Commit Thyself, and Turn Thyself On, the book walks readers through the psychological and physical terrain of presence and presentation. With stories from her own life as a performer and coach, Kelakos fuses actor training, business communication, and personal development into a coaching experience that feels as intimate as a one-on-one session and as comprehensive as a classroom.
What struck me most about this book was how deeply human it felt. Kelakos doesn’t hide behind buzzwords or corporate polish. She opens with vulnerable stories of stage fright and failure, like forgetting lyrics at Shea Stadium, and threads that same humility throughout the text. She writes like someone who’s been in the trenches and genuinely wants you to succeed, not just to be a better speaker, but a braver, more grounded version of yourself. Her voice is clear and unpretentious, which makes the content not just accessible but inviting. I found myself laughing, wincing, nodding, often on the same page; that’s rare in a business book.
Where the book really shines is in its actionable advice. The exercises don’t feel like filler. They actually helped me reflect on my own habits and hang-ups when I speak. Kelakos’ concept of “the lies that bind,” those internal voices that whisper you’re not good enough, was especially powerful. Her approach to turning those lies into “power phrases” wasn’t just feel-good fluff. It felt doable. Her tips on preparation, from warming up your physical and vocal presence to structuring a talk, are the kind of grounded guidance I wish I’d had ten years ago. Sometimes the tone leans into cheerleader territory, but honestly, it works.
If you’re someone who freezes at the thought of public speaking, or even someone who does it often but feels stuck in a rut, Charismatic Presence is worth your time. It’s for anyone who wants to feel more like themselves in the spotlight, not some polished robot or shallow “thought leader.” I’d especially recommend it to leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, or anyone who finds themselves needing to inspire or persuade others. Kelakos reminds us that charisma isn’t about being loud or flashy. It’s about being present. And that’s something anyone can learn.
Pages: 168 | ISBN : 978-1966168218
Healing Is Possible
Health on Fire shares with readers your knowledge of biological principles, such as metabolism, oxidation, and enzyme function, to support your belief that to reclaim their health, people need to make radical changes in diet and lifestyle. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was sick for many years, and despite my respect for the medical industry, it could not offer me a true cure. While conventional treatments helped me manage symptoms and gave temporary relief, they didn’t address the root cause of my health issues. After years of research, I discovered that many chronic conditions are directly related to what we put into our bodies—and how we damage our food through processing and, most significantly, cooking.
When I started nourishing myself with clean, unprocessed, and uncooked foods, the transformation was incredible—my body began to heal. I also interviewed others who had adopted a natural lifestyle and experienced similar results. As I continued to study, I found solid scientific evidence showing that a raw, plant-based diet can help people reverse chronic diseases and restore health naturally.
This book was born from a deep desire to share those findings. Health on Fire is not just based on personal experience—it’s backed by science. I’ve included research references throughout the book so readers can explore the evidence for themselves.
Ultimately, this book is about empowering people to take back control of their health. And beyond individual healing, embracing a raw vegan lifestyle benefits not only our wellbeing but also our natural resources and the planet we share.
What is one thing about a raw vegan diet that you think is misrepresented in the media?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a raw vegan diet doesn’t provide enough protein. Many people still believe that protein only comes from meat and animal products, but that’s simply not true.
If we look at nature, we see powerful animals like gorillas—who eat mostly fruit and leafy greens—and elephants, with their enormous muscle mass, thriving entirely on plant-based diets. These animals build strength and muscle without ever consuming animal protein.
It’s the same for humans. There are many vegan athletes and bodybuilders today who are living proof that you can build muscle, strength, and endurance on a plant-based diet.
The idea that animal products are essential for protein is outdated. In reality, all protein originates in plants; animals just act as the middlemen. By going straight to the source—raw, whole plant foods—we can meet all our protein needs in a cleaner, more efficient, and healthier way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the core ideas I wanted to share is that going fully raw can support the body’s natural ability to heal itself—even from chronic diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and in some cases, cancer.
Through my research and personal experience, I came to understand that in many cases, our food and drink choices are the root cause of our health problems. When we eliminate processed, toxic, and unnatural foods and replace them with clean, raw, living plant foods, the body can begin to repair the damage and activate its innate healing mechanisms.
It was deeply important to me to show that healing is possible. I wrote this book to help people who are suffering—to offer them real hope and a path forward through natural, science-backed principles. Everyone deserves the chance to live free from pain, and I believe nature has already provided everything we need to heal and thrive.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
The reality is, I’m not surprised by the reactions—because I knew that much of the information in the book would be completely new to most people. What readers often point out—and what surprises them—is that they’ve never heard this before. Many ask why the medical industry or doctors don’t talk about these things, or why the government doesn’t promote a raw, plant-based lifestyle despite its clear benefits.
Their response highlights just how much vital, healing knowledge is missing from mainstream health guidance—and it’s exactly why I felt called to write this book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
What is the state of your health?
Or better yet: Do you believe your health is your choice? 🧠💚
If your answer is YES, then Health on Fire is the guide you’ve been searching for — a bold, practical manual to reclaim your wellbeing naturally. 🌿
📘 Inside this transformative book, you’ll discover:
➤ How to lose weight naturally without counting calories
➤ How to restore energy, clarity, and vitality 🌞
➤ How to break free from chronic illness and inflammation
➤ Why a raw vegan and fruitarian diet supports deep healing
🌱 This isn’t theory — it’s a lifestyle that works.
The healing approach detailed in this book has helped thousands of people around the world:
✅ Reverse type 2 diabetes
✅ Overcome autoimmune conditions
✅ Support recovery from cancer
✅ Reduce fatty liver
✅ Some could eliminate the need for medications and even painkillers
🔬 Grounded in science and lived experience, this food-as-medicine blueprint provides a sustainable, step-by-step path to:
✨ Lifelong health
✨ Natural healing
✨ A body you feel proud to live in — without harsh diets, drugs, or fads
💡 Whether you’re seeking natural weight loss, healing from chronic disease, or simply want to feel vibrant again — this book empowers you to take control.
🎯 Because your health is your choice.
🔥 Let your journey to Ultimate Health begin today.
Forever Fly Free: One Woman’s Story of Resilience and the Power of Hope and Love
Forever Fly Free is the gripping, raw, and deeply human story of Jenny Brandemuehl’s life turned upside down after her husband Mark is severely burned in a horrific plane crash. Told in five parts that span panic, heartbreak, healing, and rediscovery, the book chronicles the emotional and physical toll of trauma, not just on the person injured but on the entire family. Jenny lays bare the sleepless nights, medical jargon, ICU beeps, and gut-wrenching decisions, all the while weaving in threads of love, humor, and a whole lot of grit.
Jenny’s voice is steady and clear, and even when she writes about the most painful moments like her husband’s bandaged, unrecognizable body, or the moment her son learns about the accident. There’s a grace in the way she keeps moving forward. Her writing flows naturally, like a close friend confiding in you. It’s not fancy, and thank God for that. It’s real. There’s also unexpected beauty tucked in the folds like a stranger’s prayer, a nurse’s quiet courage, or a joke Mark cracked in the ER that made me laugh through tears.
What I loved most was how this book is as much about healing as it is about survival. It’s not just medical updates and hospital visits. It’s about rediscovering hope when everything falls apart. Jenny lets us witness the mess of it all, like family tension, career stress, and the fear of the unknown, but she also shows how small acts of kindness and love carry her through. I was especially touched by the moments of spiritual reflection and how Jenny manages to hold space for both science and mystery. Her faith isn’t preachy; it’s personal and quietly powerful.
Forever Fly Free left me with tears, yes, but also with warmth. It reminded me how resilient people can be when they are fueled by love. I’d recommend this book to anyone facing loss, anyone caregiving for a loved one, or anyone simply looking for a true story that stirs the soul. It’s not just about burn recovery or trauma, it’s about the big stuff like love, family, and what it means to keep going when you’d rather not. I finished the last page and sat still for a while, grateful that Jenny let me into her story.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0F281H16L
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 