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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 :
Hopeful and Empowered
Gratitude with Grace: Finding Happiness is a deeply personal and heartfelt guide to self-love, healing, and spiritual transformation, drawing on your own life to share your hardships, healing, and growth with readers, providing them with a roadmap to find joy in their own lives. Why was this an important book for you to write?
At one of the lowest points in my life, I felt hollow, weighed down by depression, anxiety, and stress. Therapy was not helping, and I was desperate for relief. One day, a song on the radio instantly lifted me. Soon after, I watched a YouTube video about do-it-yourself crafts that sparked a brand new hobby and reignited my creativity. Those two moments opened a door to the spiritual side I had sensed since childhood when the jingle of my mother’s keys told me she was near. As I reconnected with that intuition, I realized I am an intuitive psychic whose path is to inspire others. If I could climb out of that darkness, maybe my experience could guide someone else. The words poured onto the screen, and each time I paused, I heard the same inner nudge. Keep writing. A lightbulb moment sparked it all, and this book was born from that.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Reliving the season when I had to hire a lawyer to protect my home was a painful experience. I was juggling sleepless nights, a second job, and a level of anxiety that felt like rock bottom. One day, I broke down and had a heart-to-heart talk with God, which I mention in the book. A few weeks later, at my second job, small blessings began to appear, and something was said to me that made it clear heaven had been listening the whole time. Again, read the book to find out exactly what happened.
Facing my inner self and accepting that I was psychic was also tricky. That word still felt taboo. However, with the rise of new-age spirituality, I found the strength to face my fears. Because with God, all things are possible.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Women are often taught to stay quiet or, in other words, to be people pleasers. The message is to be seen and not heard, the same thing you might tell a child. History shows how hard we fought for the right to vote and even to hold a credit card in our names, and in many countries today, women are still oppressed. Yet we rise and speak, just as Malala Yousafzai did because, at the end of the day, we want education, equal pay, and the freedom to choose the life we live. We can achieve that through the power of our voices and by learning to say no, saying no means refusing to remain in a relationship that no longer serves us or a job that diminishes our worth. When we claim our voices, we discover our true strength and inspire others to do the same.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Gratitude with Grace?
I hope each reader finishes the book feeling hopeful and empowered. The divine is always near, guiding through intuition and synchronicity, whether it is a missed bus that leads to a chance meeting or a melody that lifts the heart. Small choices, such as turning up a favorite song, trying meditation, or picking up a joyful hobby, are baby steps that can create lasting change. There is always a bright side. Sometimes, you need to look at things from a new angle.
What are you working on now, and what can readers look forward to next?
I’m thrilled about my debut novel, The Whimsical Gifts of Emma, coming out this September. It’s a fourth-wall-breaking urban fantasy with a twist. If you love The Good Witch meets Deadpool/Clarissa Explains It All, you’ll be spellbound by this enchanting story full of slow-burn romance, magic, and mystery.
Author Links: GoodReads | Bookbub | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Explore how to manifest your desires, navigate challenges, and achieve your dreams with ‘Gratitude with Grace: Finding Happiness.’ Explore empowering quotes within this book to uplift you. Witness as grace infuses your everyday moments, sparking a shift in mindset that fosters positivity and fulfillment.
As you release the weight of past burdens, uncover how to:
How to overcome fear and liberate yourself from negative thoughts.
How to release toxic relationships that hinder your growth.
How to focus on the bright side instead of challenges.
How to tap into your intuition and wisdom.
How to embrace gratitude and grace to navigate your journey to happiness.
This book was created to guide you in tapping into your intuition, empowering your mindset, and confronting fears. Your future awaits–are you prepared to respond?
It is not Easy Being Men
Larry Skorupski’s It Is Not Easy Being Men is part manifesto, part heart-to-heart, and a wake-up call. It takes a long, unflinching look at what it means to be a man in a world where the old definitions no longer serve and the new ones are still being written. The book is structured in three parts—unpacking the weight of outdated masculine expectations, exploring the evolving landscape of manhood today, and offering a way forward with clarity, compassion, and brotherhood. Through personal stories, cultural observations, and workbook-style reflections, Skorupski invites men to let go of shame, speak their truth, and step into a more honest and emotionally rich version of masculinity.
The writing is raw, conversational, and sometimes messy—but that’s what makes it powerful. It’s like talking to a wise friend who’s not afraid to admit he’s made mistakes. Skorupski’s tone walks a tightrope between tenderness and grit. He doesn’t preach. Instead, he stands next to you, saying, “Yeah, me too.” That sense of camaraderie is rare in self-help books, especially those aimed at men. At times, the repetition of themes and earnestness of tone can feel heavy, but it’s always rooted in truth.
What moved me most was how Skorupski reclaims strength, not as stoicism or dominance, but as the courage to feel. He digs into the loneliness many men carry, the quiet weight of provision, the confusion around modern relationships, and the hidden grief passed down from generation to generation. His stories—Tom struggling to say “I love you,” and Marcus finding brotherhood after divorce, resonated with me. They’re not dramatic. They’re familiar. Too familiar. I didn’t expect to see pieces of my own story mirrored in theirs. That’s the emotional core of the book: it’s not about “fixing” men. It’s about giving them space to be fully human.
This book won’t be for everyone. It’s vulnerable. It’s emotional. It doesn’t offer quick fixes or macho motivational speeches. But for men who are tired of pretending they have it all together, who are silently struggling, who crave deeper connection but don’t know where to begin—this book is a lifeline. It’s also a worthwhile read for partners, sons, daughters, and friends who want to better understand the unspoken battles men face. It Is Not Easy Being Men is imperfect, but it’s honest, and in a world of performance, that’s a gift. I walked away feeling less alone, and that’s enough.
Pages: 188 | ASIN: B0F79C3WJD
Windows of Opportunity
How Change Really Happens is a grounded guide to personal transformation that honors the messy, emotional, and non-linear reality of change, with micro-shifts, self-trust, and a healthy dose of tough love. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was the first time I took what I teach, practice, and live and put it into book form. It was a passion project as well as a vital learning process for me in my personal and professional development. It addresses a common question we all face about how to become the people we desire to be in this life.
What personal experience first sparked your realization that “working harder” wasn’t the answer to change?
As I share in the book, I tried for years with the traditional approach. It failed me over and over. I couldn’t see how a more gentle and strategic, natural approach could be more effective until I gave it a try and saw the results for myself and the countless clients I shared it with.
What advice would you give someone who feels stuck but is skeptical of self-help books?
The Self-help genre has gotten a bit of a sour reputation. I think of it as windows of opportunity to see oneself differently and craft a life you want. If you feel stuck, something has to change. Try something new.
If readers take away just one practice or mindset shift from your book, what do you hope it is?
Microshifts, the small movements towards a goal, get you there just as well and possibly faster without triggering our fear of something new that often causes a backslide. It is a hack I still use whenever I am stepping into new unfamiliar territory.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
…with change.
Is yours holding you back?
With 17-years’ experience and a master’s degree, Sierra Melcher has coached over 1800 people to a better life. The first step is always the same.
Alter their perception of transformation.
Every client comes to her with a false narrative about their life. These stories hold them back. Progress can’t happen until these roadblocks are identified and smashed.
Each step involves a micro-change.
You’ll learn to:
Accelerate your growth from uncomfortable situations
Cash-in on secret lessons from nature
Find hope with this new perspective
Uncover your greatest strengths
plus much more…
The tools you’ll gain from this book will alter your beliefs and thoughts so that the rest of your life will be an adventure that makes each day a joy.
Bonus- a free downloadable workbook to guide you through your personal transformation.
You’ll adore this self-help book because it is funny, uplifting, and easy-to-read while delivering long-term benefits to get you through these uncertain times.
Get it now.
Distractions
Focused for Purpose is a Christian inspirational guide that combines scripture, personal testimony, and spiritual coaching to help readers cultivate a mindset of intentional living for God. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was written first as a help to myself, with the hope that it would also help someone else. In all honesty, I was the focus for writing this book. In chapter five the topic was ‘Distractions,’ which are primarily designed by the enemy to pull you away or delay the God-given purpose for your life. In my book, I mentioned how the Holy Spirit guided me through the scriptures and advised me that not only will writing this book help me but anyone who reads it as well who may be battling with distractions. Let’s face it, distractions is not a new or unfamiliar territory that the enemy uses. We have all faced this struggle at some point in our lives. One of the scriptures used in the book is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: This means there is nothing new under the sun that you experience, that someone else has not gone through or will go through. I always want people to know that they are not alone on an island by themselves; and God is always ready to guide you out of whatever circumstance or situation you may find yourself in. God will provide a way of escape, but it is up to us to take it.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing to write about, I would say, is admitting to the fact that after being born-again for over fifty years, I still could have an issue with distractions. I would think after being saved for all these years I would have had this battle well fought. But let me tell you, the moment any one begins to think you have any area in your life taken care of or think that you have somehow arrived because of your many years of walking with God, let me tell you to stop right there. Never boast of where you are in your relationship with God, if you do, this may be your biggest distraction of all. The enemy (Satan) would love for us to think we got this, he wants us to relax in our prayer time, and to slack off from reading God’s Word. I always say, we need to be in the habit of repenting and asking God for forgiveness every day. There is not one day that goes by in a 24-hour period, that we do not either say, do, or think something in a way that does not meet the standards of our Holy God. The problem with some may be that they fail to be honest with God. When you fail to be honest, or come clean with God; you are then opening yourself to succumb to whatever distractions the enemy brings your way. If you cannot be honest with God in the quiet times of prayer, then you will never be free. In John 8:32, it reads, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” This is one of the reasons why I give scriptures throughout my writings. Any book can be a help or an encouragement to whomever chooses to read them, but it is only the Word of God that will have the truth and the power of God’s anointing to set you free.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In this book, I shared what I know has helped me through the years, and that is having a solid foundation in the principles and guidelines from the Word of God. This has been a bedrock for my journey as a believer of Jesus Christ. Whether you have been taught this early in life or in your later years, whenever you are a doer of God’s Word it will help you in whatever you set out to do. To be frank, nothing else can give you the direction that is needed for you to have a life of abundance where you receive the satisfaction that will last throughout your lifetime. Jesus came that we might have life and that we would have it abundantly. The key word here is ‘might,’ which means it is available but you must surrender your life to Jesus, to receive it.
Another point discussed was knowing your circle. I found this to be an important help that can have an impact on how you are influenced. Your circle can influence you in a positive or negative way. This is why you must be diligent in how you maintain the right associations that can help or hinder the outcome for what you want for your life.
I mentioned also the importance of protecting your heart, and committing your ways to the Lord. Protecting your heart is really where it all begins. Our heart is where our life is shaped, it directs our decision making. When we guard our heart by protecting what we see, hear, and allow in our thoughts, we can better control its effects before it produces wrong or negative actions.
Lastly, we must not leave God out. In Proverbs 16:3, (NLT) it reads, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Here, we see the importance of including God in all we do. As I mentioned in my book, there are many who care nothing about God, and have no desire to include or acknowledge Him in any of their ways, and some of them have plenty of life’s treasures, but are not satisfied nor have the peace that passes all understanding. I will be the first to tell you, that even when you commit your ways to the LORD, this is not a guarantee that everything you do will go your way, sometimes it goes the opposite of what you wanted or thought it should go. But when your trust is in the LORD, you can rest in knowing that God has your best interest in mind and will work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Trusting God comes with a peace that the world knows nothing about nor can they take it away from you.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Focused for Purpose?
The one thing that I want readers to take away, not only from this book, Focused for Purpose, but every book I write; and that is the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ before they leave this earth. This is why I place in the back of every book, the ‘Prayer of Salvation,’ so it is available to anyone who chooses to receive Jesus Christ, but may not know how to go about it or what to say. But to answer the question regarding, Focused for Purpose – I would want readers to be clear on the reason why they were created; and that is to give God the glory with their living. When you do this, God will guide you in the direction that will lead you into fulfilling your God-given purpose.
Author Links: GoodReads
Every person at some point has dealt with distractions where it became the enemy to their focus. Distractions can become the stumbling block that prevents you from fulfilling your purpose. However, when we guard our heart, as Solomon speaks about in Proverbs 4:23, we begin to recognize the importance of what God has called us to do.
In this book, Focused for Purpose, I want every reader to know that God has already equipped you with the ability to finish the good work that He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Therefore, live your life to glorify God, and He will guide you in the direction necessary to fulfill your purpose.
The Same 20
Michelle Johnson-Farley’s The Same 20 is a candid, detailed, and emotionally resonant guide for anyone who has ridden the “diet roller coaster” of losing and gaining the same 20 pounds over and over. Drawing from her personal experiences as a registered dietitian and personal trainer, Farley offers a buffet of dieting strategies—from calorie counting and keto to veganism and intermittent fasting—interwoven with scientific explanations, motivational advice, and emotional introspection. The book encourages readers to uncover their why, make sustainable lifestyle changes, and ditch the destructive cycle of fad diets in favor of holistic well-being.
Farley’s writing is grounded, funny, and vulnerable in just the right doses. I appreciated how she didn’t sugarcoat the science or the mental toll dieting takes. Her breakdown of how diets mess with metabolism, hormones, and emotional health hit close to home. And her tone is friendly but firm, like a coach who won’t let you quit, even on your worst day. It was refreshing to see a book that doesn’t glorify quick fixes but instead champions small, meaningful shifts.
Her thoroughness is undeniable. The practical meal plans, science-backed explanations, and gentle encouragement make it more than just a guide—it feels like a survival kit for dieters who are emotionally drained and physically stuck. I found myself highlighting phrases like, “Life is short, eat a cupcake,” not just because they’re witty, but because they get to the heart of the matter: balance.
The Same 20 is a perfect read for people who are exhausted by diet culture but still crave guidance to take charge of their health. It’s for the parent juggling kids and self-care, the young adult burnt out by trends, or the midlifer trying to finally “get it right.” If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror thinking, “Here we go again,” this book is for you.
Pages: 402 | ASIN : B0BPF293WD
Anxiety Sucks: Ten Ways Human Beings Make Themselves Miserable
Dr. Moss Jackson’s Anxiety Sucks is a guide to understanding, confronting, and managing anxiety. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and blending it with personal insight and evolutionary psychology, Jackson lays out ten cognitive and behavioral traps people fall into—ones that amplify anxiety and create misery. The book is split into six accessible parts: from exploring how our brain evolved to process fear, to identifying destructive thought loops, and finally, to offering tools that build resilience and self-efficacy. Jackson’s core message is both simple and powerful: life throws curveballs, but we don’t have to make ourselves miserable in the process.
Jackson doesn’t just explain what anxiety is—he tears it down, exposes it, and shows you the gears behind the mental machine. I loved how he compares parts of the brain to an alligator, a gorilla, and a computer—evolutionary characters constantly battling over how we react to stress. That imagery stuck with me. His writing is clear, punchy, and often funny, which makes even the heavier ideas easier to digest. But more than that, I appreciated the empathy behind his approach. You can tell this isn’t just theory—it’s built on real human experience, his own and his clients’.
The book leans into a tough-love approach, which readers may find refreshing and energizing. While it focuses more on action than deep emotional exploration, that clarity and directness can be incredibly empowering, especially for those ready to break free from unhelpful patterns. The advice to “experience your fear and do it anyway” is bold and inspiring, and while it may not address every layer of complex anxiety or trauma, it offers a solid starting point. For readers caught in loops of rumination, regret, or perfectionism, Jackson’s strategies shine with potential to spark real and lasting change.
Anxiety Sucks is for people who want to take control of their minds but aren’t sure where to start. It’s ideal for those tired of spinning their wheels in therapy or self-help that’s long on theory and short on practice. If you’re a chronic overthinker, a recovering perfectionist, or just plain fed up with the daily grind of “what if” thoughts, this book will shake things up. It’s practical, gritty, and—best of all—it makes you believe that even if anxiety sucks, your life doesn’t have to.
Pages: 235 | ASIN: B0CK546NHJ
Focused For Purpose
Jacqui D. Williams’ Focused for Purpose is a Christian inspirational guide that blends scripture, personal testimony, and spiritual coaching. At its heart, this book is about living intentionally for God, discovering the reason we exist, staying focused on it, and filtering distractions through the lens of faith. Each chapter feels like a heartfelt conversation, meant to help readers realign with God’s plan and rediscover their purpose with practical encouragement and biblical truths.
One aspect of Williams’ writing that stood out to me is her clarity and sincerity when addressing the concept of purpose. From the very beginning, she states it unequivocally: “Your purpose is to give God the glory.” There is no ambiguity, no unnecessary elaboration, just a direct and powerful truth. It’s a bold approach, and one that feels both honest and refreshing. Williams does not merely present abstract ideals; she offers her own experiences, including times when she was uncertain about her calling. Even in moments of confusion, she remained committed to keeping God at the center. That level of humility is deeply moving. Her reflections on individuals returning to the altar particularly resonated with me, prompting personal introspection on how easily we tend to complicate what is, at its core, a simple and profound truth.
The section on distractions resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Williams explores how effortlessly we allow people, busyness, and excessive commitments to divert our attention from what truly matters. Her candid discussion about the importance of saying “no” without guilt served as a sobering reminder of the necessity of boundaries. It was both illuminating and affirming. She effectively illustrates that distractions are not inherently negative; rather, they often reflect a misalignment of priorities. The example of Jonah powerfully underscores this idea: God did not revoke His calling despite Jonah’s initial disobedience. That message was both challenging and reassuring, reminding readers of the enduring nature of God’s purpose in our lives.
Williams speaks candidly about the significant impact our relationships have on our mindset and personal growth. Her tone is gracious and respectful, yet unmistakably firm in asserting that the people we surround ourselves with can either propel us forward or hold us back. What I found particularly compelling was her thoughtful balance between spiritual accountability and personal responsibility. She does not encourage blame, but rather urges readers to make intentional, discerning choices about their influences. Her guidance is delivered with both warmth and conviction, much like a trusted mentor offering honest insight with a genuine desire to see others succeed.
Focused for Purpose is not just for Christians trying to figure out their life’s calling. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or like they’re just spinning their wheels. I’d especially recommend it to women of faith who crave both encouragement and a nudge toward discipline. It’s a soulful, practical, deeply personal book, and it’s clear Jacqui D. Williams poured her heart into every page. If you need a reminder that your life matters and you’re made for more, this one’s worth reading.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0FCTHR59Z
LITERARY TITAN 