Blog Archives
Know: Where the Status Quo Ends and You Come to Life
Amy Cerny Vasterling’s Know is a heartfelt and deeply personal journey into self-trust and the reclamation of what she calls “personal knowing.” Vasterling draws from her own life and her experiences as an intuitive advisor to lay out a powerful critique of what she labels “The Model”—society’s unwritten rules and expectations. Structured in three parts, the book explores how we lose connection with our inner voice, how to regain it, and what life looks like when we do. It’s part memoir, part manifesto, and part field guide for sensitive souls trying to navigate a noisy, demanding world that doesn’t always make space for them.
Vasterling’s writing is clear and accessible, without fluff or over-intellectualizing. That’s rare in the self-help genre, which can often feel cold, detached, or overly prescriptive. Her voice is warm, intimate, and honest—even when she’s being blunt. She doesn’t pretend it’s easy to ditch society’s script and follow your own. She tells stories about discomfort, mistakes, fear, and even the collapse of her long-term marriage. But she also shows how choosing yourself, even when it’s hard, is the most liberating thing you can do. As someone who’s always second-guessed my gut and felt the weight of expectations pressing in, her insistence that you already know struck a nerve.
What I especially appreciated was her nuanced view of sensitivity, not as a flaw to fix but as a form of wisdom. Her metaphors, like comparing highly sensitive people to elephants with intuitive strength, stay with you. The book doesn’t offer a step-by-step plan, and that’s the point. It’s not about copying someone else’s path but tuning into your own. That said, at times I did wish for a little more grounding in how to apply these ideas in messy day-to-day life.
In the end, I found Know: Where the Status Quo Ends and You Come to Life to be a brave and soulful book. It’s especially well-suited for women, creatives, healers, and anyone who feels like they’re swimming upstream in a world that praises conformity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing life “wrong” despite having all the right pieces, this book might just be the permission slip you need to do things your way.
Pages: 140 | ISBN: 978-1-966629-14-6
Shoulda – Woulda – Couldas
Parables for Today is a collection of modern-day stories, some fictional, some heavily autobiographical, that aim to offer moral or spiritual insights akin to the teachings of Jesus. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There were situations and issues from my life that were nagging me with a host of shoulda-woulda-couldas, one of which was leaving about 30 grand in a backpack the trash collectors hauled away because I didn’t learn the money was there till it was too late. So I wrote about that and other events adding the outcome I would like to have seen rather than what actually happened. I did this to help put my mind more at ease.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As you observed, I wanted to challenge my readers on their own virtuosity by allowing them to insert themselves into my stories in place of the main characters in order to tweak their consciences just like Jesus did!
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Many years of writing for newspapers and magazines with success. I felt like it was time to make the next step and see if I could author a best-seller.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Parables for Today?
I want them to realize they have many opportunities for self-improvement if they just resist the temptation to get set in their ways!
Author Links: GoodReads
His parables were profound, powerful, and packed with meaning – and they were also subject to interpretation. They have withstood the test of time as each new generation has been able to discover a new message in the tales He shared. They have as much meaning today as they did back then.
In this book, the author imagines what situations Jesus would reference today to present His rich spiritual teachings. He shares stories that will help the spiritually hungry find their way back to the Lord while finding solace and peace.
Topics highlighted in the book include fame, forgiveness, what happens when we die, drug addiction, and the rules for living a successful life.
The eleven stories the author shares will make you think. Perhaps they’ll even change the way you view the world.
Blessing Book
The Blessing Book by Francis J. Shaw is a heartfelt collection of reflections that blend poetic insight, spiritual musings, and practical wisdom. Drawing from a wide array of cultural traditions, religious references, personal anecdotes, and emotional vignettes, Shaw crafts a meditative journey through life’s everyday joys and sorrows. The book explores themes like forgiveness, presence, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness, offering each as a kind of blessing for the reader to uncover. Through short reflections and gentle narratives, Shaw invites readers to look inward, encouraging introspection and spiritual awakening in the most relatable terms.
Reading this book felt like sitting down with a wise friend who doesn’t lecture but simply shares what they’ve learned while walking their own winding path. Shaw’s voice is kind, warm, and quietly powerful. I was moved by the way he acknowledges pain without romanticizing it, and still insists on the goodness that can be found in life, even when it’s hard to see. He has this tender way of writing that doesn’t feel polished for perfection but polished for truth. That rawness made it feel real. I especially loved his metaphor about “almost”—those times we’re nearly brave, nearly kind, nearly who we wish we were. He makes you feel seen, like your messiness belongs.
The rhythm of the writing—gentle crescendo, emotional insight, a soft landing—follows a comforting pattern that gives the book a meditative, almost musical quality. The poetic phrasing leans into sentiment, which may not always strike a chord with everyone, but it adds to the book’s heartfelt sincerity. There’s a vulnerability in the way Shaw writes that feels less about crafting perfect prose and more about offering a genuine connection.
The Blessing Book is not for someone looking for fast answers or structured how-tos. But if you’re going through a transition, grieving, healing, or simply craving words that soothe and encourage without pressure, this book is a quiet treasure. It’s perfect for reflective readers who enjoy snippets of wisdom and emotional storytelling in equal measure.
Pages: 318 | ASIN: B0992L5B68
Metabolic Reboot: From Crisis to Cure with The Power of Food
In Metabolic Reboot, James and Crystal Bass share an unflinchingly honest journey from the shock of a devastating diagnosis to a powerful transformation grounded in whole-food nutrition, faith, and intentional living. The book begins with Crystal’s painful diagnosis of Paget’s Disease—a chronic and degenerative bone condition—and blossoms into a practical and emotionally rich guide to reclaiming health through diet, low-impact exercise, fasting, and holistic supplements. With detailed explanations of bodily systems, a wealth of nutritional guidance, and heartfelt testimony, the Basses aim to educate, inspire, and offer a path forward for those battling chronic illness.
What struck me most was the raw sincerity of the storytelling. The opening chapters are heavy with emotion—there’s fear, grief, and a sense of helplessness that’s almost tangible. But woven through that vulnerability is this strong, unwavering love between James and Crystal. They don’t pretend to have all the answers, and that humility makes their advice land with more weight. When they talk about organic food, supplements, and lifestyle shifts, it doesn’t feel preachy—it feels like a hand extended to help you up.
It is worth noting that parts of the book felt a bit encyclopedic. The lists of nutrients and supplements were informative and broke up the emotional rhythm of the narrative. I appreciated the clarity and practicality. There’s no fluff. No empty promises. Just a real couple navigating pain, offering what worked for them. I found myself dog-earing pages and writing notes for my own pantry overhaul. It’s clear they’ve done their homework—and lived it.
Metabolic Reboot isn’t just a wellness book. It’s a love story. It’s a faith journey. It’s a wake-up call. If you’re someone who’s hit a wall with conventional treatments, or if you’re just looking to live with more intention, this book is worth your time. It’s especially helpful for those dealing with chronic illnesses or seeking gentle, sustainable health practices.
Pages: 96 | ISBN : 978-1963737936
Data-Driven Decision-Making
The Goldilocks Team is a candid, research-backed guide to building teams that thrive through personal alignment and human connection. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I find the sheer scale of employee disengagement around the world disturbing, understanding the devastating impact it has on the bottom line results of companies and the quality of life of individuals. So when I realized that much of this disengagement is avoidable – that in fact there is a better way to retain, hire, and engage employees – it just became my mission to help eliminate as much of the disengagement as I can.
What moment in your own career made you realize that most hiring strategies are missing the point?
The realization came when I saw the massive disparity between what employers focus on in the hiring process versus what is needed for hiring success. Specifically for hiring success, the following three are needed:
1) Solid capability to do the job. Most employers do a relatively good job trying to assess the ability to do the job from the candidate’s previous experience.
2) Values Alignment for long-term engagement – which means that what the candidate values is delivered by the employer. Yet most companies look for candidates that come in ready to regurgitate their company values and never even consider how well they as employers will be able to meet their future employee’s needs.
3) Interpersonal Alignment for smooth collaboration – which is the natural fit of two people (especially employee with manager). Most organizations focus on scrutinizing the candidates and totally miss the point that collaboration is a two-way street. In addition, they falsely believe that their best interview questions will suss out the character flaws and strengths of the applicant. Unwittingly, most employers hire based on guesswork and gut feelings versus data-driven decision-making.
What’s one popular HR practice you believe is harming team cohesion?
Forced ranking employees is one of the most harmful HR practices that destroys team cohesion.
You emphasize values alignment. How can a team leader practically assess that during the hiring process?
Build a method to capture what candidates actually value without judgment. During interviews, candidates are programmed to play “say the right thing” to get the job and therefore have a near-impossible time expressing what they value. Alternatively, try the OpenElevator platform my team and I have built to help understand values alignment with our bias-free approach.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
In The Goldilocks Team: Master Retention and Hiring, you’ll take an illuminating and entertaining deep dive into the core drivers of employee engagement, the evolution of workplace culture, values alignment, and interpersonal alignment, and learn how to:
• Address the root causes of turnover and improve retention
• Implement practical, immediately actionable tactics to engage your team
• Align your organization’s retention strategies with employee values for lasting success
• Build high-performing teams that deliver for the long-term, without guesswork
Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or a new manager, this provides a clear roadmap to keep your existing team members engaged for the long-term and to successfully hire top talent that is positioned to thrive within your organization.
Ready to build a team that’s high-performing, fully engaged and loyal? This book will show you how.
Communication Structure
Anger Management Solutions for Parents is a hands-on, compassionate guide aimed at helping parents understand and manage their emotional responses, especially anger, in the context of parenting. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am passionate about families being the most important cornerstone of great people. Children are our future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That sharing feelings and setting up boundaries are all structures needed for family and life communication. Parents are the biggest influence on a child’s experience and learning.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger and struggling with the frustrations of parenting?
I wish my parents were more open and understood what they were teaching me as a child in how to handle my anger, by handling theirs with us and each other.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Anger Management Solutions for Parents?
Build a communication structure with their children that makes a difference in that child’s life and all the people they interact with throughout life. Instill confidence in who they are and ensure that what they are communicating is effective and not damaging to another or themselves.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
As a parent, navigating the emotional challenges of raising children can often feel overwhelming. The daily mix of joys, frustrations, and responsibilities can stir up anger and frustration, making it difficult to maintain a peaceful household. You’re not alone in feeling this way.
Does this sound familiar?
• You’re trying to keep your cool, but your child’s actions push you to the brink.
• In stressful moments, communication becomes strained, leading to misunderstandings.
• You regret your reactions in heated situations, wishing for a better approach.
• Despite your best efforts, the home feels tense, and you worry about how your anger is affecting your relationship with your child.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to define your parenting journey.
Managing anger in parenting is a skill that can be learned. In Anger Management Solutions for Parents, you’ll discover practical strategies to regain control over your emotions and create a more harmonious family environment. This book will guide you through understanding your anger, identifying triggers, and applying effective techniques to stay calm.
By the end of this book, you’ll have practical tools to improve your relationship with your children and foster a nurturing, positive family atmosphere.
Key insights from the book
• Understanding Anger: Learn the psychology behind anger and how to turn it into a constructive force in your parenting.
• Identifying Triggers: Discover methods to identify what sparks your anger and how to manage those reactions.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Gain tools to stay calm and present, even in challenging moments.
• Effective Communication: Learn how to communicate effectively with your children, reducing conflict and misunderstanding.
• Building Emotional Resilience: Strengthen your emotional awareness and foster a supportive environment for your family.
• Practical Strategies: Discover actionable techniques, including journaling, breathing exercises, and timeouts, to regain control over your emotions.
• Creating a Support System: Learn the importance of seeking support from others, including professional counseling and connecting with other parents.
Whether you’re new to parenting or have years of experience, Anger Management Solutions for Parents provides essential tools to help you stay calm, positive, and engaged with your children. Ready to transform your approach to parenting? Start the journey today!
Parables for Today
In Parables for Today, Mike Mulhern reimagines the ancient tradition of parable-telling by placing it in a contemporary context. The book is a collection of modern-day stories, some fictional, some heavily autobiographical, that aim to offer moral or spiritual insights akin to the teachings of Jesus. Mulhern’s tales span themes like fame, forgiveness, grief, addiction, ambition, and redemption. Each chapter presents a different scenario, designed to speak to readers facing the complex realities of modern life while steering them gently toward reflection and self-awareness.
Reading this book felt like sitting across from someone who has lived a lot, thought even more, and now needs to get it all out in one breath. There’s an urgency and rawness in Mulhern’s voice that’s hard to ignore. The opening parable, “The Fame Game,” is a sprawling meditation on the obsessive chase for recognition. It’s part stand-up monologue, part sermon, part social critique, and it’s both hilarious and sad. I found myself laughing one minute, then pausing to reflect the next. Mulhern is clearly passionate, and the prose often reads like a stream of consciousness. But the emotion is real. The man cares deeply about his message, and that sincerity shines through.
What I appreciated most was the book’s earnestness. Mulhern isn’t trying to impress you with vocabulary or literary tricks—he’s trying to reach you. Some stories are deeply touching, like “A Supreme Act of Forgiveness” and “Coping with the Torment of a Drug-Addicted Child.” These resonated with me. You can tell he’s either lived these stories or walked very closely with someone who has. Other parables, like “The Shrink” or “The Sinister Sisters,” are more playful, even theatrical. Occasionally, I wished for tighter structure or more variety in tone, but the underlying ideas stayed with me long after I finished each tale.
This book is best suited for people looking for spiritual comfort or those who enjoy moral storytelling without pretense. Great for folks who read Chicken Soup for the Soul or who tune into late-night philosophical conversations with friends. If you want something honest and always heartfelt, Mulhern delivers. I’d recommend it to seekers, soul-searchers, and anyone who needs a nudge toward hope.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0DYQC98SJ
LITERARY TITAN 