Blog Archives
This Too Shall Pass
Meet Dave Lassam, the Man for the Job shares with readers your story of spending 39 years in the Royal Australian Navy and the things you learned and experienced during that time. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It stemmed from many of my civilian friends who had listened to my stories when I had returned from different places. I would often be away for some years and would chat to all my mates in the dog showing world. Many extolled me to write it. Also, I developed PTSD from years of dealing with trauma and loss of comrades, so I found this cathartic but also I needed to talk about it to hopefully help other Defence personnel realise that PTSD itself can be treated.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Remember, this too shall pass….. many times I felt that things were too tough and I was ready to give up but I never did. If they had given that advice, I perhaps might have had a somewhat easier life. But I wouldn’t change any of it. I am who I am today because of what I got through.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
There would be many I hope, but the main one would be to never give up. I chose a pretty tough yet exciting and sometimes dangerous career but the Navy was my family. As in any Defence Force, the comraderie one builds over time can never be broken and it will be there forever.
Author Website
This book is not just a collection of veteran war stories; it’s a deeply personal journey through the highs and lows of military missions. Lassam takes us on a ride along with his humanitarian missions in warzones, where the role of a warzone medic transcends the battlefield, offering hope and life-saving care in the midst of chaos. His vivid recounting of the Bali Bombings evacuation and leading medical teams in partnership with the US Navy across the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean encapsulates the global impact of the Royal Australian Navy’s commitment to peace and aid.
Beyond the missions, Lassam opens up about the internal battles many soldiers face upon their return home. Coping with PTSD and a diagnosis of prostate cancer, he lays bare the vulnerability of veterans navigating the transition from military to civilian life. His story is a testament to resilience, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of adjusting to a world outside the uniform while continuing to serve and support the community in meaningful ways.
Aimed at readers of all ages, from young adults to the elderly, especially veterans, “Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job” transcends the genre of military memoirs. It’s a narrative that celebrates the spirit of service, the importance of mental health awareness, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the face of adversity. Through tales of attending car accidents, reviving heart attack victims, and delivering humanitarian aid in disaster zones, Lassam’s career is a compelling reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
Whether you’re a seasoned military enthusiast or a newcomer to the stories of the Royal Australian Navy, this book offers a unique perspective on the sacrifices and achievements of those who serve. “Meet Dave Lassam, The Man for the Job” is more than a memoir; it’s an invitation to understand the courage, dedication, and humanity of our military personnel and the enduring legacy they leave in both the civilian and military spheres.
The Miseducation of a Traveler
In The Miseducation of a Traveler, Alex Moore offers an engaging account of her travels through New Zealand, capturing the essence of her experiences with vivid descriptions and lively anecdotes. The book transcends the typical travel guide by providing a narrative that is both informative and deeply personal. Moore’s storytelling transports readers, making them feel as if they are journeying alongside her.
Moore’s narrative style is conversational, which lends a sense of intimacy to the book. She brings to life the landscapes of New Zealand and the South Pacific, not just through descriptions of breathtaking scenery but also through encounters with locals and fellow travelers. Her adventurous spirit shines as she delves into activities like skydiving and zip-lining, which adds an element of excitement to the narrative. The book does more than recount travel tales; it reflects on personal growth and the profound insights gained from exploring new territories. Moore’s reflections prompt readers to contemplate what they, too, might discover about themselves through their own travels. Her writing is clear and accessible, peppered with humor and emotional depth, making this book a delightful read. It inspires not just a desire to visit the places featured, but also a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of travel.
Alex Moore’s The Miseducation of a Traveler not only vividly depicts the South Pacific but also captures the transformative journey of self-discovery that travel can evoke. Her genuine and heartfelt prose invites readers to reflect on their own potential adventures, making this book a valuable companion for both seasoned explorers and those just beginning to entertain the call of distant horizons.
Pages: 223 | ASIN : B0C1VV38NB
Meet Dave Lassam, the Man for the Job: My 39 Years Service in the Royal Australian Navy
Meet Dave Lassam, the Man for the Job is a riveting memoir of Dave Lassam’s thirty-nine years of service in the Royal Australian Navy. Born into a roaming family, his early life was marked by frequent relocations and a sequence of boyhood mishaps, all of which shaped the resilient man he grew to become. The biography navigates through Lassam’s varied experiences, from his accidental entry into the Navy to his numerous, and sometimes thrilling, deployments across the globe. Lassam’s story is more than a military memoir; it takes readers on a deep dive into personal growth against the backdrop of naval life.
The author’s style is straightforward yet captivating, bringing to life the trials and triumphs of naval service. Lassam’s experiences are rendered with a mixture of humor and gravity that balances the weight of military responsibilities with the light-hearted anecdotes of daily life in the Navy. The descriptions of training, assignments, and the unique camaraderie among sailors are one thing I found particularly compelling, as they offered me a window into the complexities of service life beyond the typical call of duty.
The book also thoughtfully considers the broader implications of military service, such as the impact of familial relationships and personal decisions on a military career. One of the most intriguing aspects is how Lassam’s career decisions were influenced by his family dynamics, particularly the aftermath of his parents’ divorce. I felt that this added a layer of depth to the narrative, illustrating how personal life can significantly influence professional paths, even in as structured an environment as the military.
Meet Dave Lassam, the Man for the Job is a story of personal evolution, resilience, and dedication. I recommended it to anyone interested in naval careers and those who appreciate stories of personal triumph and the complexities of life in uniform. Lassam’s journey through highs and lows, his humor in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to his role make this biography a compelling read for military enthusiasts and general readers alike.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0B8VBXWMF
Dancing Between the Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections on Love and Loss
Dancing Between The Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections On Love And Loss by Lisa Braxton is the memoir of Lisa’s family, the love and joy throughout the years as well as the hardships, challenges, grief, and loss that come with being a part of a union as strong as the nuclear family. In this book, Lisa reminisces on her being a painfully shy child growing up in Connecticut, her mother’s writing talent and aspirations, becoming aware of and dealing with racism from a young age, taking care of and losing both parents to cancer as well as dealing with breast cancer herself, and so much more. This heartfelt book is a reflection and an homage to the beauty of life and being human, the basic human needs, emotions, and desires, and the fact that the good and the bad are both essential parts of life.
Lisa writes in a beautiful tone, expressing undeniable gratitude and love towards her family members on each page of the book. Her honesty and raw emotions are what set her work apart from similar memoirs. Reading this piece felt like a lifelong friend sitting down for a coffee and telling me about all the stuff I’ve missed out on from the last time we saw each other. It deals with a lot of sensitive topics, including taking care of an elderly parent when they most need you, grief from losing a loved one, and being discriminated against on a racial level, to name a few.
Each chapter being a story of its own makes the book and its message even more powerful and real. One of the stories that touched me the most early on in the book was one of Lisa’s first times dealing with racism in school. Someone had told the African-American kids to go back to where they came from, and just reading about the way Lisa felt at that moment was heartbreaking. She explains that she felt confused because, yes, she has African ancestry, but how can she go back to a place she had never been to? Furthermore, her parents and grandparents were all born and lived in the U.S. The confusion in that little girl’s mind is something that will stick with me as a reader for a long time.
I highly recommend Lisa Braxton’s Dancing Between The Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections On Love And Loss to anyone looking for a poignant and touching memoir. The book is a heartwarming tribute to the universal experience of love and loss.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CW1N2JWN
My Life Raft
It Was Her New York is more than a memoir; it is an exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery in a city that influences all who reside in it. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I and my sister were suddenly caring for a suddenly frail parent. My life changed on a dime. My plans to live abroad with my then-partner and the writing and documentary work that I was doing were all derailed. The city I had always felt “normal” in became more and more unrecognizable. At the same time, my parent, Florence was basically disappearing into dementia. Yet in that chaos, Florence kept surprising me with expressions that were so her and my city kept reminding me that I was still home. Those moments became a life-line to my well-being. The documenting of a pretty tough process kept me connected and sane and working my storytelling muscles. It also comforted me and offered me daily opportunities of giving gratitude-something that cannot be underestimated when going through challenges. Simply put, it was my life raft.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
HOME and LOVE and FAMILY are present in each and every person who is in HER NEW YORK: all the LGBTQ grandparents and parents who could never tell their families who they really loved; all our co-workers; all the people who keep our cities running; all the immigrants or refugees who come to NY and other cities seeking safety and a chance at a good life; all the caregivers – both relatives and home attendants – who go through their daily tasks in silence and invisibility. We are surrounded by their stories and, in the case of Florence’s Ex-Lover, secrets. I wonder often what the family of the Ex-Lover – the woman who loved Florence all her life – would think if they found out about their mother/grandmother/great-grandmother and her life-long heartbreak. I wonder if she truly had to hide her heart. I think if people who decry immigration would meet Mr. Godslove, they would be struck as I was by his kindness and goodness. I wonder if people ever stop and give thanks for all the bus drivers, subway workers and delivery people in their city. Yes, this book is specifically about New York City and a queer woman. But it is about a lot more; our cities and homes and relatives and neighbors and all their stories.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I wondered if it was the piece I wrote on the evening of the morning Florence died. But it wasn’t – that was an offering of gratitude (except for that one awful EMS person). The hardest thing to write was THE AUTHOR’S NOTE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE YEARS MAKE. It was there I had to splay out the regret I felt that last day with Florence and finally say goodbye to my past and the imperfect journey I took her to her final days.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
There was a parade chant from the Pride March many years ago – “2, 4, 6, 8, how do you know your grandma/grandpa/any relative is straight”. You don’t. We slap words onto people that become their definition, rather than getting to know who they really are. So what I hope this book does is welcome readers’ hearts to grow bigger, their curiosity to expand and their respect to deepen for the people they think they know, for the people they judge as “immoral” or “wrong” and for the people they have never met but fear.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In this engaging new collection of personal essays and full-color photographs, Moed tells true stories of caring for her mother Florence, a broke, Julliard-trained pianist who stumbles into dementia on the Lower East Side. This funny, poignant memoir asks questions both familiar and touching: “What happened to the neighborhood?” and “What happened to my mom?”
It Was Her New York is for anyone who has ever experienced the aging of a parent, the gentrification of a neighborhood, or the unexpected discovery of stifled love and hidden sexuality.
It Was Her New York: True Stories & Snapshots
In It Was Her New York, C.O. Moed offers readers a tapestry of life in New York City, intricately woven through the lens of her relationship with her mother, Florence. This memoir is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, the complexities of identity, and the ceaseless evolution of a city that never sleeps.
Moed’s writing is both poignant and evocative. She blends humor with sorrow and paints a vivid picture of her mother—a spirited musician whose resilience and struggles are deeply moving. The book shines not just in its storytelling but in its ability to capture the essence of New York City. Moed’s New York is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character that influences and shapes the lives of those who call it home.
The book’s narrative structure is somewhat unconventional, interspersing memories and anecdotes with cultural and social commentary, along with images. This approach works wonderfully in drawing the reader into the author’s world, offering a multifaceted view of her experiences and emotions. Moed’s reflections on the impact of Florence’s life and death are deeply personal, yet they resonate universally, touching on themes that many can relate to – loss, grief, and the passage of time.
The book’s strength is weaving personal tales with broader societal observations. At times, the transitions between personal anecdotes and cultural commentary felt abrupt, leaving me wishing for a smoother narrative flow. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the book’s overall impact.
The exploration of Florence’s life as a musician and her determination in the face of adversity is particularly compelling. It highlights her character and serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. In this regard, Moed’s portrayal of her mother is not just a personal tribute but a nod to the resilience and complexity of all those who inhabit this ever-changing city.
It Was Her New York is a touching and insightful book that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and tribulations of family relationships, the bittersweet nature of memory, and the profound impact of place on personal identity.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0CTNHK1N7
Laugh More Often
You Slept Where?: Calamities of a Clumsy Businesswoman shares with readers your journey to find the perfect photo for National Geographic and the memorable situations you found yourself in. Why was this an important book for you to write?
With so much sadness, sickness, and sorrow in the world, I wanted to make a difference and make readers laugh out loud at my calamities and usual predicaments.
At the time I was writing this book, I was dealing with my mother’s dementia, running businesses, balancing life, and trying to achieve professional and personal goals. More importantly, I NEEDED to laugh as an escape. 😊
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
No matter how tough life is or what situation (or place) you find yourself in – it is a positive attitude that makes a difference.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Laugh more often.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Live every day like it might be your last….
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
In You Slept Where? she shares her story about a businesswoman who is also a wife, mother, and a farmer’s daughter pursuing a childhood dream of being published in National Geographic, while coping with life’s struggles of her parents’ eldercare. Sellers also tells about her experiences and mishaps in bizarre locations and staying at the world’s most unique places: an underwater hotel, an ice hotel, sleeping with polar bears, or sleeping in wigwams along Route 66. Imagine the movies Miss Congeniality meets National Lampoon’s Vacation in her version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
With cost-saving travel tips and other advice included, You Slept Where? provides insight into one woman’s crazy adventures while encouraging others to create their own bucket list.
Memoirs of Successful Women
Memoirs of Successful Women, compiled by Annie Gibbins, is an engaging anthology that resonates with the contemporary theme of female empowerment. This collection presents twelve chapters, each a unique memoir, where women from various professional realms share their journeys toward success. These narratives delve into their effective strategies, notable mistakes, and the innovative approaches that catapulted their careers. The book effectively highlights the transformative moments that shape a woman’s transition from an idealist to a trailblazing figure in the business landscape.
Each story in this compilation stands out for its individual perspective on success, making the book a versatile resource. It caters to a broad audience, from young professionals seeking guidance to mid-career individuals in need of inspiration and those intrigued by the varied success stories of women globally. The strength of this compilation lies in its diverse representation, offering relatable and empowering tales for readers from all backgrounds. The memoirs encompass an array of professions and challenges, underscoring the message that success is not tied to a singular path but is accessible through perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. A personal highlight for me was Swati Tyagi’s memoir, which elegantly brings to the forefront the learnings from everyday challenges, reminding us that what may seem mundane to some can be a significant hurdle for others. Like the others, her story offers valuable insights from a unique vantage point.
Memoirs of Successful Women stands as a testament to women’s enduring spirit, resilience, and tenacity worldwide. It celebrates their achievements and serves as an inspirational guidebook for anyone aspiring to navigate the complexities of personal and professional success.
Pages: 142 | ASIN : B0CLL26Z9N
LITERARY TITAN 