I love Lyn Murray's books. This one is indeed a rich tapestry and a compendium of research, stories, images and historical documents that all serve as a meditation on the perplexing nature of time disturbance. This is a hefty volume, and it's easy to read on an e-reader, but you might want the print version because some of the documents are elaborate.
My favorite are the narrative stories. Murray writes with tension and a convincing authority that put you right in the scene with her. She illustrates the confusion and wonder that comes with examining rips in time beautifully and to great effect.
Some of the research within is disturbing. Why have stories of time travelers disappeared from news media reports? My second favorite section, after Murray's own accounts, was the section devoted to people who may have been time travelers, because that's fascinating to explore. There is also in-depth look into reports from a confessed time traveler that ended up feeling very reassuring about the fabric of time. In all, there is a lot here, and there's bound to be things that pique your interest on this fascinating topic we know so little about.
My favorite are the narrative stories. Murray writes with tension and a convincing authority that put you right in the scene with her. She illustrates the confusion and wonder that comes with examining rips in time beautifully and to great effect.
Some of the research within is disturbing. Why have stories of time travelers disappeared from news media reports? My second favorite section, after Murray's own accounts, was the section devoted to people who may have been time travelers, because that's fascinating to explore. There is also in-depth look into reports from a confessed time traveler that ended up feeling very reassuring about the fabric of time. In all, there is a lot here, and there's bound to be things that pique your interest on this fascinating topic we know so little about.
Clinics in the Cloud: How smart business owners in private practice take the pain out of marketing, increase profitability and attract more ideal clients online. by Yalcin Yilmaz
This is a smart, targeted guide to help health care or personal care businesses quickly master marketing and client-base communication in the digital era. The information is specifically targeted for local businesses who perform care services for individuals, though the expertise could be applied to other businesses with similar needs to define their practice and communicate it via a website, social media, and direct communication with a client list. It's really not an option any longer to avoid these parts of running a business,and the benefits of doing it well are lucrative and unmatched in defining your brand.
I really enjoyed reading the strategic thinking that guides this information about first building a web presence and then leveraging that presence to communicate and market. The author explains in easy-to-grasp language how to think through choices, and then shows precisely how to implement a plan, down to the nitty gritty of how various platforms, tools and resources work. I feel smarter and empowered to know what to do and when to do it going forward.
The book itself is really well-organized with lots of sub-chapters to organize the steps and the information, and with a detailed, hyper-linked table of contents so that you can find info fast. This means that after you read it cover to cover it will serve as a reference book to keep handy, and I really appreciate that. In all, a great guide to an essential top for all local practitioners.
I really enjoyed reading the strategic thinking that guides this information about first building a web presence and then leveraging that presence to communicate and market. The author explains in easy-to-grasp language how to think through choices, and then shows precisely how to implement a plan, down to the nitty gritty of how various platforms, tools and resources work. I feel smarter and empowered to know what to do and when to do it going forward.
The book itself is really well-organized with lots of sub-chapters to organize the steps and the information, and with a detailed, hyper-linked table of contents so that you can find info fast. This means that after you read it cover to cover it will serve as a reference book to keep handy, and I really appreciate that. In all, a great guide to an essential top for all local practitioners.
Invest Like a Millionaire: The Secret Power of Index Funds and Your Million Dollar Retirement (Investing Basics) by Matt Raymond
Invest Like a Millionaire is a great, well-written guide that distills tons of investment information into easy-to-understand advice you can act upon. It's written in a very friendly, even-handed style. The content starts with basic concepts and then increases in complexity bit by bit in organized chapters. The author gave me the feeling that he was right there with me, anticipating my next question and guiding my decision-making about the right investment choices.
I liked the emphasis on gaining a thorough awareness of risk, work and reward that is possible with various vehicles, and I really appreciated the many tricks and secrets that can be especially helpful to those of us who weren't raised with many moneyed advisers around us or who didn't study finance in school. I'm self-educated on these topics, so it's great to have an insider's guide on pitfalls and strategies I need for avoiding fees, hidden costs, tax implications of various choices, and other key topics covered.
You have to be informed, even about set-it-and-forget-it funds, and this book is the right size: smart but boiled down so that it's actionable and approachable. I'm working hard to create a secure future, and this book is a really helpful tool in my financial toolbox.
I liked the emphasis on gaining a thorough awareness of risk, work and reward that is possible with various vehicles, and I really appreciated the many tricks and secrets that can be especially helpful to those of us who weren't raised with many moneyed advisers around us or who didn't study finance in school. I'm self-educated on these topics, so it's great to have an insider's guide on pitfalls and strategies I need for avoiding fees, hidden costs, tax implications of various choices, and other key topics covered.
You have to be informed, even about set-it-and-forget-it funds, and this book is the right size: smart but boiled down so that it's actionable and approachable. I'm working hard to create a secure future, and this book is a really helpful tool in my financial toolbox.
I loved visiting the dark justice of Celestine's world in Redford's terrific, twisted novel. Celestine carries burdens and gifts with her through her days in 1940s New Orleans. She is rightfully angry about the murder of her mother in a race-related incident, and she vows revenge. She is gifted with unusual power rituals from her grandmother's lineage as a practitioner of the dark arts. She is also gorgeous and seductive. Oh, and she has a mean steel blade. Put those qualities together and you have an undeniable serial killer.
The plot is a page turner, mostly to see what Celestine will do next. Will she get caught? Will love safe her from herself? Will her head games when she in under investigate be her undoing? It's all in there and more. I loved the writing, which was full of juicy action and adventure, erotic descriptions of Celestine's seductions, and vivid presentations of her killings, as well as French phrases beautifully woven throughout. I also appreciated the sense of place imparted, because the bayou is a fascinating place.
But most of all, I loved this unconventional character, with all too many reasons to develop this misandric hobby, and though she does horrible things, I still found myself somehow cheering her on, and that's a credit to the complexity of the narrative. What's more, I now want a Conjuring Room of my own. In all a juicy gem of a tale!
The plot is a page turner, mostly to see what Celestine will do next. Will she get caught? Will love safe her from herself? Will her head games when she in under investigate be her undoing? It's all in there and more. I loved the writing, which was full of juicy action and adventure, erotic descriptions of Celestine's seductions, and vivid presentations of her killings, as well as French phrases beautifully woven throughout. I also appreciated the sense of place imparted, because the bayou is a fascinating place.
But most of all, I loved this unconventional character, with all too many reasons to develop this misandric hobby, and though she does horrible things, I still found myself somehow cheering her on, and that's a credit to the complexity of the narrative. What's more, I now want a Conjuring Room of my own. In all a juicy gem of a tale!
Compelling layers of stories and reports weave a dark and mysterious narrative in The Tuck. Murray is a master of suspenseful storytelling and reportage, weaving together story, research, first-hand reports and data all on the topic of experiences with unknown large monsters/animals in the woods. When I lived outside Seattle these stories were not uncommon and always told with a bit of trepidation but a lot of conviction. What is behind the enduring nature of these legends?
Murray explores the topic with an open-mind so that readers can drawn their own conclusions, or add this to their own piles of anecdotal research, or just enjoy this cultural fascination. Much of this content was new to me. i had no idea we had President with a Sasquatch-type sighting, so that part of the book was incredibly interesting. The first hand reports were fascinating to consider from a logical point of view, and from a paranormal one as well.
This collection has fun material for Big Foot fanatics, too, including some puzzles and artwork. The best part, though, is the titled tale, wherein a narrator tells a campfire-like suspenseful tale of an encounter that offers a paranormal take on the Big Foot phenomenon. It's well told with just the right amount of tension, humor and lots of imagination. In all, a rewarding collection for anyone fascinated with reports of spooky monsters in the woods.
Murray explores the topic with an open-mind so that readers can drawn their own conclusions, or add this to their own piles of anecdotal research, or just enjoy this cultural fascination. Much of this content was new to me. i had no idea we had President with a Sasquatch-type sighting, so that part of the book was incredibly interesting. The first hand reports were fascinating to consider from a logical point of view, and from a paranormal one as well.
This collection has fun material for Big Foot fanatics, too, including some puzzles and artwork. The best part, though, is the titled tale, wherein a narrator tells a campfire-like suspenseful tale of an encounter that offers a paranormal take on the Big Foot phenomenon. It's well told with just the right amount of tension, humor and lots of imagination. In all, a rewarding collection for anyone fascinated with reports of spooky monsters in the woods.
Murray has a fine hand with complicated and disturbing paranormal content, and this collection is unsettling and chilling! I have never heard of the BEK phenomenon before, so the hair on the nape of my neck is suitably raised, and Murray is to blame because she's such a skillful writer, bringing the worst imaginings to life with her perfect prose and really clever way of pacing with both urgency and elaborate detail everything from first-hand stories to case studies and research. She's really in command with these tales, like a reporter from the dark side of the paranormal mind.
This book is a collection of stories about BEK experiences and other related topics. I am very intrigued with the way the concept of alien hybrid babies was discussed, though it is deeply disturbing stuff. The collection also goes deeply into many aspects of the New World Order theories that might have relevance. Murray's elaborations are compelling and give insight into what these stories might mean to all of us, past, present and future, even if we can't discern what BEK's really are or what people's visions of them represent.
This book has a lot of diverse content that is well presented and accompanied by haunting image renditions of BEKs. Myth, legend, paranormal mystery, fact of life -- whichever you decide this is a great collection to prompt your research or your nightmares, or both!
This book is a collection of stories about BEK experiences and other related topics. I am very intrigued with the way the concept of alien hybrid babies was discussed, though it is deeply disturbing stuff. The collection also goes deeply into many aspects of the New World Order theories that might have relevance. Murray's elaborations are compelling and give insight into what these stories might mean to all of us, past, present and future, even if we can't discern what BEK's really are or what people's visions of them represent.
This book has a lot of diverse content that is well presented and accompanied by haunting image renditions of BEKs. Myth, legend, paranormal mystery, fact of life -- whichever you decide this is a great collection to prompt your research or your nightmares, or both!
I write in a few different genres, and comedy is the absolute hardest. But it’s the most rewarding, too. Making someone laugh is a gift beyond all others. I love the approach and execution of this book. Hoover weaves together comprehensive guide of how to write comedic material including an in-depth summary of the evolution of comedy writing. By thinking about how humor has and has not changed, about what is universal about comedy and timing, and about what it truly informed by the tastes of the times, I was able to learn a lot about the choices and opportunities I have to improve my writing. He also delves into the theories of what makes good comedy, as well as how to deploy different comedic forms from jokes, to sketches, to TV sitcoms, and to feature films.
This is a well-written and smartly conceived guide to be be read cover-to-cover and then to save so you can refer back to it again and again as a useful resource. Highly recommend if you are interested in the whys and hows of comedy.
This is a well-written and smartly conceived guide to be be read cover-to-cover and then to save so you can refer back to it again and again as a useful resource. Highly recommend if you are interested in the whys and hows of comedy.
Rightful Owner is an excellent whodunit worthy of Agatha Christie -- though I'm not sure I can picture Dame Agatha in a Cambridge area swingers club! Martin skillfully unwinds a page-turning procedural for a murder that happens while couple are swapping partners at an exclusive gathering, and it turns out to be a brilliant backdrop for secrets, lies, and mayhem of all sorts. The crimes get worse before all is solved, and this makes for a riveting plot.
What is exceptional about this novel is that Martin shows the story from all points of view. We have a detective team to follow, and they are great characters in a complicated relationships of their own. We got to know the thoughts, and reluctance to swing, of the murder victim from her point of view, and throughout the procedural part of the novel we saw various convos between the party goers from their points of view. Telling this story in this way made it all the more tantalizing, because we weren't only privy to what the detectives knew, and we often knew when suspects were lying to each other and in the investigation.
It all came together fabulously at the end, well-paced and smartly done, and it's possible to solve the mystery with all of the facts present but not everyone will because it's juicy and layered with secret agendas. Nothing is more rewarding than that!
What is exceptional about this novel is that Martin shows the story from all points of view. We have a detective team to follow, and they are great characters in a complicated relationships of their own. We got to know the thoughts, and reluctance to swing, of the murder victim from her point of view, and throughout the procedural part of the novel we saw various convos between the party goers from their points of view. Telling this story in this way made it all the more tantalizing, because we weren't only privy to what the detectives knew, and we often knew when suspects were lying to each other and in the investigation.
It all came together fabulously at the end, well-paced and smartly done, and it's possible to solve the mystery with all of the facts present but not everyone will because it's juicy and layered with secret agendas. Nothing is more rewarding than that!
This book is a balm and a treasure. I find it necessary to have thoughtful guidance on my path toward individual growth and towards a more humane society, and The Rainbow Bridge offers just the kind of guidance I need: smart, deeply compassionate, embracing of all people and possibilities, open-hearted, centered on kindness (to ourselves and others). The author deftly is challenging and supportive in just the right measures. This is a volume to turn to again and again.
In the first part of the book, Hunter defines the concept of Rainbow Bridges and the phenomenon and yearning for connection that carries it forward. The second part delves into an exploration of the principles of the concept, making connections between various other religious and philosophical teachings to show the cross-cultural universality of the principles. I really loved how the ideas are presented so beautifully and easy to understand, making the material broadly accessible and making it a model of the very open, friendly connectedness it teaches. There are 60 sections that can easily serve as daily thought meditations individually after you have finished reading the entire book. The concepts at the end of Part II are necessary reading and felt truly supportive of seekers and had direct relevance to my individual path. Part III focuses on cultivating inner peace and contains excellent meditation instruction along with other tools for mindfulness and an integration of the concept of The Rainbow Bridge, show more and then the book supports and challenges readers with an in-depth analysis of how we can share that inner peace outward by building a human-centered society and world politically, economically and culturally. It's rare to find an author who can first of all make all of these connections, and secondly share it all so eloquently with readers. I left the book feeling wiser, centered, purposeful and empowered.
There's much more, including inspiring quotes, resources and specific examples. In all, I am struck by the way The Rainbow Bridge synthesizes important universal principles and puts handles on them so that are easy to grasp and integrate. This is an essential read and is most definitely one to share, creating bridges of wisdom with the recipients! show less
In the first part of the book, Hunter defines the concept of Rainbow Bridges and the phenomenon and yearning for connection that carries it forward. The second part delves into an exploration of the principles of the concept, making connections between various other religious and philosophical teachings to show the cross-cultural universality of the principles. I really loved how the ideas are presented so beautifully and easy to understand, making the material broadly accessible and making it a model of the very open, friendly connectedness it teaches. There are 60 sections that can easily serve as daily thought meditations individually after you have finished reading the entire book. The concepts at the end of Part II are necessary reading and felt truly supportive of seekers and had direct relevance to my individual path. Part III focuses on cultivating inner peace and contains excellent meditation instruction along with other tools for mindfulness and an integration of the concept of The Rainbow Bridge, show more and then the book supports and challenges readers with an in-depth analysis of how we can share that inner peace outward by building a human-centered society and world politically, economically and culturally. It's rare to find an author who can first of all make all of these connections, and secondly share it all so eloquently with readers. I left the book feeling wiser, centered, purposeful and empowered.
There's much more, including inspiring quotes, resources and specific examples. In all, I am struck by the way The Rainbow Bridge synthesizes important universal principles and puts handles on them so that are easy to grasp and integrate. This is an essential read and is most definitely one to share, creating bridges of wisdom with the recipients! show less
This is the kind of rich, thoughtful work you want to press into the hands of the people who you know will appreciate discovering and thinking about their spiritual growth in the context of smart, welcoming stories in the hands of a wise writer.
I love Mardak's work and reading this prequel to Armageddon it was an absolute delight to dive into this book. The first half is an appealing and resonant novel. By removing the heightened drama of Armageddon, Mardak's delicious prose blooms for readers to savor. The writing explores many interrelated topics of an advanced spirituality that lies within and is ready to be awakened. The story gives us a deeply entertaining love story as well, as we learn Eric's romantic backstory and how he met his Tibetan guide Shimahn.
"Adventure in Mysticism"also features a second stand along book, "The GOSPEL According to I AM." This second part is more of a teacher's connection with the reader as a student, highlighting Biblical passage along with their mystical interpretation as wisely discerned by Mardak. The two sides of the whole fit together to offer readers pathways into insight and spiritual discovery, all wrapped up in an entertaining vehicle. An excellent choice to seekers of all kinds!
I love Mardak's work and reading this prequel to Armageddon it was an absolute delight to dive into this book. The first half is an appealing and resonant novel. By removing the heightened drama of Armageddon, Mardak's delicious prose blooms for readers to savor. The writing explores many interrelated topics of an advanced spirituality that lies within and is ready to be awakened. The story gives us a deeply entertaining love story as well, as we learn Eric's romantic backstory and how he met his Tibetan guide Shimahn.
"Adventure in Mysticism"also features a second stand along book, "The GOSPEL According to I AM." This second part is more of a teacher's connection with the reader as a student, highlighting Biblical passage along with their mystical interpretation as wisely discerned by Mardak. The two sides of the whole fit together to offer readers pathways into insight and spiritual discovery, all wrapped up in an entertaining vehicle. An excellent choice to seekers of all kinds!
If you need a juicy, glittery tale of the glitterati featuring fun dialogue and plenty of scandal, power plays and romance, this is a great choice. Tiah is our narrator to the fast and glam world of a young rich crowd, with money to burn on gowns for charity events and a scintillating network of gossip, backbiting and, at turns, hot romance pursuit, humiliations, sexy rumors, abuses of power, old wealth and entrepreneurial dreams and drama of all kinds.Of course we're rooting for her to survive bad relationship moves and to score a triumph of the heart.
Beyond the soapy and humorous back and forth in this fantasy land of the young, rich and restless, there is plenty to also relate to as people are coming of age and learning about adult life for better or worst. Highly addicting reading and a great start to a series!
Beyond the soapy and humorous back and forth in this fantasy land of the young, rich and restless, there is plenty to also relate to as people are coming of age and learning about adult life for better or worst. Highly addicting reading and a great start to a series!
Wow, what a harrowing and hopeful tale. I'm a big fan of Samantha Johns' writing, having loved all 3 books in her "Repentant Demon" trilogy, so I trusted I would find similar high-level plotting, story and character development in Finding Jayda. I was richly rewarded! The writing soars, and the character of Jayda is a winning, well-defined woman we come to relate to, root for and suffer with throughout the novel. Along the way there are great scenes including romance, courtroom drama, and relationship and family drama.
Her journey is a punishing one, and it wasn't long into it before I was wishing miracles upon poor Jayda. The author shows us is many small ways what it is like for a person to live with PTSD and to operate on the survival level while praying for more. I liked it that Jayda struggled because I really related to it, and it made her redemption so emotional. She fell into a shallow relationship without feeling truly connected to that man, but he had a profound impact on her life nonetheless.
Her self awareness and attempt to take care of her self added even more danger to herself. I see her as a heroine, trying hard to rid her life of snakes while finding her spirit and her way to grace and miracles. That's the real "finding" in the title, and it had me cheering loudly, even if I had to gasp and worry here and there along the way. Samantha Johns has done it again!
Her journey is a punishing one, and it wasn't long into it before I was wishing miracles upon poor Jayda. The author shows us is many small ways what it is like for a person to live with PTSD and to operate on the survival level while praying for more. I liked it that Jayda struggled because I really related to it, and it made her redemption so emotional. She fell into a shallow relationship without feeling truly connected to that man, but he had a profound impact on her life nonetheless.
Her self awareness and attempt to take care of her self added even more danger to herself. I see her as a heroine, trying hard to rid her life of snakes while finding her spirit and her way to grace and miracles. That's the real "finding" in the title, and it had me cheering loudly, even if I had to gasp and worry here and there along the way. Samantha Johns has done it again!
Brilliant! I love everything about this book, from the concept to the execution to the characters. Alex, a girl, is adrift in a new realm, putting her on a heroic journey, which is terrific on it's own given that good female leading roles in adventure and battle books are so preciously rare. She comes to learn that what will save her is harnessing her smart brain, and that unlike the common assumption that math, science and adventure are not girl things, she will be taught to focus on the magic of math.
Modeling a great student-teacher relationship, the great Archimedes guides her, assuring her that math is not something she can cordon off or that one needs to be a STEM genius to master- "Math is everywhere and everything involves it." Math and science equal magic, and this concept played out alongside myth, mystery -- plus tribal council and hierarchical politics -- creates a compelling read. Overall, n this new alternative world, themes of the role of destiny, power, emotions, rebellion, dreams and self direction are presented in a rich, satisfying way.
I loved the language in the book, too--war stories can be hard to write and this strikes a nice balance of strategy, procedure and vivid battle scenes. We have a real sense of the high stakes through the characters. In all a great read that will leave YA fans ready for more.
Modeling a great student-teacher relationship, the great Archimedes guides her, assuring her that math is not something she can cordon off or that one needs to be a STEM genius to master- "Math is everywhere and everything involves it." Math and science equal magic, and this concept played out alongside myth, mystery -- plus tribal council and hierarchical politics -- creates a compelling read. Overall, n this new alternative world, themes of the role of destiny, power, emotions, rebellion, dreams and self direction are presented in a rich, satisfying way.
I loved the language in the book, too--war stories can be hard to write and this strikes a nice balance of strategy, procedure and vivid battle scenes. We have a real sense of the high stakes through the characters. In all a great read that will leave YA fans ready for more.
I'm finding this to be a solid, thorough resource to have on hand when trying to study or research the Greeks. Key schools of thought are distilled to basic thought leaders and tenets and presented very clearly in a few pages each. What's really helpful is that each thought is linked to the overall Hellenic framework and in comparison to the developments that led to its adoption as well as similar or differing philosophies in comparison, so you can seamlessly be reminded of the context and import of the ideas and of the rigorous debates each represents. Well written, researched and hyperlinked to chapters and a footnoted glossary. Incredibly welcome guide for students at the college and university level, and written clearly enough that parts would be helpful for Advanced Placement or Honors class high schoolers as well.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to YA readers and adults alike. Mara is both a skilled storyteller -- easily weaving between fantasy world and every day life -- and a keen wordsmith. She creates a lush and magical universe full of dramatic challenges and throws her character, the struggling Lucas, into it without the skills or knowledge he needs to survive.
He is tested in every way (physically, mentally and spiritually) and as he finds his way we get a real hero's journey. His character grows against these challenges and through knowing his guides, including Amira, who is a fantastic female role model of a character. Her higher calling challenges him to move beyond base emotions, like fear and anger, and into holding a higher purpose, as represented by the Four Kingdoms. The overriding themes include seeing a world beyond yourself, rising to challenges in life even though you are ill-prepared, finding redemption through self-lessness and recognizing that the most powerful magic of all is, of course, love and care, all of which are inside of oneself all along.
It all comes to life through clear writing, extra vivid descriptions and solid dialogue that makes Lucas a believable teen character who is surly on the outside and often a mess of tenderness inside. Without giving the cliffhanger away, this is a satisfying start where there are layers of reality at play and where Lucas is doled out information about his life as he is ready to act on it, and the show more stakes get huge at the end with a bomb of information from other the key women in his life. I look forward to where ever Mara takes these characters, since as Cecelia would, she knows "magic is a part of your soul." show less
He is tested in every way (physically, mentally and spiritually) and as he finds his way we get a real hero's journey. His character grows against these challenges and through knowing his guides, including Amira, who is a fantastic female role model of a character. Her higher calling challenges him to move beyond base emotions, like fear and anger, and into holding a higher purpose, as represented by the Four Kingdoms. The overriding themes include seeing a world beyond yourself, rising to challenges in life even though you are ill-prepared, finding redemption through self-lessness and recognizing that the most powerful magic of all is, of course, love and care, all of which are inside of oneself all along.
It all comes to life through clear writing, extra vivid descriptions and solid dialogue that makes Lucas a believable teen character who is surly on the outside and often a mess of tenderness inside. Without giving the cliffhanger away, this is a satisfying start where there are layers of reality at play and where Lucas is doled out information about his life as he is ready to act on it, and the show more stakes get huge at the end with a bomb of information from other the key women in his life. I look forward to where ever Mara takes these characters, since as Cecelia would, she knows "magic is a part of your soul." show less
Like start-ups themselves, sometimes humor is the greatest disruptive force, helping you see things or solve problems in a new way. That's definitely the case with Secret to Startup Failure. Rich with insights and a-ha moments, I loved how this book defined the startup immersion experience brilliantly while offering the kind of immediately understandable advice that entrepreneurs needs from their trusted inner circle.
The book is full of snippets you'll want to share with others, because it's just that dead-on. Should you get a co-founder...or a cat? The perils of measuring success by "likes" and the rollercoasters of launch? Holiday conference calls? It's all in here. Lots of idea prompts, with comics to illustrate the topic in fresh ways, and jewels of insight to help you hone in on where your startup is at and what might help. The book is a great debrief to startup up culture and experience, and I recommend you get it for yourself to help you survive, and for your team to share some insight and the type of laughs that lead to innovation.
The book is full of snippets you'll want to share with others, because it's just that dead-on. Should you get a co-founder...or a cat? The perils of measuring success by "likes" and the rollercoasters of launch? Holiday conference calls? It's all in here. Lots of idea prompts, with comics to illustrate the topic in fresh ways, and jewels of insight to help you hone in on where your startup is at and what might help. The book is a great debrief to startup up culture and experience, and I recommend you get it for yourself to help you survive, and for your team to share some insight and the type of laughs that lead to innovation.
This book will sweep you away and inspire you deeply with it's strength and resilience. The book is centered on the character of Selene, and through her experiences and deep character development, plus her relationships as revealed through engaging dialogue, the reader gets to know her philosophies, faith and triumphs. She hasn't had it easy, by far, and as a character I found her believable and also very inspiring. She's a survivor with lots of insight into life and love, and a strong backbone too, enjoying a successful life and young family with their own home. The novel is written in the first person, so we really get to know her mind and care about her. And then just when things seem to be lining up in her life, her past resurfaces in the form of a denied naturalization application.
The author's great use of language, dialogue and internal thoughts put us right in the place of the action, and we can feel Selene's terror as a wife, mother, and someone who wants to be fully recognized as American.
In between the concern about what will happen to her during her bureaucratic nightmare, life goes on. The novel is full of great scenes with Selene's friends and her daughter. Her husband is sexy, and scenes with him include well-written erotica. We also see traumatic events in Haiti through the eyes of those in her family, as well. By the time Selene needs to walk into court to handle her problem, you will be completely invested as as choked up as she is.
I highly recommend as show more a novel that's a great story infused with a deep sensibility on perseverance and personal strength. show less
The author's great use of language, dialogue and internal thoughts put us right in the place of the action, and we can feel Selene's terror as a wife, mother, and someone who wants to be fully recognized as American.
In between the concern about what will happen to her during her bureaucratic nightmare, life goes on. The novel is full of great scenes with Selene's friends and her daughter. Her husband is sexy, and scenes with him include well-written erotica. We also see traumatic events in Haiti through the eyes of those in her family, as well. By the time Selene needs to walk into court to handle her problem, you will be completely invested as as choked up as she is.
I highly recommend as show more a novel that's a great story infused with a deep sensibility on perseverance and personal strength. show less
I loved this inquiry into the creative process because it's full of insight, information, inspiration and provocation to dig deeper into your creative process. The stories and anecdotes serve as a celebration of the role of creativity in all of our lives and as a deeper understanding into how some individuals foster an accelerated creative connection. I like how the author draws from many disciplines, including the traditional arts, forms of expression we don't always think of as arts (like cooking.) and also sectors like charitable work. education and politics.
Some of the information is intellectually exciting (like case studies about notable creatives and innovative applications of creativity, and a conversation about nature vs. nurture) and other parts create direct takeaways (like curating a creative homebase for your work.) The discussions about technology, contemporary innovation and what creativity will look like in the near future were eye-opening and catalyzing. The author makes a clear case for creative fluidity being the imperative of our times. This is a rich work that is deeply inspiring while being both accessible and provocative. Highly recommend it to reinvigorate your commitment to living with optimal creative output and an innovative point-of-view.
Some of the information is intellectually exciting (like case studies about notable creatives and innovative applications of creativity, and a conversation about nature vs. nurture) and other parts create direct takeaways (like curating a creative homebase for your work.) The discussions about technology, contemporary innovation and what creativity will look like in the near future were eye-opening and catalyzing. The author makes a clear case for creative fluidity being the imperative of our times. This is a rich work that is deeply inspiring while being both accessible and provocative. Highly recommend it to reinvigorate your commitment to living with optimal creative output and an innovative point-of-view.
I loved the first book in this series, and Book 2 was even better. The former-demon Cal has a tough time learning to use his human body and starting his human life, which made for fun reading and also makes you think about how complex we've made the modern world. Fortunately he has lots of help from Abigail, and some of the keen skills he had from a long life as a demon, including a proficiency with language and keen observation skills, now make him incredibly useful in a high-stakes situation. Seeing his character develop is a great exploration in faith as he confronts how to be of value, how to honor his chance at forgiveness and how to make his short time as a human matter. I liked seeing how he was inspired by others who he in turn inspired, and how he pushed himself and ultimately had human emotions bloom.
I also loved the romance that developed between Abigail and Cal, and felt like it contributed to the strength of the book. It's like with Abigail recovering from grief and Cal essentially a newborn, the author created an incubator for their love that acknowledged their faith and allowed them to grow together. I like how the author explored the relationship of marriage in this context.
The end of the story in Book 2 emphasized the action and intrigue and this part was really exciting, making me wonder what is in store for the next book. I loved the character development and plot turns in Book 2, so I'm looking forward to it!
I also loved the romance that developed between Abigail and Cal, and felt like it contributed to the strength of the book. It's like with Abigail recovering from grief and Cal essentially a newborn, the author created an incubator for their love that acknowledged their faith and allowed them to grow together. I like how the author explored the relationship of marriage in this context.
The end of the story in Book 2 emphasized the action and intrigue and this part was really exciting, making me wonder what is in store for the next book. I loved the character development and plot turns in Book 2, so I'm looking forward to it!
These poems reach out from the page to connect with the lonely, the misfits, the struggling and the lost. Grounded with a lyrically-articulated compassion, the author bares all and shares all to create a volume full of meaning and solace. Through varying techniques and styles, the author gracefully uses language, rhythm, repetition and rhyme to give form to feeling and shape to emotions. Individually the poems tell stories that feel both personal and universal. I often found the poems reminded me of someone who might relate and to whom I should send the poem because it sums up so eloquently those hard-to-define feelings of deep love, regret, longing for second chances, confusion, or particular life or emotional struggles.
The title describes a self-acceptance credo and a call-to-action for understanding that threads throughout, as well as serving as the title of the last poem. The last two poems in the volume work as a powerful pair, with "A Work in Progress" answering the cries of "Broken Girl." These two are diamonds to be shared widely. Another poem that deeply connected with me is "The Journey." Several of the works in this volume explore duality and are a reminder that as with nature, people can contain many seasons. A Work in Progress is a tender and provocative work that would be a lovely gift for someone who needs affirmation and connection, and a lovely gift for yourself.
The title describes a self-acceptance credo and a call-to-action for understanding that threads throughout, as well as serving as the title of the last poem. The last two poems in the volume work as a powerful pair, with "A Work in Progress" answering the cries of "Broken Girl." These two are diamonds to be shared widely. Another poem that deeply connected with me is "The Journey." Several of the works in this volume explore duality and are a reminder that as with nature, people can contain many seasons. A Work in Progress is a tender and provocative work that would be a lovely gift for someone who needs affirmation and connection, and a lovely gift for yourself.
Assassin's War ranks with the true spirit of science fiction in it's ability to do two things simultaneously: tell a fantastic tale that offers inventive ideas about the future, other species or similar topic, while at the same time giving us relevant themes to apply to contemporary life. I love how Vann is able to brilliantly excel in both veins in this novel.
On the story level, Assassin's War is a winner. We're thrown right into it, as it the time of war, and there is a specific need for a murder to be avenged. The lethally-trained Tien, whom the Udek desperately need to deploy, first needs to be resurrected, though. And in his resurrection, of course he wants his wife to be reborn. Those who can do this transfer are the Bodhi, and neither they nor Tien know if they will be protected by the Udek after the war. All of this creates friction as power plays line up against in other and play out.
The action and adventure is exciting and compelling, the battle maneuvers are fierce and strategically thrilling and the one-on-one work brutal. Then what's incredibly engaging is the levels below the story. What does it mean to be or have a soul? How would it change us to be in another body, or truly experience another way of life? Do we carry karma from past deeds? Are we all just one step removed from animals--are any of the species in the book any better than any others? Shared consciousness/mental connections is a theme that returns in several different ways, and you can't help show more but be captivated by the big questions raised by the Bodhi's neo-Buddhist rituals and transfer process.
As experience wears holes into Tien's training and conditioned belief systems that justified his brutality for the Udek, he evolves and we as readers have to question where we have similar growth to do. In all, this is a highly rewarding read that packs a galaxy-sized punch. show less
On the story level, Assassin's War is a winner. We're thrown right into it, as it the time of war, and there is a specific need for a murder to be avenged. The lethally-trained Tien, whom the Udek desperately need to deploy, first needs to be resurrected, though. And in his resurrection, of course he wants his wife to be reborn. Those who can do this transfer are the Bodhi, and neither they nor Tien know if they will be protected by the Udek after the war. All of this creates friction as power plays line up against in other and play out.
The action and adventure is exciting and compelling, the battle maneuvers are fierce and strategically thrilling and the one-on-one work brutal. Then what's incredibly engaging is the levels below the story. What does it mean to be or have a soul? How would it change us to be in another body, or truly experience another way of life? Do we carry karma from past deeds? Are we all just one step removed from animals--are any of the species in the book any better than any others? Shared consciousness/mental connections is a theme that returns in several different ways, and you can't help show more but be captivated by the big questions raised by the Bodhi's neo-Buddhist rituals and transfer process.
As experience wears holes into Tien's training and conditioned belief systems that justified his brutality for the Udek, he evolves and we as readers have to question where we have similar growth to do. In all, this is a highly rewarding read that packs a galaxy-sized punch. show less
There is nothing better than the feeling of finishing a book your really loved and knowing it's only Book 1 of a series! I'm hooked.
The Demon Calumnius is a smart contemporary romance and exploration about what it means to be human. Demons are among us, and they snare souls for hell. Calumnius is a great character. He's pretty jaded and though he seems to hate humans he's also at core very jealous of the ability that humans have to seek forgiveness, whereas he's a fallen angel never to receive God's forgiveness. He may have met his match in Abigail who would be a triumphant score, but spoils his attempts to corrupt her at every turn. Surely an exotic trip with the man of her dreams will force her to collapse to lust--at least that's Calumnius' hope.
As he hunts and sets traps for her, and as Abigail travels to stay with a family in Iraq, we learn about history, Biblical history, culture and several views of human nature. Watching Abigail's romance with Doug is as intriguing and inspiring for readers as it is for the demon. There's always a sense of mystery and foreboding because of the demon's presence, and that tension makes the book a pageturner. Great plotting and so many interesting details and resonance to the writing, and the scenes all seem real and as though you are right there, riding a camel or in a military plane or talking to an Iraqi family while a demon touches your hand.
The ending sets the stage for a rousing adventure with Calumnius. I can't wait!
The Demon Calumnius is a smart contemporary romance and exploration about what it means to be human. Demons are among us, and they snare souls for hell. Calumnius is a great character. He's pretty jaded and though he seems to hate humans he's also at core very jealous of the ability that humans have to seek forgiveness, whereas he's a fallen angel never to receive God's forgiveness. He may have met his match in Abigail who would be a triumphant score, but spoils his attempts to corrupt her at every turn. Surely an exotic trip with the man of her dreams will force her to collapse to lust--at least that's Calumnius' hope.
As he hunts and sets traps for her, and as Abigail travels to stay with a family in Iraq, we learn about history, Biblical history, culture and several views of human nature. Watching Abigail's romance with Doug is as intriguing and inspiring for readers as it is for the demon. There's always a sense of mystery and foreboding because of the demon's presence, and that tension makes the book a pageturner. Great plotting and so many interesting details and resonance to the writing, and the scenes all seem real and as though you are right there, riding a camel or in a military plane or talking to an Iraqi family while a demon touches your hand.
The ending sets the stage for a rousing adventure with Calumnius. I can't wait!
Poets can capture moods, transformation and spirit like no one else, and this volume offers a rich bouquet of moving, heartfelt work. These poems feel bravely personal, and the language, rhythm and focus connected with me on a very deep level. Some I found myself reading out loud in order to really enjoy the language, and there is one I want to memorize to be able to quote (The Sign.) I felt very moved by the themes of love, loss, acceptance and internal struggle. "Lately I'm Watching My Heart Fly Away" is among the best and is a manifesto for self-care and recovery, and "Finding Tears" evocatively and tenderly speaks for those buried in shame. The themes that run throughout include an abiding connection with nature and a spirit of acceptance. In all, a beautiful, challenging and inspiring volume.
This is one of those books that packs a secret punch. I read it wondering if it would be empowering to my wife as an entrepreneur, and in addition to that ended up gettting really powerful guidance for myself. The guide offers compelling analysis on how in the new Global Financial World, women really have a chance to come into their own financially, as the new imperative is the entrepreneurial, high-communication, interpersonal skills and trust capital that women already have as strengths. This is becoming a huge advantage for women that can be tapped and guided with mentoring, and the book offers tons of that. It's aimed at women, but truly we all need to tap into those "feminine" abilities as our world evolves to one that emphasizes meaning and spiritual growth in business, global networks and self-direction. We all will succeed when we, as the author describes, understand that money is like a sixth sense that can be developed and integrated into our lives.
The advice is solid, and all of it is well-explained, with direct help in getting readers to hone in on their purpose, goals and desires, and how to manifest success with a Millionaires' Mindset and multiple streams of income, all grounded in meaning and resilience. The specific tips on investing (stocks and property) are mind-blowing, and the author shares advances info about contemporary marketing. There's a lot to think about and act on. As a bonus, the book links to companion worksheets and supplemental resources show more that make the tips even more concrete and immediately actionable. Definitely an empowerment-based approach to taking control of financial development and breaking down glass ceilings in the way of success, all in a well-written and easy-to-understand book and system. show less
The advice is solid, and all of it is well-explained, with direct help in getting readers to hone in on their purpose, goals and desires, and how to manifest success with a Millionaires' Mindset and multiple streams of income, all grounded in meaning and resilience. The specific tips on investing (stocks and property) are mind-blowing, and the author shares advances info about contemporary marketing. There's a lot to think about and act on. As a bonus, the book links to companion worksheets and supplemental resources show more that make the tips even more concrete and immediately actionable. Definitely an empowerment-based approach to taking control of financial development and breaking down glass ceilings in the way of success, all in a well-written and easy-to-understand book and system. show less
A Brief Guide to Thriving for Individuals with a Mental Illness and their Loved Ones by Leesa Abbott
This is an inspiring and useful approach to patient and family education centered on viewing mental illness as an ongoing state that can talked about, coped with and managed within successful lives and relationships. Dr. Abbott shows that with self-care plans, education, communication and point-of-view the recognizes the strengths within various mental illnesses, individuals affected and their loved ones can optimize their abilities to function and create valuable and rewarding lives. The guide includes detailed information about the stages of managing mental illness and about strengths, and the material is very well-written and accessible. The book is beautifully prepared and well-organized, too.
I took away lots of specific tips and a new framework for emphasizing strengths. I've shared my book with my wife and will use it to guide conversations about self-care and managing illness from the empowerment point of view that Dr. Abbott's writing has inspired.
I took away lots of specific tips and a new framework for emphasizing strengths. I've shared my book with my wife and will use it to guide conversations about self-care and managing illness from the empowerment point of view that Dr. Abbott's writing has inspired.
Wow, get ready for a wild ride on the epic adventure of Arc 2, because Stanley delivers. I really liked Deathsworn Arc 1, especially the ending with the emotional losses of the final battle and the revelation that the quest had much more to it than we, or most of the seekers, knew or hoped. So I was excited to see how it would all play out.
The Verkreath Horror is even better than the first book of the series. The author's writing is confident, descriptive and more visceral, especially in battle but also in all sensory aspects of the different scenes. The Verkreath are a challenging addition, lots of fantastical and frankly horrific elements come with them, and it's all handled well and ups the tension intensely. I admire the way the author stayed true to each character, really allowing each type of being to be shown with their particular gifts as unique and important, like when Votrex rises to leadership with his dwarfian expertise of the underground tunnels.The warrens are claustrophobic and the author works the tension here very skillfully. As a reader I'm confronted with the question: would I have what it takes to triumph over underground savages to complete my quest? All of the details, plot developments and descriptions are fascinating and make Arc 2 a great read.
More than that, what I also really like is the truthseeking aspect of the story. There is a subtext about how important it is to keep an open mind, how we might shrink our minds to survive stress but that show more our strength, like the spells herein, come from openness and focus, and our peril comes from drawing within, and our weakness is revealed in a delusion of not appreciating this one life. Great stuff to think about, and another reason the Deathsworn series is an epic fantasy for our times. There's more to come...the quest keeps growing in scope and in need for wrongs to be avenged, so we have a lot to look forward to. show less
The Verkreath Horror is even better than the first book of the series. The author's writing is confident, descriptive and more visceral, especially in battle but also in all sensory aspects of the different scenes. The Verkreath are a challenging addition, lots of fantastical and frankly horrific elements come with them, and it's all handled well and ups the tension intensely. I admire the way the author stayed true to each character, really allowing each type of being to be shown with their particular gifts as unique and important, like when Votrex rises to leadership with his dwarfian expertise of the underground tunnels.The warrens are claustrophobic and the author works the tension here very skillfully. As a reader I'm confronted with the question: would I have what it takes to triumph over underground savages to complete my quest? All of the details, plot developments and descriptions are fascinating and make Arc 2 a great read.
More than that, what I also really like is the truthseeking aspect of the story. There is a subtext about how important it is to keep an open mind, how we might shrink our minds to survive stress but that show more our strength, like the spells herein, come from openness and focus, and our peril comes from drawing within, and our weakness is revealed in a delusion of not appreciating this one life. Great stuff to think about, and another reason the Deathsworn series is an epic fantasy for our times. There's more to come...the quest keeps growing in scope and in need for wrongs to be avenged, so we have a lot to look forward to. show less
There isn't anything more enjoyable than loving Book One of a new epic adventure series, is there? I'm thrilled to have a new series to dig into. Stanley is a great fantasy writer offering a grand world with a dragon slaying mission at the heart of Arc 1, which proves to be solidly plotted, full of characters strong enough to carry a series, layered with some twists and mysteries.
The characters are great, and dialogue is well executed, which both moves the plot forward and lets the characters come to life. I ended up really liking one character in particular, the female elf Vashni, and having a caring but strong female character on a quest is a really terrific choice. Her scenes were always excellent, and one in particular at the end was very moving, which is a testament to how much I came to be invested in the characters.
There's a lot to think about, too, in this book. There is a theme about "The Truth" that runs throughout, that is a way of looking at the meaning of life. I like the depth this theme offers and how it helped us understand the character's motivations.
The book provides both an intriguing resolution, a plot twist and a cliffhanger at the end--which is quite a feat! I highly recommend you join in jumping in to this series for an intriguing escape and a winning quest.
The characters are great, and dialogue is well executed, which both moves the plot forward and lets the characters come to life. I ended up really liking one character in particular, the female elf Vashni, and having a caring but strong female character on a quest is a really terrific choice. Her scenes were always excellent, and one in particular at the end was very moving, which is a testament to how much I came to be invested in the characters.
There's a lot to think about, too, in this book. There is a theme about "The Truth" that runs throughout, that is a way of looking at the meaning of life. I like the depth this theme offers and how it helped us understand the character's motivations.
The book provides both an intriguing resolution, a plot twist and a cliffhanger at the end--which is quite a feat! I highly recommend you join in jumping in to this series for an intriguing escape and a winning quest.