Review: The Clarity by Keith Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Dr. Matilda Deacon is a psychologist researching how memories are made and stored when she meets a strange eleven-year-old girl named Ashanique. Ashanique claims to harbor the memories of the last soldier killed in World War I and Matilda is at first very interested but skeptical. However, when Ashanique starts talking about being chased by the Night Doctors—a term also used by an unstable patient who was later found dead—Matilda can’t deny that the girl might be telling the truth.

Matilda learns that Ashanique and her mother have been on the run their whole lives from a monstrous assassin named Rade. Rade is after a secret contained solely in memories and has left a bloody trail throughout the world in search of it. Matilda soon realizes Ashanique is in unimaginable danger and that her unique ability comes with a deadly price.

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

The Clarity by Keith Thomas is an interesting read combining fictional elements and nonfictional information together. The frightening parts about experimental portions were based on some real experiences that did really happen to people. The characters were okay. But no emotional attachment that made me want to really connect with them. I thought they were fine but but not were Inwould be talking bout how great they were. The plot was gruesome, dark, and intense as was expected with some of the things mentioned. There was a lot of action in this novel. I would have been happier if there was more to the characters. There needed to be more on the interaction and backstory between/of the characters. It just felt felt flat to me.

The novel did hold a promising tale…Dr. Matilda is by far the worst character. She is a doctor interested in the whole journey of memory and past lives. Yet she wasn’t what I expected and didn’t meet the expectations for her role in this story. There were other characters that I did really like and thought that Keith Thomas did a fine job in creating. Characters like Kojo and Brandon were believable and enjoyable to follow.

The Clarity was fast-paced, action packed, and full of government misuse. Like the medical experiments that still bring a chill down my back. A lot of conspiracy themes are found inside the book. Overall, it was good and suspenseful.

 

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Review: Innovation Revolution

Synopsis:

You are an innovative leader tangled in corporate red tape, facing intense pressure for growth amidst accelerating uncertainty. Put down your white flag with this “what to expect” guide for leading in the 21st century. It delivers proven billion-dollar startup secrets reengineered for the enterprise to break up business log jams, stop internal dysfunction and create INTRApreneurs empowered to innovate at speed inside the corporate framework.
If you’re under constant pressure for double-digit growth. If you struggle to achieve speed, make timely decisions and reach goals. If you spend too much time in meetings and not enough time making a difference— You are ready to lead The Innovation Revolution. Grab an energy drink and join me on the high speed, high impact journey to save the enterprise.
Inside this practical guide, find three parts to untangle the mess and actually deliver innovative results consistently at the speeding pace of change:
Part 1: RELAX, IT’S NOT JUST YOU.
Engage in a 360-degree reality check that explains the flattening of business, the slowing of decision making, and how industry titans turn into cumbersome Titanics without even knowing it.
Part 2: A SOLUTION.
Explore the Smart Speed method. How it works. Why modern business needs it. A step-by-step guide for effective leadership and success.
Part 3: THE PATH FORWARD. 
How to create consistent and effective change in an upward flow. How to make it stick. Shifting workplace behavior by retooling and empowering yourself, your employees and your organization. Dealing with personalities and roadblocks like fear, frustration and (lack of) focus.
Finally, activate the 250 field-tested questions, business innovation strategies and actions proven to harness innovation consistently from the genius hiding in plain sight inside organizations – your employees. Learn directly from real company case studies that have driven a billion in revenue and counting.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Innovation Revolution by K. Melissa Kennedy is a clever blueprint for all intrapreneurs. This book shows ways to grow, build, and move forward quickly. Businesses fail before they can succeed- most times. But by having the right tools can help the savvy intrapreneur succeed the first time around…I enjoyed this reading this book. Tips, guidance, and much more can be found within the pages. Impressive, concise, and straight to the point. Easy to follow along. No matter if one is experienced or just starting out, this guide book is the perfect read. The Innovation Revolution is a game changer for all. I highly recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: You Are A Queen

Synopsis:

What do you want out of life? What type of person do you want to be known as? What goals are you actively pursuing? At this moment in your life no matter where you are, I urge you to allow discipline to outweigh desire.When considering sex and relationship it is time to put each in the right perspective as both have their importance and respective placement. Perception is everything, yet for many the problem is that they tend to “put the cart before the horse.” Predominantly most people place sex ahead of marriage, relationship before intimacy, and desire tends to precede the caution of rational self-discipline. The greater truth here is that without self-discipline, no matter what you want in life, success will be impossible. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

You Are A Queen by Derrick J. Little is an inspiring read for all women. It’s a deep Thought provoking book. It asks questions that make the reader really question about what they’re doing with their life. It motivates women to be better. To be strong no matter what. Derrick J. Little’ nonfiction guide also teaches women to love themselves. I found positive change in this title. Life isn’t easy, but we can learn from it. Inside I was pulled in…to look thoroughly at myself. Where I am at now, where I wanted to be, and how were my appearances, actions and words taking me. Explored my conscience, feelings, and actions as a woman. Derrick J. Little also has some exercises that readers can go through after reading certain parts. I thought this book was great. Getting to know oneself better. A coaching to review my behavior and myself and see where I was heading and whether that was the direction I wanted to go. Overall, I recommend You Are A Queen to readers everywhere.

Review: Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World

Synopsis:

Andy Cohen, New York Times notable author of Follow the Other Hand, introduces the Assumpt!, a breakthrough way to make better business decisions, faster and smarter.

Orville Wright, co-founder of modern aviation, dismissed the idea of creating a landing strip. He assumed that if man had to smooth out the airstrip, he didn’t deserve to fly. Houdini, master of escapes, didn’t know how to exit a new model car. He assumed that all door handles operated in the same way.Even the smartest, most successful and talented people make assumptions. 

Yet good decisions are often stymied by assumptions that go unchecked.So why does this book encourage you to make assumptions? It turns out your assumptions are a key component in your daily decision-making process. But how do you identify your assumptions? How do you separate out those that help or hurt? Build or destroy? Solve problems or create new ones? 

This book shows you how to utilize your assumptions productively and in ways you haven’t imagined. Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World is full of big ideas–it’s a unique book that will change how you make decisions and in turn increase your success in business and life. 

Reviews

“Decisions are only as good as the assumptions they are built on. Cohen shows you which ones to use and which to watch out for. ” –John Danner, UC Berkeley and Princeton faculty member, global advisor and keynote speaker.

“Andy challenged the thinking and attitudes of my team with some real eye-opening consequences. In my experience, it is rare that such an impactful person can translate these skills into written form. Reading this is like he is in the room with you.” –Irene Dorner, former President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC USA

“The vast majority of security issues we face today stem from misplaced trust assumptions. This is a must-read for the security professional.” –Colonel (Ret.) Greg Conti, Ph.D.

About the Author

Andy Cohen is a popular and recognized TEDx speaker, author, and international thought-leader. He has a degree in experimental psychology and a room full of prestigious advertising awards. Andy has taught at the world’s most respected universities including New York, Cornell, Duke, UC, Berkeley; ISB (India); and CKGSB (China).

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World by Andy Cohen is exactly that. This is one nonfiction guide that challenges, provokes, and teaches readers. The principles and content inside are based on the writer’s experience. His background in the business world is shown throughout the pages. Easy to follow along. I’m a full-time student and an entrepreneur. This book helped me understand a lot. I always make assumptions more so than my peers. Weeding through the good versus bad assumptions was made easier after reading, Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World. Andy Cohen’s book is indeed the best tool for all. Whether you’re a student, work in business, or an entrepreneur, you can easily learn what it takes to keep from making the wrong assumptions. Mistakes happen all the time. But if one could help prevent a good handful from being repeated, then it’s worth it. I really enjoyed following along. The chapters and writing style were well-done. Overall, I highly recommend this book to readers everywhere. 

Review: The Oarsman

Synopsis:

In the novel, The Oarsman, a magical river begins singing out, and a dying man suddenly aches to know if the paradise at its end is real enough to fill his heart. He hires an oarsman to take him upstream, but a twisted encounter sends them back to revisit every role the man has played in his long life.

A merchant hoarding, an artist trying to capture love with a brush, a warrior looking for peace in war, and a dreamer imagining himself a knight to fight a dragon — these, and more, were faces of the man.

As forces try to derail their quest, and as they row further back into the man’s past, the man begins to suspect that the oarsman is more than he seems.
The Oarsman, with its combination of adventure, fantasy, and spiritual inspiration will delight any reader, and also excite the currents of the river flowing through all our hearts.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Oarsman by Zubin Mathai is one of the most fascinating reads I have read. It begins with a man set on a journey. A journey to finding that peace he so desperately yearns for…yet resides within him the whole time. Peaceful, engaging, and inspiring. Readers will enjoy this tale.  A fantasy that allows readers to explore the character’s deep soul. As the story unfolds the man has a lot to learn before his journey is complete. Man struggles. Life is complex and difficult. But if we truly allow ourselves time to discover, we can find what we search for inside ourselves. I loved the deep meanings found on the pages. Rich, entertaining, and beautifully told. The book almost makes life look like a maze. We all must find our way to the end (opening). Overall, I highly recommend The Oarsman to all. 

Review: Girl in Pieces

Synopsis:

Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people do in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.

Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

A deeply moving portrait of a girl in a world that owes her nothing, and has taken so much, and the journey she undergoes to put herself back together. Kathleen Glasgow’s debut is heartbreakingly real and unflinchingly honest. It’s a story you won’t be able to look away from.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow is a phenomenal read. She has taken readers into a portion of humanity’s darkest moments to show what some go through in life. These kind of reads are frightening. Because they show what could and does happen to others. The greatest conflict ever is pain. Pain is the pressure life puts upon us. Here, we see what a young teenage girl has to take. Life pulled the rug from under feet more times then I or the character herself would like. Pain is that numbing sensation that eats at our souls until we can’t feel anymore. Kathleen Glasgow depicts a realtor protrait of suffering and survival. Emotional and physical pain. Life isn’t pretty nor easy. It’s a constant battle against our demons and the bad that comes our way.

Girl in Pieces is is deep. Keeps readers turning the pages. I found myself lost within Charlotte’s life. I was placed immediately into her shoes. I cried so hard. The frustrations and anger came off the pages until life situations took that away. Then, there was nothing. Yet, in that moment pain was at the core. Women everywhere think they have it hardest and that no one else knows…this read shows that not everyone has it well. Even thought it’s fiction the tale was so believable, I could have sworn it was nonfiction. Heart wrenching, beautifully told, and well-developed. Kathleen Glasgow has brought a masterpiece into the world.

Review: Some Thoughts on God and Other Things

Synopsis:

Our cities, states, countries, and seemingly the whole world, seem to be coming apart at the seams.

While many of us live in relative comfort, the wars, killing, economic strife, lack of morals, decency, and just common sense, take a heavy toll on our spirits and psyches.
But how do we as individuals overcome the enormity of hate, prejudice, selfishness, greed, corruption, and all the other bad things going on in our world?

It starts with getting our moral imperatives back and it is no coincidence that our slide into unprincipledness is accompanied by less interest in religion and belief in God in our world.

However, understand that this is not a book about religion or bringing you back to religion.

Religion, like our governments, corporations, organizations, schools, institutions and even our science, are corruptible, fallible, misguided, and possibly worse.

The fact is that us and everything in our world, our universe is imperfect, flawed, and finite.

This book is about trying to understand and accept that there is a different, perfect, infinite plain of existence, and that there is a perfect being that dwells there.

And that can lead us into becoming more moral people and change our world.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Some Thoughts on God and Other Things by Jerome Gleich is a great read for all. It’s not convincing readers to believe in anything but to address the real issues of life. It shows us what’s really happening and how fast our world has changed. We have gone from a world with the “trust in God” to dismissing God completely. Our behaviors as a moral group of people has dramatically declined. When we turned our backs on God as a whole, we all have become more violent, angry, and full of hatred. Flaws are everywhere including in each one of us. But by accepting that God is there…or that there is a God who is good…it changes how we behave as a person, as a group and as a nation. Jerome Gleich’s book is a must read. I was already a believer in God, but the fact that someone else has noticed that the more we turn against God, the more we have fallen…

Some Thoughts on God and Other Things is a deep, thought provoking read. It engages reader to read, listen, and re-read it again. Our world is changing. Yes, some change is good; however, not all change has made us better. Instead it led to where we are now…sad, but real.  I liked how Jerome Gleich doesn’t push readers into believing in God but at the same time, leaves them with enough to re-think about it. Overall, I think this writer’s points were well-written, and I would recommend this to readers everywhere. 

Review: Computer Love Inc.

 

Synopsis:

Computer Love Inc. is the story of an imminent bio-robotics boom,
a questionable death, and two young paramedics who stumble into a technological nightmare in the form of a tiny blue chip. With the help of an eccentric godfather, they become compelled to unlock the mystery of what’s become of a famed artificial intelligence manufacturer, forced to make troubling moral decisions along the way. Through sharp twists and action paced faster than an air-car, Computer Love Inc. weaves a complex technological tale of conflict and camaraderie, all the while leading us to ask ourselves: What does it mean to be a true friend? And, should some truths remain unspoken?

Rating: 4 stars

Rating: 

Computer Love Inc. by both Kurt and Jessica Hansen is a fascinating science fiction read. Fans of this genre will immediately fall in love with the plot. It is fast-paced, exciting, and pulls readers into its depth. Technology and the future are major themes incorporated into this well-written novel. I am not usually one to read science fiction, but this one was great. It held my at attention from the start. Plus, it contained mystery, suspense, and a bit of romance. Those are my favorite things to look forward in any read. Both writers put together a compelling read for readers to enjoy. Robots, science, fantasy, and death all in one action packed title. The characters were mostly males who dominated the entire book. Only one female. Quite an interesting world of fiction to explore. Overall, I recommend this book to readers everywhere.

Review: Intensive Therapy

 

Synopsis:

Intensive Therapy provides an intimate picture of a multifaceted relationship, written in a similar vein to modern classics such as The Prince of Tides and Ordinary People. Cerebral but grounded in the real world, Intensive Therapy will appeal to readers who enjoy close character study and the pleasure of a heady, cultured read.

Intensive Therapy follows the relationship of Dr. Jonas Speller and Victoria Schine-Bloch, an analyst and his patient, over twenty years in their interconnected lives. The story moves back and forth in time, alternating between the early 1980s. Then back to when both are becoming adults and professionals, and the last months of 2004, as each struggles to address ongoing family crises.

As a young woman, Victoria’s toxic relationship with her parents threatened her college education and her life, and Jonas helped her find the independence and strength to start anew. In return, her candor and insight helped the budding doctor see the flaws in his training and develop a new, better path. As mature adults with successful careers, Victoria reappears to ask for Jonas’s help with her troubled teenage daughter. When tragedy nearly takes the lives of both her children, Jonas must act quickly to save the woman who made him the man he has become.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Intensive Therapy by Jeffrey Deitz is stunning. It has opened up my eyes to a whole new topic such as psychotherapy. This was an area completely foreign to me and was interesting to read about in a fictional sense. The relationship between the doctor and client blurred over the normal lines of professionalism. Something deeper and crazier happened between the doctor and client. Here, inside this novel, readers will get a taste of what happens when two people allow themselves to get more involved than normal. A doctor leans more away from his current practice and more towards a new direction. However, that doesn’t occur until his most recent client, Victoria comes to him. She brings about changes in life that affect his work and changes him as an individual. Victoria has several issues and worries. But that’s what Jonas is for…to help her solve those issues and make her life a lot easier to handle. I have found this tale beautifully written with humor. The characters’ journeys have started out rough but soon have smoothed out in the end. The dynamics of life keep not only the characters puzzled but the readers as well. Interesting, suspenseful, and addictive to read. Intensive Therapy by Jeffrey Deitz is indeed a must read for all. I highly recommend it.

 

Review: Darwin Sin

 

Synopsis:

A killer virus, a race against time…

With the Hayes virus sweeping across America, killing anyone it touches, maverick scientist Derek Lane knows he must find a cure…and fast. But with no obvious connections between victims and fears that the virus could be a weapon of terror, time is running out.

Amidst this global panic, Derek finds his own life at risk, too, when he is subjected to a spate of terrifying attacks by an unknown assailant. His only escape is to follow his leads to Africa, eradicate the virus, and outrun the danger at home. His exploration plummets him into the underworld of illegal science where he sees the disturbing signs of a kind of reverse evolution, which he seeks to expose alongside the source of the virus.

But Africa guards her secrets well, and his search hits a brick wall—until he meets Kate Rhodes, a woman struggling with the mysterious death of her best friend, Emily, a fellow scientist.

Kate immerses herself in Emily’s research into environmental toxins and corporate corruption—discoveries that gain new relevance when Derek realizes that Emily’s death might hold the key to unlocking a cure…but can they stop the virus in time?

The Darwin Sin is a thought-provoking techno-thriller about the conspiracy that triggered the uprising of an oppressed species, and its ensuing consequences to mankind. The novel’s compelling characters, scientific details, and social musings will stay with you long after the last page.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Darwin Sin by L.R. Hughes is a dynamite read. A medical thriller that captures its audience and reels them in with every page. With enough action, the Bourne Series fans would love this new thriller. Suspense hangs onto readers as the plot unfolds. Fast-paced and brilliantly well-written. I can see this becoming a big motion picture like The Andromeda Strain. Heart pounding, intense, and addictive for all. L.R. Hughes brings us a story of one man and one woman who are willing to take risks where a new deadly virus is concerned. Illegal science, technological advancements, and travel will gobble readers up inside Darwin Sin. I have never read a medical suspense tale that plunges you deep into its depths and set you out on a race that deadly and highly dangerous.

Inside Darwin Sin, readers are introduced immediately to a scientist by the name of Derek Lane. He is being taunted by someone…that doesn’t want him around anymore. The discovery a virus that shouldn’t exist but does…Derek is more than determined to stop it before its too late. Then there’s a woman whose friend dies of a mysterious death. A scientist dead,  and another about to search for a cure along with the dead’s scientist’s friend, Kate. Together they have to figure out the answers or else all will be for nothing. L.R. Hughes is indeed a talented writer. His words bring, to life the chilling scenes and a conspiracy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I loved how realistic the scientific parts were inside this novel. It brings the reality of such a danger out of the fictional world and leaves reading wondering what will happen within our future. This read will leave readers sweaty, and fearful of what will become of the characters as their journey furthers with every word. Suspenseful, intriguing, and a must read for all. I highly recommend this riveting novel to all.

Review: Szen Zone

 

Synopsis:

Whereas ZEN is of the moment and what is, SZEN celebrates what could be. The SZEN ZONE – Reaching a State of Positive Change contains lighthearted and positive narrative on life and its possibilities, with stories that cover the gamut from interesting to profound. The general overarching theme is on change and all of the aspects of it – Creating, surviving and managing change with the goal to recognize the power we have to become what we choose, both when we’re feeling in control and how to mange when we’re not in control.

The SZEN ZONE focuses on identifying the lift-off point for creating positive change. Although everyone is different and it’s a very individual and sometimes internalized process, the principles in this book can help you establish the context and right frame of mind to embrace and manage change. After many years of professionally helping individuals and companies navigate change, I’ve observed how some changes seem to take forever while unforeseen change can come right at you and in an instant move your world.

Wherever you may find yourself at this moment, you will find an insight or example in this book to help you change course and take charge.

Thanks for listening. Enjoy what happens next.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Szen Zone by Gary Szenderski is positively the most enthralling read yet. The writing style will lure readers instantly into a world of reaching a postive state of change. With the way the world is today…everything is dark, sad, and depressing. This book is refreshing, positive, and thought provoking. The set-up of this book is easy to follow and to read by anyone. I highly recommend the Szen Zone as one of the top reads that readers must have. Szen Zone teaches readers how to navigate through life’s cahnges. Powerful reading material that will lighten up anyone’s day. The qoutes, topics, and stories help readers understand and connect with what Gary Szenderski wants readers to take with them. I loved it. I can’t think of a better or more mind blowing read that compares to this…Readers this is one you don’t want to miss!

Review: Watering My Little Apple Trees

 

Synopsis:

When two persistent interviewers asked Caldwell if he would define Fiddler, his answer was “Nope.” It was his averment that meaning is a function of the story. That’s one of the two responses an author can make to requests for meaning. The other is to say what he was trying to do; that, too, is about the story, not of it. It is only the story itself that can give the reader its measure of meaning. This story fails, finally, to be adequate.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Watering My Little Apple Trees by James Bynum is a rare and highly unique read. Readers will instantly find themselves buried deep, into this wonderful collection of stories. James Bynum has brought his love for teaching and literature to readers everywhere.  I was intrigued from the beginning…the way James Bynum shows us readers on how to understand or learn what a story’s true purpose was. I never really put that much thought into what the deep meaning of a story was until I read this brilliant book.

Watering My Little Apple Trees contains a collection of stories that came from James Bynum’s many years of teaching and writing. Readers can only imagine what it would have been like to have been taught by such a teacher and writer. James Bynum makes it easier for readers to understand a writer’s underlying purpose when reading. Writers leave key phrases or words that will signify what they wanted their readers to take with them. It is this that James Bynum carefully instructs his readers to see and understand. Also, a story’s true purpose is the one a reader takes from it. Many writers won’t tell their readers what they wanted them to understand from their work…they leave the readers to finding their own thoughts on what the reading really said and meant. Watering My Little Apple Trees is a way for James Bynum to share his passion and knowledge of literature with readers everywhere. The book is deep, thought-provoking, and educational. Readers will be looking at literature differently after reading this book. Overall, I loved reading this, and I highly recommend this spectacular read to readers worldwide.