Demystifying Windows 11 to improve productivity!

WINDOWS 11 MADE EASY FOR SENIORS: Full Color User Friendly Guide With Simple Step by Step Instructions. Enjoy Your PC & Browse The Internet With Confidence by Philip Robbins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Demystifying Windows 11 to improve productivity!

Computers, tablets, and smartphones are ubiquitous and an integral part of everyday life. While these useful gadgets make life easy, there is also a wide array of problems they present. The operating systems, software interfaces, and other requirements are constantly evolving; software developers and hardware manufacturers label them essential improvements, but in reality, they present daunting challenges. One must constantly unlearn and relearn the old and new software respectively. Windows is perhaps the most widely used operating system in the world. It has undergone several changes and now the current version is significantly different from the previous. As a result, users are expected to learn and adapt to this new software.
Older adults find it difficult to adapt and relearn these rapid advancements in software and often feel left out. Not every younger person relative or not has the patience or time to teach them the new changes. In this scenario Philip Robbins’ Windows 11 Made Easy for Seniors, comes as a great reference for those wanting to learn how to master the use of a computer with windows 11. Written in a chatty, conversational style, with several full color illustrations and photographs, the 13 chapter, 114-page book is a great learning and reference resource. Particularly for seniors or older adults, this book will come as a step-by-step guide, easy to understand and follow along. I particularly liked the fact that the book covers everything from basics of how to turn on the computer to securing your identity online. The colorful images provide much needed relief from text and make it an interesting read for everyone.
Each chapter comes with a short practice session at the end which helps users to put into play the concepts and cheat codes they learned. This makes learning simple, easy, fun, and retention is promoted through practice sessions. Even though I have been using windows 11 for a while now and don’t feel challenged by the new operating system I was able to learn few concepts that helped me optimize my workspace.
Overall I think this is a great learning guide for those new to windows 11, be it seniors or young adults or professionals. Everyone will find something beneficial in this book.

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Pickling and Fermentation the Japanese way

Japanese Pickled Vegetables: The Ultimate Guide to Pickling and Fermentation Techniques and Recipes for Beginners and Beyond by Oscar Higgins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pickles add a unique flavor and taste to salads, sandwiches, and in general to every meal. Until recently I would get manufactured pickles in big box stores and always wondered how to make them at home. Learning how to make pickles has been one of my endeavors for some time. I have tried different recipes I came across in magazines, from friends, on cooking websites, etc. Most of these recipes call for excessive number of ingredients and complex processes and did not achieve the intended results.

I recently got this book by Oscar Higgins titled Japanese Pickled Vegetables - The Ultimate Guide to Pickling and Fermentation Techniques and Recipes for Beginners and Beyond which seems to answer a great deal of my questions. In the introduction of the book itself Higgins makes it clear that this book is beginner friendly. “Unlike other pickling books that overwhelm you with overly complex methods, this book takes a simplified approach that makes the entire process beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never pickled anything before. You’ll start by learning the cornerstone techniques that serve as the foundation for all Japanese pickling styles,” explains the author.

Higgins is a passionate author with several cookbooks to his credit. His books are written with such simplicity that both the seasoned chef and the beginner can use the recipes and produce wonderful meals. Divided into eight information-rich chapters which detail the process, style, benefits, nutritional information, and others the book is heavy on the process of making traditional Japanese style pickles. Being a vegetarian, I find this book very useful as the focus is on pickling vegetables throughout. The reference section provides links to more reading and techniques that would help me become a master pickler.

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Bible Study for Black Women!

365 Daily Devotions For Black Women: 5-Minute Christian Devotionals to Cultivate Faith, Self-Love, Joy & Inner Strength. Find Daily Inspiration for a Life Filled with Confidence, Peace & Purpose by Joelle Jacobs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In these volatile times of social, political, and financial instability, people often reach out to a higher power – God, through scripture and devotion for answers. Depending upon their faith they reach out to the prescribed holy book such as the Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Quran, etc. But these books are often written in ancient languages and scripts that are difficult to read and/ or interpret and adapt to modern lifestyles. Hence it is not uncommon to see different translations or versions of the same book that are available for people to read, understand, and find solace.
The 365 Daily Devotions for Black Women by Joelle Jacobs is one such volume that is meant for the followers for Christianity. Aimed at black women readers this devotional volume is an inspirational 204-page book that provides revelation, inspiration, understanding, and solace for its readers. The intent is for black women to read, understand, feel inspired and cultivate faith, self-love, and joy which in turn leads to a joyful life of fulfillment.
The book starts off with an introduction written like a letter to the reader. “As a working mom of three, I’ve felt the weight of juggling a career, nurturing a family, and facing those endless to-do lists. It’s easy for the voice of God’s truth to get buried beneath the noise. That’s why I created this devotional: a sacred space carved out of a day, designed to help busy Black women stay rooted in God’s Word, even when life feels overwhelming,” writes Jacobs explaining the need for this volume and how spending just five-minutes daily can help renew spirit, inspire, and build strength.
Divided into chapters named after months of a year, the book is full of short passages for each day. Each passage homes in on the message for the day from the Bible. One of the messages that spoke to my heart is in the February chapter “Our willingness to forgive others affects our relationship with God.” How profound, to me it feels like that author is trying to establish the fact that dwelling in the past misgivings, hatred, and animosity will only set us back. It is important to forgive those who did us wrong so we can move on forwards in life towards God.
Through these short messages the author tries to inspire readers to find faith, self-love, inner peace and progress. The passages affirms the world experience of black women, their hard work, and inspires them to seek progress and prosperity both materially and spiritually. The book is also liberally peppered with cute graphics and insightful quotes from different personalities which are meant to inspire the readers. My favorite quote by Coretta Scott King placed at the end of march devotions, it reads “Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won – you earn it and win it in every generation.”
Overall, I feel this book, though targeted towards Black Christian Women, has the potential to inspire everyone of any faith, race, nationality, and ethnicity. The messages are insightful, relevant, inspirational, and most importantly hopeful, characteristics that everyone is looking for these days.

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Practical, Inspiring, and Achievable Workbook for Men

Self-Love Workbook for Men 4 in 1: The Complete Guide to Building Unshakable Confidence, Setting Real Boundaries, and Designing a Life You Respect by Mistol Editions
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is hard to find a good self-help book, most books come with promising titles and end up with content that is hard to follow, exercises that are almost impossible to perform, etc. I have bene reading self-help books for a while now and only recently did I come across a practical, and insightful workbook. Titled Self-Love Workbook for Men this 184-page volume is a uniquely different book that addresses men and their need for self-love, encouragement, reinforcement, and inspiration.

Spread across four distinct books divided into 20 chapters the Self-Love Workbook for Men starts with an introduction in which the author explains the need for the message in this book. “You are here for a reason. Let’s be clear about that from the start. You didn’t pick up this book by accident. You are here because of a feeling, one that has likely been a quiet companion for months, or perhaps even years,” writes the author introducing why men who have been constantly told to just be quiet and work hard towards their goal of providing for the family, need encouragement and self-love.

The author talks to the reader in this book, i.e. with a conversational, casual, chatty writing style the message resonates and drives home immediately. Each book is a step-by-step guide to make concrete plans, and develop a unique personality based on self-love, inspiration, and happiness. I personally related to the chapter titled ‘The Ghost in the Machine: Deconstructing the “Rules of Manhood.”’ In this chapter the author talks about a script that shapes everyone’s life and how it became embedded in our psyche. The “Ghost” is the expectations that the society, family, and people around us load upon us through media messages, academic teaching, family dynamics, and the fear of rejection enforces these rules very effectively.

Each chapter also presents a case study about the concept that is reinforced upon the reader. It makes the book such a light and easy read. The rules that constrain boys and men into the walls constructed by societal norms are enforced right from infancy almost with comments like: “Be strong; don’t be a sissy; stop crying” etc. The emotional and psychological strain these seemingly innocuous rules place on men is quite draining according to the author and prevents them from achieving real success and happiness.

This book is one of the few books that aim to help men overcome these obstacles, and thrive as individual human beings and attain success, happiness, and contentment in life.

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ASVAB Study Guide

ASVAB STUDY GUIDE: ASVAB Test Prep with 5 Full-Length Practice Tests, Diagnostic Test, and Proven Tactics to Ace Your AFQT Exam on Your First Try by Nolan Vexley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In my opinion serving one’s nation by joining the defense or armed forces is the greatest way to show gratitude to the country that has given everything. It is an honor and privilege to be part of this elite group of people who are willing to sacrifice everything for the country. Not everyone who wishes to serve is accepted into the United States armed forces, it takes a certain amount of intelligence, education, and aptitude to qualify to for this honor.
To qualify to serve in the US armed forces one has to successfully attempt and succeed in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and particularly in the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT). This exam places aspirants on tenterhooks as a first attempt passing is a great plus for entering the forces. One can find several guides that claim to help in the prepping for this unique test but not all books are the same. I came across Nolan Vexley’s ASVAB Study Guide, a 288-page volume featuring 5 full-length practice tests, a diagnostic, and several proven strategies to help you succeed in this important exam.
Vexley, a passionate tutor and test-prep expert has spent several years of his career helping students study and succeed in different competitive examinations including the ASVAB. He believes that given the right training each student will excel. This is the kind of person who should be working with students, coaching and encouraging them to succeed in the exams. The ASVAB Study Guide is organized into 11 units/ chapters followed by five full length practice ASVAB exams.
The first unit appropriately titled “Mission Briefing” comprehensively describes the ASVAB exam with information on scoring mechanisms, military career tips, goal-setting for studying, etc. The primary purpose of ASVAB is to evaluate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals wishing to join the U.S. Armed Forces. “The ASVAB has two primary purposes: first, to assess a person's eligibility for military service, and second, to assist military recruiters in assigning recruits to suitable roles that match their skills and aptitudes,” writes Vexley. The chapter further delves into the types ASVAB such as the computerized adaptive test, paper and pencil ASVAB etc. while also detailing the differences between the types of ASVAB.
Unit 2 is crucial for all those intending on taking this test, it is a diagnostic exam which will help students find their place, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses so they know the areas to focus on while studying for the ASVAB. The following units deal with verbal ability, reading comprehension, general science, arithmetic, electronics, shop and automobiles, and assembly lines etc.
Overall I feel this book is a very comprehensive guide for preparing for the ASVAB exam. The final five units contain full length practice tests which will drive home the most important message of taking tests slowly and with patience. These tests provide important insights to the student about their preparedness for the actual ASVAB.

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The Empowering Hand Function Stroke Recovery Activity Book Large Print: Engaging and Progressive Exercises for Rehabilitation and Enhanced Daily ... Brain Injury—Just 15 Minutes Per Day! by Clara Thinkwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke affects over 795,000 Americans annually, 1 in 6 deaths are caused by this condition, and is also the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Hence it would not be wrong to say it is a long road to recovery after suffering a stroke. Consistent, and targeted physical, occupational, and speech therapies are often required to achieve some degree of recovery.
Clara Thinkwell a passionate author of books to help seniors has published The Empowering Hand Function Stroke Recovery Activity Book aimed at helping stroke patients improve function and strength. This 123-page volume produced in large print is an easy to read and follow guide of sorts to build better strength, dexterity, and function of the hands, specially after a debilitating medical condition such as a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Thinkwell is upfront to state that this book is just a guide and “not a substitute for professional medical advice.”
The five chapters in the book each dealing with a specific topic related to rehabilitation of the hand such are titled appropriately. Chapter one titled Awakening the Hands (Foundations & Warm-ups) deals with waking up the hands by crumpling and smoothing paper. The exercises are quite simple and well explained with scientific rationale which makes it easy to follow and implement. Almost every page in this book has an illustrated graphic to explain the topic better and demonstrate to users visually how to perform the exercise being taught.
Basic life activities including gluing, cutting, shaping, tying, etc., are taught in detail. Even advanced tasks such as weaving, and making a loom, are also detailed to help patients. Each chapter has a page dedicated to progress tracking so users can actually see how far they have come with their functionality.
By publishing this workbook Thinkwell is doing a great service to stroke survivors. The book provides a set of engaging and progressive Exercises for rehabilitation and enhanced daily living skills. According to the author dedicating 15-minutes daily is enough to speed up recovery and regaining function.

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Useful Guide for Aspiring Soldiers!

ASVAB Study Guide: Everything You Need to Ace the AFQT Exam First Time, with Step-by-Step Learning Hacks, 7 Full-Length Tests & Over 2500 Questions to Fully Prep Your Mind to Achieve a High Score by PrimeScore Academy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Getting into the United States armed forces is not an easy task. Apart from being passionate about serving the nation one needs to be smart, educated, and have the aptitude to succeed in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and particularly the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT). There are numerous guidebooks that help army aspirants prepare for this test, the one that stood out for me is the ASVAB Study Guide from the Prime Score Academy. This book is not just about test taking and succeeding but it is a personality development guide to study the right way, how to have a disciplined approach for passing the ASVAB. This book provides some valuable information on study approaches, habits, nutrition, and sleep balance to succeed in this vital test.

I got this book for my nephew who is currently preparing to enter the armed forces and is studying for this test. According to him the ASVAB Study Guide by Prime Score Academy is one of the most comprehensive test preparations guides he has studied. In the introduction the publishers make it known that this test prep guide means business. “It gives you a mix of theoretical insights, practical tips, and countless practice opportunities that will empower you to study smarter and perform better under exam conditions,” write the authors in the very first page. The introduction also gives practical tips to maximize efficiency during study time. There are tips on active learning, distributed practice and spaced repetition, time management, stress reduction, and learning hacks specific to AFQT.

Organized into 11 chapters including the introduction and conclusion, the ASVAB Study Guide gives hope to students overwhelmed by exhaustive content, and the questions they bring up. This book is a sure shot guide to success to those that are committed to following the steps detailed in here and willing to put in the work. The practice exams, self-assessment quizzes, provide important insights to the student in the form of strengths, analytical briefs on weaknesses, and how to overcome them among others. The conclusion also includes a brief pep talk to the potential soldier prepping for this all important test.

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