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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A Guide to Logical Thinking for career/ family success

Logical Thinking: An AI’s Guide to 100 Methods for Cutting Through Human Confusion and Bias by Quinn Voss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In today’s changing world, education, skills, and knowledge play a role in career success, more crucial is the critical trait of logical thinking that helps one achieve great heights in life. It is not the one that knows everything that succeeds but the one that can solve problems and make connections is more likely to reach goals. Unfortunately, modern day curricula effectively deliver knowledge but do not equip young students with life skills such as communication, logical thinking, critical analysis, among others to enable them to succeed in the real world.
The only way to develop these vital skills seems to be through self-study in the form of reading, experiential education via team building activities, and outdoor learning. I recently came across Logical Thinking – An AI’s Guide to 100 methods for cutting through human confusion and bias, an AI-generated compilation of different ideas, tips, and tricks aimed at making the reader a logical thinker and work through the chaotic modern workplace. Even though this book is completely written by AI, human editors have gone through and edited the same to ensure accuracy and presentation.
Divided into four parts, subdivided into sections and then into chapters followed by a short conclusion, appendices, and a note on other AI books available on similar topics. Each part specifically addresses one of the macro topics related to logical thinking such as Foundations; Advanced logical tools; Practical applications; and Mastery. Subdivided sections relate to building blocks of logic which have ten chapters of information about various concepts that make understanding logical thinking easy. For instance I really liked the chapter titled The Principle of Charity which deals with how to seek truth and improve the quality of discourse. This principle challenges the reader to think critically and not fall into traps of prejudging before understanding the other person’s arguments.
One feature of the book I really liked is the layout and design. The book is peppered with several interesting and humorous cartoons, bullet points, numerical lists, etc. to break the monotony of text and provide relief to the reader. This makes reading this book easy and interesting and of course imbibing the content much easier and faster.

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Thrilling Sci-Fi Novel

Zethra Rezanu: The Hollow Throne by The Architect
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fast paced science fiction novels are one of my preferred genres to get lost in a different world of fantasy and extra-terrestrial experiences. These stories enable the reader to create our own worlds and live vicariously through the characters featured in the book. So I was naturally drawn to the Book One of the Zethra Rezanu Saga, titled Zethra Rezanu: The Hollow Throne by The Architect. This relatively short 89-page novel is written in an easy-to-read language which captures the reader’s attention from the beginning. Short enough to finish in one session the novel takes one on an interesting journey through different worlds, mythology, and a liberal dose of fantasy.
The book starts off with the reader getting teleported to a different galaxy ruled by Queen Vaelrith, where alien species walked. The character description of the Queen is vivid and conjures the image of royalty. “She stood on a terrace of shaped starlight, her robes woven from nebulae and mirrored silk, each thread singing a different age. Her face was carved with impossible symmetry, beauty refined until it became inhuman. Her golden eyes did not blink. Her hair did not stir in the false wind,” writes The Architect enumerating the regality of the ruling class in the alternate galaxy.
The overall premise of the story is to reiterate the fact that empires often are forgotten due to the persuasive nature of enemy propaganda rather than their military might. Much like how many of the ancient civilizations on this planet have now been forgotten due to systematic narrative setting and propaganda. The book depicts the struggle for truth and survival of several characters Master Aikedu, Hymedall, and the fierce Zarkeeth.
I enjoyed the writing style and vivid descriptions of memory, battles, character building, and action sequences. This story also puts into full display that it is possible to rewrite history and make the actual truth questionable. I don’t want to present more of the story here and spoil the enjoyment of reading this novel. The Hollow Throne is definitely worth reading, and a must for those fans of science fiction and space age storytelling, and adventure spanning different galaxies.

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Engaging, Fun, Challenging, and Memorable Puzzle Book

Classic Baby Boomer TV Shows – The 50’s – 90’s! Crossword Puzzle Book for Adults and Seniors by Marty Goodrich. 131pp

As far back as I can remember I have been a huge fan of word games including but not limited to crossword puzzles, word search, jumble, scrabble, etc. When I was in high school the crossword was the first section I read in the daily newspaper. Solving crosswords helped me improve my vocabulary, learn new phrases, and become more aware of current affairs.

I recently came across the Crossword Puzzle Book for Adults and Seniors by Marty Goodrich and decided to dive back into word games like before. This 131-page volume features over 50 crossword puzzles all based on popular television shows like I love Lucy, Leave it to the Beaver, The Twilight Zone, Law and Order, The brady bunch, Dynasty, Baywatch, Seinfeld, and many more. Divided into decades, the book features a small introduction about the time period followed by puzzles based on the most iconic TV shows of that era. “Our goal is to celebrate the iconic shows and entertainers who left a lasting impact, allowing you to relieve cherished memories and perhaps discover new favorites along the way,” writes Goodrich introducing the volume.

The last section of the book features solutions to each of the crosswords. There is also a link to reach for bonus sections of the book. Overall this book is an excellent way to pass time, improve language skills, and I’d say ideal for a long flight journey or for a lazy afternoon by the beach.

Tale of Losing and Finding Love

Mending a Broken Heart by Michelle Wilson; 162pp.

There are thousands of romance novels that feature the stories of young lovers and their intense feelings of attachment, and anticipation, even as they navigate the world from adolescence into adulthood. The challenges they face as they vigorously attempt to balance blooming careers, intensifying love, while fighting distractions of the world. Mending a Broken Heart by Michelle Wilson is one such story featuring the main characters, Isabelle and James, college students of medicine and literature respectively.

The book starts off with a passionate interlude between the two at a bar where each is celebrating the culmination of college assignments. Their connection is instantaneous and chemistry passionate leading to Isabelle dreaming about a long loving future with James. Unfortunately, James suddenly decides to drop out of university and go home with no explanation, leaving Isabelle heartbroken and shocked.

Devastated Isabelle recedes into studies for some time and ventures back into dating on the urging of her best friend Millie, only to encounter disappointment. She then decides to rebuild her life and focuses on her education and builds a strong career as a doctor.

Fate has other plans and Isabelle encounters James once again, as a patient in the hospital. Old feelings resurface and after several deep conversations, and months of slow traditional dates James pops the question.

This book has several loose ends and plot interruptions, and typesetting is amateurish at best. I wish the author paid more attention to closing the loose ends before completing the book and also use a professional company to design and layout the book properly. The book is easy to read and not much substance to worry about missing pages, so totally ok to read over a week. 

Building Healthy Relationships and Self-understanding

 Anxious Attachment Workbook – 5-in-1 – The complete system for healing, recovery and secure attachment; by Gerald Confienza; Dreamstorm Publications, 300pp

Building, maintaining, and thriving in a relationship takes a lot of hard work, not in terms of physical labor but in terms of mental, emotional, and psychological tasks. I recently read this book Anxious Attachment Workbook by Gerald Confienza in which the author explains the concept of anxious attachment and how to overcome it to build strong, sustaining, and secure relationships. Anxious attachment is the feeling of constant insecurity and fear of abandonment. Like when one is starting a new relationship and is always eager to hear from their mate immediately and gets anxious if there is a delay in messaging/ response.

Often times we blame ourselves for failures/ problems in relationships and this ends up with us questioning our intrinsic worth, among others. But when one is trained to identify these patterns of behavior and modify them it is possible to build healthy relationships. The Anxious Attachment Workbook is a guide to do exactly that. Divided into five sub-books this compilation starts off with an introductory book about anxious attachment that helps readers understand, identify triggers, breaking negative patterns, and move to the path of secure attachment.

The other books titled Healing from Childhood Trauma and its role in anxious attachment; Cultivating secure attachment and healthy relationships; anxiety in relationships – managing emotional triggers; and finally a section on Breaking free from emotional dependency will guide readers through the complexities of attachments and how to build healthy secure relationships. Indeed this book is a must read for those with unresolved childhood problems, those getting married, those in relationships, and those looking for one too.

Guide to Happy and Fulfilling Relationship for adults with Autism and/or ADHD

You, Me, & AuDHD – Relationship Tools for Adults with Autism and ADHD by Lili Castille; Montego Books LLC; 348pp.

Modern world is tough for individuals with no psychological challenges. Add a mix of autism spectrum or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, life can be extremely difficult and often depressing. Most people tend to avoid and/ or even express phobia about being around neurodivergent individuals. Parents with children who experience these conditions are often overprotective or at times frustrated with the way the world interacts with them.

There are simply not enough teaching-learning activities happening in schools to make people aware of how to interact with neurodivergent individuals. This often leads to people with autism/ ADHD being misunderstood and often excluded from mainstream society. I am glad I came across the book You, Me, & AuDHD – Relationship Tools for Adults with Autism and ADHD by Dr. Lili Castille, a distinguished neurodiverse psychologist specializing in adult relationships with Autism and ADHD. In her long career in counselling and human development she has developed several innovative strategies to enhance communication and relationships across cultures.

This book comes as a breath of fresh air into a world of ignorance about these conditions. The book is aimed at improving emotional communication and fostering social skills by participating in engaging activities. The author’s professed take away for the reader is for the volume to be a guide to building a fulfilling and harmonious partnership with an autistic and/or ADHD partner. Starting with an introduction about Autism and ADHD Castille dives deep into neurodiversity in relationships. “Neurodiversity isn’t just a set of diagnoses – it’s a way of experiencing, feeling, and connecting with the world,” declares Castille in the very first chapter.

Misconceptions about people with autism and/ or ADHD and love are effortlessly clarified for the reader in an easy-to-read conversational style of writing. The entire volume is liberally peppered with real life examples of couples grappling with ADHD/ Autism grappling with relationship issues and overcoming them to live a comfortable, happy, and harmonious life. A very important resource in this book is several solo and couple exercises. These exercises guide the reader to understand and analyze the value they bring to a relationship so needs can be communicated with confidence, clarity, and empathy.

Several common problems/ challenges faced by neurodivergent couples are analyzed and addressed across the 32 chapters in this book. Each chapter addresses a specific topic of building, nurturing, and strengthening relationships of neurodivergent individuals/ couples. Communication styles, rage, meltdowns, intimacy, physical connection, change navigation, growth, and several other important topics are discussed in depth. The book concludes with a reference section to help those interested in enhancing knowledge reach the original sources of knowledge.