Learning Korean Made Easy

The One and Only Korean Workbook – Learn and Perfect the Hangul Alphabet in just a Few Weeks – Includes accompanying Videos and Digital Learning Materials by Self-taught KOR
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Learning a foreign language is tough, particularly for adults who are trying to juggle careers, family, hobbies, etc. Personally, I have always been fascinated by different languages and have tried to pick up words, phrases, and sentences as I interact with people from other parts of the world. While picking up a few words here and there seems easy, learning the alphabet, grammar, and script can be challenging. Especially when it comes to oriental languages such as Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and other eastern languages the script and dialects are so different it seems daunting.
I recently decided to start learning Korean from scratch and properly. On searching I found The Korean Workbook by Self-taught KOR very useful. This comprehensive volume makes it possible to learn the Hangul alphabet and Korean script for beginners with no prior exposure to the language. It is not easy in any measure, but The Korean Workbook makes it possible and guides the way by focusing on the basics and right from alphabet and help the reader master the language.
Featuring over 400 writing exercises which will ensure the reader learns not only letters but syllables, words, and even entire sentences in Korean. A set of digital flashcards serve as additional resources for serious learners. My favorite part of this guide is its emphasis on proper pronunciation and diction. There are links to several videos that assist learners master correct pronunciation.
As I go through the book and learn the Hangul script, I am beginning to think that this book is designed specifically for people like me – those with no prior knowledge of Korean. The workbook has taken the fear of the unknown away and has helped me start on this journey of learning a new and beautiful language.

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Spreadsheets Become simpler with this book!

Excel Made Easy: (3 in 1) A Visual Step-by-Step, Fully Illustrated Crash Course to Master Excel Fast; Boost Efficiency and Productivity with Practical Examples, Custom Formulas, and Expert Tips by Gavin George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Microsoft office software is perhaps the most popular word processing, spreadsheet, and database application bundle worldwide. Almost all businesses, schools, and homes use this software to achieve their goals. Developed in 1985 by Microsoft to be part of the office suite, MS Excel or simply Excel is a spreadsheet editor with several other functions including mathematical calculation, functions, macros, graphing, pivot tables, etc. While doing basic functions in excel is intuitive and easy, utilizing the advanced capabilities of this software can be challenging.
I recently came across a comprehensive guide to this software titled Excel Made Easy by Gavin George. Spread across 172 pages, this book features several 15-chapters of self-guided lessons on optimizing your understanding and use of Excel for work, school, or home. This comprehensive guide is beginner friendly and is designed to help readers master the software quickly.
Organized into three sub-sections appropriately titled Books 1 – 3, and 15 chapters spread across them, Excel Made easy is ideal for the visual learner. The easy-to-follow text is liberally peppered with several illustrations and screenshots from the actual software. Each exercise in the book is followed by real-world examples and scenarios to help readers get hands on experience even as they are learning. The book starts with a section titled “Fundamentals of Excel Mastery,” which contains four chapters that deal with foundations; data organization and presentation; beginner data management strategies; and core formulas in Excel.
The next sections progress in disseminating intermediate and advanced knowledge of Excel. Summing up Excel Made Easy is a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering spreadsheets. It has something for everyone that uses Excel, from beginners to the seasoned professionals.

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Guide to win the battle of the bulge!

The Pink Salt Weight Loss Trick: Simple Recipes to Boost Your Metabolism, Energize Your Body & Burn Fat Fast While Detoxing Your System Naturally All in Less Than 21-Days by Eva Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Weight loss has been the buzzword for a very long time. Ever so often a new trend comes up and everyone seems to want in on that and then it fades away. Then another trend explodes, that seems to be the order of the day. It was exercise, diet, meal supplements, protein shakes, and a plethora of programs promising readers fitness, health, and beauty. The Pink Salt Weight Loss Trick by Eva Wells presents an alternative to fad diets with a solid foundation in science, holistic health, and nutrition.
Wells an expert in holistic health, nutrition, Pilates, and organic natural remedies. She has been in the business for several years and is passionate about coaching and empowering people with the skills and knowledge to live the best life possible. This is done with a combination of nutrition, mindfulness, and exercise believes Wells. The Pink Salt Weight Loss Trick starts off with a detailed introduction in which she explains the science behind the program and the historical origins of pink salt. “Understanding the journey that pink salt undertakes once it is ingested is pivotal to appreciating its role in supporting overall health. When pink salt dissolves, its array of trace minerals is mobilized into ionic forms,” explains Wells writing about the biological processes that are initiated by pink salt inside the human body.
Organized into eight chapters and a bonus section on recipes, the book instructs the reader on the safety measures, limitations and benefits of pink salt, and most importantly how to store different types of salt. Chapters four to six are primarily composed of recipes for weight loss, healthy body, beauty, self-care, and exercise. Chapters seven and eight offer practical dietary solutions for complex problems such as menopause, and a comprehensive meal plan is presented in chapter eight.
I have tried recreating some of the recipes and it’s easy to make and delicious to consume. These recipes are easy to follow and provide a great plan for everyone to succeed in their health goals. The Pink Salt Weight Loss Trick is indeed just that, this book is all about evidence-based insights, easy-to-cook delicious recipes and practical tips on getting healthier and losing weight in the process.

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Healthy Digestion from Ancient Wisdom

Dr. Poop’s 30-Day Gut Reset: You will rock your bowels! 5,000 Years of Ayurvedic medicinal wisdom on how to poop better and stop getting constipated. by Dr. Poop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A common, embarrassing, and annoying health problems that plague about 15-25% of Americans is constipation. It is a digestive issue wherein bowel movements become infrequent, difficult, or hard to pass. This condition affects people of all ages from infants to geriatrics and can often be traced back to lifestyle factors such as diet, hydration, physical activity, etc. A more concerning factor about constipation is the fact that it could be one of the earliest symptoms of colon cancer.
Moreover, constipation makes one feel bloated, uncomfortable, and disinterested in regular activities of life. In this scenario comes the book Dr. Poop’s 30-Day Gut Reset published by You Will Rock Books. The 96-page volume draws heavily on the principles of Ayurveda, one of the oldest healing systems that has origins in India. In the West Ayurveda is recognized as an complementary system of medicine.
Introducing the book the author is quick to place the disclaimer that this volume is meant as a guide and not medical advice or prescription. “The author and publisher are not licensed medical professionals, dietitians, or healthcare practitioners,” writes Dr. Poop, a fictional character created for the purpose of this book.
Organized into six chapters, preceded by a detailed introduction about ayurveda and principles covered in this book and followed by a section titled ‘The final flush,’ the book ends with a one-page bibliography with references/ further reading material for those interested to diver deeper into this science. The first chapters introduce the readers to a four-week ritual which is aimed at making the readers’ bowel habits easy, regular, and comfortable.
Peppered with nuggets of ancient wisdom Dr. Poop’s 30 Day Gut Reset, is a handy guide for those suffering from constipation to change lifestyle and get into a regular habit. This guide helps avoid unnecessary supplements, powders, and banks on healthy lifestyles and habits to improve bowel movements.

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Learning how to speak after debilitating illness

A Step-by-Step Aphasia Workbook for Adults: 125 Engaging Exercises & Progressive Activities to Boost Speech Therapy & Enhance Cognitive Skills for Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation by Clare Thinkwell

A Step-by-Step APHASIA workbook for Adults by Clare Thinkwell; Matilda’s Magical Muse; 111pp.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aphasia, a speech disorder, usually results from an ischemic stroke that causes injury to certain parts of the brain that controls communication and cognition. The results of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or more commonly as a stroke, are often devastating for individuals. There is a significant rate of mortality associated with CVA, those who survive often have deficits and need to relearn basic human functions including but not limited to speech, eating, walking, writing, thinking, cognitive reasoning, among others. Recovery is slow and painful, but with the right tools and therapies many individuals make an almost complete recovery from the effects of CVA.

Aphasia can be mild or severely debilitating deficit resulting from a CVA. Individuals who experience aphasia cannot speak, communicate, and/ or make their wishes/ needs known to others. For these individuals a regimen of speech exercises, therapy, and consistency is the only road to recovery. In this situation books like A Step-by-Step APHASIA workbook for Adults by Clare Thinkwell can be a great resource to relearn, develop, and regain communication skills. Thinkwell is dedicated to helping seniors and adults improve cognition and communication skills. Her passionate engagement has resulte din several books that help stimulate minds, and nurture creativity.

The Step-by-Step APHASIA workbook for Adults features over 100 engaging verbal and non-verbal exercises, and activities that progress slowly which are aimed at enhancing cognitive skills and improving speech therapy results. Following these activities are crucial for recovering from stroke and rehabilitation to independent life after CVA. Divided into five distinctive sections, this book features exercises to help patients rehab quickly from CVA. Each chapter/ section of the book deals with a specific verbal/ communication skill such as vocabulary building, sentence formation, reading comprehension, daily communications, and practical skills. The final section provides answers to each of these sections.

There are no meandering passages or droning preaching in this book. Each page contains an exercise or puzzle that helps improve cognition, and communication. The book will be helpful for anyone that works with seniors in rehabilitation or individuals who are affected by this devastating condition.

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Romance in the age of technology and gaming

The Resonance Mage's Harem: A slow-burn LitRPG men's fantasy where love fuels magic and emotional bonds unlock world-shaping power by Marko Duskborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the LitRPG genre I have read, and I must say I am quite pleased with the theme, plot, and characters. The short novel is quite fast paced and can be finished in one sitting of few hours – a lazy Sunday afternoon. The story builds well right from the start with a description of Danny Walsh, a software support professional and a recluse in real life. He confesses to the fact that he is more comfortable with computers than people and the most intense moments of life are when he is navigating virtual worlds on his gaming computer.
The characters are built well, focusing on their core beliefs, fears, insecurities, etc. The romance aspect of the story is presented in a delicate manner. The relationship between Danny and Kira seems organic, natural, and with an emotional depth that intensifies the adventure. This story is not just about conversing with demons, transgressing worlds, but about building genuine connections, and real bonds.
I particularly liked the writing style, it is chatty, easy to read, and at the same time relies heavily on technology while depicting human emotions. “Danny crept closer to the mouth of the alley, his heart hammering against his ribs like an overclocked CPU fan,” writes Duskborn, a brilliantly enmeshed emotion and tech together.
On the downside the book could have been extended with some more adventure and romantic interludes. It would have made more interesting to read and attracted young people.

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Stories to Engage, and Educate Third Graders

Amazing Stories for Third Graders: An Adventure-Filled 3rd Grade Reading Book with Brain-Boosting Comprehension Activities by Mateo Sommer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Engaging third graders in any kind of activity is tough, their young minds are full of curiosity and they have a constant need to be on the go. Hence story telling/ reading can be tough as making them sit in one place and read/ listen is often difficult. Over the years teachers and educators have come up with ideas, tricks, methods, and content aimed at this age group to keep them engaged and involved in reading/ listening to stories.
Joining this list of content for third graders is the latest book by Mateo Sommer titled “Amazing Stories for Third Graders,” a 112-page volume featuring over a dozen interesting and engaging stories with quizzes at the end of each chapter. Each story is written to appeal to third graders and engage them with the characters deeply. Each chapter has several unique illustrations to provide relief from blocks of text and appeal to the readers.
I read some of the stories in this book to my 12-yr old niece and she was enamored by the illustrations and the stories. The story titled ‘The Crying Diosaur’ was a big hit with my niece as also the story about plundering pirates, and the crystal cave. Overall I think this book will be a big hit among third graders who like stories and will entice them to read more.

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