Guide to overcoming anxiety, grief and depression!

Silencing the Noises Within: How to Navigate Anxiety, Grief, and Depression with Mindfulness and Resilience, Inspired by One Man's Journey from Collapse to Clarity by A.W Hiyasat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Silencing the Noises Within - How to Navigate Anxiety, Grief, and Depression with Mindfulness and Resilience, Inspired by One Man’s Journey from Collapse to Clarityby A.W. Hiyasat; 162pp.

In modern world it is difficult to be a man, the world expects men to suffer silently, not express emotions, be stoic, and yet suffer innumerable insults, injuries, and humiliation, even when one is dealing with personal loss and tragedy. There are few resources for men to knock on and seek help, in fact men seeking emotional help are often ridiculed and emasculated. In this scenario A.W. Hiyasat brings out his memoir-cum-guide aimed at men undergoing anxiety, depression, or dealing with personal loss. Appropriately titled Silencing the Noises Within, the seven-chapter, volume spread across 162 pages provides important insights into dealing with life’s challenges particularly psychological ones that are not visible to everyone.
The author, A.W. Hiyasat is a multi-faceted personality with impressive credentials including CPA, financial analyst, and entrepreneur, currently a doctoral student. He has written several books on different subjects including entrepreneurship, self-employment, tax strategies, among others. He took it upon himself to help other men by writing this book after working through personal tragedies in career, family, etc. His professed goal for this book is to help readers with honest, and heartfelt insights about dealing with personal loss, career, and mental health struggles.
“I’m telling this story because men are dying. Literally. We kill ourselves at rates three to four times higher than women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). Yet, we’re the last to ask for help with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue. From boyhood, we learn that vulnerability means weakness, that emotional pain should be swallowed, and that needing help means you’ve failed as a man,” writes Hiyasat in the introduction of the book. Further along he explains that by putting his story out in the open he “feels like walking naked down main street.” He is willing to do if his story can help even one man recognize and treat the mental health issues. Hiyasat impressed upon men facing mental health challenges and personal tragedies to seek help, to remember that they are not alone and finally that it is not cowardice or failure, but courage to seek help.
As I read the book chapter six seemed to personally speak to me. Titled ‘Rewriting your story – finding authentic purpose.’ In this chapter Hiyasat speaks about life beyond paycheck or career. Traditional beliefs about success, wealth, corporate leadership positions, the fancy vehicles, glitzy homes, etc don’t really mean satisfaction in life or feeling fulfilled. These are not one’s identity, rather just exterior pillars that we place around ourselves. The importance of feeling engaged or living life is not achieving boardroom success but being present and involved in the lives of our loved ones, helping people around us, maintaining our health, among others.
Overall this memoir is replete with lessons for living a better, more authentic life. I would recommend this to anyone feeling lost in career or facing challenges in life, be it at graduate school or at home. Read this book and I am sure parallels can be drawn from the author’s experiences with our life. That may be the catalyst needed to redirect your life towards more presence, engagement, and authenticity.

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Intricate Patterns, Vivid and therapeutic coloring book!

100 Mystery Mosaics Color by Number in 4 Holidays Featured: A Coloring Book for Adults Relaxation - Featuring: Halloween+Thanksgiving+Christmas+Winter scenes by Giggles & Grace Books
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coloring as therapy has been discovered to have positive effect on people, especially those suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, etc. Coloring books have become a essential activity for children, teenagers, and adults alike. There are different types of coloring books including those with cues by number.
Victoria Wintersberger, a former teacher, passionate storyteller, and proud mom of three brings out yet another interesting book titled 100 Mystery Mosaics Color by Number. This book is a perfect example of therapeutic and relaxing unwinding tool for the weekend at home. These drawings are offer the creative minded folks an excuse to create vividly colored paintings, as one starts coloring following the cues, the drawing starts to show up and soon transforms into a beautiful painting.
Each page is an amazing image that provides cues to color just effectively and beautifully. The result is highly pleasing for the eye. One can spend hours coloring and creating amazing drawings. The fact that the coloring pages are one sided makes this book very good and ensures the color does not run into another drawing making it look beautiful.
The entire book contains over 100 drawings that can be colored and provides hours and hours of relaxation. The book is a great value for money, a 100 drawings for this price is highly affordable. I would recommend this book for both adults and children. Adults for therapeutic coloring and relaxation, children will have something to do indoors during rainy days and also get a chance to explore their creativity via color.

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Essential guide for hikers, hunters, and outdoors people

Outdoor Survival Skills For Teens: Master Outdoor Skills, Stay Calm In Emergencies, Build Confidence And Be Ready For Anything—in The Wild Or Real Life by Emma Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Teenagers are full of energy and are always exploring, learning about the world. Some like indoor and technology, while others like to spend time in the great outdoors – hiking in the forests, traversing mountains, camping, etc. These activities are fraught with risks of injury, disease, and even death. It is crucial that anyone intending to explore or spend time outdoors should develop a strong understanding and appreciation of these risks. Learning, training, and practicing the skills learned are essential for survival outdoors.
One way to learn and imbibe these essential traits is by reading Emma Davis’ book titled Outdoor Survival Skills for Teens. Though the 198 page volume is titled and aimed at teens, the knowledge can help people of all ages. Davis, an author with many talents and training including social work, therapy, and financial advice, brings this to join her several books aimed at teenagers. She has written several books on a diverse range of topics including finances, career planning, DBT techniques, among others.
Survival Skills for Teens spans six chapters, preceded by an introduction and followed by an exhaustive reference list. The book teaches readers how to survive in the wilderness, camping skills, and several tips that can be helpful while spending time outdoors. Introducing the book to readers Davis explains that this volume is aimed at teens, adults, and children who not only want to learn how to make a fire, but also how to stay calm if they get lost in the forest. It is for those individuals who want to take calculated risks, be prepared for any eventuality they might face while outside.
My favorite chapter of this book is the one titled “Snack or Poison” in which the author gives a detailed description of foraging while lost in the wilderness. She makes it a point to explain the distinction between edible berries vs poisonous ones, how one can differentiate and prevent catastrophic events. The three tests before you munch section is very useful guide for the first time forager. The box on how poisoning takes effect is very informative too.
Overall I believe the book will prove to be a very useful resource for all those who wish to explore outdoors and be prepared. The information in this volume will not only help teens, but adults alike. I would recommend this book for everyone interested in outdoors, irrespective of age.

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Colorful, informative, detailed, and well-organized travel guide!

The Only Route 66 Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need (2026-2027): The Complete Full Color Road Trip Planner with Clear Maps, Mile-by-Mile Routes, Must-See Stops & Hidden Gems from Chicago to Santa Monica by Eliott Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Established in 1926, Route-66 is one of the most iconic highways that spans eight states traversing over 2,400 miles of beautiful, rugged, and historic territories. Also known as the “mother road” a road trip along this highway presents several unique sightseeing, dining, and adventure opportunities. World famous attractions include The Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, Calico Ghost Town, Santa Monica Pier, Mojave Desert, and several more features in the long list of must-see destinations along this historic highway.
I have travelled parts of Route-66 in bits and pieces over the past decade and half. This year I am planning to traverse the entire route 66 in one stretch while taking on the most important destinations. While researching for a comprehensive guide to carry along on this road trip I chanced upon Eliott Brooks Route 66: The Complete Road Trip Guide, a compact, multi-color, visually appealing, easy to read handbook, that provides excellent trip-planning advise, and information. Laid out in four uniquely different parts the guide covers the history of route 66, trip planning information, the route by state and a complete section on practical information such as places to stay, places to eat, and other important data to avoid pitfalls of most travelers.
This is one of the few guides that I found with high quality images and completely colorful making it very easy to read and understand. Written in simple language, this information rich packed volume is one of the most interesting travel guide I have come across in recent times. Every chapter has practical information including average cost per day to travel this road, what kind of clothing to pack, when to travel, and practical road tips.
As I read the book I am quite appreciative of the amount of research that has gone to cover almost all aspects of the 2,400 mile journey with an almost mile-by-mile breakdown. The attention to detail is quite obvious when one sees small inconspicuous diners mentioned along with globally famous attractions. Then of course the 2026-27 updates which acts like a lifeline for all travelers is going to be very useful. A great resource to plan and implement your favorite road trip to span route 66.

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Excellent Baseball Trivia Book

Baseball Facts for Kids: Learn About the Greatest Players, Winning Strategies, and Tales of Courage and Mental Toughness in the Game by ALF WRIGHT
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baseball is perhaps the most popular game after football across the USA. Most kids start playing baseball right from childhood and collecting baseball cards is also a very popular hobby among middle and high schoolers. A deep knowledge of baseball trivia and facts is an asset for kids in this age and adult fans of the game.
I recently came across the book Baseball Facts for Kids by Alf Wright, a 100-page volume which details the achievements of the greatest players, winning strategies of different teams, and some amazing stories of courage and endurance. A lifelong educator and children’s book author Wright’s belief strongly relies on fun for learning. His books combine facts, with reality and humor stories, his goal is to spark curiosity, keep kids engaged and help them see the world in new ways.
Baseball facts for Kids is similarly fun, and interesting in its own way. The introduction is all about the game and its history in brief. “Americans have been playing baseball for years, and its popularity hasn’t slowed down,” explains Wright right at the beginning, emphasizing that baseball is not just a game but an ‘American Tradition’ and spans generations. This book details important details about the game, rules, positions, and how runs are scored. Baseball legends including Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays are featured among the heroes of the sport.
More than just profiles of these heroes, their secrets to success on and off the baseball diamond is detailed in this volume. The book also provides valuable tips on improving your game, getting the right gear, and preparing for success. My personal favorite chapter of this book is the one titled ‘How to stay strong and never give up.’ In this chapter Wright explains the personality traits that get built when playing baseball. “Sports don’t just improve your health and strengthen your body. They also make you a better person,” declares Wright in this chapter while mentioning the traits that make baseball players great. This chapter explains how baseball builds the players personality by inculcating vital qualities such as ambition, confidence, commitment, passion, team work, patience, among others.
I believe this book will be highly beneficial to baseball lovers and others alike. It is a treasure trove of knowledge of the sport and a very useful self-development, motivational book.

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Soul searching one heartbeat at a time!

From Stethoscope to Wisdom by Andrew C.S. Koh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Working in healthcare is a rewarding experience, everyday is same but different at the same time. This field provides the opportunity to touch people’s lives and bring about positive outcomes. Every healthcare professional has a lifetime of stories that can motivate, transform, and move the population. “In the quiet between heartbeats, wisdom grows; in the fading echo of a stethoscope, a life’s meaning unfolds,” writes Dr. Andrew CS Koh in his memoir. Appropriately titled From Stethoscope to Wisdom – A Doctor’s Reflection is a 205-page volume full of wisdom, spirituality, medicine, and life experiences of someone who made his life mission to serve the sick and heal the hurting.
“This book is an autobiographical narrative that chronicles my journey from birth to retirement. I wrote this memoir as a lasting legacy for my family, friends, and loved ones. My hope is that my experiences will inspire and resonate with others who may find reflection in their own lives,” writes Dr. CS Koh in the prologue detailing his motivation for penning this memoir. The story of Koh’s life starts off from his home birth and christening ceremony where he is given the Cantonese name which translates to ‘praising the stars’ and moves on to his childhood in the town of Tanjong Malim. A vivid description of the town environs is notable here.
The story moves on to describe his parents as strong believers in superstitions who trusted in traditional Chinese medicine. This is one aspect of the memoir I am not a big fan of, even though scientifically educated as a doctor of modern medicine, Koh is quick to denigrate traditional Chinese medicine and spirituality as mere “superstition.” There are chapters dedicated to his knowledge and experiences as a healthcare provider, delivering compassionate care for patients in pain, facing death, suffering, and through it all the lessons he learnt about compassion, healing, and faith. This mixture of professional, personal, and spiritual insights make this book worth reading.
Written in a chatty, conversational, down-to-earth manner, this book comes across as an easy read. It is more like a conversation with a friend/ mentor/ philosopher and less like a preachy lecture of an academic. As a healthcare provider myself, I find this book honest, real, and spoken from the heart of a healer. I would recommend this book for people who are in healthcare and those who intend to make a career in healthcare.

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Inculcating the marketing mindset!

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SALES: The Psychology and Process Behind Successful Deals by SEMA DONALDSON
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sales is one of the professions in which most people feel uncomfortable or awkward. Most people think selling is for those with aggressive personalities or persuasive mindsets. Lesser still believe that the art of selling can be taught and learned as a skill, just like language, computers, bicycle riding, etc. Several young college graduates avoid signing up for sales jobs because of these inherent beliefs and lose out on a potentially rewarding and fulfilling career.
The fundamentals of sales – the psychology and process behind successful deals, by Sema Donaldson comes as a handy guide to those thinking about sales as a career. Donaldson, a sales and performance author with several motivational and educational books to his credit, has helped thousands of professionals build and hone skills, to obtain lasting results through his writings. His sales philosophy is simple and straightforward; he believes that success is not accidental, it is built through and hard work supported by psychological insight and structured skill building.
The fundamentals of sales is organized as four distinct parts subdivided into 12 chapters that detail the process of selling and how to get started in this competitive profession. In the introduction the author attempts to clear some of the misconceptions that surround sales. “Sales has been overcomplicated, overhyped, and deeply misunderstood. In one version, it is treated as persuasion, something you do to people. In another, it is framed as pressure, something you apply until someone gives in. And for many capable, ethical professionals, sales become something to avoid altogether. Manipulative. Uncomfortable. Not for people like me,” writes Donaldson. Clearing damaging myths and false beliefs about sales the author is quick to say that sales does not require any specific personality trait, rather skills and hard work.
Part one of the book deals with the psychology or mindset for sales, what is required, how to develop the same, and what the readers can take away from this section. Part two deals with alignment for sales, and why product knowledge alone is not enough to successfully close deals. Chapter four of part two titled “the hidden link between knowledge and anxiety” impressed me quite a bit. In this section the author clarifies that it is not emotional weakness that makes one anxious during sales; rather it is informational instability. This section presents an important lesson to readers in the sense that one does not need to talk incessantly to achieve a sale, rather than that one needs to be structured in presentation and not overwhelm the buyer with unnecessary information.
The rest of the book continues to provide lessons on valuable skills, and traits one needs to develop and inculcate to be successful in sales. Concluding with a humble chapter in which the author clarifies that his goal is not to impress, but rather to educate and inculcate a complete operating framework for professional selling in the reader. In my opinion this book would be a good read for anyone that is considering a career in sales or marketing, specifically for the young first-time job seeker who wants to succeed in this field.

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