Sustainable guide to improving liver health

Fatty Liver Diet Cookbook for Seniors: Support Liver Health and Energy with Delicious Everyday Recipes and Clear Meal Plans, Designed for Seniors Seeking Wellness and Relief. 49-Day Meal Plan. by Lucy Madron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

According to the American Liver Foundation over 100 million people in the United States suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A staggering number of seniors are victims of this condition and need urgent help to modify lifestyle, diet, and improve health so as not to go into a full-blown wellness challenge. Most common reasons that lead to development of this condition is increased body fat (over 30% of Americans are obese); diabetes, or high cholesterol. After heart disease diabetes is perhaps the most prevalent disease in the US.
In this scenario it is important for lifestyle modifications to prevent and even reverse this condition. One way to do it is to modify dietary habits and include foods that improve liver health and function. To aid in this journey Lucy Madron brings you a comprehensive recipe book appropriately titled Fatty Liver Diet Cookbook for seniors. The aim of this book is to provide everyday recipes that are easy to prepare, support liver health, and improve energy for seniors seeking wellness and health.
Madron has over a decade of experience crafting healthy, nutritious, and delicious culinary marvels. She is passionate about supporting wellness through balanced eating and mindful lifestyle choices. Her goal is to make healthy habits easy, accessible, and enjoyable to everyone irrespective of their life circumstances. Her recipes are flavorful, practical, and easy to prepare and provide a comprehensive meal plan for seniors to maintain and improve liver health.
Carefully organized into eight chapters Fatty Liver Diet Cookbook for seniors is a one-stop-resource for seniors and others interested in improving liver health. In the introduction Madron sets the stage a delicious journey towards health and wellness. “The air is fragrant with the enticing aroma of fresh herbs, mingling beautifully with the warmth of a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal,” writes Madron emphasizing that the primary focus of this concise 81-page volume is to provide necessary tools and information on creating flavorful, easy-to-make meals that nourish the soul and body.
Chapter two deals with important information about liver health broken down to ensure easy understanding and quick reading. This chapter also presents a bird’s eye view of foods to consume and those to avoid; how to build a liver-friendly pantry; and most importantly how to cook meals for two and portion control. Chapter three presents a 49-day meal plan to take control of liver health, with weekly prep strategies, progress tracking, and plan adaptation based on reader preferences.
Chapters four through eight present recipes to cover all meals of the day breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and desserts too. Vibrant salads, hearty soups, comfort food, satisfying lunches and dinners not only for individuals but for gatherings too. My favorite chapters include seven and eight, the former deals with vegetarian recipes and the latter desserts and drinks. I have a major sweet tooth and I am a vegetarian, hence I naturally gravitated towards these chapters.

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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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March into the Armed Forces

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

ASVAB Study Guide by Nolan Vexley; 288pp

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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Stories to Motivate Young Men!

Unbreakable Young Men: 15 Inspirational Stories: How Teen Boys Can Build Mental Strength, Find Purpose & Own Their Future by Northstar Stories
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Unbreakable Young Men – 15 inspirational stories;Northstar Stories; 221 pp.

Teenagers, particularly young men in any society are under constant pressure from family, peers, and society. There is an inbuilt judgement from society, expectation from family, and immense pressure in the workforce and academia to excel and conform to the norms. This often leads young men to feel anxious, lack confidence, and demoralized. It is important for young men to feel secure of their place in society at large, so they can succeed and transform into productive and contributing members of the community.

In this scenario Northstar Stories brings a compilation of 15 real-life inspired tales aimed at young boys between 13-18 yrs of age in the form of a concise 221-page easy-to-read book. The goal of this volume is to help boys build mental strength, overcome anxiety, develop confidence, find purpose in life, and own their future. Spread across 15 chapters, Unbreakable Young Men starts off with a one-page guide on how to use this book which provides a birds-eye-view of the content of the rest of the pages. There is a small note to parents and educators in which the authors detail that this an independent self-learning tool and there are reflection questions at the end of each chapter which serve as discussion prompts to discuss and resolve complex issues.

The introduction makes it clear this book is NOT a lesson-plan to become a “perfect teenager,” rather it is a supportive treatise aimed at helping teen boys navigate a complex world. “You're navigating a world that's changing faster than anyone can keep up with. You're expected to figure out who you are while algorithms try to decide that for you,” writes the authors explaining the complexities of modern life.

 
The authors also attempt to take pressure off the readers by stating that “Becoming unbreakable isn’t about being perfect, fearless, or motivated every day. It is about learning what strengthens you, what guides you, and what helps you grow – even when life is messy or confusing.”

Each chapter presents 2500-3000-word story which explains a particular quandary or dilemma facing the protagonist. The stories include human, down-to-earth, characters who struggle with the challenges of daily life and how they overcome it or just accept it and live their lives. The best part of the chapter in my opinion is the reflection section at the end. This section mainly addresses the reader to think back upon incidents in their life and relate to the events of the story. This provides an insight into life that is difficult to arrive at without story telling.

I liked all the stories in this book and found them to be very inspirational and full of important life lessons. I feel that this would be great reading material for teenaged boys and young men who are just setting out in life. Written in a chatty conversational style, it is an easy read and will capture the attention of teenagers. Lessons are ingrained into readers effortlessly. I would definitely recommend this book be placed in school and public libraries for the benefit of community.

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Novel Science of Observing the Similar

Isonomics: Hidden in Plain Sight by Matias Monteagudo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Isonomics – Hidden in Plain Sight by Matias Monteagudo; 120pp

The world is full of similar phenomena, things, places, etc. but to make observing and learning from these similarities is the science of Isonomics, according to Matias Monteaguado, the author of this 120-page text heavy essay. “Isonomics – from the Greek ἴσος (ísos, "equal") + νόμος (nómos, "law")—is a tree of science I fathered as the world's first isonomist,” explains the author in the very first page of this book clarifying to readers that there is no such stream of study officially recognized till now.
This book is more about investments and success than anything else. It explains how mental frameworks function and how people subconsciously inherit their beliefs and why it is so hard to step out of the borders that define our childhood and upbringing. Isonomics guides readers by offering a refreshingly different and yet practical guidelines to navigate today’s complex markets and most importantly attain success.
In this short book Monteagudo successfully instills the basic concepts of isonomics – a field study he defined and created. The author explains how to focus on risk across diverse assets, achieve long-term gains, avoid pooling of investments, etc. One of the core concepts explained in this book is to develop understanding of our observations – noticing patterns, assigning values, and making sense of the economic and capital markets. His premise is that even things that appear very similar behave in a strikingly different once properly measured.
This resource is a must-read for anyone looking to build a more robust, all-weather portfolio that can thrive across different economic cycles. Written in a chatty style, typeset in fairly large font the book is easy to read for people of all ages and walks of life. Though the beginning with its unusually complex verbiage can make it a slight bit of a challenge for those unfamiliar with English language.
The book makes it obvious the author’s interest in numbers, models, graphs, and of course recounting stories from real life which drives home the message/ concept being explained. Peppered with several interesting, and unusual stories, the message of the book is clear: how to observe for patterns, understand, and use the data obtained to attain success.
I would recommend this book for those interested in capital markets, philosophy, and of course observing patterns and improving decision making.

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Puzzles to improve vocabulary and spelling!

ULTIMATE WORD SEARCH BOOK FOR KIDS: 100+ Word Search Puzzles for Kids Ages 6-10 by Florence Emma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ultimate Word Search Book for Kids by Florence Emma; 112 pp.

Growing up several decades ago my favorite pastime on the weekend was to solve the wordsearch and other puzzles in the Sunday newspaper. Now with the proliferation of technology and publications there are several online and offline sources for word search puzzles. Unfortunately most of these puzzles are aimed at adults or seniors and few are available for kids. In this realm Florence Emma, a farmer turned author has come up with the Ultimate Word Search Book for Kids, a 112-page volume containing over 100 puzzles to stimulate, and challenge children.
The book starts off with a brief, easy-to-understand introduction to the book for both parents and children. “Inside, you’ll find over 100-word searches across 20 awesome themes that kids ages 6 – 10 love,” writes Emma. The themes include camping, space, farm, safari, dinosaur, food, nature, bugs, etc. Each puzzle is aimed at improving spelling, curiosity, free thinking, and creativity among children. The focus on spelling is undeniable. Each puzzle only has six small 4-5 letter words to find in a 6 x 6 letter grid. The rest of the page is peppered with interesting illustrations and cartoons on the puzzles theme. This makes it easy and attractive for the target age group.
I’d say this book would be ideal for kids play time, car rides, and even during break between homework. If your kid is struggling with reading, spelling, or vocabulary, this would help jumpstart learning.

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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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Learning Christianity through Trivia

The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teens: 443 Fun-Filled Questions to Test Your Knowledge, Challenge Friends, and Grow Your Faith by Ahoy Publications
The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teensfrom Ahoy Publications; 178 pp.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Religion in general and Christianity in particular is losing allure in the United States, a large and growing number of young people with liberal arts education are leaving churches and declaring themselves as agnostic or atheists. The lure of other faiths is also drawing several youths away from Christianity. Numerous missionary organizations and churches are initiating programs to attract youth back to the congregation.
In this direction of popularizing the Bible and Christian faith Ahoy Publications presents The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teens – a 178-page book of fun-filled questions to test the readers knowledge of the bible. The book features 443 questions that can be used as a refresher or knowledge test about the bible. It can also be used to discuss religious matters with friends, even introduce faith to non-Christians, as a fun-filled activity which is also informational.
Divided into parts and sections, The Ultimate Bible Trivia Book for Teens features several types of questions including but not limited to multiple choice, true-false, multiple answer, fill in the blanks, etc. These questions all pertain to a particular book or section of the Bible, the graphics at the beginning of each provide small relief to the other verbose nature of the book.

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