Auschwitz Prisoner 31119: The Shocking True Story of a World War II Holocaust Survivor

Auschwitz Prisoner 31119: The Shocking True Story of a World War II Holocaust Survivor by Yitzchak Borowsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heartrending and powerful read...

Yitzchak Borowsky is an attorney and a litigator who has worked in the private sector for over 46 years. Prior to that, he was a senior assistant to the district attorney in Tel Aviv. Because he was the son of a Holocaust survivor, he was obligated to take care of his mother's post-traumatic stress, which had worsened significantly since the death of her husband in 1978. Together with his brother Emmanuel, he devoted every ounce of his energy to the battle for justice on behalf of all Holocaust survivors, pitting themselves against the bureaucratic hurdles and intolerance of both German and Israeli authorities.

His book, "Auschwitz Prisoner 31119," was written in honor of his mother Bluma Plaskovsky (1925-2016). In it, he discusses the legal hurdles he faced as well as his mother's mental struggles during her time in Auschwitz. It is a moving account of their mother's life both during and after the Holocaust, as well as the repercussions and effects that the Holocaust had on the rest of the family.

A shocking story of survival together with a quest for justice not only for his mother, but for all survivors and their families who were, and still are, touched by the trauma of the holocaust makes this book a heartrending and powerful read. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Sharing the Promised Land: In Pursuit of Equality Between Jewish and Arab Citizens in Israel

Sharing the Promised Land: In Pursuit of Equality Between Jewish and Arab Citizens in Israel by Shuli Dichter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An essential book for advancing Jewish-Arab equality in Israel...

Shalom (Shuli) Dichter is an Israeli educator and social entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and co-director of the "NISAN" center for research on shared society at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. He was a consultant to the Israeli Minister of Minority Affairs during 2009-2010. His articles and professional commentaries on Jewish-Arab relations in Israel have been published by leading Israeli papers, including Haaretz, Maariv, as well as The Jewish Week.

Sharing the Promised Land is skillfully crafted as a travelogue that seamlessly merges the autobiographical, the social, and the political. It makes crystal clear how a disquieting number of Israeli Arabs are disaffected and alienated in their own country. With justifiable concerns and grievances, this book may bridge the gap and ultimately enable them to take their rightful place in Israeli society.

Shalom (Shuli) Dichter is a fascinating and interesting man. Whether or not the Israeli/Arab conflict interests you, his work for peace and equality will serve as an inspiration to all those who read this bio. Essential reading that comes highly recommended and gets a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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How 2 How: Design Methodology 4 Designers [Color Edition]

How 2 How: Design Methodology 4 Designers [Color Edition] by Erez Bahar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-have for anybody interested in design...

The way in which a design interacts with people is the single most significant aspect of it. "Design is the fundamental soul of a human-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service." - Steve Jobs

There are many different approaches to design processes that may be used to accomplish various goals. This key design methodology book, How 2 How: Design Methodology 4 Designers by multi-award-winning designer Erez Bahar, offers a brand-new idea of design engineering by merging design thinking with design making. The How2How approach walks readers through each step of the design process, from the abstract to a concept, and eventually to a solution that is tailored to the specific needs of a defined audience in any design sector or application for a specific purpose.

The book is the result of combining the author's 15 years of academic teaching, workshopping, and syllabus development with 25 years of expertise in the field of communication design. The approach was tested and refined at the HiT Design Faculty's Visual Communication Department, where it was proved to increase not just the level of performance achieved by students but also by industry projects and OEM workshops.

This book is a must-have for anybody interested in design. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Your Safe Retirement Roadmap: A powerful guide to planning and living a deeply-fulfilled and prosperous retirement

Your Safe Retirement Roadmap: A Powerful Guide to Planning and Living A Deeply-Fulfilled and Prosperous Retirement by Frank Gutta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Strategies for a Secure Retirement – a must-read!

The term "retirement" makes the transition into the next chapter of one's life seem like it would be a piece of cake; nevertheless, this is not the case. And to tell you the truth, not everyone finds it to be that simple. You will finally have the opportunity to accomplish everything you've ever dreamt of doing, such as traveling, visiting relatives, volunteering, remodeling your house, relocating to the country, or writing the book you've always wanted to write. However, there is a nagging sense of uncertainty as the retirement age approaches. Can I spend that much money on these things? Can I afford to take my golden years? Will I have enough money to get by?

Author Frank Gutta, CPA, PFS, has been in public practice for over 35 years as a certified public accountant and a personal finance expert. Before that, he worked for a large national CPA firm. For him, nothing is more important than ensuring that retirees don't have to worry about outliving their savings or taking excessive stock market risks. In the book, he offers a solution based on a "4-bucket system" to this problem. This methodology not only teaches you how to secure a lifetime income but also how to hedge against stock market volatility and come up with novel solutions to the cost of long-term care. This method also tackles the issue of how to minimize the tax burden of passing wealth to future generations.

When you are getting close to retirement, you begin to realize how valuable each year really is. Every year, every month, and every day flies past, and if you don't gain the clarity and the confidence to start living this way right now, another decade will slip by, just like the last decade did. Consequently, make retirement planning a priority right now. Create a plan for your life that will get you where you want to go. Think about where you want to live, the kind of people you want to be around, the kinds of things you want to do, the kinds of services you want to provide, and the kind of health you want to have. You have many years ahead of you to plan and experience something really remarkable. Your Safe Retirement Roadmap by Frank Gutta is a quick, clear, and concise read that will help you on that journey. Very highly recommended (especially for young people) and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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The Silent Victims (Crescent Falls Book 5)

A dead hooker, a missing minister, a skeleton unearthed in the mayor’s backyard, and an attack on the town librarian... once again Crescent Falls is besieged by murder and mayhem.

It’s July Fourth and the citizens of Crescent Falls are ready to celebrate the occasion. The public park has been transformed into festival central with food tents sponsored by local churches, music provided by the high school band, and a carnival midway with games and a dunking machine.

Amateur sleuth Adelaide McBride and her fiancé Vernon Dexter are ready to work a shift at the ice cream tent, sponsored by their church. The newly formed Crescent Falls Auxiliary Police Force, made up of volunteers, will be keeping the peace. But when a murder victim is found in the woods adjacent to the park, the celebration comes to an abrupt halt.

Chief of Police Daniel McBride already has a missing person’s case on his hands. Reverend James Preston mysteriously disappeared a week ago and all efforts to find him have failed. Now, Daniel is faced with the brutal murder of a woman he recognizes as Felitia Mason, an out-of-town escort.

To make matters worse, days later a skeleton is unearthed in the mayor’s back yard and the town librarian is attacked in the same manner as the escort.

As Daniel tries to unravel both twisted cases and find justice for the victims, he has no idea the price some of those involved will have to pay.

The Silent Victims (Crescent Falls Book 5) by Carol A. Guy #Romantic Suspense #Contemporary Romance

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tJVoCt

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3hY8c5F

#BookBoost #IndieAuthors #Author #SelfPub #BestSeller #BookReviews #AuthorPromo #BookSales #BestBooks #BookPromo #BookPromotion #WritersLife #Marketing #Promotions 

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The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers by Ruth H Finnegan

The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: A question of knowledge by Ruth H Finnegan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Discovering the little-known world of taxi drivers...

What seems like a normal day for a taxi driver may be a very different experience for passengers. They spend their days (and nights) working and moving throughout the city, and they can transport you just about everywhere you want to go. But we seldom stop to consider how or why they can perform so well in any given situation. Character profiles of individuals who, like the taxi driver, may seem invisible to us but whose lives are fascinating and full of difficulties, aspirations, and goals much like our own are presented in this book with the author's characteristic blend of warmth and expertise.

By all accounts, Ruth H. Finnegan's The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers is an intriguing look into the lives of cabbies. This in-depth analysis covers the whole spectrum of transportation, from the first cabs to the advent of Uber. This amusing look into the life and customs of taxi drivers provides an insider's perspective via the use of photographs, anecdotes, and illustrations. This intriguing book is a must-read and won't disappoint. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Out of the Shadows (Nick Seven Book 8)

Out of the Shadows by Tim Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A plot seasoned with a healthy helping of both mystery and intrigue...

Out of the Shadows, the eighth installment in the Nick Seven series by award-winning and best-selling author Tim Smith is another well-crafted murder mystery with intriguing twists and turns. The author spins a whodunit that is riveting, moves at a fast pace, and is very vivid and convincing in its narrative. Furthermore, the characters are portrayed with a high level of believability and conviction. It's a page-turning mystery thriller that had me hooked from the very beginning to the very last page.

In summarizing the synopsis we discover Nick Seven who has built for himself a life far apart from the intrigue that once characterized his time in the CIA amid the relaxed calm of the Florida Keys. He maintains a low profile while managing his trendy club on the Gulf Coast and spending time with Felicia his Barbadian lover and former co-worker… However, he’s now thrown into an investigation after seeing a woman being murdered at a resort, but there is no body and no proof of a crime. He must conduct an investigation himself since the police are preoccupied with a spate of high-profile house burglaries and lack the time to search for his imaginary victim… Entwined in this murder mystery is Marco St. Julian, a French con artist, who abruptly reappears from Nick's past, a convicted financial scammer's affluent young trophy wife, an ambitious FBI agent, a shadowy Cuban thief, and an ex-pat Irish gunrunner… ‘How can a couple of former spies enjoy life in their personal corner of paradise, when things from the past keep coming back to haunt them?’

"Out of the Shadows" offered stunningly realistic descriptions of the settings, the scenarios, and the characters, and it was seasoned with a healthy helping of both mystery and intrigue. The author's use of natural dialogue contributed much more genuineness to the story's mood and overall atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed this installment and highly recommend it. It gets a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Future Warning: Magic’s awakening - A story of family, mystery and magic (CrystalVerse Book 1)

Future Warning: Magic’s awakening - A story of family, mystery and magic by D.M. Emrys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An entertaining action and adventure sci-fi mystery...

Science fiction is a genre that has been embraced by young fans for many years. The best sci-fi books for young people can feature intergalactic adventures or more earthbound stories that teach valuable life lessons.

D.M. Emrys, a talented new author, makes a stunning debut with the first volume of his CrystalVerse series, FUTURE WARNING: MAGIC'S AWAKENING, a tale that is both superbly written and age-appropriate for its target audience.

In summarizing the synopsis we discover that the lives of three people will be irrevocably altered as a direct result of the discovery of a shattered piece of crystal by two researchers. Will the group be successful in completing the tasks given to them by the unknown figure? What kinds of things will they find as they travel? When you can't even trust yourself, who can you trust to be your ally or your adversary? A tale of magic, family, and the unknown that unfolds as the impending conflict that was foretold draws closer…

Future Warning: Magic’s awakening - A story of family, mystery, and magic (CrystalVerse Book 1) had every element a good story should have. An interesting and captivating plot, with attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. Because the writing style makes extensive use of imagery, younger readers will have the impression that they are immersed in the action of the novel. This is something I’m sure readers can look forward to experiencing throughout the course of the series. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Cruel Summer

Cruel Summer by Bernard Jan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A masterclass in storytelling...

Cruel Summer by award-winning Croatian born author Bernard Jan is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this Y/A dystopian tale that will guarantee the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed, this gripping and emotional drama had me turning the pages from beginning to end.

The plot is intricately sculpted as the synopsis suggests: ‘All he wants to do is skate. But they have other plans for him. Michael Daniels is seventeen and dreams to enter professional skateboarding contests. But beneath New Manhattan, a city under the oppressive shadow of climate change, exists another world altogether—secret laboratories which threaten society as he knows it… Those with power will get what they want. No price is too high, even if it means making someone special or robbing them of their dignity, freedom . . . or life. The price is too high for Michael, though. He has endured his stepfather’s abuse and mind games for almost as long as he remembers. Until one day he takes matters into his own hands, ruining the lives of those he loves most. And his skateboarding friends, Alien and Victor, are his only hope for freedom… When there is no hope left, friendship is what remains.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class multi-layered dystopian fiction with perfect pacing.

The beauty of this book is in the potency of the characters and the author’s command of the language. The originality of the story lies in the effectiveness of the characters and the author’s microscopic viewpoint of the human condition. The most outstanding features of the book are the impressively realistic characters in the story and the author’s eloquence and mastery with the use of the English language. The story is layered enough that there’s no one marketing umbrella formula that can lump it together other than original, creative and thought provoking. It entertains but grabs you and doesn’t let go until it threads into your mind and makes you think.

Cruel Summer had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book. It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I was impressed with the insight and empathy of the writer into the spirits of his characters. Any aspiring fiction writer will learn a lot about character development by reading Cruel Summer by Bernard Jan. Highly recommended.

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Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind: Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness

Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind: Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness by Alex Neumann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent self-help book...

I really enjoyed reading this book. Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind: Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness by Alex Neumann is a very well written life improvement book. This book is intelligent, wise and packed to the rafters with practical common-sense advice. It becomes obvious as you read through this page turner that the author is imparting his wisdom and understanding as to what happiness and success really means. It’s an excellent guide for putting things into perspective.

Profound thoughts are explained here in the simplest of terms. That’s all I can say about this book. It is difficult to write a more objective review because the impact the author will have on you will make you see life and its problems in a wise and practical way. The book should NOT be read – it should be absorbed and reflected upon. It’s a book that will help you to clarify your thinking, process your feelings, and make better decisions. If you are you ready to stop drifting and design a life you love, this read with help you on your journey. The author has put his heart in the pages of this book that encourages and gives hope to the reader.

The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. The authors’ words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your life. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement in the face of serious issues, this would come highly recommended from me.

No matter what your situation is today, this book will put you on the right path to better things. I’ve been around the block a few times myself and even I found this read to be very insightful. This wonderful new book will show you how to properly tune into life and the simple rules you must follow to achieve this. This by far is one of the best Self-Improvement books I’ve read in a long time. The author must be commended for his time and effort for producing such an insightful book. Also, the writing style is friendly which makes for an enjoyable read.

HARNESS THE POWER OF THE INVINCIBLE MIND is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling like a better person for having read it. It’s an impressive work for author Alex Neumann and I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from him in the future. I would highly recommend this perceptive and intuitive read. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Crime Beat Girl

Crime Beat Girl by Geri Dreiling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crime Thriller writing at its best...

If you enjoy reading crime fiction, you'll appreciate Crime Beat Girl by award-winning author Geri Dreiling. Crime Beat Girl is an exceptionally well written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this suspenseful crime thriller that will guarantee the attention of the reader.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘A girl is dead. A boy is locked up. Can Debbie Bradley discover the truth before more lives are lost…maybe even her own? … A series of deadly shootings. An outbreak of stolen cars. When journalist Debbie Bradley returns home to St. Louis, the summer crime wave has started. And she’s in the center: A witness, a reporter, a target… Debbie’s reasons for leaving behind her promising career in Washington D.C. were complicated. Her mother, a prominent lawyer, was diagnosed with cancer. Her engagement was cooling. When she got offered a job in St. Louis that she hadn’t been looking for, Debbie recognized an opportunity. Or an escape… But she didn’t expect to come home and see a girl die. Debbie never planned to investigate a boy behind bars. And she didn’t anticipate colliding with hostile cops and wary politicians… As her work gains attention, Debbie gathers enemies. Will her assignment to cover the St. Louis crime beat be her last?’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well written crime thriller with perfect pacing.

Crime Beat Girl had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

If you are looking for a well-written suspenseful crime thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then Crime Beat Girl will not leave you disappointed. Recommended to all fans of mystery, thriller and suspense. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Black Ops: Zulu

Black Ops: Zulu by Arthur Bozikas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An action-packed thriller...

Black Ops: Zulu (Tom Stiles Thrillers Book 1) by Arthur Bozikas is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this action-packed thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the hidden connections between espionage, international fraud and the deadly potential of information technology, this thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.

The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career… Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him… Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn into a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing.

If you are looking for a well-written thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then Black Ops: Zulu will not leave you disappointed. Fans who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride! I’ll be looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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The Girl You Killed

The Girl You Killed by Leslie Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thriller writing at its best!

The Girl You Killed by bestselling author Leslie Wolfe is another fine example of thriller writing that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author again weaves another suspense filled crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns that easily draws the reader in from the opening chapter. It had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The plot is intricately carved, as the synopsis suggests: ‘Andrea Brafford’s life is nearly perfect. A passionate marine biologist, happily married to Craig, the man she loves, recently moved into a home commensurate with their success to enjoy a life many others only dream about, in one of Houston’s most desirable suburbs. But only a few months later, a trial that dramatically polarizes their town names Craig Brafford as a defendant in the murder of his young wife, shattering the serenity of the peaceful community… Andi’s name is on everyone’s lips, her relationships exposed and torn to shreds in a highly publicized case that has everyone’s eyes glued to the internet. Andrea’s life remains a mystery that investigators and public opinion equally fail to solve. Was she the happy, devoted wife she'd made everyone believe she was?... Only she can answer that question.’

There’s no doubt that The Girl You Killed is an exceptionally well written book. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Wolfe pays as much attention to her sentences as she does to her plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. Her writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a suspenseful atmosphere throughout. Very highly recommended and a well deserved five stars from me.

If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, mystery and suspense, I would highly recommend anything by this author.

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The OTHER Computer History

The OTHER Computer History: Amazing, amusing, and experiencd Stories about the IT from the beginning to the Internet. by Hans Bodmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Incredibly informative, engaging, and inspiring...

“The OTHER Computer History” is an incredibly informative, engaging, and inspiring read because it reveals the struggles and sacrifices that people with big dreams and even bigger ideas inevitably face on their way to realizing those dreams. Companies and individuals like Hans Bodmer, who isn't as well-known as some of the most illustrious names in the industry but who was nonetheless instrumental in the development of the supercomputers that changed the world, came together to create a new, spectacular reality for us today.

Swiss-born author Hans Bodmer recounts his adventures beginning in the early days of computer science and continuing all the way up to 2004. During that period of time, it was not yet known that this single event would bring about such a monumental sea change in the course of human history. The numerous in-depth explanations of technological processes are interspersed with some witty stories about everyday people.

Personal computers have completely revolutionized the way the world lives, works, and conducts business. In the past, it would take days for companies to do simple calculations not to mention companies that dealt with lots of material and inventory. Computers make this work simple and allow businesses and individuals to become more efficient on a day-to-day basis. For those interested in the history of computers and how it all began, this would make for interesting reading. Recommended.

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