Mind in Rehabilitation by Dr. Eyal Heled

Mind in Rehabilitation by Eyal Heled
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A glimpse into the experiences of people with disabilities...

Mental and emotional preparation, knowledge of the condition, and the correct course of treatment are all essential and work symbiotically to assist recovery. Mind in Rehabilitation by Dr. Eyal Heled offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of people with disabilities by providing case histories to describe the impact it has on their lives, and what they encounter on the road to rehabilitation.

The authors background and knowledge speaks for itself: ‘As a person struggling with severe visual impairment and who, in a sense, has made it his profession, I wanted to share with the world the mindset on both sides of the barricade: On the one hand, individuals dealing with disability or chronic illnesses and on the other, the feelings and thoughts of their therapists--combining their individual voices. It was also important for me to introduce the reader to the process of rehabilitation in general and its psychological aspect in particular, by describing in depth what persons with disabilities go through in their trajectory of adaptation.’

Mind in Rehabilitation is an insightful read by Dr. Eyal Heled 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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Back to Atlantis by Bar Sagi

Back to Atlantis by Bar Sagi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The adventure continues…

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking and some are adventurous. I love them all.

BACK TO ATLANTIS by Bar Sagi is book 2 in the Dreamworld Series. It’s an excellent fantasy story that will grab readers and hurl them far beyond the boundaries of our limited world. This YA fantasy story has intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader from the first page to the last. Although the book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend book 1 in the series YASMIN’S BEGINNING.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Yasmin returns to the kingdom of Atlantis, determined to use her newfound powers to rescue its people from a terrible fate… But when David, her true love, turns out to be engaged to another girl, and the persistent voices in her head refuse to let her be, she begins to feel as though maybe she is not cut out to be Atlantis’ savior. And what’s worse, her powers are failing her too… Yasmin vows never to use her magic again, believing that Atlantis can save itself through alliance and cooperation, with no need for her worthless contribution… As villages burn around her and the rebel forces grow stronger by the day, Yasmin is drawn deeper and deeper into the conflict. Secrets and hidden betrayal slowly come to light, and Yasmin is forced to question everything she though she knew… When the time comes, will she be strong enough to face the challenge? Who can she trust? …’

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 fantasy tale with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of the sci-fi fantasy genre will want it! Although written for a younger audience, I can’t see any reason why anybody of any age wouldn’t enjoy this. I did!

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from beginning to end. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author again showed exceptional ability when it came to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly spellbinding journey!

There is something very magical about reading fantasy fiction. It speaks to the very thread of my imagination, jolting it to life and transporting it on an exhilarating journey. This book did exactly that. Fans of the sci-fi fantasy genre will not be disappointed.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

Again, regrettably I have to mention that the intended recipient of this review sadly passed away at the young age of 15. A talent that will be sadly missed, but because of her wonderful books – never forgotten. I offer here again my sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

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No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners

No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners by Rose Donato
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Making a case for veganism...

Making the transition to a vegan diet for the first time can be both daunting yet exciting at the same time. The beginner vegan often has many questions or reservations about this lifestyle that they are seeking to get answers for. No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners by Rose Donato offers helpful tips and advice for those who are new to the vegan diet, focusing on how to smoothly start a vegan diet and how to ensure that the transition to becoming vegan is as easy and stress-free as possible.

However, before you make any kind of lifestyle change, it’s always a good idea to do plenty of research in advance. By doing so, you will know exactly what to expect. You need to gather information on what vegans do and don't eat, what benefits there are to going vegan, and what the obstacles and challenges vegans face. In other words, while the idea of becoming vegan might seem noble, the reality suggests a complete U-turn in what you are normally accustomed to, and that may be cause for concern. Therefore, seeking advice from your family physician is of upmost importance.

Having said that, there isn’t much argument from a scientific point of view (if you read actual scientific peer reviewed papers and not website blogs) as regards going vegan. By exploring the wide variety of options on the vegan menu, suggests we could get all of the minerals and nutrients that we need for optimal health. The major problem here is that we live in a fast food and convenient society. We ultimately have been programed to accept that our fast food industry gods can provide us with our dietary needs when in reality they can only supply us with a quick fix and very tasty meal with little or no nutritional value. It fills a short-term need disregarding the long-term health of the individual.

No Bull: Vegan & Fitness for Beginners by Rose Donato is an excellent starter guide. The book ‘makes a case for veganism truthfully and bluntly with no sugar coating. Within these pages, you will find everything you need to know when you begin your vegan journey, including how to transition and remain on course.’ Highly recommended.

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The Story Of Levi The Blue Heeler

The Story Of Levi The Blue Heeler by John Puckett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful story for the younger reader teaching valuable life lessons along the way...

More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.

The Story Of Levi The Blue Heeler by John Puckett and Angela Puckett is a delightful and charming picture book for the younger reader. The authors write in a wonderfully humorous and imaginative style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a very entertaining story to share with them. Special mention also to Debbie Hefke for the excellent illustrations.

As the authors state in the book description: ‘This is a story of faith, kindness, and family. Families are assembled and sometimes family members can come from a different background than your own. Levi helps to illustrate this in a humorous and humble way that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.’

It seems to me that this book was created with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that the authors really enjoy creating such wonderful stories that also contain valuable life lessons. I read this book with my grandkids and they loved it. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. A well-deserved five stars from us!

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Financially Free: 11 Conversations to Have with Yourself about Life, Money, and Worth

Financially Free: 11 Conversations to Have with Yourself about Life, Money, and Worth by Ande Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly recommended financial wellness book...

Money is the force that drives economies, puts food on the table and keeps us warm at night; money gives each and every one of us the chance to do something amazing and worthwhile with our lives. However, money can also be the cause of ruined or damaged relationships, the cause of anger, stress, and worry. Money works however well we want it to work, and however well we need it to work. That is, of course, if we make the right decisions.

The overall tone of the book was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a practical and generous way. The author’s words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle your financial 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 financial issues, this would come highly recommended from me.

As the author wisely states: ‘When it comes to your finances, there are no right or wrong ways to feel. The first step here is to acknowledge all the emotions tied to money and financial activity. The step following that one is to acknowledge how an expenditure fulfills, or does not fulfill, one’s desires.’

Financially Free: 11 Conversations To Have With Yourself About Life, Money, And Worth by Ande Frazier is a well-written book that provides very helpful information for individuals to learn how money can be working for them or work against them. Most of us do not understand how money works. This book changes all that. Highly recommended.

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Fatal Decision: A Sam Harker Thriller by T.K. Wolf

Fatal Decision: A Sam Harker Thriller by T.K. Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing...

Fatal Decision: A Sam Harker Thriller by T.K. Wolf is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this high-octane thriller that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed action-packed thriller, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘A killer who lurks in the shadows striking out at those who created her… Sam Harker’s life as a highly-skilled assassin was forced on her by Delphi Intelligence, the multinational corporation who controlled her life for years. After escaping, Sam has played a deadly cat-and-mouse game against her former employers… To save the man she loves; a killer must tap into the darkest parts of her personality… However, when her past catches up with her and spills over into the new life she is trying to create, Sam must return to finish one last job for Delphi… Unsure who to trust or what to expect, Sam must do whatever it takes to keep Jake safe. Even if it means destroying herself in the process… From Mexico to New York City, she faces a seemingly impossible task while navigating the complex web of secrets and factions. With no guarantee of survival, Sam must use every ounce of her skill to tip the odds in her favor… A single decision can have deadly consequences.’

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 suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Highly recommended.

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Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable Love

Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable Love by Joli Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An invaluable resource for female entrepreneurs...

There are some great models out there for making relationships work, and Project Relationship: The Entrepreneur’s Action Plan for Passionate, Sustainable Love by Joli Hamilton can easily be added to that list. Primarily aimed at women entrepreneurs, ‘this book will guide you toward using your best business acumen in your personal life—and watching it thrive.’

The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. Her 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 relationship 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. This wonderful new book will show you how to properly tune into life and the simple rules you must follow to achieve this. The author must be commended for her time and effort for producing such an insightful book. Highly recommended.

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