The Adventures of Bonny Hood in the Urban Desert: a Novel

The Adventures of Bonny Hood in the Urban Desert: a Novel by Yossi Ovadia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A unique, atmospheric, and compelling read...

In summarizing Yossi Ovadia’s “The Adventures of Bonny Hood in the Urban Desert” we are introduced to protagonist-narrator Bonny Hood who spends his days traveling between his desert hometown and The Big City, chasing females, and getting into trouble with all of the wrong people. However, in his head, he is a hero, a defender, and a Prince Charming straight out of a fairy tale. Bonny's travels illustrate the need to re-establish a connection with oneself, moving on from one's past experiences, and following one's aspirations, regardless of where they may ultimately take us.

The Adventures of Bonny Hood is a humorous coming-of-age story with a character that dreams of the wider world and whether he has a place in it. The author creates a distinctive, atmospheric but witty narrative throughout. It’s a towering work, painted from a spectrum of emotions and intuitions, which cannot be adequately described in words. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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How to Draw Christmas Things: Easy and Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Festive Christmas Things for Beginners - the Perfect Christmas or Birthday Gift

How to Draw Christmas Things: Easy and Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Festive Christmas Things for Beginners - the Perfect Christmas or Birthday Gift by Made Easy Press
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Turning your kids' creativity into artistic confidence!

This children’s drawing book includes examples of things to draw that are related to Christmas. Every single quick sketching lesson is broken down into simple step-by-step directions that are easy to follow, so that even the most inexperienced of aspiring painters may produce a work of art!

Ideal holiday entertainment for when you need to keep the young ones and the older ones occupied. Anyone who gets a book by Made Easy Press is left with the impression that they are talented and successful. Everyone, from kids to adults, may get together to draw and learn! The ideal Christmas present for those with creative minds. Highly recommended.

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Impossible To Be Human

Impossible To Be Human by Robert Kalich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A thought-provoking, humorous, and reflective novel...

IMPOSSIBLE TO BE HUMAN by Robert Kalich tells the story of David Lazar who is baffled by his clandestine meetings in his NYC penthouse with Duck, the US president. The two of them mirror all that is opposed in American society and echo the doubt about whether these divisions can be bridged. Can we accept irreconcilable contradictions? Can people change? And what does it mean to be human?

In summarizing the synopsis we find David Lazar analyzing his achievements by examining his life and character. Were inconsistencies acceptable? Changeable? What's human? Lazar is slowly confronting the dispassionate, heartless individual he was before norms and domestication. He wonders whether his wife has redeemed him. Can a motivated sports handicapper who ascended "Mt. Gamble" become a loving, caring spouse and father? Can writing his life narrative heal him? … Lazar's covert encounters with Duck, the US president, add to life's paradoxes. They go back a very long time, to the days when David was Duck's object of admiration. Lazar opposes Duck's bigotry, selfishness, and callousness. They reflect everything that divides American culture and the uncertainty that these divisions can be addressed. Lazar detests these secret encounters, but he's becoming Duck's confidant while knowing he's betraying those he loves… Covid-19 spreads the fragility of existence. Death is palpable. Counting his blessings only increases his dread of loss. Lazar tries to aid the poor, but his own limits plague him. What's the significance of it all? … David did everything wrong, but he got fortunate in old age, says Lazar's twin.

IMPOSSIBLE TO BE HUMAN is an incredibly well-written novel. Few writers have the unique ability to create a striking contrast between the tone of their writing and the subject matter they cover. Kalich gives his sentences the same level of consideration as he does with his plot, and he is able to modify or consolidate meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccable, and it is full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create what could be described as an allegory about fears and anxiety, about the place of the sensitive person, the thinker, and the human, within modern society's current social order, in a world in which human beings are the only animals who despair of their lives.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Talking ADHD - The Breakthrough Guide To Understanding, Empowering, and Communicating Without Judgement

Talking ADHD - The Breakthrough Guide To Understanding, Empowering, and Communicating Without Judgement by Esther Goldberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Throwing a lifeline to millions of parents, caregivers, and therapists...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is neither a "new" mental health condition, nor was it manufactured as a disease for the goal of personal gain or financial benefit by pharmaceutical corporations, the mental health industry, or the media. It is a very genuine medical condition that manifests itself behaviorally, and it affects millions of children worldwide.

Parents of children who have ADHD often express feelings of annoyance, rage, and emotional exhaustion as a result of their child's inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. When they finally get their children help from a professional, many parents of children with ADHD recall having complicated sentiments such as rage, anxiety, despair, and guilt. Their repeated "failures" in getting their children to concentrate, pay attention, and carry out directives, obligations, and tasks have left them with a sense of helplessness and despair as a consequence. These parents often express feelings of guilt over their hostility, lack of tolerance, and reactive approach to the parenting style of their children.

Esther Goldberg is an ADHD expert. Her expertise includes ADHD diagnosis, individual and group treatment for children, parents, and adults, and delivering seminars for parents and professionals. Prof. Iris Manor, head of the ADHD division of the World Psychiatric Association, acknowledges Dr. Goldberg's expertise in the field. Her own ADHD diagnosis as an intern transformed her life resulting in her developing a unique therapy technique that integrates her personal and professional experience with Eastern and Western approaches. She teaches the reader to see and comprehend ADHD empathically and nonjudgmentally, while the cornerstone of her method is learning how to communicate to, not about, the individuals involved.

The mental health and medical condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is becoming more widely recognized, and as a result, patients are receiving treatment that is more successful. In order to increase the likelihood of successful treatment of ADHD, it is essential for medical professionals to have the necessary education and experience to have a comprehensive understanding of the condition.

Talking ADHD - The Breakthrough Guide To Understanding, Empowering, and Communicating Without Judgement by Esther Goldberg is both reliable and highly accessible by throwing ‘a lifeline to millions of parents, caregivers, and therapists. It helps them navigate a prevalent and defining, yet often misunderstood, phenomena of the modern age.’ Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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The 21st Century Sales Bible: Mastering the 10 Commandments of Marketing, Negotiation & Persuasion

The 21st Century Sales Bible: Mastering the 10 Commandments of Marketing, Negotiation & Persuasion by Yaniv Zaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-read life skills book that educates and inspires!

Dr. Yaniv Zaid, an economist, and attorney, is better known throughout the world as "Doctor Persuasion." He works as a business consultant for a variety of clients, including government agencies, private companies, and public groups. He has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in law, and he uses his extensive knowledge and experience to assist others in achieving their goals. Dr. Zaid is regarded all over the world as a leading authority in the domains of public speaking, marketing, sales, negotiation, and persuasion. In fact, he came in third place in the world ranking of public speakers in 2003. Dr. Zaid has had twenty years of success on a global scale, and as a result, he is the author of eleven best-selling books, some of which include PUBLIC SPEAKING and CREATIVE MARKETING. He is also frequently requested to lecture and consult in many parts of the world.

Whether you are negotiating a million-dollar deal, selling to customers, providing customer service, dealing with a spouse, recruitment or even simply just trying to agree with a friend on where to go for dinner, The 21st Century Sales Bible: Mastering the 10 Commandments of Marketing, Negotiation & Persuasion is a comprehensive guide that both educates and inspires.

Being able to successfully market, negotiate and persuade are skills that can be developed through training and practice. However, experience shows that many people approach these skills in a way that makes it difficult for them to achieve success. This book puts you on the right track and covers just about everything you need to know about marketing, negotiation, and persuasion. This is a must-read life skills book that comes very highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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The Keeper of the Laugh: A Novel

The Keeper of the Laugh: A Novel by Danny Fromchenko
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A superbly written un-put-downable novel...

The Keeper of the Laugh by Danny Fromchenko is a wonderfully written and moving narrative of love and redemption that takes place in the years following World War II. It tells the story of Max Fischer who cannot remember anything from his life before the concentration camp. The only thing that remains in his thoughts is a tormenting, crazed laugh. Beyond haunting his every waking minute, Max's only tie to his lost past is this tormenting laugh… Max is introduced to the attractive and wealthy Alexandra Brecholdt just a few months after the liberation of the concentration camp where he was held. The former actress in Berlin seems set on taking care of Max, but there's something she's too embarrassed or scared to tell him. How she got rich, how she stayed alive, and about her son… The crazed laugh in Max's head is the key to unlocking his forgotten past, as he discovers as his memories return. Max decides to investigate its origins while Alexandra promises to shield him from the terrible secrets it holds. They learn from one another the meaning of courage, love, and hope, as well as the ultimate secret of ‘the keeper of the laugh,’ via their shared hunger for life…

A superbly written story, Fromchenko adds authenticity to every page, while the lead protagonist gives the book its heart. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Surviving My Mother - How I Let Go of My Past to Reclaim My Soul and My Future

Surviving My Mother - How I Let Go of My Past to Reclaim My Soul and My Future by Debbie Matzkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An extraordinary woman with a remarkable story...

Debbie Matzkin has made a significant impact in multiple areas of her life. She is an extraordinary woman with a long list of accomplishments, including being a respected businesswoman, a culinary expert, and a humanitarian. She exemplifies what can be accomplished by perseverance, hard work, and a true dedication to helping other people, which both motivates others and demonstrates what is possible. Her extraordinary narrative of survival is told in "Surviving My Mother" in a manner that is visceral, honest, and wonderfully beautiful. This is a book that I intend to read more than once. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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