Monday, September 18, 2023

A Dream Beyond Possibility: A Visit to 1939

A Dream Beyond Possibility: A Visit to 1939A Dream Beyond Possibility: A Visit to 1939 by Dr. Ross D. Donahue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An engaging narrative that encompasses time travel, romance, and gripping drama...

"A Dream Beyond Possibility: A Visit to 1939" by Ross Donahue is a captivating tale that combines time travel, romance, and drama, set in DuBois, Pennsylvania. The story follows Michael Bailey, a retired government worker burdened by regrets as he grapples with missed opportunities and seeks a more impactful existence.

Despite professional success, Bailey feels a sense of underachievement. His vivid dreams, shared with his wife, hint at unfulfilled ambitions. One night, his dreams transport him to 1939, altering his life and others. Through fear, compassion, and friendship, Bailey navigates this journey, confronting discrimination and family struggles while nurturing hope.

Blending history and fiction, the book delves into human choices and emotions, irrespective of age. "A Dream Beyond Possibility" stands out for portraying an active older individual, underscoring that age doesn't limit the significance of life's choices. Through Bailey's journey, Donahue prompts readers to reflect on the impact of personal experiences and the enduring nature of human emotions. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Punch The Elephant : How To Sell Anything To Anyone And Overcome Any Objection... Even If You're Bad At Sales

Punch The Elephant : How To Sell Anything To Anyone And Overcome Any Objection... Even If You're Bad At Sales (The Shortcut Series)Punch The Elephant : How To Sell Anything To Anyone And Overcome Any Objection... Even If You're Bad At Sales by Mike Koenigs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Helping readers master the art of selling...

In "Punch The Elephant: How To Sell Anything To Anyone And Overcome Any Objection... Even If You're Bad At Sales," Mike Koenigs offers a straightforward approach to sales, derived from years of studying psychology, business, and language. This sales system, known as the Superpower Accelerator Lightning Close, transcends conventional methods, helping readers master the art of selling. Koenigs addresses common pitfalls, and shares strategies for crafting compelling sales stories, handling objections, and utilizing AI for enhanced results. With real examples and word-for-word scripts, this book equips readers to succeed in sales, regardless of their background. Highly recommended.


View all my reviews

We've Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging

We've Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of BelongingWe've Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging by Ritu Bhasin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Harnessing the transformative potential of authenticity...

"We've Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging" by Ritu Bhasin presents a robust and indispensable guide, urging readers to cast aside facades and embrace their genuine selves. In a world where societal pressure frequently overshadows authenticity, Bhasin's book stands as a beacon of empowerment, directing readers toward recovery, resilience, and self-empowerment.

As a distinguished authority in DEI and empowerment, Bhasin draws from her personal journey of conquering challenges to provide an illuminating roadmap. From her upbringing as a child of working-class immigrants to her flourishing career as a lawyer and business leader, she possesses an intimate grasp of the complexities tied to embracing one's identity in the midst of societal constraints.

"We've Got This" not only delves into adversities but also reveals the victories in claiming one's rightful identity. Through empathy, wit, and well-researched insights, Bhasin reveals the profound importance of belonging, not just for individuals, but also for the global community. The book underscores that embracing authenticity extends beyond personal liberation, catalyzing broader societal transformation.

Blending wisdom with relatability, Bhasin empowers readers to navigate hatred and challenges, equipping them with strategies to stand firm in the face of hardship. The book resonates with the message that authenticity not only frees but also fosters joy and human connection.

"We've Got This" emerges as a timely and timeless guide, reminding us that genuine belonging is within our grasp. Bhasin's words serve as a rallying cry, motivating readers from diverse backgrounds to unlock the allure of belonging, embrace their distinctiveness, and harness the transformative potential of authenticity. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

An Admirer of Books: Book Two in the Muhammad Amalfi Mystery Series

An Admirer of Books: Book Two in the Muhammad Amalfi Mystery Series (The Amalfi Mysteries 2)An Admirer of Books: Book Two in the Muhammad Amalfi Mystery Series by AJ Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A compelling and immersive historical mystery...

"An Admirer of Books," the second installment in AJ Lewis's Muhammad Amalfi Mystery Series, immerses readers in a gripping historical narrative interwoven with intrigue, justice, and the human struggle. The story takes place in a city that has recently experienced an earthquake, and it opens with the discovery of a body in a Turkish bath and the release of insane people who are now wandering the streets. Within this tumultuous setting, Muhammad, a law student, emerges as a stalwart defender, standing for a manservant facing murder charges and a mysterious maidservant referred to as 'An Admirer of Books.'

As the aftermath of the earthquake echoes through the alleys of the Casbah, Muhammad's pursuit of justice leads him into the courtroom. Here, his legal expertise takes center stage as he undertakes the defense. However, this quest for truth introduces him to a formidable adversary whose actions have the potential to dismantle Muhammad's defense strategy. Concurrently, a madman, marked by tragedy, becomes entwined in the intricate tapestry of events.

"An Admirer of Books" weaves a tapestry of themes encompassing identity, fidelity, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Lewis masterfully crafts a fast-paced historical fiction narrative set against an unconventional backdrop. For readers who relish historical fiction enriched with mystery and unconventional settings, this book offers an engaging voyage into a realm of intrigue. Guided by the skillful hand of the author, who seamlessly blends history and fiction, the story becomes a compelling and immersive reading experience. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

When I Killed You: A Psychological Thriller

When I Killed You: A Psychological ThrillerWhen I Killed You: A Psychological Thriller by Liam Fialkov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A mind-bending psychological thriller...

"When I Killed You" is a gripping psychological thriller that unveils a 30-year-old mystery surrounding Alice's disappearance. Her family is haunted by her vanishing. Alice's mother explores the eerie idea of a self-fulfilling prophecy while her father, a physics professor, delves into parallel universes for answers. Her older sister weaves narratives about their family history. The arrival of investigative journalists shifts the narrative, unraveling law enforcement failures. Tension mounts, propelling readers to a stunning climax, followed by alternative endings via parallel universes.

This book merges mystery with theoretical physics, offering a compelling choice for fans of intricate thrillers. Fialkov and Langford deliver a captivating tale with suspense, complex characters, and unexpected twists. Highly recommended for those seeking an extraordinary narrative.

View all my reviews

The Degas Trove

The Degas TroveThe Degas Trove by Stephen Timbers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping murder mystery...

"The Degas Trove" by Stephen Timbers presents a gripping murder mystery that unfolds in the world of art and academia. Claire Bailey's act of philanthropy takes a dark turn when two of the valuable impressionist pieces she donated to Yale University Art Gallery vanish overnight. To her dismay, the tragedy deepens with the murder of her grandniece within the Yale Library stacks.

As the official investigation lags, Claire's son, Charlie, steps in, determined to unravel the art theft and solve the connected murder. In his pursuit, Charlie delves into the intricate realm of art history, colliding with international art dealers and immersing himself in the lives of two renowned artists. The plot intricately weaves together the threads of art, intrigue, and crime, culminating in a search for a hidden cache of priceless paintings to unmask the murderer.

Stephen Timbers crafts a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story seamlessly intertwines art and mystery, drawing readers into a web of suspense and intellectual intrigue. "The Degas Trove" is a masterful exploration of the high-stakes world of stolen art, murder, and one man's determined quest for justice. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Legends of Clover Talamh: Unravel

Legends of Clover Talamh: UnravelLegends of Clover Talamh: Unravel by Shannon-Lee Morrissey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A captivating coming-of-age fantasy...

"Legends of Clover Talamh: Unravel," by Shannon-Lee Morrissey, intricately weaves a captivating coming-of-age fantasy narrative. The story introduces the protagonists, twins Garrett and Caitlin, who have long regarded themselves as ordinary individuals until an extraordinary twist of fate alters their trajectory. Upon reaching their eighteenth birthday, the twins, accompanied by their three younger sisters, undergo an abrupt transition to a realm teeming with witches, pirates, and magical creatures. Remarkably, their names become known to every entity they encounter, underscoring the surreal nature of their new surroundings.

This fantasy opus not only unfurls an enchanting odyssey but also introduces readers to a world rich with imagination and possibilities. The narrative is propelled by the twins' exploration of this unfamiliar terrain, propelled by their fervent quest to unearth the concealed truths surrounding their lineage and the perplexing demise of their parents. Through adept storytelling, Morrissey masterfully interlaces elements of fantasy and mystery, resulting in an immersive experience that sweeps readers into an uncharted and mesmerizing universe.

Morrissey's narrative acumen shines as she deftly guides readers through a realm that pulsates with creativity and vivid imagery, effortlessly establishing a resonance with adolescent readers. The book's commendable world-building prowess stands out as it meticulously constructs a vibrant and immersive backdrop that effortlessly accommodates the unfolding narrative.

Amidst a tapestry of plot twists and turns, the reader encounters an assorted array of characters that eventually converge, leading to an unexpected yet gratifying resolution. Morrissey's adept storytelling substantiates her literary potential, foreshadowing a promising trajectory within the literary landscape. "Legends of Clover Talamh: Unravel" unfolds as an engaging expedition into the realm of fantasy, firmly establishing itself as a must-read for those in pursuit of an imaginative and enthralling coming-of-age narrative.

View all my reviews