Posts Tagged ‘non-fiction’

115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety - Book Review

November 13, 2009 - 1:49 pm

Mike Marcoe writes from first hand experience in his book 115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety, providing advice from the view of one who has traveled the road of anxiety for a long time, undergoing therapies and combing through mountains of research. His experience has resulted in this self-help guide to people looking for ways to manage their condition in a proactive and healthy manor.

Mike has a passion for non-fiction educational and self-help genres. He has attained a BA in English and has been in the writing industry for a number of years performing as an author, copy editor, proof-reader, a database guardian and has also worked for a newspaper.

115 Ways to Prevent Anxiety will provide readers with wise nutritional advice, herbal remedies that may ease anxiety symptoms and plenty of positive, proactive attitude enhancement skills. The author provides excellent tools for getting peace from anxiety disorders.

News to me was how dehydration plays a part in nervous disorders &ndash something I will be much more aware of in the future. I am completely curious about how philosophy can play a part and I intend to investigate this possibility when I have more time. Also, I am encouraged by having it confirmed that taking up a variety of activities - drumming, living an active life, regularly doing meditative and breath enhancing yoga, walking the dog and gardening &ndash has been a good step in the right direction for me. I truly feel like I am on the right track to taking the power into my own hands to live a life free of anxiety.

There are no wasted words here. At only 88 pages, the text can be considered short and sweet. The author’s intent for his book is to entice readers to delve deep inside and discover what triggers their anxiety, why this happens and learn how to prevent reoccurrence.

Individuals can reap rewards from this self-help, non-fiction guide &ndash however, educators would certainly benefit in using this as a workbook in anxiety support groups. This book is also available in print and electronic formats to fit a variety of needs.

ISBN#: 1-59113-872-8

Author: Mike Marcoe

Publisher:

A Voice in the Night

November 5, 2009 - 11:03 am

Seventy-five pages of poetic thought on everyday life, including the author’s frustrations with shopping and solicitors, greet the readers of A Voice in the Night, by GeorgeAnne Smith. She also includes a touching homage to the men and women who protect and serve us all. An interesting poem speaks from the view of a person who is shocked to find out someone was molested, when they had no idea it had happened.

GoergeAnne’s insightful life skills in Within You struck a chord in my mind that rang for days. I felt a sort of kin-ship with the author through Last Words of a Beauty Queen, a poem full of love for nature - something that is dear to my heart. In The Flow shows that poets are not striving for riches or recognition, but are fueled by the faint hope that their words may ease the journey for another human being and break the chains of their despair by making them feel less alone. With Eyes Open is a poem that refers to the purging effect that writing can have for the writer. I thought thatSeeds of Content has an interesting feel to it, reminiscent of chanting.

Glimpses of an older style of writing words slightly reversed, such as “searching we are, a golden life” and “on target, we all are” is something that I particularly picked up on.

To leave you with a little sample of A Voice in the Night, I have chosen this wonderfully written excerpt from the poem Awaken This Lifetime:

“Life may seem, but a merry chase,

Quite overwhelming, a dreary fate

Don’t get discouraged by a hurried pace,

Seek to awaken, for its never too late”

ISBN#: 1-4137-9489-0

Author: GeorgeAnne Smith

Publisher: Publish America

Published: Sept. 15, 2005

Fading toward Enlightenment - Review

September 6, 2009 - 9:14 pm

Fading Toward Enlightenment by Wayne Wirs is definitely a well made book of excellent quality &ndash it will certainly endure multiple readings. I loved the feel of the pages as I turned them. I would classify this book as a useful, inspirational, self-help tool for those searching for inner peace. Wayne shares his personal experiences while he searches to come to turns with himself and life in general through this beautiful work of art.

Wayne is truly a seeker of understanding. I was reminded occasionally of Joseph Campbell throughout the book, as the two focus on similar themes. Wayne shares his journey towards understanding that takes him through vigorous studies of mystic and myths, traveling into himself and then out again. He dreams of being able to reach beyond the ego.

Attractive, attention-demanding black and white photographs are enhanced by the deep-thinking quotations and the author’s excellent discussions. Each stage in his journey is accompanied by the exquisite photos, and the photos add depth to the text &ndash feeding each other. I found that I would read a sentence and then look at the photo; back and forth - each page a slow and rewarding process to savor. Written to inspire others to delve deep into discovering who they are, Wayne asks us (as he asks himself) “Who are you behind those busy thoughts?”

The question and answer interview at the end of the book was quite helpful in finding out more about the author’s personal side and his particular views. He also includes a list of resources to aid the reader interested in furthering their journey.”

ISBN#: 0976358107

Author: Wayne Wirs

Publisher: Missing Man Press

Pandemonium: Book Review

July 17, 2009 - 12:56 pm

Within the first few pages, I was engrossed and deeply moved by Apina Hrbek’s eloquent writing skills. Tears of compassion were in my eyes at several points in this moving story of survival.

The main character, Edita, was raised by a heartless mother who became twisted after helplessly watching the communist government steal her family’s vast fortune. Her nonconformist father was her only source of comfort and it was from him that she learned about these forbidden things called “choice” and “freedom”.

The setting is a land under strict Soviet rule where people are in a constant state of fright and can not afford to trust anyone &ndash not even their own kin. To trust was an invitation for disaster.

The story of their escape to a land of freedom was wrought with circumstances going wrong &ndash and yet it all worked out in the end. Resettling in a place where they must learn new customs, new languages and find employment to support their small family was no easy task for Edita and her husband. Through poverty and displacement, the family struggled to find their dreams and learn how to deal with this new idea - the freedom to make choices.

Pandemonium is certainly an educational book that may be beneficial for children and grand children of immigrants who wish to understand what it was like. It also could serve as a useful reminder to appreciate, protect and expand upon the rights of all mankind.

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

ISBN#: 1413756670

Author: Apina Hrbek

Pausing To Catch My Breath - Book Review

July 16, 2009 - 8:53 am

Debra Warren has appropriately titled her book of poetry ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’. The pages depict this mother and grandmother as someone who I would personally love to sit across from at a kitchen table with a huge pot of tea and talk for hours.

Her style implements simple vocabulary with an honest appeal, yet her work is astoundingly moving. This is the kind of poetry that I like to read at a slow pace in order to allow the statements to really sink in. ‘I think’ is a good example of what I mean. ‘Today’ challenges readers to see beyond the mundane, by considering what others are experiencing that very moment. ‘Its Never Too Late’ was a moving piece about many kinds of incarceration. I related with ‘Trapped’, especially where she wrote, “I am trapped inside a body that betrays”. ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ is a particularly beautifully written piece. I hope to retain in memory my favorite line of this poem, “Hearing the music, I dance to my yesterdays”. Debra also displays an appealing sense of humor in her work. I loved the imagery of viewing cruel and stupid people as “human speed bumps” along the road of life.

‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ most certainly displays Debra’s ability to use uncomplicated prose to create deep emotion, intellectual thought and crisp images.

ISBN#:14137767478

Author: Debra Warren

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

Political Frugality - Book Review

July 13, 2009 - 2:15 pm

It is hard to specify exactly what genre Larry Roth’s new book can fall into. Political, frugal living, gay rights, taking care of the body and more are covered in Political Frugality &ndash Guerrilla Economics for the Demonized, Devalued and Disenfranchised.

Larry was a high income-earner who gave it up to be a relaxed gardener; he exercises, eats right and lives frugally. This retired professional walks-the-walk, and raises several interesting points of view on society and communities.

Discussions on how we dictate each other’s belief system to one another without even realizing what we are doing were definitely thought provoking. Larry also brings to light the unrealistic discrimination that still slides in and out of our daily lives - and we find this normal.

I found the author’s ideas on social security just fantastic. When you think about it, where does our money go if we die early and are not married? For that matter, why should the spouse left behind be penalized by receiving only a portion of the mate’s coverage?

The true cost of climbing the social ladder is certainly a point well made by Larry and his thoughts on how consumerism is a vote with the wallet is enlightening. He talks about corporations that build items without replaceable parts or limited availability in order to force more consumer spending. According to Larry, it does not have to be like this.

Although Political Frugality begins a little heavy and political for my tastes, just past these first few pages the real life stories will entertain and shock the reader. Larry’s nightmare situation with the credit bureau is pretty shocking. This is not another “victim of fraud” story folks, but rather a bureaucratic goof taken to an extreme!

Larry also makes some excellent arguments for the benefits of walking. It can be so much more than frugal and responsible transportation, exercise and meditation &ndash it can actually bond communities. How? I can’t tell you here, you’ll have to read the book to find out!

So many beliefs and views on issues were similar to my own that I found myself thinking “Exactly!” repeatedly. Larry certainly brings attention to some very ironic and illogical social issues. Folks that read Political Frugality will learn new ideas on how to live in a more socially and fiscally responsible way.

ISBN#: 0962522848

Author: Larry Roth

Illustrated by: Andy Dandino

Publisher: Living Cheap Press

Pumping Your Muse - Book Review

July 9, 2009 - 9:29 pm

Pumping Your Muse is a 136-page non-fiction, self-help writer’s manual that is conveniently available in both electronic and print format. The hardcopy is coil-bound &ndash perfect for an inviting workbook.

Published just recently in June 2005, this book belongs on every writer’s reference bookshelf. Donna Sundblad’s goal for her manual has certainly been met, as Pumping Your Muse is able to stretch the readers’ creativity beyond their normal limits by developing skills and focusing creative energies in new directions.

The author focuses on the ability to build worlds through a variety of exercises including reflections, perspectives, balance, using multiple sensory tools and expanding thinking patterns. Readers will learn about tracking implements such as cards, journals and maps that help develop a detailed world for the reader and make the book a whole experience.

Following every exercise like a home-school class will take several weeks and will definitely improve creative writing skills. Pumping Your Muse could also be used as a refresher course, a tool during the proofreading processes of a manuscript, or to get past writer’s block.

Donna Sundblad keeps the continuity flowing at an interesting pace and has allowed space for notes at the end of every chapter. Her useful manual also includes a number of excellent writer’s resource websites.

I recommend that readers review the entire manual and then return to chapter one before they actually begin the program. In this way, the reader will be more familiar with the reasons and goals for each exercise. I’ve been anticipating my return to chapter one since I began the reviewing process of this book and have no doubt that my skills will be improved because of the exercises in this manual.

ISBN#: 0970863578

Author: Donna Sundblad

Publisher: ePress-online.com ~ Writopia, Inc.

Putting it on Paper: Book Review

July 8, 2009 - 3:47 pm

Dawn Josephson, author of 14 books, has written a fantastic author resource with her latest book Putting it on Paper &ndash The ground rules for creating promotional pieces that sell books. This book discusses the development and use of contents within a media kit, and other marketing materials. From cover letters, press releases, book reviews, bios, sell and catalog sheets to articles &ndash Dawn covers it all.

Each chapter concludes with two brief, but very helpful sections. ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ is an essential ingredient to this well-rounded book because it touches on creativity and exceptions to the rule. Her section ‘Key Points’ acts as a summery to the main ideas within the chapter.

There are many excellent samples of actual promotional pieces, which give authors a variety of choices and ideas to use in creating the content for their own marketing materials. The samples are also precluded with notes on the construction of the piece so that the reader can fully understand the purpose of each opening, paragraph or by-line. Dawn shows many ways to tweak text for each piece and then closes with how to present promotional materials to various markets.

I really enjoyed the thought provoking quotes she used throughout the book and felt Putting it on Paper was quite inspirational. As an author who has spent a year of intensive marketing research and hands on application, I can say that several of Dawn’s tips are unique and I cannot wait to try them. The information on multiple press releases, mock book reviews and catalog sheets were particularly helpful for my own applications.

I highly recommend this useful book to any author who is facing book promotion. Putting it on Paper will certainly help authors get noticed.

ISBN#: 0974496618

Publisher: Ground Rules Press

Author: Dawn Josephson

Queens and Crescents - Book Review

July 6, 2009 - 8:55 pm

What certainly stood out for me in Barry Southers novel, Queens and Crescents, was his strong and deep feelings for his family that Barry made apparent in the dedication for this book. The love and appreciation he shares here is actually quite touching. The introduction does a good job of setting up the book through a discussion of happiness and success in today’s society.

Readers will find plenty of action and suspense in this murder romance novel. The main character here is Sean Martinez, a 28-year-old divorcee who works a mundane position in a mortgage broker firm. For Sean, life is just one day blending into the next. He just could not get over his wife leaving three years ago with her old lover. If there were a need for an example of a man in dire need of a vacation, Sean would be chosen.

Spurred on by a radio commercial one excruciatingly hot day, Sean’s vacation destination is decided for him. There, he finds true love, fascinating passion and discovers the power of intuition and fate. Cruel crime lords fighting for position, bloodcurdling hired killers and a heavy loss bring Sean back into living life for what it is.

I was impressed with Barry’s writing style because I could really picture the scenes in my head. I felt he delved deeply into the psyche of his characters, making them seem much more real than many authors are able to do. Queens and Crescents may take readers only a day or two to read, but the characters will remain alive in their minds for a number of days.

ISBN#: unknown

Author: Barry Southers

Publisher: Publish America

Requiem of Insanity: Book Review

July 1, 2009 - 4:42 pm

Debra Ulrich has explored a unique way of bringing some light to the journey of a medical patient in this nonfiction fairytale. I have to admit that the first 40 pages were difficult for me to get through - but in the end, the material is definitely worth reading and I recommend this book to anyone involved with heavy medication.

This is a story of a woman (Queen Sara) and her son (Prince Max) who become locked into a medical-go-round due to trusting overzealous doctors who have their hands poised over prescription pads. Queen Sara followed the doctors blindly, as most of Western society is still trained to do. Side effects and reactions to the heavy long-term medication drove these two patients into being misdiagnosed with one disorder after another.

Anyone with a serious health condition is quite familiar with strategically taking multiple prescription drugs throughout the day. However, just as each body can react differently to a disease or disorder &ndash we can also react differently to medication. Every pill, even herbal or over-the-counter medication, can have side effects. Multiple medication can be tricky due to cumulative effects of medication combining in the body &ndash sometimes becoming something else entirely. This makes the physician’s job much more difficult.

Synthetic drugs tend to give immediate results, but generally, they do not cure the disease/disorder. Instead, they mask it - while the cause of the problem still exists. Sara learned that though alternatives to western medicine could be quite helpful, they are not readily embraced by the doctors. She embarked on a long, expensive journey and dedicated herself to a strict health regime for years. Cleansing the body of built up toxins, food allergy tests, hair tests, herbal remedies, muscle tests, gaining nutritional knowledge and emotional work were all components in Sara’s healing process.

The author closes her book with a spreadsheet of the drugs she has experience with, their known reactions and some possible alternatives. The last seven pages list contacts for associations that may prove helpful for those on a medical adventure.

This story is an excellent example of how deficiencies and emotions can play a huge part on our overall health. As a closing, I would like to leave you with quote from Debra’s book “Patients must be treated as equal partners and need to be the ones ultimately responsible for their own health and welfare.

ISBN: 1413728324

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

Author: Debra Ulrich