Category: Book Reviews

A Proud American: The Autobiography of Joe Foss by Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Proud American: The Autobiography of Joe Foss is more than just an autobiography—it’s an inspiration. It’s a story of true heroism, patriotism, and the kind of values that define America at its core.

For me, this book was a reminder of the blessings of freedom, the power of resilience, and the importance of living with integrity. Joe Foss’s life has inspired me to reflect on my own role as an American, and how I can honor the legacy of those who came before me by contributing to the country I love.

Reading this book has strengthened my sense of pride in being an American, and it has reaffirmed my commitment to living a life guided by purpose, humility, and service to others—just like Joe Foss did.

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F*ck Your Feelings: Master Your Mind, Accomplish Any Goal, and Become A More Significant Human by Ryan Munsey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ryan Munsey really grabbed my attention with its bold title, and it delivered exactly what I expected—a no-nonsense, tough-love approach to self-improvement. Munsey’s message is simple but powerful: feelings can often sabotage our progress, and the key to success is mastering our minds and pushing through discomfort with discipline.

As I read through the book, I appreciated how Munsey backs up his advice with insights from neuroscience and psychology, making it more than just motivational talk. He explains how emotions can trick us into making bad decisions or giving up too soon, and I found his focus on mental toughness and self-discipline particularly useful. It felt like a wake-up call to stop letting feelings dictate my actions and instead commit to what’s necessary for long-term success.

What really stood out to me was how actionable the advice is. Munsey doesn’t just tell you to “get tough”—he provides concrete strategies to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and create habits that lead to real progress. I found myself taking notes and thinking about ways I could apply his lessons in my own life.

That being said, the book’s tough-love approach might not be for everyone. Personally, I enjoyed the directness, but I could see how some people might find the tone a bit harsh or aggressive. If you’re someone who prefers a more gentle, supportive style, this book might feel too intense. However, if you’re ready to face your excuses head-on and make real changes, Munsey’s straightforward style is incredibly motivating.

Overall, Fck Your Feelings* is a great read if you’re serious about breaking through mental barriers and taking control of your life. It’s not here to comfort you, but if you’re looking for practical, tough advice to get you on the right track, this book hits the mark.

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Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book Good to Great offers a fresh perspective on why many businesses hit a ceiling, falling into the trap of believing they are “good enough” to fulfill their functions. It focuses on analyzing companies that successfully transitioned from good to great, while also warning about the risks faced by those that fail to break through this threshold. The book presents several valuable concepts, such as the Hedgehog Concept, Level 5 Leadership, and establishing a culture of discipline. Managers are encouraged to adopt these principles within their own organizations to overcome the complacency of being merely good and strive for greatness. Many businesses settle for being good, which prevents them from ever achieving true excellence.

However, Jim Collins’ book shows its age in certain aspects, such as citing Circuit City as an example of a company that went from good to great. While the company may have once thrived, its ultimate failure may lead future readers to question the validity of Collins’ concepts. Additionally, Collins warns against over-reliance on technology in running a business. While this advice stemmed from the collapse of Dotcom companies in the early 2000s, today, technology is much more reliable and is now widely seen as a crucial factor in driving improvement and efficiency.

Despite its age, it would be unfair to dismiss the book. The ideas presented remain highly valuable, especially for those new to management and continuous improvement. The book is easy to read and offers clear steps for recognizing when a company has not reached its full potential and how to address those shortcomings.

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The Secret History by Donna Tartt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that pulls readers into a world of privilege, intellectual obsession, and moral decay. Set in an elite liberal arts college in Vermont, the story follows a group of eccentric and highly intelligent students studying ancient Greek under the enigmatic professor, Julian Morrow. The protagonist, Richard Papen, arrives at Hampden College from a modest background and quickly becomes fascinated with this elite group, eventually joining their tightly-knit circle. What begins as a pursuit of beauty and knowledge soon spirals into a dark, psychological unraveling, culminating in murder.

Tartt’s writing is lush, atmospheric, and richly detailed, creating an immersive reading experience that draws you into the cold, isolated campus setting. Her ability to explore complex themes like guilt, morality, and the consequences of hubris is exceptional. Through the story, she delves into the idea of how intellectual pursuits can be corrupted by arrogance and a sense of superiority, leading the characters to justify their actions—even murder—under the guise of seeking something greater than themselves.

The strength of The Secret History lies not only in its plot but in its deeply flawed and fascinating characters. Each member of the group is distinct and richly developed, particularly Henry, the intellectual leader of the clique, whose cold rationality and obsession with classical ideals set the tone for their tragic downfall. Richard’s journey as a narrator is equally compelling—he’s an outsider trying to fit into this world of wealth and mystery, but his complicity in the group’s actions ultimately challenges his own sense of morality.

The novel is a slow burn, unfolding at a measured pace that allows readers to sink deeply into its chilling atmosphere. The tension builds steadily, and though the murder is revealed early on, the psychological aftermath of the crime becomes the true focus of the narrative. Tartt masterfully examines the consequences of the group’s actions and the psychological toll it takes on them as they try to maintain their façade of normalcy.

Overall, The Secret History is a brilliant exploration of the darker sides of intellectual elitism, the seductive allure of beauty and knowledge, and the devastating consequences of moral compromise. Tartt’s prose is elegant, her storytelling is suspenseful, and her characters are unforgettable. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction with psychological depth and moral complexity.

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The Road by Cormac McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cormac McCarthy’s The Road tells a haunting yet compelling story set in a post-apocalyptic world, where a father and his son struggle to survive. The novel follows their journey as they search for a better life in a desolate and hopeless landscape. Along the way, they encounter rare moments of good fortune, such as abandoned houses offering shelter and supplies, or even an untouched can of Coca-Cola—a small treasure in their bleak world. However, these brief glimpses of comfort are vastly outnumbered by the terrifying dangers they face. Menacing groups of people threaten their lives, and the father’s deteriorating health adds to their challenges. Without giving away too much, I will say that at its core, this book is a profound exploration of unconditional love. The father’s devotion to his son is unwavering throughout the novel, and he does everything in his power to provide even the smallest measure of happiness for him. The ending is powerful, deeply moving, and undeniably heartbreaking, but I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoiling it for those who haven’t read it yet.

One of the things that stands out in The Road is how vividly McCarthy brings the post-apocalyptic world to life. His descriptions are detailed and immersive, pulling the reader into the stark, barren landscape the characters inhabit. McCarthy’s choice to strip away certain punctuation, like quotation marks, adds to the sense of disarray and loss in this world. It’s a subtle but effective way of making the environment feel even more empty and bleak. His craftsmanship is unmatched, and the way he paints such a vivid picture of this grim reality is nothing short of masterful. Readers will find themselves drawn into the story not just by the plot, but by McCarthy’s ability to make this fictional world feel disturbingly real.

Another remarkable aspect of the novel is its capacity to offer an escape from reality. While reading, I often found myself completely absorbed, losing track of time and space as I became fully immersed in the story. This world McCarthy creates is not a fantastical escape, but rather a brutally honest depiction of what life might be like in such a grim future. It’s this raw portrayal of survival in a broken world that makes the novel so captivating. It offers readers a chance to escape their everyday problems by plunging into a reality that feels both distant and eerily possible.

In conclusion, if you’re considering reading The Road, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s a gripping tale of survival and a testament to the enduring bond between father and son. McCarthy’s writing is both harrowing and beautiful, and this book will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. It’s a journey that’s as unforgettable as it is heart-wrenching.

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A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Someone recommended this book to me with the comment, “This is so you. You’re going to love it.” They were right—at least about the loving part. I’m not sure if I write, think, or act like Eggers, but if I do, I take it as a compliment.

This quickly became one of my all-time favorite books. From the very first pages, I was hooked by how conversational Eggers remained with the reader. I really appreciate that, especially I like to be just, where straightforward communication is often terse and formal. Sometimes, the warmest and most engaging conversations are the ones that are long, nuanced, and complex, even if the underlying ideas are simple.

For me, a good book is one that makes me think, not just follow a plot. A great book is one that makes me jot down thoughts in the margins, and this book had me turning entire pages into a notepad. While it tells an interesting story, what made it extraordinary were Eggers’ reflections on the world around him. Too many writers simply describe events without sharing their thoughts or feelings about them. Most of us are used to those kinds of books, where the plot keeps us engaged, but the end result feels superficial. Often, I finish such books feeling accomplished, but that excitement quickly fades into dissatisfaction. I never understood why until I read Eggers. He reminded me that an author can offer much more than just an entertaining story. I now believe writers have a responsibility to do so.

Though I’m not a fan of gimmicks and was initially skeptical about the random quirks Eggers included—like the odd copyright page at the beginning or the strange autobiographical note at the end—his self-awareness and humor put me at ease. Few things draw a reader closer to an author than when they can laugh at themselves. The book is filled with moments like that. For instance, Eggers warns early on that the book becomes a bit boring towards the end, and he’s right. But when you reach that part and recall his warning, you’re still amazed by how great it is. Maybe it’s because it’s a memoir, or because Eggers draws you into his life, making you feel as though you’ve known him for years. Or maybe it’s the desire not to agree with a comment that should, in theory, discourage you from finishing the book. Whatever the reason, even at its slowest points, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius lives up to its title—genius.

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Beowulf: A New Verse Translation by Seamus Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Literature can be a form of social anthropology. Just as the Iliad can take you into the warlike mindset of the ancient Greeks; Beowulf takes you into the warlike mindset of the Anglo-Saxon invaders of Britain back in the days of Sutton Hoo. Not only is Beowulf a great piece of epic poetry – complete with super hero, fabulous monsters, and a killer dragon; it’s also a superb piece of cultural history – complete with great halls ringing with toasts of mead in horn cups and men who sleep fully armored and armed. The big problem with Beowulf in old English is that just as the culture is so remote and alien to be fascinating, the English language at the time is also utterly alien and incomprehensible. This was a quarter millennium before the Norman Conquest – the great fusion of Germanic and romance that would produce our language as we know it.

Previous translations – like the one I suffered through in Middle School, are stilted and arcane.
(Also did a role playing as well in my English class singing and dancing) They sacrifice narrative flow for a false kind of fidelity to the text. Seamus Heaney’s translation dances and sings. The language is lyrical and feels like epic poetry – but the narrative flow is easy and intuitive. With the difficulty of comprehension out of the way the story comes to the fore and what a story it is. This is the real root of Fantasy literature – a misty world of barbaric knights, monsters, magic, blood kinship and blood feud. The tale is familiar to most – the great Great hero comes to the aid of a distant king whose country is beset by a horrible monster; one immune to weapons… Ok, no spoilers. If you are interested in the roots of English literature, or in the culture of the dark ages Anglo Saxon, this book will illuminate like nothing else.

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Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam by A. Helwa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You must read this. I cannot stress how highly I suggest this book. I’ve always loved God, but I’ve also felt terrible remorse, like I disappointed him out. Naturally, I am aware of God’s mercy because “Ar Rahim” is one of his names. The love I believed I had for our Creator, however, was strengthened and multiplied as a result of this book, and whatever guilt I felt was unjustified. My anxiety was quickly reduced. When you truly realize that Allah loves us via the use of straight verses and surahs from the Quran, poetry, and the writings of Rumi, you start to comprehend the essence and beauty of our religion. And once you genuinely comprehend Allah’s love, you make an effort to never lack.

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What To Say When You Talk To Your Self by Shad Helmstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading a couple of books on self-mastery and mental habits, I found myself unarmed with a practical method for actually creating change in my life. While plenty of books can tell you to live in the present or remove fear from your mind, I struggled with the question of “how”. *What To Say When You Talk To Yourself* was my apparent answer — a book on “how to erase and replace past mental programs with healthy, new programs”, a “manual for the human mind”. While I can’t yet say whether or not the methods have been effective for me, content-wise, the book does deliver on its promise. It provides practical “self-talk” exercises for reprogramming your mind, along with research to back it. One criticism: while I definitely found the content of this book valuable, I felt like a considerable portion of the book was repetitive fluff and self-aggrandizement (eg. at one point the author promotes his own self-talk recordings).

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The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book sheds light on many different aspects of life and helps you change your mindset and see things differently. I look at a lot of things differently now and am fully aware of my thoughts, words, actions, and responsibilities as a person because of this book.

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Commentary on the Forty Hadith of Imam Al-Nawawi – Timeless Prophetic Gems of Guidance and Wisdom by Jamal Ahmed Badi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an excellent and thorough commentary on the Hadith which are the pillars of Islamic principles and ideals. This commentary engages the reader such that he/she can readily apply and benefit from these Prophetic gems in their personal lives, and in light of contemporary times. Numerous classical commentary and relevant Quranic ayaat and Hadith are also quoted to further elaborate on the meaning of these comprehensive hadith.

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The Invocation of God by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautifully written book with good explanation and easy to read layout. Muslim should invest in this book because its very informative and rewarding for the soul.

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Next Person You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“One life touches another and that life touches the next. … All endings are also beginnings, we just don’t know it at the time.” —Mitch Albom, “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven”

Author Mitch Albom’s sequel, The Next Five People You Meet in Heaven, is even better than the first book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and there’s not many sequels you can say that about and truly mean it. I loved the depth of his concept of heaven and the way he told the story in present and past flashbacks. It’s truly brilliant.

The Next Five People You Meet in Heaven is a story about love—looking for it, finding it, accepting it, and losing it. It’s a story about loss and anger, repentance and forgiveness. It’s a book about understanding. About understanding who you are, understanding your life, and accepting your mistakes—being grateful for what they taught you. It’s a book that will cause you to ponder and reflect on your own life, something Mitch Albom is especially good at. It shows how life is full of joys and sorrows, love and loss, and how ‘endings are just new beginnings.’ It’s inspirational!

“At certain moments, when death is close, the veil pulls back between this world and the next. … You can see them awaiting your arrival. And they can see you coming.” —Mitch Albom, “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven”

“When we build, we build on the shoulders of those who came before us. And when we fall apart, those who came before us help put us back together.” —Mitch Albom, “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven”

“If you truly love someone, you’ll find a way back.” —Mitch Albom, “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven”

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The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book. Not usually the type of thing I read at all, and I really thought it would be extremely religious-oriented. I’m not sure why I bothered with it, but I’m very glad I did. You will not find anything preachy about it at all. This is an amazing story about how 6 people impacted the lives of others. From those, he didn’t know to those he knew only too well. It’s a lesson on how we impact others, even when we’re not aware of their existence or our crossing with it. I only just recently read it and I want to read it again already. It really makes you think about how you may have impacted others and who are the five people you would meet in the afterlife. I think this really transcends a specific religion and can be applied to most afterlife scenarios.

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Anxiety: Panicking about Panic: A Powerful, Self-Help Guide for Those Suffering from an Anxiety or Panic Disorder by Joshua Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book is fantastic! For a couple of years, I have suffered anxiety and all the feelings it comes with I never really understood what was going on with my mind and body until now!! I have read this on my kindle and it’s given me comfort and really helped me when the flutters of anxiety have appeared! Now I understand it’s all about rewiring the brain and the thought process. Now I look at anxiety like a Big lion or a tiger that’s right behind me in a cage and it’s roaring and dying to get out to get me but I am not allowing it! I will not be beaten by this! Reading this book I have now seen off a fair few developing anxiety episodes they have not fully developed at all because I just tell myself it’s just a bit of anxiety it’s going to be alright it will pass soon and it’s going to be okay again. I feel this book has given me some strength to face anxiety rather than fear it. I no longer think I am dying or having a heart attack as Joshua has described all the feelings that come with anxiety and panic! I am now about to download the 2nd of his books Thank you to the author: Joshua Fletcher for helping me understand this…

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Under a Gilded Moon by Joy Jordan-Lake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

UNDER A GILDED MOON by Joy Jordan-Lake is a beautifully-written and captivating novel of the extremes of wealth and poverty set in and around the famous Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. The story is set around 1895 when the Biltmore House, the palatial mansion being built by one of the Vanderbilt heirs, is in its final stages of construction. Most of the poverty-stricken neighbors have been forced to sell their land to Vanderbilt to complete the project. One of those neighbors, Kerry MacGregor, was lucky enough to move away and attend an elite college in New York City, but finds herself suddenly called back home because of her father’s poor health. Despite the hard feelings she has harbored toward him, Kerry knows it is her obligation to return. On the train home, she meets several characters that will have a life-changing effect on Kerry and her family. Secrets lie, and a growing wave of clashes between classes and races leads to dangerous and tragic consequences. The author expertly portrays the stories of both the rich and poor and how their lives become interwoven. The description of the setting was so vivid I felt like I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling and well-researched work of historical fiction and highly recommend it. A GILDED MOON was my First Kindle Reads selection of 2021.

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Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed this book. Malcom Gladwell wrote an intriguing account, analyzing how people think. This book sights several examples and studies conducted by reputable universities and doctors in their respective fields. The novel is centered around the idea that fast decision-making can be equal to cautious thinking when to trust our instincts, and knowing that first impressions can be educated impressions. It is an excellent example of how people affect one another without so much as even consciously knowing it. I would recommend this to anyone interested in human consciousness.

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As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As A Man Thinketh is a great book if you wish to change your ways of thinking and come to the realization that your thoughts govern and produce results within your life (law of attraction/manifestation). I would say that this is a book you would read if you’re into meditation. The reason I say that is because being open-minded while reading this book is key to getting the most out of this book. Every word, sentence and paragraph resonated with me and ultimately helped me to understand that I am responsible for my own life and how my thoughts respond to circumstances. What is key to benefitting from this book is to ingrain this philosophy into your daily life so that no matter what events unfold you know that this information is true. For some people, they may be able to read this book and get this message saved within their brains the first time. But if you’re analytical like I was… you’ll need to practice and literally read this over and over until this knowledge becomes second nature. Yes it’s common sense that A person’s thoughts inevitably create their life, we just need to find a way to direct and control our thoughts or feelings within our subconscious. What has helped for me is meditation. You would listen to guided meditation and then after you’ve calmed your mind read this book, then meditate again. When you first meditate it’s to clear your mind, when you meditate a second time after reading As A Man Thinketh, it’s to integrate this knowledge within your psyche so that you meditate on these truths and they become a part of you. This book is enlightening and it’s key that it becomes a part of our subconscious so that we can gradually benefit over and over from it. I highly recommend this book.

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Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It by Shad Helmstetter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are excellent points in this book on how to change negative self-talk, that could positively change lives. And it is worth the money and a good read. However, this author coined the term Negative Self-Talk Disorder. Negative self-talk is not a disorder, disease or illness. The author missed an opportunity to explain that the brain is a ‘threat detector’, designed to keep us alive, survive. That’s its primary job. Out of all the info out there, this is what I have learned. So, negative self-talk is a natural function of the brain to protect us from danger (real or imagined). One missing key is to get curious about our negative self-talk, and not label it as a ‘disorder’. This is where I think the author did a disservice, by not emphasizing negative self-talk’s purpose. It has a purpose. And it would have been extremely helpful to address negative self-talk in the context of our lives and not call it a disease…so to speak.

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Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book while reading it. The plot was simultaneously outrageous and believable, the narrator was relatable, and I thought it did justice to the topic of mental illness which not all books can pull off well. I was shocked to learn that the book was an adaptation of the musical and not the other way around, it seems like an insanely creative story and I can’t wait to see it as a musical and am curious about how it will be done.

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The Blackhouse by Peter May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When one has finished a perfectly mediocre book it’s a profound relief to find the next one a pleasure to read. ” The Black House” scores points on many levels and Peter May is an accomplished storyteller. I expected to read a classic murder mystery but this novel is much more than that. In fact, the murder investigation plays second fiddle and is merely there to enable the author to delve into his hero’s past. It’s a tale full of quiet melancholy as Finn’s reminiscences force him to see the child he was and the way fate delivered blows which made him the adult he is. I found the author adept at recreating both the happiness and angst of childhood and the inevitable nostalgia they give rise to, once the character has become a grown-up and has to think back on all the defining moments of his life when he took a path that it might have been better to avoid. The landscape is masterfully depicted and the characters utterly believable. A tale that is both moving and cruel and that won’t leave you indifferent.

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Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first excursion into the worlds Robert MacFarlane shares through his writing. I am appreciating the breadth of material from which he draws from in order to create a picture of the world under the soil. He succeeds in opening the door and drawing the reader into a fascinating world. We as the reader, are taken on a journey through time and space into what lies underground. These worlds are complex and interconnected. MacFarlane is able to create a tapestry that connects homo sapiens to and with the “underland”. The images he creates and the story he tells, about us and the earth, in this book will stay with me for a long, long time.

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The Scientific Deception of the New Atheists by Mohammed Hijab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been watching Brother Hijab for many years in the speaker’s corners. I have never known about his books until I followed him on Instagram and learn that he has written a couple of books. “The Scientific Deception of the New Atheists” book can save an entire generation. An excellent analysis of the deceptive tactics of new Atheists and their lack of real-world impact on believers. A must-read for Muslims involved in teaching Islam, and for young people experiencing doubts about the faith.

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Unlabel: Selling You Without Selling Out by Marc Ecko
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is required reading for anyone looking not only to start a business to have a deeper understanding of what moves them. Ecko is honest and open about both his business success and failures and it’s really refreshing and inspirational. I’ve read a ton of business and philosophy books and this is by far one the best books I have read on both topics. Honestly, it’s one of the best books I have ever read. This should mandatory reading in high school and or college courses. I’ll be sure to have my daughter soon read it and have discussions with her along the way as she progresses through the book. What a great book!! Thanks Marc!!

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The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose by Matthew Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do not discriminate any book by its cover or what is written in it. As a Muslim, I don’t mind reading non-Islamic books as this book “The Rhythm Of Life” was recommended by my catholic friend, when I give him Qur’an to read because I have schooled him about Bible that he can not eat pork: Those who want to know where it says in the Bible “Leviticus 11:: NIV. You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. … And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.

Here is my review on this book:

Matthew Kelly does not need more deserving accolades from me. I give them anyway and for sure this is a five-star book. But there are some lingering questions I have that I think he needs to address. Rather than write volumes of a review I will focus mostly on those questions in a somewhat random manner. On the idea that life is choices, does a three-year-old choose to be molested? Does an infant choose to be decapitated by mentally ill adults set on revenge toward each other (called collateral damage by some)? Regarding the use of the word illusion, this works both ways and the illusion of value from hype artists needs to be addressed in terms of what is their set of values? This is complex as even the author implies that there is a value placed on how we need to be.

On one hand, the author says, “We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose and challenge us to become the-best version-of-ourselves” yet, on the other hand, he talks of we long to be that someone who can listen without trying to fix, change, or move the other person. This dichotomy needs to be clarified. For sure I liked Kelly’s comments on discernment. Discernment is a critical word. In my experience synthetic telepathy interferes with discernment. The author points out how all the bombardment of advertising etc., in a similar way to synthetic telepathy, as interfering with our discernment in living who we are. For sure as Matthew says we cannot make decisions in a vacuum.

When the taxpayer-funded oligarchy occult mind-control puppets say, “I own your soul” this may well in my experience mean, based on Kelly’s thesis, that they own/owned my journey. This taken from Kelly’s slogan, “The Journey of the Soul.”

Loved Matthew’s comments on “being” includes consisting not only of who you are now but also of who you are capable of becoming at any moment in the future. Having said that, I often wondered throughout the book, since all is an illusion, how much of what he presents is his own wishful thinking or illusion? As the author says, “The image is an illusion. The light is the truth.” When the author says, “A person who is completely dedicated to the light is capable of anything” now the question, is that an illusion? The demarcation between what is an illusion and what is not easy to discern.

On the comment “…embrace your God.” This is an interesting statement here because the author has defined God in other sentences. Here is he calling God each person’s ultimate reality as they each see it?

Enough questions, you get five stars and the book is highly recommended.

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Think Like Zuck: The Five Business Secrets of Facebook’s Improbably Brilliant CEO Mark Zuckerberg by Ekaterina Walter


Great book!! I have to say Mark Zuckerberg has been portrayed so differently from the movie The Social Network. After reading this book one would want to be more like the protagonist, a big thanks, I believe also to the writing style of Ekaterina Walter. It gets a tad bit repetitive at times but never the less a job well done. I highly recommend reading this book for all those who are in business. It’s one of those books that’s needs more than a one time read to capture and recreate the ideas for one’s own self.

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Stallo by Stefan Spjut
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So here is the little plot from my side: 1978. A young boy disappears without a trace from a cabin in the woods. His mother claims that he was abducted by a giant. The boy is never found. The previous year, over in a Swedish National Park, a wildlife photographer takes a strange picture from his small airplane, of a bear running over the marshes. On its back sits a creature, which the photographer claims are something extraordinary.

25 years later, and back in Laponia, Susso runs a much-maligned web page, one dedicated to searching for creatures whose existence has not yet been proven: the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot. But Susso has her own obsession, one inherited from her grandfather, the well-known wildlife photographer. When an old woman claims that a small creature has been standing outside her house, observing her and her five-year-old grandson for hours, Susso picks up her camera and leaves for what will become a terrifying adventure.

———–

Stallo is a large human-like creature in the Sami folklore and since the book is about giants that kidnap children is the title quite logical. What caught my attention to read this novel is because Susso also has a passion for the website, photography, etc so that definitely made me want to read the novel. This book has 600 pages and honestly, I skipped some pages I have never before had the urge to skipped pages, but it was the only way for me to finish the book. Not that it was bad. The story in itself was good. However, it could have easily been cut down around 200-300 pages by just taking away all the tedious uninteresting stuff that had no bearing on the story. For instance, I like board games but am I not that interested to read how some of the characters playing one on Christmas day, blah blah blah

As for the story, I found it intriguing, and I liked how the author manages to connect the story to John Bauer and Sven Jerring. And, the whole Stallo thing with the kidnapping of children reminded me of the Japanese anime series “Attack on Titan” and another reason why I wanted to read this book. I liked this book, I just didn’t love this book and that’s because the story would have needed to trim down a bit and making it more flowing. So, all and all, not a perfect book, but still interesting to read. Although, I do recommend reading it…

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Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a classic translation of a book about a man grappling with his conscience over a crime he committed; what is left for me to write in a review? It’s all been said. I think the fact that I finished this book is a testament to the compelling nature of the story. One thing that was really tough for me was the names. There were so many names for each character I think it took me the whole book to remember who was who without looking it up. So, google the characters and keep it bookmarked. Then settle in for a long, but rewarding read.

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Photographing the Dead by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second in a series of short stories is just as exciting as the first. The ending is outstanding in that it provides an unexpected and ingenious method of rendering justice. Loved it!

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The Praying Mantis Bride by Dean Koontz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first two stories in this series. This third one was not nearly as good. The story plot was interesting, but the enjoyment was lessened by too many euphemisms. Sorry! I am a huge Koontz fan – yet for me this one was a little off the mark!!.

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Red Rain by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nameless once again crusades for justice. He seeks to avenge the death of two children and the disfigurement of their mother from a fire. These were quick read and not as satisfying as previous books in the series. I still like this author and will Nameless once again crusades for justice. He seeks to avenge the death of two children and the disfigurement of their mother from a fire. These were quick read and not as satisfying as previous books in the series. I still like this author and will continue the series continue the series

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The Mercy of Snakes by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love any Dean Koontz book. These small stories are interesting and compelling tales. I wish they were longer, but I think that at the end of all his books! I would highly recommend this and the others in this series.

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In the Heart of the Fire by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The suspense encountered in this book does not let up. It continues throughout and seamlessly moves from each chapter to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. The reader will be left wanting to read the next book installment without any hesitation. Another winning read provided by Dean Koontz!

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The Devil in America by Kai Ashante Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is mesmerizing and heart-breaking story and i completely loved it, even though it just ripped me apart as I read it but yet beautifully told. It is a story about the evil of slavery and racism is woven together with magic and family bonds stretching back through generations. This book “The Devil In America” devastated me with it’s powerful language, orginal imagination, and bleeding-raw emotion. Wilson’s writing is masterful – hinting and suggesting to make you understand so much with his concentrated, suggestive and forceful prose.

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The Precipice by Paul Doiron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve never read this author before, but I am somewhat familiar with the area this book takes place in… It’s an accurate depiction of that area and a gripping mystery that makes you not want to put it down. The ending is climactic, but yet not telegraphed in the earlier parts of the book… The pacing is smart and fast. The descriptions of the Maine wilderness are beautiful. Mr. Doiron reminds us that the Nature in general, and the AT in particular, offer challenge, escape, excitement, danger, and solace, but make no moral judgments. It’s people who do that. A great read!

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Green: The Beginning and the End by Ted Dekker


Loved this book. I really recommend this for sci-fi or fantasy book readers. It really drew me in, can’t wait to read Black, Red, and White.

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Light in August by William Faulkner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first William Faulkner book I’ve ever read. It won’t bet the last. This man was a genius. He creates word pictures that depict a time and a place and a people with excruciating and artistic realness and paints pictures with his words that will long resonate after the book is finished.

Set in a rural Mississippi town in the early 1930s and peopled with a variety of characters who will live in my memory forever, the story follows a young and pregnant teenager who is looking for her lover with the hope of marriage. Instead, she meets a hardworking and unattractive man who falls in love with her helps her to find a place to stay. In the meantime, her actual lover and father of her unborn child are selling bootleg whisky and sharing a cabin with a man named Christmas who is part negro and is bedding a wealthy woman who dies when her house is set on fire. There’s also a defrocked pastor with problems of his own and the pathetic grandparents of the man named Christmas who is in danger of being lynched.

The book, however, is more than the sum of its parts. It is the worldview that typifies William Faulkner at his finest and even though there are parts of the book that a bit overwrote and confusing, I still give it my highest recommendation and advise readers to not miss the experience of reading this fine author.

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The Roadhouse by Kerry McGinnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Roadhouse is all about family secrets mixed with crime and romance. So the plot goes out like Charli who wants to be an actress doesn’t have the talent to be one so she decided to go back home a few hours east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. When she arrived, she found out that her mom had heartache and airlifted to Adelaide for surgery. So Charli took over the family business however, unexplained incidents were happening at the roadhouse that made Charli thinking about Annabelle’s death. The Roadhouse is the first book I had read of Kerry Mcginnis and I really enjoyed reading it. As you see, the plot got my attention to read this book especially after waiting for my favorite author novel to arrive this coming week. I thought this book was fantastic. I love how Kerry portrayal of Charli characters and the way they twine everything together with one another. The book is well written and the readers will learn about how to run a service station in isolated places while learning family values and not to keep secrets and greed which can cause misunderstanding and stress in the families. I totally recommend this book!!

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The Siege by Mark Alpert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is kind of hard to review. I am still not sure how I feel about the characters because, well, they’re robots. They don’t feel things the way most people do and yet, they do. Because all of their memories were implanted in the machines, they are like a weird hybrid of robots and humans. This was so hard to get used to. I didn’t really get the romance thing between Adam and Shannon. How can robots even have a relationship? That part was so weird and honestly, I would have liked that part to be explored a little bit more. Shannon does get upset at something Adam does pretty early on and she ends things with him. I wish more of the book would have been spent on exploring that relationship and what it means. But recently I watch the new Terminator movie “Dark Fate” and it kinda helps me analyze this book well sort of. I don’t want to spoil it since many of you might not see the new Terminator “Dark Fate” movie yet before 11/3/2019. Anyway, overall great read!

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Girl Jacked by Christopher Greyson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book. A mystery that gets more and more complicated, interesting characters and great humor. I found myself laughing out loud quite a lot and I rarely do that when reading a book. I think that humor helped balance out the darker parts of the story which made the book even better.

I’m looking forward to other mysteries that Jack and Replacement solve together.

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Jack Knifed by Christopher Greyson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I believe you can read the Jack Stratton series in any order but I have this thing that I have to read all the books in order. I already read “Girl Jacked – #1” and today I finished reading “Jack Knifed – #2”. You can see my review on “Girl Jacked ” on my Goodreads profile anyway, Jack Knifed book story starts with a call from a mental hospital where Jack’s mother Patricia Cole is a patient. She wants to see her son. Patty suffers from early Alzheimer’s and according to her doctor has moments of lucid when she remembers. Having Jack visit her, Patty begins to reveal her life and who Jack’s father was. Some of the clues don’t make sense at all. Another mystery for Jack Stratton!!!

This is a really good book I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next one. Who would read it? Anyone who enjoys a good story, but it’s not a complicated plot but does have the depth to the story so should keep you interested right to the end. I will be reading next novel name “Jacks are wild” by Mr. Greyson… Thank you to this amazing author, Christopher Greyson for writing an awesome novel series 😀

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Jerks at Work: How to Deal with People Problems and Problem People by Ken Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally, a book that honestly identifies and analyzes that prolific workplace species – the jerk. Organized by situation and topic, Jerks at Work presents the answers to at least 200 jerk-related questions from real-life readers that were originally published in author Ken Lloyd’s syndicated On the Job column. The book is psychologically sound, excruciatingly direct, extremely funny and, above all, actually helpful. Lloyd does a splendid job of covering all the bases and every kind of a jerk, from the boardroom to the mailroom. I highly recommend this book to everyone, because every company has at least one jerk.

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Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everyone needs to read this book to improve every relationship. Every page has “That makes sense” points that explain why men and women act the way they do.

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Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am only giving three stars because the author is my friend’s favorite novel author. The story is very chick flick type and very close to Twilight. Tbh, I never like Twilight movies. So needless to say, I am not going to read Book #1 Evermore or the next series Sorry Alyson!

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How Enlightenment Changes Your Brain: The New Science of Transformation by Andrew B. Newberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was very interested in reading a book about brain function before, during, after “enlightenment” activities.While there was some of that, certainly more than in most such books, I was disappointed.
There was much more about the enlightenment and what it means to the authors than about brain function when people are having spiritual kind of experiences.

For my objectives I would give it 2 stars, but I am giving it 3 because for most people it might be interesting

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Collecting the Dead by Spencer Kope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading this intriguing and unusual book. The main character, called Steps for a reason that the reader learns as the story goes along, has a special talent that makes him a human bloodhound. I wasn’t sure how this very not mainstream talent would play in the mainstream book at first, but it was almost perfect. The other characters were great too, some eclectic and some pretty normal. I have a feeling we will be learning more about each of the characters as we go along in the series. Well, what I assume will be a series! The writer seems to have a great sense of humor, and that fact that came out, even while tracking a serial killer. It made the pages fly by, instead of slogging slowly. I can’t wait to learn more about this trackers “gift”, and more about his family and friends. Even the small unimportant characters were interesting to read about… I actually had time to sit and finish this book once I got started, glad I did, I was finding it hard to put down. Highly recommended.

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child by Angela C. Mattke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most new parents adopt the parenting style that their own parents used (or the opposite of that, if it was bad). But you wouldn’t use tools from the last century to work on your car, would you? So why would you use outdated tools on your most precious resource, your child? This book is sensitively written, full of useful, current information, and centered always around the best interests of the child.

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Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which was recommended by a friend. I loved the characters and how it was written in the first person, by the main character, a young boy named Reuben. The descriptions of events and the underlying hope that this family has in the face of some horrible events kept me eager to get to the end to see how it would turn out. No spoiler alerts here. If you want a good and well-written novel, then I recommend you to read this book.

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Memory Power 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Learning for Students, Businesspeople, and Seniors by W.R. Klemm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is so much in this book for a first-time memory study and beginning ‘practicer’ like me that I copied a lot of notes and kept it where I can review the helpful tips frequently. I like this author writing style with a memory myth buster, examples etc.

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What Would MacGyver Do?: True Stories of Improvised Genius in Everyday Life by Brendan Vaughan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I am so despondent over this book. So little was anywhere close to the type of solutions that MacGyver would do; worst was that he wouldn’t have even participated in these stories. Too many stories dealt with morally questionable situations (how do you fake ID’s to get haram stuff, what can I do to get inebriated, how to fake out a girlfriend, etc.). Anyone that’s ever watched the show AND appreciated it knows that the whole catch to the character was that he would always fix a situation in a way that did NOT compromise his character, morals or ideals; even if it meant exposing himself to more jeopardy or making things harder to do. Best of all, he was a SCIENTIST, a lover of KNOWLEDGE, an environmentalist, and a trustworthy friend. The stories in this book have so little science and require so little imagination that you almost wonder why the authors didn’t succumb to Darwin’s theory earlier. After about a third of the book, I was so repulsed by the stories that I actually dreaded reading anymore. I did finish, but only because I did indeed pay for the book and hoped that somewhere in the proper spirit of Angus MacGyver, the author would find a solution for the dreck that he calls a book.

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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fantastic book and it probably took me an hour (tops) to read. For the win. Even though this book is a quick read, the sheer volume of encouraging and inspiring truth bombs makes me feel like it’s one that I could take a much longer time to study in-depth.

Some of my favorites are:

“You need to find a way to bring your body into your work.” Pg# 54
“If you have two or three real passions, don’t feel like you have to pick and choose between them.” Pg# 68
“When you open up your process and invite people in you learn.” Pg# 81
“Travel makes the world look new, and when the world looks new, our brains work harder.” Pg# 94
“If you ever find that you’re the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room.” Pg# 104
“Freedom from financial stress also means freedom in your art.” Pg# 123

The list goes on and on. He also mentions at the end of the book that you need to marry well. I can say that beyond a shadow of a doubt, you have to be careful who you marry. This book will provide inspiration, kick in the pants truth, and motivation for wherever you find yourself in life.

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Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author, as well as astronaut Scott Kelly, has so much to tell, and I enjoyed all of the details of life in space aboard the I.S.S., and life with Russian Cosmonauts and the Russian Space Federations’ role in getting pilots up to the I.S.S.

I have always been interested to find out about space programs, NASA activities, and in our astronauts. Seeing them taking off sends chills up and down my spine, along with a few prayers for their journey to space and returning back to planet earth. The moonwalk was incredible! What was missing for me was actual knowledge of what really happens in space when they are there.

Scott did an amazing job describing every aspect of being an astronaut, and how dangered involved. The book attracts my attention when I read the summary of the book in the back where it says that he was in space for a year and he provided an excellent description of that.

This story is amazing. More amazing when you remember that it is not science fiction but reality. If you are at all interested in space, this is an absolute must. If you are not interested in space you will still find this fascinating and thrilling. Scott Kelly is not a great narrator. That being said his straight forward reading suits the material and won me over.


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Animal Farm by George Orwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since we find ourselves again in the maras of Presidential politics, a book written 3/4 century ago will open your eyes in a way you simply cannot imagine. History has a funny way of repeating itself and while the powers that held control tried virtually everything to suppress this book, eventually it came to the light of day.

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The Light in the Heart by Roy T. Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished reading this book same day I got it. I really like the content a lot in this book. It’s a short book but It offers to the point positive thoughts. I did notice a spelling mistake (“wright” instead of “right”…I think Roy meant “right”…sorry if I’m incorrect). Based on the content, this author will learn from that and carry on. That is why I kept my 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone. My favorite part in the book is “Your life is happening right now”. This author is also on Twitter and offers frequent positive quotes with amazing art.

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Anger Management for Dummies by W. Doyle Gentry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I decided to tackle my anger…which I did not think I had a big problem but my good friends told me it was an issue. I use to let my anger build up and then blow up at the person several weeks later. This book is amazing! It gives you real insight as to where your anger comes from . Then it teaches you how to prevent the anger from building and techniques to use so it does not escalate. I refer back to this book when needed.

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What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seriously the author Jeff Jarvis is in love with Google like I am but Jeff is more like obsessed with Google. If Google was a person, Jeff will be the stalker. I believe this is a profound book about changes in the business world created by continued advancement of the information age. The book as I read it, really is not about Google, per se. Instead it is a thoughtful discussion as to how all kinds of businesses will be impacted by the forces on which Google has so brilliantly capitalized. Overall, “WWGD?” was a well thought out book that was easy to read. It probably would work best with people high school age and higher. A basic understanding of social media and the internet is necessary to fully appreciate “WWGD?”. A complete novice would most likely be a bit lost with some of the terms and phrases used throughout the book. The main takeaway is for companies to join conversations online and develop relationships with their customers. Ultimately, Jeff really just wants businesses to focus on the customers instead of themselves.

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The Rocksburg Railroad Murders by K.C. Constantine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mario Balzic is the chief of police in a small Pennsylvania town. He’s an oddball in that he doesn’t even carry a gun, usually. When a senseless murder occurs at the railroad station, and there are no witnesses, Mario must rely on his wits and knowledge of psychology to direct him to the likely killer. Constantine writes very realistic fiction. This is not a glamorous or exciting detective novel, compared to most detective novels. The small-town setting makes it different from most police procedural, also. All the dialogue seems very true-to-life, and the characters are drawn by someone who knows people. The story drew me in further and further as I read. One gets the feeling that Constantine himself must live in a small Pennsylvania town like Rocksburg, just to be able to bring this kind of local flavor to the dish. This is the place to start if you’re interested in this series, since it’s the first novel in the set.

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When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After finishing this book, i thought of my late father who died with cancer as well back in 2013. Dealing with the fact of death is unsettling. Yet there is no other way to live. This book’s tremendous impact comes from the obvious fact that Dr. Kalanithi was such a brilliant polymath. And part comes from the way he conveys what happened to him in the book of his life passionately working and striving, deferring gratification, waiting to live, learning to die – so well. None of it is maudlin. Nothing is exaggerated. As he wrote to a friend: “It’s just tragic enough and just imaginable enough.” And just important enough to be unmissable.

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Death Clutch: My Story of Determination, Domination, and Survival by Brock Lesnar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After done reading the book, I find out why he named his book “Death Clutch”. You can learn a lot from Brock who came out from farm in Dakota to Hollywood and become a rock star. I will definitely recommend this book to young youth to learn about his life and how Brock achieved everything what he wanted. When you start reading the book, you carried away and you want to learn everything about the person in the book. This book is that kind, you will not feel bored and you will learn a lot from this guy about life, how you should stick with your family and what you want to achieve in life.

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Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam M. Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finished the book in two days. Here is a big heads up, you going to read over 1000 times the word “original”. Although the book has some great advice and hope to read their other book “Give and Take”. The book was very easy to read obviously after I have rad “Absalom, Absalom”. Haha Anyway, do I recommend this book? Originally definitely Yes!! especially for some one whose looking into starting a business. Originals will help you, motivate you, inspire you to become successful entrepreneur.

P.S. Excellent book for IT entrepreneurs.

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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We had to read this for 9th grade history. This was difficult as it is about London and Paris and the events leading up to the french revolution. It is a good story line but somewhat confusing for an 8th soon to be 9th grader. If you don’t know the story (it was the best of times, it was the worst of times…) – people flee France to go to England. the storming of the Bastille begins the revolution. The main characters return to France in the midst of all of the executions. There is an ultimate sacrifice in the name of love and honor. Overall good read and I got A- in the quiz.

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Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, for pity’s sake, you know what Moby Dick is about. You hated it in school because somebody made you read it. You’re a grownup now so go read it again because you want to. It’s wonderfully written and it’s fun and it’s intensely interesting and you’ll meet some real characters, including a scary captain and the guy they named Starbucks after. This time you can skip the boring parts — there aren’t that many boring parts, honest. Based on a real whale, by the way.

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The End of Summer by Alex M. Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has got depth and lyricism. Read it for the poetry. If you get more out of it, all the better. My recommendation would be to read this book at least twice, the first time just to get accustomed to Faulkner’s use of language, and then another time to concentrate and focus more on the story itself. It can be difficult to get past his use of language and digest his meaning all in one sitting, but many of the scenes, themes and characters will remain in your mind for a long time. Definitely not for everyone, but if you have time, patience, and don’t mind being challenged, give this book a shot, you may love it.

Fun Fact: The Guinness Book of World Records says that the longest sentence in English literature is a 1,287-worder (2 ½ pages long) in Absalom, Absalom!

P.S. I am going to buy a copy of this book

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Windows 10 For Dummies by Andy Rathbone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Purchasing Windows 10 for Dummies was a worthwhile investment. I am no stranger to Microsoft Products and Operating Systems but I thought that a “How To” book might come in handy after down-loading Windows 10. The book is written for the Novice, the Casual User and even a Seasoned Veteran. If you want a desktop reference book I highly recommend Windows 10 for Dummies.

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Google SEO for Dummies by Akaahan Terungwa
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rad this ebook from internet from my friend’s laptop. Great tips and tricks about SEO. SEO is indeed a great tool to make your website pop up on 1st SERPs. It is not hard to learn but how to implement the tricks is in this ebook.

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Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My maternal aunt’s husband (Khalo in Urdu) Neseem present me this book. I just cannot express enough gratitude to the author Greg Mortenson for his humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. His accomplishments are a beacon light for humanity. As a Pakistani, I felt so much guilt that we attribute the ills of our country to the inefficiency of the government and the corrupt bureaucracy. It takes an American to teach us the lesson – that even one person can accomplish a lot, provided the intentions are true and sincere. Mortenson went on a course to change the destiny of a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas -a much neglected part of the earth. How he saved money to fulfill a promise to build a school in the remote village of Korphe, makes this story seem surreal. Mortenson’s humility, sheer passion, respect for traditions, sincerity and nobility make him more than human. He is the stuff that saints are made of. Mortenson’s relentless efforts in the face of utmost hardships are truly inspirational. He was never deterred by the stereotypes and misconceptions about the region that he had ventured into, even after his brush with the fundamentalist elements of the region in the form of `fatwas’ and kidnapping. His initial success propelled him on a mission that has expanded in the region and resulted in more than 50 schools. There are countless moments in the book that touched me so deeply that I felt invigorated to do something for this cause immediately. As long as there are people like Greg Mortenson, there is hope in this world. He has shown the world that the path to succeed is one that surpasses the political, ideological, cultural and religious divides. I also admire the courage and sacrifice of Tara Bishop, who shares the same ideals as her great husband.

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