The American Dream? by Shing Yin Khor ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

As a child growing up in Malaysia, Shing Yin Khor had two very different ideas of what “America” meant. The first looked a lot like Hollywood, full of beautiful people and sunlight and freeways. The second looked more like The Grapes of Wrath―a nightmare landscape filled with impoverished people, broken-down cars, barren landscapes, and broken dreams. This book chronicles Shing's solo journey (small adventure-dog included) along the iconic Route 66, beginning in Santa Monica and ending up Chicago. What begins as a road trip ends up as something more like a pilgrimage in search of an American landscape that seems forever shifting and forever out of place.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author
Shing Yin Khor is a cartoonist and installation artist exploring personal narrative, new human rituals, and collaborative worldbuilding through graphic memoir and large scale art structures, and creating comics at the intersection of race, gender, immigrant stories, and queerness. They make the road trip adventure comic Tiny Adventure Journal, the tender queer science fiction comic Center for Otherworld Science, and is also the author of The American Dream?. They live in Los Angeles.

Review: 

The American Dream? is a graphic memoir revolving around Shin Yin Khor, an immigrant from Malaysia. She had moved to Los Angeles and has been living in the city for over a decade. She wanted to learn more about America and the American dream with her trusty sidekick Bug the dog. What better way to find out all about America then going through all of Route 66? As she embarks on her journey visiting tiny towns and meeting all sorts of different people you really get a taste of what Route 66 would be like but just from a book. The memoir is full of little landmarks scattered throughout Route 66. I personally really enjoyed the book it’s great because it’s not just a big history lesson. Shin Yin Khor and her dog make it feel more like an epic journey and you just wanting to figure out what the next landmarks are going to be like.

Out of 5 this book gets a solid 4. I hope that everyone reading this will go out and pick up a copy of this book!

Review by Parker

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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War in My Town by E. Graziani ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

Teenaged Bruna's life is turned upside down when her small Italian village becomes the centre of fighting in the last months of the Second World War.

Bruna is the youngest of seven children, living an idyllic life in a small village in Italy in the 1940s. As the Second World War unfolds Bruna's life remains largely the same. By 1943, her biggest disappointment is that food rationing means there is no cake to celebrate her fourteenth birthday. The Italian leader Mussolini's allegiance to Hitler and the distant reports of fighting seem far away from their lives.

But when the Italian people turn against their fascist regime, war comes to their region. Bruna struggles to cope as Nazi soldiers descend to occupy their village, and she must help her mother and sisters stand up to the occupying soldiers. Her peaceful life is turned upside down by the fact that her beloved little village is now the centre of the final stage of fighting between the Allies and the Germans, the only front left defended by the Nazis in Italy.

Including photographs and maps, War In My Town is a true story based on the experiences of author E. Graziani's mother and her family.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

E. Graziani writes books for adults and teens. She is the author of Breaking Faith (Second Story Press), a contemporary fiction novel, most recently selected for the 'In the Margins' Book Award 2018 Recommended Fiction List, and one of Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, War in My Town (Second Story Press)--one of Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens and finalist in the Hamilton Arts Council 2016 Literary Awards for Best Non-Fiction. E. Graziani is also the author of 'Magenta' YA Urban/Sci-fi, women's fiction '6 Days in April' & new edition releases of 'Alice-The First 500' series Parts I&II coming in 2020! She resides in Canada with her husband and four daughters.

Author's Website.

Review: 

This is a middle school boarding on YA novel but I really feel that any age 10+ could read it and really enjoy it. I am not huge on historical novels but I have always enjoyed family stories. One thing I love about working with the elderly is when they tell stories when they were young. There is so much to learn from these stories that you won't learn else where. This novel is about a young girl (author's mother) who lived in a small Italian village during World War II. I also find it easier to learn about wars when it is coming from an individual that has lived it. Bruna's story is heart wrenching, scary and full of love and passion of a close knit family and village. The author has retold this story with great detail and I found myself hanging on every word to see how things would unfold with Hitler taking over this small village. I enjoyed how easy the story flowed and kept me engaged. I have recommended it to both of my children to read in the near future.

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5 and would definitely read more from this author.

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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Saving Buddy by Nicola Owst ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

'In my darkest hour, I reached for a hand and found your paw'

When Nicola found Buddy, abandoned and broken, she vowed to do all she could to help save him. What she didn't know at the time was that this little dog would in turn save her.

Monday morning, 27th April 2009.

The sat nav told us we'd reached our destination. The rain was pelting down, the kind that feels as if buckets of water are being chucked at the windscreen.

I'll never forget that day. The horror, fear and the uncertainty of what was to come are still etched on my memory. But I didn't know that in that moment, somewhere off the M1 in a place that seemed as unnerving as it was eerie, I would find something so precious that would change my life forever.

That was the day I discovered my Buddy, abandoned in a crate, unable to move and so frail that he only had moments to live. He stopped me in my tracks, and without pausing to think I scooped him up and quickly ran from the scene. This was no place for people or animals.

Slowly, as I learned to take care of this broken little dog, I began to realise with each new day that as I was saving him, he too was helping to free me from my past.

This is the story of Buddy and me: a remarkable true story of survival, hope, and never giving up, no matter how hard life gets.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 
Nicola Owst is a busy working Mum. She was born and brought up in Leicestershire and lives with her husband Jon and toddler son Toby. Together they love the outdoors and exploring the countryside with their beloved rescue dogs Buddy and Susie. This is her first book. Follow their adventures on Facebook: Buddy Dog - The Rescue Staffy

Review:
This book caught my attention right from the cute doggy picture on the front cover to the book synopsis. I have rescued my Buddy (or as we call him Budrick) about 4 years ago and more recently we adopted our beautiful Lachinia. We also open a spot in our house and our hearts for one rescue foster dog at a time. This is something I feel so strongly about and can't stand watching poor puppies suffer at a humans hands. I wish I rescue more at a time.

This book really resonated with me. I have been lucky that the couple dogs we have adopted came to us as they were not wanted anymore but no harm physically was done to them (that we are aware of), mentally I am sure they have went through tremendous hurt. Nicola has a heart of gold picking Buddy up and not worrying what might happen to her when she left the property with him. Fighting for Buddy to make a full recovery from his horrendous start in life. The bond and love that Buddy and Nicola share through their story is so heartwarming. Nicola shares her personal struggles in life and the joys, along with all the dog shows Buddy took part in. I don't know a lot about Staffies but that they are in the "bad" dog rep. espescially in Ontario Canada as we are not allowed any kind of Pit bull/Staffordshire Terrier or even a dog that resembles them. Unfortunately there have been a few dogs over the years that I wanted to adopt but can't because of the ban. I don't believe these dogs are bad and that some where breed for the wrong reasons.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars as it was a heartwarming story of love, companionship and survival. I did find the author over used telling us that Staffies are not mean dogs and that they can be trusted. A couple mentions would have sufficed. Overall I did enjoy this book and hope all the best for Buddy and Nicola as they both have been through a lot.

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *~

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The Journey Into Freedom by Jason Mahr - Book Review

Book Description:

"How Can I Overcome My Struggle?" 

This is the question that has been asked over and over again since Jason's TEDx Talk "Pornography Isn't Your Problem" was released in the summer of 2016. People from all over the world have contacted Jason seeking advice after viewing a talk that has been seen by millions. This book is the first step in the answer to that question. Jason shares his personal journey that led him to healing through shame-free relationships and essential life coaching.

Passionate about helping others overcome their personal constraints (it doesn't have to be porn), Jason shares with you how a broken spirit and humility can lead you to a place of identity that you never thought possible.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link

Australia: Australia Link

Brazil: Brazil Link

Canada: Canada Link

France: France Link

India: India Link

Italy: Italy Link

Japan: Japan Link

Netherlands: Netherlands Link

Mexico: Mexico Link

UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:

Twitter: Twitter Link

Author Website: Author Website Link

Author Bio:

My guess is that you found this page by watching my TEDx talk "Pornography Isn't Your Problem".  Since the release of my talk, life has changed dramatically.  I accepted a job as a youth pastor while continuing on the path of helping others overcome similar challenges in their lives.  Thank you for your encouraging notes!  I can't respond to them all, but I want you to know that it means a lot to me!  I'm excited for the future and the great things that are happening as a result of the popularity of my TED talk!

Book Review by Carmen:

This was a very quick read. It doesn't go into a lot of detail and touches lightly on basic things - that points a person in the right direction. I ended up giving this book a three star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Sojourn by Meghan McDonnell - Book Review

Book Description:

In Sojourn: Volume Eight of this existential and addictive real-life series, Meghan McDonnell travels to Western Europe for two months, loses a close family friend, and grapples with the meaning of creativity and life purpose. This is a deep dive in to the nature of existence, physicality, addiction, and redemption.

For 30 years, McDonnell has intimately chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily experiences and observations of family, social and romantic relationships, and the interior life coalesce in a commentary on facing passion and fear, embracing the light and dark, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid and provocative in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, profoundly surprising, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Joan Didion or Cheryl Strayed will enjoy this author.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:
USA: USA Link
Australia: Australia Link
Brazil: Brazil Link
Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
India: India Link
Italy: Italy Link
Japan: Japan Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: Twitter Link

Author Bio:

Meghan McDonnell was born and raised in Seattle, majored in English at Western Washington University, and lived in Los Angeles for four years. She has held countless day jobs and recorded her experiences in her journals. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends time outdoors, solves crossword puzzles, cleans her house, does yoga, skis, watches vapid and extraordinary TV and movies, pretends to garden, obsesses over true crime podcasts, and imagines what it would be like to be an FBI agent. She lives in Walla Walla with her husband and two cats.

Book Review by Carmen:
I quite enjoyed reading about all the trips that Meghan went on in this book; and that she appeared to be more involved with her friends. I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Onward by Meghan McDonnell - Book Review

Book Description:

In Onward: Volume Seven of this addictive and vicarious real-life series, Meghan McDonnell gets married in Las Vegas, copes with the unexpected death of a significant person in her life, supports her best friend through pregnancy and childbirth, and continues to reflect on family, friends, sense of place, and identity.

For 30 years, McDonnell has intimately chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily experiences and observations of family, social and romantic relationships, and the interior life coalesce in a commentary on facing passion and fear, embracing the light and dark, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid and provocative in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, profoundly surprising, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Joan Didion or Cheryl Strayed will enjoy this author.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link

Australia: Australia Link

Brazil: Brazil Link

Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
India: India Link
Italy: Italy Link
Japan: Japan Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: Twitter Link

Author Bio:

Meghan McDonnell was born and raised in Seattle, majored in English at Western Washington University, and lived in Los Angeles for four years. She has held countless day jobs and recorded her experiences in her journals. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends time outdoors, solves crossword puzzles, cleans her house, does yoga, skis, watches vapid and extraordinary TV and movies, pretends to garden, obsesses over true crime podcasts, and imagines what it would be like to be an FBI agent. She lives in Walla Walla with her husband and two cats.

Book Review by Carmen:
The first thing that I was so happy to read about was that Meghan had gotten engaged to Carson - though she still has her moments in this novella; where she's in her head a little bit too much or gets involved in other people's drama, and still struggles with bouts of depression. There's quite a bit that happens in this novella; I ended up giving this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Vespers by Meghan McDonnell - Book Review

Book Description:

In Vespers: Volume Six of this addictive and vicarious real-life series, Meghan McDonnell contends with a boyfriend in spiritual crisis, college, working in a bar, a trip to New York, and reflections on relationships with family and friends.

For 30 years, McDonnell has intimately chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily experiences and observations of family, social and romantic relationships, and the interior life coalesce in a commentary on facing passion and fear, embracing the light and dark, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid and provocative in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, profoundly surprising, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Joan Didion or Cheryl Strayed will enjoy this author.

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link
Australia: Australia Link
Brazil: Brazil Link
Canada: Canada Link
France: France Link
Germany: Germany Link
India: India Link
Italy: Italy Link
Japan: Japan Link
Mexico: Mexico Link
Netherlands: Netherlands Link
Spain: Spain Link
UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: Twitter Link

Author Bio:

Meghan McDonnell was born and raised in Seattle, majored in English at Western Washington University, and lived in Los Angeles for four years. She has held countless day jobs and recorded her experiences in her journals. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends time outdoors, solves crossword puzzles, cleans her house, does yoga, skis, watches vapid and extraordinary TV and movies, pretends to garden, obsesses over true crime podcasts, and imagines what it would be like to be an FBI agent. She lives in Walla Walla with her husband and two cats.

Book Review by Carmen:
The author is pretty intense at times in this novel and has a lot of thoughts going around in her head. At first Charlie seemed a bit dodgy, but as you read on in the book he seems to get a little bit better. I gave this book a four star review and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Libido Reboot: A Widow's Sexual Journey by L. A. Maria ~ Audiobook Review

Book Description: 

Libido Reboot: A Widow's Sexual Journey is a true story about the sexual reawakening of a woman after several years of celibacy following the death of her husband. It is an honest account of her search for sexual gratification gained through sex toys, escort services, and online hookup and dating sites. Her experience led her to believe that others, in particular, baby boomers, could learn and be inspired by her journey. This timely book provides excellent relationship advice designed to help both men and women ultimately discover how good sex and intimacy is for their health and well-being.

Purchase a copy on Audible. 

Review: 

This is not an erotica but more a memoir of a lady in her 50's that would like to share her experiences for others to learn from. It could be for both men and women but not for the young as the author tells us in the beginning of the book. I am only 35 and my husband is 47, I found that I enjoyed hearing about how the author explored her sexual needs after her libido came rushing back about five years after her husband of 40+ yrs passed away. The author had only been with one man in her life and realized how "vanilla" their love life was. She had many different experiences that she shares with her readers from getting a play toy to hiring an escort to fulfill her needs. 

It's a quick audiobook which was great for my drive to and from work one night. Something different to listen to as I have been really only reading thrillers/crime novels and health audiobooks and podcasts. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5. The narrator also did a great job on keeping my interest without being mono-toned or slow. 


~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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A Fathers Legacy by Mohammed Bukar ~ Book Review

A Father's Legacy

Dec 1, 2015

by Mohammed Bukar

This book is the fascinating true-life story of a father who had no western education yet strived so hard to ensure that his children got the education which he so much desired but never obtained. It also captures the inspiring account of how a child abused by foster parents turned out to be an award winning lecturer. “The book has been crafted in such a manner that, whoever picks it to read will not put it down until he/she has gone through it, cover to cover. This is so because each page is ‘spiced’ with words of wisdom, proverbs, advice and how Nigeria ‘works’…… It is both a fruitful source of inspiration as well as a book of ‘lessons’ to everybody.” Professor Abdullahi Mahadi, CON Former Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and President, The Mahadi Foundation “I have gone through your book and I must confess that I am highly impressed and very appreciative of your contributions to humanity. Your reading habit, knowledge and experience as epitomized in this book are, to say the least, fantastic.” Abubakar B. Jauro, OON Retired Federal Permanent Secretary & Former Secretary-INEC “Well written, entertaining and interesting autobiography…” Editor’s comment THE AUTHOR Dr. Mohammed Bukar, an associate professor, with the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, started his academic career in October 2007. He got two accelerated promotions, first to senior lecturer in 2009 and to associate professor in 2011. He had his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe. He is a prolific writer with over seventy publications in peer-reviewed local and international journals. Among the awards he has received are: NYSC state merit award, Kogi State 1997; best senior staff award in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre Gombe, 2004; favourite lecturer award, MBBS/BDS graduating class of 2010, University of Maiduguri; best lecturer award MBBS/BDS graduating class of 2011, University of Maiduguri; Outstanding lecturer award, MBBS/BDS graduating class of 2014, University of Maiduguri. He is at present a Member of the Faculty board and examiner in Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He is also the deputy provost, clinical, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri. Dr. Mohammed Bukar is the author of Recipe for Successful Residency Training.

Paperback: 364 pages

Publisher: Reach Publishers (December 1, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0620647485

ISBN-13: 978-0620647489

Paperback

Book Review (Kris)

A Father's Legacy depicts the journey of Mohammed and his unique life in Nigeria. As a child he endured physical stress from a family that fostered him.  He became very ill, leading to academic setbacks.  His persistence eventually lead him to further success.  His parents played a key role in researching and  helping their son graduate college.  Many other people sponsored Mohammed, and he was very grateful. Financial institutions, and the culture are very different.  Eventually he was able to help others along the way.  He provided medical aide and modern medicine.  His childhood experiences molded his legacy and success.  I realized I am very thankful for all the modern conveniences we use daily.  I give this book three stars.  Thank you for sharing your story.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kris

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Just Another Number by Maggie Young ~ Book Review

Book Description:

Just Another Number is a memoir structured by the first 23 men I had sex with. It's about how American society curbs women to validate themselves by men. Through my lovers, I relive all the shit I got myself into because of that. The book paints a gritty portrait of a Tennessee teen who- in the midst of bulimia and meth abuse- joins the Navy.

Just Another Number hops through the various shades of chauvinism in the conservative Bible Belt, the male dominated military, and the superficiality of southern California. My story is littered with hypocritical Christians, brainwashed warriors, deadbeat band guys, and the spoiled, cocaine snorting trust fund offspring of California's elite. It also entails eating disorders, drug cultures, social media, and of course, military corruption. Although the memoir harbors the darkness and tragedies of my stories, it is packed full of raunchy, satirical humor. Just Another Number dips into the gritty, humiliating aspects of sex from bodily functions to cringe-worthy one-night stands.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

As a troubled teenager, Maggie Young left her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee for the United States Navy. Stationed on the USS Higgins out of San Diego, she got into all sorts of documentary-worthy shenanigans. After a platonic, financially driven marriage, an NCIS investigation, a few wild port visits, and some turbulent affairs, she traded the Navy's ranks for UC Berkeley. After graduation, she backpacked Europe, was a television reporter in Alaska, and eventually hit a quarter life crisis that will be documented in her next book, My Dilemma. Maggie has been published several times in the San Diego Weekly Reader, including two cover stories. Her mission is to expose corruption through a memoir's emotional authenticity. Although she's covers an array of topics, her main focus is sex-positive feminism.

Maggie is currently based in Seattle.Visit Maggie on here Website. 

Book Review (Kris):

Just Another Number by Maggie Young is not for the reserved. I was a bit shy, relating to Maggie. Maggie is a Tennessee southern bell freaking free, and breaking all the rules. It's a woman's view of taking charge in a mans world! Rebellious! Being a woman, yet acting like a man. Maggie's Navy tour eventually breaks all of her personal and professional expectations. Full of sexual encounters, and sensual escapades. The numbers represent her growth from teen to woman, as she labels and vividly describes each man along the way. She gender switches roles. Treating men as eye candy, and using them as toys. Not sugar-coating what she desires, causing controversial views of a woman's role. Southern bell and feminism have to learn how to meet in the middle. This story is very erotic, and flows well. I tend to be a bit more reserved. Maggie's underlying desire stems from a poor body image her step father gave her. She seems to constantly replenish one high for another. I sympathize with her need to get better and stronger. I give this three stars. Good solid flow, strong tastes of man, good characters, and loved reading about different places. The romance and explicit descriptive language is a bit much for my .

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Kris)

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