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What are the five temptations?
By: Joann Rolle
Tags: Book Recommendations, Book Review, Books And Authors, Books

I was in between reads… meaning I was not ready to start a major book… the last one was 324 pages. I reviewed my Audible downloads and found The Five Temptations was under 2 hours of reading time. I was just about to take a nap when I started playing the recorded book…. it was an engaging journey.

The storytelling device of a fable with fantasy-like avatars playing the role of the sage guide and the sleeping hero was spellbinding… I couldn’t sleep… I kept listening. In the end, I was rewarded with an end-of-lesson masterclass by the author. While I am not sure I would give the content 5 stars… I can honestly say the story is well worth the read for everyone who would like to reflect on what their best work and best self can evolve to with others.

As we close an unprecedented 2020 and consider how to enter the uncertainty of 2021 with caution yet planned forward movement, we may be well-served by nurturing our internal heroes while we prepare to engage the world beyond. The five temptations of a CEO is a great device to help us start a new chapter in a new year.
Classic books everyone should read
Tags: Book Suggestions, Book Recommendations, Literature, Books, Classic Books

The greatest books are defined as classics. A classic is a perfect example of something which is everlasting and of high quality. A classic book is a book which stood the test of time and people are still reading and rereading it even after a hundred years.

There are a lot of classic novels out there. Here are some recommendations of classic books you must read.

1. Pride and Prejudice.

‘ Pride and Prejudice’ is a book by Jane Austen. It is a romantic novel but has so much more than a love story. It is a family comedy. This book is full of humour and wit. Austen has written about the family dynamics so well. Even if you are not a big romance lover, you will love reading this book because there is so much more to the book than just romance. The writing, plot, characters, are all so incredibly done. It is a fantastic read.

2. The Great Gatsby.

‘ The Great Gatsby’ is a novella written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This book explores the decadence of the Jazz Age. This is a story about the life and tragedy of a self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby narrated by Nick Carraway. This book gives a timeless insight into human nature. It also shows how failure can lead to success. It is said that there is no bigger read than this, in American Literature.

3. Animal Farm.

‘ Animal Farm’ is an allegorical novella by George Orwell. This fable reflects events leading upto the Russian Revolution of 1917. This is a wonderful book. It is a short, amazing, and on-point read. It finds relevance even in the present-day world. This book is a must-read.

4. Jane Eyre.

‘ Jane Eyre’ is a book by Charlotte Brontë. This book is a story of Jane, a plain and simple girl who battles through life’s struggles. The story has everything — romance, mystery, and murder. This book is so well written. The novel has every quality needed in a story. It is a story that everyone should read and will definitely enjoy.

5. 1984 .

‘ 1984 ‘ is a novel by George Orwell. It is one of the most iconic dystopian fiction. Though this book was written years ago, it is so relevant today. This book will literally change the way you view society. It will open your mind and make you question a hundred things. This is a great classic and a must-read for all.
Six Engrossing Winter Reads + One To Look Forward To
By: Karen Sherman
Tags: Books And Authors, Book Recommendations, Books

2020 is drawing to a close and not a moment too soon! I know we’re all ready to put this challenging and painful year behind us.

If you’re looking for some good reads to add light and interest to the winter months ahead, I’m pleased to share these six books I read recently and loved. All of these would make great gifts if you’re scrambling for good, last-minute ideas for anyone on your list.

And, ahem, please don’t forget that Brick By Brick is also available in hardcover, ebook and audiobook if you’re looking for holiday gifts or winter reads. My publisher is offering 30% off copies using this code at checkout: RLFANDF30. And although stock is sold out at some retailers, you can still buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books a Million.

Coates, Noah, Obama, Larson, Gladwell and Power offer six excellent reads for the winter months ahead.

Coming in February 2021!

I’ll leave you with a heads up that best-selling author, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon’s new book, The Daughters of Kobani is coming out on February 16, 2021. Gayle is an amazing writer and storyteller who brings women’s voices and courageous lives to the forefront. The Daughters of Kobani is one of Oprah Magazine’s most anticipated books of 2021. I would be excited to read it even if Gayle had not said such nice things about Brick By Brick :)
Let the Children Come: The Life of George Müller by Tom Fay — HeyitsCarlyRae
By: Carly-Rae London
Tags: Reading, Book Recommendations

Let the Children Come: The Life of George Müller by Tom Fay Review

George Müller didn’t grow up as a Christian, and he wasn’t on the right path. He faced misdemeanors and dishonesty. His mom died when he was little, and his father, who had little interest in him, gave up on him. George didn’t get turned around until his best friend became Christian. Then, everything seemed to change for George.

This book takes us on a historical account of the Christian who saved thousands of orphans, offering them a haven, education, and a relationship with Christ. Even though George got put on the right path, his life still had suffering and loss. However, despite it, all George remained a man with unwavering faith, holding confidence within the Lord to carry out His will.

Let the Children Come: The Life of George Müller will make you laugh and cry, as well as take you on a tale of miracles and meanings. George Müller touched the lives of millions, and his story is one history will not soon forget.

This book is a Christian historical fiction novel. It was a great change-up in my reading and made me stop and stand in awe of what George Müller overcome as a person and what he did during his life. His unwavering faith is admirable, and I think Tome Fay did a fantastic job writing this novel. He captured the timeframe, a voice, and most of all, a story. He brings us, readers, into this story. I enjoyed how much I not only learned but how much stayed with me even after I finished the book.

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After graduating from the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music with honors in theology, Tom began to feel a calling on his life to move into the ministry. He moved to sunny San Diego, California, where he entered the pastorate and founded the Southern California Bible College. He then entered into the business world, making and losing and making fortunes as an entrepreneur in everything from real estate to telecommunications. In 2016, he graduated from Fuller Seminary with a Master of Arts in Global Leadership. Though he found ministry work to be incredibly fulfilling, he loved storytelling and sharing his experiences with others, which is what led him to become an author.



Now a student at Duke University, as he works towards his Doctor of Ministry degree, Tom aspires to lead an authentic, challenge-filled life. When he isn’t writing, studying, or spending time with his wife, family, and friends, he enjoys sailing, traveling, and hiking.



To learn more about Tom, visit him online at tomfayauthor.com. You can also follow the author on: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.



Or reach out to him via email at tom@tomfayauthor.com

Order your copy on Amazon!

Have you read this novel? Want to get your book feature? Contact me! Also, don’t forget to check out my feature on Feedspot’s Top 100 YA Book Blogs!

Note: Author provided book, author bio, and author photo along with parts of the blurb.

(Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review. Paid Promotion.)
How to Detox, Declutter & Dominate
By: Joann Rolle
Tags: Book Recommendations, Book Review, Books And Authors, Books

I purchased the book in hardcopy which is the only format it is offered, I rarely read hardcopy anymore… it took me over a month to pick the book up… but when I did… it was a quick read. At $10 and 36 pages one would ask the obvious question — is it worth it.

Yes — even at the high price point for the number of pages, I found the book to have value. Many authors stretch the word count but do not deliver any new information. What I appreciated about the book was it told multiple stories of successful venture launch strategy by using both narrative and illustration.

I enjoyed the storytelling so much that I purchased an additional book and sent the copy to one of my former students who wrote a similar book.

The only thing I did not like was the up-sell to other services. If you have some extra reading time during the holidays, Detox, Declutter, and Dominate may give you a high rate of return on your reading investment.
Reading list 2020
By: Diego Schmunis
Tags: Reading, Book Recommendations, Readinglist, Books

Twenty-Twenty! W-H-A-T A Y-E-A-R!!!

To say that this was a challenging year is an understatement. I don’t think I’ve ever been more happy and thrilled for a year to have gone by, or more excited and hopeful for a new year to commence.

I know that this was an extremely difficult, hard, long, painful, scary, sad, devastating and deadly year for so many, here in the US and around the world. I wish I could take some of this darkness away.

Compared to the challenges and sacrifices that so many others had to face and overcome - this year for me and my family was but a small inconvenience. I’m grateful to have a job, a house, food, my health and that of my family, family members and good friends still with us, and the opportunity to wake up tomorrow with a sense of hope and ready to live another day.

Let’s work to make 2021 a better year for all of us around the world. More calm, mindful and peaceful. Loving and caring. Respectful and welcoming. Accepted and accepting. More united.

Amazon Links:

The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You’re Not by John Vorhaus

Death’s End (The Three-Body Problem Series Book 3) by Cixin Liu

The Dark Forest (The Three-Body Problem Series Book 2) by Cixin Liu

The Three-Body Problem (The Three-Body Problem Series Book 1) by Cixin Liu

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by David Graeber

Science Fiction and Philosophy: From Time Travel to Superintelligence by Susan Schneider

The Big Disruption by Jessica Powell

The Prestige by Christopher Priest

Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong by Eric Barker

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown

Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries by Safi Bahcall

The Team that Managed Itself: A Story of Leadership by Christina Wodtke

Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope (The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It: The Results-Only Revolution by Cali Ressler

Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction by Derek Thompson

Life After Google: The Fall of Big Data and the Rise of the Blockchain Economy by George Gilder

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell by Eric Schmidt

Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal

What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture by Ben Horowitz

The Only Skill that Matters: The Proven Methodology to Read Faster, Remember More, and Become a SuperLearner by Jonathan A. Levi

The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher’s Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient by William B. Irvine

Here’s to a better, happier, healthier, inspiring, awake, alive and united 2021!

D.
A Splendid Ruin : By — Megan Chance — GoBookMart
By: Gobookmart Review
Tags: Book Recommendations, Book Review, A Splendid Ruin, Books

A Splendid Ruin : By — Megan Chance

By — Megan Chance

A Splendid Ruin is a historical novel set in San Francisco in the early 1900s and it has so many things to like about. Megan Chance tells a good story tending to remind one of something, for me at least, certainly the works by authors such as Howard Fast and Jeffrey Archer.

May Kimble lives with her mom in Brooklyn who has little money but she has demanded raising May to acknowledge the better things in life. May and her mom worked sincerely and rely upon one another. At the point when May’s mom died, May is all alone and without any prospects working as a “shop girl.” But then she gets a letter from her rich, amazing, and socially associated auntie and uncle in San Francisco welcoming her to come live with them and their beautiful daughter. Overnight, May’s life is changed. Presently she has the cash, companions, and position in the public eye that represent the perfect example of the late nineteenth/mid twentieth century “American Dream.” But everything isn’t as it appears and soon May’s life will again change radically.

As far as I might be concerned, the best component of the novel is its plot. Generally, it kept me connected with; and furthermore speculating. There were various surprises I didn’t see coming. Also, no, those surprises didn’t “emerge from left field.” I thought Ms. Chance worked superbly of establishing the framework for them. What’s more, there are various scenes I discovered highly absorbing, even, enchanting. All things considered, Ms. Chance kept me turning the pages.

But, I likewise discovered issues with the writing, especially initially-which is terrible since that is the place where readers choose whether or not to continue. A few sections are excessively florid, others dull, others sensational, and others intelligently conflicting-all of which had the impact of tossing me out of the story — time to time.

Furthermore, I think Ms. Chance might have made a superior showing with the historical backdrop of San Francisco: how and why it developed and became important to California and the country; and how and why San Francisco society created-what the families in the public eye achieved to arrive at their magnified status. I discovered her treatment of society and the rich to some degree simple, and her message about them fairly conflicting and hazy. Still, I was entertained for the most part and I think others will be too.
Rising from the Ashes
By: Lakshmi Mitter
Tags: Science Fiction, Teenagers, Book Recommendations, Read, Childrens Books

Rising from the Ashes

Source: Amazon

About the book

What would be a fool proof plan to move humanity to Mars, should the need ever rise? First on the list would be oxygen to breathe, food to eat and clean drinking water. What if robots could lay out a habitable settlement in Mars, before humanity shifts to Mars? Akshara Uppuluri in her debut novel, Rising From The Ashes tells the readers a compelling story about great plans on paper having gone awry. Humankind’s worst fear has come true. The robots turn against the humans. What follows is a brutal war. Humankind wins the war but not without succumbing to immense loss of human lives. Governments want to look forward, putting away any remnants of the past and keep more diligent track of any signs of trouble. However, Lyra, a teenage girl, finds herself in shoes that are too large to fill. Brooke, Lyra’s mother is a scientist who hasn’t lost her her faith in the future of robotics, although she has lost her husband in the war. She stays hidden working hard to prove the world wrong, while Lyra bears the brunt of it all patiently.

Brooke is now close to a breakthrough. In a twist of fate, however, the government is on to her. A series of events follow which throws their lives into a spiral.

Review

The plot is a simple one but held together with strong relationships and powerful emotions, that are bound to draw a reader into the story.

There is never a dull moment in the story. The story moves at a good pace all the time making sure that the reader is on an edge.

As the story moves, the reader gets a glimpse of the protagonist’s mind at ever turn which makes it easier to develop a connection and even some empathy towards the protagonist in the story- Lyra.

Pick up your copy on Amazon: Rising From the Ashes by Akshara Uppuluri
Top Reads of 2020
By: Fox Auslander
Tags: Book Review, Review, Book Recommendations, Poetry, Transgender

Ghost Of — Diana Khoi Nguyen (Omnidawn, 2018)

Finalist for the National Book Award

Summary: Nguyen explores the spaces left by her brother’s suicide.

Review: To call Ghost Of a “haunting” is a cop-out, and yet it undeniably lingers. Nguyen’s sonically captivating refrains (“I am glad that you are dead, I am glad that you are / glad that you are I am glad that you are”) and hybrid triptychs pull the reader under memories and dreamscapes, through noticeably mangled family photographs and recollections of war.

Ghost Of considers how to mourn those who cause us pain. While I never expected Nguyen to provide a universal answer, she weaves a poignant narrative of her own ache. Favorite poem: “Triptych” (pages 49–51).

Purchase Ghost Of ($17.95) here.

METEORITES — S. Brook Corfman (Double Cross Press, 2018)

Summary: Through the figure of the impending meteor, Corfman reflects on the violence of non-binary existence and oncoming ecological collapse.

Review: In this beautifully pressed prose poetry collection, Corfman flits seamlessly between living rooms and cafes, astrology and Sailor Moon allusions, shoulder blades and online quizzes. Each card contains one complete poem, to be reshuffled and re-experienced in any way the reader might choose. I enjoyed the option to reformat and recontextualize the narrative structure, though it retains the same core questions.

What does it mean to hold dysphoria in your hands? How does non-binary existence disrupt the space it occupies, or repression drown the body from the inside? These poems glimpse into a world slightly skewed on its axis and hold us in it. Favorite poem: “Walking through my apartment I heard…”

Purchase METEORITES ($10) here.

I Don’t Write About Race — June Gehringer (Civil Coping Mechanisms, 2018)

Summary: Gehringer explores the ways in which living as a mixed-race, mentally ill transgender woman contribute to her growing isolation.

Review: I Don’t Write About Race reads like a glimpse into Gehringer’s Notes app. The pages between her longer poems are populated by untitled bursts of depression and a painful yearning for past intimacy. However, her poems portray so much more than pain, wryly reflecting on Gehringer’s mental health (“i’ll tell you how I became the prince / of a town called / clinical depression”) or concluding on notes of hope (“I love this life. / I swear I do.”). I Don’t Write About Race is an evergreen reminder that we are not alone in our loneliness, a message necessary now more than ever.

Favorite poem: “Anxiety is a house where I live with my hot amazing friends.”

Purchase I Don’t Write About Race ($15.95) here.

SPORAZINE: Issue #1 (Edited by Ava September Hoffman, April 2020)

Summary: A journal of experimental literature written by trans people.

Review: A full review and purchase link can be found here.

Full list of poetry chapbooks, zines, and other collections read in 2020.
A Lit Prof’s Guide for Every Personality on Your Gift List
By: Dr. Lilith Acadia
Tags: Gift Guide, Gift Ideas, Book Recommendations, Literature, Books

From the eccentric characters to the vague acquaintances, here are seven new books from 2020 to please or appease everyone on your list. Besides, a book is the easiest gift to wrap, ship, and enhance a zoom background.

For the…

Bibliophile, or the friend you think should be a bibliophile:

I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf by Grant Snyder

Budding Activist, or the news junkie who thinks they know how the whole world works:

Young Mongols: Forging Democracy in the Wild, Wild East by Aubrey Menard

Seasoned Activist, or the friend flooding your social media feeds with BLM / feminist / democracy / history content:

Inventing Equality: Reconstructing the Constitution in the Aftermath of the Civil War by Michael A. Bellesiles

Wistfully wanderlustful, or anyone who has dated a Desi:

Mother Land by Leah Franqui

Cute Kid, or the parents of an overly inquisitive elementary student:

The Magnificent Makers series by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown

Militant atheist, or neighbor who talks to you about Evangelical infiltration of US politics:

Passing Orders: Demonology and Sovereignty in American Spiritual Warfare by S. Jonathon O’Donnell

Critical theory professor, or 20-something wannabe-philosopher:

On Universals: Constructing and Deconstructing Community by Étienne Balibar, translated by Joshua David Jordan

Everyone else:

Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley
My Sister, the Serial Killer. My Sister, the Serial Killer
By: Mr.M, Muthu Raja
Tags: Psychological Thriller, Book Recommendations, Books, Book Review, Fiction

Book Review

My Sister, the Serial Killer

Goodreads Image

“The most loving parents and relatives commit murder with smiles on their faces. They force us to destroy the person we really are: a subtle kind of murder.”

Synopsis

Korede, a nurse who dares to do anything for her family, struggles to protect her sister Ayoola — a serial killer. Ayoola has the obsession of making guys fall in love with her and end up killing them. The real problem arrives when Ayoola and Tade (Korede’s long-term love) starts dating. Korede has to decide between her love and her sister. Will she be able to save him? Did Ayoola get caught? What is her haunting past that drove her a serial killer?

Insights

This book is a short and fun read; could be completed in one sitting. The narrative is from Korede’s perspective, which did justice in capturing her unbalanced emotions and dilemma. She is the alpha, takes responsibility for her actions, protects her sister by any means necessary — that was the sole reason the readers view her as a protagonist, while actually, she is morally corrupt.

Ayoola in Korede’s view, the most annoying, yet beautiful girl — with a don’t care attitude. She kills, never remorse, and moves onto the next target. This book has done a neat job on how to establish a character from a person’s perspective. The story moves with short bursts of flashback and their abusive life with their father. The psychological touch to the story is elegant on how an abusive parent could affect a child’s life and society.

Not much character development apart from Korede. Most of the characters are imperfect, malfunctioned in Korede’s perspective, and we could relate from her narrative. No major twists, the climax is different but felt incomplete. This book had justice to the genre by keeping the plot short.

A neat psychological thriller with an open ending.

Pros: Brief plot, Well-defined main character, Psychological premise on child abuse.

Cons: Open ending climax arise mixed feelings.
The Best Nonfiction Books I Read in 2020
By: Joe Forrest
Tags: Reading, Best Of 2020, Book Recommendations, Books, Nonfiction

10

Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic — David Quammen

In order to be better informed about one of the major headlines of 2020, I read several books on viruses and infectious diseases this year (The Hot Zone, The Great Influenza, Deadliest Enemy, Pale Rider, etc), but Spillover proved to be the most comprehensive, educational, and flat-out chilling look at how totally unprepared we are for what the future has in store for us. Read this book, and you’ll instantly know more about viruses and pandemics than about 95% of the general population — which really would’ve served us well this year.

Divided into nine sections, Spillover explores the methods by which some diseases naturally cross (or “spillover”) from animals to humans and wreak havoc in our society. This issue is particularly relevant and consequential as nearly all of our major diseases and pandemics (SARS, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Influenza, malaria, and, yes, COVID-19) are a direct result of spillover events. Though written in 2013, author David Quammen spends several eerily prescient chapters speculating on where a novel flu-like virus would originate, how it would spread across the globe, and the ways in which the United States (and, to a larger extent, the world) would not be prepared for the eventuality. And, with the hindsight 2020 affords, it just makes it all the more frustrating knowing most of our elected officials seemed to rely on magical thinking more than hard science to fight our current pandemic.
Coraline : By — Neil Gaiman — GoBookMart
By: Gobookmart Review
Tags: Neil Gaiman, Book Recommendations, Books, Coraline, Book Review

Coraline : By — Neil Gaiman

By — Neil Gaiman

Coraline, this book is fundamentally Written for middle grade students. So, at no point ever had I envisioned that a book written for middle grade students can likewise creep me out. But we should never underestimate the writing style of Neil Gaiman and his story telling capacity. He’s a awesome. I completed this book yesterday however even now I can’t quit thinking Coraline. That itself talks a ton, doesn’t it?

“Being brave means, you are scared, but you select to act anyway. Being brave does not mean you are not scared.” These 2 lines can summarize the topic of “Coraline”.

Coraline like exploring. Her new home is loaded up with secrets. Her neighbours are strange. But then one fine day, something calls her through the door that opens into only a wall. Coraline walked through the door which unexpectedly changes into a way and opens up into her another home where her other mother and father are waiting for her to go along with them. Her different parents need her to remain with them forever, for Coraline is excessively adventurous and clever for the real world to take in.

Coraline discovers things off-putting and chooses to wander once again into the reality where she initially has a place. Things get disturbed when she discovers her own parents missing. Her other mother has captured her genuine parents for she love Coraline and needs her to remain with them. However, things are not as simple as the other mother believes it to be. Coraline is a fearless young girl who is consistently up for difficulties. Coraline will fight back, regardless of how awful things end up.

I cherished this book. The dreamland where Coraline walked in, is engaging and appalling simultaneously and did I notice how breathtakingly bold Coraline is? Adults like me should take lessons from her. If at any time there is one fictional character whom I will choose to be my closest companion, it would be Coraline.
Book Review: 99 Days
Tags: Youngadult, Book Recommendations, Books, Young Adult Fiction, Book Review

Cover Image for 99 Days by Katie Cotugno

Author: Katie Cotugno

Genre: Y/A Contemporary Romance

Pages/Words: 372 Pgs

Characters: Molly Barlow (The hated girl in town), Gabe Donelly (Boyfriend, one of the Donelly brothers), Patrick Donelly (ex boyfriend, one of the Donelly brothers)

Plot: Molly is the hated girl in town because she was caught up with the Donelly brothers and her mother wrote a bestselling book about it.

My Rating: 2/5 Stars

My Review: Definitely not a happy book. The main character is super complicated and repeatedly makes the same mistakes that landed her in the problem to begin with. This book was incredibly frustrating for the reader and made it hard to like the main character. Would NOT reread.

Other books by Katie: How to Love*, You Say it First, Top Ten, 9 Days and 9 Nights, Fireworks

Source: Physical Copy
A Review of The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
By: Blake Wallace
Tags: Taoism, Self Improvement, Book Recommendations, Books, Book Review

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff is a quirky, fun, and enjoyable way of explaining complex philosophical principles through the use of what is originally a children’s story. Although not intentional by any foundational thinkers of Taoism, quite a few parallels present themselves in any Winnie the Pooh story. Benjamin Hoff, the author, cites a number of stories, whether that be the time Eeyore got stuck in the river or the time that Owl’s house was blown over. In every story, there is a lesson to be drawn on and applied with Taoist thinking, with every lesson leading back to Pooh and the philosophy that he unwittingly practices every day. For Pooh, most of life revolves around the moment to moment interactions that he experiences, with nearly nothing being extensively planned out. Sure, as in the case of Pooh giving a gift to Eeyore on his birthday showed, Pooh does think ahead in the relative near future. However, when hunger takes over and the honey is eaten, it is simply an acceptance of what has happened and a change to what is now the current situation. No matter what the circumstances are at hand, Pooh will find a way to exist within them.

To borrow directly from the description of the book as found on Amazon, it is described as; “While Eeyore frets, and Piglet hesitates, and Rabbit calculates, and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is”. I borrow directly from the description as I believe nothing can better suit what the function of the book is. Throughout the various ideas described in the books, an emphasis is always on Pooh simply being there. His philosophy in the world is the exact personification (as personified as a cartoon bear can be) of Taoism in action.

The complexities of Taoism is not lost in the story, however, as often Pooh or any other character will not understand something in the same way the reader is not either. However, Benjamin Hoff ensures that the reader does not feel alone. It is not important to understand the intricacies of the uncarved block or to know how Taoism would handle every day modern stresses. A few very simple lessons can be learned from The Tao of Pooh that needn’t be complicated by any more questions on the topic.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a novel written by Mohsin Hamid that illustrates the difference in…
Tags: Stories And Culture, Book Recommendations, Books, Books And Authors, Book Review

The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a novel written by Mohsin Hamid that illustrates the difference in life between Asians and Americans. He mostly tells us about the gap between the two cultures which cannot be filled. Hamid narrates the story of a young man named Changez who goes to America to find more opportunities. Although he got a good job and fell in love with a young American girl Erica. But, his American dream is not realized. The two of the lovers never accepted each other wholeheartedly. Neither the American society embraced him openly but kept him under suspicion all the time. Finally, the young man returns to his homeland, with a broken heart and disillusioned by the American perspective of Muslims.
Up with Dogs!
By: Ira Lee White
Tags: Book Recommendations, Dogs, Books

Nutmeg

BJ

Up with Dogs!

Do you have a dog? I have had one most of the years of my life. They have always been great companions and at times protectors. My last dog, Pearl, was quite the pup. She was half Rottweiler and one quarter poodle and Afghan. She only bit one person and that person was about to deliver a haymaker to my face. But she grabbed him by the calf of the leg and pulled him down with his punch still hanging in midair.

The dogs I have now are pictured above. One chose me while I was at a shelter looking for a pup. That’s the big one, Nutmeg. The little one, BJ, belonged to a friend who passed, and I took him in. BJ is a bichon frise, bread to sit on the laps of kings and queens. Nutmeg is a combination of bird dog, ridgeback, German shepherd, Rottweiler, and golden retriever. They are both characters who bring me hours of joy and lots of work cleaning up the floors when it’s raining outside.

My dogs always have at least one trait in common: they are spoiled beyond belief. I take them on walks and they are my road traveling buddies when I go on an adventure. I make sure they have all they need to keep them happy and healthy, although the big one is difficult to fill up. She could take out the meat counter at the local market and still be looking for more! But I disappoint her often so she will keep her puppyish figure and not get grossly overweight.

The dog in my book has a story behind him. I did not originally include a dog in the story, but I sent an early draft to a dear friend of mine. After she had read it she sent me a highly critical email that detailed how I was missing the point of my own story. It was true and I thank her for this criticism because “McGillicuddy” wouldn’t be the same without the changes I made on her urging. She also told me I needed a dog in the story and so I put in a big, black dog named BP after British Petroleum. He was named this way so the main character in the book would always remember the oil spill that destroyed so much of the Gulf of Mexico. I cannot thank my old friend, Lane Gallagher, enough for her suggestions. Good friends are as important as well.

We Won’t Forget You Mr. McGillicuddy
My 6 months in books… H2 2020. My previous book blogs are here. Please…
By: Tim Dempsey
Tags: Book Review, Book Recommendations, Books

My previous book blogs are here.

Please throw recommendations at me (@tim_dempsey)…

Books I’d strongly recommend (in no order):

Others I read and enjoyed:

Books I wouldn’t recommend so highly:

Books I wouldn’t recommend at all:
9 books that you can read under Rs.50!
Tags: Reading, Bookworm, Book Recommendations, Books

Isn’t this amazing! I know some of you might not believe me but trust me, it’s true! Now you can read these 9 books just under 50 rupees and some of them are free too! The reason why I came up with such a post is because, so many people want to read a lot but they are not financially stable or in a good financial situation. These books are available are paperback and even e-books on Kindle. So make sure you add these 9 books to your reading list!

The game of life Ruskin Bond: Seven must read nature stories The art of war The sinister silence The monk who sold his Ferrari The power of your subconscious mind How to stop worrying and start living 15 practical tips to improve yourself Akbar and Birbal classic tales

Mm…… I know you really want to dive right into these books and get lost in another world.

So go and read!

HAPPY READING!
Next Year, I’ll Read Slowly
By: Harry Male
Tags: Reading, Self, Book Recommendations, Books, Books And Authors

The year is not yet over but so far I have read 78 books out of the 70-book quota.

I promise that this is my Goodreads account. I just love my dog. He’s Captain, by the way.

I’ll tone down the bragging and admit that I am not proud of this “accomplishment.” Of the 78 books finished, ten of them are plays, and many are short stories. I think I rushed. I think I cheated. And it did not feel good.

While reading a lot can be good for you, this story is about the opposite. Here are my reasons why I am reading slowly and less next year.

Respect to the writer

Rushing through a book feels like disrespecting its writer. Imagine the time, effort, and thought-process the story went through before it gets published. It’s not that we owe the writer anything, but rushing is kind of similar to taking their words for granted. As a writer, wouldn’t you feel good if readers took their time reading your work? Hmm, I bet you would.

About time to read the thick ones

This is my way of punishing myself for cheating. But not really. The standouts in my 2020 reads are thick ones like Hermann Hesse’s The Glass Bead Game, Alex Haley’s Roots, and Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations. The storylines are solid, and the length of the books allowed the characters to develop more. I would hate Pip less if Great Expectations were short.

The hefty books on my shelf were set aside because they wouldn’t help me finish my goal. So, I’ll welcome the new year with John Steinbeck’s East of Eden to be immediately followed by Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind. Ambitious.

Abandon bad books

I am not the kind of guy who abandons a book. Many people affirm that it’s okay to stop reading a book that you don’t enjoy. I just can’t get myself to do it. No matter how bad, they’d still count as a “read book” in the end. But they are right. It’s a waste of time. I gave two-star ratings — I’m too kind to give one star — to at least ten books and the only reason I finished them is that I needed them to count in my quota. So, here’s to abandoning bad books next year. Hooray!

In 2021, I will read at least one book a month. That’s twelve books a year — a drastic low from my 70-book quota this year. I am excited already.
1st To Die By James Patterson
By: K. Exum
Tags: James Patterson, Book Review, Book Recommendations, Book Talks

Book Talk: 1st to die By James Patterson

Today we have an oldie but goodie. This masterpiece debuted in March 2001. Written by the great James Patterson. It’s the first book of The Women’s Murder Club. A series with 20 books in the series. The latest book to come from this series is the 20th Victim which debuted in March 2020. This book introduces 4 women with unique skills taking on murder cases. This is 1st To Die, and it’s time to have a book talk.

This book was by far the best book I ever read. Incredible kept me on my toes every time. Chapters was so short that it didn’t feel like I was reading 400 pages. It kept you wanting to change the page even when you put it off to the side. Not to give any spoilers, but one of the death’s tore me apart. Aside from that, I felt for Lindsay. She was battling Neglis ( a serious sickness) it was eating at her insides. While trying to figure out these random but similar deaths. I felt like Lindsay was an actual person and I wanted her to win the whole way. Every twist and turn that this mystery held, I still was rooting for the women’s murder club. Mr. Patterson made you feel like the major character was on her last leg and was giving everything she had to these cases. But not to tell too much. This book was epic. The end had me shook but also had me let out a big “I knew it” when the killer was finally revealed. James Patterson needs his roses now. A great author that I’m seeing has plenty of great masterpieces that I plan on viewing.

This may be the first of the series, but I plan to read on. I have already borrowed 2nd Chance (The second book of the series) from the library. I plan on being done with that sooner than I was with 1st to die. I’m so terrible with my reading habits. I have been getting better, but this book could have been done. I kept pushing this book to the side like I had something better to do. I finally sat down and finished this book after holding it for 2 months.

Something I can take away from this book as a young author. Is the research for this book. I learned so much while reading along. Like the health side was a big part that had me doing searches throughout. Neglis is a new disease, I learned. Even the description of someone having an attack was different to read instead of seeing in a movie or something along those lines. Even the sudden weather incident, just the research and descriptive writing, showed me my flaws that I need to work on. I repeat the best book by far that I read. To be a writer, learn through other author’s books. Mr. Patterson’s book here was a brilliant study and I know second chance will have me hooked as well. Make sure you check this out as well. And follow his social down below.

1 stTo Die: Amazon.com: 1st to Die (Women’s Murder Club) eBook: Patterson, James: Kindle Store

James Patterson Website: James Patterson

Instagram: James Patterson (@jamespattersonbooks) * Instagram photos and videos

Youtube: James Patterson — YouTube

Twitter: Profile / Twitter

Facebook: (16) James Patterson | Facebook
Me too. Have you ever read Nickel and Dimed?
By: Jessica Bugg
Tags: Book Review, Book Recommendations, Books

Me too. Have you ever read Nickel and Dimed? If not, check it out. The author goes undercover as a Walmart employee, a waitress, and a cleaning lady and talks about how hard it was to make it financially
The Four Horsebooks
Tags: Agile, Life Lessons, Self Improvement, Happiness In Life, Book Recommendations

The Four Horsebooks

Four powerful books that have impacted my journey today as a change agent, father and human and have a special place in my heart.

1.

The mindset I have fostered over the years, my ability to persevere going forward would not be in the state it is if it was not for this.

2.

Such a simple concept. Start with why. What speaks to people. A elementary concept in hindsight but with devastating results.

3.

We as humans are a composition of complex things but at our core our experiences, the way our brain interacts with the world and how we respond are all interlinked. Understanding this allows me to live life richer and more full.

4.

A pleasure to call Tobias Mayer a friend, a teacher and my guru. When I started my SM journey and even till this day this is still within close proximity of my person at all times.
Interested Challenge
By: Zartashia Afzal
Tags: Dale Carnegie, Books And Authors, Book Recommendations, Books

We acknowledge listening skills several times, but do we really implement it in our daily life? ‘Interested challenge’ is all about listening to others and resisting your cravings to talk about yourself.

Picture source: Pixabay

This challenge is based upon the lessons from “How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie’’ Here is the crux of Part 2 of the book, “Ways To Make People Like You,” :

a) If you make the other persons feel essential, then it makes your place in their hearts. Writer’s dog, ‘Tippy” did nothing except showing affection and a warm welcome every time, which was, in fact, everything for the receiver in compliance with human psychology.

b) By showing interest in people, you can win their hearts even in a shorter period of two-months.

c) A blunder people make is that they always blow their own trumpet and try to impress people; try to become interesting by expressing themselves, which is a complete failure. While becoming interested in people makes you interesting for them.

We can express our interest in people by :

a) Remembering their names.

b) Remembering likings and disliking of others

c) Always relating and doing something extra for others

d) Reminding them of old relevant incidents.

e) Giving them respect besides designation or status level.

f) Adorn the minor actions considering the effort behind. i.e., The way Roosevelt adorned his maid’s cornbread she used to make in the past.

Source: Pixabay

I tried one day with this challenge while listening to others and resisted my craving to talk about myself. . This practice makes the speaker feel important. It was a useful experience for me. The lessons I learned are the different ways to make your place everywhere you go, which the writer told.
Pahami 3 Hal Ini Sebelum Investasi di Usia 20-an — Part 1
By: Dinda Diana
Tags: Financial, Lifestyle, Book Recommendations, Young People, Investing

Sharing my interest in financial management. A full time traveler.
LeetCode problem #35 — Search Insert Position (JavaScript)
By: Duncan Mcardle
Tags: Leetcode Solution, Leetcode Easy, Javascript Development, Leetcode, JavaScript

In this LeetCode problem, we’re given an array of ordered integers, and a target integer, and asked to return the index of where the target can be found in the array. If the target cannot be found in the array, we’re asked to return the index of where it would be found if it were added.

The basic idea behind solving this problem is to look for the first occurrence in the array that is greater than or equal to the target number. So that’s what we’ll do below, in two different ways.

Solution #1: The for loop

The brute-force approach here is to do more or less exactly what is described above. We loop through the array’s values, looking for the target. If we find either the target, or the first occurrence of an integer higher than the target one (which indicates that that’s where the target would be located), we return the index.

The downside of this simple solution is that we have to check every number in the array in order to get our answer.

Solution #2: Binary search

To speed things up, we can employ the use of a fairly standard binary search. The search will half the available array, look for which side’s range of values contains the target (or integers higher than it), and then discards the other side, before repeating the process. This means we keep cutting down the array, checking as little data as possible each time, until we’re left either with the target integer, or the next highest number from it, giving us our answer.
LeetCode problem #34 — Find First and Last Position of Element in Sorted Array (JavaScript)
By: Duncan Mcardle
Tags: Leetcode Medium, Leetcode Solution, Javascript Development, Leetcode, JavaScript

In this LeetCode problem, we’re given an array of ascending numbers, and a target number, and asked to find both the first and last index of the target number in the array. In other words, given the array [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] and a target of 3 , we would return [2, 2] . However given the array [1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5] and a target of 3 , we would return [2, 4] . Finally, if the number cannot be found, we must return [-1, -1] .

Solution #1: Binary search

Oftentimes the trick to finding anything in an ordered array quickly is to use a binary search. But what makes this problem a little different is that we aren’t just looking for the first occurrence of the target, but also the last. What this means is that we need to use two binary searches; one biased to the left, and one biased to the right.

Note #1: It is possible to simplify this code by adding a parameter such as “biasDirection” to a binary search function, and then calling the same function to find each side, but as that damages readability I’ve gone with the more drawn-out approach.

Note #2: This approach could be altered to use a binary search to find the left-hand side, and then a for loop from that point to find the right hand side. I would argue that said approach would more readable, but it would be less efficient, so I won’t include it here.

Solution #2: For loop

Predictably there is a brute force option available to use. It requires only a single pass over the data, but is slower than the aforementioned binary search approach.

Solution #3: indexOf()
JavaScript Basics — Variables. Variable lets you store data in them…
By: Rucha Deshpande
Tags: Variables, JavaScript, Basics Of Javascript, Javascript Development

Variable lets you store data in them. JS allows to declare a variable using var/let/const.

Let’s start with variable declaration

usage of var keyword for variable declaration

In the above sample code, we have only declared the variable(s) but have not assigned them. Unless a value is assigned, the value of the variable remains undefined.

Variable Assignment

variable assignment

Value can be assigned using assignment operator ‘=’.

You can assign any of the below datatypes.

JS datatypes assignment

While naming a variable, there are certain rules.

Variable name rules

These are basics of variable declaration and assignment.

Now, let’s check some differences between var/let/const in terms of declaration and assignment.

With var, a variable can be re-declared and re-assigned.

var keyword — re-declaration and re-assignment

With let keyword, variable can be re-assigned but not re-declared.

let keyword — re-declaration and re-assignment

In the sample code above, the identifier ‘total’ was already declared using var keyword. Hence it cannot be used again.

With const keyword, the assignment and declaration should be done together. A const keyword can neither be re-declared nor re-assigned.

const — declaration and assignment.

So, that’s all about variable declaration and assignment. In the next post, I’ll cover about variable scopes.