The Caliph's House: A Year in Casablanca Discussion Questions

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

The Caliph's House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah

This book elicited quite strong reactions from our Global Reads for Grown-ups Facebook book group readers, particularly on the question of whether Shah relied on cultural stereotypes and caricatures in his portrayal of Morocco.

Amazon 

• ASIN: B015QNQ6R6
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385608071
• ISBN-13: 978-0385608077

1) What did you think of the book? Would you recommend it?

2) On p. 19 of my edition, Tahir Shah writes "In the West we are driven by an extreme form of guilt - if you are not seen to be working like a dog, you're perceived as being slothful. It was very clear that things in Morocco were quite different...I found people rushed about only when they needed to, and not because they knew others were watching them."
Do you agree that people in the West feel guilty for relaxing? (Or that they don't feel this guilt elsewhere?)

3) Here is a quick overview of Edward Said's concept of Orientalism and how it still shapes Western views of the East today. Do you think The Caliph's House played into these stereotypes? Did he do anything to dispel them?



4) The book begins with Tahir Shah signing the papers on his new house when they are interrupted by suicide attacks in Casablanca. What effect does it have starting the book with this effect? Why did he choose to do this?

5) [Reader question] What did you think about the family relationships in the book?

6) Did you have a favorite character?

7) Overall, would you say The Caliph's House paints a flattering portrait of Morocco? Or of the expats living there? Would you want to move to Morocco based solely on reading this book? Why or why not?

8) Have you ever lived abroad? If so, how did your experience compare with the one portrayed in the book?

9) Thinking on books about where you are from (or where you live now) was there one that really got it wrong? What book really got it right? What book do you recommend about where you are from (or where you live)?

Thank you for reading! This post was written by: 

Leanna is a homeschooler with three sweet, funny, rambunctious children.  She draws inspiration from the Writings of the Bahá’í Faith and tries to raise her Monkeys in a fun, spiritual, loving environment.  She and her husband, who is from Costa Rica, are raising their children to be bilingual and bicultural but more importantly to be “world citizens.”  All Done Monkey is dedicated to sharing this journey with you!

Leanna is the founder of Multicultural Kid Blogs.

Interview on Bilingual Kids Rock podcast

Interview on Global Mom Show podcast

Featured website on Bahá’í Mom Blogs

Judith Briles Adds to Her Series of How-Tos for Writers

TITLE: How to Create a $1,000,000 Speech

AUTHORS: Dr. Judith Briles

PUBLISHER: Mile High Press, LTD.

ISBN:  978-1885331-67-0

293 pages, $25.00

PRINT LINK: https://amzn.to/2DuaXp7

GENRE: Nonfiction

CATEGORY: Speaking/Careers

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, 

author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers

My first serious introduction to self-publishing was at a SPAN conference in Atlanta (Small Publishers of North America); it was there I was introduced to a very fat volume on self-publishing by Marilyn Ross that included the idea that real publishing includes marketing. She also applauded speaking as the best way to market a book—read that as the most assured path to success.

Since then, I have recommended a couple of super speakers’ books to my clients and in the appendixes of my #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers and I’ve pointed to the writing (and speaking) career of the late Dan Poynter as an example of how well speaking benefits a writing career—and vice versa. 

Now, years later, Dr. Judith Briles, adds her How to Create a $1,000,000 Speech to the battery of my choices for “Best Books on Speaking.” And trust me, it is not a battery, but a very short list! 

Though this book's title may seem as if it is promising more than speaking can deliver, it is not. I have seen speaking make many authors a ton of money over the years and build writing careers as it does so. One side benefit that always appealed to me: Travel.

Have I convinced you of the possibilities? Then the next step is to study up. May I suggest you start with Briles’ book? For the fun of it. For the enthusiasm and inspiration between those royal purple covers. And for the all-in-one-place advice you’ll get on the process of speaking as a marketing technique. 

Patricia Tripp, CSP and Past President of the National Speakers Association, said it perfectly and I can’t beat that: “Learning from Judith Briles could well be your best purchase of the year.” 

It boils down to experience. And, of course, Judith’s near-unique ability to tap that experience and organize it into a book you won’t want to put down or relegate to a bookshelf. Not when you can keep it near your computer to nudge you toward your speaking goal a little each day.

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS AND ANOTHER FREEBIE

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too! 

A Book About Depression for Everyone!

Title: From Depression to Contentment: A self-therapy guide

Author: Bob Rich, Ph.D.

Reviewer: Theresa Hortley I

Author Website: http://bobswriting.com/psych/depression.html

Genre: Nonfiction: Psychology self-help

ISBN-13: 978-1-61599-435-9 

Rating 5 stars

Buy link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1615994351/    

Reviewed by Theresa Hortley 

I don't suffer from depression, but read this book because I am privileged to be one of Bob Rich's beta readers. All the same, "From Depression to Contentment" has proven to be immensely useful to me personally.

Depression is everywhere. Every year, a distressingly high proportion of the kids I teach are obviously depressed. Friends, relatives, colleagues -- it's all around me. Now, I can understand where they are coming from, and can be more effective in helping them, though not as a therapist of course.

But this is far more than a self-help book. It is an inspiration. One sentence late in the book has captured me: "knowingly or unknowingly, all of us are apprentice Buddhas."

Depressed or not, if you read this book, you will become a better person.

You wouldn't expect a book about depression to be humorous, but in typical Bob Rich style, he got me chuckling time and again. Just one example: a patient told Bob that he'd known all his life that he didn't matter. Bob's reply: "Right. You crawled out of the womb believing you didn't matter?"

All of Bob's novels I've read are full of therapeutic lessons. Here is a book designed as a set of therapeutic lessons that is as enjoyable to read as any novel.    

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Theresa Horley is a high school teacher of English which makes her a formidable beta reader.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Bob Rich, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in psychology in 1972. He worked as an academic, researcher, and applied scientist until “retiring” the first time at 36 years of age. Later, he returned to psychology and qualified as a Counseling Psychologist, running a private practice for over 20 years. During this time, he was on the national executive of the College of Counselling Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), then spent three years as a Director of the APS. He was the therapist referrers sent their most difficult cases to.

Bob retired in 2013, but still does pro bono counseling over the internet. This has given him hundreds of “children” and “grandchildren” he has never met, because many of these people stay in touch for years. His major joy in life is to be of benefit to others, which is why he wrote a book that’s in effect a course of therapy.

You can get to know him well at his blog, "Bobbing Around," https://bobrich18.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter @bobswriting and find his newsletter at https://bobrich18.wordpress.com. 

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS AND ANOTHER FREEBIE

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too! 

Career Speaker Reviews New How-To Take Terror Out of Public Speaking

Title: Would You Rather Be in the Coffin Than Give the Eulogy
Subtitle: how to take the terror out of public speaking and advance your career and social network: A Choker’s Guide to Public Speaking.

Author: Jan Hurst-Nicholson

Website: www.just4kix.jimdo.com

Genre: nonfiction

ASIN: B07FJVP47B 

Format: E-book 
Publisher: Just4kix Books
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FJVP47B

Reviewed by Karen Siddall originally for Goodreads and Amazon

As a career public speaker, I can say that this book was an awesome little breath of inspiration and renewal. Good, common-sensical tips are presented in a practical way. Very helpful and refreshing and full of good ideas that I wish I’d had when I was just starting out. I especially enjoyed the asides of actual experiences “on the road.” I recommend this book especially to those that find themselves having to speak up and speak out at public gatherings of any kind! There is even a section regarding being chosen to say grace before a public meal.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jan Hurst-Nicholson grew up in the UK but now lives in sunny South Africa where she is personal chef and doorman to a dog that is forever on the wrong side of a door.

Jan has been writing for about 35 years, beginning with articles, humorous articles and short stories. She then moved on to write novels and children’s books.  It was when she began winning awards and was asked to give talks about her books that she realized she needed to learn some public speaking skills and joined a club. Her involvement in the club, and her experiences giving talks at numerous events led her to write this practical guide to help others new to public speaking. Learn more at Jan’s Amazon author page and Jan's website https://just4kix.jimdo.com/about-the-author/

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Karen Siddall has worked in the public sector as a speaker and trainer for over 40 years in the fields of law enforcement, fire prevention, water conservation, and environmental education. She currently serves as the Public Relations and Education Administrator for the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District in rural north central Texas. She is one of the many authors of Urban Environmental Education (Cornell University).


MORE ABOUT THIS REVIEW BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

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Bailey Jacobs and the Disappearing Dogs Series Novella One

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Bailey Jacobs and the Disappearing Dogs, Series Novella One

• Title: Bailey Jacobs and the Disappearing Dogs
• Author: VJ Barrington
• Print Length: 41 pages
• Language: English
• Available on Amazon

Bailey Jacobs is a down-and-out 17-year-old goth, having lost her job and breaking up with her boyfriend.  However, she isn't the only one with problems in town; there have been many dogs disappearing without a trace.  Bailey happens upon a clue, but when she reports it to the police they do not believe her as she already has a bad reputation due to the actions of her ex-boyfriend.  She decides that she is the only hope for the dogs and plays amateur detective to find out who is responsible for the missing canines.  She is certain she knows who is behind it, but the only way for her to convince the authorities to act may be by committing an offense herself!

This first novella nicely sets the scene both for this book, as well as Bailey's future antics.  There are several possible paths the future books could take based upon the hints given in this first story.

The target audience for this book is young adults, but I enjoyed it as well and look forward to the next installment of this series.  VJ Barrington is sure to have a wide and devoted following in no time.

Bailey Jacobs and the Disappearing Dogs is VJ Barrington's first book in this first series. Each series will have 12 episodes; every 4 episodes (1-4 and 5-8 and 9-12) will be combined into an omnibus (about 80k words long) and then printed as a hard copy and made into an audio-book, narrated by VJ Barrington.  He has plans for another 2 series, as well.  Each episode will publish at the rate of about one a month, so keep checking in for the newest adventure of Bailey Jacobs in her unconventional female detective role.

Next in the Bailey Jacobs series:

• Bailey Jacobs and the Flying Thief
• Bailey Jacobs and the Bungled Burglary
• Bailey Jacobs and the Dealer's Den

About the Author

VJ Barrington was born in Africa in 1966. Having lived and worked abroad most of his life, he has settled down with his wife and dogs in a quiet Victorian town on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland.

He enjoys stories with plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. This can be seen in his writing and his preferred authors who include Jeffrey Deaver and Agatha Christie.

If you’d like to know more or would like to follow VJ Barrington, you can connect with him through his website, Facebook, and YouTube.

Review by Crystal McClean

Crystal is a Mom, wife, homeschooler, virtual assistant, ex-pat, and more. If you’re looking for fun activities, educational ideas, recipes, multiculturalism, reviews, freebies, and giveaways, you’ll find it all at Castle View Academy with a little dose of inspiration thrown in for good measure.

Inspiration! Travel! Self-Help! Review for Watching the Daisies

Title: Watching the Daisies

Subtitle: Life Lessons on the Importance of Slow

Author: Brigid P. Gallagher

Genre: Inspirational, Memoir, Self Help, Travel.

ISBN: 978-0-9935923-6-2

Purchase: 

https://amazon.com/dp/B01N3M9VJ0

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/watching-the-daisies-brigid-p-gallagher/1126231153

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/watching-the-daisies

Reviewed with permission by Wendy Hodgson  originally on Amazon.co.uk

"I loved this book - so much so that I read it twice which isn't something I do very often. The book took me on a journey combining practical tips with an inspiring insight into destinations I've never been to. I'm tempted to add some of the destinations to my bucket list!

This is a really relaxing read and very inspiring as it shows how you can overcome adversity to live an inspiring and fun life. The author is never daunted by her experience of living with fibromyalgia and pushes through with courage to visit far off destinations and rise to new challenges. The journey takes the reader on a path full of emotion - laughter, sadness, fun and frolicks - the route has them all!
A truly lovely, gentle and relaxing book which makes a perfect holiday read."

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brigid P. Gallagher aspired to becoming a doctor but it was not her destiny. Instead she embarked on studies to become one of the first natural medicine practitioners in Scotland, eventually becoming a tutor for community projects, a women's prison, and the Open Studies and Summer Schools of Stirling University from 1993 to 1999. In 1999, she relocated to Donegal, Ireland - the home of her ancestors. Four years later she succumbed to a mystery illness that was eventually diagnosed as fibromyalgia. "Stopping the World"  forced her to reassess her life, and creative writing became a significant aid in her recovery. She eventually retrained in organic horticulture, worked in the glorious gardens of Glenveagh Castle, and inspired children and teachers to create organic school gardens.

Learn more about Brigid P. Gallagher at:

Website: https://watchingthedaisies.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/watchingthedai1

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

TALES2INSPIRE ~ THE EMERALD COLLECTION - Beyond Coincidence Stories

TALES2INSPIRE ~ THE EMERALD COLLECTION
Beyond Coincidence Stories

Title: Tales2Inspire ~The Emerald Collection

Subtitle: Beyond Coincidence stories

Series: Tales2Inspire®

Authors: Lois W. Stern, Stan Cupery, M.D., Cami Ann Hofstadter, Ph.D, Erica Kosal, Ph.D., Tina Chippas (a.k.a. Matina Nicholas), Anne Knorr, James Osborne, Heidi DuPree, Fran Gustman, T. H. Everingham, Donna Surface, Tom Eliopolus, Cheryl Gerber 

Genre: Inspirational Anthology 

Publisher: Tales2Inspire

Contact: tales2inspire2@gmail.com

ISBN-10: 1492321397

ISBN-13: 978-1492321392

ASIN: B00FW9PFUY

PAGE COUNT: 129

Price: $11.25, PB, $4.99 Kindle

Format: Paperback, Ebook, PDF

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REVIEWS  

Dr. Bernie Siegel, Noted physician, healer, author and humanist, (A Book of Miracles, the Art of Healing, 365 Prescriptions for the Soul)

Read and Learn the Lessons of Life

These are books with a heart - filled with stories which reveal what happens when we choose to live in a way that is life enhancing for all God's creatures. Our potential is miraculous when we choose to inspire the vapor of love. The people in these stories have always been my teachers. Read and learn the lessons of life.”

Grady Harp

 Amazon HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER

“Oh, by the way, I don't have any legs.”

Lois W Stern has collected a group of tales written by a fascinating group of authors that convey a sense of purpose, destiny, and reason for being. In the original edition of this book, the author offered the following: ‘Is there really such a thing as coincidence, or could there be an unknown force, a higher power, taking charge? This is a question you are likely to ponder as you read the collection of heartwarming stories contained within the pages of this book. Although all are true, don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying “unbelievable” as you finish reading some, or simply getting a feel-good rush from others. Tales 2 Inspire ~ Beyond Coincidence: A collection of inspiring stories written by talented authors from across the globe. Each motivational, uplifting story is enhanced by the inclusion of original, full color photos and/or drawings, making this a treasured gift book at a most reasonable price.’

That states the joy and satisfaction every reader will feel after spending time with this book. Interestingly enough there is a story by Lois that is one of the highlights - the story of an adoption of a handicapped child and the reflections of that child as a young woman: ‘Luck shone down on this infant from the moment she entered the Bricker household. She felt the unconditional love of her parents and three older brothers, all with solid values that helped her grow into the remarkable person she is today. As a young woman reflecting back on her childhood, Jen says with admiration:“ They are amazing and they don’t even realize it. They are just good people. I don’t know how, but they always managed to handle each situation exactly the right way.” From early on the Brickers told Jen that there was no such word as can't. Instead they taught her how to go after the things she really wanted. With their guidance, Jen’s indomitable spirit and confidence soared. She vigorously dove into sports, meeting each challenge head on with confidence and the expectation of success. More often than not, she realized her dreams. Jen led a happy, rewarding life, playing softball, basketball and volleyball. But her passion was gymnastics. When she was ten, she won fourth place in the Amateur Athletic Union's Junior Olympics in Hampton, Va., and was Illinois state power tumbling champion in her division…etc.’

Just a sample - but an indication of the quality of stories collected here. They restore belief, hops, and admiration for humanity.

Susan Haley

Award winning author, Rainy Day People

I would hazard to guess that everyone has had an inspiring dream, cherishes a heart-felt memory, or perhaps a life changing accomplishment that determined the direction their lives would take from there. Also, I would bet that many wish they could put that experience into words to help or inspire others. As a one-time struggling author myself, I am fully aware of the power of words and the joy of knowing they touched someone. The missing elements here are the vision and energy of another inspired person to put it all together and offer up the stage from which to share these hopes, dreams and successes. This is what Lois W. Stern has accomplished with her "Tales2Inspire" Collections; she's offered up the stage.

I met Lois, a new author in her own right then, several years ago when we both became involved with an "Authors Helping Authors" group at a Publisher's Conference. Even then with her own new book recently published, Lois was looking for ways to help all authors. And, help authors she has done. The energy she has put into these series is a "Tale2Inspire" in itself. The heart-warming stories in the Collections showcase that spark of human spirit present in all of us. I strongly recommend them to anyone who has those days when they simply need a lift.

Susan Haley, Author

The amazing coincidences of life, chance meetings of family or loved ones, after sometimes decades apart feature strongly, in both chapters four and five. Again (with an underlying message that anything is possible if you have faith and never give up.)

Chapter six outlines courage in the face of your darkest foe and reminds us that character is something that you earn. There is much joy in chapter seven this is more about unconditional love and the joy it will bring. The story in chapter eight is more reflective, dealing with the more complex emotions of love and loss. Chapters nine and ten are animal stories but are both uplifting. The reader will be cheering for both characters and amazed at the dedication and loyalty bonds between animal families. The final chapters are about love and family. Again there are amazing coincidences that return people together. Maybe this is fate, maybe it is faith but the message again is “Never give up on your hopes”

Overall a good impression and I would look forward to others in the series.

Glenn Poveromo

Motivational Speaker, Author of The Power of Visualization, The Spirit's Self-Help Book, 

Change Your Thinking / Change Your Life: Learn to Live Your Best Life Possible

Beautifully crafted gems - yours to read over and over again

Is it true that there are no coincidences in life? If you believe as I do that there exists an energy that is beyond our five senses then Tales2Inspire is a MUST read for you. Each story will lead you to consider that we are a collective part of something much larger than our individual selves and that divine interventions are available to us at any moment in time. Beginning with the internal voice heard by Dr. Dan Lloyd that moved him to perform his "one-of-a-kind" life saving surgery in The Voice and concluding with the amazing story of Pat Surface in The Gift of Family, Lois W. Stern has achieved her objective in bringing to the reader stories that touch the mind, heart, and soul. The Emerald Collections is the perfect subtitle for the beautifully crafted gems that are yours to read over and over again. I highly recommend this book for anyone who might ever ask the question: "Why not?"

Rod DiGruttolo: author 

Group Leader Sarasota Writers Group

The Emerald Collection of inspiring stories brings us remarkable messages of faith, courage and peace. All these tales depict strength we can only hope to possess in a time of crisis or despair. Each story is unique and gives us an insight into the lives of those who experienced these wondrous moments.

Authors share life experiences that carry us beyond the realm of our everyday existence. We are allowed a brief glimpse into lives of strangers filled with love, hope, despair and longing. Each of these stories brings a new promise of peace to the reader.

Unlike many books that you read just once and put aside, if you are like me, you will want to return to these stories again and again. I felt uplifted by their energy, examples of courage, selfless behaviors, devotion and everyday miracles, and the powerful messages that they held. I will forever be thankful to have shared such special moments in their lives. I can identify with those who triumphed over hardship, helped their fellow man and empathized with the helpless.

Michael Monjion, Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer

I was blown away about the Little White Church story that you must read first. I now know what a miracle really is. These stories are very short but to the point, and you will truly enjoy each and every one of them. The stories will bring tears to your eyes.

Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot

Clinical psychologist, Author of fourteen published books including: As I Am, Just a Common Lady, Nothing Left to Burn, Making Love on Scrabble

Truly Tales to Inspire the Heart and Soul

                Do you believe there’s a reason for everything? That people come into our lives, and leave, for aa reason? Well, if so, this book is an inspiration for you all with its messages of hope and inspiration.

Steve Brock

Stevo’s Book Reviews on the internet

Stories to Warm Your Heart, Uplift Your Spirits, and Sometimes Leave You Gasping the Single Word, "Unbelievable." 

               Did you ever experience something that you felt couldn't have happened simply by coincidence - that perhaps an unknown force entered your life to take charge? These are the true 'Beyond Coincidence' inspiring stories (you will read in this book), written by everyday people just like you. 

___________________________________________________

POPULAR LINKS

Tales2Inspire website

Facebook page

Twitter

Amazon author page

BUY HERE

_____________________________________________

MORE ABOUT TALES2INSPIRE®

Tales2Inspire® was a kernel of an idea that I started in 2012 which has grown to proportions even I didn’t dare to envision. My innate curiosity about potentially fascinating human interest stories was the spark that ignited this idea, but it was the confused state of traditional publishing at that time that propelled me forward. Tales2Inspire® delivers exactly what it promises as both an ‘Authors Helping Authors’ project and a contest. Winners get their stories published in print, as e-books, and some even in video formats, with their names, headshot photos, and mini-autobiographies included. Then I spread the word about the winners and their stories on my blogs, social media and monthly newsletter. FREE to enter, this is a great competition for talented newbies and seasoned authors alike who continue to strive to hone their skills.

Blogger-Podcaster Erik Fogg Reviews Dr. Bob Rich's Hit and Run

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Dr. Bob Rich
Genre: Inspirational/Paranormal
ISBN: 978-1-925191-48-6
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Author's Web site link

Reviewed by Erik Fogg originally for the newsletter Bobbing Around

Hit and Run starts with a mad punch right to the gut, reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange in how absurdly surreal — yet strangely compelling — it is. But then it takes a wildly unexpected turn.

Instead, it is a book about questioning the very nature of good and evil. To what extent are we good or evil by nature, by nurture, or by choice? And then one begins to question the nature of evil at all — are the ‘evil’ merely sick (in the truest sense) and in need of help? Can the sickness that lies in each of us — greater or smaller — be ever cured?

It is a book that shows rather than tells: it grips you in the story and explores its themes using the story rather than by taking breaks to preach at you (think War and Peace as the contrast). It is through seeing absolutely radical human kindness and strength — that we know is within our reach if we cultivate the wisdom and compassion inside ourselves — that we are led to question what we know about good and evil, about justice and retribution, and about the capacity to heal.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Erik is Editor-in-Chief, blogger, and podcaster at ReConsider, where he helps readers and listeners understand politics beyond the soundbites and hype. He co-authored Wedged: How You Became a Tool of the Partisan Political Establishment and How to Start Thinking for Yourself Again. Erik graduated MIT with a Bachelors and Masters in Political Science and now lives in Boston, MA.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hit and Run is Bob’s 17th book. They are all very different from each other. The commonality is high ratings. Over all his publications, there is one 3-star review. Most of the others are 5 stars, with a few 4s. This is because Bob writes with passion, and takes his readers there. You can find lots of entertainment at his writing website http://bobswriting.com and blog https://bobrich18.wordpress.com. His psychology site http://anxietyanddepression-help.com offers inspiration and information regarding every way people make themselves and each other miserable, and his environmental site http://mudsmith.net is, well, about environmental issues Learn more about him:

http://bobswriting.com

Bobbing Around https://bobrich18.wordpress.com

http://bobswriting.com/hitandrun.html

http://bobswriting.com/guardian.html

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