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Small Press Bookwatch

Volume 19, Number 11 November 2020 Home | SPBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Education Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Biography Shelf American History Shelf General Fiction Shelf
Literary Fiction Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Poetry Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Business Shelf Self-Help Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions
Matthew C. Woodruff
CreateSpace
www.createspace.com
9781720861751, $9.95, PB, 132pp

https://www.amazon.com/Absurdities-Tragic-Proportions-Matthew-Woodruff/dp/1720861757

Synopsis: Matthew C. Woodruff is an award-winning writer, editor and publisher who in "26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions: Unusual and Enjoyable Tales" now turns his hand to present an unusual and entertaining short story collection. He may have the most unusual sense of humor you've ever encountered, but it is one you will never forget.

Awarded Finalist Prize in the 2019 American Fiction Awards 'Short Stories' Category by American Book Fest, "26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions" by Woodruff is an utterly fascinating and wryly composed collection of companion stories to Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies.

These darkly humorous tales capture the essence of wit and satire with one tale for each child depicted in Gorey's most famous illustrations. These tales are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. From Mystery to SciFi, from Drama to Fairy Tale and from Adventure to Gothic, "26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions" has something for everyone.

Critique: Original, unique and memorable, "26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions" will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular addition to community, college, and university library 21st Century cultural, ethnic, and regional humor collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

The Nine Lives of John Aslin
Jill Creech Bauer
Independently Published
9798663230520, $11.99, PB, 258pp

https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Lives-John-Aslin-Non-Fiction/dp/B08C9D749B

Synopsis: Born into poverty in a crime-ridden town and unaware of his Ojibwe heritage, John Eric Aslin's earliest memories are of a harrowing childhood rife with abuse. This troubling upbringing led him to an adolescence full of crime, when at 21 he was sentenced to life in prison for an accidental death. 36 years later, he's still behind bars and almost a senior citizen.

"The Nine Lives of John Aslin" by Jill Creech Bauer is heart-breaking account that deftly explores the life of John Aslin, painting a poignant and eye-opening picture of the struggles he faced during his upbringing and the unfortunate hardships that led his to crime. Intertwining gritty, real-life facts with artful prose and a gripping narrative, "The Nine Lives of John Aslin" also shares the story of Michigan's longest serving nonviolent offender, spanning multiple generations to provide a thought-provoking look at inter-generational trauma and the cycle of families trapped in poverty.

"The Nine Lives of John Aslin" stands as a kind of testament to the bigotry and discrimination behind John Aslin's sentencing, echoing the long-lasting unfair treatment of the Ojibwe Nation and its people. It seeks to touch the heart of readers and raise awareness of little-known injustice.

An enlightening read for anyone who wants to learn more about American history, the treatment of First Nation people and the dark history of state persecution, "The Nine Lives of John Aslin" is" will inspire the reader to want to help in John Aslin's fight for justice.

Critique: Accurately described as a 'non-fiction novel', "The Nine Lives of John Aslin" blends biography with a narrative style of storytelling that is impressively effective in thoroughly engaging the reader's total attention from beginning to end. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Nine Lives of John Aslin" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).


The Education Shelf

When Eagles Launch
William Keator
Surrogate Press
https://surrogatepress.com
9781947459328, $15.99, PB, 268pp

https://www.amazon.com/When-Eagles-Launch-Foundational-Experience/dp/1947459325

Synopsis: Launching into adulthood might seem far away for college bound students, but it actually starts with finding the right college for the right reasons. And in a post-COVID world, a strong launch (personally, professionally, and financially) has never been more important.

That's why "When Eagles Launch: Find Your Best College and Make It a Foundational Life Experience" by William Keator, despite being written before the pandemic, still offers students a unique mix of advice on how to approach college admissions in a healthy way, make a major life decision, and then fulfill their potential with a college experience they can build upon for the rest of their lives.

"When Eagles Launch" is different than traditional college guidebooks because it needs to be. For too long, we have asked students to focus on just getting into college. And despite the mistaken beliefs, win-or-lose pressure, and debt that surrounds college admissions, we still expect teenagers to go through this process without proper training on how to make such an important and costly decision.

Instead, through a fun and conversational way, "When Eagles Launch" helps students build confidence, purpose, and a firm sense of self as they: Learn what matters most for college and their launch into adulthood; Use step-by-step guidance to find colleges that meet their academic and financial needs; Discover common traps to avoid while making a major decision; Develop plans to accelerate their personal and professional development.

Parents will particularly appreciate how "When Eagles Launch" helps them strip away pressure, while guiding their teens to the colleges where they can excel. The advice on decisions and life can also start conversations that can last well into adulthood.

Critique: It's not simple hyperbola to declare that reading "When Eagles Launch: Find Your Best College and Make It a Foundational Life Experience" is an ideal way to prepare to make the most out of a college experience -- even in this current time of pandemic enforced distance learning. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, highschool counselor, community, and college/university library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of aspiring to or already engaged in college that "When Eagles Launch" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).

Editorial Note: William Keator spent 17 years at the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, where he directed their national Higher Education and Secondary Education programs. The Higher Education program supported a range of colleges and universities across the country, while the Secondary Education program awarded grants to new and innovative programs for the professional development of high school teachers. This work included evaluations and on-site visits to hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. During his tenure, the programs combined to award nearly 500 grants totaling more than $95 million.

The Teaching Delusion
Bruce Robertson
John Catt Educational
www.johncatt.com
9781912906642, $19.95, PB, 338pp

https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Delusion-Schools-Enough-Better/dp/1912906643

Synopsis: Public and private schools are filled with great teachers, but is great teaching taking place in every classroom, in every school? Bruce Robertson doesn't believe it is. Why not?

In "The Teaching Delusion: Why Teaching in our Schools isn't Good Enough" he argues that there are two reasons. Firstly, because there isn't a shared understanding of what makes great teaching. Secondly, because schools haven't developed the strong professional learning culture necessary to drive the development of great teaching in every classroom.

Through discussion of key messages from educational research, and drawing on a track-record of success, "The Teaching Delusion" explores how these barriers can be addressed, leading to transformations in teaching practice across classrooms and schools.

Critique: Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Teaching Delusion: Why Teaching in our Schools isn't Good Enough" is very highly recommended reading for both professionals and non-specialist general readers concerned about the present state of education in American schools. While very highly recommended for community, school district, college, and university library Education Reform collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "The Teaching Delusion" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.24).

Editorial Note: Bruce Robertson is a senior leader of teaching and learning in the Scottish Borders. The focus of his work is on teacher and school empowerment, which he believes can be achieved through high-quality professional learning. Bruce has been teaching chemistry in state comprehensive schools in the south east of Scotland since 2003. He has seven years as a deputy head teacher in two secondary schools, through which he has built an excellent reputation. His leadership of teaching and learning improvement in Eyemouth High School led to the school being awarded the General Teaching Council for Scotland Excellence in Professional Learning Award in June 2019. In recent years, Bruce has been in high demand as a consultant and conference presenter. He works closely with primary and secondary schools, keeping teaching and learning improvement at the center of everything he does. Teachers and school leaders are consistent in their praise for Bruce's passion, clarity and inspirational messages.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey
Ronni Robinson
Juniper Drive Press
9781735184807, $14.99, PB, 284pp

https://www.amazon.com/Out-Pantry-Disordered-Eating-Journey/dp/1735184802

Synopsis: Pre-teen Ronni is a seemingly normal girl growing up in the suburbs, until the day her mom hides cookies. Soon after, Ronni has an unexplainable compulsion to eat more and more and more junk.

In secret and shame, she overeats and binges through tween years, high school, college, an abusive first marriage, and even a loving second marriage. For more than thirty years, she steals food, eats food off of others' plates, and scavenges food out of the trash, until one night, once again stuffed after a binge, on TV, she hears the words "compulsive overeater."

She searches and she learns she has an eating disorder, a mental illness, a disease. Armed with this knowledge she attacks her compulsion full throttle. She goes to therapy, Overeaters Anonymous meetings, read books, and namelessly blogs in an attempt to gain power over food.

In "Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey" Ronnie provides a brutally honest glimpse into the trials, pervasive thoughts, and heartbreak of a compulsive overeater. Readers will also discover how Ronni gains the courage and strength to live her life without being a slave to food.

Critique: A potentially life saving and certainly life enhancing read for anyone having to struggle with food issues of their own, is an extraordinary and intensely candid combination of memoir and DIY health improvement manual -- and even more impressive when considering that "Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey" is author Ronni Robinson's first book. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Health & Medicine collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).

Bye-Bye Back Pain
Grace Walker Gray
Physical Restoration
9781734288445, $24.99, HC, 186pp

https://www.amazon.com/Bye-Bye-Back-Pain-Holistic-Solutions/dp/1734288442

Synopsis: Offering nine holistic solutions for long-term relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache, "Bye-Bye Back Pain" by physical therapist, occupational therapist, holistic healthcare practitioner, certified clinical nutritionist, certified master of herbology, and certified aromatherapist, Grace Walker Gray draws upon her extensive experience over thirty-five years as the owner of a large physical therapy practice where she and her staff of thirty successfully treated patients referred from over five hundred physicians, to identify nine proven holistic solutions to relieve back pain without surgery or drugs.

In "Bye-Bye Back Pain" grateful readers will discover: Five do's and four don'ts for back pain sufferers; Exercises-twelve pain-reducing and core-strengthening exercises (and how to do them correctly), and three sit disc exercises; Posture fixes and correct techniques for daily activities such as dressing, doing yard work, and laundry; The best professional treatments and self-treatments for back pain; What to eat to reduce your reliance on medication; The role of aromatherapy and essential oils in reducing back pain; Low-level laser treatments; The potential benefits of applying cannabidiol oil; Mindfulness techniques you can use during daily activity.

Critique: Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache" is an ideal combination of instructional guide and manual that will be of particular interest to both non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject and healthcare providers who are looking for new progressive holistic solutions to help reduce their patients' low back pain and sciatica. While especially and unreservedly recommended for both community and college/university library Health/Medicine collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781734288414, $14.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).


The Biography Shelf

The Rain May Pass
Alan Shayne
Rand-Smith LLC
9781950544189, $28.00, HC, 198pp

https://www.amazon.com/Rain-May-Pass-Alan-Shayne/dp/1950544184

Synopsis: "The Rain May Pass" is the coming-of-age memoir of Alan Shayne -- actor, casting director, producer, and former President of Warner Bros Television. Set in New England in the 1940s, it is the personal and candid account of a teenage boy who falls in love with a man twice his age and soon learns more about himself than he ever imagined possible.

Critique: Written with an impressive degree of candor, "The Rain May Pass: A Memoir" is a deftly crafted, inherently interesting, and truly extraordinary read that is as thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is timely and timeless. While especially and unreservedly recommended for both community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Rain May Pass: A Memoir" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Alan Shayne began his career as an actor on Broadway and became a well-known casting director of TV and films such as All the President's Men. He was the President of Warner Brothers Television for many years, shepherding hit shows such as Alice, Night Court, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Wonder Woman, and Growing Pains. After leaving Warner Brothers, he produced TV specials and was nominated for an Emmy for producing the miniseries The Bourne Identity with Richard Chamberlain.


The American History Shelf

African Descendants in Colonial America
Lievin Kambamba Mboma
Lievin K. Mboma Press
9780998971605, $45.50, HC, 282pp

https://www.amazon.com/African-Descendants-Colonial-America-Preservation/dp/099897160X

Synopsis: "African Descendants in Colonial America: Impact on the Preservation of Peace, Security, and Safety in New England, 1638-1783" by historian Lievin Kambamba Mboma analyzes salient data on the contributions made by black men in the area of public safety in the New England colonies. Regarding public safety, black men served as militiamen, soldiers, sailors, and privateers during the long-lasting colonial wars including the King William, the Queen Anne, the King George, and the French and Indian Wars.

With the assistance of librarians and archivists from various New England historical societies, Mboma gathered authoritative information on militia and privateer duties performed by Africans and African Americans in cooperation with white military men during colonial conflicts. In addition to the documents from historical societies, Mboma consulted colonial journals and history books written by local authors during the 1700s and 1800s from multiple New England towns. In the sources consulted, unquestionable information concerning black soldiers was documented. These primary and secondary sources included men who were slaves, servants, and free. Moreover, Mboma collected authoritative acts and militia laws written and observed for the inclusion of Africans in the security apparatus of each New England colony, respectively -- Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hamphsire.

African Descendants in Colonial America also discusses the approach advocated by Sir William Pitt, First Earl of Chatham and the British Secretary of State during the French and Indian War. His determination to end French domination in North America was argued vehemently. In addition to the political and military designs of Sir William Pitt, the research tackles the impact made by British soldiers during the French and Indian Wars. Nearing the end of these wars, Sir William Pitt championed funding colonial militia to defeat the French in North America. Moreover, the impact made by friendly Native Americans in the execution of the colonial conflict is noted, and the annexation of Canada to the British crown is mentioned.

Mboma's work visualizes race relations in America from a fresh perspective. He discusses the multiple-status of Africans and African Americans in colonial America. They were slaves, servants, and freemen. During warfare, they fought side-by-side with their white counterparts. It appears that they were not discriminated against in the battle field. Men of African descent fought and defended freedom with the same purpose and passion as their white compatriots.

Mboma's study also demonstrates the significance of communal struggle for freedom and liberty. New England colonists utilized a temporary inclusive militia policy to end the domination of the French in North America. Similarly, during the American Revolution, African Americans were enlisted for the fight against the unjust policy of King George III of England. Deeds such as those of Cripus Attucks, Peter Salem, and Salem Poor notably show that Africans and their descendants were valuable military associates who contributed greatly in America's public safety and her fight for independence.

Mboma further examines multiple duties performed by men of color in the Continental Army and the navy during wartime at various locales in New England.

Importantly, "African Descendants in Colonial America" enlightens readers regarding the much overlooked limited freedom afforded Africans in New England during the early colonial years. Data shows that during this period black men were permitted to elect honorable persons among themselves to serve as governor and other elected officials. The black governor had executive and judicial power.

Critique: A seminal and meticulous study, "African Descendants in Colonial America: Impact on the Preservation of Peace, Security, and Safety in New England: 1638-1783" is an extraordinarily well written, organized and presented history and is a unique and unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and university library American History collections in general, and Black American History supplemental curriculums in particular. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "African Descendants in Colonial America: Impact on the Preservation of Peace, Security, and Safety in New England: 1638-1783" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).


The General Fiction Shelf

Still Crazy
Judy Prescott Marshall
Independently Published
www.judyprescottmarshall.com
9780991027330, $24.99, HC, 334pp

https://www.amazon.com/Still-Crazy-Judy-Prescott-Marshall/dp/0991027337

Synopsis: Julie Holliday has always had a dream -- to be the perfect wife. After she gives her heart to the love of her life, all she wants is for Dan to adore her the way she adores him. With only a high school equivalency in one hand and a fist full of ambition in the other, together they build a million-dollar empire.

It seems Julie and Dan are living a fairytale life -- that is, until the day she realizes her love is not enough to stop Dan from having what she suspects is numerous affairs.

Critique: Deftly scripted by an author with a genuine flair for the kind of entertaining and narrative driven storytelling that will swiftly engage and keep the reader's total attention, "Still Crazy" is the compelling story of a woman's journey through marital pain, betrayal, and the ultimate power of forgiveness as she learns have confidence in her own value, worth, and faith. While especially and unreservedly for community library Contemporary General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Still Crazy" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).


The Literary Fiction Shelf

Notes for a Eulogy
Eric J. Matluck
Independently Published
9780578739991, $22.95, HC, 246pp

https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Eulogy-Eric-J-Matluck/dp/0578739992

Synopsis: "Notes for a Eulogy" by Eric J. Matluck recounts a 23-year relationship between a man, Morley Peck, and a woman, Francine Tanzer, that is based on lying. The two of them meet at work and although they go their separate ways after one year, they remain friends for the other 22. Morley, an inward, quiet man, tells Francine more about himself than he's ever told anyone, except that everything he tells her is a lie.

"Notes for a Eulogy" deals with the reasons people lie to one another, the satisfactions and difficulties that come from lying, and the way relationships change from one's late thirties to one's early sixties.

Critique: A deftly crafted, psychologically complex, inherently fascinating, thoughtful and though-provoking read throughout, "Notes for a Eulogy" is very highly recommended for community, college and university library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Notes for a Eulogy" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Mirrors of Life Part 2: The Fight for Political Power
Neal Owens
Owens Publishing
www.owenspublishing.com
9781733150330, $14.95, PB, 196pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mirrors-Life-Part-Fight-Political/dp/1733150331

Synopsis: "Mirrors of Life: The Fight for Political Power" is the sequel to the award-winning debut novel "Mirrors of Life: What is Your Life in the Mirror?" by Neal Owens and is set in today's political climate.

Derrick learns political strength is needed to ensure the sustainability of his civic-minded conglomerate, and prevent the blockage of future projects that threatens to supplant the business powers that be in America. He finances the nationwide grassroots voting initiative to change the leadership in Congress.

Erich Hornsby, the Neo-Nazi chairman of the business powers, plots Derrick's murder and manipulates the voters to elect his puppet, John Donaldson, president. In full control of the White House, Hornsby attempts to raise the Fourth Reich.

Critique: A deftly scripted and realistic novel threaded throughout with elements of intrigue and suspense that the fully engaged reader will find both insightful and chilling. An inherently riveting read from first page to last, "Mirrors of Life: The Fight for Political Power" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Political Suspense/Thriller collections. When a particular interest for African-American readers, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Mirrors of Life: The Fight for Political Power" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

Death Takes a Byline
D. S. Lliteras
Rainbow Ridge
http://www.rainbowridgebooks.com
9781937907679, $16.95, PB, 264pp

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Takes-Byline-D-S-Lliteras/dp/1937907678

Synopsis: These are the dark circumstances operating against struggling author Larry Meachum. His only defense is a desperate determination to survive in a world burdened by mystery, suspense, and crime.

"Death Takes a Byline" by D. S. Lliteras is a novel about a false and then lost identity, betrayal and infidelity, theft and corruption, deceit and murder.

Critique: Deftly crafted with the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that hold's the reader's rapt attention from beginning to cliff-hanger ending, "Death Takes a Byline" is an extraordinarily entertaining and thought-provoking read that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary General Fiction collections.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Zephrum Gates & the Belly of the Beast
Tricia Riel
1st Edition
www.zephrumgates.com
9780578755571, $15.00, PB, 353pp

https://www.amazon.com/Zephrum-Gates-Belly-Beast-Tricia/dp/0578755572

Synopsis: What do a goblin fortune teller, a sulking sea monster, bushy faced pirates, and sneezing baby dragons all have in common? Why Zephrum Gates, of course!

In "Zephrum Gates & The Belly of The Beast" the evil Strasidous Rowpe is at it again. He has merged with a strange and gooey goblin with dark powers to become that most wicked villain, "Virgidous." And this time, he is sure that he has figured out a way to gain Ultimate Power Over All Things and get rid of Zephrum Gates once and for all!

In his quest for power, he puts an evil spell on humanity and it is up to Zephrum and her uniquely talented friends to outsmart him at every turn.

Critique: This capricious and action packed adventure showcases whimsically memorable characters who will captivate delight fantasy fans. Readers will enjoy following Zephrum as she manages magic, monsters, madmen, and a budding romance -- all a part of her heroic efforts to stop "Strasidous Rowpe" and save the world as she flies from one cliffhanger predicament to the next.

A deftly crafted, impressively original, and solidly entertaining read from first page to last, "Zephrum Gates & The Belly of The Beast" is especially and unreservedly recommended for school and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated fantasy fans that "Zephrum Gates & The Belly of The Beast" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).


The Christian Studies Shelf

Finding Soul Rest
Curtis Zackery
Kirkdale Press
9781683594284, $14.99, PB, 104pp

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Soul-Rest-Connecting-Devotional/dp/1683594282

Synopsis: What does it mean to truly find rest? Jesus tells us that he "will give us rest". But what does that look like in a society marked by increasing rates of overcommitment and burnout? Too many of us have built unhealthy cycles of rest, striving and straining against God's intent for our lives.

In "Finding Soul Rest: 40 Days of Connecting with Christ: A Devotional", Curtis Zackery provides a practical guide to finding the deep soul rest that Jesus promises. And it all centers around renewing and restoring our relationship with Christ. This thoughtful devotional on rest calls us to the intentional work of self-examination, helping us move toward a purposeful and sustainable life with Jesus.

Through thoughtful reflections on Scripture and devotional questions, readers will rediscover their identity in rhythm with God.

Critique: Inspired and inspiring, "Finding Soul Rest: 40 Days of Connecting with Christ: A Devotional" is unreservedly recommended reading for all members of the Christian community regardless of denominational affiliations and is a useful addition to the personal studies lists of clergy, seminary students, and laity with an interest in Christian Spiritual Growth & Devotion.

Editorial Note: Curtis "CZ" Zackery has served in various Christian ministry and leadership roles for the past 20 years -- including church planting, pastoring, and speaking on rest, the kingdom of God, and the beauty of the gospel.

Are You Getting This?
Robert Fergusson
SHOUT! Publishing
www.shoutpublishing.com
9781922411013, $30.00 HC, $24.99 PB, 422pp

https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Getting-This-Paperback/dp/1922411000

Synopsis: If Robert Fergusson were to tell you a story, whether from a church platform or in the confines of the seat next to you on an airplane, the probability is that you would undoubtedly listen and undeniably be changed -- for the better!

Stories pass on gathered wisdom, they reveal much about a person's identity, convey responsibility, instil values and uncover truth. There is an art to storytelling, and priceless significance gained when you discern and absorb this age-old practice.

In the pages of 'Are You Getting This?' by Fergusson the reader will discover the story telling method that has made him such a sought-after teacher, a memorable preacher and an incessant disciple of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the reader will rediscover a love for learning and teaching, the importance of impartation and the eternal truths found in the greatest story ever told.

Critique: The next best thing to sitting in a room and listening to Robert Fergusson speak, reading "Are You Getting This?" will prove to be an impressively life-enhancing, life-engaging, life-celebrating, inspired and inspiring read from first page to last. Simply stated, "Are You Getting This?" is especially and unreservedly recommended to the personal reading lists of seminary students, clergy, and all other members of the Christian community regardless of denominational affiliation, as well as community, church, seminary, college, and university library Contemporary Christian Living collections.

Editorial Note: Currently a resident of Sydney, Australia, Robert Fergusson has been part of the teaching team at Hillsong Church for the last thirty years. For over forty years he has taught people how to live in order to please God.


The Poetry Shelf

A Door Opens
Richard Merelman
Fireweed Press
https://fireweedpoetry.com/allbooks.html
9781878660039, $10.00, PB, 57pp

Synopsis: Richard Merelman is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. The first volume of his poetry, "The Imaginary Bariton" was published by Fireweed Press in 2016.

"A Door Opens" is a second collection of original free form verse by Professor Merelman to be published by Fireweed Press. This compilation of forty-two deftly crafted poems showcases Merelman's genuine flair for originality and impressive skills as a word smith able to evoke both emotional and cerebral responses to his carefully fashioned images.

Critique: "A Door Opens" is an erudite, thought-provoking read that will hold special appeal to anyone who appreciates well wrought verse that will linger in the mind long after the book itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf. "A Door Opens" is especially recommended for personal, community, and academic library Contemporary American Poetry collections.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Mystical Marriage
C. S. Warner
iUniverse, Inc.
c/o Author House
www.iuniverse.com
9781663201560, $32.99, PB, 314pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mystical-Marriage-Opening-Revelation-Doorway/dp/1663201560

Synopsis: Have you ever wondered if a Near-Death Experience (NDE) can actually happen? The answer to that is "No," unless you consider the physical body to be the essence of who you are.

What you will find during one of these experiences is that your Spirit is your essence and your physical body is simply the "vehicle" that your Spirit rides in. Try picturing it this way: your body is like a car. When the car goes kaput, you get a different car. That's the way it is with "death". Your Spirit gets out of the "dead" body and gets into a different one.

"The Mystical Marriage: Opening the Sixth Seal of the Revelation-The Doorway of Vision" by C. S. Warner is the first book in this series that explains what an NDE looks like, feels like and what in our body triggers the visions and "silent" voices that we hear. It also explains why someone who has experienced this sometimes becomes intuitive, a psychic or perhaps a savant.

"The Mystical Marriage" takes you on a journey that shows you how this ancient ability and understanding of "the other side" and how to communicate with it has existed since the beginning of time. Sometimes that understanding is shown to us in mythological or biblical stories, or in some type of art form. Regardless of how those stories come down to us, they are irrevocably intertwined using numbers, letters, symbols, [God], angels, gods, goddesses, alchemy or astrological/astronomical symbols.

In today's world, people use religion and science to explain the same things that our Ancient ancestors knew, and that is that there is no such thing as death. "The Mystical Marriage: Opening the Sixth Seal of the Revelation-The Doorway of Vision" is the stepping-stone in learning how to "read the writing in the sky" and why it is of utmost importance to learn what Enlightenment is and where to find it.

Critique: Inherently fascinating, impressively informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "The Mystical Marriage: Opening the Sixth Seal of the Revelation-The Doorway of Vision" is an extraordinary study and one that is fully commended to the attention of all metaphysical students with respect to the issues and near-death out of body experiences. Fully recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical Studies collections in general, and Numerology, Near-Death Experiences, and New Age Mysticism supplemental studies lists in particular, it should be noted for students, academicians, and non-specialist general readers that "The Mystical Marriage: Opening the Sixth Seal of the Revelation-The Doorway of Vision" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).


The Business Shelf

Small Mistakes, Big Consequences
Anne Corley Baum
Momosa Publishing
https://momosapublishing.com
9781732301627, $10.00, PB, 64pp

https://www.amazon.com/Small-Mistakes-Big-Consequences-Develop/dp/173230162X

Synopsis: "Small Mistakes, Big Consequences: Develop Your Soft Skills to Help You Succeed" by Anne Corley Baum is a lighthearted look at the top 16 business mistakes that people make without realizing the potential consequences. "Small Mistakes, Big Consequences shows how to identify these common character mistakes that can make or break your relationships. Avoid making these mistakes yourself and learn how to work with and manage these personality types.

"Small Mistakes, Big Consequences" offers practical instruction on how to: Be perceived as sincere and trustworthy; Empower a team for greater success; Help team members take accountability for their actions; Encourage others to listen to a managerial perspective; Present a personal best and most professional self.

"Small Mistakes, Big Consequences" is comprised of simple, actionable business tips to help the reader succeed and is an instructional guide to navigating the speed bumps on the road to the corner office.

Critique: Exceptionally informative, effectively practical, and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Small Mistakes, Big Consequences: Develop Your Soft Skills to Help You Succeed" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, and college/university library Business Management collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of MBA students, academia, entrepreneurs, business managers, and corporate executives that "Small Mistakes, Big Consequences: Develop Your Soft Skills to Help You Succeed" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.95).

Editorial Note: Anne Corley Baum is the Lehigh Valley executive & vice president, distribution channels and labor relations for Capital BlueCross. Prior to joining Capital BlueCross, she taught leadership to high potentials on their way to the C suite through the executive coaching programs and seminars of her company, Vision Accomplished. Anne believes that being in the community is critical to success, and she has served on or led many boards. She has received numerous awards for her leadership, including the Athena International Award and Pennsylvania Best 50 Women in Business. Anne was certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a protocol and etiquette consultant.

Elevated Economics
Richard Steel
Fast Company Press
https://www.fastcompanypress.com
c/o Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
www.greenleafbookgroup.com
9781734324846, $23.95, HC, 246pp

https://www.amazon.com/Elevated-Economics-Conscious-Consumers-Business/dp/1734324848

Synopsis: In today's business climate both consumers and investors have 'innovated' their game. Now business leaders must innovate along with them or face detrimental consequences.

"Elevated Economics: How Conscious Consumers Will Fuel the Future of Business" entrepreneur and investor Richard Steel is an engaging and persuasive guide to the new world of conscious capitalism, and details the inevitability of the coming changes in capitalism.

Our economy has become increasingly values-driven, and consumers have begun to care more about the principles of the companies from which they buy. With an eye toward the future of sustainability, "Elevated Economics" provides: Crucial information on the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices; Informative, firsthand interviews with Ivy League business school professors and CEOs of successful corporations who actively follow the ESG model; A framework for understanding trends in Socially Responsible Investing (SRI).

Steel also makes the case that ESG is more than a burgeoning trend, and entrepreneurs, business managers, and corporate executives must get on board or risk catastrophic consequences.

Critique: Impressively informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Elevated Economics: How Conscious Consumers Will Fuel the Future of Business" is an extraordinary study and one that in these troubled times of pandemic, economic collapse, and social unrest, must be given as wide a readership as possible. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community, corporate and college/university library Business Management and Contemporary Economics collections and supplemental curriculum studies, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of MBA students, academia, economists, entrepreneurs, business managers, corporate executives, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Elevated Economics: How Conscious Consumers Will Fuel the Future of Business" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Richard Steel is an American entrepreneur, investor, and consultant. He has run private and public companies, served on nonprofit boards, and advised the White House Business Council. He is an advisor to large and mid-size companies, governments, startups, and nonprofits. Currently, he is the CEO of a venture firm and chairs a philanthropic fund. Richard is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School where he serves on the Alumni Board.


The Self-Help Shelf

Trust Your Animal Instincts
Tabitha A. Scott
Powering Potential Media
http://www.Powering-Potential.com
9781735494005, $18.95, PB, 268pp

https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Your-Animal-Instincts-Recharge/dp/1735494003

Synopsis: If you're struggling to stay positive in this time of Covid, economic distress and social unrest, you're not alone. The pace of change and the nonexistent norm make us feel off-balance, burned out, and disconnected. "Trust Your Animal Instincts: Recharge Your Life & Ignite Your Power" by Tabitha A. Scott reveals how to recharge your life and spark positivity through your own limitless source of power.

Exhausted from the burnout of trying to please everyone, including herself, Tabitha quit her job, gave away most of her belongings, and lived near a remote jungle in Costa Rica. Teetering between the wilderness there and the jungle back home, clarity and freedom emerged, along with a passion to share her insights to help others.

"Trust Your Animal Instincts" covers: Identifying personal insulators, harmful pressures, and negativity leading to burnout; Reconnecting to your intuition for direction and renewed purpose; Defending against energetic attacks and maintain positivity; Learning how to reignite your life and tap into unbridled joy and unconditional love.

Critique: As informative and inspiring as it is 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Trust Your Animal Instincts: Recharge Your Life & Ignite Your Power" is a potentially life changing, life enhancing, life celebrating instructional guide and manual. While especially and unreservedly recommended for both community and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Trust Your Animal Instincts: Recharge Your Life & Ignite Your Power" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Tabitha A. Scott is an award-winning international advisor, speaker, and author. A thought leader in electrical and human energy, her area of expertise is leveraging principles of modern and ancient energy technologies to accelerate innovation, productivity and the development of personal potential. She led efforts in creating the world's largest solar-powered community and was recognized for her innovations by the White House. In addition to earning a BS in Finance, an MBA, and a Masters in Bank Management, Tabitha was credentialed as a Certified Energy Manager through the Association of Energy Engineers, in Blockchain through MIT, and holds numerous certifications in human biofield therapy.


James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


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