Everyone
Needs a Hero: Why Can’t It Be You? is an inspiring and an encouraging book written
by Aimé Mukendi, Jr.
Showing posts with label Non Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Non Fiction. Show all posts
June 5, 2020
Everyone Needs a Hero: Why Can't It Be You by Aimé Mukendi, Jr.
June 13, 2019
Why Jihad? by Dr. Howard Shin
Why
Jihad? : Religious Violence in IslamicHistory, Theology, and Jurisprudence is an interesting and educative
book about Muslims, Islam, and Jihad written by Dr.
Howard Shin.
The book has fourteen very interesting
chapters in addition to the Introduction, Conclusion, and Bibliography, and
tries to explain the root-cause for Islam’s prevalent violence. In consistently
academic tone, the author discusses the conflicting views on Jihad and
elucidates the readers by explaining Jihad as defined by the
Qur’an, the Hadiths, the Islamic Jurisprudence, and the pre-modern Sufism.
The author shares a brief history of the
Messenger of Allah and the proliferation of Islam in Asia, North Africa, and
the Iberian Peninsula and features the most prominent proponents of Jihad.
This is, generally, a scholarly-written
book, apparently well-researched and well-referenced. In carefully worded
explanation understandable to laymen and, probably, to non-Muslim readers, the
author explicates the difference between Greater Jihad and Lesser
Jihad and hints at the ultimate implication of armed Jihad in
the future of the world making the book a ‘must-read’ for diplomats and
politicians.
However, this is not an easy read. Other
readers may find it too academic and, somehow, overwhelming. It requires focus,
undivided attention, and genuine interest in Jihad, Islam, and the
Muslims in general. Moreover, there are several noticeable errors within the
entire book, mostly typo errors, which detract from the overall reading
experience.
Congratulations to Dr. Howard Shin on
such an interesting book! For more books by the author, click HERE.
May 9, 2019
Under the Sun by Andrew Gilmore
Underthe Sun: Discover Your Calling and Live a Meaningful Life is an inspiring and encouraging book
written by Andrew Gilmore.
The book is written to
help the readers discover their purpose in life. The author begins by defining
life and leads the readers to life’s ultimate purpose. He, then, enumerates
four reasons why we are not living our purpose, four steps to living an excellent
life, four traits we must engender to live a purposeful life, and three steps
to unearth what we are meant to do. He also presents three biblical case
studies to emphasize his points, that of Joseph, Daniel, and Paul.
This is a great book. It
is written in a consistently conversational tone making it an easy read. The
humor and the sprinkle of sarcasm give the book a lighthearted feel to it that
makes it even more likable and interesting. By sharing his personal
experiences, the author makes the steps practicable and the goal of living a
life of purpose easy to accomplish. Moreover, the inclusion of biblical
characters makes the readers feel more accepting of their flaws and more
forgiving of their own failures.
Needless to say, I
enjoyed this book a lot. I recommend it to readers who enjoy books about
personal growth.
Congratulations to
Andrew Gilmore (@TheAndyGilmore) on such a great book! To know
more about the author, click HERE.
April 30, 2019
Third Eye: 7 Techniques to Open Your Third Eye by Andrew Black
Third
Eye: 7 Techniques to Open Your Third Eye Chakra,Fast and Simple Techniques to
Increase Awareness and Consciousness is an informative book written by Andrew Black.
Except for several noticeable errors, I
enjoyed this book a lot.
April 23, 2019
The Aura Reading Handbook by Loren G. Tindall
The
Aura Reading Handbook is an informative and helpful self-help book written by Loren G. Tindall.
The book begins by describing ‘aura’ as
the field of vital energy that surrounds all matter, or anything we would
consider to be of this physical world. She, then, moves on and gives a brief
background on aura including concepts and theories, frequency of auras,
interaction of auras, and practicable exercises to increase rapport, protect
aura from psychic vampires, and cleanse auras.
The author takes time to discuss chakras
which are the centers of energy that receive, transform, and distribute the
universal life force throughout the body. They are the sources of energy perceived
as the colors of the aura. Among the important topics that the author includes
in the book are the Classic Aura Color
Scheme (red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.
Silver, gold, white, black, gray, and brown) how to sense auras, identifying
the colors in your aura (by asking, dowsing, and calculating), programming aura
for a better future, using aura to improve love life, using aura to improve
heath, and using aura to attract prosperity.
This is a great book. It is written in
conversational yet instructive tone which makes it easy to read and understand.
The exercises are clearly explained making them quite practicable. The
explanations are concise and straightforward. Quite possibly, the information
presented in the book is strategically limited to avoid information overload
but enough to pique the interest of the readers. If that is the objective,
then, it works for me.
March 31, 2019
Transcending the Maya Matrix by Omar M. Makram
Transcending
the Maya Matrix: Using theSeven Simple Steps: Our Innate Guide to Co-Creation
and Self-Realization is a helpful book about spirituality written by Omar M. Makram.
The book is divided into two parts. Part I
is divided into two chapters and Part II is divided into seven
chapters.
It is written to teach the readers how to
uncover their Innate
Guide. According to the book, the Innate Guide is
the force that guides the Universe. It is in everything. Therefore, it is
inside us. We can tap into its knowledge and be guided by its wisdom.
The author offers seven principles to
unveil the Innate
Guide. He calls these principles ‘The Seven Simple
Steps.’ The seven simple steps include intention, awareness, authentic
expression, allowing, receiving guidance, inspired action, and realization.
This is a great book. It is helpful and
enlightening. It is well-written, well-researched, and well-referenced. Terms
are clearly defined, steps are carefully described, and examples are given for
better understanding and application. Most importantly, it is respectful of
readers’ beliefs and does not impose its concepts on anyone.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book
immensely. However, this is not an easy read. It requires focus, undivided
attention, and a great deal of interest in the subject matter. Moreover, other
readers may find some explanation a bit ambiguous, and though the author,
apparently, endeavors to make this book as user-friendly as possible, some
parts require rereading and careful consideration.
March 28, 2019
Art of Essential Zen by James Henry
Art
of Essential Zen is
an informative and helpful book written by James Henry.
The book is for readers who want a life
that is full of balance, happiness, and serenity. It has five relatively short
chapters that give an overview of the Zen lifestyle, teaches Zen rituals that
will help the readers, explains the Art of Awareness, and guides readers on how
to find Mindfulness. At the end of the book the readers may expect to learn how
to gain self-knowledge and reach self-awareness and to increase concentration
and focus. They may also expect help in their personal relationships, emotional
stability, and going through moments of intense anger.
This is a very helpful book. In this day
and age of haste and clamor, when everything is fast-paced, half-done, and
stressful, this book teaches the readers how to find and be in the state of
silence through the Zen lifestyle. Zen lifestyle is living in a constant state
of peace.
I love everything about this book. It is
an easy read and, ultimately, reader-friendly for beginners like myself.
Everything is explained in simple and understandable English devoid of
technical terms and jargons. The rituals are practicable and easy to follow and
the instructions are as simple as they sound in that, they can be easily
performed.
February 28, 2019
Inspire by Sara Wellington
Inspire: Start the Journey towards YourHappiness, Dreams, and
Desires is
an informative, helpful and inspiring book written by Sara Wellington.
Divided into sixteen relatively short
chapters, the book is about how to be inspired in order to achieve goals and
find happiness in life. The author discusses the effect of inspirational words
and enumerates sources of inspiration including aspiration, successful people,
strong desire, and love.
Moreover, the author explains the ultimate
effect of fear in a person’s life. She also brings up the most important
question of all which needs to be answered in order to achieve success and
happiness.
Overall, this is an enjoyable book.
Basically, it is an easy read. It is informative, helpful, and inspiring. It is
also interactive, thereby engaging.
However, I find the subject somehow
overused, and considering the shortness of the book, I didn’t find anything new
or special that would make this book stand out from among thousands of books
already written about this subject. Moreover, there are too many noticeable
errors within the entire book that I recommend another round of editing.
January 1, 2019
My 2019 Book List
I have read 118 books
in 2018. Just like the previous years, most of them are by independent authors
and are self-published. As a professional book reviewer, sometimes I feel like
reading books become ‘work’ which, technically, in my case, is true. So, when
writing reviews becomes too tedious and stressful, I read for fun. The
following list is that of books that I chose to read for personal amusement.
1. Surprise Me by Sophia
Kinsella
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
3. Magic Strings of
Frankie Presto by
4. Acceptable Risk by
Robin Cook (reread)
5. Hidden Riches by Nora
Roberts (reread)
6. Sands of Time by Sidney
Sheldon
7. IQ84 by Haruki Murukami
8. The Zahir by Paulo
Coelho
9. The Hate You Give by
Angie Thomas
10. Kindred Spirits by
Rainbow Rowell
11. Pride and Prejudice by
Jane Austen (reread)
12. Little Men by Louisa
May Alcott (reread)
That looks like a short
list, doesn’t it? Well, if you want, you may add your book to that list. Here
is the list of the books I read and reviewed in 2018. Mainstream books,
however, are not reviewed. They are popular enough as they are and some are
even overrated and don’t need reviews for promotion.
15. Crown of Midnight by
Sarah J. Maas
18. The Witch’s Journey by
Elaanie S.
24. Brand Real by Vasken
Kalayjian
29. Nightmares, The Lost
Lullaby by Jason Segel
30. Pillow Talk: The Legend
of Lorelie Begins by Daria J. Wagoner
36. Library of Souls by
Ransom Riggs
39. The Manifesto Murders by Nick Airus
57. Angels among Us by
Hannah Conway
59. Gone by Michael Grant
60. The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
61. Revival from the
Shoulder by Paul Juby
69. Attachments by Rainbow
Rowell
76. Vanity Fair by William
Makepeace Thackeray
83. Beyond Wealth to
Long-Term Prosperity by Naseem Mariam
99. Crazy Rich Asians by
Kevin Kwan
116. I Can See Peace by
Julie Penshorn
117. The Woodspeople by Marc
Remus
118. Of Zots and Xoodles by
Zarqnon the Embarrassed
If you want to add your
book on next year’s list, you may CLICK HERE. The blog author, however,
reserves the right to refuse books that are beyond her field of expertise.
December 18, 2018
Psychopath by Jefferey Dawson
PSYCHOPATH:Manipulation, Con Men and Relationship Fraud is an informative book written by Jefferey Dawson.
In addition to the Introduction and the
Conclusion, the book has fifteen very interesting chapters. The author gives
the definition of personality as well as the factors that affect the
personality of an individual and the causes of personality disorders.
The book also enumerates various
personality disorders which are divided into three clusters: Cluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid,
and Schizotypal Personality Disorder; Cluster B: Antisocial
(Psychopath), Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder; Cluster C: Avoidant, Dependent,
and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder.
The author discusses the symptoms of a
psychopath and the pre-psychopathic child, and includes the professions that
the psychopaths find attractive. He also presents a few case studies.
This is a very interesting, informative,
and helpful book. By giving a detailed description of how a psychopath thinks
and behaves, the author is able to give the readers an idea on how to spot a
psychopath and by describing the worldview of a psychopath, he is able to
emphasize how devastating and dangerous it is to live with one.
The book is, fortunately, concise and very
easy to read and understand, and except for a short part that includes some
statistics in the first chapter, everything about this book is quite
interesting and, probably, relatable to a lot of people. Except for several
noticeable errors, I like everything about this book.
November 16, 2018
The Influence of Military Strategies to Business by MD White
The Influence of Military Strategies to Business: Skills to Helpwith Problem Solving and Decision Making is an
informative and helpful book by M.D. White.
It is divided into twenty-five chapters in addition to the
Introduction. It is written to present the parallels between war and business
planning based on the principles of the Chinese military strategist, Sun Tzu.
These principles are divided into two components: knowing oneself and knowing
the enemy.
Among the topics discussed in the book include strategic
surveillance, transformational leadership, business models, and innovation. Moreover, the
author expounds on C3I (command, control, communication, information) as the
basis to managing crises, the three most critical market factors (accelerating
change, increasing competition, increasing complexity), as well as various
defensive and offensive strategies and the application of the Principles of Sun
Tzu in business. Furthermore, by analyzing the similarities between an airplane
and a company, he is able to emphasize the importance of business models.
Basically, this is an interesting, informative, helpful, and,
apparently, well-researched book. It is organized and academically written with
a consistently formal tone commonly used in textbooks. By citing internationally
recognized brands like Coke, Pepsi, Xerox, Ford, Colgate, Nike, and Adidas,
the author is able to reach out to ordinary people, and by sharing the stories
of Xerox, Sears, Ford and the battle between Coke and Pepsi,
and Nike and Adidas, he makes this book difficult
to put down.
Needless to say, this is one great book that even a non-military
and non-business minded person like myself is able to appreciate it. However,
with its textbook tone, other readers may find this book not an easy read. In
addition, there are a few errors within the entire book which some readers may
find distracting.
November 8, 2018
Messed Up Men of the Bible by Tina Samples and Dave Samples
Messed Up Menof the Bible: Seeing the Men in Your Life through
God’s Eyes is
an eye-opening, insightful, inspiring, and encouraging book written by Tina Samples and Dave Samples.
With each chapter discussed alternately
between Dave and Tina Samples, the book has twelve chapters that feature twelve
messed up men from both the Old and the New Testament including King David,
King Solomon, Samson, and Judas, among others.
Among the issues explicated include the
conceited men, the control freak, the angry, the depressed, the traitor, the
physically ill, the wayward, and the lustful, as well as those men who lack
integrity, men who lack courage, those with father issues, and those possessed
by various demons.
By citing specific verses in the Bible,
the authors explain the behaviors of each messed up man and even present
reasons that may justify these behaviors. Similarly, the authors illustrate how
these messed up men in the Bible behave exactly the same way as the men in our
lives. Moreover, they share how the women (mother, wife, lover, and daughter)
in these messed up men’s lives dealt with the situations they found themselves
in.
The book offers practical and important
advice on how to help these men: to how to live with a controlling man, ways to
relax when dealing with an angry man, and the dos and don’ts of living with an
angry man.
Each chapter ends with a list of
questions for the readers to answer which makes the book interactive and
personal, and by sharing their own experiences, the authors make this book very
relatable.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book
immensely. It is an easy read, informative, inspiring, and encouraging.
However, some parts may require not just
familiarity with but ample knowledge of the Bible. Though regular Bible readers
may not find that much of an issue, non-Bible readers may find it a little bit
bothersome.
October 6, 2018
Roadmap to the End of Days by Daniel Friedmann
Roadmap
to the End of Days: DemystifyingBiblical Eschatology to Explain the Past, The
Secret to the Apocalypse and theEnd of the World is an interesting and intriguing
book written by Daniel Friedmann.
The book has ten chapters, three
appendices, glossary, and endnotes in addition to some figures and tables. It
demonstrates a clear biblical time comprising a chronology of actual history
until today up to a deadline for the End of Days in 2240 and events relating to
the End of Days.
In order to understand the ‘biblical
timeline’ to the End of Days, the author explains first the purpose of our
existence which is, ultimately, the fulfillment of the Cosmic Purpose and
explicates how this Cosmic Purpose can be achieved and how we can hasten the
End of Days.
The book discusses the Seven Noahide
Laws and mentions the 613 commandments of the Torah as pertinent to the
accomplishment of the Cosmic Purpose. Moreover, the author describes historical
events where we have been close to the End of Days but failed to get there as
well as the prophecies about the End of Days including The Battle of Gog and
Magog and the resurrection of the dead. By presenting figures and tables, the
author illustrates the parallel pattern of Creation Days and the coincidences
between biblical events and recent historical events.
Overall, this is an academically
written, very interesting, very intriguing, and, apparently, well-researched
book. However, this is not an easy read. It requires not only familiarity with
but ample knowledge of the Scripture. Moreover, the flood of details can be
very confusing and disorienting. Finally, I find the premise of the book a
little subjective.
Congratulations to Daniel Friedmann (@GenesisandScien)
on such a very interesting book! For more books by the author, click HERE.
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