Nonfiction

Doing Good & Doing Well:...

Michael L. Kaufman, MSW, PhD (Rowman & Littlefield)

| Reviewed by Hannah Bietz

In Doing Good and Doing Well, Michael L. Kaufman skillfully explores the intersection of altruism and leadership for helping professionals. Kaufman elucidates the core message that those in service-oriented careers possess inherent traits that resonate with their roles as helpers and equip them to ascend into leadership positions. This duality of purpose—doing good while thriving professionally—is the core message of this book. The book's organization mirrors Kaufman's guiding philosophy, combining personal narratives, historical context, and p...

Underdog Nation: Zero In...

QUANG X. PHAM (Forbes Books)

| Reviewed by Matthew Novak

Underdog Nation chronicles Quang X. Pham's odyssey from being a war refugee in Vietnam to a successful biotech entrepreneur. The narrative begins with his family's escape from the fall of Saigon in 1975. It follows Pham through his formative years in America, where he develops a relentless underdog spirit. The plot highlights Pham's military service in the Marines, his transition to pharmaceutical sales, and ultimately, his founding of Cadrenal Therapeutics—pioneering a new anticoagulant drug intending to honor his father's legacy while address...

Beyond the Storm: Navigat...

Jerome Frierson (Jerome Frierson)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Beyond the Storm is a heartfelt and authentic exploration of suffering through the compelling lens of the Book of Job, specifically tailored for a millennial audience navigating the tumultuous waters of adulthood. Jerome Frierson’s writing offers a guide and a companion for navigating hardship and struggles, providing practical insights intertwined with profound biblical truths and creating a seamless connection between ancient scripture and contemporary challenges. This book thoroughly examines key themes: suffering, faith, hope, and persevera...

Wild Yoga: A Practice of...

Rebecca Wildbear (New World Library)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

 Rebecca Wildbear’s Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration, & Advocacy for the Earth invites readers on a transformative journey through the interconnectedness of self, nature, and spirituality. The book melds personal narrative, yoga practice, and ecological awareness, promoting a holistic approach to well-being that emphasizes our relationship with the Earth. One of the central themes of this book is the intimate connection between personal healing and ecological responsibility. Wildbear notes, “Our wellness and our pla...

LIFE AFTER LOSS: REFLECTI...

Catherine Kenwell (Wintertickle Press)

| Reviewed by Sarah Harkness

Life After Loss: Reflections on Moments of Grace and Courage in Grief is a deeply personal and relatable collection of stories about experiences of loss, grief, and healing. The author, Catherine Kenwell, has curated diverse contributions from individuals who have faced various forms of loss, trauma, and heartbreak. The book highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating one's loss rather than trying to find a silver lining or diminish it. This approach is echoed throughout the book as contributors share their raw and unflinchin...

The Hidden Power of Risin...

Greg Donaldson (Wyndhill Publishing, LLC)

| Reviewed by Jayne Anne Rooney

In The Hidden Power of Rising Dividends, Greg Donaldson presents a compelling journey through the volatile investing world, ultimately shifting his focus to a dividend-centric approach. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful commentary, he details his transformation from a conventional growth investor to an advocate for high-dividend-yield stocks, emphasizing their stability and reliability in uncertain markets. One of the book's central messages is the inherent value of dividends to cultivate security and growth in investments. Donaldson il...

Treasure: Gifts Received...

Pamela Starusta (Wildpalm Corp.)

| Reviewed by Louise Garten

Treasure: Gifts Received from Challenges, Struggles, and Trauma by Pamela Starusta is a memoir-cum-guidebook blending profoundly personal narrative with universal lessons on healing and self-discovery. Capturing the agony and aftermath of trauma, the book reveals how life’s darkest moments can transform into powerful sources of strength and enlightenment. The core message revolves around the transformative potential of trauma. Starusta asserts that challenges and struggles can break us and fortify us. Instead of succumbing to despair, she encou...

10 Little Rules for a Dou...

Teri M Brown (10 Little Rules)

| Reviewed by Elena Enger

10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure by Teri M Brown is a wonderful exploration of personal growth, transformation, and the quest for adventure. The book is an inspiring guide wrapped around the author’s journey of cycling across the United States on a tandem bike with her husband, Bruce. Through this adventure, Brown discovers new geographical locations and insights about herself, her relationships, and life at large. She shares those insights in this life-transforming book! The book's central message is about embracing life’s challen...

A Beginner's Guide to Lov...

Gavin Muschamp (Prime Seven Media (March 4, 2024))

| Reviewed by Elena Enger

In A Beginner's Guide to Loving & Healing Yourself, Everyone and the Planet Earth, Gavin Muschamp presents a refreshing approach to self-improvement and environmental consciousness during rapid change. Aimed at those seeking clarity in their lives, this guide invites them to embark on a transformative journey toward personal fulfillment and global stewardship. Muschamp offers a roadmap to navigating modern life, creating a balance between acknowledging the turmoil many feel and offering practical pathways to hope and healing. Each chapter i...

Searching for John DeWitt

John Chase (Hellgate Press)

| Reviewed by Meg McKinnon

In Searching for John DeWitt, John Chase uncovers a treasure trove of over 80 letters from his grandfather, penned in the shell-shocked trenches of World War I, and he sets out on a journey of discovery, loss, and unspoken bravery. What starts as a family curiosity ignites a fire within him as he reads about the brutal combat death of a young trench runner—a boy his soft-spoken grandfather served alongside. In these letters, John Ryder DeWitt reveals a past he never shared, one that contrasts sharply with his cheerful correspondence home....

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