The Science Of The Deal: The DNA Of Multifamily & Commercial Real Estate Investing by Parsi Shravan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author, Parsi Shravan writes about his experiences growing up in India, moving to America’s Southwest and finding success as the CEO of a successful real estate investment firm. Broken into eight chapters, Mr. Shravan takes us through some interesting times in his life, that happen to correspond and trace back to the lessons he is trying to impart. From knowing your industry, how to develop good talent, potentials of downsides, and the real importance of networking, there is much ground that is covered in this book. I t does not seem that way however, as the author is good at telling his stories and while you are learning about important things, you are also hearing about the authors backstory and essentially his memoir that is entertaining to read about.
A very good book, that I found entertaining to read. Mr. Shravan clearly knows his industry and his expertise, and it was good to read about just how far hard work and ambition can bring you.


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The Last Virus by Caleb Adams
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

After a designer Virus plunges the world into chaos and darkness, the few survivors have finally come together to again fight for their survival only this time its against the New World order and not a virus. 3 years after the virus ran rampant through the world, lives are lived in fear, music, art and anything that makes life worth living are outlawed. You are either under the Caliphates thumb, their property or living in the sewers. Underground a rebellion is brewing, one that will test the strength of the Caliphate. Will they succeed?
This book was less about a post-apocalyptic world after a virus runs through it, than it was about Christian vs. Islam. The stereotypical Anti-Islamic rhetoric that runs rampant through this book was very hard to read. There were a few persistent sentence structure errors throughout the book. However, I would have rather the Author bring his talent to a different book. I think this book was a complete miss.


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Hazard: How to Change Your Destiny or Love It Now by Cosmin Onofrei
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting title for an interesting book. The author paints a grim but realistic picture: we are not in control. What we have in our lives is the illusion of control over our lives and what happens every day. The true meaning of happiness, fear or love is explored in this book. We also delve into where to find our own freedom and how to find it amidst chaos. Last but certainly not least, in this scary world where we have very little true control, we need to learn how to trust in the Universe and its light, instead of living in despair. Everything is connected, and this book helps us recognize this.
It was an interesting book. I am unsure if I can ascribe 100% to the doctrine of trusting the universe and all, but I think that the author made a very good case for it. Well written and with no spelling or grammatical errors, it is certainly a book worth reading.


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Johnny Goes North: A Johnny Fedora Espionage Spy Thriller Assignment Book 7 by Desmond Cory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gunner Holmgren, a two-timing spymaster is the epitome of an evil genius. His sinister plans of murders disguised as science, have been reviled by many, but none have been able to thwart him yet. When he finally did perish, he took to his grave the location of a reported treasure trove of gold. Eventually, British Intelligence Officer Johnny Fedora is tasked with investigation the rumors and finding the gold.
An oldtimey style Espionage thriller, this book is a classical tale of good guy vs bad guy albeit one who is dead, but still manages thwart Johnny along the way. Still, Johnny relies upon his grit and his wit to guide him in solving the clues. An enjoyable book that will grip you early and allow you to lose yourself in the hunt for clues and the eventual solving of the mystery. I found the book to be entertaining and interesting. I liked Johnny, while he might be a bit rough and know-it-all for my tastes, I think he is a great main character who carries the book well.


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Preparing for a Lockdown by Silvergum Publishing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Preparing for a lockdown is essentially what the title proclaims. It is a guide that will help those who never gave a second thought to this topic and explain to them the basics of being prepared for natural disasters, pandemics or even social unrest, all events that can (and have in the past) upset the supply chains and make certain items hard to get. The book takes us through various topics such as: grocery staples and substitutions that can be made for items that will be in high demand; Medications and other household items that one might not think of until they are needed; entertainment, and even various ways to increase your Backyard self-sufficiency. This might sound like a lot, but the book is short, and structured to make it easy to read. You might be better off purchasing this in paperback as it will be easier to refer back to when needed.

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The New MBA: How to Build a Business That You Love and Take Control of Your Finances Without Losing Who You Are by David Schloss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are tired of working for someone else and cannot see yourself doing this for the next ten, twenty or thirty years, then you certainly need to adjust what you are doing and change things up. This book will strive to help you with that. The author is a marketing expert and will give you advice on how to build a business that you love (and one that will flourish, that is important), and how to thus take control of your finances. There are a dime a dozen of these types of books on the market, but what I found interesting in this one is that it comes from a marketing point of view. You can have a great idea, and plan, but if you do not understand the marketing fundamentals and how to effectively market to your best segment of customers, your business will not thrive. Pretty interesting and well worth the read for some good and thoughtful information.

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Figuring It Out: A Memoir about Connolly, Inc's Journey to the Top by Libby Connolly Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a memoir about Elizabeth Connolly Alexander, the CEO of Connolly Healthcare and later of the entire organization. Together with her husband and brother, the three set out to take their fathers company and turn it into a veritable powerhouse in the healthcare industry. All three were whip smart and so turning the business around into a new direction came easy to them and under their guidance they were able to attract great partnerships such as with advent, that would further benefit the company.
This was a very interesting book. I like memoirs about people I have never heard of as it can always teach me about new things and this book was no different. While much of the book was spent on the thought process behind some of the decisions and how they went about this venture, there was much time spent on Libby herself as well as her husband and her brother. I like that failures and missteps were also included as it shows that no one is perfect, not even those on top of the world.


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The lottery winner and the gun with no bullets by Heru Asaramo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jacob had a rough life growing up. His mom was an addict, as so manty parents and siblings were on the West side, but he never lost his imagination. When he buys a winning Lottery ticket at age 19, his world and life seem to be set in a brand-new way that even he barely imagined. However, just two years later, he is in jail, charged with the murder of the president’s daughter and all evidence drummed up points at him. Will he be stuck in prison, or can he fight for his freedom? Who really killed the girl and why are more bodies turning up now?
A thrilling adventure full of twists and “who done it” questions, this book has set high aspirations for its characters. I liked Jacob and his friends and even some of those against him. I think the human nature has been touched on enough to show that none of us are perfect. An entertaining book, with a few spelling errors that can use a proofreader’s eye.


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The Future of Leadership in the Age of AI: Preparing Your Leadership Skills for the AI-Shaped Future of Work by Marin Ivezic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

AI is such an important topic to talk about right now. So many jobs will be impacted (positively and negatively) by AI within the next 10-15 years and no one is truly preparing for it. This book will present you with thought provoking data about AI, it’s current and possible future implementations and predictions on where it may go as well. The authors also show all the varied industries that already use AI in their day-to-day operations, such as Finance, Business, Economics, Medical and so on. Rather than having a negative tone however, the book is markedly excited and upbeat about the potentials for AI in the current and new Industries. They also give guidance for the leaders of tomorrow and how they can be better prepared to implement and utilize AI efficiently right now.
The Authors clearly know their material and their audience. The information is easy to understand, and I have read a few books about AI, so this isn’t completely new. However, I believe this book has given me new ideas to ponder about my own leadership role and how I can make a difference in this field. Good Job!


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What I Tell Myself FIRST: Children's Real-World Affirmations of Self Esteem by Michael Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A children’s book based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs might not sound like a good children’s book. But if you take a deeper look inside, you will find that the author took a lot of time detailing the story and outlining a consistent message of hope, self-love and self-worth as well as a great message against bullying. I really loved the page on self-love. Without being able to love yourself, you will not be able to love others truly, nor will they be able to love you, that is such an important message that we need to be teaching our children.
I am reading this often with my 7-year-old as well as my 5-year-old. They are both at an age where they often feel unsecure with themselves, and this book is a good reminder for them in so many ways. The graphics are really nicely done and the writing is easy for young kids to understand.


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I See Things In Blue: Dario by Samuel Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dario suffers from his anxiety and his depression. He also has a strong, persistent urge to please his parents, that forces him to overachieve every day of his life. His parents aren’t very supportive and absent at best. His parents do not give him the acceptance he craves and Dario struggles with feelings of inadequateness and his low level of self-esteem. Dario’s friends try to help him, but its hard to get him to see how awesome he is. Will Dario ever be able to see his self-worth and accept himself for who he is?
As a short book, the ending is left partially open to the readers interpretation. Dario’s situation is very sad, but I do think that there will be many people who can identify with Dario and his daily struggles not just with his parents, but also his struggles at school. Well written and sensitive to the volatile emotions this book will trigger.


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War's Edge: Dead Heroes by Ryan Aslesen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Far into the future, the 35th Century to be exact, mankind will have reached the vast spaces of the farthest edges of space and colonies are everywhere. In an attempt to pacify the outer colonies, war rages between governments and corporations in a struggle for ultimate control. Against this backdrop we meet Mark Rizer, a young man who wants to make a difference and with that goal in mind he drops out of college to join the United Systems Alliance Forces as a Marine. As a Marine in the infamous Murder Company, Mark is deployed to Verdant, a jungle moon and dropped into a fight against ghostly foes and the war is brutal, bloody and vicious. Just how far are men willing to go in their pursuit of honor and blind acceptance of orders?
Well written and intriguing, the worldbuilding was very well done. Mark was a great choice for the main characters, he brought an interesting and refreshing POV to the Science Fiction genre.


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Encased In White Clockwork by Christopher Cave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the vein of Alita, this book is a science fiction/ fantasy mash up where tech, magic, and real world collide in the most curious ways. Elena and Mae, two immensely talented fighters are also lovers. When conspiring forces pit the two against each other as pawns in a deeper game, Elena and Mae will have to decide just how far will they go to protect their love. Will they rise up and riot against those in power? What will happen to their friends and families? Tick Tock the white clock goes, powering all within.
It was a weird book, which can be good and can be bad. I’m on the fence with this one, where the characters were interesting and carried a great deal o the book, the writing was disjointed at times and hard to follow at others. Overall, it’s a good book, but not a light read.


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The Newton Code by Liam Fialkov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Isaac Newton and his more secretive pursuits of knowledge are at the center of this mystery thriller. Michael is a professor of Investigative Journalism who is sharp as a tack. When all computer activities in the USA are halted for 13 min by a mysterious message and image of an arc, Michael is soon contacted by a man who clearly has his own agenda and likes his secrets. Michaels curiosity is peaked however, and reluctantly agrees to help Mr. Bishop out. Going undercover and joining this fanatics group dedicated to Newton, Michael is quickly drawn into a web of mathematical and religious conspiracies and has to use all his wit to prevent a catastrophe.
Very fast paced and well written, the book is written in the vein of the Davinci code, although this one deals with Newton mainly rather than Jesus. Also, the little tidbits that Michael follows to solve the mystery are intriguing in their ingenuity and can easily be believed to actually have some truth to them.


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Jumping from Helicopters: A Vietnam Memoir by John Stillman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My grandfather served in Vietnam, and I have had a fascination with the era ever since. The author, Lori Stillman has a similar fascination, I think, although the prompt for her is her father who is also the main character in this book. Following John Stillman after he volunteered to join the Army in 1967, the book captures the soaring highs and horrid lows of the Vietnam war from the perspective of a Paratrooper who gets sent into the midst of things. But the book doesn’t stop in Vietnam, the author also takes us though her fathers’ memories of uncertain and hard times after the soldiers return home to a country that is not grateful and at times even hostile to them.
Poignant and moving, this memoir is an eye-opening tale of grit, horror, violence, but also bravery, compassion and perseverance of the human spirit. I think this is a great portrayal of the times and captures the zeitgeist with aplomb. I’m grateful to the author and her father, as my grandfather never spoke of the time he was in Vietnam.


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The Anatomy Of Financial Success: The Key To Building Financial Confidence And Destroying Financial Insecurity by Elijah Bilel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a comprehensive book on Financial Management that will help you understand multiple concepts such as: budgeting, money management strategies, identifying opportunities and gaining financial confidence. Broken down into five sections, covering defining Income, the Income itself, Budgeting, Spending and identifying financial opportunities. The author, Elijah Bilel has many valuable years of experience he brings to the table and to this book. His background in business shows in the confident presentation of the subject matter.
A very good book on financial management. I think would be most beneficial to young adults, or older ones who want to gain a better understanding on concepts that they could never truly grasp. Well rounded and well written, it presents the information in a clear and concise way. I did like the book, even though I am not a financial novice, the section about identifying opportunities was the most interesting and beneficial for me.


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The Orchard's Offspring by Eriksen W. Dickens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book starts off with a hot and muggy summer day at the river, and Michael’s father Jay faints and ends up in the hospital. This event prompts Jay to ask a reporter to come see him so he can tell him a never-before told story. With a gripping entry the book thrusts us into the story of a rural Indiana summer, with best friends who just want to enjoy their time out of school. When one of them increasingly becomes reckless, and a newcomer drifts into town, tensions arise over the summer amidst the friends and culminates in the mysterious disappearance of the Herrick boys.
A great book for young adults, this is a story about friendship, and growing up and how one summer can change your entire life. I liked the story; it was interesting and I did not see the editing errors one reviewer mentioned. Might have been in an earlier edition.


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Whispered Wishes by Sue Lilley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Olivia is not the brightest bulb in the bunch. She might mean well, but her disastrous decisions have led her to make some hasty revisions in her life, including a rushed moved to a little cottage in a small town. Her neighbor tends to be as brash and abrupt as he is handsome and mysterious. Olivia can’t help but be drawn to him. When her past comes back to haunt her in the form of Lucas, a photographer who happens to also have a sordid past with Nathan, her neighbor, things start to get heated and not in the good way.
While the main plot seemed interesting, Olivia was too much of a dislikeable character or me to find much sympathy with her. I understand the point of a bad guy, but most of her woes were from her own bad decisions and judgements. I felt bad for Nathan that he had to deal with her. The writing was decent but not great and I think that the book could have been more coherent.


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Grand Masquerade: A Supernatural Suspense Novel by Stephen Perkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A supernatural Thriller set deep in the heart of Vermont’s forests; this book will take you on the hunt. When three hunters become the hunted, things are not always as they at first appear. A sinister plot to flood a small town and implant all the residents with a mind controlling device is interfered with by the Others. Spiritual Beings who have guarded this land for centuries. The ones in charge of the plot, an Executive and a presidential candidate come to the town to oversee the plan and come face to face with their worst nightmares instead of a well-executed plan like they expected. Will they be able to be stopped in time to prevent a catastrophe?
A very good plot that has been executed in a page-turning manner. The story pace increases steadily and even though there are plenty of creepy moments, it is a terrific story to keep you entertained.


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Structural Alpha: Building & Maintaining An Elite Wealth Management Practice by Sal Tiano
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a book about building Wealth through proper and astute management. In order to do this, you need to understand the basic principles of wealth management. In this book, Author Sal Tiano takes his considerable years of experience and provides us with a guide that will allow us to grow our own elite wealth management business as well as enable us to build a successful team of people to work with ad for us. Attracting and retaining high end clients will be key in furthering your business and Sal gives pointers in how to become attractive to those types of clients, as well as what not to do. He also gives insights into the right way to track your progress and how the changing industry can affect your career over time.
This book is pretty short, so it’s a fast read even though it packs a punch in regards to the breadth of information offered. I would suggest that you have to be at least a little familiar with the topic otherwise some terms or concepts will be foreign to you and you will have to look them up. Other than that, this is a good book.


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The Traitor's Son by Pedro Urvi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Traitor’s Son is the first in the Path of the Ranger series with three books so far printed and one available for pre-order. This book starts off the series by introducing us to Lasgol, a hardened fifteen-year-old young man who is the son of The Traitor. His father betrayed the kingdom and attempted regicide. Lasgol is never allowed to forget that fact as everyone either ignores him or hates him and pushes him around. Sick of his hard life, Lasgol finally sets out to clear his fathers name since he believes deep in his heart that his father is innocent of the crimes he is accused of. Attending the prestigious School of Rangers, Lasgol knows he will be as reviled there as anywhere else, but he sees it as his only chance at redemption. But will he be able to survive?
A great start to a new series, it has an interesting backstory for our tormented Lasgol to feel sufficiently motivated. The puzzle pieces that are laid out throughout the story are interesting and the worldbuilding was great. Overall, I really liked the book and will more than likely continue the series.


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Looking For Happiness? Look Inside! A Farewell to Anxiety by Alberto Vezendi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very timely book in these times. I am sure plenty of people are suffering from anxiety and also worrying about what others have instead of focusing on what they themselves have. The author presents us with 2 main issues that prevent people from becoming and staying happy: attachment to objects and people, as well as anxiety over inconsequential things that will never come to pass even though our mind does not see this. In teaching you to let go of your superfluous possessions, the author gives you the chance to experience liberation, a freeing experience that can set you on the path to happiness. The same with anxieties, the author gives you plenty of examples to work through as well as illustrations to demonstrate his points that will help you work through the underlying issues causing the anxiety. Hopefully by following the authors advice you will be able to free yourself and experience happiness.

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The Fear of the Blow: A Young Woman's Gut-Wrenching True Story of Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Alcoholism and Redemption by Jena Parks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is certainly an emotional and hard book to read. The topic of family domestic abuse is tough, and most people shy away from it. And this is exactly why it is so prevalent in our country and is able to go on for so long in many households. What this book does is gives the reader a inside story of someone who grows up in a house where all family members are being terrorized by one, in this book it’s the father. Verbal, emotional, physical, all types of abuse is heaped upon the wife, son and daughter for years before they are able to escape.
Gaining this insight about how this abuse is enabled to go on and on will be effective in helping us all speak out when we see something happening and hopefully this book will be able to save some lives. I really liked the book. I cannot like the story other than that it is an accurate portrayal of what can go on in an abusive household. But it was well written and the resources that are given are great in giving us a reference point in where to go when we need it.


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