Business NOT As Usual: Success Strategies For Building A Pandemic-Proof Business by Diyari Abdah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Covid-19 Pandemic swooped in and changed the way we go about operating our businesses for potentially forever. This book gives plenty of tools, tips and advice on how any business leader can revamp and change their business model to cater to their customers in a new way. How to deal with a completely different shipping process, how to keep your employees safe, how to still bring in enough money to stay afloat and thrive are just some of the topics touched on. Breaking down your own mindset and reevaluating how you even make your decisions is one of the most important steps that this book recommends.
I highly recommend this book, as a business owner, it has much valuable advice in how to operate in the Pandemic era and how to thrive under such drastic daily conditions. Prevention is going to be the big “name of the game” catch word from now on, and I think that this also shows that over-reliance on one business model (think Just-In-Time) will be your businesses downfall.


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Ferdinand's Gold by Sheldon Charles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dex Kevan is an air cargo specialist in the USAF, stationed at Guam, and he has a pretty monotone life. Shipping manifests, warehouses and more dreary things fill his daily life while he just wants to go unnoticed and escape his fathers shameful shadow. Slowly but surely, his life is falling to pieces, his girlfriend on the verge of leaving him and his career hurtling towards a dead end. An unexpected event thrusts Dex into a dangerous plot, one that may very well get him killed, but can this be his chance at making his own mark in his life? Or will he end up losing his life to those filled with greed?
Based on a true story, this book might seem a bit far fetched to you, but the action is continuous (once it starts) and Dex is a charismatic Hero, when he wants to be. I liked the story, reminded me a little of my own USAF days in the big warehouses so much of it was familiar. Good job.


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Red Menace: The Martian Resistance by Mark Anthony
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 2026 the first humans traveled to Mars. On this fateful mission, the groundwork was laid for more frequent space travel. After many more years, advances in AI Technology enabled the trip from Mars to be cut down to a few hours. This opens Mars as a new Frontier and millions emigrate in hopes of a better life. One thing leads to another and now the millions on Mars are petitioning to leave Earth’s rule. The year is 2070 and the resistance is growing, in the midst of all this unrest is Ara Elio a Martian native who is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of everything.
Plenty of action, suspense, some political intrigue are in here that will certainly grip your attention and make you want to continue reading. Ara, along with her friends and compatriots struggle to find their place and struggle to really figure out what they want in this new world, where allegiance to Earth is expected, even when they have no knowledge of Earth.


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Twisted Bets by M.K. Roze
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rich and handsome millionaires, who never really left their childish young years behind play pranks on each other and the one who loses a bet has to face a week of humiliating and scandalous dares. All of which he must complete on pain of losing millions of dollars. This year its Damon Bailey’s turn to face the pain of completing these tasks and he does them, one by one even when they are cruel to others. His small conscious raises its head however, when single mother Natalie is drawn into a bet and Damon is forced to live with her in a dingy dirty trailer.
I honestly expected more connections with the characters. I did laugh, there is certainly a lot of raunchy comedic fun in the book, and although thee is a love story in here, I wonder if is was more aimed towards guys than woman. I just wish the characters (esp. Damon) were a bit more relatable instead of douche bags.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Candidate Spectrum by Brian Cato
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What would happen if Superman, Spiderman, Thor or even Wonder Woman decided they would be able to do more good and have a greater impact on the world if they were to run for a political office? The Author, Brian Cato decided to explore that intriguing question and presents us with Candidate Spectrum, where Superhero Spectrum decides to run for the President of the USA. Various issues crop up that make his Bid exponentially harder (he is an alien, he is always off to rescue people around the world instead of campaigning and more).
Embedded within the greater story is a mirror image of what America is currently suffering from. Issues that we are battling with, are reflected in the book, where an alien superhero attempts to fix it all. But can we be fixed if we as individuals aren’t open to change and being “fixed”? I found this to be an interesting book and I certainly was entertained.


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The Happiness Journal: Your daily inspirational sips toward reaching happiness by Viet Hung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author Viet Hung has written a beautiful book. The Happiness Journal simply gives us daily inspirational and aspirational messages, some as short as a page, others a few pages long. Musings on various topics, that prompt us to think about how we go about our lives and approach situations. Happy memories and meaningful moments of the authors life are shared in this book and I truly think it helps sometimes to see how other lives are and how they go through similar things as I do. One thought that I truly agree with and that resonates with me: “We can only life in the present moment, right here and right now.” In such a world where we are anxious and afraid of what might come, we need to remember (and the author reminds us often), that we cannot change our past, and we can only minimally influence the future.
A well written book with an inspirational message that will change how you think and give you the courage to live.


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Et Tutu, Brute? by Robin Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set against the backdrop of many different places around the world, Et Tutu Brut follows the ambition and lives of several male Ballet dancers, some cunning men as well as a hitman named Rough Rafe. Who is the best dancer? Who is the most cunning and powerful of all these men, and who will come out on top in the end?
While there is plenty in this book to laugh about, there is also a dangerous undercurrent that can be palpable at times. With so many characters in play, the beginning of the book can be a bit hard to read as you must figure out how each one interconnects (if at all) and then keep track of it all. Once you get there (for me it was around halfway through), the book is easier to read and continues to entertain. I love dance (not necessarily ballet), so this was a fun merging of dance with crime and murders and power plays.


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Collateral Damage by Susan Cory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Iris Reid is a successful architect, working on her newest project when it all comes to a screeching halt. A body is found in the chimney and her client is the prime suspect. Iris sets out to clear his name and figure out the true killer before everything goes down in flames. At the same time, her boyfriend is distracted by his old lover and secrets that were buried will be dragged to life once more, ultimately hitting Iris from left field, threatening to knock her off track.
This crime mystery is set to a fast pace that will knock your socks off. Iris is an architect who is drawn to investigate, but the twist with her personal life going up in flames, she has much to distract her. Well written, well-paced and an intriguing plot, this is a good book to distract you and lose yourself in for a few hours.


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Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clement, a 13-year-old boy from 12th century Normandy wishes for a more exciting life after his adventures with Adelbert and the treasure. He gets a new opportunity, when he meets up with Dagena and learns of a plot from his Uncle Sven the Terrible, who is really quite evil. As his Father the king recently passed away, Clement is the next to rule once he is old enough to take over from his guardians. Those Guardians include his Uncle, who does not take kindly to the idea of handing over the reigns of Rule to a young pesky boy. Clement and his friends must find a way to undercut his uncle and secure support for himself before it is too late.
The worldbuilding in the book is really well done. I liked Clement, even as a young boy, he had spirit, grit and courage and it was a really good story for younger kids. I will be passing it on to my 8-year-old who loves adventure stories.


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Why Science Is Wrong About Life and Evolution: "The Invisible Gene" and Other Essays on Scientism. by Ted Christopher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, the book wasn’t quite what I expected based on the title alone. I figured this would be an amusing read that simply bashes established scientific norms and standards. However, what we have here is a thoughtful collection of essays regarding the missing genes, the spirit of Scientism, Prodigies, transgender children and more. The author puts together a collection of thoughtful pieces that examine each topic but does not layout a conclusion with certainty. Although, the individual pieces are somewhat leading the reader to a certain conclusion as other opinions are only superficially examined. The author does preface the book with what it is Not, and so he leaves us to use our own common sense as we consider the stance he has taken on certain topics and whether we might align with his views. Certainly, thought provoking, but I simply do not agree with many of the points being made by the author.

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HAIRBAG NATION: A Story of the New York City Transit Police: Book 1: The Police Riot by Robert L. Bryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The job and life of a New York City Subway Cop can be pretty hard, and nerve wracking. So many elements make the job harder, from the gangs and homeless, to the dirt, grime and graffiti, it’s all part of an uphill battle every day. On top of all this is a public that is increasingly hostile to the officers, so it is not surprising when the officers become depressed and indifferent. This book is set in the 1980’s where crime was rampant and officers (at least some) just didn’t care. The hijinks that some of these people got into and the crazy schemes they pulled off were highly entertaining. Of course, this is all fictional and purely conjecture, so you can’t pin any one story onto a factual event. I found the writing to carry the story well. I was thoroughly entertained and I would consider buying the second book in the series to see where the author will take the story.

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The Well Digger: Flourishing in Your Desert by F. Lionel Young III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A book about flourishing in the desert, the well digger takes us into the oft-forgotten story of Isaac. He faced numerous hardships, including famine, frustration, many failures, and enemies, but he never gave up his faith. He kept on digging well after well until God blessed him. The parable, or moral of this book, is to take the story of Isaac and use it to reflect upon our own lives and how we handle hardships and failures. Do we give up, or are we steadfast in our faith and try again?
A positive message that many can take heart in, especially in these trying times. Even if your non-religious, or of a different faith (I am Muslim), this book will be something that can help you see the positive side of things, and help you gain the courage to continue trying your best at whatever it is you are attempting in life.


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When Life Doesn't Turn Out the Way We Hoped It Would? by Tom Wick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 3 out of 3, this book continues where the previous one left off. It will be beneficial to you to have read the previous books, so you have a greater understanding of where the author is at this point, mentally and emotionally. As he continues to serve in the US Navy, ware treated to more in depth looks at Navy life aboard a ship as it sails the seas. This time, the ports are mainly in the Asian islands and harbor4s, and the pictures, the descriptions of the port calls are rich and vibrant. The author still is out on frequent benders and drug fueled parties that often begin or end in sex (giggling and wiggling).
At the end of the book, the author does reveal that a 4th book is more than likely in the works. Although, I would say that his story is very interesting and he should seriously consider an editor to go over and rework his books, mainly for repetition, clarity and syntax. I honestly, skipped over most of the shore leave portions and spent the majority of time reading what happened while he was at sea. Those were the most interesting to me.


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(Vol. 2 of 3) When Life Doesn't Turn Out the Way We Hoped It Would? by Tom Wick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 2 out of three (so far), this book brings us along for the ride as tom serves his time in the US Navy. Aboard the ships, we see his interactions with his fellow service members, and we are also given a up front and personal view of what happens every time they pull into port and Tom has some time off. From smoking pot, drinking and raunchy “bedtimes” with the ladies, Tom seems to be living the life. However, something is missing and his emotional scars he carries from his troubled and abusive childhood begin to show through the party boy veneer.
A very interesting biography that started as a task for his AA journey, author Tom Wick lays his history bare for us once more. Although this chapter of his life may not have been physically brutal (beyond the toll he exacted on his own), there was still emotional scarring that continues due to the adverse treatment he received from others around him. While the story was a interesting one to read, some areas, the writing could have bene cleaned up to be more concise and clearer. 3 * for the writing, 4* for the story.


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In 1924 Scotland a pair of Detectives end up on opposite sides of an investigation. Detectives Gow and McKenzie are called to investigate when an is arrested with a unconscious child in his car. The mystery behind the child’s origins as well as the suspicious links to a nearby abandoned town make the events even more dangerous. Undeterred, McKenzie is dogged in his pursuit of the facts and unearthing clues while his partner Gow, simply wants to wash his hands of it all and call the case closed. Strange events start occurring that will rock the foundations upon which the two men have their beliefs and lives may be lost before this is all over. An exciting mystery with paranormal, or an alienistic undercurrent. I truly enjoyed the story, I found it was gripping enough and the premise was still believable even with the hidden origin story and all. Certainly, a book to read again soon.

Crooked Creek: A Comedy about Writer's Block and a Neurotic Home Owners Association by Fredrick Robertson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Billy hit paydirt with his first novel, rocketing out of obscurity into stardom. Now his publisher is haranguing him for the next book and Billy is suffering from a case of writer’s block. Moving back to his hometown, is supposed to inspire him into writing the next book, but he runs afoul a neurotic Homeowners Association who seems determined to harass and distract Billy from his writing. There are a plethora of crazy characters in this book, all whom contribute to the humor and gags.
Although this was a short book, the story was nice and easy flowing, and Billy portrayed a frantic and exasperated writer suffering from writers block very well. What didn’t sit so well with me was the multitude of grammatical and syntax errors. I believe that the book could do with another round of editing and proofreading. A good short story if you can overlook that.


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The Management Delusion: What if we're doing it all wrong? by Matt Casey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Far from other books regarding the topic of management, this author uses slight touches of humor to keep the reader engaged and entertained while simultaneously absorbing the material. The conventional way of management is not always the most feasible. Effective management needs to be innovative sometimes, to the point that some processes can be overhauled and rethought. Author Matt Casey breaks down the most common management tasks and simplifies them to show how each one can be made better, easier and more productive.
Having many years of management under my belt, I was pleasantly surprised by the tone of the book. It was easy to follow, and even with the humor, it wasn’t lighthearted to the point that I felt it was making a joke of the subject. To that end, the author strikes a good balance and the end result is a pleasing and educational book that many managers will benefit from.


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War Brides by Dane Griggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked the story, it was a clear departure from the nonstop action and angst from last book. We get to see behind the curtains of Trinh, what makes her the controlling and meddling person she is, and find out what her true intentions are. Along the way, we get a reckoning regarding the tensions between her and L'Corte that have been building for quite some time. Great book!

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A Word to the Eyes by Sudio Sudarsan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The dying art of Calligram is used in this highly illustrative and artistic book. The author sums up their meaning in the book right from the start: “Applying the principles of visual learning, every word is creatively sculpted to flash itself onto the mind’s eye, ….”. Essentially, you could call this book a dictionary, with words ranging from abase, to iconoclastic and ending at zombie. Each word is given an illustration, described, then given in a sentence, or example and also defined whether it is a noun or adjective or such. The purpose of the illustrations is to help you recall and remember the words better and this will build your vocabulary with more words that can better describe what you intend to say.
Honestly, this is a great book to have if such interests you. I would suggest getting the paperback version as it will be easier to bookmark and revisit certain words. I found the illustrations to be on the nose and to the point. Very well done.


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Going Widdershins by Sherrye Cohn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1958, a healthy young woman named Emilena Lamb is admitted to a psychiatric hospital, completely catatonic, although there is no discernable reason. As the staff works to understand what is going on with her, we are treated to a rewinding of time (of sorts) where we see Emilena through others eyes, as a vibrant and energetic woman. Eventually transferred to the facility at Summerland, run by eccentric May Manley, the story shifts to May and one of the principal doctor’s in charge of treatments.
While there was plenty of mystery, and the description of treatments were well fleshed out and highly interesting, I found the ending lacking. After all the buildup on Emilena’s story, to have no real closure to her story was disappointing. I think that the focus on the doctor was interesting, but unexpected as the synopsis leaves no clues thereto. Overall, it was an ok book.


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Storybook, Inc. by Parker Pace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Opening the book with the scene where Mica Psmith (P is silent) is being expelled from school certainly grips your attention. The fact that the principal conveniently has an option for her to complete school on time, a selective and secretive boarding school. The brochure is creepy, as is the feeling Mica gets from the principal, however, her mother and stepfather are on board with getting her enrolled and her fate is sealed. But is this truly a selective boarding school? Or something more sinister? Mica befriends another student, Roman, and together they try to figure out just what is going on.
As a frequent YA book reader, I am saddened when I see authors seemingly “dumb” down the tone of the book for young adults. The principal made an “unfunny” face? How about, he made a serious face, or he looked stern? These types of simplifying of the words is sprinkled throughout the book and what was otherwise a good plot, story and flow, was marred by the unnecessary bad word choices throughout.


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Sun Valley Serenade by M Bryce Ternet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In picturesque Sun Valley, Idaho; lays the fabulous Sun Valley Resort. Home to the rich and famous, those who have more money than they know what to do with and who love to throw it around in competition of who looks the best, or who has the best things. After a mysterious carving that is deemed concerning, FBI Agent John Gibson is tasked to investigate. Helped by two locals with deep ties to the land in unique ways, Agent Gibson has to determine where the threat is coming from, how to keep people safe and how to stop it. Here, the past and the present meet and will eventually collide.
This crime thriller was really interesting. There was so much information that was unique to the Idaho region, that I never knew, and it really enhanced the storytelling. The writing was very well done, and I liked Ernie and his Hemingway obsession. A great short book to grip you and take your imagination way for a little while.


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Lost Scrolls of Archimedes by Tom Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The scrolls of Archimedes are entrusted to young Marcus Bassus, who vows to guard them and decode them for his mentor. After a heinous betrayal by a close friend, Marcus must pursue a former close friend to retrieve one of the scrolls. Overcoming personal tragedy, Marcus enlists the aid of a talented linguist, Electra and together they travel over sands and seas to retrieve the scroll, thwart the plans of a corrupt Official, and ultimately discover what happened to his missing mentor.
Politics, culture, and intrigue collide in this story where a young man pits himself against a wealthy and powerful man within the government. The backdrops of this historical world are handled well, and the story is a good one. I didn’t like some of the dialogue between the characters, it wasn’t in keeping with how someone would speak in that era. Also, I found some of the reveals were too predictable. Overall, an enjoyable tale if you overlook some things.


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Blood and Water: A Paranormal Mystery by Caroline Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Vampire mystery, mixed with a crime and romance elements, this is a entertaining and spellbinding story. Jan Martinek returns to his old stomping grounds of Clifford Springs. He hasn’t been here in such a long time, but ghosts of his past haunt him where-ever he looks. Investigating the disappearance of his uncle is his main motivator, but he is soon drawn to a young woman, Kristina Benson, who happens to be a descendant of his long-lost love Hanna. As the plot thickens, Jan and Kristina are drawn to each other, and deeply buried secrets are pulled out of the ground. Will Jan find his uncle? Will Kristina be able to handle the secrets that threaten to pull them apart? Will their romance bloom into something more, or will Jan stay true to his current wife Darja, no matter how estranged?
Interesting story, great worldbuilding. A bit slow at times regarding the plot flow, but overall a enjoyable tale.


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Promiscuous Innovation: A New Model for Working in the Innovation Economy by Elle Shelley Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can anyone innovate? Can anyone simply take their ideas and use them to completely revamp a market? How would you even start, and what steps would you need to take to be successful? The author draws on her own experiences and sets out her ideas, innovation is not restricted to CEO’s and board members anymore. Out economy and business practices have been changing at a rapid pace exponentially over the past years. With that, our understanding of ideas, the formation of teams and the execution of new ideas has to change as well.
I found some principles to be very interesting., others I thought could have been served better to be fleshed out more. I spent many years in various areas of management, and I do know that the bigger companies are mostly resistant to changes. If you want to implement these ideas, you will have to be very good at negotiating and determined.


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Starting From Scratch: One Woman's Pursuit Of Family, Business And The American Dream by Shelly Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Going from Stay at home mom, to entrepreneur and successful business owner, this Author chronicles the ups and all the downs in the process. On first glance this is a memoir, however, the book is detailed on how she and her husband got from point A to point B and so it can offer some very helpful and insightful advice to those who are open to receiving it. With enough grit and determination, you too can build your business and thrive.
What is resonating to me was that as a stay-at-home mom myself, I understand the frustrations with taking care of your family, pursuing a career and also taking enough time for selfcare. The book was interesting to read, and I really connected with the author through the book. I would highly recommend to those who have similar on their plates and believe they can’t succeed.


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