Saturday, September 30, 2023

31 Books You Should Read in October 2023

 With so many books being published each year it can sometimes be difficult to know what you might need to give a read. As the last quarter of 2023 begins, media personality and Books You Need to Read founder Cyrus Webb shares 31 Books You Should Read in October 2023. 

These are books all published in the past year that have gotten Webb's attention and made an impact with him. It is his hope that they will do the same for you. 

NON-FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)

  1. Adversity for Sale by Jay Jeezy Jenkins 
  2. Heart of a Warrior by Fa'Apepele Hunkin
  3. Professionally Lynched by Tanya White
  4. Tough by Terry Crews 
  5. It's Okay Not to be Fabulous Every Day! by Ally Dalsimer
  6. Joy Rides Through the Tunnel of Grief by Jessica Hendry Nelson
  7. Lessons from the Forgotten Ones by Branden Nicholson
  8. A Course in Love by Deborah L. Hunter
  9. Transformation: The Bounce Back by Dr. Teresa A. Smith
  10. Top Billin' by Bill Bellamy
  11. Dream by Design Inspirational Journal by Melissa Banks
  12. Tinderbox by Lynn Alsup
  13. Ride or Die by Jarie Bolander
  14. The Little Sandals that Could by Tina Siemens 
  15. Painful Joy by Max J. Friedman
  16. I Got It From Here by Francesca Miracola 

FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)

  1. A Likeable Woman by May Cobb
  2. Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg
  3. The Wrong Catch by Dr. Velma Bagby 
  4. Havana Hangover by Randy Richardson
  5. This Time Could Be Different by Khristin Wierman
  6. Blast by Robert Blake Whitehill 
  7. Girls in Search of Cover, Part 1 by Pamela Mshana
  8. Backlash by Iris Bolling
  9. Locrottum Academy, Book 1 by Manswell T. Peterson
  10. The Better Half by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans
  11. Flipping Boxcars by Cedric Kyles
  12. These Things Happen by Michael Eon
  13. The Wrong Seat by Natasha D. Frazier
  14. A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing
  15. Tides of Fire by James Rollins


Saturday, August 5, 2023

[BOOK REVIEW] Diane Kane's I NEVER CALLED HIM PA speaks to the times and the challenges life brings us all

 


I went into I NEVER CALLED HIM PA not really knowing what to expect, but what author Diane Kane delivers is a book with history, heart and life lessons we can all appreciate. 

Told through the voice of young Henry, we are able to see him navigate the challenges of family, the times where people are not appreciated for who they are and the complications that life delivers to us all. Having such a young protagonist and storyteller, we are able to see not just the simplicity of life but the importance of the little things that we adults sometimes overlook.

What Henry wants is a not just a home. He wants to feel at home, and that is something we see him appreciate along the way. We are also introduced to individuals who are also trying to figure life out, including his own mother----and the complexities that can come from that, too.

In the end for me I NEVER CALLED HIM PA is a book about navigating the world we live in, trying to make the most of what we have and who we have, while also striving for the best ahead. These are themes we might all grapple with, but the importance of them can't be denied. 

If you're looking for a story that speaks to the importance of knowing who you are and what you deserve in life, this one is a great addition to your reading list.  

Get your copy on Amazon

[BOOK REVIEW] SKYROCKET YOUR SUCCESS 2.0 gives an easy-to-follow blueprint to pursue your goals and dreams


 For those that are feeling the pull to pursue their goals and dreams but may feel unsure of the proper course, Queashar (Shar) L. Halliburton gives the blueprint with SKYROCKET YOUR SUCCESS 2.0. 

The book is written as a guide for female entrepreneurs, however, the principles and strategies that Shar gives can be applied to all of us. It all begins with realizing what you want to do, who you service and more importantly doing the work to treat your business like a business. 

This can be scary as well, so Shar gives you the things you need to think about so that you can get started on the right foot. There are resources included, her own personal experiences infused throughout and room for you to make your plans and get started with your strategy. 

One of the big things I like about the book is that Shar is pushing you in the direction of your calling, but she is being practical in the process. Make sure you're set up to succeed. Decide for yourself what success even looks like. Don't leave yourself behind along the way. All of these are important for individuals who want to 'make it' and not go down in flames due to burnout. 

Looking for a blueprint to get started towards your goals and dreams? SKYROCKET YOUR SUCCESS 2.0 has you covered. 

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] Braylen the Bear and Friends: Caught is a great way to talk about peer pressure and decisions we make

 


For those that have been following the BRAYLEN THE BEAR AND FREINDS series you know that they are books that entertain and teach important lessons. CAUGHT is no different. 

I have to say that I love that the authors allows us to see how Braylen, a typically good 'kid', could get caught up in the desire to be liked and accepted---leading him to make some unwise choices. That is something families can consider. A mistake doesn't mean the child is bad or that adults are bad. It's the decision to choose a better way that is the deciding factor for us all.

When the consequences of his actions are front and center Braylen is able to better understand the importance of the choices he makes. That is what I think the reader will get from it as well.

Great way to teach kids about their actions and the consequences that follow. It's also a great reminder for us adults how we can be influenced by others and what can be the result. CAUGHT is something everyone can learn from. That makes it a great book for family, school and groups. 

Get your copy on Amazon

Friday, August 4, 2023

[BOOK REVIEW] With Braylen Finds a Way we are able to see how to talk with kids about bullying


 The BRAYLEN THE BEAR AND FRIENDS series by LaTonya Peterson and Manswell Peterson does a great job in touching on topics that kids can relate to but also speak to adults. 

BRAYLEN FINDS A WAY is another example of that, this time dealing with the topic of bullying. I like the way that the book shows Braylen and his friends coming together to deal with the bullying problem, not wanting to leave any of their friends unprotected. I also appreciated Breylen letting his parents know what is happening and getting ideas from them how to handle the situation.

Though the book is for kids, there are so many things that adults can take away from it, too. Unfortunately bullying and harassment have no age limits. That means we all have to find ways to deal with these issues and help others do the same. 

Well presented in a way that is entertaining and informative, BRAYLEN FIND A WAY addresses bullying in a way that can be understood and helpful. 

Get your copy on Amazon

Monday, June 19, 2023

[BOOK REVIEW] Seth Lusk shares what you have to give up in order to gain


 Sometimes in life we feel as though we are experiencing everything in a vacuum, that no one can understand us and what we're dealing with. For those who wonder if there is hope for them and their current situation, Seth Lusk shares some insight in his thoughtful book WHAT I REALLY WANT IS... BUT I'M JUST TO FULL OF...

Though he is a life coach Seth shows that he doesn't have it all figured out, and taking us on his journey I think the reader is better able to understand the importance of not giving up on themselves as they try to navigate the complications of the journey called life.

Will there be disappointments and setbacks? Absolutely. Can you make it in spite of all of that comes your way? Seth gives a definitive 'You better believe it.'

For me one of the most powerful lessons Seth learned that he shares is about love. It's something that has helped me in my life over the past 10 years as I have embraced and enjoyed single life. So many look for look in others. Seth reminds us that if we don't love ourselves there is no way we will be able to fully appreciate and enjoy true love. Having others love us is great, but it's no good if we don't realize it has to start within.

Ready to get what you say you want in life? WHAT I REALLY WANT IS... BUT I'M JUST TOO FULL OF... reminds us that sometimes we have to give up in order to gain. 

Get your copy on Amazon

[BOOK REVIEW] D. G. Torrens' ONE FOR SORROW is another chilling story of survival. You won't be able to forget it!


 Author D. G. Torrens is a talented storyteller that brings you into the pain and peril of her characters and guide you through the other side. With ONE FOR THE SORROW we have another powerful heroine in Avery Masters who must navigate the pain of the past and the present and find the will and strength to survive.

The book is something that will draw the reader in, mainly because it's something that is so real and relatable. Finding someone who seems to love you for you, promising to undo the darkness of the pain---that is until you realize they have their own darkness to replace it.

What we see in Avery is not just the feeling of being trapped, but the journey of loving oneself enough to want better. Thankfully she isn't alone. Avery has friends that want to see her get to a place of happiness and healing. Will she let them help her towards the light or will it be too late?

For those looking for a suspenseful read that grabs you and keeps you engaged from beginning to end ONE FOR SORROW is the kind of book you'll devour. It's a chilling story of survival that you won't soon forget. 

Get ONE FOR SORROW on Amazon