Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Science Fiction

The Republic of Texas (The Second Civil War) by Eduard Lehr |Book review

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America stands on the edge of a knife. Waves of terrorist attacks have eroded personal freedoms and heated political tensions to a boiling point. Citizen surveillance and gun control have become everyday requirements for safety and security. Captain Travis Kent, an Air National Guard fighter pilot and reluctant Texas oil tycoon, is thrust to the front lines of the fray after killing a terrorist and injuring a woman during an attack.

Roddy Jones, football player-turned legal marijuana salesman, is mistakenly arrested after the attacks and finds himself under constant surveillance in everyday life. He flees and finds himself a part of the militia fighting against the very things that had made his life a living hell. As political tensions begin to boil, violence erupts, shattering any hope for a peaceful reconciliation. Can Texas and the United States come to peace before they start a civil war that threatens to destroy the United States of America?

Title: The Republic of Texas (The Second Civil War) 

Author: Eduard Lehr 

Pages: 373

My review

Great book! In today’s world, this ‘fiction’ doesn’t seem all too far away. The book portrays how devastating a second civil war will be. The story is well constructed and well developed. The author has carefully constructed many parallel plots to merge them at the appropriate point. All the issues explained in one point or another contributes to the cause of civil war. The author has incorporated serious issues such as gun control and monitoring of personal liberties along with internet freedom in the story. These issues are relevant in the current scenario too. Moreover, the story reflects the emotions and mindset of people in the state. Their growing frustrations and how these thoughts will end up fueling the civil war is captured in the plot.

I don’t see any issues mentioned by some of the previous reviews. Perhaps it has been updated?

Highly recommended read to all!

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, short story, Young-Adult

A man in church, a woman in temple: Romance of a couple of different-religious counselors by Dino|Book review

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Here are two man and woman of different religions. Man is Christian and woman is Buddhist. But both of them majored in counseling because they were interested in mind study, and they met at a seminar…
There is a part that they can communicate with each other about their hearts, so the two meet often and become closer, but they can’t ask each other to go out easily. It was because they had different religions, but at some point their minds broke down the barriers of religion and became one. It’s a full-fledged religious romance about how these two man and woman understand each other’s feelings and understand each other’s religions.

Title: A man in church, a woman in temple: Romance of a couple of different-religious counselors

Author: Dino

Pages: 19

My review

A man in church, a woman in temple is a short romantic novel filled with emotions. Over the 20 pages, the author narrates a simple story of a man and woman, who are from very different backgrounds but are connected by their mutual love. Peter is a Christian religious counselor and Achara is a Buddhist counselor. They met each other at a religious seminar. Amidst the difference in religions, they are drawn into each other due to their charismatic performance and knowledge of respective religions. Their mutual admiration slowly transformed into affection and then love. As the story progresses, they are trying to understand each other better and exploring their feelings to one another.

This is a simple story on love, the purest human emotion. This story is about understanding each other’s feelings and finding a mutual connection between souls. Although they are from different religions, the author never really included any religious conversations in the story. I think it is because the author is trying to convey the true message of love. Love is beyond boundaries and beyond differences.

Overall this is a nice short novel for every romance lovers.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

The Simple Guide to Postnatal Care for First Time Moms by Jasmine Allen|Book review

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Discover This Shockingly Honest Guide to Postnatal Care for First Time Mommies, and Get Through Those First Postpartum Weeks with Ease!

You’ve just given birth, and despite all the pain and discomfort, you are the happiest person in the world. You can’t wait to get home with your baby and start enjoying your time together. 

But those first few weeks can be tricky. Your body will be going through some weird phases, your baby might not sleep so you’ll be constantly exhausted, and you might start to feel the first signs of postpartum depression. 

That’s why this guide is so precious, especially for first-time mothers. Written by someone who has gone through all those issues herself, this book is full of helpful tips and advice on how to power through this tough period. 

Title: The Simple Guide to Postnatal Care for First Time Moms 

 

Author: Jasmine Allen

Pages: 26

My review

Postnatal care is an extremely difficult and emotionally draining phase for every mom. Proper education and knowledge of healthcare can save new moms from complications and pain. This is an A-Z guide on this subject. The author himself gone through this phase and lack of proper care caused many difficulties in her pregnancy and afterward. From that experience, she has gained practical knowledge to manage various health conditions during postnatal care. This book summarizes everything you have to know about this matter.

The book is divided into 3 sections. The first section is on essential topics such as sleep and breastfeeding. The second section is about mental health. I personally felt that this is one of the critical aspects that every new mom should know of. The bonus is, this chapter includes the author’s personal input and experiences too. The last section deals with the physical therapy for recovery. This chapter includes various exercises with illustrations for a better understanding of this topic.

This short book is an essential read for every new mom to handle this critical phase in their life.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

How To Get A Technical Writing Job: With Little Or No Experience by Loren Robinson|Book review

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Have you ever felt like earning 70k or more was just completely out of reach?
This slim book is not a reference manual. However, it illustrates the skills and education you need to land a job in this well-paying field. According to U.S. News and World Report Annual Rankings. Technical Writing is one of the 50 best jobs in America.

Title: How To Get A Technical Writing Job: With Little Or No Experience

Author: Loren Robinson

Pages: 34

My review

Technical writing is one of the fastest-growing and in-demand jobs. It is less competitive than creative writing jobs. If you are someone who is looking for a career change or starting afresh and considering a technical writing career, then this is the perfect guide, to begin with. Technical writing is not a complex career. But it requires patience and relentless learning to meet its demands.

Over the seven chapters included in this book, the author explains all the details about this job. The book starts with an introduction to technical writing and its cons and pros. We will get a fair idea about this field after this. Then he explains the necessary skills and education for this job. In the last part, he explains how we can find the opportunities and excel in interviews. The book also has details about the online courses and materials we can use for this purpose.

The book is written with a do it yourself attitude. It addresses all the beginners who are interested in this field. Because of that, the book lacks depth in information. Other than that, this is a good information guide for everyone who is considering a career in technical writing.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, supernatural, Thriller, Young-Adult

Deceptions: Book 7 (Whispering Willows) by Diana Dawn|Book review

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Lily is now hiding a secret that she is terrified that Thomas will discover. But with these recent ‘ghost sightings’, will she decide to choose Nate over Thomas? Are the villagers really seeing ghosts from their past, or could it be the witch simply wreaking havoc upon the Willows? And what about the disappearance of their dwarf friend, Ben? ‘Deceptions’ is the seventh book in the Whispering Willows series

Title: Deceptions: Book 7 (Whispering Willows)

Author: Diana Dawn

Pages: 103

My review

Deceptions is the seventh installment of the Whispering Willows series. The sixth book of this series Barn Tales ended in a cliffhanger and this one starts by explaining that ending. I was quite shocked by the climax of Barn Tales and were looking forward to read this book to know the answers. But I must say this is the best book in this series so far. Because the whole storyline is changed from now on. The author has given many clues on mysteries happening in and around Willows in previous books. All these mysteries were solved through this book. The plot is drastically changed in this one.

In all the six books the author has followed the same pattern of narration like, starts with an explanation to the climax of the previous book, a happy middle, and again some shocking revelations towards the end. But this edition has dedicated to reveal all the mysteries. Because of that, the life of people in Willows especially, Snow, Mitch, and Lily’s are so terrible. They are hit by tragedies one after another. They all are trembling by these revelations. Also, the emotional turmoil of these characters is at a peak. They are confused about their own emotions added by the horrors of Margurite and Phillipe. I was really shocked to know who was Philippe all this time.

Lily is caught in between a love triangle with Nate and Thomas. She is now unable to choose one. This love triangle is getting interesting day by day. I’m looking forward to know how things are ended up for Lily.

The author has beautifully captured all the emotional moments in the story through words. All the hurt is felt so real through the words. I really liked this part of the Willows series. This installment is crucial and a true turning point considering the whole plot.

Rating:5/5

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Interview Strong: An Insider’s View and Player’s Guide by Courtney D. Temple|Book review

516vHa2GMZLDo you want to face your next interview knowing that you have what it takes to WIN the job? And yes, I mean “WIN”! Because interviewing is a competition and you need to prepare as you would for any competition. Interview Strong gives you the game plan and plays to execute so that you shine against other candidates. This book positions you with clear and straightforward steps to “win” your interview and begin a successful new professional journey. If you have ever participated in or watched any type of competition, you know that those in first place did not make it to the winner’s circle by accident. That’s good news for you! Get your copy of Interview Strong and and solidify a successful game day (Interview Day) plan in quick and easy steps to “win” your interview.

Title: Interview Strong: An Insider’s View and Player’s Guide – Easy Steps to Winning the Interview and Getting the Job

Author: Courtney D. Temple

Pages: 50

My review

Interview strong is an A-Z guide to excel every interview in our life. A job is an essential requirement to survive. In these difficult times, with the unemployment rate is growing faster than ever, we have to push our limits to prepare ourselves to acclimatize better with unpredictable circumstances. Usually, the interview is the last stage of hiring a candidate. It is also the most important and most competitive stage. Because you are competing with similar skilled and serious candidates. The only way out to crack this stage is to prepare ourselves to handle every adversity.

Through this book, the author has addressed all questions regarding preparation and cracking interviews. As said in the title of the book, it is an insider’s view and player’s guide. The author has 20+ years of experience as a hiring manager. She has interviewed countless candidates and has vast experience in this field. This wisdom is poured through the pages of this book. The author has a very unique approach to this topic. She compares everything in interview stage with an actual game and treating the candidates as athletes. It is because this book is written to “win” the game, not less. This perspective is so focused on the end goal. The whole book is structured to achieve this end goal. The process begins with tryouts, warm-up, stretching, announcing the player, game time, overtime, and post-game closures, completing the full circle. All the key concepts on preparation and delivering a successful interview are explained with high clarity.

I highly recommend this book for every job-seekers. This is the complete guide to bring your “A” game.

Rating:5/5

 

 

 

Amina Thajudeen Author Interview, Book Review, Fiction

An Interview with DL White|Author of Brunch at Ruby’s

Today I’ll be hosting Atlanta based acclaimed women’s fiction and romance author DL White on my blog. Her new book “Brunch at Ruby’s” is available at Amazon.com and her website booksbydlwhite.com for purchase.

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Me: What inspired you to start writing Brunch at Ruby’s?

DL: I was a member of a long-running brunch group (still going, ten years strong) and was so moved and inspired by the women in our group. We are all from different backgrounds, careers, walks of life but always have wisdom and a good word for each other. They are among the women I go to when I need rock-solid guidance and camaraderie. I also took a lot from current events at the time I was writing the book. There was a local scandal that was all over the news and I started to think what if???? And my writer’s brain took over from there.

Me: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

DL: I think I was maybe in grade 3, when we had to do spelling words and use them in a sentence, so the teacher knew we understood the meaning of the word. I would loop my sentences together into one big story. My teacher LOVED that and I discovered that people thought that stuff I was doing to amuse myself was cool so I kept doing it.

Me: How long have you been writing?

DL: I’ve been writing for publication since 2011, but I’m a lifelong writer.

Me: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

DL: Original creation. Forming the story in my mind- some much of it comes to me as I am writing, then putting it on paper and making it sound the way I want it to sound.

Me: What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

DL: There was so much that I didn’t know… people who don’t know writing think its really easy. You just sit down and the words come but it’s not like that, and there’s so much more to writing than writing.

Me: Who is your favorite author and why?

DL: I don’t really have a favorite, but I almost always mention Atlanta author Tayari Jones. She and her career are a blessing to me.

Me: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

DL: Terry McMillan and Eric Jerome Dickey for sure. Down to earth, realistic characters with a distinctive voice.

Me: Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

DL: It’s super hard to take this advice, but I’m going to offer it anyway: relax. The story will come. Build the habit of showing up to your writing job and the words will meet you.

Me: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

DL: Funny, personable, warm

Me: Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

DL: Yes! I have a novel that I’m wrapping up now called The Never List, a romantic comedy about a woman who’s got a long list of things she’s never done and the man that wants to help her clear that list.

About the book

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Brunch at Ruby’s is warm, funny southern women’s fiction about finding and keeping love, lifelong friendships with women who are like sisters and the bonds between them that bend but don’t break.

Debra Macklin is the envy of her friends. She has it all: a successful career, a long marriage and a happy child, but she’s hiding an explosive secret that could not only shatter her perfect image but destroy her marriage and career.

Maxine Donovan is self-made, admittedly shallow and unapologetic, having overcome her past to live the life she deserves to live.But despite her success, she’s on a constant quest for Mr. Right. Handsome but aloof Malcolm Brooks could be The One, except his attentions are focused on someone else entirely. Does Maxine fight for him like she fought for everything else?

Renee Gladwell left a life and a handsome boyfriend to return to Atlanta and nurse her father and Gladwell Books back to health. Four years later, she’s struggling with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and a bookstore that is in no shape to sell. Renee is in limbo, caring for a man who is slowly forgetting his past, including her. When she meets Malcolm Brooks, her life brightens, but is love ever worth risking a friendship?

Brunch at Ruby’s is Book One in a growing series set in the heart of Decatur, Georgia.

Purchase here: https://geni.us/BrunchatRuby

About the Author

6167u9JD+LL._SY600_Atlanta based women’s fiction and romance author DL White began seriously pursuing a writing career in 2011. She harbors a love for coffee and brunch, especially on a patio, but her true obsession is water– lakes, rivers, oceans, waterfalls! On the weekend, you’ll probably find her near water and if she’s lucky, on an ocean beach. When not writing books, she devours them. She blogs reviews and thoughts on writing and books at BooksbyDLWhite.com.

 

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Kick Off Bad Habits: 2020 by D.K. Hunter|Book Review

ebook (2)Your habits define you as a person and they are responsible for all the things that you have and do not have in your life right now. It is not going to be an easy journey as breaking habits you have had for a long time is going to be tough. Getting rid of your bad habits will totally liberate you. It is a great feeling to change something that has been holding you back for a long time. Forming new empowering habits will also be a great experience for you and will make you feel confident about the future. With this book, you will learn how habits work and how they are formed. You will also learn:

1. The 3 R’s neurological loop and the time that it takes to make changes to habits
2. To break those bad habits which are not supporting the life that you want and form new habits that will empower you to make a positive change
3. How you can change your life for the better with the power of habits how you can reinforce new habits and much more!

Pages:40

Genre: Self-help

My review

Kick off bad habits is an A-Z guide for breaking bad habits and forming sustainable new habits. Habits define who we are. We all are the summation of tiny habits that we are performing every day, consciously or subconsciously. Either we are addicted or not willing to change these bad habits. We lack the will power to break these habits. But there is always a solution for everything. The best strategy to achieve this difficult task is to understand everything about habits. How they are formed, what are its root causes, how we are addicted to them, why we hesitate to let them go. Through this book, I got all the answers. The in-depth analysis of habits was a good learning experience.

The author moves on to break these bad habits only after he explains the cycle behind habit-forming. The techniques adopted in this book for breaking bad habits are scientifically proven 3R’s neurological loop method. The book also devises a plan to understand and control our habit transition phase. The book concludes with some best practices and new habits that we all should develop for optimizing our potential. This short book covers everything on this topic. This is a good guide for anyone who is planning to bring some changes to their everyday life.

Rating:5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.IN https://amzn.to/2G3aTzU

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fiction, short story

The Unexpected by Avril Sellin|Book review

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Two strangers in the night are joined by audacity and danger.

On a dark, deserted beach in Los Angeles, a wealthy man in an Armani suit and sleek Bugatti is approached by a wandering twenty-something woman in tattered leather. She boldly interrupts his brooding, refusing to leave as he urges her to move on. In an effort to get rid of her, he promises to take her where she needs to go.

However, a trip intended to be quick ends up turning the night into something out of a nightmare, and the two strangers become linked by an unexpected bond.

My review

The Unexpected is the tale of two strangers. They are drawn into each other’s company by some unexpected circumstances. Garret, a wealthy businessman who was brooding in a deserted beach is approached by Rhea, a homeless twenty-year-old girl, rather fearlessly. He tries to get rid of her but some unexpected turn of events pushes them to spend more time together than they thought. One thing leads to another and they are now all set to start a road trip. But both these characters have their reasons to justify these situations. They have their justifications. Both of them are escaping from some mysterious past. They are met in the way of escape. They are connected by a mysterious bond.

The author carefully builds up a dark mystery on both characters. Both of them are in pain. The pain that they are trying to escape rather than facing them. The story doesn’t give any hint about the character’s background. This makes the plot even more mysterious. The story has much potential to develop into a thriller or horror considering the various events that took place in the plot.
Overall it is a very engaging short read which leaves you with questions at the end.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Say So by Marian Hanna MPH| Book review

415soOjdMCLDelving into loss, empowerment, and despair, this is a unique, page-turning art of nonfiction with real-life stories. This is a compilation of gorgeously written stories about daring to be more, transcending expectations, and generating opportunities for yourself when doors are being slammed in your face. This book will provide the road back to yourself when you’re lost and teach you how to stop doubting the greatness in yourself and act with love, as the absence of love is fear. This is an honest, blunt, sassy, unapologetic and raw account of life-changing insights of hope, faith, and personal transformation.

As the reader discovers the depths of courage in vulnerability, you learn along with her that in forgiving your past and moving toward your truest selves, you will flourish in the chaos of life.

My review

Say so is a collection of stories about real-life experience and the lessons learned from it. The author has narrated a piece from her own life through simple words. The author never tries to sugar-coat the harsh realities. She put down the raw face of real-life realities as it is. This helps to take responsibility for our actions. This encourages us to create our opportunity and carve our life in our terms.

The author includes her personal stories to convey each lesson. Why she included her personal stories in the book is explained in the first chapter itself. It is a powerful medium to connect with our audience. Because the author herself has gone through all these difficult situations and realized her faults. She talks about her life lessons. This helps the readers to connect with the lessons.

The author has dedicated more than 50% of the book to only one topic: how to understand and manage fear. For me, all the chapters dealing with fear was empowering. They help to understand myself and my flaws. Fear creates doubts about our capabilities. This doubt hinders us from reaching our goal. To be courageous is no small feat. We often find us in our shell of comfort. These lessons teach us to be more courageous. Just like the saying, everything you want is on the other side of fear.

The rest of the chapters talks about some other great points, such as facing criticism. We never want to hear criticism. We hate it. Because it shows our vulnerability, our flaws. But if and only if, we can accept our flaws then only we grow ourselves and use it for our advantage.

Altogether, this book was a great learning experience for me to understand and renovate myself to face more challenges.

Rating:5/5