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

Judgmental: Serenade Short Reads Book One by Riley Manning| Review

PARKER:

After being away from home for nearly a decade, my mother summons me back to Serenade to celebrate my father’s sixtieth birthday. I don’t want to go back and I have good reason, too. But when I return home and run into the former quarterback, it’s like I’m in high school all over again. My memories are still haunted by the football team’s efforts to humiliate me and I can’t seem to let go of the past.

COOPER:

My quarterback days lay way behind me, as I find myself struggling to make ends meet. After my father has died, and my mother’s gone to travel the world, I’m left dreaming of starting my own family. I also have a dream of opening my own pastry shop, but that may be too big of dream for me. When I meet Parker, I’m starting to wonder if I might get both after all…

Title: Judgmental: Serenade Short Reads Book One

Author: Riley Manning

Pages: 100

My review

A slowly blossoming romance in the background of beautiful Serenade.

Parker and Cooper are two entirely different characters. There is no similarity between them. Above all, Cooper is the same person that made Parker’s life hell at once. But love knows no barriers. It will blossom in very unlikely situations. This beautiful story underlines that. Moreover, we can witness, sometimes love can be so powerful that it will unite two souls regardless of their struggles.

The author has adopted a dual narrative style. We can look into the situation through both protagonists perspective. This made the whole story somewhat like a thriller. We will be anxious to know what will happen next.

I was curious about the title of this short read from the beginning. But I realized that this whole story is about being judgemental. The contrasting perspective of both leads makes the core of the story. Being judgemental means, being deeply prejudiced. Here we can see this mindset is slowly dissolved as another strong emotion takes over their feelings, which is love. Love is the cure for all the hate. It can unite people magically.

A beautifully penned, romance story indeed.

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

The Official Depression Relief Playbook by Zack S. Rutledge | Book review

In The Official Depression Relief Playbook, Zack S. Rutledge takes his years of battling anxiety and depression and presents the top-tier lessons on how to overcome the suffering.
Borne out of experience, this book details the effects of conventional, non-conventional, and unexpected treatments. Providing a “D-Day approach” to battling this incessant affliction, it provides a defined action plan which attacks depression and anxiety on the physical, mental, and emotional levels.
Simple, actionable, and concise, The Official Depression Relief Playbook will save you years of struggle and provides you with a shortcut to the life you deserve.
This book is truly an insider’s look on depression, and how to beat it.

Title: The Official Depression Relief Playbook

Author: Zack S. Rutledge

Pages: 39

My review

Depression builds a very thick, dark barrier in our minds. It will tie our thoughts around this formidable barrier. Breaking this barrier is an almost impossible feat. But we can overcome everything through the right guidance. This book gives that much-needed insider’s view of this battle. The author himself has gone through the levels of depression and he bravely fought off his demons. He draws inspiration from his own experiences. This firsthand account is very relatable and realistic in every bit.

Though this book, the author introduces a unique approach to tackle depression. We have to start small, one step at a time to a better tomorrow. This systematic guide touches every level of wellbeing. The author gives equal importance to the physical and mental health. Because they couldn’t exist without other. It is important to understand our physical body before we understand our mind. The healing should be inclusive for a viable result.

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

The Moon : 20 questions kids ask about the Earth’s constant companion by Yvonne Krishnan|Book review

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
-Neil Armstrong, first man on the Moon

Have you always wanted to know more about the Moon and discover it like Neil Armstrong and the other astronauts that have walked on its surface? Well, you might not be able to go to the Moon yet, but this book will answer the many questions you have about Earth’s constant companion, our beautiful Moon. From how the Moon was formed to the features that you can spot on the Moon’s surface, this book will provide you with the answers and a starting off point to your exploration. Get ready for blast off!

Title: The Moon : 20 questions kids ask about the Earth’s constant companion

Author: Yvonne Krishnan

Pages:68

My review

Curiosity is the step towards the knowledge. Kids are curious about many things growing up. One of such things they are highly interested to know is about the moon. I was curious in my childhood days and now my kids are walking through the same path. This book helped me in two ways. First, to freshen up my knowledge about the moon this in turn helped me to answer my child’s questions. Second, it worked as a learning guide and reference material for my child itself.

The book is written very systematically. All the facts are explained very well along with appropriate images. The author has included not only the facts but also the current developments and history of lunar explorations in the book.

The approach for each question is different. Every question is explained according to its merit. Also, there are some interesting facts and activities given at the end of some chapters. This helped my child to research this subject a little more and the activities gave a good understanding of the facts.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Self-Help, Young-Adult

I Don’t Like Racism by Tymeka Coney | Book review

This book tells the story of racism through the eyes of a young African-American girl, DaNyla, and her experiences with racism as she witnesses her cousin involved in police brutality and she tries to understand why racism exists. She talks to her Mom, and her History Teacher about racism to better understand where it evolved, then she prays about it and decides to continue to dream and hope for change for a better tomorrow as she still continues to fight for what’s right peacefully all while still loving her family and her multicultural friends.

This story will teach all ages, genders and nationalities about racism and it seeks to inspire us all to unite and love one another despite the color of our skin.

Title: I Don’t Like Racism

Author: Tymeka Coney

Pages: 30

My review

“No one is free until we all are free” – Martin Luther King Jr.

The modern-day history of America is filled with police brutality and racial injustice. Although, the status has been changed a bit in recent times but not in the case of unjust murders of people of color by the hand of police officers. Amidst the height of protests, the killing continues. This book serves as an educational as well as an inspirational guide for children. We have to teach them the history of racism and how it has been evolved. Our children are the first victim of racism. Because they may face bullying and peer pressure in school due to their color. This will in turn deeply affect their emotional development. Insecurities will develop in their mind which will affect their career and education in the following years. The solution to all these problems is proper education on racism and its history.

Through this book, the author has attempted not only to give a proper education on racism but also to encourage the children to embrace their heritage proudly. Our skin color is not a measure of our abilities. Rather, it is a sign of rich cultural heritage. This knowledge will light up a sense of confidence in their mind. Only an unwavering confidence can help our children to achieve their dreams.

In the end, the book propels one message: hate is temporary, but love is eternal. Only love can unite everyone.

Amina Thajudeen Author Interview, Book Tour, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller, Young-Adult

An Interview with Blair James Steward| Author of “Miracle Uprising”

Today I’ll be hosting  author Blair James Steward on my blog. His book “Miracle Uprising” is available on Amazon.com

Me: What inspired you to start writing Miracle Uprising?

Blair: I was given a lot of pain with the life I was given. I needed an outlet to vent this agony and to escape my reality. Miracle Uprising was the world I created to make sense of everything in my mind. It was a free therapy tool.

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

Blair: I was very young, I would write down elaborate stories as a kid. I did not know that it was my escape at the time, but it was. I was probably about 10 years old when I chose writing as a source of expression.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Blair: Well, 20 years if you want to pair it with the last response. I published my first book almost 4 years ago. I worked as a freelance writer before that, but they were more informative than creative.

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

Blair: Editing is such a struggle for me. I’m good at it, I just hate it. Any writers that are reading this and love editing should consider themselves lucky.

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

Blair: It really is a freeing process. I was homeless, and the only thing that kept me alive was the ability to write in a public library. I’ve been blessed tenfold since then, but I still find freedom in creative writing.

Me: Who is your favourite author, and why?

Blair: J.R.R. Tolkien and Mitch Albom are tied. Tolkien can create depth and reality with his own vision. Albom can explain feelings that nobody else can find words for.

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

Blair: To be perfectly honest with you, I have found this influence in lyrics. Pink Floyd has explained my agony back to me in three separate albums. The Beatles turn words in emotion like nobody else can. Led Zeppelin is a quenching taste of both of these elements. If I had to put them in order, I would say The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.

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

Blair: Do not hesitate to write your thoughts down. Write everything you want to express and don’t look back. That’s what editing is for, and perhaps why I hate it.

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

Father, Husband, Anomaly

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

Blair: I am working on the sequel to Miracle Uprising. Fans, please be patient with me. I have two children in diapers, and I am a full-time student. Thank you so much for the overwhelming support!

About the Book

The book is originally published independently in 2017 but it received an update in 2020. The story is about a boy that has to face multiple battles in his teenage life. Forbidden love and facing actual warfare is just part of his life, but his biggest challenge he needs to face is the internal battle. A mental battle defines his everyday life. This book is the biography of the protagonist, a boy who is just seeking understanding and relief. The author wrote this book during the worst years of his life and this story helped him to cope with depression and the traumatic past, it was his escape from the real world. The book uses a lot of characteristics of high fantasy books. If you want to dig into the rabbit hole, this psychological thriller is definitely a unique choice.

Purchase here: Amazon.com Amazon.in

About the Author

Blair James Steward is an avid fan of psychological thrillers and enjoys writing books that’ll keep people guessing until the very last page. As a father, he also hopes to instill a love of reading in his children. After telling them stories, he finally decided to write out the stories he tells them into children’s books so other families can enjoy them.

With five books written, he’s always focused on the next story he wants to tell. Blair lives in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children. When he’s not writing, he’s making music, being a family man, and searching for inspiration for his next stories.

Reach out to Blair Facebook Instagram

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Criminally Crocheted: Book Four of the Fiber Mavens Series by J. Traveler Pelton| Book review

Welcome to Lyonsville, a serene village where English and Amish shops draw tourists by the busload for the atmosphere, food, and handmade crafts. Brad’s been promoted, Casey is expecting, and the Yarn Sisters are yarn-bombing the town. The new pastor’s little boys have a tendency to go streaking. When the yarn-bombing gets out of hand and half the Yarn sisters go missing, Casey and Brad have to find the culprit before someone gets hurt or she has this baby in the squad car. You are going to enjoy book four.

Title: Criminally Crocheted: Book Four of the Fiber Mavens Series

Author: J. Traveler Pelton

Pages: 124

My review

Criminally Crocheted is the fourth installment of the Fiber Mavens mystery thriller series. Lyonsville is a small settlement of English and Amish groups. The closely-knit families are leading a quiet life with mutual love and respect. Brad is a young, intelligent detective, who is recently promoted. His wife Casey is expecting. Their quiet life is suddenly disturbed by a new crimewave. The crime rate of the town starts going upwards. Brad has to solve this mystery very soon because things are getting too personal and complicated.

Criminally Crocheted is not a typical mystery thriller. Although this plot is too built upon crime and investigations, the background is very pleasant and colorful. The people are very cheerful. They are mostly engaged in their businesses. The mutual bond between families is so strong. All of them are dependent on each other. The helping mindset provides peace in this community. There is no room for any kind of crime in this town. Because of this nature, if something horrible happens, the entire town will fall into jeopardy. This makes the story even more interesting.

This thriller is written in a way that, the mysteries will add up, once you delve deep into the story. You need patience to unwind the whole mystery. The author keeps the suspense till the last chapters.

Altogether, this was a very enjoyable read.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Self-Help, Young-Adult

Little helper by Natalie P. Gump | Book review

In this story, our young boy wakes-up each day with sincere motivation to want to be of assistance, so much so that he considers it a very important position in life – as though it were his mission. In the delightful rhyming tale with colourful and inspiring illustrations, he sets out to be of service to each and every being that comes his way, including the worms! After all, being helpful gives his purpose and keeps him inspired to do the same each day.

Written for kids aged three to eight, the story makes a great early-reader’s book as well as a warm bedtime story to be read to them by a parent or caretaker.

Title: Little helper

Author: Natalie P. Gump

Pages: 21

My review

The worth of a human being is measured by how many lives he touched, not by the amount of money he made. The helping mindset is hard to create. Because it is the confession of our overall character. To inculcate this mindset in our children, we have to take steps from their early years. Little helper is one of those rare books that will help a parent immensely in this challenge. To help millions in our life, first, we have to start small, one step at a time. This book teaches that first step.

Our child’s education starts at home. This story follows a boy and his efforts to help his mom, dad, and little sister in their day-to-day activities. he illustrations are so captivating. This will help my child to think creatively. The story not only teaches us the importance of offering help to others, but also the qualities such as love, obedience, discipline, and fulfillment. Indeed a great addition to my collection.

Amina Thajudeen Uncategorized

An Interview with Tymeka Coney| Author of “I Don’t Like Racism”

Today I’ll be hosting author Tymeka Coney in my blog. Her new release “I Don’t Like Racism” is available on Amazon for pre-order.

Me: What inspired you to start writing I Don’t Like Racism?

Tymeka: I was inspired to write “I Don’t Like Racism,” for several reasons. One I am an Educator and I think it’s important to make a difference in the lives of our youth which are our future. They need to be aware of their value despite the color of their skin. 2. With the recent onset of the Black Lives Matter movements to reignite as a result of the vast amount of Police brutality cases occurring with the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor recently, and having witnessed police brutality first hand, I wanted to make a contribution to the movement and to be apart of the conversations that need to be had to further the awareness of racism and what we can do to peacefully eradicate it and it starts with our youth.

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

Tymeka: I was probably five years old when I realized I had a passion for writing. I was always writing letters to my Mom and poems when I was younger. I took up creative writing classes in college and I even remember sitting in other classes in college that were not writing classes and daydreaming and writing poems sometimes because that was what kept me alert. Other people were probably doodling and I was writing. It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles in my adult years, that I realized that I could turn my passion for writing into a career. Being in a culture and surrounded by people who get paid to create and write everyday for a living opened my mind up to see that I could actually do this as a living and not just as a hobby. I do believe I was born with the gift to write but over the years, I have studied the craft and continued to hone my craft in all genres of writing from scripts to songs to books.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Tymeka: I believe I may have answered this question previously. I have been writing since elementary school I would say. I’ve been writing professionally since my last year in high school when I actually got paid for writing a poem I wrote in a contest. Since then, I have certainly been on a consistent path of writing for over 15+ years.

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

Tymeka: The most difficult part of my artistic process is merging art with commerce or merging your creativity with marketing and the marketplace. When it’s your art, you can pretty much write about whatever you want to write about. When you are selling it into the marketplace you have to make sure that it is commercially viable art for the masses most often and not just what you deem is great but what the target audience you are serving may think is great. Other than that…I don’t have many difficulties. The only other thing could be sometimes because I have so many thoughts about things that I want to write and characters in my head etc., that it can be challenging to decide where I will devote my energy to next and what type of project I will write next.

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

Tymeka: The most surprising thing I discovered while writing this book was how the subject of racism can get really emotional and it really does affect all ages from a child to an adult, all races and all genders and there really has to be more conversation about this subject matter so we really gain some understanding of the past, present and the future. I discovered that this subject and this book is bigger than me and I am just thankful to be entrusted to be an instrument and catalyst through my words and creativity for positive change.

Me: Who is your favourite author and why?

Tymeka: I have so many books that I have read from Spiritual to Self Help, Finance, Autobiographies, Relationship etc. I don’t really have a favorite author. I will say that I am very fond of poets and poetry books being one myself. I have really enjoyed books by Langston Hughes, Alicia Keys, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Shel Silverstein. I even like children’s books as they have a rhythmic flow like poetry to me. I like Dr. Seuss, Grace Byers, Matthew Cherry and of course my own writing.

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

Tymeka: I would say I am influenced by the poets I mentioned as well as the children’s book authors I mentioned in some way by reading their books.

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

Tymeka: I say don’t allow it to be an emotionally draining or stressful pursuit. Write about what you are passionate about or if you have something to say or share with your community or the world that you know about or have experienced as this makes you an expert on the subject. I say write when you are in a comfortable place and allow writing to be relaxing and not stressful for you. Don’t force it but allow it to flow naturally from you and that is what will continue to drive the story you want to tell. Don’t worry about the structure in the beginning but just write from what your heart and your mind tells you to write and others will resonate with that authenticity.

If you need to brush up, take an online class, get a mentor in your area of interest and read other writers and just write on a consistent basis.

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

Tymeka: In three words I would say I am a Tenacious, Loving and Creative Individual. TLC…My initials.

Me: Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about? I’m just working on getting the word and awareness out about my new book “I Don’t Like Racism.” I want it to be a movement #IDon’tLikeRacism..I have Tshirts as well. I think the time is now to talk about this and I just want everyone to think about and take action for positive change. I’m always writing. I will write another children’s book for sure. I have some songs, another book of poetry to come. I have some TV & Film scripts in development. Just follow me @ www.tymekaconey.com and we will see what’s next but in the meantime…Get the book at Amazon and tell a friend about it, your neighbour, grandparents, parents, teachers and let’s just spread love and unity in the world.

Purchase this book: Amazon.com Amazon.in

About the Book

This book tells the story of racism through the eyes of a young African-American girl, DaNyla, and her experiences with racism as she witnesses her cousin involved in police brutality and she tries to understand why racism exists. She talks to her Mom, and her History Teacher about racism to better understand where it evolved, then she prays about it and decides to continue to dream and hope for change for a better tomorrow as she still continues to fight for what’s right peacefully all while still loving her family and her multicultural friends.

This story will teach all ages, genders and nationalities about racism and it seeks to inspire us all to unite and love one another despite the color of our skin.

Purchase here: Amazon.com Amazon.in

About the Author

Tymeka Coney is an actress, producer, director, playwright, poet, songwriter,voiceover and now activist with the release of her new children’s picture book, “I Don’t Like Racism,” which was inspired by the police brutality she has witnessed in the world and first hand. Tymeka’s first book was “Words Unspoken: Volume I-Deeper Than Eyes Can See,” poetry book released in 2011. She also has a Spoken Word album, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Dreams,” available on Amazon and her recent extended single “COVID 19- Social Distancing,” also on Amazon.

She was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and now resides in Los Angeles, California where she gives back to the community by teaching young people how to read and write and acting.
Tymeka Coney graduated from DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas, as Class Favorite. She holds an Associate of Applied Arts degree from K.D. Studio Actor’s Conservatory in Dallas, Texas, where she received a partial scholarship for her talents. Tymeka graduated in three years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology/English- Dramatic Writing from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

She continues to inspire others through her writing/entertainment bringing awareness to social change as she has done as a playwright with several plays that have brought awareness to domestic violence, breast cancer, suicide, menopause etc. Tymeka realizes it is a part of her life’s mission to continue to rally around important causes like racism and other social change and continue to use her platform for the greater good of all mankind and excel the lives of others spiritually, mentally and emotionally through Arts and Entertainment to make an impact in the lives of others throughout the world.

Contact the author Website https://www.tymekaconey.com/

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Craving Alaska, how to savor the last frontier by Day Pesh Melba | Book review

Daphne G. Forest is bold, brisk, and as barbed as the 1940s movie star she resembles. Mother Miriam Bliss is a flamboyant figment of her imagination, a sort of whimsical vindication for an editor who confused Daphne with facts, which she knows (for a fact) only tend to exist. When Daphne’s fictitious commune of blasphemous gourmet wilderness nuns unexpectedly create a national stir, Daphne goes on the lam in Alaska, a frontier big enough for Italy and France to hide in. She meets Jason, a gold seeker, who introduces her to the native Gwich’in tribe in the Far North. Tribal leader Rachel King, who is fighting an uphill battle against Big Oil, stirs Daphne’s dormant sense of right and wrong and lands her on a whole new trajectory. That trajectory is about to collide with that of a gay commune in San Francisco, who have fallen hard and fast for Mother Miriam. They decide she and her wild sisters must materialize. What is real, what is magical, what is realistic magic and magical realism? The answers and more questions are found in the mythic and monumental proportions of the Great Land, Alyeska.

Title: Craving Alaska, how to savor the last frontier

Author: Day Pesh Melba

Pages: 320

My review

A brilliant, bold, unusual story immersed in magical realism. This is a rare combination of art that will take you to the next level of confusion and self-awareness. The writing style is unique. The author never attempts to create an empathy between the characters and the readers. Rather, the story is narrated from an outsider’s perspective, often slipping into satirical moments.

The story is very distinctive and it is presented without losing its innate charmingness. Daphne was indeed seeking a refuge in Alaska. Because she is someone who is torn between her natural rebellious nature and calm, principled outside demeanor. Her true expressions are behind this mask. In Alaska, the eternal wilderness evokes her spirit. She understands her true aspirations. The dilemma of choosing right and wrong is vested in one’s mind. This confusion brings out our true character. But the true craft of this story begins after that. How the author has connected this course to the life of gay commune in San Fransisco is the crux of this novel. This is like a non-ending dilemma that keeps unwinding.

I know why the author has chosen Alaska to tell this story. Only the wilderness of Alaska can match the magical realism in this story. The background supplements the thread in every way.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Thriller

Medical Executioner : A Killer In Disguise by Rashawn K. Campbell | Book review

In a small town, all hell breaks loose. A serial killer is on the loose. Gruesome murder becomes the reality. An unknown past secret to all except one. Luke must race against time to unlock the reason for the senseless killing in the town of Aldershot. Four people, one identity. Luke must find a way…

Title: Medical Executioner : A Killer In Disguise

Author: Rashawn K. Campbell

Pages: 77

My review

A gruesome murder wrecks havoc in the otherwise quiet Aldershot town. A serial killer is on the loose. People are afraid to go out in the night. A constant fear is looming over their lives. Luke Gay, the smart intelligent detective is transferred to Aldershot to investigate this case. Before he arrives at the town, the serial killer strikes again at the same spot, in the same manner. Luke was warmly welcomed to his new office by colleagues, especially by the Chief Coroner Mrs.Ferguson. But the atmosphere changed quickly by the next blow of serial killer. This time the victim was the only son of Mayor Summer, a dear friend of Luke. Luke was determined to solve this case because things are getting personal from here. But this mystery was not easy to solve. His investigation hits dead ends as he came to four suspects but unable to find a connection between them. Will he able to solve this mystery?

The plot is unique and strong. The author has narrated this thriller by keeping the suspense till the end. What makes this story an engaging read is, the multi-faceted personality of the killer. This leaves the protagonist confused all the time. Often we are unable to find the missing pieces of this puzzle. The intelligence of the cold-hearted killer sometimes outsmarts the protagonist. All these mysteries are solved only in the end. The story lacks conversations and narration is monotonous at some points. Apart from that, this is a very captivating read.