Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Young-Adult

Flag Day Camping (Takari and Little Sparrow Book 1) Kindle Edition by Randa handler|Review

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Takari, a Japanese American eight year old girl and her best friend, Little Sparrow, a Native American boy go camping, embrace each other’s differences while learning about Flag Day, flag folding and why we need to follow rules even though we’re free.

My review

Flag Day camping by Randa Handler is a beautifully illustrated book that emphasizes education and friendship. Takari and Little Sparrow are best friends from day 1 of their school. They are going camping on Flag Day. The story beautifully conveys the importance of freedom and why we have to respect the hard-earned freedom. The story also talks about the inclusion of various ethnicities and why we have to stand together amidst diversity. However, the main message from the story is, although we respect our freedom, it is also important to obey certain rules to sustain and enjoy that freedom. Accountability is essential for maintaining everyone’s freedom. This little book has expressed these invaluable insights through this adorable story.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction

ORGANIC NOMENCLATURE: SIMPLIFIED.: IUPAC System Made-Easy by Anthony O. Nwobosi|Review

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Title: ORGANIC NOMENCLATURE: SIMPLIFIED.: IUPAC System Made-Easy Book (Organic Chemistry 1) 

Author: Anthony O. Nwobosi

Pages: 109

Organic nomenclature is the foundation of organic chemistry. If the foundation is strong, then you can build a fortress very quickly. Although my favourite subject in school was chemistry, I always struggled with many sections of organic chemistry. It is because of the lack of accurate, simplified and elaborate material in the market. Every time I search for a reference guide in organic chemistry, I ended up in books with incomprehensive information and without any illustrations. But all these difficulties are rectified in this book.

The author has immense knowledge in this field. But what makes this book special is how he chose to present his knowledge through words.

The book has very well structured content. The terminology and basic concepts that need to understand beforehand is explained in the first chapter. This will give a new learner head start. After that, the IUPAC system of nomenclature for Organic compounds are explained. As we progress the learning, all complex nomenclature is neatly explained. Proper exercises are also included at the end of each chapter which is enough to test our knowledge on concepts. The striking feature of this book is the inclusion of a much larger number of illustrated examples. This is a rare and very helpful aspect for all beginners. I would like to see more books in Organic chemistry like this.

Rating:5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.in https://amzn.to/34remCn

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Poems, poetry

The Big Game: Volume 1: Spirituality and Love by Bethany James|Book review

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Title: The Big Game: Spirituality and Love

Author: Bethany James

Pages:119

Genre: Poetry

The Big Game: Spirituality and Love is a short collection of poems by Bethany James. This artistic expression ranges from free verse to rhymed poetries. The author also takes advantage of her creative freedom to experiment with words. This volume is dedicated to poems written on spirituality and love. If I look superficially, I can argue that this is a blend of various emotions. But if we look closely, we can find love and spiritual sense in everything little thing around us. That inner meaning is conveyed through these poems. She appreciates all emotions and every materialistic desire through the words. She is trying to find meaning in everything in and around us.

I have never read a narrative style of poetry involving romance and dessert recipes. For me, those dedicated sections of poems were a new experience. She has mixed dessert recipes with love and bridged through words. Along with that, a section of poems that ends with “I’AM” was also a unique experience. Her rhymed poetry section also has an original and refreshing style.

Overall, this is a must-read for every poetry lovers.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fantacy, Fiction, supernatural

KROVS: Into Darkness by M. Lee Woe| Book review

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Title: Krovs: Into Darkness

Author: M. Lee Woe

Pages: 309

There are not so many books out there which felt to me as unputdownable while reading. Krovs: Into darkness is one of its kind. Everything about this story fascinates me when I read through. The story is set in a world that is divided into two, dark, and light sectors. The light sector has strict rules and laws made to oppress its inhabitants. Whereas the dark sector which is also known as the free sector has no rules to follow which eventually drips into a city of crime. Tristan is a beautiful charismatic businessman who is drifting into depression at the beginning of the story. He is used by a group of superhuman women known as Krovs for pleasures. In fact, he is secretly recruited and trained for solely this purpose. He didn’t have any friends from his own kind.

But one day he met Serene, a young naive girl from the light sector unexpectedly. He is quickly drawn into her mysteriously. But both are coming from two largely contradictory circumstances and the thing that attracts them to each other is their curiosity. This curiosity turns into deep mutual love in no time. But what will happen if Tristen’s ex-girlfriend Kamilla, who treats him as personal possession finds out his newly found interest in humans, that may threaten to expose their secrets?

The story is quite mind-blowing. The plot is constructed perfectly. Every small detail about this paranormal world is perfectly explained. This makes the readers get engaged in the storyline until the end. All the main characters are developed really good. Their emotions and mannerisms are accurately included. This helps the readers to judge their decisions on various circumstances. I really liked the character of Serene in the story. She has a multilayered personality. Her decisions and character changes throughout the story. It was a great experience to feel this character’s transformation from a shy innocent nature to a bold and strong personality.

I really liked the way the author has ended this first book of the trilogy. Because it was a real cliffhanger. The revelations in the epilogue are the best twist in the plot.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Memoirs, Motivational Quotes, Self-Help

The Ultimate Love by Sherine Anniruth| Book review

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Title: The Ultimate Love

Author: Sherine Anniruth

Pages: 125

Blurb

A remarkable and inspiring journey of a grieving mother, “The Ultimate Love” will make you shed a few tears. But it’ll also remind you to value every second you have with your loved ones and treasure the memories of those who passed away.
It is about the author’s loss and can serve as a cathartic release for your own grief. As you read about her experience and how she tried to deal with this insurmountable loss, you will discover ways to cope with the grief and pain of losing your child and how to find the inspiring journey to go on with your life.

Grieving is a journey that teaches us how to love in a new way. Let “The Ultimate Love” show you how.

My review

There are not many books that can touch your heart and fill it with emotions after reading. For me, pain is the greatest emotion one can ever felt. Because pain can either lead you to wisdom or destruction. After reading this book, I felt that wisdom. The pure emotions of a grieving mother are flowing through words on every page.

Grief is a very hard emotion to manage. There is almost no single solution to escape from it. But it is also a learning opportunity. It is an opportunity to analyze and understand the root cause of grief. It is a path to our own redemption. Going through this path is very hard, but in the end one will learn to live with our grief. We will learn to love more than ever in the end.

The author has gone through the bitterest days of her life because of the demise of her beloved son. This is a heartfelt essay on how she has managed to control the pain and overcame struggles eventually. I appreciate the author’s effort to pen down a harsh journey in order to help others who are going through the same situation.

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

Mental Toughness by Nicola Jeremy Baehler| Book review

 

51m6rW0LGYLTitle: MENTAL TOUGHNESS: “How To Build Mental Strength Like A Spartan – Guide On How To Improve Your Self-Confidence, Build Unbreakable Discipline, Become Emotional Resilient And Overcome Your Fears.”

Author: Nicola Jeremy Baehler

Pages: 119

Genre: Self-help

My review

Mental toughness is everything. Almost all the competitors have the same set of skills, efficiency and knowledge. What makes one another different is their level of mastery in mental toughness. Believe it or not, it is the single most aspect, that differentiates a legend from a winner.

I have read many books on personality development until now. From my experience, I must say most of the books lack original ideas. Thay has either copied or paraphrased contents. But this book surprised me from the beginning itself. It has astonishingly original ideas and practical techniques. The major difference that I have spotted while reading was, the author has been constantly pushing the readers to take action rather than consume more information.

The presentation of the contents in the book is remarkable. It is structured as a complete package. The author explains the theoretical aspects of mental toughness in the initial chapters, then gradually proceeds to tools and habits needed to rewire our existing life and mindset. The book concludes with providing two bonus chapters. I really liked the second bonus chapter on the spartan morning routine which contains refreshing techniques.

Altogether, this short book has very promising and helpful ideas that can surely transform one’s life. A must-read for everyone.

Rating:5/5

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

The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership by Shawn Abrams|Book review

 

41g51mK8R+LTitle: The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership

Author: Shawn Abrams

Pages: 154

Blurb

Shawn Abrams is a sitting member of the Pace University – Lubin School of Business Executive Education Advisory Board.
His book, The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership is a first of its kind, as. It effectively addresses and shines a light on the two areas of your life that can cost you the most. They are Leadership and Relationships. If you are leading people without the benefit of relationship, you could be bullying them, and if you are loving people without the benefit of relationship, you could be lonely.
Most people will tell you they are a leader, but few people can define leadership. How can we maintain the integrity of it or even recognize it without being able to define it? More importantly, how can we teach it if we cannot define it? Your organization has multiple levels of people and there must be Continuity of Leadership through them. This represents an intangible ‘through line’ that your profits and productivity will follow because the people that work for you are affected by it.
I do not lead with words. I coach my team with words, I mentor them with Statement challenges, and lead with compassion. In this book, you will learn how to employ Applied Leadership to coach and mentor people to reach their next level. In turn, they will help you to reach your next level. Establishing relationships with those we lead will keep them engaged with our vision long after the meeting has ended. Your vision of tomorrow is bigger than today, and the potential of you people is greater than their problems. You must believe this because aside from an extreme shortage of resources, the only reason teams fail is because of their leader. Know this, before you get people to change the way they think you must change the way you think. I will share that in detail with you.
Finally, I cover Emotional Intelligence. Leadership skills and emotional intelligence parallel each other, but they are not the same. People are more inclined to follow relationships than a leader! If you can occupy both these spaces in someone’s life at the same time, you possess The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership.

My review

The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership covers A-Z details on the practical and moral side of leadership. Considering the structure and the range of information included in the book, I can easily call it “The Bible” on leadership. The striking feature for me while reading this book was its elaborate introduction. The well-scripted introduction itself gives a holistic view on the upcoming contents in the book. The interactive and lucid way of narration used in the book is evident from the introduction itself.

Although the book is titled “The Seven Epaulettes of Leadership”, the author does not try to explain this in the beginning. The book has 11 chapters overall. In the initial seven chapters, he tries to build a strong foundation on the topic by conveying the true purpose and moral side of leadership. Only in the eighth chapter, he introduces the seven epaulettes. The rest of the chapters is used to explain the practical side of the leadership incorporating all the ideas which were previously discussed.

I really liked the style of narration used in the book. The personal, contemporary, and historical references and stories with a pinch of humor helps the reader to easily glide through the pages. This helps to absorb the core qualities explained in the book as it is.

I must say that the ideas and wisdom poured through the pages of this book is truly unmatchable. This is surely a time worthy, must-read for personal and professional development.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fiction

Misty Young Love by Casa Nova|Book review

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Title: Misty Young Love

Author: Casa Nova

Pages: 94

Blurb

It was a brief period of training and she looked forward to isolation and boredom. But then this robust teen came into her life and it became a holiday in paradise. Suddenly she became a trainer playing a role freeing the butterfly from its cocoon.
The birds, the most beautiful creatures of nature, are so colourful and add to the beauty of the world. To see them in all their splendour they need to spread their wings and fly. But what if society clips their wings? Are you also a lovely colourful bird with clipped wings?

My review

Misty Young Love is the story of Jane and Tom who were once lost in their respective paths. Somehow their paths are intervened just like they are meant for each other. Though both are living inside the taboos of society, they found their mutual love unexpectedly. In the beginning, Jane only considered this relationship as a getaway from her boredom but it grew stronger and stronger each day. Both of them were exploring the unexpected pleasures that they can squeeze from one another. They set out a journey of experimenting with their wildest thoughts and desires for a brief course of time. Soon Jane has to assume the role of a mentor to course this young man in the right direction. Her honest efforts molded a clueless teen to a fine young man. But the sincere deeds will always payback, even after a long time. Jane finds the meaning of their connection after many years of parting their ways, which is a befitting climax for a romantic story.

This short romantic fiction is aptly penned, incorporating the pure emotions behind every human being. Though it lacked conversations in the beginning, the author has managed to craft a good drama at the end. This steamy hot romance will hook the readers till the end for sure.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, short story

Lucky the Turtle by Tylin Pratt|Book review

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Title: Lucky the Turtle

Author: Tylin Pratt

Pages: 30

Genre: Children’s fiction

Blurb

Lucky is a kind and happy turtle who lives in a small pond, on a big farm. He has many friends and many aspirations, but doubts he’ll be able to achieve them because he’s a small turtle, living in a big world. Lucky finds the courage to follow his dreams and on that journey, he discovers his inner greatness.

My review

We all have many dreams and goals. But often we are discouraged by the people around us. We lose focus due to this unwanted influence. People who can rise beyond these hurdles can only achieve their dreams. “Lucky the Turtle” illustrates this meaningful concept very well. This is a beautiful story of overcoming challenges and believing in oneself. These beliefs can work magic on your way. The beautiful illustrations certainly add brightness to the story.

Stories like this help our children to not only dream big but also to believe that every dream is achievable, no matter how big it is. But we can only achieve it through the right guidance, meticulous practice, and laser-sharp focus. No matter, how small you are, how slow you are, if you are perseverant enough, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals.

The story also conveys another message about good and bad friendships. How people around you can pull you down and how good friends can turn your mindest quickly. It is important to circle yourself with meaningful and supportive relationships to achieve every goal.

Through this small story, the author has imparted timeless wisdom to budding minds. A must-read for children and adults alike.

Rating:5/5

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

The Self-Esteem Workbook: Become your Amazing Ideal Self, build your Real Self-Esteem and get Healthy Confidence|Book review

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Title: The Self-Esteem Workbook: Become your Amazing Ideal Self, build your Real Self-Esteem and get Healthy Confidence 

Author:  Lya Swan

Pages: 112

Why we read self-help books? The answer is simple! We all want to change our personality for better results and eventually to attract success in life. To change our personality, we apply many techniques and hacks in our life in the hope to yield better results. But most of these techniques never give the results we need. Primarily because these techniques never concentrate on the root cause. They all are superficial, so the results. The bottom line of every personality development hack is self-esteem. This is the best takeaway from this book. Self- esteem builds strong self-confidence. Self-confidence will lead to success.

The author has divided the whole book into two parts. The first part concentrates on defining the meaning of Self-esteem. After a clear explanation, she moves to evaluate our own self-esteem. From this evaluation, we will realize where we stand and how far we have to go. The next chapter is about laying a solid foundation for the upcoming exercises. In the second part, the author gives a holistic approach to building self-esteem. This approach includes mindfulness to goal setting.

What I really liked about this book is the author never tries to rush into the action plan. She starts from the basics and then proceeds further. This step by step approach makes this book special in the genre. The overall structure of the book is unique and truly meant to help people. Personal development books depend a lot on human psychology. How well you know that will reflect on your writings. The understanding of author in this area makes this book exceptional. I would love to see a continuation of this book or more work from the author.

Rating: 5/5