Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Comics, Fiction, Self-Help

Tapping Your Way to a Great Big Smile!: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping for Little Fingers by Ana Cybela | Book review

A great fun way to inculcate the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping to our little ones daily routine! EFT is a therapeutic practice to cope with stress, anxiety, negative thoughts, and other volatile emotions. Our kids are prone to various external stresses even from a very young age. Bullying, academic works, peer pressures etc may cause them sudden erratic behavior at school and home. They are behaving like this because they don’t know how to deal with these emotions. this will eventually lead them to low self-esteem and confidence in their later years.

It is essential to identify the root cause of their changes in behavior and inculcate sustainable habits in their life from a very young age to overcome issues. This book introduces a very good technique known as tapping for this purpose.

This is written and illustrated through a first-person point of view. It helps our child to connect with the character’s emotions and compare themselves. This enables them to act independently in various difficult situations. Managing stressful situations are painstaking even for adults like us. Practicing EFT with our kids on a day-to-day basis will be a great way to manage our emotional balance too. This will also set an example for our children to look up to and eventually create stronger bonds with us.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, non-fiction

Esoteric Christianity Made Simple by Con Trong Bui | Book review

For many centuries, millions of people who read the Bible consider it to be the word of God. Many readers of the Old Testament and the New Testament believe that God lives in heaven and human beings live on the planet Earth. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” Should we ask “where God had lived before he created heaven”? Had he been homeless, and that was why he had to create heaven?

In the Old Testament, we see humans were required some burnt offerings “of a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire,” and drink offerings. Should we ask, “was God homeless, hungry, and thirsty, and that was why he created heaven, humans, and animals, and required humans to offer burnt animals and drinks”?

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:13-14, “And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.”? What is that “vail” in the reading of the Old Testament? Did Paul also tell us about the New Testament when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:6, “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life”? Is there any difference between “the letter” and “the spirit”? Through these verses, should we read the Old Testament and the New Testament as we read a historical book?

Title: Esoteric Christianity Made Simple

Author: Con Trong Bui

Pages: 354

My review

To reach the deepest understanding of faith not only gives a sense of salvation but also takes us to the height of faith. Esoteric Christianity Made Simple by Con Trong Bui is written in a way to create a greater understanding of the Holy Bible by eliminating literal doubts. Human beings are one of the greatest species ever walked on the earth. Only exceptional beings can dominate a planet. Although we are gifted with a creative and highly intelligent brain, when comes to the matter of the faith, we usually follow blindly. Often we neglect the logical questions raised in this subject. The answers always lie within but we never try to understand them. This book tries to bridge that gap.

I think theism and atheism are divided by a narrow gap of logical reasoning. Both ideologies have been fighting for their victory over others for ages. But what I learned by reading this book is everything can be explained logically. We have been reading the Holy Bible in a literal sense in all these years. The author has made clear in this book that the Old and New Testament are not simple historical books. We cannot read them just like other works of human beings. The scriptures were written to mean literally and symbolically at times. But they are not meant to be interpreted and understood literally. If we do, this arise questions. Jesus’s life and works are not symbols, but words about his life and works are. If we read between the lines and interpreted them correctly, everything will become simple.

The author has gone a great extend to eliminate many confusions. One such is the beliefs around “One God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. This is the spine of Christianity. Yet many believers perceived this wrong. But if we study deeply this concept is very clearly explained in the Holy Bible beyond the scope of any doubt.

The author has done a commendable job by penning down this book. This will help a believer to gain wisdom and for a non-believer, to eliminate wide-spread doubts regarding the concepts of Christianity.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

I Was Called Barabbas by M.D. House | Book review

We know precious little of the man called Barabbas, a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth. He is variously described in the historical record as thief, murderer, rebel, and notable Roman prisoner. His release by the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate was part of the supernal plan for the Christ to offer himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice, but it’s doubtful Barabbas understood any of that at the time.

Many have wondered what became of him, or rather, who he became after that fateful day. Someday we will know the answer, but in the meantime we can imagine that, like all of us, he too sought a path of personal redemption, imperfectly. 

Title: I Was Called Barabbas by

Author: M.D. House

Pages: 222

My review

This is the story of Barabbas, the prisoner who was released by Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate. It was him that Prefect was decided to sacrifice instead of Jesus of Nazareth. But this decision was not accepted and eventually Barabbas was released. The story took a brief turn here. We then came to know the past of Barabbas and how he ended up as a prisoner. The ferocious child who once wanted to be a Roman soldier and ran away from his family for his existence. He came back and became an apprentice to a tentmaker. But fate has better decisions for him. From a meager worker, he was transitioned to a Jewish rebel. He was not intended to do anything like this but he was bought into the war by destiny. But his real story begins after his release and crucifixion of The Christ.

He came back home to start a new life. With some surprise, he gets married to his love of life and started a family together. But what came after that is truly changed him. He was a damaged soul who believed that he is not worth saving. But the Lord has greater plans for him. His mercy has bestowed upon him and he finds his path eventually. Just like before, he wants a quite low life, but he was called into this war. He was needed on this journey. Moreover, he needed this new path for his salvation.

The story digs deep into the emotional account of Barabbas. His transformation from a common man to a leader was astounding. He was always immersed in self-doubt. But his courage and love saved him. They help him to rise beyond every obstructions. Although he was a deeply damaged soul, his path to salvation began in the moment he put his life before others. He was ready to sacrifice his life. This was his redemption.

The author has narrated a heart-wrenching tale of Barabbas rather beautifully. We are walking beside him throughout the story. His life was unpredictable. But it is what keeps him moving. I’m eagerly waiting for the next part.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller

The Trial of Summary James (Longman Jones, #1) by C.E. White| Book review

Longman Jones has seen several visions of murders. The problem is that those convicted of the murders are never the killers Longman sees. When Summary James is tried and convicted for a murder he didn’t commit, Longman is determined to rescue him from the nation’s only prison.

The Trial of Summary James is a novella set within an alternative history involving a North America where the United States was never born, because the colonists lost the Revolutionary War, the British freed the slaves, and a massive migration from Africa and the Caribbean empowered Black and Native Americans to help build a nation called the Carolina Union in their image.

Title: The Trial of Summary James (Longman Jones, #1)

Author: C.E. White

Pages:

My review

The Trial of Summary James is a story set in the alternative history of the present-day United States of America. The Britishers won the American Revolutionary war partly with the help of slaves. The slaved are freed in the aftermath and they founded a state in the Carolina coast along with other migrated African and Carribeans. This black state in North America is known as Carolina Union.

Longman Jones is a former journalist who is now working as a freelancer. He has a rare gift of having visions about murders. But in all the cases, someone is wrongly accused and sentenced. He takes this upon himself and rescues the convicts. In one of such trials revolving around Summary James, he met Sonata Holmes, a barrister. She is an empath and senses Longman’s secret talent. He is quickly drawn into her and shares most of his secrets in the very first meeting. But things are getting out of control and this time it will be not easy for Longman to rescue Summary as he did before. As both of them dig deeper in this case, they encounter many dark secrets that is slowly engulfing the society.

Honestly, I had high hopes about this novella, particularly because of its setting. You can easily tell a story without crafting a unique American history. But why the author has gone this far? The answer lies within the story itself. The present-day Carolina Union is not much different from any other developed country in this world. But humanity is essentially flawed. The race for power, money, and authority has been blinded people and they are consumed by greed. It is just like a rabbit-hole. The more you get, the greedier you become.

The author has portrayed every raw emotion of people without losing its intensity. Usually, for a novella, the character development might be not up to the point. But the author has done a good job with this story. It is a gripping thriller with good characterization. He is managed to keep the suspense from beginning to the end. Even the protagonist too, falls in the web of suspicion from time to time.

Altogether, this novella certainly exceeded my hopes.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Comics, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Clan-X : Purple Slurp (Vol. Book 11) by Raphael Jones | Book review

Clan-X is a comic line that showcases the future in an advanced utopian-style society millions of years into it. In this particular issue, Xen and Julie Coolmaster travel to planet Galaxia only to run into Sherla Maximus, who is getting ready to begin her mission of traveling to a tribal planet for a shot at diplomacy with them.

Title: Clan-X : Purple Slurp (Vol. Book 11)

Author: Raphael Jones

Pages: 15

My review

Clan-X: Purple Slurp introduces us to a utopian style, ultra-modern, technologically advanced civilization. Xen and Julie Coolmaster are in Galaxia, a free state with plenty of options for entertainment. They are trying to get into the live performance of Sole Sonic, the extraordinary singer. But this is an impossible feat for them. In an attempt to get into the show and explore other fun options, they ran into Sherla Maximus, the warrior princess. She is enjoying her time in Galaxia before going to another mission as a world messenger.-

Just like all the other books in the Clan-X series, this one also features a fun story accompanied by good illustrations. A world were aliens, humans and all other living beings co-exist in peace. This world is filled with fun. You can enjoy and explore as much as you like!

This story brings us a hint of hope. An undivided world which is thriving through technological advancement. The illustrations are so colorful and add a vibrant effect to the story.

A must-read for every comic fan!

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Poems, poetry, Quotes, Self-Help

One Sacred Moment (The Mystical Traveler #5) by Fawn Moran| Book review

One Sacred Moment is the fifth volume of inspirational poetry in The Mystical Traveler Series. If you’re looking for insights that deepen over time or kernels of truth you won’t forget, this is the book for you. Like the book says, “Come to the table, The one set for two. Open to the moment. You needn’t prepare. Your special guest is the Presence we share.”

“Fawn Moran has managed to distill so much wisdom into phrases that open doors that we thought were closed. Reading her words, or better still, reading them out loud, brings a resonance in the heart that remains. The distillation has clearly come from many hours of plumbing her own depths. This is not a collection of ideas—it’s a collection of Truth revealed. Try it. You might end up becoming what you were seeking.“
Mary-Margaret Moore,Spiritual teacher, workshop leader, counselor and author of the Bartholomew books

Title: One Sacred Moment (The Mystical Traveler #5)

Author: Fawn Moran

Pages: 72

My review

Poetry is the expression of deep-rooted creativity. It is the projection of one’s own heart and mind. It is the uncovered truth of our inhibitions. One Sacred Moment is a spiritual journey. The beauty of poems lies not in the words but the underlying meaning. In a sense, it expresses the raw unadulterated version of ourselves.

These inspirational poems hold pristine energy, waiting to be unleashed to our flesh and wounds. It is hard to rebuild a broken heart. But every wound will heal if the right treatment is provided. The scars will fade one day. But it is the scars that signify our existence.

Dedicating whole life to selfless service is one of the greatest sacrifice we can ever perform. By doing this we can immerse our soul to divinity and unburden ourselves from everything. It is the path to salvation. We achieve it at our own pace and through our journey. These poems are the expression of that spiritual journey. They are unique because they are not crafted but emerged from a deeper state of mind. The truth is very difficult to express, as always. It needs time and patience to put together words around the emotions encountered during ones own spiritual endeavor. They are difficult to decipher. But they will make you think. They will push you to go farther. No two experience is same.

Meaningful read. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, supernatural

Masqueraded: Act One by Alexis Dees| Book review

Being haunted by a sinister circus, ghosts and scary clowns wasn’t unusual for the spunky 18-year-old girl, Estela Nannette Sinclair. Neither was the physical and emotional abuse that she faced from her adoptive parents.
But, one was just a dream and the other would resolve itself in two weeks upon her eighteenth birthday… or so she mistakenly presumed. Her life was a complex façade of lies that hid how deeply she was entangled with three powerhouses of dark magic. Had she been that ignorant of the masquerade before her? An ignorance that wasn’t bliss. And an ignorance that meant her corpse would likely decorate an amusement attraction in a mere two weeks’ time.
Masqueraded is a suspenseful and deliciously dark psychological thriller and the first chapter of an emotionally-charged YA paranormal series that features a strong female lead character, who is looking for answers to her troubled past, while discovering new depths of deviant dark magic lurking underneath the surface in the carnival where she escaped the domestic abuse of her youth. Join Estela, as she explores a hidden magical world of teleportation, scrying, and telekinesis.

Title: Masqueraded: Act One

Author: Alexis Dees

Pages: 144

My review

A story like none other!

Masqueraded: Act One is simply redefining everything we know of the magical world. When I read the blurb, I mistakenly assumed that this will be a story like the Harry Potter series. But I was wrong. Masqueraded presents another level of story. More human and more realistic. Dark magic exists among us. Immortality and superpowers are real but they all come with a price. The price they have to pay to create a bond with it is their soul.

Estela is a soon to be 18-year-old girl, who is craving for her freedom like none other of her age. She is merely surviving with her abusive adoptive parents and dealing with constant nightmares every day. She has been associated with a traveling carnival for three years from now. This is the only place of freedom she has got. But what she doesn’t know is the dark truth behind her friends and associates from the carnival. Finally, she uncovered the truth behind their inhuman tricks and it is not what she imagined at all.

The author has developed Estela’s character very well throughout the story. Her transformation from a naive, innocent girl to a confident, fearless woman was smooth and convincing. She is vulnerable and fearless at the same time. Ignorance brings fear. The more she gained knowledge, the more fearless she become.

I really loved the climax of this story. The cunning and manipulative characters are unconventional heroes in the mainstream. But here they are justified and backed by situations.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fiction, Young-Adult

Setting Fire To The Darkness (In The Garden Of Eve Love Bares No Color Book 1) by J.M Pozon | Book review

Cameron Elliott, is Chicago’s most sought after bachelor. He’s, rich, handsome, and highly regarded among his peers. He, comes across as the world’s most perfect man, but nothing could be more further from the truth.The, man is as dangerous and tormented, as he is gorgeously handsome. A martyred hero with a flawed sense of morality. His, desire to do good often eclipsed by the treachery of the world, which he was born into. Now, he wants out! But, try as he may, he can’t seem to break free of the vicious cycle of violence, and self-destruction. While, Cameron struggles to keep his demons at bay, life throws him an unexpected curve ball in the form of Evangelina Reese. A, beautiful woman, who is struggling with her own haunted past. Still, broken, and wounded, she must, learn to let go of past hurts, rediscover forgotten strengths, while attending to new wounds.

Despite, both of there valiant restraint, they fall for each other, in ways neither thought imaginable. But, this union isn’t beds of roses & sweet soft melodies. No, their love is as dark, and deadly as it is addictive.Loving, Cameron Elliott is dangerous game, one which could get them both killed.

Title: Setting Fire To The Darkness (In The Garden Of Eve Love Bares No Color Book 1)

Author: J.M Pozon

Pages: 386

My review

A perfectly crafted story!

The only way to get rid of darkness is to bring light. How about bringing the light by setting out fire to that darkness. This is the story of humans who are engulfed by the darkness. They are tormented and struggling for their existence every day. Cameron Elliott is one of those humans who is flawlessly handsome and violent at the same time. He is struggling to find a balance between his true emotions and the circle of violence he is in. When Evangelina Reese came to his life, everything changes. They know this relationship doesn’t hold any future. But the higher they resist, the stronger their love grew.

I liked the way, the main characters are crafted by the author. From the beginning itself, we know how damaged their souls are. Deep down Cameron is a good person. But he is trying to hide his pain by immersing himself in self-destruction. That’s why all his attempts to get out of this never-ending spiral ends in vain.

The storytelling technique adopted by the author is a unique one. Usually, the whole story is narrated through a single perspective. But here the narration is divided between the main characters. Thus their raw emotions are expressed without losing its intensity. Also, we could know what is happening on both sides, throughout.

Since I read the updated version of the book, I couldn’t find any grammatical issues with the story. It is perfectly edited and this ensures a smooth flow from beginning to end.

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

Extraction (Office Pool #2) by D.L. Blackburne | Book review

Office Pool is a coming of age story of an underachieving ink pen named Arthur “Arty” Bickerson.

Arty’s unique journey is chronicled as he must quickly navigate the vast differences between the complexities of his new life and responsibilities in “The Office” and life on the home desktop. More than just a pen, Arty is mentored along the way by his childhood guardian and coworker Stan Sharply.

As Arty gets orientated to his new role, he experiences so many highs and lows, with Stan there to help Arty navigate it all.

With humans set as the backdrop, these common everyday writing utensils each with unique personalities deal with family, friendship, success, love, peer jealousy, classism, along with high expectations, greed, and self doubt. Office Pool is a family friendly witty tale, set in a small fictional world of adventure.

Title: Extraction (Office Pool #2)

Author: D.L. Blackburne

Pages: 68

My review

This is the second installment of the Office Pool series, which picks up the story from where it ended in the previous book. Arty Bickerson, who finds himself in the position of a leader of a small group of pens. He set out a journey to rescue Stanley, his mentor, and father-figure with this group. On the other hand, Stanley is deep down in the inner sanctum facing the most feared arch-villain, King Glitter Smear in an attempt to set free many of his friends and family members who were taken as captive earlier. But in this process, Arty and Stanley along with others came to know about the truth that they are now edging towards the great final battle. Who will survive and who will perish?

After reading the first book, Orientation, I was greatly impressed by the author’s creativity to frame a story like this. A story in the world of utensils and stationery items where humans are pushed into the background. In the first installment, the author concentrated on building a unique plot with strong characters. It was detailed about the past and emotions of the protagonists. In this book, the story-line is more inching towards a great battle. Hence this is a fast-paced one. The story is now shifted like a mystery thriller. Throwing suspicions on various characters, the author has framed a good thriller among the world of pens.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Indian Mythology

Wise Tales From the East: The Essential Collection by Uri Kaplan | Book review

This little book of insights contains forty-nine parables and fables that will amuse, teach, and inspire you to reflect on your life and actions. Some of the stories are funny, others are enigmatic and philosophical, but they all convey remarkable life lessons and morals. The tales were carefully selected from the Buddhist, Hindu, Daoist (Taoist), and Confucian traditions, as well as from Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean folklore. If you let them, they just might blow your mind!

Yoga and meditation instructors and practitioners may find these wise tales valuable for contemplating their training. College professors and high school teachers may find them handy for preparing lectures and stimulating class debates. Psychologists and bibliotherapists may find them useful for therapy sessions. And anyone else in search of wisdom would surely benefit from perusing through these enchanting tales of sages, monks, Zen masters, scorpions, centipedes, and horses.

Title: Wise Tales From the East: The Essential Collection

Author: Uri Kaplan

Pages: 64

My review

Wise tales from the East is a collection of forty-nine short stories selected from Buddhist, Daoist, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean folklore. Every story illustrates certain aspects of human thoughts and life. They deliver a unique message. The purpose of the story is to convey this message. They are the carriers of ancient wisdom.

Why they crafted these folklores and pass them through generations? Will it be easy if we convey the message as it is? The answer lies in the question itself. We often attracted to things that we don’t need. We are attracted to them because they are simply beautiful. Everybody likes to read and hear stories now and then. Stories serve as a relaxation in long continuous lectures. We are unknowingly attracted to them, because of their simplicity. Will there be any better way to convey age-old wisdom rather than embedding them in stories? They are better than thick philosophical textbooks. These stories are crafted only for fulfilling this purpose.

Through these forty-nine stories, the author has poured intangible spiritual wisdom to readers. You can’t simply read and go, once you opened this book. You will stay for a moment, lost in thoughts, after reading each one of these stories. They are so powerful. Many of these stories are framed thousands of years ago. They are still relevant. Because we humans have the same struggles and issues to overcome. That’s why they survive the time.

A must-read for everyone because these stories will add some values either to your life or to your work for sure.

Rating:5/5