Featured

Simple Ways to Strengthen the Christian Faith and Understanding

Sometimes, your belief in certain things becomes tainted and influenced by many external and worldly factors. This event will only lead to two possible results — either you lose your faith in those matters gradually or instantly, or you become motivated to rekindle your belief. The former is definitely everyone’s nightmare. Imagine losing everything that you’ve to live up to in a snap. However, if you want to rework your faith and widen your understanding of Christianity and all its aspects — then the latter might be the best choice.

To fully achieve a stronger faith and broader knowledge as a Christian, then this blog is for you. Listed below are the simple yet efficient ways that can hopefully help you strengthen your faith and understanding.

Don’t forget to pray

Praying is more than just expressing your gratitude, asking for forgiveness, and requesting something. It’s an attempt to connect with the powerful and all-knowing God. Thus, prayer is an act that aims to build rapport with the Almighty Father through good communication. So, exercise your faith by sincerely communicating with the Lord. Pour your heart out and believe that whatever you’ve shared with Him is heard and to be granted when the time is right. Whether you are happy, sad, anxious, or blissful, don’t forget and hesitate to talk to Him.

Read the Scripture and other Christian books

The Holy Scripture allows you to get a better grasp of Christianity and learn how God showed Himself to His followers. Hence, reading the word of the Lord is one of the most effective ways of strengthening your faith because you are getting to know Him. Apart from the sacred book in Christianity, there are also other impressively written works, such as the book about the gospel of truth by Jack Hetzel, that aim to help readers become better and knowledgeable parts of the Christian community.

Connect with other members of the Christian family

Surrounding yourself with people that have the same goals, beliefs, and advocacy as you will boost your confidence and passion. The same results apply when you start to connect and rekindle your relationships with the members of the Christian family and the Church. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be fully present in every activity; this is more on your personal desire to enhance your faith while being more connected with people who share the same goals and beliefs. Also, you can learn and influence one another to be better Christians.

Remind yourself that God stays the same

There are moments that you feel on edge to the point that you question His existence and qualities. So, you need to teach and remind yourself that God is the same as what He was from the past, what He is in the present, and what He will be in the future. The all-knowing, ever-powerful, and good God had, is, and will still be there to guide you on whatever path you’ve chosen, decisions you are making, and struggles that you’ll be experiencing. All you have to do is believe, understand, and leave the rest in Him.

Execute your faith and knowledge

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” — James 2:26. Thus, proclaiming your faith might be insufficient because words without action are nothing but empty promises and declarations. That said, achieving a stronger faith also requires effort. Make sure that the things you are living up to and believing in reflect your actions. Remember and apply what you have learned from the Bible, Church, and fellow Christians in your daily life. While you exercise your faith, you can gradually feel, see, and realize how He transforms and blesses you in His own and holy way.

Obey Him with all your heart

Obedience is the best yet most underrated key to a better understanding and a stronger Christian faith. God wants nothing but the best for His people, as well as for His followers to obey His commandments and answer His calls. Simply attending and abiding by His rules is enough to build a greater relationship with Him and gain a more profound faith in the Lord.

Featured

Insightful Books That Help Fully Cultivate a Good Parent-Child Relationship

A healthy parent-child relationship transcends and influences the whole family. It serves as a pillar of a happy and loving home. Like all other foundations, it takes years of effort and nurturing to create a strong and resilient one. Within those moments, hindrances and struggles are present, along with happiness and bliss.

Since parents are way wiser and mature than children, it’s your duty to take the initiative and grow a good relationship with your kids. That connection is the binding agent that holds your family together, in addition to your commitment and love to your spouse. That said, we have prepared the best tools that can help your further grow a great parent-child relationship in this blog. Listed below are the best books that you should check out.

Three Dimensions of Learning: A Blueprint for Learning from the Womb to the School by Dr. Carolyn Nooks Teague

Dr. Carolyn Nooks Teague presents an illuminating guidebook to help you come up with suitable methods to empower your child from conception to its early stages of development. It is also a great tool for educators, enabling them to encourage children to be more proactive in class. Moreover, the author emphasizes the value of resiliency and how it can prepare the little ones to venture into the vast world outside their homes. Three Dimensions of Learning also allows parents to fully take care of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of kids — for example, helping parents and even teachers address the needs of the child suffering from PTSD.

No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

This New York Times bestselling book showcases the interesting connection between a child’s brain development and the parent’s reaction to the kids’ misbehavior. It features an efficient and benevolent plan to properly manage the tantrums and other misconduct of children without making a scene. Thus, there are loads of helpful techniques, facts, methods, tips, and dos and don’ts that parents can learn and apply. This information can help every parent to better understand and discipline the kids, opening an opportunity for awareness, development, trust, and resiliency for both parties.

52 Small Changes for the Family: Build Confidence * Deepen Connections * Get Healthy * Increase Intelligence by Brett Blumenthal and Danielle Tan

52 Small Changes for the Family educates the readers on how little changes can create huge influences leading to a healthier and happier family. It doesn’t only target parents but also their offspring to learn, value, and apply particular changes as they develop their relationship. The book highlights fifty-two changes with their corresponding description and explanation, so family members learn their weight and essence. It also presents various charts and studies so both parents and children can get a better grasp and be encouraged that in small changes, big results follow.

The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children by Shefali Tsabary

The author provides a strategic approach to parenting, but this time, children are encouraged to be more proactive as they become the reflections of the forgotten selves of their parents. In this book, kids act as their parent’s guide to development instead of the other way around. This new approach helps both parties understand the importance of connection, trust, and reliability. Hence, a stronger parent-child relationship will form, and parents will become aware of their kids’ skills to bring them into a condition of presence.

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Laura Markham

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Laura Markham is a popular guidebook geared to aid parents in nurturing responsible, talented, and happy children. It allows parents to profoundly understand their emotions so they can do raise an independently disciplined kid by establishing healthy boundaries, compassion, empathy, and good communication. Once you establish a great connection and discipline with your child, giving punishments, threats, and bribes becomes unnecessary. Thus, this book helps you uncover, transform, and apply a new and positive parenting method that promotes a better parent-child relationship resulting in happier children, parents, and family.

Featured

The Ultimate Guide in Writing a Captivating Book

Writing is never easy. It’s hard and complicated. There are many things to consider and goals to hit. But, along that complexity is a burning passion for creating a story that can teach and inspire. Hence, in order to write a book that can captivate the readers, it must have notable qualities worthy of their time and attention. There are many ways to achieve your desired output while having fun instead of being caught by the roadblocks of writing.

If you are an aspiring author with a story to tell, then it must be the best time to start turning your ideas into words. Below is the ultimate guide in writing a captivating book that you should know.

Build a seamless timeline

Every element of a story is essential, but the timeline needs more work. It helps you build a series of events, linking one timeframe to another to show the progress of the story. Prior to writing, you must have a concrete and perfect timeline relevant to your story’s motif. This allows you to plan and picture out the initial events in your book.

It also enables you to create a stronger foundation for your work through accuracy, especially if your story is inspired by real happenings. Take Jerry Delaney’s book Bannack: A Growing Up Story In The Vigilante West, for example. The timeline revolves around the Civil War, which is a 4-year movement. Thus, he captured the messy, violent, and brutal atmosphere and activities during those times.

Mold notable characters

Characters set books apart. They are among the easily recognized and most influential elements of a story. But that’s not the only reason why you should put effort into bringing them to life. Characters propel the story forward and help in both creating and resolving conflicts. They are also part of the tools that give readers an amazing reading experience by showing and allowing them to follow through the story, especially when matched with a good point-of-view.

Thus, give them different qualities, backstories, and motivations. In that way, readers can see the variations and analyze them objectively. Make them closer to humans but still fictional, which means that they should possess a couple of human characteristics while still dominating their imaginary world. Another important thing that you should put more effort into is their development. Ensure that they also progress like the plot instead of keeping them stagnant.

Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle

You probably have heard of the phrase “show, don’t tell” a bunch of times. It’s an essential principle in writing that many writers apply and prioritize. This allows you to fully immerse the readers and enable them to better visualize the events and other aspects of the story. Hence, use descriptive words to tell the story and describe characters and objects instead of directly telling the readers the events in the book. In that way, readers can work up their imagination and can ignite relevant emotions while reading. Don’t cut their excitement by plainly telling them what’s taking place; instead, let them explore and figure things out.

Add an element of surprise

Imagine a book without plot twists? It would impact its interesting factor. So, do not forget to inflict a bunch of twists and turns so you can hook your readers and compel them to turn page by page. The element of surprise increases the tension and thrill in your work. As a result, readers will be more curious and be more impressed after you’ve exceeded their expectations. Thus, you are hitting two birds with one stone by keeping the interests of the readers and enhancing the quality of your book by using an element of surprise.

Finish strong

How you end the book is as important as how you’ve worked through its beginning and middle. In writing the conclusion, you can either use a literary device to have an unconventional ending or go with the normal plot structure. Regardless of what method you’ve chosen, just make sure that you have already resolved each conflict, communicated the theme, patched the plot holes, developed the characters, and other aspects that can make your work perfect from top to bottom.

Featured

Roadblocks: How It Prepares You To Success

Success does not come overnight. It is a series of endless challenges and rejections. And, challenges are inevitable — it is an essential part of life. Some may take an entrepreneurial path, while others would want to explore a time off on their own through a gap year. And many take on the academic lane — and this journey is not easy. Hence, Virgil Revish’s inspirational education book prepares you for the opportunities you are bound to take. Moreover, whichever path draws close to your vision, create a plan. Preparedness will take you far.

Your mission is to craft a version of yourself capable of envisioning and performing the beautiful things in life. The excellence necessary in doing so is already within you. However, for the most part, you might think roadblocks may hinder you from achieving the goals you have set for yourself. In hindsight, adversity does not mean weakening your soul. In reality, it prepares you for success, and here is how that happens:

Reshapes You

Transformation happens when you dare to take on the risks presented to you. Numerous tribulations in life have proven to have made you the stronger character you are now. As you continue the journey, your decisions will become wiser. You are more fit to embark on challenges. And so much of your fears will slowly diminish. You will eventually become an evolving resilient force. 

Redirects Your Path

They say rejection is a redirection. As far as everyone is fated to failure, rejection is equally predestined. Problems arise along the way; it is part of the process. And sometimes, you dwell on it for too long; it will distract you from your goals. Hence, planning plays a vital role in success — it shifts you back to your vision. It reminds you of where you want to go. And although sometimes you will take a detour to get there, you would still have the same objective — success, happiness, and contentment. For that matter, your redirection did not change your focus; it will only bring you closer to your goal.

Restores Your Truest Self

In life, you encounter multiple events and circumstances that will lead to change. As everyone knows, change is permanent. However your core, values and innate characteristic remains. And some subconscious intrinsic qualities in you will arise — but do not be agitated; that is part of your transformation. As change evolves in you, your true self transpires. And when you have come to encounter such an occurrence, remain true to yourself. Never let anyone force you to only choose what they want from you — instead, choose what you want for yourself. You know what’s best for you, be confident in that!

Helps You Identify What Matters

Everyone has goals—and you among everyone—do not only have one aim but many. Roadblocks, fortunately, help you identify what matters to you. When you encounter a series of hardships, you will learn to filter and prioritize the ones close to your vision. They say, “. . .not all battles are worth fighting.” Thus, learning to choose which struggles are worthy of taking action is necessary. In taking action, it is critical to consider at which stage in life you are at, for your priorities may change over time.

Heightens Your Personal Drive

Confronting numerous difficulties increases your drive to avoid failure. Your personal drive fuels you to success. Without it, you will be doing things in the absence of intention and purpose. Your drive keeps you on the lane to your aspirations in life. It balances your fear of rejection and failure with your hope of achieving success. Hence, it keeps you in the middle, consciously aware of the upcoming steps, taking action one plan at a time. And most times, your drive will direct you to take risks and jump on opportunities. In a cycle, your motivation expands, confident of pursuing the next roadblock.

The key to success is not unilateral. There are countless ways to lead you to that path. Persistence, hard work, strategy, and preparedness are only some of the things you will bring with you. However, as a considerable multifaceted being navigating the world, open yourself to change and transformation. Your evolution will be a continuum — make the most out of it!

The road to success is relentless, but so are you!

Featured

How Writing Your Thoughts Declutters Your Mind

Stress is a human experience. And one of the common misconceptions about it is that it’s only an external stimulus. Little did we know, it also comes from an internal source. Overthinking is a stress prompt. And you are not the only one encountering such an internal battle — it is a familiar experience for everyone. 

Recently, the habit of journaling has paved a trend amongst Millennials and Gen Z’s. However, journaling does not quantify a person’s age for it to work. It is an intimate spiritual activity that can help everyone of all ages address the stressors combatting the mind. 

Before writing your thoughts down, one way to declutter the mind is an Aura McClain book on De-Stressing Without Drugs. It is a book on self-guide that tackles the harmonious balance of the body, mind, and energy/spirit. It would be a better journaling process to integrate professional guidance from a Certified Professional Life Coach.

And to start the process of self-checking the mind in action, here are the reasons why writing your thoughts declutters your mind:

Writing Can Help You Identify What’s Going On

When you write what’s bothering you, it can help you identify what causes the overthinking. Awareness is a gift we always miss to spot. Being aware of the troubles within is like taking the first step towards achieving your goal. And the aim of successfully managing stress is to recognize the stressors. After doing so, you are off to the next step.

Taking Note of Your Thoughts Enables You To Acknowledge Your Problems

Dwelling on your thoughts and ignoring them will not let you move forward. Sometimes, it pays to acknowledge that internal troubles exist within you. Accept that mental chaos is a fleeting experience — it will not always be in you. And, it is helpful to remember that it happens not just to you — but to everyone around you. 

Releasing Your Emotions On Paper Makes You Feel Better

Bottled emotions can lead to emotional exhaustion. Everyone is capable of being tired. However, never wait to drain the mental and emotional resources you have. It is better to free the mind once in a while. It’s a healthy way to release your emotions on paper. But, if you happen to be not into physical writing, you can choose to type what you feel on your mobile phone or your computer.

Reading What You Have Written Leads You To An Action Plan

Action plans are the solutions to your troubles. Answers do not exist if there is no problem. Thus, writing is a tool for the existence of the things you want to address. Then, it would be easier for you to plot a resolution that would best suit you. Moreover, be mindful that your action plans might not succeed during the first try. However, do not be discouraged — your desired outcome will come through when it is time.

Revisiting Your Notes Enables You To Check On Your Progress

Tracking the course of your journey allows you to look back on your previous self. The speed of your progress is not vital; what is truly important is the momentum you have in pursuing the intention of mental clarity. At certain times, we overlook the transformation we accumulated throughout our journey. However, it is equally significant to grant yourself the evolution you so well deserve.

Keeping A Journal Allows You To Understand Yourself Better

A compilation of your experiences is essential in broadening the perspective you have towards yourself. In doing so, it bypasses you from going back to the same chaotic pattern of overthinking. The main objective is not to dismiss the reality of distress. Instead, you should be better at handling the adversities you are bound to face. There is no such thing as one-fix all to your problems — the ones you have tried may no longer work with the newer ones. Hence, tracking your progress can potentially guide you to address the situation better when it happens again.

Decluttering the mind is revitalizing the healing capabilities you innately have. Healing is a subjective experience — it is uniquely different for everyone. And if writing your thoughts works for you, do not deny that gift to yourself. You are worthy of inner peace.

Featured

Must-read Christian Books of All Time

In the broadest sense, Christian literature refers to literary pieces with themes, concepts, and perspectives that center on or are related to Christianity. It is among the vast book genres that boost inspiration, supply knowledge, and strengthen the faith of its readers. As you dig deeper, you can discover its different categories, such as Christian devotional, poetry, nonfiction, fiction, allegory, and more.

Christian books tend to humbly influence everyday believers by encouraging them to take the leap of faith, change their lives, rejuvenate their spirits, break free from sin, and more. So, if you are looking for must-reads under this genre, please refer to the list of the best Christian books to read at different moments of your life.

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God was originally published in 1984; and, since then, it got reprinted with a total of 43 editions. Moreover, it focuses on positioning the holiness of the Almighty Father in its appropriate and correct place in the lives of believers. Sproul builds a great vision of the Lord that inspires others to become sacred in such a way that God does. The moment you get to see and realize His sacredness, everything in your life will not stay the same.

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company published John Murray’s Redemption Accomplished and Applied in 1955. The author elaborates each passage from the Holy Bible that tackles the needs, sophistication, and scope of the atonement. In Redemption Accomplished and Applied, you can also learn to determine the definite steps in how redemption achieved through the Lord is exercised subsequently in the life of the believer as presented in the Scripture. This book truly shows the readers the systematic steps towards redemption, which is explanatory to its title.

Colossians Verse by Verse by Dr. Jack Hetzel

Colossians Verse by Verse by Dr. Jack Hetzel was written in the hopes of providing a better grasp on each significant idea and subject Apostle Paul tackled in the book of Colossians. Hetzel writes his inputs on every subject thoroughly and emphasizes the role of the Son of God, whom Apostle Paul declared to be omnipotent and dominant in the whole world. Moreover, the book motivates the members of the Christian family to showcase and strengthen their faiths and understand what living is all about.

The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith? by John MacArthur

The enlarged edition of this bestselling book authored by John MacArthur was published in 2009 by Zondervan. The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith? tests every Christian to re-assess their commitment to the Lord by analyzing their “fruits.” The author raises a meaningful question about the real meaning of being saved. MacArthur also encourages the readers to get a fuller grasp on the value of their conversion and that it wasn’t just a simple phase but a lifetime commitment and accordance.

In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado

In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado is a Christian self-help book published in 1999. It primarily talks about how life is filled with obstacles and chances that push people to be self-sufficient. But, that kind of life is not what God had given. The way the world encourages you to double your efforts in living and achieve success is not the same method that the way of the cross has. According to In the Grip of Grace, the latter will direct you to a place where you don’t need to force yourself so you can submerge to the limitless, free, and rejuvenating grace of the Lord.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer penned the book The Cost of Discipleship, which contained a foreword by Eric Metaxas and was published in 1995. The book serves as an enticing proclamation of the necessity of sacrifice and ethical regularity from an individual whose life and ideas were outstanding articulations of a fresh kind of leadership inspired by the Gospel. It also tackles a person with the same thoughts that were inoculated with the spirit of Christian humanism, as well as a great sense of civic duty.

Featured

Remarkable Authors with Inspiring Life Stories

In this lifetime, many have already gone through their darkest and happiest moments. And, authors are not exempted from experiencing the good, bad, and horror that life brings. What made them special was their ability to turn their account into masterpieces that inspire millions of readers across the globe. Some fully write their intimate experiences into a full-blown novel, while others make use of some aspects of their lives and inflict them in their works. Hence, here are some of the authors who have inspiring life stories that you should know.

Maya Angelou

A poet, a civil rights activist, and an author, these are the common things that come up when people talk about Maya Angelou. However, her literary success goes beyond her job titles. Maya was born on April 4, 1928, as Marguerite Annie Johnson, the second born of Bailey Johnson and Vivian Johnson. Moreover, her parents ended their marriage and were sent to Arkansas when she was three years old.  At eight years old, they were sent back and lived together with her mother. Unfortunately, she was raped and abused by her mom’s boyfriend. The abuser was detained for a day but was murdered shortly after his release.

Maya Angelou became mute for about five years, believing that her voice killed her abuser after confessing his name. During those moments, she discovered and improved her passion for literature and reading, her skill to listen and observe, and an amazing memory. Her darker days continued, but she still rose above them all, making her a phenomenal woman and a great figure in literature.

Christopher Paolini

If you have read the series The Inheritance Cycle, then you might already be familiar with Christopher Paolini. He is a popular fantasy author born on November 17, 1983, in California. At the age of 15, shortly after graduating high school, he began writing. That particular write-up turned into the first book of his hit fantasy series, which he titled Eragon. Christopher opted to publish his debut novel through his parents’ publishing firm, which is Paolini International LLC. He promoted his book in over 130 schools and libraries, discussing not just his work but also literature while in a medieval costume.

Moreover, Paolini didn’t further his education and has proven that with hard work and passion, you can still reach success. His great effort and innate talent allowed his work Eragon to name him as one of the bestselling authors at 19 years old. The book was also adapted into a film in 2006, and a year before the movie was released, he launched the story’s sequel titled Eldest. His literary success continued, which allowed him to complete his fantasy series and write other books under other genres, like science fiction.

Trea Jackson

Trea Jackson is the author of The Innocent Eyes of a Child: Everyone’s Little Girl, But Nobody’s Child. Her book narrates her personal experiences of being in a foster care system, as well as the struggle of being part of the said process. Moreover, Jackson already experienced horrible things as a little kid, from manipulation to domestic abuse. There was nobody courageous enough to save her. While being in that setup, she always found herself wishing for a loving mother and father. Trea was taken by the Illinois Department and Children Services, which released her the first time. But, they kept her under the foster care system the second time she was taken.

Being part of that certain system was harder than she thought. It was an endless cycle of hoping to find a family that would genuinely love and take care of her and experiencing abuse all over again. Jackson considered writing as her safe haven and comfort in the middle of it all. Thus, when she gained the strength to share her story and her truth, she gradually wrote her book while still pursuing her college education in 2004. Her book is a reflection of the emotional rollercoaster ride that she experienced, minus the particular abuses after getting advice to avoid backlash. It also serves as a ray of inspiration and hope for kids who were and are in a foster care system.

Featured

Brilliant Authors Who Practice Other Forms of Arts That You Should Know

Art comes in different forms, and literature is one of them because it tells stories, creates themes for the audience to ponder, and follows certain structures. Thus, writers are already considered as artists for they utilize and apply their creativity by writing great stories in various styles. However, many authors practice other art forms aside from literature. Some of them are drawn into painting, drawing, sculpting, woodcarving, and music, while others are into photography, digital illustrations, theater, and more.

So, if you want to get to know many talented authors who also do other types of arts, then this blog is for you. We have listed below those brilliant writers that you should know.

Eric Carle

Have you read The Very Hungry Caterpillar when you were a child? If yes, then you might already be familiar with Eric Carle. He is an American children’s book author born on June 25, 1929, and died on May 23, 2021.  Carle has authored and published various books under children’s literature that have helped young adults of today understand the world as they go through different stages of development.

But, did you know that Eric Carle also became a graphic designer at The New York Times before he served the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After serving the army, he came back to the Empire State and continued his job at The New York Times. In 1963, he decided to resign and opt to be a freelance artist. That’s also the moment that he met Bill Martin, Jr., who inspired him to get creative with the illustration. Hence, he became an illustrator first after collaborating with Martin before he fully became an established author.

Edith Vosefski

Edith Vosefski is the author, speaker, teacher, and etiquette expert. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University’s College of Speech and her master’s degree in communication science from Governor’s State University. As an author, she wrote multiple books, such as The Nine Lives of Curious Edith, Leo’s Out of This World Adventure, and more.

At 78 years old, she started to study art — generally drawing using colored pencils. Edith’s artwork is found in her children’s books, such as in Leo and the Spirit of Golden Boy. Moreover, her love for nature and life has been reflected in her artworks, and her newfound craft also boosted her creativity that inspired her subsequent literary works.

Nicki Geigert

If you happen to read the adventure and entertaining books Who’s Yawning Now? and Family Trip to Magical Madagascar and Beyond, then you probably are familiar with Nicki Geigert. From the genres of her books, you can easily tell that she loves to explore and travel. Apart from being a great author, Geigert also fancies photography. In fact, she has an online art gallery, which features her nature photographs that can be hung up and add beauty to your walls.

Nicki Geigert considered photography as an opportunity to experience getting a snapshot of a special moment, documenting various rich cultural heritages all around the globe, and observing different behaviors. The art of photography helps her to capture candid moments of life. Moreover, Geigert also wholeheartedly takes pictures of wildlife in their natural habitats, which shows the raw moments of how animals live in the wild.

Gabriella Eva Nagy

Author Gabriella Eva Nagy was born in Hungary. Growing up, she has always taken delight in searching for visually stimulating and instructional methods to communicate with kids. Moreover, Nagy has a bachelor’s degree in physics and technology and was also a graduate of Computer Animation and Multimedia from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

She has penned various children’s books, such as Enchanted Rainbows, The Dancing Butterflies, Moonlight Dance, Sweet Dreams, Ladybug!, and Twinkling Stars. But, what sets her apart from others is that she illustrates the wonderful visual elements in her books. Thus, she utilizes her gift of art and writing to reach millions of kids in the world to ponder and reflect on human values.

Indeed, authors are a bunch of talented people who develops their crafts to create wonderful works that can inspire, teach, and motivate millions of individuals.

Featured

Suicide: Grieving and Healing from Tragic Loss

Losing a loved one to suicide is tragic, and the road to grieving and healing will be long and difficult for family and friends.

Suicide is one of the major health issues in many countries around the world. On average, around 130 individuals commit suicide every day. In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, and over 47,000 died of suicide out of the estimated 1.3 million attempts, according to 2019 data. The country is among the wealthy nations with the highest suicide rate. Although the suicide rate has been declining over the past few years, it is still a significant concern, and many families still suffer the loss and trauma of losing a loved one to suicide.

Families who lost their loved ones to crimes, accidents, and suicide not only have to endure the death of their dearly departed but also the traumatic experience of their untimely demise. However, a suicide death is quite a uniquely traumatic experience because it carries a stigma. In some cultures, suicide is taboo, and some victims are even denied final rites. This and other mental and emotional burdens contribute to a devastating loss that often leaves families having difficulty processing, grieving, and healing.

Support systems play a crucial role in dealing with grief and healing from the traumatic experience of losing someone to suicide.

Because of the trauma and the complexities of suicide deaths, grieving and the road to healing may prove difficult for families. Support systems will be crucial in processing the loss and ensuring that they will not succumb to depression. Being with family and friends is essential for those dealing with the loss. While we respect privacy, eventually, they will have to allow people outside the family to care and look after their welfare. Professional help and groups can also help them understand more about their emotions. Discussion among people with shared experiences can put things in perspective.

Reading books on suicide, grief, and healing can also help families learn more from people who have endured the same traumatic experiences. The books Lessons in Surviving Suicide: A Letter to my Daughter and Divine Healing Transforming Pain into Personal Power: A guide to healing pain from child loss, suicide and other grief by Vonne Solis talk about dealing with suicide and embracing the road to recovery. Attending grief or life coaching sessions like those facilitated by Vonne Solis certainly can help as well. As a mother who lost her child to suicide, Solis knows too well the journey. Now she shares her courage and wisdom with others so they too can move on and continue with life.

The period of grief will vary, but eventually, we all need to face reality and choose to heal for ourselves and those who need our love and care.

There is no standard or set timeline for grieving, especially suicide deaths. There is no single roadmap to healing, and sometimes the time we need to grieve and heal may be longer than we can hope it would be. But one thing is essential- we all need to heal.

Suicide death is complicated as it involves certain emotions that other deaths may or may not deal with such as guilt, regret, and anger. Its nature often leaves family members in shock, denial, and the feeling of helplessness and betrayal. To embark on the path to healing, victims first have to come to grips with these feelings. And it is never easy. If these emotions are not addressed or handled well, things could worsen, and the healing may take a long while.

Once emotions are expressed and certain stability is achieved, other steps such as acceptance, reconciliation, and the attempt to get back to the routine may now be addressed. Again, healing and moving on don’t come overnight. Each healing journey is a work in progress.

In the end, we must remind ourselves that healing and moving on doesn’t mean forgetting the memory of our loved one who has died. We choose to heal and move on because we choose to remember the good memories they left behind. More importantly, we choose to heal because we still have family and friends who care for us and are waiting for us to get back on our feet and live a happy and meaningful life.

Featured

Simple Ways to Cultivate Your Faith

The modernity of society has greatly influenced and made significant changes in people’s beliefs, norms, principles, and faith. Perhaps these alternations didn’t come in one blow but in a gradual manner in which everyone didn’t realize they’d changed. Moreover, faith is one of the aspects that strengthen a person. It’s like a support system and the fuel to the fire. It could be easily tainted with a bit of drizzle of negativity, dark moments, and other factors.

So, make sure to cultivate and strengthen your faith so it wouldn’t waver when the world brings something new to the table. Here are the simple ways you might want to check out and apply to grow your faith in the Lord.

Talk to God through prayers

The simplest way of communicating with the Almighty Father is through praying. Your prayer serves as your conversation with God and can be the primary element that can gradually enhance your connection and deepen your faith in Him. Think of it as the way for God to listen to your heart’s desires and aches, so He can make way for you to feel and live better. So, pray and communicate your gratitude, apology, and request. Show your sincerity, genuineness, and vulnerability, and He’ll know what challenges and paths to give you to learn and toughen up and be successful and happier.

Read Christian books

There are several benefits the simple act of reading gives, such as a more profound and resilient faith. In reading Christian books, you’ll be reminded of the greatness and goodness of God. Those works can slowly boost your inspiration to continue taking the path you’ve chosen with peace of mind, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. They will also make you realize the value of every adversity and help you reflect on your actions.

Among the best books to read are The Hands of God by Judith Martin Alford, Desiring God by John Piper, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, and more. But, the greatest book in Christian literature is none other than the Holy Bible. So, start reading now.

Be more involved in the Christian community

Becoming an active member of the Christian community is not a piece of cake. There are many rules to abide and several things to follow. Thus, it needs commitment and hard work. Being involved doesn’t necessarily mean being present in every activity of the Church, but it means serving the Church and fellow members with compassion and sincerity. You’ll be surprised at how much personal and spiritual growth this brings you and how it gives more foundation to your faith. Apart from that, you can also dig deeper into His words — what it means and how it impacts you, and make better relationships not just with Him but with your Christian family.

Ask for forgiveness, then repent

Forgiveness and repentance are two words that are often associated with sins and wrongdoings. Apologizing and owning your mistakes make you a bigger person, but it reflects on how you are as a Christian. Asking for forgiveness will allow you to keep a deeper relationship with God, which will lead to better things, such as healing from pain, gaining more confidence, knowing the right thing, and growing your faith.

After confessing, the next thing to do is to repent from sin. This act is the option given to Christians to be free from sins and be forgiven by the Almighty Father. Hence, you go through or continue your spiritual development when you choose repentance. You must do it genuinely with both your mind and heart and submit yourself to the Lord.

Abide on His orders

As a Christian, obedience is essential. It is the act that shows our faith and trust in the Lord. Being a part of the Christian community means you must adhere to and follow the Ten Commandments and His calls. If you failed to do so due to temptations, you must seek His forgiveness either through prayers or formally through confession. So, honor His commands, abide by His orders, and strengthen your faith.

Featured

Must-read Books that Will Touch Your Hearts

In this lifetime, we go through and encounter different stories that can either fuel our desire to do better or give us lots of challenges. As we journey into our chosen paths, we need these kinds of stories to uplift up when we fall, remind us of our goals, and make us feel that we are not alone. There are many books that easily capture the interest and hearts of the readers because of their relatable aspects.

If you are an avid reader of books that teaches and inspire and are looking for new titles to add to your reading list, then this blog is for you! We have listed below the must-read books that you should look out for to make the rest of your year enjoyable and motivation-filled.

The End of The Rainbow: One Man’s Unexpected Journey of Love and Loss through Leukemia by James Forker

The End of The Rainbow: One Man’s Unexpected Journey of Love and Loss through Leukemia is a remarkable book penned by James Forker published in 2021. It revolves around the story of love that was found and was lost due to cancer. Before the unexpected turn of events, Forker and his wife were happily living and loving one another with their little ones. But, when the diagnosis was announced, Forker finds himself balancing the responsibility of a father and a husband, having to attend to the needs of his kids and wife. Amidst the pain and heartbreak of losing the love of his life, it is also a book about the triumph and determination of a father striving to raise his children alone.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This widely recognized and awarded autobiography of the American poet and writer Maya Angelou was originally released in 1969. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings narrates the early years of Angelou and shows how she toughens over time as she conquers racism and trauma. The story opens with the little 3-year-old Maya and her older sibling being sent to live with their grandmother in Arkansas and concludes when Maya entered motherhood at sixteen. In that long period of time, Angelou has gone through various traumatic events, which she turned into lessons and tools to become the strong and phenomenal woman that she is today.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story of a kind and honest old man that people perceived as grumpy and bitter. The protagonist continued living as he wished and by his principles, until a young and cheerful couple moved next door together with their chatty kids — that’s when their world intertwined. It was originally written in Swedish with the title En man som heter Ove. Moreover, Ove’s story was based on an article that the author read about a man with the same name as the main character who had a fit while purchasing art museum tickets. Moreover, the book gained multiple positive reviews and was adapted into a film in 2015.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

In 1997, the biographical and philosophical novel written by Mitch Albom titled Tuesdays with Morrie was published by Doubleday. It became one of the bestselling memoirs of all time in 2006. The story centers on the rekindled relationship of the former professor named Morrie and his former student named Mitch. After Morrie appeared on a news program, Mitch mustered his courage to visit his ill professor. The visit became as frequent as every Tuesday until the old man took his last breath. But within those several Tuesdays, they have reconnected and shared a lot of things that will surely remain in their hearts and minds.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

This young adult fiction novel was published in 2009 by Dutton Penguin. It is one of the bestselling works of Gayle Forman that was even adapted into a film. The story revolves around the life of a teenager named Mia Hall. Everything was starting to fall into place — her family, her love life, and her dream. However, a horrifying car accident threatened her life and put her in a coma. While being in that state, she had an out-of-body experience, which allowed her to witness the people who cared for her during her darkest moments. What made the book more amazing is its ability to draw intense emotions and unconventional narratives.

Featured

Essential Things to Consider When Writing an Insightful Book

With the growing numbers of books in the literary realm, with almost all that have reached and impacted many lives, have you ever wondered what it would be like to author a book that can teach and encourage people?

At present, there are already millions of literary pieces that have been successfully written and published. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Book of It by Scott Rahn, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and Atomic Habits by James Clear are among the best ones in the market. Readers tend to patronize books that they relate to, rely on, and learn from.

Moreover, there are many reasons that encourage an individual to write a book. It could be because of a significant event, random realization, notable person, intense emotion, personal development, underlying principle, and more. The reasons definitely vary from one author to another. So, if you ever considered writing a book that holds much meaning and learning, then you should know what things to consider and tips to apply, like the ones below:

Focus on developing your book idea

You already have a concept running around your mind for quite some time. So, what now? You must take a moment to develop it to bring a particular idea to life and move people. The struggle can be drawing a thick line and outlining abstract thought. All you need to do is brainstorm and plan. List the possible Ws and H questions and provide the corresponding answers. Then, come up with other supporting concepts that can further strengthen your work. You can create a mind map, bulleted outline, or a full-blown timeline to guide you during the actual writing process.

Conduct an extensive research

Whether your goal is to inform, express, or entertain, research still plays an integral role in writing. If your book is fiction, there are still features of the story that are inspired by real-life places, scenarios, or people. Thus, studying how these aspects look and function can help you fictionalize and fit them into your story. On the other hand, when your book is nonfiction, you must read, analyze, cite, fact-check, and apply the relevant information to your work. Your research will serve as another foundation of your book, making the concept and claim stronger and appealing to the readers.

Utilize an appropriate language

Every book has its own target readers. For example, books tagged as children’s literature are written specifically for kids under different age brackets, while stories under the romance genre are suited for young adults and full-grown adults. Thus, you have to expect that the writing style, tone, and language of each work are different. In your writing, make sure to use the appropriate language in which your readers can fully comprehend the central message. It is also one way to avoid losing the interest of your targets, undermine your claims, and stray your readers away from your topic.

Indicate your references to support claims

Have you observed that there are some books with footnotes, such as John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines? What about books with citations like many self-help books? Indicating the source of the information that you’ve mentioned in your work is vital. Apart from it enables you to recognize and give credit to the owner or contributor of the idea or notion, avoiding plagiarism. And, it also backs up the claims and arguments that you’ve raised in your book. The readers will gradually be convinced, and their skepticism will slowly vanish.

Think outside the box

There are a handful of factors that can make a book attain success, and it often depends on the author. Why? The writer of the story has the ultimate power to write, modify, and develop it. That said, it is vital that you should think outside the box to make your book stand out among the million others. Being a better thinker pushes you to come up with new techniques, elevated writing style, and distinctive voice that can radiate to your work because it can enhance the entire story, increase its impact, and give you an identity as an author.

Featured

How to Write a Stirring Story

Do you have a concept that would make an awesome story? If you have, then don’t keep it in and bring it to life because stories are meant to be told. Whether the tale is based on your life experiences, an existing story, notable mythology, or a historical figure, you should find a way to start writing. But, becoming an author is not an easy task because there are multiple things to consider.

Regardless of how daunting it is topen a book, nothing can compare to the fulfillment and sense of joy of seeing your idea turned into a masterpiece that’s about to touch lives and captivate readers. If you want to write a stirring story that entices the readers to turn every page, then here are some tips on how:

Read more books

Reading is the key to a great story. Why? It lies in the fact that reading more books, especially those under the genre you’ve chosen, gives you more concepts, tips, and knowledge. This activity widens your imagination, improves your vocabulary, ignites passion, and enhances your abilities. The books of Kerry Marzock, Agatha Christie, Mark Manson, Rupi Kaur, Dean Koontz, and Neil Gaiman are some of those that you might want to check out. Thus, take it as a self-investment that can contribute not just to your growth as an author but also to your development as a person. So, start listing and searching the titles of those pieces that interest you, then read.

Brainstorm for the general ideas

You already have a concept in mind, that’s for sure. But, have you considered strengthening that idea, so your story will have a better appeal to your readers? Every tale needs firm foundations so it can stand out among others, give your targets a great reading experience, get better feedback, and widen your reader base. All you need to do is sit and think for new ideas that can elevate your current concept. Apart from that, also try to come up with possible solutions to your story’s conflict and ways to develop your characters. Don’t forget to list down what you have thought about and have it as a guide during the actual writing process.

Focus on moving the story forward

While you are writing, don’t get too much immersed in writing the descriptions and other parts that tend to build images on the minds of the readers. Sometimes focusing on the narration can make your storyline stagnant, which is already a red flag. Although creating imagery through a narrative is a great thing, but you should focus on moving your story forward because nobody wants a tale with no progress. Use the different aspects of your work to create developments, such as your characters. Maximize them to show the readers the events in the story and make them feel intense emotions.

Add interesting elements

Who wouldn’t want an entertaining story? Hence, enhance the overall quality of your work by adding different literary devices. If you follow the traditional plot structure, you can insert different devices in between, such as figurative language, symbolism, motif, foreshadowing, and imagery. However, if you wish to be more unconventional, you can use other techniques that can spice up your work — such as in media res, cliffhanger, and flashback. Just make sure that the twists and turns are captivating enough to hook your readers and drive them to look forward to the flip the last page.

Watch out for plot holes

Plot holes can ruin the integrity and quality of your work. A plot filled with inconsistencies and gaps doesn’t only downgrades the entire story but also disappoints the readers. In order to avoid that from happening, you need to be thorough not just during the writing process but also while editing. So, whether it takes you a draft or two before the manuscript will be approved for publishing, don’t worry. It’s for the betterment of your work.

To sum it all up, becoming an author is a long and, oftentimes, tiresome journey. With the number of ideas, words, and efforts you spend on your work, you can surely feel the rewarding feeling after you see the published output and its growing reader base.

Featured

Simple Ways to Replenish Yourself

Have you ever noticed that everything seems dull lately? No matter how bright the days are, there is just something that doesn’t feel right. Several things that once made you jump for joy start to become uninteresting. It’s like your mind, body, and soul is drained, and perhaps you need to find ways to replenish yourself to restore your wholeness and better yourself.

Self-replenishing refers to the act of prioritizing completeness by making up for the things that you deemed are missing or have been consumed. By fueling yourself up, a bunch of positive things will follow — such as increased passion, boosted energy levels, improved enthusiasm, and others. But are there any ways to replenish your mind, body, and soul? Luckily, we have listed below the simple yet best methods to renew and refresh you.

Go on an adventure

Sometimes what you need is a breathing space to pause, vent, and restart. So, going on an adventure might be what you need. The trip doesn’t have to be grand; you can have little adventures that can slowly turn to bigger ones as time goes by. You can go for a long drive with your favorite songs blasting on the radio, stroll around the nearest park, try climbing and camping on mountain peaks, take a dip on the beach, enjoy the sunset, and more. Although it is not required, taking nature-related trips can definitely give you the healing and restoration that you never thought you needed.

Read a book or two

Books are powerful because they contain words that you never thought you needed to hear. There are many literary works that relate, understand, and help with your situation. Most of them are under different literary genres, such as nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and prose. Happiness in Quantum Leaps by Aura McClain, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, The Strength in Our Scars by Bianca Sparacino, and The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery are some of the best books that can make you reflect and realize what you lack, what you should aspire for, and how to work them out.

Talk to people

Communicating can be scary, especially when the receiver of the message doesn’t have the same principles as you do. But, you have to accept that every person has different perspectives and mindsets. You just have to choose the right people to lean on and confide in. Muster up the courage to slowly talk about and express the things that are bothering, haunting, and burdening you. You don’t have to go all out and overshare because always remember that the words can hurt. Hence, know who, what, and when to communicate.

Eat your comfort food

With everything overwhelming you leaving you stagnant and burdened, food can sometimes be the solution. Although eating only brings temporary happiness because too much can also cause problems, it is still enough to make a smile on your face and help you calm your mind — which later on radiate on your body and soul. Once in a while, cook or buy your comfort food and savor it until the last bite. You can surely feel a surge of happiness aside from fullness. But, always remember to eat moderately!

Set a routine

The words “routine” and “cycle” can be deemed negative, especially for those that are struggling with the monotony of life. However, it still depends on the purpose. Setting a routine can surprisingly bring you lots of benefits — such as low-stress levels, better sleeping habits, good eating patterns, more refreshed feeling, increased confidence, and more. It can also develop your concentration and boost your productivity, which is better than having no routine at all. You will be amazed at how much you have accomplished with this simple activity.

Learn the art of detachment

Attaching yourself to people, places, and things is a red flag. Because sometimes becoming too connected and invested in others make you lose yourself and get drowned in the idea of prioritizing those aspects, especially if you’re attached to someone. What you need to do is slowly detach yourself from the individuals, locations, and objects that you strongly feel linked to so you can trace how they have affected you and decide whether to keep or drop the bond. Once you do this, you’ll become wiser and bolder that can radiate to your mind, body, and soul.

Featured

Meaningful Books that Will Remind You of God’s Love and Mercy

There are a bunch of things that freed us from sin, and God’s love and mercy are among those. According to Ephesians 2:4-5, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” The ever-loving and merciful God sent us His child to save humanity. Love served as the fuel that encouraged Him to go in the course of mercy and grace and bestowed it upon us.

But, as we journey into this world, there are moments that we tend to remember and appreciate His great love to us. Luckily, several books were written that serve as a reminder of how He loved us that He showered his mercy and grace on us. Listed below are the meaningful Christian books that you shouldn’t miss reading.

The Hands of God: A Collection of Short Stories about God’s Intervention in Human Lives by Judith Martin Alford

The Hands of God by Alford is an anthology of short stories that revolve around His intervention in the lives of His people that widen His love and mercy for them. The illustrated edition of this captivating book was published in 2020 by Covenant Books. An excerpt from this book goes, “The greatest joy that I have had in life is watching and seeing what the Hand of God has done and is doing.” Thus, every story showcases the miracles and solemnity of God, which immensely changed the lives of those who believe in Him. It also provides proof that He is indeed bestowing his grace to everyone at present as He did in Biblical times.

Love Beyond Reason by John Ortberg

This remarkable Christian book by John Ortberg was published in 2001 by Zondervan. It gives light to the questions: how can you elaborate on a love that has no explanation?; and, what are the outcomes if you allow it to touch your heart? In this book, the author uncovers the God that everyone desires to meet, which is a Father who entirely loves you and is extremely committed to your towering happiness. Ortberg brings you to the essence of His being to witness a great and genuine love that doesn’t get tired of giving. What makes this book more engaging is its way of looking into the life-altering methods God’s love has expressed by Jesus Christ.

To: You; Love, God: A Year of Daily Guidance and Inspiration Straight from the Source by Will Bowen

Will Bowen’s inspirational book titled To You; Love, God: A Year of Daily Guidance and Inspiration Straight from the Source has been guiding readers since 2014, published by Convergent Books. This book features a bunch of promising and heartfelt messages that can change your life. It primarily encourages everyone to embrace His love each day. Hence, the author offers you a 365-day devotional that can make you appreciate and be reminded of God’s presence, love, compassion, and assurance. You can definitely gain inspiration, meditate spiritually, and conquer each day knowing that He is there for you.

The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis

The Name of God is Mercy is a bestselling book authored by Pope Francis and translated by Oonagh Stransky. It gives back with the desire of touching everyone who is seeking what it truly means to live, what path to take to arrive at peace and forgiveness, and how to achieve physical and spiritual healing. Thus, the Pope invites the readers to a personal dialogue about mercy — a topic that has been his faith’s foundation and papacy’s core teaching.  

The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy by Timothy Keller

The New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller penned the heartwarming book titled The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy. He unravels the concealed profundity within the book of Jonah. Hence, he raises a case that the said prophet was among the worst in the whole Bible. But, there are explicitly vivid bonds between Jonah, the prodigal son, and Jesus, the son of God. According to the book, Jesus saw a reflection of himself in the prodigal son. The question of how could a disobedient prophet be compared to the savior arises and will be given light through this book.

Featured

Exceptional Books for Spiritual Awareness that You Shouldn’t Miss

Spiritual awareness is one of the essential things in life. Why? It has the power to help you gain self-realization and understanding. Although the common misconception about spiritual awareness is that it goes beyond oneself, it is still evident that spirituality starts in you. Thus, it is not all about the superficial understanding but also about self-awareness; and, the latter turns into a great foundation of spirituality.

There are many factors that can awaken and impact an individual’s spiritual wellness. But, a great activity that can give positive results is reading. There are many outstanding books that aim to guide people in achieving spiritual awareness and awakening. If you want to check out some of these books, then here are the best titles to look out for.

Pony Ride to an Awakening: The Journey of a Mystic by Hedin Daubenspeck

Pony Ride to an Awakening: The Journey of a Mystic is a promising book written by Hedin Daubenspeck. It contains the personal account of the author during his spiritual journey and the stories from people close to his heart, mixed with thorough information about the spiritual practices from both past and present. Pony Ride to an Awakening serves as a guide for readers in achieving spiritual awareness considering psychic experiences, everyday intuition, and the spiritual inner voyage that can result to self-realization. 

Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh

In 1992, the book by Thich Nhat Hanh titled Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life was published. It contains a foreword by H. H. the Dalai Lama. This book inspires every reader to work hard for tranquility and order in the world as they journey on maintaining personal peace by transforming the mindless to the mindful; because, in this fast-paced life in the modern times, people seem to lose connection with peace. This remarkably written book features commentaries, personal tales, and meditations that many can learn from.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

This #1 New York Times bestselling book was published by Penguin and authored by Eckhart Tolle. In another outstanding book, Tolle elaborates the powerful concepts from his first spiritual book The Power of Now. The author aims to let readers realize the ways on rising above the ego-based state of consciousness can also give the chance of solving conflict and agony from all across the globe. Moreover, he also explains the ways everyone’s attachment to the ego makes the error that results to different negative emotions, such as unhappiness, jealousy, and more. This spiritual book will definitely give every reader the enlightenment and encouragement that they never thought they needed.

Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by Jed McKenna

Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by Jed McKenna is the first book of The Enlightenment Trilogy published in 2011. McKenna surprises the readers not only through contributing to the collective spiritual knowledge in the world but also bringing out spiritually from spiritual enlightenment. Furthermore, this book serves as a guide and a revelation for readers who are currently taking a spiritual journey. This is the pioneering works that elaborates the reasons behind failure as a rule in the quest for enlightenment and the ways to break these rules.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman

The revised edition of Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millmanwas published by HJ Kramer in 2006. It is an international bestselling book that helps every individual in finding the bigger meaning and purpose of life again. Ways of the Peaceful Warrior is not only a spiritual manual for readers for it is also an autobiographical book that shows everyone the means of a peaceful warrior. By reading this book, readers can realize how living as a peaceful warrior can lead to a life filled with mindfulness, reflection, benevolence, and acceptance.

Therefore, spiritual awareness can lead to different positive results including but not limited to self-realization, compassion, happiness, and meaning. Through reading books that highlight this subject, you can also reflect, work on, and maintain a more meaningful life with proper understanding of spirituality.

Featured

Must-read Books that Will Warm Your Hearts

Every reader has different intentions and reasons why they read. Some get into reading for pure entertainment while others dig into stories for more profound reasons, which are to be understood, aware, and reflect, among others. Indeed, the sense of comfort and fulfillment upon getting to know different stories, meeting various characters, living other lives, and exploring several places are incomparable.

Thus, books definitely do more than just telling stories but also warming hearts, raising awareness, showcasing experience, and educating readers. There are millions of stories that can absolutely satisfy your bookish needs and can touch your hearts. If you are looking for the best titles, listed below are the must-reads you might want to add to your TBRs.

Grandpa Nick’s Bump by Mrs. Lynda M. Daniele, O.P.

This book is a story of grandpa and grandchildren by Lynda Daniele titled Grandpa Nick’s Bump. It showcases the heartwarming tale of the beloved main character named Grandpa Nick, who the kids in their neighborhood treasure because of the way he nurtures and loves them, which is purely based on the author’s late husband. Grandpa Nick and the kids made wonderful memories together, especially when he agreed to be their non-biological grandpa. Sadly, he passed away because of a tumor, which caused the emergence of a bump on the side of his head. Hence, this book narrates how the kids coped up from his passing and learned of the joy of heaven.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Australian novelist Graeme Simsion penned the book titled The Rosie Project that was published in 2013. It focuses on the story of Don Tillman, who is a genetics professor that has difficulty in having serious romantic relationships. With the assistance of a peer, he created a questionnaire to evaluate the compatibility of the female partners. The original plans were brushed off the side when he encountered Rosie, the girl who didn’t fit into several criteria but turned out to be a significant character in his life. It became a bestseller and was confirmed to be adapted into a film a year after its publication. The sequel of the book titled The Rosie Effect was also published the following year.

A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

A Mango-Shaped Space is a young adult fiction book published in 2003 penned by Wendy Mass. The following year, it was awarded the American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award. The story revolves around a teenager named Mia Winchell who has synesthesia, which is the muddling up of the senses. For her, every word and each sound seem to possess some colors. Hence, the book highlights both the positive and negative events that she goes through in school and in her personal life. Because of how impactful the story is, it was gained multiple recognitions, nominations, awards, and reviews.  It was also adapted into an audiobook narrated by Danielle Ferland.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

In 2014, Jandy Nelson’s young adult fiction book titled I’ll Give You the Sun was published by Dial Books. It bagged the following awards: 2015 Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, 2015 Stonewall Honor Book, 2015 Bank Street’s Josette Frank Award, YALSA Top Ten Best Fan Fiction for Young Adults, and 2015 Rainbow List Top Ten. Moreover, the story centers on the twins named Jude and Noah. When they were 13 years olds, they were inseparable. But three years after, it seemed like something scarred their relationship. The recent years were told by Noah while the years later were told by Jude. What truly happened between the two? Find out.

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

A 2001 epistolary book by Mark Dunn titled Ella Minnow Pea was published by MacAdam/Cage. The story is told via mail or notes passed between several characters. Thus, the book is defined as “progressively lipogrammatic” because as the tale continues, more letters are ruled out from the writings. While the bunch of letters vanishes, the story becomes creatively spelled and demands more effort for the readers to comprehend. The film rights of the novel are under the possession of Gold Leaf Films, which was announced in 2016.

Featured

Best Books about Love and Courage

Have you ever wonder what it is like to fall in love? Is it only about getting butterflies in your stomach when you’re together, or does it go beyond it?

There are many definitions of love, and these meanings often change depending on the person you’re asking to. But, the common denominator in the variety of answers is that it has a receiver — whether it is another individual, a thing, a goal, and such. There is no established prerequisite in loving someone. However, there are unavoidable circumstances that require a handful of courage to get through complex circumstances.

In literature, love became a popular theme in a million stories. It withstands boundaries through coming across various genres, times, and readers. Its existence in stories, especially if it is combined with other emotions or values, elevates the overall impact of the text. So, if you are a sucker for books about love, courage, and everything in between, then here are the must-reads for you.

You Can’t Keep Her: Sequel to Bonita by Carl R. Brush

You Can’t Keep Her: Sequel to Bonita by Carl R. Brush is a historical thriller novel published in 2018. It follows the story of a mother whose child was stolen from her named Bonita Kelly. After six years, Bonita found out about the whereabouts of her kidnapped child. Instead of taking her kid back, she strategically planned on how she can at least connect with her offspring. Everything was going well at first, but when questions were asked, the plan seemed to flop. Her life starts to become messy, but she is determined to clear her name, especially her parents, and to get her kid back. Thus, this is a tale of self-discovery, bravery, and love.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The infamous Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are the star-crossed lovers of William Shakespeare’s tragic play called Romeo and Juliet. Their love story is the concrete definition of unrequited love turned into an infinite romance. The feud between both of their families is the main conflict of the story and the reason why they cannot be together. Romeo and Juliet did their best to be together, but they end up dying. And, they died loving one another. Although this masterpiece is originally a play, there are already books and films that are either based or inspired by the story. 

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

In October 2013, the last book of the popular Divergent series by Veronica Roth titled Allegiant was released. The story is told in the eyes of the protagonist, Tris Prior, and her lover, Four. In this tale, the factions were already shattered, meaning people are already factionless. Before that, there were already a lot of betrayals, deaths, and challenges. When the opportunity to discover the world beyond the wall arrived, Tris and Four didn’t hesitate to grab the chance. They found a place where they can start fresh without deception, lies, and pain. But, the secrets of the strange place threaten their lives. Tris, as she thinks best, braved herself to face the real enemy for the protection of those that she loved the most.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux is an award-winning children’s book penned by Kate DiCamillo. It was published in 2003 by Candlewick Press. The main plot of the book revolves around the thrilling quest of the mouse called Despereaux Tilling. He ventures on a remarkable adventure in order to save a lovely human princess named Princess Pea from the hands of the rats. The tale is split into four parts which are the following: Book I: A Mouse Is Born, Book II: Chiaroscuro, Book III: The Tale of Miggery Sow, and Book IV: Recalled to the Light.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Jojo Moye’s romance novel titled Me Before You is all about finding love in the most unexpected time and learning to love life and pursue one’s dreams after a beloved is gone. Apart from that, it also highlights desperation, which can be seen in both Will and Louisa. The former is a wealthy bachelor who became disabled after an unfortunate accident, while the latter is an ordinary woman who does her best to get a job. Their employee-employer relationship grows into something special. Her warm personality encouraged him to see life from a better angle, but, sadly, he already made his decision.

Featured

Benefits of Reading Nonfiction Books

Reading helps in developing a person’s mind, views, skills, and lifestyle. The stories and lessons in every book can bring remarkable changes to the reader’s life. Moreover, nonfiction is among the best genres that can help and encourage bookworms to come up with their own concepts and be gradually in control of everything. With the facts and real events featured in each book, everyone will definitely appreciate and enjoy reality.

There are millions of nonfiction books in the market that will surely cater to every need of the readers. The Book of It by Richard Scott Rahn, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and Atomic Habits by James Clear is among the best titles under this genre. But aren’t you wondering why there are many readers who prefer nonfiction to fiction? What are the benefits that they can get from it? Here are the perks that you should know.

Gain more knowledge and enlightenment

Nonfiction books tackle a wide array of subjects. Thus, they can satisfy your thirst for knowledge in different fields and aspects of the world. If you desire to gain more enlightenment about a theory or idea, there are books that are ready to cater to your needs. If you want to obtain more information about a particular historical figure, then there are a variety of works that you can delve into and enjoy. Thus, nonfiction definitely allows every reader to learn from each work. Apart from the lessons that they offer, books of this genre also widen and improve the vocabulary and comprehension of bibliophiles.

Obtain self-understanding and development

There are a handful of subcategories under nonfiction, and self-help is one of those. Hence, readers can discover different ways and more information on taking care of and improving oneself. Surely, there are many means of learning about self-understanding, but nothing does it better than books. The works in this genre encourage you to venture greater heights, allow you to heal from traumas, empower you to use your voice, help you to boost your self-esteem, and other things that, when pieced together, can create a remarkable whole — which is a better you.

Be aware of the different events in the world

In this fast-paced world, it cannot be helped that there are multiple events that took place that has impacted the lives of many. These happenings are either positive or negative. But, regardless of it all, what matters is the ways they leave a mark on people’s lives. Having an awareness of the occurrences in the society helps everyone to act and empower one another to recognize the social issues, such as poverty, racial discrimination, climate change, overpopulation, health, and more, and take action. Through reading nonfiction books, many will be informed and aware of how these events can impact people’s lives and the world that they live in.

See the bigger picture in every situation

There are moments that everything seems to not make sense. There are also times that your judgment becomes clouded. Hence, things don’t seem to fall into place as they once were. But, nonfiction books exist to give you the clarity that you needed and the drive that allows you to see the bigger picture in every situation. Sometimes there are events that put weight on your shoulder and even affect your health, but works under nonfiction will help you understand the whys and hows of these circumstances. Thus, by learning to look at the bigger picture, you can develop a better mindset, avoid conflicts, and recognize room for improvement.

Understand the ways people live their lives

Everyone has different ways of living life. There may be instances that you cannot comprehend why others are doing what they do and pursuing what they pursue. But when you read nonfiction, specifically memoirs and biographies, you can start to gain more understanding that people have different lifestyles, beliefs, experiences, purposes, and goals. While gradually molding more sensitive and mindful thoughts and feelings towards this matter, the respect for other’s choice will begin to generate. Hence, respecting what others preach and their ways will also reflect on how you treat them and how they will return that treatment.

Featured

Great Reads Under Fantasy Fiction

You probably have heard this genre in your English class or have seen this labeled in one of the aisles in bookstores. Fantasy fiction is indeed a popular literary genre that houses millions of books and series that can bring you to awesome worlds, meet different creatures, and have fun going through the stories as if you’re one of the characters.

What sets fantasy apart from other subgenres of fiction is the way it makes ordinary things extraordinary. In other words, it puts twists on normal stories and adds magic, supernatural, and other elements that elevate the whole storylines of each piece. If you are a fantasy fanatic, then we have compiled below some of the must-read books under this genre that you might want to add to your reading pile.

The Shadow of the Staff: A Wizard’s Revenge by M.A. Haddad

M.A. Haddad’s fantasy novel titled The Shadow of the Staff: A Wizard’s Revenge was published in 2011. It follows the story of the people of Hatu, a mythical place that was once a peaceful continent. Among the extraordinary creatures that live in the area are dwarves, elves, men, orcs, wizards, and trolls. Long before, a wizard named Porttia headed an evil army that terrorized all of Hatu, but he was defeated by Master Milton Brew. But after hundreds of years, another dark power has emerged to threaten the land once again. The last Brew descendant named Master Burton Brew is a diffident hero that will, later on, become a courageous fighter to help retain the peace in Hatu. So, watch out for his adventure.

Daughters of Twilight by Collette Jackson-Fink

Published in 2013 by Outskirts Press, Daughters of Twilight is the debut book of author Collette Jackson-Fink. It introduces the story of how a peaceful metropolis in the Midwest area of Waterloo, Iowa, is about to reawaken along with angels. After a strong earthquake occurred in Waterloo, a massive black pyramid-shaped tower emerged in a cornfield in Blackhawk County.  Many thought that the peculiar tower is in slumber and inactive; but, when they sent people to investigate its interior, Danes Cole — a part of the special tactical team, encountered a beautiful being that has been damned and banished from the Garden of Eden. What would the creature bring to the little city?

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch  by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch is a horror fantasy novel co-authored by promising authors Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It was published in 1990 by Gollancz in the U.K. and Workman in the U.S. Moreover, it is a comedy book that centers on the birthing of Satan’s son and the approaching of the end times. There are two characters, an angel and a demon, who tried to hinder the coming of the end times after they become used to their comfortable environment in England. Good Omens also features different subplots, which added to the overall impact of the book. Because of the variety of colors and elements that the book showcases, it ranked 68th on BBC’s survey called The Big Read in 2003. 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows is the first book of the duology that has the same name as the title. It was published in 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. and was followed by the Crooked Kingdom a year after its publication. The story is narrated using a third-person point of view of 7 characters. It focuses on the tale of a group of thieves in the city of Ketterdam — based on the Dutch Republic.  Moreover, the book gained multiple recognitions and feedbacks from different platforms, such as The New York Times, The Guardian, NPR Books, and The Times of India.

The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

The Way of the Shadows is the first book of the fantasy series of Brent Weeks called The Night Angel Trilogy. It follows the story of an orphan named Azoth, who is an orphan. He always thought that survival is significant yet also dangerous; thus, you should never take it for granted. Azoth grew up in the slums of the city and developed a great sense of judgment and risk assessment. Then, the time has come for Azoth to leave his old life and start accepting his new identity. Would Azoth survive?

Featured

Meaningful Books You Shouldn’t Miss Reading

Reading is a great activity that can help you discover new things, as well as survive different phases in your life and grow from those experiences. There are, in fact, millions of books in the literary world; but, there is only a couple that has left a great impression to book worms. These books can differ in genres, stories, elements, and styles, and because of that diversity, readers become more selective in picking the books that can entertain, influence, and teach them.

There are infinite reasons that push an individual to read, but there are limiting factors that make them actually love books. Therefore, there are definitely a bunch of books that can give meaning and insight to every book worm like the ones below:

My Spiritual Journey by LaPrele Jordan

My Spiritual Journey is a book about to know Jesus Christ by LaPrele Jordan. It isn’t your ordinary Christian book because it also chronicles a part of the author’s life, which played a great role in molding her present self. Thus, this book narrates Jordan’s spiritual journey, from venturing from one religious community to another but still finding her way back to her Mormon faith. It revolves around the molding of faith in Christ and the ups and downs that she had taken to keep her integrity. She also raises a wide array of questions in this promising book, which she provided some enlightenment as you go through her story.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

Remarkable author Eckhart Tolle penned a bestselling book that has sold more than 2 million copies globally titled The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. It was published in 2004 by New World Library. This book brings the readers on an encouraging journey to search for their real and deepest selves, as well as arrive at the top when it comes to personal development and spirituality. In the first few parts of the book, the author highlights enlightenment and its innate foe, which is the mind. Tolle helps the readers realize their roles as the inventor of pain and introduces them to the ways to achieve a pain-free identity through enjoying living in the present.

The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel

Published in 1998 by Zondervan, Lee Strobel’s book titled The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus bagged the prominent ECPA Christian Book Award because of its promising themes and discussion points. The investigative journalist turned author utilized the dramatic scenes in pursuing his tale and leads, as well as made use of his experiences as a Chicago Tribune reporter to talk to experts pertaining to the proof for Chris from different avenues, including science, history, and philosophy.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies is a classic allegorical novel written by William Golding. The story centers on two stranded boys on a strangely uninhabited island. The two tried extremely hard to manage themselves in the said location. What made this book outstanding and almost a reading requirement in various English classes? The answer is its theme. The book definitely has tackled the pressure between individuality and groupthink, then the logical and emotional responses, and lastly, the tension between rights and wrongs. With its heavy central message and engaging story, the book received multiple awards, including the Modern Library 100 Best, where it placed 41st on the editor’s list while 25th on the reader’s list.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This satirical novel written by the popular author George Orwell was published in 1945. It was preceded by Orwell’s Inside the Whale and Other Essays and followed by Nineteen Eighty-Four. This book showcases a story of farm animals that have human-like traits because they can talk and do other outstanding things. These extraordinary animals have plotted a rebellion against the farm owner that was led by the pigs. They hope to build a society where animals are allowed to enjoy fairness, liberty, and happiness. But, the rebellion was betrayed, and the farm falls into an unlikely condition than it already was after Napoleon the pig became its dictator.

Featured

Great Books to Read in This Lifetime

As they often say, you will miss a quarter of your life if you don’t read. Although you cannot force people to read, there are still plenty who are fond of reading not just books but also other materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and the likes. According to Statista, adults in the U.S. allocate more of their time in reading on about 20 minutes during the weekdays and 21 minutes on the weekends last year.  

Given that reading is slowly becoming a more popular leisure activity, which individuals genuinely enjoy, we have listed below some of the best books that you should never miss reading in this lifetime.

The Book of It by Scott Rahn

Published in 2019, The Book of It will surely help you in discovering the widely held beliefs by Scott Rahn that can make you see things from different perspectives and view the bigger picture in every situation. This remarkable work gives the readers a better grasp of the author’s journey along the strands of “It” that Rahn has met. The said strands have elements that have passed through history via different means, such as literary works, religious texts, philosophies, and more. It can immediately be viewed as the story of unknown years of individuals instantly controlled by virtue of what they desire to have and how they are educated or guided to acquire it.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

You probably have read this for your English class or have come across the title in libraries. Moby-Dick is a classic adventure novel by Herman Melville. It was published in 1851 by Harper & Brothers in the U.S. and Richard Bentley in England. The story is narrated by a character named Ishmael, who is a sailor. He tells the story of Captain Ahab, who is the master of the whaling ship called Pequod. Ahab is on an obsessive search for revenge on a giant sperm whale that has the same name as the book title. Where did the revenge idea come from? It emerged after the captain became handicapped because Moby Dick has bitten it on the ship’s last voyage. Moreover, in the 20th century, this book was referred to as the “Great American Novel.”

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

A self-help book is definitely a good thing to read at some point in your life. Hence, the bestselling book titled The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell is a great pick. The book centers on two different but important aspects in the world, which are psychology and sociology. The author refers to a tipping point as the time of critical juncture, the gateway, and the boiling point. Thus, The Tipping Point aims to give readers a better understanding and description of the peculiar sociological alterations that mark daily life. According to Gladwell, concepts and outcomes and messages and behaviors roll out as viruses do.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a classic epistolary novel that was published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. It bagged two prominent book awards, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and National Book Award for Fiction, a year after its publication. The story highlights the lives of African-American females Celie, Nettie Shug Avery, and Sofia during the early 20th century in Georgia’s countryside.  This book became the voice of every individual who suffered from different kinds of abuse, including domestic and sexual. But apart from the pain and agony that every woman in the story has gone through, the book also put the spotlight on their courage and resiliency amidst it all.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book by James Clear was published in 2018 and has already sold more than 2 million copies. It is also recognized as the #1 New York Times bestseller and Amazon bestseller. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones will definitely rebuild your mindset and views when it comes to development and success. Hence,  it will give you the equipment and techniques that are necessary for changing your habits and make you a better individual.

Featured

Insightful Books that Make Reading Worthwhile

Books have the power to teach, captivate, and inspire. They can become a comrade, adviser, and truth-teller but remain in their physical form. The stories and narrative showcased by each literary piece can impact the lives of the readers’ in the most subtle yet efficient way possible. As a bookworm, you already know how extensive the scope of literature is and how novels can make a difference in your life. 

With the number of books out in the market, it is hard to find the right ones to give you relevant insights, lessons, and entertainment. Some of these works can touch your heart, while others can encourage you to do better, but it all depends on what book and genre you are delving into. So, if you are looking for meaningful books that can offer the best insights and knowledge, here are the titles that you should look out for:

A Law from Eden: Solving the Mystery of Original Sin by Marilyn Taplin

A Law from Eden: Solving the Mystery of Original Sin by Marilyn Taplin gives the readers the answers to their questions revolving around the first sin in Eden and everything else that comes with it. The book is divided into four chapters, where each section tackles essential sub-topics. The author Marilyn Taplin on the original sin in Eden explains that it was the act of oral sex, which Adam and Eve committed that became the root and source of all problems in this world. According to its second chapter, “All the wrongs of the past, all the social ills and sorrows we are experiencing on this earth today and will continue to experience, are a result of the first sin—oral sex.” Taplin continued to give light to what and how that particular misconduct impacted society today.

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

The bestselling author Robert Greene penned another brilliant book titled The Laws of Human Nature, published last 2018. The Laws of Human Nature teaches the readers a bunch of essential techniques in achieving success, self-development, and self-defense. Moreover, the book talks about how people are social animals and how everyone relies on connections. Greene instills his extensive knowledge to get a better grasp on the motivation of every individual, even those drives that emerge when they are unconscious of those themselves.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This Pulitzer Prize winner and classic American literary work were published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in 1960. Moreover, Harper Lee’s To Kill Mockingbird centers on Atticus Finch’s story, the narrator’s father, the six-year-old Jean Louise Finch. What made this book more prevalent and impactful is how it delivers its themes, which are racial inequality, injustices, destruction of innocence, social class, gender roles, bravery, and more. The story and the characters were generally based on the author’s keen observations of her environment, the home that she grew up in, her neighborhood, and the incident in Monroeville, Alabama, in 1936.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is a philosophical fiction book written by Czech writer Milan Kundera. It was originally titled as Nesnesitelná lehkost byt and got translated into French as L’Insoutenable légèreté de l’être. The French translation of the novel got published first before the original language. The story revolves around two ladies, two guys, and one dog. Their lives got intertwined around 1968, which is also known as the Prague Spring period, in Prague. It looks into both the creative and intellectual life of the Czech community, the occupation of the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact nations in Czechoslovakia, and the aftermath of the invasion.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Austrian author Viktor Frankl wrote a book about his personal experiences when he was captured and detained in the Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War. The author penned the book in German, but part one of it was translated by Ilse Lasch. Moreover, Frankl described the way he coped up with his situation by coming up with a psychotherapeutic method. The said method entails pointing out a particular purpose in life to generate positive emotions and mesmerizingly imagine that outcome.

Featured

Must-Read Books that Tackle Catholicism

It has been known that there are millions that were baptized as Catholics from all around the globe. Hence, Catholic Church is indeed considered as the biggest Christian church and the widest religious denomination. The religion has a rich history, diverse organizations, several doctrines, sacred sacraments, and other significant aspects.

Given the increasing numbers of the members of the Catholic Church, the cruciality of reminding people of their faith and Catholic roots might come into view. Thus, here are some of the must-read books that tackle Catholicism, which every part of the Catholic family should check out.

Inside the Catholic Family: Reflections of a Parish Priest by Rev. Francis Peffley

Inside the Catholic Family: Reflections of a Parish Priest is a book that centers on Catholicism and spirituality by Fr. Peffley that was independently published 2 years ago. Readers will definitely get a more profound understanding about faith and their responsibilities within it so they could fight the growing risk that target their faith. Amid the chaos of the world, the Catholic family never got an exemption from the attacks. The important underpinning of love and faith are starting to get deformed. Through this book, readers can delve into different poems and tales about faith and get the significant messages from the writings. As a result, readers will get a better grasp of the wonder and adeptness of the bonds within the family.

Why I Am a Catholic by Garry Wills

The reprint edition of Garry Wills’ Why I Am Catholic was published in 2003 by Mariner Books. The author provides a powerful declaration of his Catholic faith. Starting with a thorough reflection on Wills’ his personal experiences of his faith as a kid and a Jesuit seminarian. Moreover, he uncovers the significance of the religion in his life and begins to challenge the claim that feedback or rectification of the papacy is a strike on the faith itself. For the author, a Catholic can be both faithful and critical; a loving individual who sticks with his father even if the parent makes mistakes. Hence, there are crucial and compelling entrée into the exchange of views of the church’s past and future. This stimulating and spiritually moving book presents some significant questions for Catholic and non-Catholic readers.

The Catholic Church: A Short History by Hans Kung

Hans Kung penned the book The Catholic Church: A Short History. This outstanding book, the contentious and strongly influential author tells the account of the role of the Roman Catholic Church’s as a global power through the course of history. The author also looks into the great rift between the East and West and Catholic and Protestant, along with the papacy’s growing role, tales of the outstanding popes, and the widening of the worldwide churches. The Catholic Church: A Short History ends with an observant evaluation of the ways that the Catholic faith will face different struggles emerging in the new millennium through the people that are looking for reform of the traditional strictures.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Scripture References) by Sarah Young

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Scripture References) by Sarah Young is a bestselling book published in 2004 that has sold over 30 million copies. Through allocating sometime in the presence of Jesus along with heartfelt devotions, this book will surely make every reader feel the relief from the inspiring and hope-boosting words and get reassurance of His love. Upon reading the book, readers will get a good guidance from the Scripture, build up their faith, and make a better bond with the Savior through the reflections based on the Almighty Father’s words.

Spiritual Warfare and The Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke

Sophia Institute Press published Dan Burke’s book titled Spiritual Warfare and The Discernment of Spirits in 2020. The book aims to help the readers develop in strength and contentment by learning the methods to get each negative idea and make it obedient to Him. There are also other things that everyone can learn from this book including the proven means of staying away from sin and move toward self-giving affection of God and neighbor, the three main roots of desolation and the things that everyone must adhere to when it impact your soul, and more.

Featured

Inspiring Books That Will Help You on Your Journey through Life

Life is a huge mystery that many tend to ponder. But, there are a lot of means that can help you alleviate its difficulties, including books. Literature has always been a constant adviser to many problems that revolves around life and everything in between.

Those who are feeling uncertain of their choices, lost in their paths, and doubtful of their purposes are probably losing their motivation to keep up with the progress around them. But, all these negative aspects that life brings will be exchanged with comfort, contentment, and success with the help of the wisdom, tips, and advices from books.

So, if you are looking for books that can help you figure out life, deal with its complexities, and boost inspiration — then, here are the best titles that you should look out for.

Uprooting the Poison Tree by Myra L. Weiner, PhD

Uprooting the Poison Tree by Myra L. Weiner, PhD was independently published last March 09, 2020. It narrates the personal accounts of the author from her youth where she became fond of nature and the study of life to her womanhood where she achieved her dreams and established her personal and career life. The book tackles the author’s personal struggles, family life, science, and spirituality. Thus, those readers who fancy science, who experienced abusive or bad relationships, who need to prove their abilities in a male-dominated career path, who seek for spiritual bonds and meanings, and who attempt to look for a soulmate might become interest in this insightful book.

Note to Self: Inspiring Words From Inspiring People by Gayle King

Published by Simon & Schuster in 2018, this self-help book by Gayle King instantly became a New York Times bestseller after touching lives of multiple readers worldwide. The author gathered her encouraging letters, which she grew fond of, from the famous CBS This Morning segment called Note to Self. She also shares a couple of remarkable essays written by promising people including Maya Angelou, Oprah, President Joe Biden, and more. Readers can also find moving words from a Newtown dad and a military widow. Thus, this book is a touching reflection on the happiness and difficulties of growth, which is a perfect present in different occasions.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This bestselling children’s novel by R.J. Palacio has been teaching both kids and adult readers how bullying should never be tolerated and how kindness is essential in this world. This will surely inspire every reader to make a difference in their own ways that can benefit both themselves and the society. Wonder follows the story of little boy named Auggie who suffers from Treacher Collins syndrome, which is the primary reason why his face becomes disfigured. He got bullied by some kids in his private school but he stood up to them, which is a brave thing to do for a fifth-grader. Moreover, this story came into view after the when the author’s kid sees a girl with an extreme facial difference and begins to cry. Palacio starts to manage the situation by getting her son out to prevent him to have an unlikely but it just worsens the event.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The first edition of this book was published in 1993 by HarperOne. It was originally written in Portuguese; thus, it was widely translated for the international readers and Alan R. Clarke is among the translators of the book. This work of the Brazilian author has sold millions of copies worldwide. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho recounts the wonderful tale of an Andalusian shepherd named Santiago. He wishes to go and look for a worldly treasure as grand as any ever found. Santiago’s story teaches everyone about the importance of listening to our hearts, following our goals, and more. This book, moreover, has been changing lives and inspiring readers even until now.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a popular self-help book that was published in 1989. The author highlights a particular approach to becoming efficient in reaching goals through putting oneself in a place, which he referred as the “true north” principles. The said principles are based on the ethics of a person’s character that he introduces as universal or everlasting.

Featured

Hispanic and Latino Romance Novels You Shouldn’t Miss

Are you a fan of love stories starred by Hispanic or Latino characters? Do you get excited reading books about different kinds of romances featuring another cultural heritage and environment? If you do, then you might want to check out the amazing tales of affection written by authors from Latin America and Spain. Reading these kinds of novels will give you a breath of fresh air because it is not your typical romance you can see in the popular American movies and books.

There are already several works of Latino/Latina and Hispanic authors that are widely read today. But, if you haven’t read one, then here are the best romance novels you shouldn’t miss.

Dream, Sweet Dreams of You by Rick Vasquez

Rick Vasquez book on Latino survival love story is titled Dream, Sweet Dreams of You. It doesn’t only showcase great love and affection of the main characters but also the important issues experienced by Latinos, such as social injustices. You can also observe other Latin American aspect in the book, like the names of the characters, the terms used, and more. Moreover, this book has the ability to draw intense emotions through the different situations experienced by the characters. What makes this work more amazing is how it is consistent of indicating the time and place every time it transitions into one setting to another, like from 1914 Sonora Town, Los Angeles, California to 1926 San Francisco, California.

His Perfect Partner: A Feel-Good Multicultural Romance by Priscilla Oliveras

His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras, first book of Matched Perfection series, was published by Zebra Books in 2017. The story centers on Yazmine Fernandez, one of the Latina sisters featured in the series, and Tomás Garcia, a hard-working divorcee. She is a dance teacher of Garcia’s daughter. He cannot resist the charms and talents of Yaz. But for her, handsome workaholics are the types that she is avoiding. She’s focused on boosting her confidence and achieving the dream that her father failed to fulfill. With some parts of their lives are connected by a single string, which is Maria, can they keep a professional bond or will they hit it off?

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Laura Esquivel penned the popular classic book Like Water for Chocolate. It was published in Mexico in 1992 while it was published in the U.S. in 1995. Moreover, it was the winner of the 1994 American Booksellers Book of the Year Award for Adult Trade. It falls under the genres romance, magical realism, and tragedy. The story centers on Tita who is a young girl that found comfort in cooking. It is the only activity that she can freely express herself. She has a love interest named Pedro but they cannot be together because of a family tradition that her mother strongly upholds. The said custom restricts the youngest daughter of the family to be wed because she must take care of her aged mother until her mother dies. Would she uphold the same tradition or would she break it?

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton is a remarkable book a Hello Sunshine x Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. It follows the story of Marisol Ferrera, a Cuban-American freelance writer. She is the granddaughter of Elisa Perez. While growing up, she constantly heard the romantic tales of Cuba from her grandmother, who was forced to escape her country with her family because of the revolution. Elisa’s final wish was for her granddaughter to scatter her ashes in the nation where she was born. That’s why Marisol went to Cuba to fulfill the wish of her grandmother. But, she got involved with a guy with several secrets. Follow how Marisol gets to know more about her family history and pursue the man she’s attracted with.

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy by Marta Acosta

The first edition of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy by Marta Acosta was published in 2013 by Bandinage Press. It focuses the story of Milagro De Los Santos who is a gardener and a bookworm. She considers herself a misfit but regardless of that, she still handles to have fun. One night, she encountered a guy named Oswald at a book party. They kissed wildly, which ended up to a cutting in the lips and unexpected exchanging of blood. Afterward, Milagro’s got sick and peculiarly craved for meat. What happened to her? Find out.

Featured

Reasons to Not Rush Being into a Relationship

When you hear the word “relationship,” you can get different reactions from people. Some may say that it is scary while others may say that it is the best thing in the world. If you try to think about it, romantic relationships are like humans, they go to various stages of growth. It all depends on the couple whether to continue lifting each other up or constantly drag one another down. Well, the latter can be unintentional.

In this generation, many have already loved and lost. You have probably seen a long break-up post on social media, heard the news of separation from your close friend, knew the divorce of a relative, or experienced the heartbreak yourself.  These are some of the situations that are common today. But, those are all normal and are part of life. What is not normal are playing with other people’s feelings, hurting them intentionally, and keeping an unhealthy relationship.

There are many mediums where you can get great insights when it comes to why you should take it slowly. Most of them are in books where there are millions of stories that talk about different kinds of relationships, such as the book for the faithful who are flying solo by Drayton titled The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective. You can also turn to others who already experienced being in a relationship.

But what could be the reasons behind why you shouldn’t rush into a relationship? Here’s why.

Give you more time for self-love

Self-love is often taken for granted by many. There are a lot of people who often forget to love themselves first while there are also individuals who are still learning this particular type of love. Being in a relationship is demanding. You have to allocate some of your time, attention, effort, and other resources just to make another person feel special. There are tendencies that you will lose yourself in the process, which can turn into a red flag.

You should always love yourself first before anybody else. Because if you don’t, how can you give it to others? Would you be certain that what you are dedicating is genuine affection or just obsession? So, focus on yourself first and trust the process.

Know what you want in a person

Everyone has their ideal type. But, that can change as time passes by. When you start to mature, your preferences change. The dream guy that you wanted to meet when you were sixteen might not be the same ideal man that you want when you turn twenty-one. There will also be times that someone will try to win your heart and is the epitome of a perfect dude, from looks to attitude, but your heart doesn’t beat for him.

What I’m trying to say is that be true to your feelings. Don’t jump into a relationship because you feel pressured, alone, or left out because you’ll end up hurting another person. Be in a relationship because you’ve found the qualities that you want in a person, which you are willing to invest your time and affection without asking anything in return.

Save yourself from heartbreak

When you love someone, you are vulnerable to pain. If you have had your heartbroken, you sure don’t want to be in that situation again. So, do not rush things out. If everyone around you already found their soul mates or your ex-partner already found a new love, take your time to fully heal. The pain that you have felt can turn into a lesson that love is risky. Hence, save yourself from another or future heartbreak by taking baby steps until you are fully ready to commit to another relationship.

Focus on other things in life

Sometimes when you are in love, you tend to leave a lot of things behind for the sake of that special person. If you are single and is you think that the world is conspiring against you, then take that negative energy by directing it to other things and activities that can help you grow. You will never know that you will find love in the middle of exploring new things and focusing on life.

Featured

Great Novels that Should Be on Your Reading List

“Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.” – Mark Haddon

Books have always been the best advisers and friends. They can give you the right words that you needed to hear, offer you essential knowledge, make you grow into a better person, and bring you to different places without moving. You can tell how novels work their magic when you’ve learn a lot upon reaching the end of the story or when you feel lighter since you have read a tale that mirrors your current situation.

There are many genres of novels in the literary world. Some of them might catch your attention while other may not suit your taste. That said, it is truly important to know what you want in a book and what type of stories that captivates you. If you are a long-time bookworm or a brand-new reader, then you should look for titles that can definitely give you a good reading experience like the ones below.

The Yellow Rose: A Novel of The Texas Revolution by Carl R. Bush and Bob Stewart

The Yellow Rose by Carl R. Bush and Bob Stewart was published in 2020 by ReadersMagnet. Moreover, if you based it on history, the term “yellow rose” pertains to an alluring mulatto lady. The term becomes integral in the story because the original attractive mulatto woman in Texas was Emily West. Her tale was connected to a song and legend to the 1836 Texas Revolution. That said, novel blends both legend with fact. It was primarily set during the period of revolution in Texas and believing that Emily and Sam Houston, leader of the battles, didn’t only work together to bring the home victory to Texans but also got romantically involved with one another.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate was first published by Doubleday in Mexico in 1992. It got released in the U.S. 3 years after its original publication. It revolves around the story of Tita, a young female who yearns for her lover named Pedro. But, she couldn’t get to him because of the family tradition that her mother firmly upholds, which is the youngest daughter isn’t allowed to get married for she should provide care for her aging mother until her death. Tita is struggling with the tradition and only find relief and avenue for expression when she cooks. What makes this book remarkable is how the author inflicts magical realism to blend the supernatural with the ordinary in the entire story.

Jasmine: A Greater Love by Monique Boyd

This book is the sequel of Jasmine: A Woman of Color by up and coming bestselling author Monique Boyd. It was published in 2021 by ReadersMagnet. It is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of a former executive assistant named Jasmine Moore. In this book, the suspense that emerged on the first book becomes stronger. There are a lot of answers that will give light to the following questions: who wants to murder Jasmine? What is the motive of the killer? Will she protect and be happy on her new found love and joy? Will everything around her and her life be lost? And, will she uncover the mystery killer that wants to get rid of her? Find out more.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Popular Columbian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez penned the book One Hundred Years of Solitude. It was originally written in Spanish with the titled Cien años de soledad. It centers on the story of the Buendía family, whose father is José Arcadio Buendía. The mentioned patriarch built the town of Macondo. The novel showcased multiple themes that teach people multiple things. Among these central messages are the rising and falling of the town Macondo, victories and downfalls of the Buendía family, and more. Moreover, there are other crucial gists that you can get in this novel, including solitude, elitism, time, etc. This particular book by Marquez received a wide array of criticisms, praises, awards, and recognitions. Those acknowledgements paved the way for the authore to win the 1982 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Featured

Tips to Achieve Spiritual Development

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to cultivate a better relationship with God and yourself? Do you feel that there is a deep abyss inside you that cannot be conquered by things in this material world? Are you having doubts about the way you are living your life and finding your purpose? Perhaps what you need is to nurture and develop your spirituality.

In the broadest sense, spirituality refers to the sense of connection to a particular thing that is so much larger than you. This doesn’t focus on how you socialize or how intelligent you are. Instead, it centers on the acknowledgement of an emotion or principle that there is another thing bigger than you, which may transcend the human physical experiences. It could refer to the feeling that there is a broader whole that you are a member of, which could be divine or heavenly.

So, if you want to look back on your past decisions and desire to aim for spiritual growth — then here are the essential tips that you might want to consider doing.

Take time to reflect

Personal reflection is crucial. However, many tend to take this activity for granted. Everyone is too busy to hustle and bustle that they often overlooked the value of reflection. While you are reflecting on your past actions and future goals, you can also look for the more profound meaning of things and explore your spiritual core. You may ask yourself questions that often puzzle you and perhaps evaluate why and where those came from. The moment that you identify the root of your problems, and then it is also the time that you can recognize your mistakes, acknowledge your strengths, and realign your goals.

If you want to know more about spirituality, its importance, impact, and such, then you can read books and other materials that revolve around it. The book about poems with spiritual advice by Alvina Platt Gregory is one of the best books that can guide you on your reflection journey.

Explore new things

There are people who tend to lose their sense of purpose because of doing the same thing every day. If you are one of these individuals, then you might want to start exploring new things to uplift your spirit and ignite some inspiration. This could bring so much difference on your spiritual health because you are offering yourself brand-new things and experiences that may give light to your questions and doubts. Thus, you could try meeting new people, trying another craft, going places, and other activities or things that can make you happier and look forward to better days. You will never know how big of an impact this could bring to the development of your spirituality.

Refresh your mind

The mind is a powerful yet vulnerable asset of a person. It helps everyone think, decide, move, and more. Basically, you couldn’t survive without it because you will be like a computer without a control processing unit. There are times that your mind becomes too polluted with bothering and negative thoughts. Oftentimes you cannot sleep well at night or function well on days because of those thoughts and flashbacks. It can decrease your confidence, lose your spirits, and make you less enthusiastic about everything. But when you decide to take a quick breather to refresh your mind, you can be more powerful than those traumatic experiences and negative bubbles in your head. All those doubts and fear will surely be gone, making you more motivated and high-spirited to face each day with a head held high.

Use affirmations daily

On times that you are on your lowest and on moments that you are on your highest, using affirmations is definitely a game changer. By simply saying “I am love,” “I am beautiful,” “I am strong and kind,” “I am capable,” and more, you will see develop a more positive mindset that can radiate all throughout your day. Your once down spirit will be lifted up pushing you to conquer the day with a refreshed mind and happy heart. Through affirmations, you can also increase your motivations, focus on your goals, and influence other people.

Featured

Insightful Books for Your Growing Reading Pile

Books are among the most convenient and best source of knowledge. In today’s time, the growing number of books already equals to the increasing number of readers. Given that the pandemic somehow trapped people in their homes to avoid contracting the virus, many tend to find ways to be productive and books become one of their means of learning and productivity. Delving into different stories and narratives can definitely develop your mindset and give you a bunch of insights that you can apply in your life.

Most of these literary pieces tackle different yet important aspects in the world, which can greatly affect everyone’s way of thinking and living. So, if you are looking into the books that can offer you more knowledge — then, here are some of the best and insightful books that you should check out.

Stations of the Risen Christ: Resurrection Meditations by Frank Heelan

Stations of the Risen Christ by Frank Heelan is an inspiring book with the goal of encouraging every reader to pray and meditate on the passages on the Holy Scripture that associates with Christ and his rising from the dead and succeeding appearance to more than 500 followers. Furthermore, it contains more than a dozen of vignettes from the Gospel writings of Luke, Matthew, and John. Subsequently, a corresponding Scripture reading meditations follow, which equally match the count of the vignettes. Hence, readers will definitely be inspired to pray and meditate so that they could obtain a better grasp on the divine mysteries.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Best-selling author Mitch Albom penned another meaningful book that influences a generation of readers. The book is called The Time Keeper, which is an inspirational fiction published in 2012 by Hyperion Books. It follows the story of Dor, who is known to build the first clock ever. However, he was punished for attempting to measure the time. He was casted away to a specific cave, where he stayed for thousands of years. By that time, he turned into Father Time and needs to listen to each individual who howls on time-related concerns — particularly not getting enough time to live. As time goes by, Dor was finally given the opportunity to redeem himself and be free by giving aid to two diametrically opposite persons to understand the importance of time management. Would he succeed?

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

This award-winning book is authored by renowned psychologist and Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman. The first edition of Thinking Fast and Slow was published in 2013 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. It is an essential book that has turned the lives of the readers upside down. The author uncovers the points where everyone can and cannot depend on their intuitions. He also tells the readers the ways of tapping the perks of slow thinking and shows timely and substantial insights on how options are created in both a person’s business and private life. Kahneman, moreover, includes some details on the methods of utilizing various tactics so that everyone can protect themselves from the mental glitches that always get them into trouble.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World is a promising science fiction book written by Aldous Huxley. It was published in 1932 by Chatto & Windus. The setting of the tale is a futuristic World State. The people in that area are environmentally built to an intelligence-based social class. Hence, the book expects a big scientific progresses in reproductive technology, classical conditioning, and other scientific aspects that are mixed together to create a dystopian society. This particular society is being challenged by only one protagonist. Moreover, the book was classified by Modern Library as rank 5th on its 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century in the year 1999. It was also recognized as rank 53rd of the top 100 greatest novels of all time by Robert McCrum for The Observer.

As the world continues to progress, everyone should also get along with the development regardless of how big or small they are. Knowledge, for one, is among the most important aspects in this world that people must acquire and enhance. And, reading has truly proved its use and essence in giving everybody more insights and learning as time passes by.

Featured

Best Books to Read This Summer

Reading has always been one of the famous and great past times. Although many think that it is underrated, those who have the heart to explore different worlds, know various stories, and learn a wide array of things will always look into books and other forms of literature. There is just so magical and wonderful about reading, books, and everything in between that catches people’s attention. Many factors lead everyone to choose reading as their favorite leisure time regardless of what season it is.

Spring is out, and summer is in. Do you have enough books to fit the brand-new season, or do you still have an adequate amount of books that will sustain your year-long reading list? If the answer is no, then you should fill in your shelves and edit your reading pile with new titles that can make your summer and other seasons more exciting, such as the ones below.

No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

This National Bestseller and Women’s Prize finalist by Patricia Lockwood was published by Riverhead Books last February 2021. No One Is Talking About This talks about a woman who lately gain and developed prestige for her social media posts. She becomes swamped with the task of familiarizing and handling the new language and etiquette of the thing that she calls “the portal.” Hence, this book serves as a love letter to the infinite scroll and a deep and modern reflection on love, relationships, language, and more.

Mike Honeycutt’s World of Hunting and Fishing by Mike Honeycutt

Mike Honeycutt’s World of Hunting and Fishing was published in 2018 by Trafford Publishing. There is nothing that can top the fun of remote trips with ethereal sceneries for author Mike Honeycutt. Thus, this travelogue narrates his personal experiences and passion for exploring the world, meeting locals, hunting and fishing exotic species. What makes this book more impressive is its ability to bring you to different parts of the world through the author’s narration of his travel accounts. Among the places mentioned are New Zealand, United States, Cameroon, Old Mexico, Mongolia, and more. Honeycutt also provides a wide array of wisdom and observations about his experiences that might encourage and help you plan your future trips.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Emily Henry authored an excellent book titled People We Meet on Vacation. It was published on May 11, 2021, by Berkley Books. The story revolves around Poppy and Alex, who are entirely two different people yet are best friends. For how many years, they live far from one another and only meet every summer. Hence, for ten years, they take a week off to have a magnificent vacation together. Everything was perfect; 2 years ago, they did something that destroyed their incredible bond. Poppy, however, wants everything to make it right; so, she tried to ask Alex to take another vacation week together and make everything right. She only has seven days. Would it be enough to fix what’s been broken?

All Adults Here by Emma Straub

All Adults Here by Emma Straub is a New York Times bestseller, Washington Post notable book of the year, 2020 Parade best book, and 2020 Housekeeping best book. It was published in May last year by Riverhead books. It is a funny and sharply insightful book on the life cycle of a particular family where the children turn into parents, grandkids turn into teenagers, and a matriarch challenges the legacy of her faults. All Adults Here contains the author’s one of a kind enchantment of knowledge, wit, and insights united in a profoundly remarkably tale revolving around family, relationships, life, and more.

The Turnout by Megan Abbott

Megan Abbott, the bestselling and award-winning author, penned the thriller book Thee Turnout. The setting of the story is against the hothouse of a ballet studio managed by a particular family. Marie and Dara are the offspring of the founder of Durant School of Dance. After their parents died in an accident, they started to man the helm of the school, along with Dara’s better half. Marie teaches the younger learners while Dara teaches the older ones. However, an eerie accident happened during the onset of the yearly performance of the school.

Featured

Heartwarming Poetry Books to Add to Your Reading Pile

Poetry has always been the safe haven of both readers and writers. There is something about this genre that really catches the hearts of its targets. At first, many might be only interested on the aesthetics that poems feature. But as they go deeper, readers tend to realize how magnificent poems as they are able to hide and show great stories and messages all at once.

In today’s day and age, readers are more drawn into poetry than ever. There are also wide array of poetry books that captivate the hearts of their targets, helping them feel understood and aware. So, if you are looking for the best poetry books to add to your summer reading pile, then here are some of the best ones.

Jaime’s Inspirations: Poems From the Heart & Mind by Jaime P. Fidler

Jaime’s book on Collection of poems that comes from the heart was published in 2019 by FriesenPress. The published poet whose poems were part of the National Book of Poetry acquired inspiration to write the book from her kids and furry friends. At various times of your life, you have experienced feeling different strong emotions. Each individual finds their personal methods of dealing with both highs and lows of life, as well as the consequences related to these events. However, everybody starts to get a better grasp and relate to these intense feelings with the help of poetry.

Break Your Glass Slippers by Amanda Lovelace

Amanda Lovelace, best-selling author of Women Are Some Kind of Magic poetry series, has penned another remarkable poetry book. Break Your Glass Slippers centers on conquering events when people don’t recognize your worth, even if that particular individual is also yourself. Another thing that the book tells everyone is that you are the most essential character in your story and others are forgotten footnote. Moreover, this book is the book 1 of Lovelace’s new series called You Are Your Own Fairy Tale. The illustrated edition of the book was published by Andrews McMeel Publishing last March 2020.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman is an Amazon, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling book. The first edition was published by Viking Books on March 2021. The author was known to be the sixth youngest poet to present a poem during the presidential inauguration of the 46th president of USA. Gorman left the country in awe and ignited hope to the viewers from different parts of the world through her work that centers on unity and mending. This book is truly a notable work that honors America’s promise and proclaims the power of poetry. Another defining thing in this book is that it contains a foreword of the remarkable Oprah Winfrey.

Letters to the Person I Was by Sana Abuleil

Andrews McMeel Publishing published Sana Abuleil’s Letters to the Person I Was in February 2020. The author introduces an anthology of poems that centers on three important things in life: reflection, self-love, and forgiveness. The book also talks about the past, present, and future. The poems are inspired of the personal experiences of the author. Moreover, the book is divided into 4 parts that definitely shows the development of the author. The chapters are respectively titled as the innocence, the refusing, the understanding, and the growing. Overall, the book aims to bring every reader on a journey of being wounded and being hopeful, as well as strengthening the concept that life is still and will always be worth living.

Every Word You Cannot Say by Iain S. Thomas

Amazing author and new media artist is the author of the promising poetry book titled Every Word You Cannot Say. There are moments that you don’t want to say a word perhaps because of you are hurting or you just don’t see the need to talk. However, there is a part of you that knows that it would only cause you pain if you blurt out those words. They will continue to hurt until the people that need to hear them, clearly hear them from your own mouth. Every Word You Cannot Say by Iain S. Thomas wishes everyone to discover the right words that they have been wanting to say.

Featured

Ideal Books to Read to Boost Your Inspiration

In this lifetime, it cannot be avoided that your inspiration levels become low. It could be because of how life gets too overwhelming to the point where it seems like unbearable. But, as living becomes tougher, there are various things that emerge to help us alleviate the burdens and keep us inspired through it all — such as books.

Literature amazingly offers so many resources that people to turn on when they need an inspiration booster. There is a wide array of genre to choose from and stories to delve into and obtain great insights, viewpoints, and motivation. That said, here are some of the best books to read whenever you feel demotivated, uninspired, or jaded.

My Spiritual Journey by LaPrele Jordan

My Spiritual Journey is a promising nonfiction book published by ReadersMagnet last August 2020. It features the spiritual journey of the author, LaPrele P. Jordan. She was raised in a religious family. Her father is well-versed when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which greatly influenced and guided her until today. Jordan’s spiritual course wasn’t easy for she also set sail to other voyages, specifically from becoming a Mormon to being a Johannine and back to rebuilding her Mormon faith. Thus, this book aims to inspire others who are constantly searching for truth and trying their best to obey the Lord Jesus Christ.

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Written by bestselling author Mitch Albom, For One More Day is another remarkable novel that centers on death and everything in between. This philosophical book was published in 2006 by Little Brown. The book title, For One More Day, basically summed up the story because it follows the tale of a troubled former baseball player who attempted to commit suicide and came back to their family home to spend one more day with his late mother. Hence, the book looks into the way individuals tend to utilize the chance to spend a moment with a lost loved one even just for a day.

Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson

For those who are demotivated and uninspired when it comes to their business ventures, then Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson might be the perfect read for you. It is told in the form of business fable that talks about the changes in a person’s quality of work and life, as well as the four basic reactions to those alterations made by mice called Sniff and Scurry and two “Littlepeople” called Hem and Haw as they search for cheese. This nonfiction book, moreover, became an instant bestseller and has sold over 26 million copies all across the globe.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey is a bestselling self-help book published in 1989 by Free Press. It sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. The author showcases an approach to becoming efficient in reaching goals through positioning yourself to what he refers to as “true north” principles based upon the moral character, which he introduces as omnipresent and everlasting. Moreover, Stephen R. Covey gives a definition to efficiency as the harmony of getting desirable outcomes with caring for that which generates those particular end results. He draws this by pertaining to the famous Aesop’s fable The Good That Laid the Golden Eggs.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis

The bestselling author Rachel Hollis penned another notable book titled Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals. It is part of the Girl, Wash Your Face series. This book serves as a wake-up call to the readers, especially women, to stop putting themselves off their aspirations and goals. The author also points out the typical excuses in surrendering, the behaviors to embrace, and the abilities to obtain on the way to development, self-esteem, and trust in yourself.

Featured

How Books Bring Growth to Your Life

Growth is a lifelong process that many wish to achieve. A person who doesn’t crave for development should recalibrate their decisions and mindset; because, as the world continue to progress, people should also adjust to the changes. Imagine living in a world where the competition is tight and you are still stuck on the first step since you are contented with your stagnant life. Hence, self-improvement is definitely an essential aspect that an individual should acquire.

However, personal development can be difficult to obtain. Luckily, there are a lot of mediums that can help you unleash the best version of yourself. Literature is the avenue that features multiple books on self-development and other aspects that you need to learn in life, such as Judith Favor’s books on 52 weeks of love and money.

If you are wondering how books can bring growth to your life, here’s what you need to know.

They offer a wide array of knowledge

Knowledge is essential. People who don’t have enough knowledge and wisdom might struggle a lot in this life. By reading books, you can gain a great deal of knowledge that can be applied in real life. With great knowledge comes growth because it serves as the fuel in helping us control our lives, actions, and decisions. It enhances our skills and abilities, like critical thinking, problem solving, and more. It also allows us to create innovative ideas and concepts that can make a difference in our lives and in the society. Upon getting the gist of each book, specifically self-help book, you can start processing it and come up with amazing ways to apply your learning to your life.

They help you see things in another perspective

There are many things in life that can be confusing and difficult. Some of these can become the primary that will either hold you back or keep you stagnant. Seeing things in only one viewpoint can cloud your judgment and decision-making because there you are not seeing the bigger picture.

If you begin to read books, specifically those that have themes about personal growth, then you can start to see the world in different angles. Some great examples are Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli, and Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. These books can help you to start to empathize with others and understand yourself also. Learning and knowing that there are diverse sides of every story and situation are tiny steps to personal growth. Readjust your view and see a brand-new world out there through books.

They bring a great deal of motivation

Motivation may be abstract but it is a powerful thing if one possesses it. Imagine having to live each day without the will to move, strive, and continue. People who are stress, burnt out, and frustrated by living the same day and routine all over again tend to have little to no motivation. If you are one of these individuals, then you should really start reworking and taking care of yourself again so that you can grow and be better.

Books may look less attractive but they contain knowledge and supply motivation that can enhance the daily life of every reader. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, Think & Grow Rich, The Power of Positive Thinking, and You Are a Badass are some of the motivational works that you should know. With the amazing concepts, ideas, stories, and learning that books have, readers will surely become more and more encouraged and motivated to pursue their dreams and passion that will later turn into growth and success.

They encourage you to strive harder

Striving harder in this fast-paced world is crucial. Although you have a choice to be laid-back and let everything metamorphose, working harder is always the most favorable option. It is not about advancing in the competition because it is more of turning into the best version of you by growing with the help of books, experiences, and time. Thus,  start reading books that can ignite the will and determination in you to work harder to survive and develop into a better person.

Featured

Amazing Books that Will Give You a Great Reading Experience

Reading has always been comforting and therapeutic. There are a whole wide world of knowledge, fun, and wisdom that literature has offered; and, bookworms are just lucky to experience it. For those who are full-pledge book lover, the magic that book brings is not new to them. But, for those who are new to the reading community, the broad range of titles might be overwhelming.

If you are one of those whose heart flutters with the thoughts of reading and books, then you should go and check out the works listed below that will surely give you a great reading experience.

Scourged Souls by Keith Niles Corman

Keith Niles Corman’s historical fiction book was published by Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc. in 2017. Scourged Souls civil war or rather the story of Scourged Souls was set during the Civil War. But, the book doesn’t only revolve around the war but also on the personal lives of every character whose paths have met for a couple of moments. Moreover, the story mirrors on the purity of those who are moving the tale forward.

This book will surely leave the readers with a great insight on how the lives in the past were similar to those that everyone is experiencing today. This notable work of Corman also teaches the readers how war can cause great damage on people and leave some traumas for those who were left behind.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This New York Times best-selling book was written by Delia Owens. Where the Crawdads Sing focuses on two timelines that gradually interlace with one another where one centers on the life and adventures of Kya that is primarily took place between 1952 and 1969 in North Carolina.

The second timeline, on the other hand, revolves around an investigation on the death of Chase Andrews that took place at the coastal part of the same fictional town. Hence, the book is divided into two amazing parts where each catered the story of the two characters. Because of the remarkable impact the book made to the public, it became a bestseller in different platforms and now is being adapted into a film.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This critically-acclaimed book was published by Viking last September 2020. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction and was recognized as a Good Morning America Book Club pick.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haigis a sci-fi book that tells the story about a library that houses unlimited books where every one of them is a story of different realities. There are those that can narrate your current life and those that tell the lives that you might be experiencing if you have chosen the other options. Nora Seeds discovered herself dealing with the possibility of turning her life around by looking within her as she goes through the library to decide the things that will fulfill her life and makes it more worth living.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is Lying is authored by Karen M. McManus and was published by Delacorte Press. It is a young adult mystery fiction novel that utilizes multiperspectivity to reveal the perspectives of the bunch of students that were branded as suspects.

There were 5 students who were punished with detention at Bayview High, namely Bronwyn, Addy, Simon, Cooper, and Nate. But after serving detention, only 4 made it alive. Based on the feedback of the investigators, Simon’s death was not, in any way, an accident. The outcast who died on Monday was about to reveal some secrets of the four high-profile students on Tuesday; thus, making the 4 the possible suspects for the crime.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Ecco Press published the Madeline Miller’s novel titled The Song of Achilles last 2011. It is under the genres romance and fantasy; and, was awarded in 2012 with the Orange Prize for Fiction. Moreover, the story took place during the Greek Heroic Age and is typically known as an adaptation of the classic Iliad by Homer. It centers on the relationship of Patroclus and Achilles. The story covers the characters’ first encounters until their adventures in the Trojan War. It also focuses on the romantic parts of their relationship.

Featured

Why You Should Write a Book Series

As a reader, when you hear the word “series,” Percy Jackson, Narnia, The Hunger Games, Goosebumps, etc., automatically come to mind. A book series typically refers to the sequence of novels that share common literary elements, such as setting, characters, themes, and more. However, they have different titles and a free-standing plot that can either be read alone or not; but they all tie the loose ends of each tale at the end of the day. For example, The Utgarda Trilogy is a horror fiction series, wherein each of the three books has a diverse title. Stieglitz book on The Other Realm, which is the third book of the trilogy, already focuses on rescuing the person whom the main characters have been searching for in the last two books.

Writing a series could be a tedious task due to the multiple elements and factors needed to perfect. All the hard work and dedication will surely be rewarded after seeing how many lives your series have touched. Whether you are a newbie author or a published one, you should definitely consider the perks that a book series can bring to your writing journey. If you are not yet convinced about writing one, then here are the reasons that might spark your interest.

Give justice to the characters

The most common elements in book series can last from the first book until the final one are the characters. Do note that they are the most crucial factors of a story because they are capable of moving the tale forward. Without them, your work will not progress and end. Since series are composed of multiple books, there are definitely characters with unfinished businesses, while some already accomplished their tasks. 

Since you already have book one as the foundation of the whole series, you will not experience the tough job of crafting promising characters ever again. All you need is to develop each of the characters to either unlock their full potential or uncover their worse sides and enhance the beauty of your series. Because of these improvements, you can surely grab the attention of the readers and increase the thrill of the plot. Hence, giving enough development to a character also means giving justice to the role they play in the story that will definitely positively affect your whole series.

Create a more extensive reader base

From the reader’s perspective, investing their time and effort in reading a series would be a great option to take. Hence, a great series means a large reader base; and, an extensive reader base means excellent sales. There are many who prefer to read series because they have fallen in love with the characters and become too drawn by the plot and theme. So, invest their time in waiting for the release of the following books instead of reading stand-alone novels where they tend to start meeting and familiarizing everything all over again. 

Reading books with consistent setting, characters, and other elements give a sense of comfort and fun that book lovers cannot find in single novels. It is just like visiting a friend you have never seen for a year to two but still have the same connection that makes life more colorful. Because of the growing number of readers, you can strengthen your author brand and increase your sales.

Take advantage of the binge culture

Binge culture refers to the way of living where people spend a lot of time watching shows with no interruptions. The term “binge” is often associated with films and TV shows where individuals tend to stream or watch a whole season of a TV series or different movies the whole day or night. In this day and age, many are already following the binge culture, especially teenagers. Bookworms also have their way of binging, which is on reading. 

Thus, writing a series would probably magnet those who are into binge-reading. A book series is more convenient to delve into due to the familiar aspects but incredible twists. The time spent by the readers will surely be rewarded with an exciting reading experience. The more they read the books, the more they crave more, which pushes them to binge read to satisfy their curiosity. 

Featured

Notable Nonfiction Books You Shouldn’t Miss Reading

Every reader has different preferences when it comes to book genres. Some might take great interest in reading fictional works, while others may be fond of nonfiction ones. Many often think of how impressive that the latter could be because they survive reading nonfiction, which is the genre that speaks facts instead of taking you to various extraordinary places. 

Nonfiction is sometimes underrated but what people don’t know is that it houses several substantial tales waiting to be read. The moment you start delving into these stories, you can definitely discover multiple things, such as self-understanding, spiritual growth, life experiences, hidden talents, and more. So, if reading books of this genre ever crossed your mind, then here are some of the best titles that you should check out.

The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective by Wayne Drayton

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. published The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective by Wayne Drayton in 2018. This book is the most outstanding work to read for those Christians who haven’t found the person whom they want to spend the rest of their lives with and are asking God to bless them with a great one or those who aren’t in a relationship and desire to keep it that way. The first section of the book centers on preserving a single life as a Christian, which is a challenging job but can be achieved through putting their trust in the Lord. The second portion of the book focuses on those who are single and are anticipating the blessing of God towards them.

Wow, No Thank You.: Essays by Samantha Irby

Wow, No Thank You.: Essays by Samantha Irby is a New York Times bestseller and Amazon editor’s pick for best biographies and memoirs. The book contains multiple essays that revolve around the brand-new path taken by the author that is written in a witty and raw manner. Samantha Irby is already in her forties and is becoming uneasy in her skin. She also resigned from being a receptionist at a vet clinic, got her books published, and experienced other twists and turns of life. You will indeed get inspired by the relatable events that Irby has gone through and encourage you to live everyday life with all its bad, good, and ugly and have fun while it lasts.

Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

This critically-acclaimed book was published in 2011 by Scribner. Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee is a remarkably comprehensible and articulate book about an illness that exists, which has challenged humans for over 5,000 years. The tale of cancer is a story of human inspiration, determination, strength, pride, paternalism, and misconception. Hence, the author uncovers the years of discoveries, difficulties, wins, and bonds practicing their intellects against an unceasingly resourceful challenger, which was thought to be conquered instantly in an earnest and vigorous battle against cancer. 

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate by Naomi Klein

Naomi Klein authored the excellent book titled This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate. The book raises the concern that climate change is not just another problem that must be cleanly classified between health care and taxes. However, it is an issue that reminds everyone to mend the economic processes that are already disappointing the public in different ways. Naomi thoroughly creates the case for how hugely eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions is the ideal way to concurrently lessen the extensive imbalance, rethink the wrecked democracies, and remold the devastated economy. She also uncovers the ideological despair of those who don’t believe in such occurrence, the crusading delusions of the aspiring geoengineers, and more.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick is a heartwarming book recounting the intimate experiences of 6 North Koreans for more than 15 years — a messy era that witnessed how Kim II-sung died, the way his successor has bestowed the power to lead, and the catastrophic hunger that lead to the death of 1/5 of the nation’s population. You will indeed feel different intense emotions and come up with various realizations while reading this award-winning book.

Featured

Amazing Perks of Writing Poems

Writing has always been therapeutic. With everything that happened in your life, finding an avenue for expression could be heaven on this Earth. Poetry is one of the best forms of literature that embraces all your thoughts and emotions with arms wide open.  It is a piece of literature that provides a special power to the expression of emotions and concepts through a particular style and rhythm is the typical denotation of poetry. There are many outstanding poets with books that have inspired the lives of the many. Among these excellent poets are Ezra Pound, Walt Whitman, Maya Angelou, Olivia Gatwood, Trinidad Rodriguez, and Raymond Quattlebaum.

Many poetry books have been published and several poems have been written even until this century. What could be the benefits of writing poems since a lot of individuals patronize this genre? Here’s what you need to know.

Helps in mending emotional wounds

Growth entails both success and struggles. Before you blossom into the person that you want to become, you still encounter hindrances and obstacles along the way. These challenges can either make you or break you, and it all depends on you on how your fate will turn into. While conquering these things on your way to greatness, you acquire wounds and pain that significantly impact your emotional well-being. By expressing your pain into words, you will slowly heal from them and transform your life around. Poetry brings not just the comfort but also fosters mending by letting people let go and explore of their emotions. It allows you to have an area to vent, realize, and heal.

Enhances your skills

Writing is an art that waters the skills that are hidden within you so you could use them efficiently in the future. Poetry appears to be easy but when you actually get to write one, you can definitely understand how difficult expressing tons of concepts, experiences, and emotions through the tiniest amount of words. The tendency is that you become challenged while writing. Thus, you cognitive function will be enhanced as well as your other skills, such as creativity, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication. All of these are being gradually developed the minute you embark on your poetry writing journey.

Readjusts your perspectives

Life is all about constant learning and development even when change comes. However, there may be things that you don’t want to change, especially those that you have believe in. Through poetry, understanding and enlightenment will come. After you expressed all your experiences, frustrations, and other things that you desire to set free, you will soon begin to realize how some of your beliefs and perspectives are becoming toxic. These destructive views can be shifted and readjusted through reading and writing poems. You will never really know the benefit of shifting your outlook in life if you will never try.

Makes use of your senses

You probably think that writing doesn’t have anything to do with your senses. Also, you might think that it your experiences and feelings are the only things that matter in creating poetry. But, all these assumptions are wrong because among the most essential weapons in writing wonderful poems are your 5 senses. They are the best aspects that can enhance the ambiguity, deepen the meaning, and develop the imagery of your work. Also, you can captivate the hearts of the readers and provide them with a better reading experience because of how they are being moved by your work and how they can feel,  touch, smell, see, and hear the images that you are building.

Improves self-awareness

Self-awareness is significant. It is the capability to center your attention, assess, and manage yourself. This perk is not something that you expected to get while writing. Instead, this is something that you surprisingly obtain and realize at the end of your journey. However, there are also instances that some purposely writes about this aspect. In writing poems, you will came to know some parts of you that you never thought existed and realize how much have you struggled and survived.

Poetry can truly bring out the best in you. The sense of comfort and relief that every poem can give are incomparable. What are you waiting for? Start writing your poems now and be amazed of the perks that it offers.

Featured

The Don’ts in Writing a Great Biography

Biography is a hit nonfiction genre. People of different ages commonly read these books. Although many may think that biographies are not that interesting, they will be surprised upon discovering the beauty of these books once they read it. Moreover, writers often narrate the story of their lives or of people that have inspired them. Different tales of courage, growth, downfall, and hope evoke a wide array of emotions from the readers urging them to take action, understand themselves, and be motivated to continue their way through life.

 Perhaps many might think that writing a biography is easy. All you need is to put your experiences into writing and publish it. When you really try to look at it in a better angle, it is not that easy. There are many rules to follow in order to create a captivating work. So if you plan to write one, then here are some of the things to avoid in writing a great biography that you should know.

Don’t incorporate false information to enhance the quality of writing

Fact — this refers to the information or events that are proved to be true. The main goal of a biographical work is to give readers a primary detail about your life or the story of a particular person. Hence, everything must be factual. Do not compromise your work by mixing fictional events with the hopes of making it more interesting. Keep it real and simple. Biographies that aren’t based on facts lose their integrity, realness, accuracy, and precision. Once the readers come to know about the fabricated events in the story, you immediately lost their trust and attention. It is the rawness that keeps a biography magnificent, always take note of that. So, stick to the facts.

Don’t rely on the given time frame, back it up with a researched data

Sometimes, your mind can become deceiving. There are times that your memory flashes an event but doesn’t directly show the time when that activity happened. In writing biographies, the dates are always the trickiest part. Imagine trying to remember a fragment of your life that happened 10 to 20 years ago. That is definitely difficult. Hence, avoid solely relying on your memories. Try researching to back up that fact. You can interview people that you have been with during that particular moment or call those that are present around that time frame to confirm whether that event happened or not.

Don’t excessively center everything on you

Writing a biography can become overwhelming. The thought of having to write everything about yourself can linger on your mind. But, you should eradicate that concept. The truth is that even if you are the subject, your work should not project self-indulgent and self-pity. Every event must be balance. Hence, don’t forget to write about the people that you have interacted and made adventures with. Also highlight the events on the things or individuals that helped you grow and mature. Take for example, how Beyond Barriers talked about God’s purpose on David’s life by Anne Davey Koomans. The author didn’t focused the spotlight David’s life, but incorporate other figures and elements to make the story more captivating instead.

Don’t tell the readers, show them instead

Showing is a more advantageous and better option than telling. Even though biographies are works of nonfiction, you shouldn’t compromise your writing technique and creativity by directly telling the readers the events that took place. Merely telling the readers what happened will lose the flavor and beauty of your biography. Thus, start enhancing your storytelling game by showing readers everything that happened. This will eventually magnet the readers to the tale with absolutely immersive descriptions and terms. It will better the development of the story, making it more interesting to dive into.

Biographies might be simple to look at; but, it is definitely hard to write one. Looking into the don’ts of writing a remarkable biography might help you create a more promising work. Thus, make sure to know what points to avoid and what aspects to follow. Because no matter how wonderful the images that you memory flashes, it all goes down to who wrote it with genuineness.

Featured

Reasons to Read Children’s Books

Reading is an essential activity that plays a great role on our development. In our early stages, we were introduced to books that contain stories relevant to our age — children’s literature in particular. Although we haven’t really unleashed our skills to read and comprehend, children’s books have their own simple ways of helping us understand their stories, keeping us entertained, and making us learn. Reading truly molds us to hone our skills and become a wiser person.

Since we develop our reading skills while we are kids, being exposed to children’s books would be a great help. Oscar the Mighty Crab by Penny Higgins, The Song of Solomon the Snail by Caroleann Rice, and A Kids Life: Loving, Learning, Growing by Alana Konieczka are some of the best books that kids should never miss reading. But, are there any concrete reasons why readers should explore and read children’s books no matter how old we get? Here are the reasons why.

The stories are simple yet meaningful

Children’s books feature tales with a simple plot and language. Because even if the authors know that their books can also be read by bookworms beyond its set age range, they know that using complex storyline, language, and other writing techniques and story elements may compromise the gist and essence of their work. Authors of this genre make use of the opportunity to create surprisingly great tales that can transcend and teach one generation to another with their ability to insert strong and important central messages on their stories.

Take for example The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, it is written in the form of rhymes that can be easily understood by kids. But, if you take a closer look into its theme, it unexpectedly teaches the readers to care for the environment and be aware of how the changes are affecting Mother Nature.

The books improve your communication skills

Communication skill is an integral part of an individual’s skill set. There are many perks that will blossom when you start developing both your oral and written communication abilities. Reading books at such a young age can help you and other kids to gather and organize your thoughts before expressing them either through verbal or nonverbal communication. On your reading journey, you can also encounter highfalutin or unfamiliar words, which you can look up the meaning and apply it to your writings or conversations moving forward.

Additionally, there are also children’s books written to teach kids to communicate. Some great examples are Telephone by Mac Barnett, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish, and Don’t Forget the Bacon by Pat Hutchins.

The tales remind you of important things in the world

In this fast-paced world, nothing is constant but change and progress. There are already different improvements in the society when it comes to the different fields and industries, making the world a much better and convenient place to live in. However, the value and essence of the little and simple things tend to diminish because people starts to seek for grander perhaps and achievements. As a result, there is a tight competition that many desire to conquer.

Children’s books exist to remind everyone about the significant aspects in the world that we somehow forgot or overlooked due to the drive of achieving success. Some of these are abstract factors that play great roles in restoring humanity and making us feel more human, such as love, kindness, faith, gratitude, patience, happiness, innocence, little victories, and more. There are truly amazing things that children’s novels instill to us.

The stories enhance your creativity and imagination

Another remarkable reason why you should read books that are intended for kids is because they have the ability to generate our imagination and creativity. Authors know how young and pure the minds of kids can become; hence, they try to help mold their thinking and perspectives gradually so that they become more knowledgeable and ready to face the world and unleash their skills. There are many fun and exciting stories that really boost the enthusiasm and imagination of the readers that leads to the enhancement of their creativity. Therefore, children’s books are really powerful, amazing, and worth reading.

Featured

Ideal Books to Read and Reflect on These Remaining Days of Lent

We only have few days before the sacred season is over and Jesus will be resurrected. In these remaining days of Lent, we should uplift our games and do our part as Christians to self-reflect and honor this holy season. Jesus went through a lot of agonies in order to save humankind from sin; thus, even when multiple generations have passed, we should strengthen our faith, be thankful, and be respectful to Him. However, our salvation wouldn’t be possible without God the Father, who brought His son to the world, and the Holy Trinity.

Moreover, literature has been always there to cater to our spiritual needs. There are many Christian books that center on Christian theology, Christian devotion, Christian allegory, and more. All of these kinds of books aim to help everyone to rebuild our spirituality, reflect on our actions, answer to His calls, recognize His ways, and get closer to Him. Thus, the titles below are among the most ideal books to read and reflect in these sacred days.

Stations of the Risen Christ: Resurrection Meditations by Frank Heelan

Frank’s book on Resurrection Meditations offers Christians a brand-new choice when it comes to devotion and worship. Heelan aims to encourage everyone to begin praying while following the acts and lessons of Jesus, especially right after he was resurrected. The Savior was crucified, died, and resurrected. But after he came back to life, Jesus appeared to hundreds of followers and taught them great learning including the gospel. Moreover, Stations of the Risen Christ: Resurrection Meditations features a short meditation after the 14 Scripture readings in order to inspire the Disciples of Christ to pray and obtain a more profound understanding of these heavenly mysteries.

Spirit and Life: A Franciscan Guide for Spiritual Reflection by Daniel Horan and Julianne Wallace

The book Spirit and Life: A Franciscan Guide for Spiritual Reflection by Danie Horan and Julianne Wallace was published by Koinonia Press last 2013. It is a guide book, personal journal, and devotional anthology of prayers that is intended for those who want to reflect and grow spiritually. The book contains a Scriptural resource with Franciscan spirituality and theology as its strong foundation. It is written to emphasize the spirituality of unity that holds the faith of Christians and leads the Franciscan customs. Hence, Spirit and Life is perfect for everyone who wants to have a better relationship with the Him and answer to His callings.

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

The reissue edition of A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson was published by HarperOne in 1996. This bestselling book contains the personal reflections and insights of the author pertaining to the ways of showing love while also looking for inner peace. The author talks about how everyone can turn into a wonderful miracle worker through embracing God and through the manifestation of love in our lives. Whether the spiritual pain within the bounds of connection, career, or well-being, the author helps us see how love becomes a potent aspect of our lives.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer

This Amazon and New York Times bestseller book that was published in 2007 was written by Michael Singer. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself provides you the most relevant and best answers to the questions relating to freedom, development, and inner peace. This book attempts to change your relationships with the world and yourself. Hence, you will soon see how much potential and ways you can try to stop the constant thoughts and feelings that restrict your consciousness.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

This New York Times bestselling book was written by Pastor Rick Warren and was published in 2013. It helps the readers to get a better grasp about their life’s purpose. The Purpose Driven Life is not just a mere book because it is an instrument that will guide everyone on their spiritual path. Through this book’s guidance, people are given the chance to change their lives. There are different questions in life that will be gradually given answers by this book.

Featured

Celebrating International Women’s Day: 5 Books by Remarkable Female Authors

The denotation of the word “woman” is a female human being that is already of legal age. For generations to generations, these remarkable women have fought their way to prove their skills, capabilities, and rights to the society. That fight for equal rights didn’t go to waste because at this century, women have been conquering different fields. You can see females getting recognized at science, medicine, technology, languages, art, and more. They are really great and talented beings.

Literature is also one of the platforms that honor women. Emily Dickinson, Mary Shelley, Margaret Atwood, Sarah Kay and among others are some of the top females that made literature a better place. So, in celebration of this year’s international women’s day, here are the top books that are authored by notable females that you should never miss reading.

Summit!: One Woman’s Everest Climb Guides You to Success by Lauren Bagley

If you are into fitness, then this book is the one to look out for. Summit!: One Woman’s Everest Climb Guides You to Success contains Laurie’s journey to the top of Mt Everest. Imagine climbing to the tallest mountain in the world? Only a strong and determined woman can do it. The book, moreover, is filled with Bagley’s promising insights and equipment for reaching sincere goals, objectives and wants. The author also provides a significant outlook on realizing essential pursuits and undertaking. Summit!: One Woman’s Everest Climb Guides You to Success shows a bit by bit guide with tales about the journey on climbing Mt. Everest and other inspiring stories.

Jasmine a Woman of Color by Monique Boyd

This stirring romance-suspense book is written by Monique Boyd. It was published by Page Publishing, Inc. last 2018. Jasmine a Woman of Color follows the story Jasmine Moore, an executive assistant. Her world started to take a turn after her significant other died. Instead of nurturing the grief of her husband’s death, she started to feel vengeful after knowing about all his affairs and unfaithfulness. As Jasmine tries to get the revenge that she thinks she deserves, she also found love and mystery. Would Jasmine get the happiness, love, and peace? Find out.

One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta

A woman is capable of conquering everything that comes her way, and that’s what Eleanor Gaccetta did. The caregiving journey of Eleanor was put into writing in order to inspire and guide those first-time caregivers to continue their job. Moreover, the moment that Eleanor Gaccetta’s had physical difficulties after she broke her hip, Ellie knew that she need to take good care of her. Thus, she embarked on a caregiving journey that lasted up to more than 9 years. This Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winner, One Caregiver’s Journey, is a memoir of how a career woman became an instant family caregiver.

The Ladybug and the Bully Frog by Caroleann Rice

Caroleann Rice perfectly penned a book that teaches not just children but also adults about the essence of friendship and cooperation. This children’s book also revolves around bullying and reminding the readers to always strive to be a buddy and avoid being a bully. The story follows a ladybug named Dot who went beyond her limits and faces the bully frog named Milton the Frog. She stood up to the bully so that others can also enjoy playing at the pond and create a harmonious and fun community instead of being stuck in a corner filled with fear because of the frog.

Patchwork: Conversations between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack

This Indie Reader Approved book was published in 2020 by Readersmagnet. Patchwork: Conversations between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack tells the story of the beautiful and amazing women during 1939-1959 in Bamberg, South Carolina. These women gathered together in the pursuit of closing the gap between generations through communicating with one another. During their quilting time, they started to share their stories of struggles where the others listen. Hence, Patchwork encourages the readers to eliminate the generation gap between these remarkable women through conversing. Both the elderly and youths should allow two-way communication to achieve their goal. Hence, both talking and listening are definitely essential to form a great conversation.

Featured

How Reading Fantasy Books Help Your Kids

Imagine having a child that is down to do everything; and, with everything, meaning all the things that come to his mind. It would be fun but stressful at the same time. The fickleness of his mind, activeness of his body, and shortness of his attention make parenting a little bit too hard. If you want to keep them entertained but learning at the same time, introduce them to books — specifically fantasy books!

Reading cam definitely brings them a bunch of amazing benefits. All you need is to be there to guide them in their reading journey and make sure that they understand every event in the story. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, A Wrinkle in Time, Matilda in Scots by Roald Dahl, The Song of Solomon the Snail, and Lizzie and Leopold are some of the best books that your kids should check out. There are really so many perks and learning that this type of book gives. But, if you are still wondering how reading fantasy books can help your children; here’s how.

They widen their imagination

Molding and developing your imagination is important, especially in kids. When your start engaging them with fantasy stories, they can start experiencing a whole new world full of magic and beauty; thus, making them generates their imagination a lot better. Their imaginative mind can influence their actions and creativity. As a result, the kids will be more enthusiastic and creative after reading the tales. Imagination enables the children, and even you, to discover the boundaries of the real world and surroundings to a realm of dreams that showcases creativity and fantasy.

They keep them entertained

Again, kids are full of so much energy and enthusiasm. The purity of their hearts and minds keeps them from controlling their actions and continue minding their own business. But, sometimes, too many physical activities might become unhealthy and bad for them. By introducing them to reading, you can keep them entertained and learning at the same time. Fantasy books do not only feature awesome environments but also cool characters. There are wide arrays of magical creatures and fantastic beings that can surely amaze the kids, put their imagination to work, and experience the fun.

They teach them valuable lessons

You may think that fantasy books only offer fun and magic. But, little did you know that behind those surreal and extraordinary things are valuable and significant lessons these stories try to teach to kids. Books teach readers a wide array of learning that they can bring into their journey through life. With the help of the extraordinarily beautiful tales, children will start to know, appreciate, and manifest kindness, bravery, gratitude, faith, politeness, honesty, and more. There are just so much values and substance that fantasy books convey, which make them more captivating and engaging.

They help develop their skills and abilities

Skills and abilities are important in this lifetime. If you don’t harness your skills and talents, you will never survive this harsh world. By reading fantasy, the kids might discover their hidden talents. The more they read, the more they become motivated to develop their skills. There are also instances that the kids are already starting to improve their abilities without them knowing it. A great example is communication, reading stories at such a young age can greatly improve the kid’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Listening abilities and vocabulary are also being developed, which are definitely beneficial as they grow older.

They ignite more inspiration

Fantasy is not only about enchanted, amazing, and supernatural tales that fascinate every kid from different corners of the world. These stories also do not only bring essential lessons but also ignite more inspiration to the readers. Kids love to dream; and, because of their fickle and innocent minds, they tend to change their aspirations in life easily. Reading fantasy might inspire them to look up and follow the same footsteps of the characters in the stories. For example, the inspiring story of Harry Potter who fought his way to protect his school, friends, and everyone in the wizarding world. The bravery, cleverness, and hard work of Harry motivates every kid to do the same.

Featured

Literature 101: What is Autobiography?

You probably have heard of the term “autobiography” somewhere, like in your English class. There are definitely many things that can be connected to this word. Books, for example, are being categorized as an autobiography with either pictures of a person on its cover or in parts of the book. But what does autobiography really mean in literature?

Definition of Autobiography

Autobiography refers to the writing about one’s life. Although this type of literature is personally written by the person whose experiences are being put into writing, there are also other cases where another individual is writing about the life of a particular person on his behalf.

Overview of Autobiography

The term “autobiography” was first utilized disdainfully in 17th century by William Taylor. The word was used during the 18th century by Robert Southey in its present tense.  Even though it was only being identified at the initial part of the 19th century, autobiographical writing using the first-person already emerged ages ago. Autobiography, therefore, extracts parts of the writer’s life form the time of writing. There are tendencies that it is primarily based only on the memories of the writer.

Relationship of Nonfiction and Autobiography

Nonfiction is a literary genre that features works that contain accurate, factual, and clear information, activities, and individuals. However, there are times that nonfictional works are allowed to be shown either in subjective or objective manner. Nonfiction is typically among the essential parts of narrative writing.

The relationship between nonfiction and autobiography is that the latter is a under the wing of the former. In other words, autobiography is a subgenre of nonfiction. The tale of an individual’s life is being narrated by a particular narrator, depending on the writing style of the author. It is expected that all claims and parts of the story is truthful and real, because it would really become an issue if there are accounts in the writings that aren’t factual.

You probably might think that these two great genres of literature are boring and plain because they are spitting facts from top to bottom. But, that isn’t the real deal. Literary nonfiction, where autobiography is categorized, is a great avenue that houses works that have the same goal with fiction — which is to express and fascinate. The only contrasting aspect to fiction is that literary nonfiction’s elements are factual and not nonexistent.

Characteristic of Autobiography

The account of one’s life written by that particular individual is, again, the common definition of autobiography. Therefore, the common point of view used by authors of this genre is first person. The narrator is an essential part of the story, either he the protagonist or supporting character, which aims to tell the tale. The pronouns that the narrator uses are I, my, mine, and such.

Types of Autobiographical Writing

Although it the definition of the subject is already understood by many, it is still considered a vague category. Thus, here are some of the types of autobiography that you should know:

  • Religious – also called as spiritual autobiography, it refers to the collection of events in an individual’s life that mainly refers to his relationship with God.
  • Intellectual – the purpose of this autobiography is for you to reflect on your experiences and write about the most important moments of your life that made you achieve success and a better person.
  • Fictionalized –refers to the autobiographies where the authors tells his truth but there are parts that were given a touch of fiction to safeguard the innocent, close gaps, and reorganize events.
  • Thematic – pertains to the type of writing that doesn’t adhere to the facts alone but aims to blend the factual data to show a fixed POV.

Examples of Autobiography

In this day and age, there are already a lot of autobiographies that that are already published. Some of them were written in the classical period while others are written in the contemporary era. What is certain is that they tell raw and substantial stories of amazing people. Here are some of the best examples of autobiography:

  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou – contains the story of the early life of the remarkable poet Maya Angelou
  • Donut Hole: A Marine’s Real-Life Battles in Vietnam During 1967 and 68 Marines, 1st Force Logistical Command Clutch Platoon by RC LeBeau – the book that features RC Le Beau’s life and war stories
  • The Story of My Life by Helen Keller – it highlights the early years of Helen Keller and her moments with Anne Sullivan
  • One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gacetta – showcase the experience of the author in becoming a caregiver for her mother
Featured

Understanding the Importance of Settings

Many authors pay the most focus on the development of their characters and plot when building their stories. When readers consume these stories, they pay more attention to the characters and the plot – as if these are the only elements of a story or the only ones that matter. What about the setting? 

It is no secret that readers love the characters and the plot and are blown away by the scenes and dialogues between characters. However, they forget all about the setting, treating it as if it never ‘exists’ in the story. They never know that a story, whether character-driven or plot-driven, will never stand ground without a solid setting. 

The setting is one of the five essential elements of a story. (The other four parts are the plot, characters, conflict, and theme. Setting establishes the mood, reveals the characters and conflict, gives clues to a story’s theme, and provides context. It gives us the ‘where’ and the ‘when’ (because a story’s setting also refers to time elements). If it is to be personified, it will exist mainly in the background as a recurring character – and an important one too. 

A story’s setting might be more important than what many readers thought. In many stories, the setting often gives meaning and even more information surrounding a character’s emotions, physical movement, or state of mind. Settings will usually match the characters and the type of problem they, particularly a detective of a protagonist, are trying to solve. A setting can be anywhere, real or made-up. 

Discerning and well-read readers will know how essential settings are in stories and how they help beef up the narrative. The murder mystery novel Mystery at Pima Point by JB Clemmens will serve this example. 

The story revolves around the disappearance of a Ph.D. student and entrepreneur, who was the fiancé of the protagonist’s nephew. The bride-to-be, Christa, disappeared from a cave above the Pima Point Resort (“in the Phoenix area”) where the protagonist, NYPD Homicide Lieutenant Eli James, was vacationing. 

As with several fiction stories, the characters, events, and stories are fictitious, but the resort – the setting – is based on a real one. JB Clemmens did well in this department; she gave Mystery at Pima Point a familiar setting. When deciding on a setting for your story, it is easy to write about places you are familiar with, have visited in person, experience the culture and atmosphere, and talk to the residents. The author even began the story with a brief description of the day’s weather, “Despite the brutal afternoon sun in the Phoenix area…” 

Later in the story, the author briefly described the cave Lieutenant James was investigating with his nephew, Drew. She wrote, “Most of the caves he’d even been in were damp inside, but not this one. Arizona’s lack of groundwater and the hot, dry sun kept this cave almost moisture-free. There were no muddy footprints to follow.” 

Perhaps for the benefit of readers who love food, the setting is also spiced with the mentions of foods that reflect the southwest’s Hispanic culture. 

Mystery at Pima Point took place in one of the states that comprise the Southwestern United States. The said region is dotted with endless networks of caves and a myriad of abandoned mines. Christa disappeared from a cave above the resort where Lieutenant James was vacationing. 

It should be noted that the region has been the site of countless mysterious disappearances. One such case involves the eerily bizarre vanishing of an experienced hiker Kenny Veach in November 2014 in Nevada. Despite searches by family, friends, and the state’s search and rescue team, no signs of Kenny Veach were ever found except for his cellphone, which was discovered while investigators searched the area. In Mystery at Pima Point, Christa’s camera was found on the ground in the cave. 

Settings also reveal the character. In the novel, the cave showed Lieutenant James’ character as a homicide investigator. JB Clemmens wrote:

He looked at the rock carvings and saw nothing unusual at first. Then he noticed that most of them had faint outlines due to weathering. But there was one on the left of an Indian pointing up. The lines were deep-set and probably much more recent than the others. 

“I’m no archeologist, but doesn’t this one figure appear newer than the rest.” He asked Drew. 

For discerning readers, it is difficult to dismiss the importance of settings. A story’s setting is as important as the characters and the plot. All elements of a story go together as they all help tell the story. A setting is not just ‘where’ and ‘when’ but is also key to the plot and conflict. 

Featured

Top Romance Novels to Read this Love Month

When you think about the word “romance,” various images and ideas will surely come to your mind. There are truly many things that revolve around romance, such literary genre, movie genre, emotion, art, and more. Moreover, romance is basically defined as the feeling of affection and strong attraction to someone. This feeling, when put to action, can lead into a spectacular relationship between two people whose feelings are mutual. Regardless of the different interpretations and definitions of romance, it all goes down to one term — which is love.

Literature is one of the best avenues that feature romance of any kind. This platform didn’t limit its views towards romance with the basic boy to girl relationships, because it also explores same-sex affection. So, if you want to read some romance books to celebrate the love month since Valentine’s Day is coming — here are the best ones that you should check out!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Photo from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1885.Pride_and_Prejudice

This popular classic romance novel by Jane Austen was published in 1813 by T. Egerton, Whitehall. It centers on the story of Elizabeth Bennet, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet of Longbourn who is also known as Lizzy. She discovered the consequences of rush judgments and happen to be grateful on the distinction of facile goodness and true goodness. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy met at a ball where the latter has no interest in dancing with the former because he thinks that she doesn’t attract him that much. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s first meeting didn’t go well, but what went well is their ending — which you should find out what happened by reading the book!

The Other Side of Love by Attilio Guardo

Photo from: https://www.artgbooks.com/book-the-other-side-of-love-by-attilio-guardo/

Published by ReadersMagnet in 2019, The Other Side of Love by Attilio Guardo is truly the novel that offers you a rollercoaster journey towards love. This novel features a teenage romance that is a product of hate and revenge. Conrad, the protagonist, went through a tough break up that made him plot the perfect revenge plan for his ex-girlfriend named Abigail. From all the hearts that he broke for vengeance, he didn’t expect that Debbie Hollis will make him feel guilty and regretful for what he had done. Also, being friends with Debbie was never in his plans, as well as falling in love with her genuinely.

Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover

Photo from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18631291-finding-cinderella

Written by one of the top romance novel authors in this generation, Finding Cinderella is definitely a must-read for readers who are fans of romance and young adult fiction. The title is a metaphor for a girl who accidentally met a guy in the dark and they made love without knowing one another. All that is familiar to them are their voices. When the hour was up, the girl named Six ran out like how Cinderella rushes to be gone when the clock struck 12. Daniel, the guy, cannot stop thinking about the mystery girl. After how many months, they surprisingly meet and Daniel realized that he found his Cinderella.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Photo from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars

One of the best-selling books written by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars has been making readers feel both love and pain in this captivating novel. There were two teenagers who met in a support group, one who has a thyroid cancer named Hazel Grace and the other who has a bone cancer, who just felt the same exciting feeling to one another. Despite of their diseases, they conquered the odds and went to Amsterdam to make Hazel Grace’s dream to come true — meet her literary hero. However, things escalated quickly and had an unexpected turn, Regardless of it all; Hazel and Gus’ love surpasses life and death.

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Photo from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5526.Dear_John

The remarkable romance author Nicholas Sparks wrote Dear John, which is a novel that centers on the story of two lovers who almost had the perfect love story. John didn’t finish school in order to join the army. He met Savannah, a lovely girl who made his heart skip a beat. They both hit it off, and Savannah was waiting for her lover to finish his duty so that they can start settling down, like what their plan was. However, 9/11 happened. The event made their plan fail since John enlisted again in the army. During their separation, Savannah constantly wrote letters for John until the time that she got married to another man, leaving John devastated.

Featured

Of Evangelical Christians in the Science versus Religion Debate

Evangelicalism is probably the fastest growing and most dynamic segment of Christianity. It is hard to ignore the success of evangelical Christians in encroaching and evangelizing on traditional Catholic and even Muslim grounds. In America, they have proven themselves as a potent political force during elections. In the 2020 presidential election, the majority of Protestants, particularly evangelicals, voted for Trump. And along with the Catholics, they present a significant opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, given the Evangelical sway to religion or culture.

Where do evangelical Christians stand in the science versus religion debate? Many people have the impression that most religious individuals, particularly evangelical Christians, are anti-science. Is it true?

In their book Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think, sociologists Elaine Howard Ecklund and Christopher P. Scheitle shared the results of their national survey of more than 10,000. It is revealed that a strong majority of every religious group see religion and science as either in collaboration with one another or being independent of one another.

What’s surprising is that evangelicals are significantly more likely than any other religious group or the general population to say religion and science can help one another.

The survey reveals 48.2 percent of evangelical Christians, compared to 41.7 percent of Protestants, 39.7 percent of Catholics, and just 13.3 percent of individuals not affiliated with a religious group, said religion and science can help support the other. Just 1.3 percent of evangelicals consider themselves to be on the side of science, compared to 29.4 percent on the side of religion.

What’s even more surprising is that the group comprising the atheists, agnostics, and the unaffiliated are, with a wide majority, the only group to say religion and science are in conflict with each other. The survey reveals that 51.7 percent consider themselves to be on the side of science, compared to 0.7 on the side of religion.

It is also revealed that evangelicals report the lowest level of interest in new scientific and medical discoveries. Just 21.8 percent and 37.4 percent of evangelicals are very interested in new scientific and medical discoveries, respectively.

The majority of evangelicals, at 66.9 percent, have a positive attitude toward science’s contributions to society, compared to the 13.9 percent that believe modern science does more harm than good.

Evangelicals are most likely than mainline Protestants, Catholics, Jews, adherents of non-western religions, atheists, agnostics, and unaffiliated to either witness or receive miraculous physical healing. 39.2 percent and 27.5 percent of evangelicals reported having witnessed and received a miraculous physical healing, respectively. And it should be known that 60 percent of evangelicals agree that scientists should be open to considering miracles.

So, contrary to popular assumptions, evangelical Christians are not anti-science. It’s true that they frown on Darwin’s theory of evolution and disagree that evolution is solely a natural process occurring over billions of years. The vast majority of religious believers, as the survey reveals, are fine with evolution, but they believe God has a special place in creation, so they want to leave room for God to play an active role in the evolution process, for God to maintain an active role in the world. Evangelicals, along with religious individuals, want to protect the idea that humans are created in the image of God.

Science and religion are totally opposite fields of studies, but for religious believers that believe both opposite fields of studies can help one another, science and religion are two sides of the same coin or two wings belonging to the same bird.

The purpose of science is to uncover truths in the physical world. The purpose of religion is the search for God behind the scientific truths. Scientists who encounter the physical world with their senses aided by their formulas and instruments are no different from the religious or spiritual who encounter God or the heavenly world with their thoughts, intuition, and feelings aided by their prayers and scriptures.

Both science and religion seek answers to the same questions but in different ways, and they serve best for the people who strive to live by their truths. They need one another, and when they cooperate, society achieves the best outcomes.

Featured

Essential Things to Avoid in Writing a Poem

There is no concrete definition when it comes to poetry because it means differently to people. Some may define it as their medium to get by in this crazy world while others may think of it as an integral part of literature. As the years go by, poetry has become a great avenue for people to let out their thoughts, ideas, and hearts. It just offers so much comfort and safety by letting people write about the things that make them feel a bunch of either positive or negative emotions.

So, when it comes to poetry writing, there are definitely many rules to follow. But, aren’t you wondering about what NOT to write when it comes to poetry? That’s what we are about to find out today; hence, listed below are the things to avoid in writing a poem.

Focusing on the rhyming scheme

Yes, rhymes may give poems the glory and beauty; however, they are not always necessary. You shouldn’t focus too much on the rhyming scheme because it is not the only element that can give your poems that ambiguity and aesthetic that they need.  There are many types of rhyming, such as the perfect rhyme, end rhymes, slant rhymes, and more. You shouldn’t really put all your attention or, worse, force your lines to rhyme. Let it come naturally so that it won’t hinder the writing process and trigger a writer’s block. This is not the basis of a good poem. What makes a good poem is how to deliver the message in such a few impactful words. So, if you put a dash of rhymes in your masterpiece — then make sure that they complement and are relevant to your masterpiece.

Writing about what you think readers want

Although writing while thinking about your readers is a great exercise, there are times that it can compromise the quality of your writings. Also, don’t be deceived on writing about what’s trending. If you are planning to write poems, own them by making sure that they help you express your heart out, let out your experiences, and fuel your passion. Think less of your audience and think more of what you want to write. When you follow the experiences and burden that your heart really wants to release, you will get the satisfaction and sense of fulfillment like no other. You readers will also notice how much sincerity and rawness that you’ve invested into your writings. A great example is how a fascinating poem from the heart by Trinidad Rodriguez wows and moves the readers after the author wrote about her personal struggles as a single mother.

Conveying metaphors every line

Metaphors are like the ace cards of poetry. However, there are also other cards that you can play to make your work better. Using metaphors in each line is really not necessary. In fact, it has the tendency to confuse the readers and change the whole meaning of your poem. Yes, metaphors can make your poem have a deeper meaning but that doesn’t mean that it can mess up your theme. There are also other figurative languages that can add color to your work apart from metaphors. It is better to utilize a handful of them to make your literary pieces more vibrant and captivating.

Using deep and unfamiliar terms

Choosing the language for your writing is important. This refers to the terminologies that you are going to infused into your work later on. Hence, make sure that you have already chosen a target audience so that you can use the appropriate language and tone. The most essential thing to avoid in this case is utilizing deep and unfamiliar terms. Yes, most poems are deep that your mind has to solve the puzzle until you can get the real meaning behind the words. You, however, should notice how most poets use simple words mixed with the correct figurative language so their poems can create deep and vague meaning. That is also what you need to do, do not force yourself to make your poem a Sherlock-worthy puzzle to be solved. Make your vocabulary simpler, which your target readers can easily understand and enjoy. Relevancy and appropriateness are really important.

Revving Up Imagination: Children’s Books About Cars and Adventure

Photo by mohit suthar on Unsplash

Children are naturally captivated by the world of cars, with their sleek designs, speedy engines, and exciting adventures.

Harnessing this fascination, children’s books about cars and adventure can ignite your imagination, transport them to thrilling journeys, and inspire a love for reading. And with this fascination, children’s books about cars and adventure can ignite young imaginations, transport them to journeys they’ve never been before, and inspire them to love reading even more.

Taking On a Captivating Adventure with Madam’s Mini

Children’s books about cars take young readers on unforgettable adventures. From road trips and treasure hunts to racing competitions and magical journeys, these stories offer thrilling escapades that fuel imagination and ignite a sense of wonder. Through vivid storytelling and colorful illustrations, children can envision themselves in the driver’s seat, which would take them on exciting quests and explore new worlds.

Madam’s Mini, a book by Jeff Lucier, is an enjoyable read for Mini Cooper lovers. The Mini Cooper is the story’s star, and young readers will be fascinated by this classic automobile. Moreover, many care-themed children’s books like this one emphasize the importance of friendship and teamwork.

These stories showcase characters who come together, overcoming challenges and working together to achieve their goals. After all, creating memorable protagonists in children’s stories is important to make these imaginative stories work. You’ll indeed find that and more in Madam’s Mini.

The Educational Aspect of Car-Themed Children’s Books

Car-themed children’s books entertain young readers and provide valuable educational opportunities. These books offer a unique blend of storytelling and learning. They help pique children’s curiosity while ensuring their cognitive development and understanding of various subjects. They also introduce basic concepts to young readers in an engaging and accessible way.

They can teach children about colors, shapes, numbers, and sizes through vibrant illustrations and interactive elements. By incorporating these fundamental concepts into the story, children can develop early cognitive skills while enjoying the adventure-filled stories.

Car-themed books also contribute to developing children’s vocabulary and language skills. These books’ rich storytelling and descriptive imagery expose young readers to new words and phrases. As children immerse themselves in the stories, they expand their vocabulary, enhance their comprehension skills, and develop a deeper understanding of narrative structure and language patterns.

Encouraging Them to Value Life More

Many car-themed books emphasize the importance of car safety on the road. Teaching children about traffic rules, seatbelt usage, and responsible behavior are some of the things that car-themed books teach. They even help children understand the value of their own lives and others. They promote that following safety guidelines is essential for protecting oneself and others, teaching them a sense of responsibility and care.

These types of books also take readers on exciting adventures and journeys. By immersing children in thrills that allow them to feel excitement, car-themed children’s books make them appreciate the wonders of exploration and the joy of discovery. This appreciation for adventure can teach them to be grateful for life’s experiences and encourage children to seize opportunities and embrace a world filled with fascination.

Emotional Connection with Children’s Books About Cars

Car-themed books often feature characters who help others, showing kindness and compassion. These stories promote empathy by highlighting the importance of supporting and assisting those in need. By demonstrating acts of empathy and compassion, children learn to value the lives and well-being of others, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and care for their fellow human beings.

For children who have experienced car rides or road trips, car-themed books can evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The sights, sounds, and smells associated with cars can trigger memories and emotions, deepening the emotional connection with the stories. The books may remind children of special moments spent with loved ones or evoke a sense of comfort and security.

Reading car-themed books can create a shared emotional experience between children and their parents. Cuddling up and exploring the pages together fosters a sense of closeness and connection. The emotions experienced while reading, such as laughter, suspense, or empathy, are shared and create lasting memories, strengthening the emotional bond between parent and child.

Shapeshift To Success: Writing A Non-Cliché Werewolf Story

Photo by Marek Szturc on Unsplash

Werewolf novels are the perfect embodiment of fantasy novels, extremely captivating that there’s a surplus of them in literature. How do authors make theirs stand out?

Werewolves have long been popular in legends and society, even before they were written in literature.

Figures known for their mystical transformations and inhuman traits, it’s impossible not to be enthralled by their character. The possibility of their existence is enough to cause intrigue and wonder to any human with imagination. Their roles varied from one end of the spectrum to the other, with some perceiving them as a threat to humanity while others believed they were benevolent guardians.

Before people’s creativity was incorporated into their mythical origins, werewolves were already figures of exciting attributes. Their colorful history is why they continued to increase modern literature. With the magic laced in their existence and wonder in their being, it’s no wonder they seize people’s interest regardless of how they’re portrayed.

Throughout history, werewolves have been painted as both protagonists and antagonists in stories. With their grotesque appearance and even more disturbing transformations, they’re a perfect ingredient to thrillers and fantasy playing for both good and bad sides. Werewolf characters are a symbol of strength. Whenever they’re brought up in the narrative, they’re commonly associated with courage and dominance. But how do authors ensure their novel or characters stand out in the world of literature where werewolf fiction is gradually becoming condensed?

Edward R. Lipinski is among the recent authors who have dabbled into werewolf literature. In his Werewolf On Madison Avenue, the author utilizes the timeless figure and weaves it into a present-time tale that resonates with modern readers. It’s a novel that perfectly balances a century-old character continuously capturing people’s attention with a current tale that may already seem humdrum. However, Edward manages to craft an impactful amalgamation of both worlds into one enthralling novel centered on the fight between mundanity and primal instincts.

The story diverts itself from the rest of the werewolf novels.

Other authors may maximize how werewolves are fictional beasts commonly found in fantasy stories and write heavily fantasy-themed stories. This is why werewolves have also been typically associated with vampires and other mythical figures because they’re only commonly crafted in period novels or the classical fantasy genre. Edward’s book proves how werewolf characters don’t have to stick to stereotypes to be effective. Authors can utilize other techniques and incorporate these figures in narratives beyond the archetypal stories.

Werewolves don’t always have to be the vampires’ rivals. They don’t always have to follow the mate or alpha allegory. Instead, they can be incorporated into more straightforward narratives as long as the author fully controls how they’re depicted and their role throughout the story.

Werewolf stories aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea. But with the proper conception and creative influence, authors can surely entice readers to check their stories out.

For starters, it’s time to consider veering away from the stereotypical representation of these characters. Aside from the rivalry or mate selection, werewolves don’t always have to attack and bite people. While they’re primarily about primate instincts, authors can consider tweaking their literary DNAs and craft them differently.

Sure, they have to retain the appearance of a big dog person who transforms at full moons. But instead of going on a total rampage in the city, perhaps it’s time to think of another way to portray their instincts. Changing this character will add an exciting twist to the classic character, an experimental yet intriguing way of creating a newer depiction of werewolves. It would be a refreshing twist for readers who may have already anticipated rereading the same traits and behaviors from these characters.

While they’re a symbol of human primate instinct, a representation of what it would be when people let out the rawness in their desires, werewolves don’t always have to maul people to death.

Patterns may be where readers are most comfortable.

But they must be changed from time to time.

This allows for literary improvement and development. Authors shouldn’t stick to what’s existing. Instead, they must challenge these and address what they believe is lacking. They can’t expect to be completely different from the others, but they would be fresh and away from the clichéd tropes and traits. They can list the existing stereotypes within werewolf novels, keep what they believe will benefit their stories, and change what wouldn’t.

Authors should know what they believe is interesting within the trope.

For instance, instead of the typical vampire rivalry, they can utilize other fictional figures as the werewolves’ rivals and have them side with the vampires. This change in dynamic might seem trivial, but some readers would appreciate this uniqueness.

Aside from changing what’s existing, authors should also address what werewolf novels lack. What does the genre need to be more attractive? These changes incorporate the author’s take and angle, ultimately making their story personal and unique.

Are People Still Reading Romance Novels These Days?

Photo by Lenin Estrada on Unsplash

Romance novels continue to be widely read and enjoyed by people worldwide – and we’ll know why.

In romance novels, the ability to ignite emotions is significant in moving the story forward, capturing the essence of love, which reflects the characters’ emotional journeys. You’ll also get the Seasons of Love to Deep South Love by Tamara Barnett. It contains love stories from different time periods, which paints a perfect picture of love.

What makes love beautiful, other than its heart-racing qualities, is the persistence of its power over people who are destined to be together. This is why romance novels are widely read and have endured the test of time.

The Continuing Popularity of Romance Novels

Readers can escape from everyday life and immerse themselves in captivating love stories. They offer a chance to experience characters’ excitement, passion, and emotional journey in a fictional world. Moreover, joy, excitement, heartache, and hope. Readers often connect deeply with the characters, investing in their relationships and rooting for their happily-ever-afters.

In romance novels, love stories can take many forms. Whether complicated or not, they still explore common themes such as love, trust, communication, and character development. They provide insights into the dynamics of human connections, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives.

Love and Literature in Its Diverse Forms

Romance novels have many subgenres, catering to diverse reader preferences. From historical romance set in different periods to contemporary romance set in modern times, readers can choose from paranormal romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance, inspirational romance, and more. This variety ensures something for everyone, allowing readers to explore different themes, settings, and tones within the romance genre.

The promise of a happily-ever-after is a trademark of romance novels. This optimistic outlook on love and relationships resonates with readers who appreciate the sense of hope and fulfillment that these endings offer. The enduring appeal of a satisfying conclusion keeps readers coming back for more romance novels.

Furthermore, romance novels provide a space for readers to experience various emotions. They allow readers to laugh, cry, and feel deeply invested in the characters. This emotional catharsis can be therapeutic, offering an escape from real-life stress and providing a safe outlet for exploring and processing emotions.

What Makes Romance Novels Unbearable?

While romance novels have a broad and dedicated fan base, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone may enjoy this genre. The bad ones often follow a predictable formula, focusing on developing a romantic relationship and expecting a happily-ever-after ending. For readers who prefer more unpredictable or unconventional storytelling, the formulaic nature of romance novels can be off-putting.

Additionally, romance novels sometimes rely heavily on clichés and overused tropes, such as the “love at “first sight” or the” “missed “standing that drives the couple apart.” While” these tropes can be comforting and familiar for some readers, others may find them repetitive or lacking in originality. 

Some readers may also take issue with the idealized and exaggerated depictions of love and relationships in romance novels. The intense emotions, grand gestures, and flawless characters can create unrealistic expectations of real-life relationships, potentially creating unrealistic standards or unattainable ideals.

Critics of romance novels argue that they often prioritize the romantic aspects of the story at the expense of other elements, such as character development, plot complexity, or thematic depth. Readers seeking more intricate narratives or thought-provoking themes may find romance novels lacking in these areas.

Overall Take On the Readership of Romance Novels

Despite the criticisms or setbacks that some readers may associate with romance novels, several enduring qualities make the genre timeless and appealing to a wide range of readers. Romance novels tap into the universal human desire for emotional connection. And that connection ties everyone together in a thread that can make or break the relationship.

Furthermore, romance novels often offer a sense of hope and optimism. They celebrate the power of love, resilience, and personal growth. The promise of a happily-ever-after ending can be a source of comfort and inspiration in a world that sometimes feels chaotic or uncertain. Romance novels provide a space where readers can believe in the possibility of love and find reassurance in the idea of a positive outcome.

Creating Memorable Protagonists in Children’s Stories

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Protagonists are the center of the plot for a reason. They are relatable and inspiring characters that young readers can root for and connect with. 

Crafting memorable protagonists requires careful consideration of their traits, development, and challenges. When a delightful story for children of all ages contains well-rounded protagonists, they will surely be memorable. Madam’s Mini by Jeff Lucier is an excellent example of memorable protagonists in children’s books.

Here are some crucial points that describe what a memorable main character is like:

Relatability of Such Characters

Memorable protagonists are relatable to the target audience. They possess qualities, experiences, or struggles that children can identify with. Whether facing fears, navigating friendships, or dealing with family dynamics, relatable protagonists help children see themselves in the story. By incorporating relatable aspects, authors create an emotional connection that strengthens the reader-protagonist bond.

Complexity and Growth

Protagonists who undergo personal growth and transformation throughout the story are more likely to resonate with children. They start with flaws, fears, or challenges but evolve and learn from their experiences. This growth inspires young readers, showing them that change is possible and they can overcome obstacles. Authors create a more profound and engaging narrative by presenting complex, three-dimensional protagonists.

Unique Qualities

Memorable protagonists possess distinct qualities that set them apart. These qualities may be physical, such as unique appearances or abilities, or personality traits, like kindness, curiosity, or resilience. By highlighting these fantastic qualities, authors create characters that stand out in children’s minds, leaving a lasting impact and fostering admiration.

Facing Age-Appropriate Challenges

Protagonists should face challenges that are suitable for the target age group. These challenges can be emotional, physical, or social and should be relatable to the readers’ developmental stage. By presenting age-appropriate challenges, authors create opportunities for young readers to see how the protagonists navigate and overcome obstacles, inspiring them to tackle their own difficulties.

Moreover, they become more unforgettable when they go on adventures with a close friend. After all, we love some dynamic duos that make the story’s journey more enjoyable. They get to grow up together and face challenges without being alone.

Emotional Depth

Memorable protagonists evoke emotions in young readers. They experience various feelings, such as joy, fear, sadness, or excitement, which resonate with children’s emotional journeys. By portraying protagonists with emotional depth, authors create empathy and help children develop their emotional intelligence.

Characters that exhibit a wide range of emotions allow young readers to connect deeper, fostering empathy, self-reflection, and emotional growth. Through their emotional journeys, protagonists teach children about emotional intelligence.

Strong Motivations and Goals

Protagonists with clear motivations and goals provide a strong driving force for the story. Whether saving a friend, finding a lost treasure, or standing up for what is right, these motivations give purpose and direction to the protagonist’s actions. By establishing solid motivations and goals, authors create a sense of purpose that keeps young readers engaged and invested in the story.

Flawed and Authentic

Memorable protagonists could be better; they have flaws and make mistakes. These imperfections make them relatable and human, teaching children that even heroes have weaknesses. By portraying authentic characters, authors create opportunities for young readers to learn about empathy, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

Embracing characters’ imperfections allows children to accept themselves and others, fostering a sense of inclusivity and self-compassion. Through flawed and authentic characters, children’s fiction becomes a powerful tool for personal growth, understanding, and enjoyment, leaving a lasting impression on young readers for years.

A Character That Sticks to Children’s Minds

Creating memorable protagonists in children’s stories is a delicate art. Authors can craft characters that resonate with young readers by focusing on relatability, complexity, unique qualities, age-appropriate challenges, emotional depth, strong motivations, and authenticity. Memorable protagonists inspire, entertain, and provide valuable life lessons.

Through their journeys, young readers learn about resilience, empathy, and the power of personal growth. As authors, we are responsible for creating protagonists that captivate children’s hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impression that shapes their love for storytelling and reading.

The Timelessness of Family Recipes: Generations of Good Taste

Photo by Engin Akyurt

Eleanor Gaccetta’s Generations of Good Food is a beautiful example of how traditions, memories, and family recipes endure throughout time and space.

Family recipes are more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. They are a tangible link to our past. These recipes are passed down through generations. They hold the power to transport people back to moments that were cherished long ago. This reminds people of a lot of things: their grandparents’ kitchen, the scent of baked cookies, and the clamor of family gatherings.

Each dish tells a story, a chronicle of a family’s heritage, its triumphs and hardships, and its unique blend of flavors and customs. In the careful measurements and familiar techniques, we see the hands of our ancestors, their love and dedication poured into every creation.

The Timelessness of Family Recipes 

The preservation of family recipes serves as a bridge between generations. It’s what connects us to our roots and provides a sense of belonging. They’re a tangible reminder of the history of many families and a testament to the enduring power of food to bring people together.

As we gather around the table with family, sharing stories and savoring the flavors of our heritage, we create new memories that will be passed down to future generations. These recipes can become a cornerstone of our family identity, a source of comfort and connection in a world that is constantly changing.

The act of sharing family recipes is an act of love, a way of preserving our family’s culinary legacy and ensuring that its traditions live on. When we teach our children and grandchildren how to prepare these dishes, we are not just imparting culinary skills; we are imparting a piece of our family’s history, a legacy of love and connection.

As we gather in the kitchen, kneading dough, stirring sauces, and chopping vegetables, we create shared memories. These moments of shared learning and bonding are invaluable, strengthening the ties that bind us as a family.

Generations of Good Taste

Family recipes are a celebration of diversity, a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry that makes up families and communities. Each recipe brings with it a unique story, a glimpse into the culinary traditions of different cultures and backgrounds.

As we share these recipes with others, we break down barriers and foster understanding. We learn about different customs and traditions, and we discover the common ground that binds us together as human beings. Food has the power to transcend language and culture, uniting us in a shared appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

Family recipes are a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and connection. They are a testament to the fact that food is not just sustenance. As we cherish these recipes, we cherish the family and friends who shared them with us. We honor their legacy by continuing to prepare these dishes, ensuring that their love and memories live on through the generations.

So, let us continue to gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and the cherished flavors of our family recipes. In these recipes, we find a timeless connection to our past, a celebration of our present, and a promise for the future.

What You Can Do

Preserving family recipes is a meaningful way to honor your culinary heritage and pass down cherished traditions to future generations. If you are looking to contribute to the vast tapestry of family recipes, here are some approaches you might want to consider:

  1. Invest in a sturdy recipe box or a loose-leaf binder. Organize recipes by category, such as main courses, desserts, or baked goods.
  2. Scan or type your family recipes into a digital format. Consider using dedicated recipe management software or cloud storage platforms for easy access and organization.
  3. Add personal notes, anecdotes, and memories associated with each recipe. Share the stories behind the dishes, the people who created them, and the special occasions they were served for.
  4. Regularly cook and share your family recipes with loved ones. This will keep the traditions alive and create new memories around the table.
  5. Compile your family’s recipes into a beautifully designed and personalized cookbook. Include photos, illustrations, and handwritten notes to make it a cherished heirloom.
  6. Consider sharing your family’s recipes on online platforms like food blogs, social media, or dedicated recipe websites. This will help spread your family’s culinary legacy to a wider audience.

Read more family recipes in Eleanor Gaccetta’s Generations of Good Food, a beautiful example of how traditions and memories are passed on from generation to generation. Buy it on Amazon or visit her website at www.onecaregiversjourney.com for more information.

Getting Blamed for Nothing: I Am Innocent, I Swear!

Playing a Dangerous Game by Everett D. Wair, Sr. reminded me of a terrible and visceral experience a friend had to endure. In the end, he was getting blamed for nothing!

A false sexual harassment accusation is pretty weighty. It’s a burden that often seems insurmountable. And while the vast majority of accusations are credible—and should be investigated to the fullest extent of the law—when you are part of the small percentage that are falsely blamed, it’s damaging. When you are blamed for nothing, your reputation is shattered, your relationships are damaged (for some, irrevocably), and you are left feeling isolated and alone.

In the case of my friend, the accusation was made by a former colleague of his. She wasn’t from the same department he was; he never even had any physical or verbal interactions with her! And there she was, claiming that he made inappropriate advances towards her during a work event. Thankfully, when things were investigated and brought to court, her story was soon discovered to be riddled with inconsistencies! Also, there wasn’t even any corroborating evidence that was presented!

Getting Blamed for Nothing

Before his redemption, though, despite the initial lack of credibility, the accusation quickly spread through their workplace; it even spilled out to his community for a while. He was ostracized by his colleagues, and the promotion he was set to receive was put on hold. The emotional toll was immense. You could see it on his face. He was constantly on edge. He constantly felt like he was being watched and judged. And he lost hours of sleep. He couldn’t muster any appetite, and his motivation essentially fizzled up. His life was falling apart.

Yet, at some point, some strength found him. He knew he couldn’t give up. He had to fight back. It was a false accusation, and it wouldn’t define him. So, with my help, we hired an attorney and began the arduous process of gathering evidence to clear his name.

Investigations like these are long and harrowing. It took nearly half a year to get everything we could to uncover the truth. If you want to expose the baselessness of any accusation, you need to work your ass off. And, by Jove, we got my friend exonerated.

If the anxiety that ate him up before that was palpable, the relief that washed over him was equally so. 

But, even after his name was cleared, some damage had already been done. It would be insane to stay at his workplace after all the things it subjected him to. A silver lining would be, though, that we saw the true colors of some people.

While the experience left my friend with deep trauma, it also helped us understand the devastating impact of false sexual harassment accusations. Even though the courts may absolve you, the accusation lingers long after it’s been proven false.

I Am Innocent, I Swear!

False sexual harassment accusations can have far-reaching consequences. They destroy careers, relationships, and reputations. They can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. And they can even lead to suicide. Thankfully, my friend didn’t succumb to any of that.

In addition to these, false accusations have a chilling effect on society. They make people more hesitant to those who were falsely accused, especially in professional settings. These also lead to overcorrections, such as employers being afraid to discipline or fire employees for fear of being sued for sexual harassment.

Firstly, we have to improve the way we investigate these things. This includes ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly. It also means giving the accused the opportunity to defend themselves.

Secondly, we need to better educate people about the dangers of false accusations. This includes teaching people about the warning signs of false accusations and how to avoid making them. 

Lastly, we need to provide more support for those who have been falsely accused. This includes providing them with access to legal and emotional support. It also means helping them to rebuild their careers and relationships.

I believe that it’s important for people who have been falsely accused to speak out about their experiences. 

I also believe that it is important for people to be more understanding and supportive of those who have been falsely accused. 

Playing a Dangerous Game by Everett D. Wair, Sr. is a very cathartic narrative about a man doing all he can to fix a false accusation.

Top 10 Effective Ways to Deal with Stress

Photo by Diva Plavalaguna

There are several stressful factors that can affect your functionality and mental well-being; thus, finding the best ways to deal with stress should bring back your momentum in daily life.

Stress is a natural response to environmental stimuli that create mental tension. It affects one’s functionality, way of thinking, physical features, and behavior. Yes, when you search “stress” on the internet, you might find people holding on to their heads or pulling their heads out of anger and anxiety.

Fortunately, some people have already formulated some ways to cope with the anchoring effects of stress. “From Stressed to Blessed” by Cynthia D. Chase is a self-help book that provides its readers with ways to get rid of stress.

If you are still looking forward to de-stressing, here are our top 10 ways to deal with stress:

10. Exercise

Yeah, for gym rats and marathon trainees, this idea has always been a default. But here’s to some people who think, “What??? But I hate exercise!”

Exercising allows your body to release a hormone called endorphin, which improves your mood and makes you happy. It’s equivalent to eating your favorite chocolate without the stress of gaining more weight. So, for the gym haters out there, you can do this! You might want to start your exercise by walking around your space or stretching for a few minutes during breaks. Moving helps release endorphins!

9. Eat! 

Most people’s way of coping with stress is to eat a lot of food in their “I crave this” list. But you must see to it that you are eating healthy foods. Have a well-balanced diet. Minimize sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods. Treat your body with foodstuff high in nutrients that help minimize stress, such as B vitamins and magnesium. Eat your vegetables, fish, and whole grains. You may also treat yourself the magnesium-rich dark chocolate during your stressful time.

8. Tea Breaks

Relax. Have a tea break! Awaken the British royalty in you by giving yourself some time to have some tea breaks. Tea is a good way to hydrate when you are not a fan of just drinking water. Since tea has moderate amounts of caffeine and is less diuretic than coffee, it is as hydrating as water. However, our sweet-toothed fellows should also consider the amount of sugar they add to their tea.

7. Build Up Your Imagination in Paper

One way to cope with stress is to write it out. Stress becomes a mental constraint if one does not know how to express it or put it out. Writing is one of the best ways to get rid of the mental torture that you acquired from your stressor. It exercises your imagination to find a peaceful space within you, and exorcises the demon that is the stress lurking in your mind. Get a pen. Get a paper. Let your imagination free you from your mental chains.

6. Listen to the Rhythm of the Melody of Your Favorite Pieces of Music

Music is one of the 10 easy ways to manage and relieve stress. It’s like a way of calling your special guardian angel to target that heavy demon holding on to you. Listening to music actually helps in lowering your blood pressure, and releasing endorphins, lowering the stress-inducing hormone called cortisol. Let your angel of music sing! (queue The Phantom of the Opera)

5. Talk to Friends

Yes, it’s true! The power of friendship will get you through hard times. When you are feeling down, call your best friends and talk it out. Talking it out helps you release all your stress as you have people who will always listen to you.

4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Me-Time

Talking to friends is one way you can let out your stress. But who else can you talk to? Your bestest friend – yourself. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’re crazy. Yup! You are not the only one who does it. And did you know that talking to oneself is a sign of higher intelligence? Go, have yourself a me-time and talk to that smarty pants that looks back at you in the mirror.

3. Catch Some Zzzs

Oh yes! The much-needed sleep! It’s one of the first things people instinctually do when they are feeling stressed out. Sleep allows your body to shut off everything that may cause more stress and activates your immune system and hormone regulation. It relieves you from the mental constraints. Cuddle with your loved one and feel the coziness of your bed. Let the sheep drive it all away.

2. Clean and Organize Your Safe Space

Cleaning and organizing your space is also getting rid of the clutter in your mind. Put away the things that do not make you happy. A spacious area helps you breathe properly and achieve a good night’s sleep.

1. Meditate

Meditation helps you find your inner balance and take control of your inner self. Meditating allows you to keep yourself at bay and get rid of the bothersome mental constraints.

To learn more about meditation and dealing with stress, you may check out books like “From Stressed to Blessed” by Cynthia D. Chase can greatly help you towards healing and transformation.

Towards the Future: How Science Fiction Inspires Us

Photo by RF._.studio

After reading about Scott Harral’s glimpse into the near future as we inhabit the Moon in Moon Luck, I look towards the future and how science fiction inspires us.

In today’s world, thinking critically about the future is more important than ever. Constantly, our minds are bombarded with information about new technologies, emerging trends, and global challenges. It can be very difficult to keep up with all of this change, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

Yet, it is important to look towards the future and how it will affect our lives. But, of course, predicting where things are heading can be next to impossible. That’s why we look to science fiction to get an idea of how the world will look like.

Reading stories about the future is one way to make sense of our ever-changing world. Science fiction and other speculative fiction genres help us imagine different possibilities for the future. By reading about different scenarios, we can start to think about what we want the future to look like and how we can help shape it; in a sense, science fiction inspires us in how the future might look like.

How Science Fiction Inspires Us

There are many benefits to reading stories about the future. First, it can help us develop our imagination and creativity. We are forced to think outside of the box when we read about different worlds and possibilities, especially when it concerns recent trends in technology. 

Second, reading stories about the future can help us develop our critical thinking skills. When we read about different scenarios, we are forced to think about their implications. This helps us make better decisions about the trajectory of the future.

Third, reading science fiction helps us to learn to be more empathetic. When we read about the lives of others, especially those who will be most affected by the changes, we can start to understand their experiences and perspectives. This helps us build bridges and create a more inclusive future.

Additionally, reading stories about the future can be a lot of fun! Many great works of science fiction and other speculative fiction are entertaining and thought-provoking.

If you are looking for a way to think more critically about the future, please start reading stories about the future. You may be surprised at how much you learn and how much your perspective on the world changes.

Great Reads to Check Out

Here are a few of my favorite books and stories about the future:

  • Brave New World is Aldous Huxley’s classic story about the rise of a future global order and the secrets it hides.
  • Project Hail Mary is Andy Weir’s fictional account of what may happen when we finally reach other planets. 
  • The Ministry for the Future is Kim Stanley Robinson’s look at how we might fix the world, especially with regard to climate change.
  • The Three-Body Problem is Liu Cixin’s ultra-realistic prediction as to how an encounter with aliens is likely to play out.
  • Moon Luck is Scott Harral’s glimpse into the near future as we inhabit the Moon.

These are just a few of the many great works of science fiction and other speculative fiction. I encourage you to explore and find your favorites.

Towards the Future

Science fiction inspires us, and reading stories about the future is an excellent way of looking at the world critically. It can also help us envision a better and more inclusive world, one that is devoid of the ills of today. By reading whatever possibilities there are, especially when we consider recent trends and attitudes, we have the opportunity to take a stand in the present. 

We can start to think about what the future may look like to us and what concrete steps we can take to either prevent an outcome or better accommodate its possibility. 

In addition to reading books and stories, there are many other ways to learn about the future and where we’re headed, such as watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and attending lectures and conferences.

The more you know about the possibilities, the better equipped you will be to make informed decisions about your own life and the future of our planet.

The future is full of possibilities, and we must shape it into the future we all want.

Unforgettable Dynamic Duos in Children’s Adventure Books

Photo by Andrea Tummons on Unsplash

Children’s books have magnificently taught us the value of having someone by your side whom you can call a close friend in the adventure of life.

Children’s adventure literature contains tales of courageous protagonists on thrilling journeys. While these stories often feature epic quests, dangerous challenges, and fantastical worlds, one element that stands out and resonates with young readers is the enduring friendships formed between the characters in fantasy fiction books.

These dynamic duos enhance the narrative and teach valuable lessons about loyalty, support, and the power of companionship. Let’s look at these crucial points that discuss how the dual dynamics of friendships in adventure books describe the ideal relationships children should aspire to have.

Shared Adventures and Unbreakable Bonds

Friends forged through shared adventures are at the heart of many beloved children’s adventure books. Whether Harry Potter and Ron Weasley are navigating the magical world or Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee are traversing Middle Earth, these dynamic duos face daunting challenges, forming unbreakable bonds that resonate with readers. These friendships exemplify the importance of companionship and demonstrate how shared experiences can strengthen relationships.

Apart from the famous examples of fictional characters with remarkable friendships, Franklin the Fearless and His Greatest Treasure doesn’t fall short in that aspect. It’s a Thomas and Matthew Adventure that teaches young readers the value of hard work and imagination. 

Complementary Strengths and Teamwork

In children’s adventure books, dynamic duos often showcase distinct personalities and complementary strengths. For example, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson embody what teamwork is like. Holmes’ deductive skills, paired with Watson’s steadfast support, create a harmonious partnership, allowing them to overcome complex cases. These friendships teach children the value of working peacefully with others and how different strengths can contribute to successful outcomes.

Every person is unique, and life adventures would be boring if we were all exactly the same. That’s where our individual strengths and weaknesses come into play. We all complement each other, especially among true friends who lift each other up and become a source of strength.

After all, friendships come in different shapes and sizes; regardless of how we all meet our friends, genuine ones will complement us well. They will never force us to change who we are for their sake. Such friends accept our beauty and flaws and love us for being ourselves.

An All-Rounder Type of Support

Dynamic duos in children’s adventure books can provide support, especially during difficult times. An example of such a wholesome dynamic would be Winne the Pooh and Piglet’s unwavering friendship. Another is Katniss Everdeen and Rue’s bond in “The Hunger Games.” These friendships offer solace and encouragement in times of weakness and vulnerability. They teach children the importance of being there for others, providing comfort in difficult moments, and being there as allies.

Being a supportive person is fundamental to various relationships. In the case of friendship, however, the value of having friends is put on a pedestal because we need them to get through the motions of life. It’s safe to say that we wouldn’t make it without the love and support of our dear friends who stayed by our side even at our lowest. They are worth keeping and cherishing for the rest of time.

Having Friends Like That to Go On an Adventure With

Shared adventures with a good friend, especially between dynamic duos, are characterized by their unique journeys. The deep connections they formed over time contributed to that unbreakable bond.

Throughout their adventures, these dynamic duos encounter numerous challenges and obstacles. Whether battling powerful foes, solving intricate mysteries, or overcoming fear and trauma, they rely on each other’s strengths and perseverance. Their shared determination and mutual support in the face of adversity help solidify their bond and deepen their mutual trust.

Moreover, in many instances, such friends display a remarkable kind of selflessness. They are willing to sacrifice for their friend’s well-being or a more significant cause. They exemplify selflessness, putting their friend’s needs and safety above their own. These admirable sacrifices strengthen their bond and inspire young readers to understand the value of empathy, loyalty, and protecting those they care about.

Worldbuilding Tips: Creating an Urban Fantasy World

Photo by Kaique Rocha

The Black Shadow book series by Count Sigurd A. Olson presents readers with a vibrant and intricate urban fantasy world that establishes a setting that’s more than just magic and monsters.

Fantasy has a lot of subgenres—and we mean a lot–but one that’s been growing in popularity over the years is urban fantasy. 

Urban fantasy takes the tropes of traditional fantasy and juxtaposes them against a visibly modern setting. Basically, urban fantasy reimagines our world as hiding the magic—that beneath our concrete blocks, stifling traffic, and monotonous work life, there is something stranger and more magical, eking out an existence within the cracks (or even in plain sight).

The idea that there is a world hidden alongside ours is what urban fantasy is; it allows us to escape the doldrums of modern life without actually having to find another world to flee to. And this is a very appealing premise to a lot of us who’ve worked the 9-to-5 and found ourselves wanting to do something more exciting with our lives.

Common tropes you’ll find in an urban fantasy world include:

  • Supernatural creatures living in the modern world, often in secret.
  • Protagonists who are human, supernatural, or a combination of both.
  • Stories that explore the conflict between the supernatural world and the human world.
  • Settings familiar to the reader, such as modern cities or other real-world locations.
  • Real-life social and cultural issues in the worldbuilding and narrative.

Worldbuilding Tips

Urban fantasy can be tricky to write in. Odd, we know. Since urban fantasy is already based in the real world, surely your work’s cut out for you? Well, one thing with an urban fantasy world is that you have to be capable enough of balancing the fantastical with the realistic—because if you go too far enough in one end, then it begs the question: Why set in the real world in the first place?

So, before we dive into the specifics, here are some general worldbuilding tips:

  • Start small. Only try to build part of the secret world at a time. Start with a few key elements. Once you have a good foundation, you can flesh out the rest of the world.
  • Be consistent. Once you’ve established the rules of your world, stick to them. This will help to make your world feel more believable and immersive.
  • Find inspiration. You don’t have to invent everything from scratch. The great thing about urban fantasy is that it asks us what would happen if our urban legends and folklore were real.
  • Be creative. Worldbuilding is a chance to let your imagination run wild. Come up with new and unique ideas for your world–but keep them consistent with everything else.

Remember, you don’t have to build a perfectly detailed world before you start writing. It’s okay to leave some things vague. The important thing is to create a world that is believable and engaging.

Creating an Urban Fantasy World

If you’re looking to create an urban fantasy world, there are some tropes you need to consider—while these are not the only ways to look at what an urban fantasy world might look like, they have been present in almost every example we can find. Sufficed to say, these are traditional urban fantasy elements:

  • A modern urban setting: This provides a contrast between the familiar and the unfamiliar, which is one of the critical elements of the genre.
  • Supernatural elements: These include magical creatures, magic, or other paranormal phenomena.
  • A conflict between the mundane and the supernatural: This can be an external conflict, such as a battle between competing factions, or an internal conflict, such as a character struggling to balance their human and nonhuman sides.
  • Characters who bridge the two worlds: This could be a human who discovers they have magical powers, a supernatural creature trying to live in the human world, or a character who simultaneously exists in both worlds.

In addition to these essential elements, urban fantasy worlds also have other recurring components, such as:

  • A unique magic system
  • A hidden society of supernatural creatures
  • A dark and gritty setting
  • A noir or detective aesthetic

The Black Shadow book series by Count Sigurd A. Olson is set in an epic urban fantasy world with demons, angels, and everything in between.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started