Blog Archives
HOW TO HACK BACK YOUR MIND: Reclaim Control Over Your Life
In How to Hack Back Your Mind, Ramzi Najjar offers more than just insights into mental wellness; he provides a structured guide to understanding and mastering one’s cognitive processes. This book delves deep into the intricacies of the human brain, utilizing a blend of scientific research and logical analysis to demonstrate how our conscious and unconscious minds interact to influence our perceptions, choices, and behaviors.
Najjar’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. Unlike typical self-help books that may prescribe motivational mantras, Najjar chooses to present clear facts and practical strategies instead. He equips the reader with tools to access their subconscious, enabling them to overcome negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and societal pressures. This book doesn’t merely cheer you on; it acts as a comprehensive manual for integrating body, mind, and spirit in self-improvement. The author’s clarity of expression and methodical progression of ideas make the text both accessible and engaging. Each section logically flows into the next, bolstered by questions and relatable examples that maintain reader interest. Najjar employs a conversational tone throughout, effectively holding the reader’s attention with a compelling argumentation style grounded in evidence and expert opinions.
How to Hack Back Your Mind encourages readers to actively improve their mental faculties, offering specific techniques for doing so. Najjar’s insightful guidance is beneficial for those ready to take proactive steps toward managing stress and anxiety, navigating challenges, and achieving greater personal success. This book is a valuable resource for anyone motivated to make substantial changes in their life, providing the necessary momentum to transform understanding into action. It effectively stretches the limits of the mind, revealing the potential for personal growth and resilience.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0D22WKC6B
Sketches from a Sunlit Heaven
Sarah Law’s Sketches from a Sunlit Heaven offers a multifaceted glimpse into the life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Carmelite nun who died in 1897 at the age of 24. This historical fiction is uniquely structured, narrated through the distinct voices of six characters—four sisters, one cousin, and a correspondent—who were close to Thérèse in her final years. These perspectives span several decades, from their youthful days to old age, marking the passage of time against the backdrop of two world wars and significant societal changes.
The novel employs a first-person narrative for each protagonist, presenting their stories in the present tense, which imbues the historical narrative with an immediate and compelling quality. This stylistic choice, while unusual, adds a vivid sense of unfolding drama to the narrative. Each character is richly drawn, with distinct voices that reflect their unique responses to life’s joys and hardships. As an artist, I found a particular resonance with Céline, whose passion for painting mirrors my own. The poetic language throughout the book enhances its atmospheric quality, leaving a lasting impression with beautifully crafted phrases such as “I see her as a timeless portrait, her pale face swathed in her white veil.”
The novel’s dynamic structure, which alternates between characters’ viewpoints, offers brief yet insightful glimpses into each protagonist’s life before transitioning to the next. This approach invites readers to engage deeply, piecing together the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that form the heart of the narrative. While it demands attentiveness, this method enriches the storytelling by providing a varied and comprehensive portrayal of the characters’ interconnected lives. Law weaves a tapestry of themes—illness, sin, Catholicism, prayer, love, war, loss, friendship, and family—against a convincingly depicted historical backdrop. The portrayal of letter writing and the impact of war is particularly effective in grounding the story in its period.
For those who appreciate historical fiction with a religious dimension and for readers drawn to emotionally charged, lyrical writing, Sketches from a Sunlit Heaven offers a memorable exploration of human resilience and the enduring power of memory. The novel’s unique structure and evocative prose are sure to leave a resounding impact.
Pages: 327 | ASIN : B0BHBVC4RN
What if He’s a Space Alien
Insecticide: A Republican Romance follows the Bush family in an alternative timeline where history and the supernatural coexist, and conspiracy theories become real. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It’s hard to pinpoint a single inspiration! Frustration with both Bush presidencies, back in the day, was obviously the original inspiration. And, more broadly in the decades since, fear of pro- and proto-fascist tendencies in America (and the world) at large. It’s simply amazing to me that so many people want jackboots—in the name of freedom!
The inspiration for the weird supernatural sci-fi/fantasy stuff came from my reading on W. Averell Harriman: who was this guy, and where did he come from, and how did he amass so much wealthy and political power so fast? All I had to do was think “what if he’s a space alien,” and then “what if he’s a 10,000-year-old space bug from ancient Atlantis,” and all the rest of it started propagating: Lincoln as an ancient Lemurian beetle living at the bottom of a lake in Texas with his devil-water-cow Bessie, the fascists supported by beetles and the progressives supported by fish, the John Wilkes Booths, the woolly mammoths, etc.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The divergent political conceptions of freedom: freedom for everybody, or freedom for just us. The clash between power&wealth and values. The ways in which the “little guy” gets chewed up in the quest for power and wealth—even when the “little guy” is a prominent player like George Bush (father or son).
In fact the biggest surprise for me, writing the book with the Georges Bush father and son narrating it, was my growing sympathy for them. I wrote the book to satirize them, and didn’t expect to identify with them—with their general cluelessness and haplessness, their sense that they are being manipulated and chewed up by insidious forces beyond their ken.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
Texas has complex symbolic resonances for me. My mother’s father came from Texas, and my mother spent the most wonderful summers of her childhood there. And yet Texas is also one of the most draconian havens for fascist politics: radical abortion and travel bans, scary gun-carry laws—oh, and of course Ted Cruz. And since there was once a Republic of Texas, and right-wing Texans love to talk about seceding, it made sense to have them secede and create a new Republic of Texas as an unabashed police state. And of course, as you mention, it was loads of fun to turn existing conspiracy theories into historical “fact,” and invent lots of new ones. How did it change? Well, obviously there had to be progressive pushback against the police state; but introducing the supernatural elements and linking Lincoln and the fish with the progressive resistance made the whole thing a lot more fun.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’m writing a flash-fiction novel titled Lord Trump the Undead. In it Donald Trump loses the 2024 election, stages another coup, and is accidentally killed by friendly fire. A pair of sci-fi Resuscitation Drones (thanks to The Expanse by James S.A. Corey for this!) collects the pieces and brings him back to “life”—but he is now undead. He becomes the undead deity of the Church of Trump, with tens of millions of true believers who have a hologram image of him talking and dancing in their living rooms. The events of the novel take place in 2074, with clashes between the Church of Trump and the nefarious Trump Haters, and lots of sci-fi/fantasy weirdness.
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After all, the novel suggests that W. Averell “Dogsbody” Harriman convinced Prescott Bush to set up a new Republic of Texas in 1931. That obviously didn’t happen. None of it did.
So, a boilerplate work-of-fiction disclaimer for us would include at least the following: Prescott Bush wasn’t a closet Nazi, George Bush the Elder wasn’t a CIA tool, George Bush the Younger wasn’t an early cloning experiment gone bad, and Dogsbody Harriman wasn’t a giant 10,000-year-old bug from under the sea. Abraham Lincoln isn’t still alive, chilling at the bottom of a lake in Texas with his devil-water-cow Bessie. Lincoln was never a giant beetle from ancient Lemuria. And, of course, a spray can of insecticide decidedly did not wipe out all reality at the stroke of midnight, 1999. Y2K bug our asses!
In short, don’t believe a word you read in this book.
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Douglas Robinson is neither a former Professor of Ichthyorhetoric at Liberal State University in Kansas (a land-locked state!) nor sadly deceased. Nor is he the author of The Seventeen Most Explosive Ichthyotopoi or the best-selling comic book Fish Rhetoric for Dummies. He is certainly not the celebrated host of the podcast Why Fish Argue (And Why You Should Care). His previous original novel with Atmosphere Press was a pseudotranslation of J. I. Vatanen’s The Last Days of Maiju Lassila.
And It Sinks In
Bobby, Lord of Acton Waters is the story of an entitled young ruler who learns a valuable lesson in human decency when he travels the country alongside a minstrel. Where did the idea for this story come from?
When I started this story I wasn’t thinking of teaching any lessons. I thought it would be funny to imagine the naughtiest kid in the world. I myself had been so conventional that I envied kids who couldn’t spell. But after the first chapter Bobby’s outrageousness got less and less amusing. I found myself wondering, “Could a kid find out for himself, without prompting, why it makes sense to be grateful to your parents and considerate to everyone else?” Bobby does have teachers, of course — the people he meets on the road. But all of their teaching is done by example. And it sinks in.
What were some driving ideals behind young Bobby’ character’s development?
As the story progressed it taught me what I care about most. Spelled out this would be horribly corny, the kind of thing that is carved over the doorways of public buildings. But within the dynamic of the story, delivered with a smile, it sounds pretty convincing.
Do you have a favorite scene from this story? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
My favorite scenes involve the villain of the story, the highway robber Rembert the Ruthless. Although his actions are cruel he is in many ways an innocent baby. His faithful girlfriend Florizel appreciates this, and my protagonists use it to defeat him.
Can young readers look forward to more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have written a sequel, not yet in print. Bobby, now 12, serves as a secret conduit between King Stephen and the common people of London, helping to push England toward democracy. It has far more action than Bobby, Lord of Acton Waters, more danger and suspense. If that sequel attracts readers I am thinking about the next one: At 13 Bobby has been rewarded by the King with more power and responsibility. He has to bring the special insights of a teenager to this new role.
One thing eludes Bobby. He can’t order people to like him. One day a wandering minstrel comes to town – Fahd, from faraway North Africa. He sings for small change and cures minor ailments. He has no possessions, but he quickly acquires a hundred fans and friends. What’s his secret?
Bobby vows to find out. He hits the road, destination unknown, as Fahd’s assistant. Travelers, as they walk along, tell about their lives, and Bobby starts to feel a new sympathy for his fellow humans. He and Fahd then quit the music business and launch a grand risky scheme to make the world a better place.
A Multidimensional Field
Burst the Bubble offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the pharmaceutical industry, including its different career paths, qualifications, and employment trends. What inspired you to write a book on this topic?
Writing “Burst the Bubble” was driven by my fascination with the pharmaceutical industry’s complexity and its profound impact on our lives. I was particularly inspired by the idea that many people view this sector from a very narrow perspective—either as purely scientific or purely commercial. I wanted to unpack the nuances and explore the myriad career paths, qualifications, and evolving trends that shape this dynamic industry.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the crucial ideas I wanted to convey is the accessibility of pharmaceutical careers. It’s a field often perceived as exclusive to those with a specific scientific background, but in reality, it’s multidimensional, with roles in ethics, policy, marketing, and more. Highlighting these opportunities was essential to me, hoping to inspire a broader audience to consider how they might contribute to this field.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
During my research, I was surprised by the rapid pace of innovation and its implications for employment trends. For instance, the integration of artificial intelligence in drug development and personalized medicine is creating new career paths that didn’t exist a decade ago. This evolving landscape challenges the traditional notions of what it means to work in pharmaceuticals.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Burst the Bubble?
Ultimately, I hope readers take away a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical industry’s breadth and potential. Whether they are looking for a career change or simply curious about the industry, I want “Burst the Bubble” to challenge their assumptions and encourage them to think about how they could impact this crucial sector.
Author Links: GoodReads
To make the reading experience interactive, the book incorporates question processes that guide readers in discovering the most suitable career within the clinical research landscape. Additionally, it offers a glimpse into the daily routines of specific roles, providing a firsthand account of the challenges and rewards inherent in each position.
The recurring theme of “Benefit or Bust” underscores the importance of understanding the industry’s nuances and making strategic choices for a successful and fulfilling career. Furthermore, the book goes beyond entry-level insights, catering to individuals who have experience in the field but may have only seen it from a limited perspective.
With a commitment to sharing insider knowledge and trade secrets, “Burst the Bubble” aims to empower readers with the information needed to navigate the complexities of the clinical research industry and thrive in their chosen careers. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to break into the field or a seasoned professional seeking a more comprehensive understanding, this book is your guide to unlocking the full potential of a career in clinical research.
Hero
Danielle Bouthillier’s Hero is a vivid exploration of the superhero genre that captivates with its cinematic narrative and complex characters. The cover initially drew me in, and the contents did not disappoint, offering a gripping journey from the first page to the last.
The novel strikes a unique balance, making it accessible and enjoyable for both teens and adults. Although some passages challenge the reader with their complexity, the overall suspenseful plot and the palpable tension more than compensate for this. Bouthillier skillfully brings her characters to life with authenticity and depth, even within the bounds of fiction.
Each character, particularly Hero, the unconventional superhero, embodies a distinct archetype, adding layers to the narrative. Their struggles and secrets are portrayed with such realism that they become the story’s heart, holding my attention firmly in their grasp. What distinguishes Hero is its innovative take on superheroes. It delves into their vulnerabilities and complexities rather than just their strengths, offering a fresh perspective that enriches the genre. The mixture of science fiction, drama, and romance further enhances the story, presenting a multifaceted tapestry of themes and emotions. Bouthillier’s use of imagery and playful wordplay in depicting emotions and scenes is particularly noteworthy, adding a poetic quality to the narrative.
For those interested in a nuanced and engaging twist on traditional superhero tales, Hero by Danielle Bouthillier is a compelling choice. Its fresh perspective and rich, emotive language make it a standout read that both entertains and provokes thought.
Pages: 215 | ASIN : B0D2ZBTDC7
A Maiden’s Wish
In A Maiden’s Wish: A Novella, Alyssa Charpentier crafts a compelling narrative centered around sisters Bayelle and Evora, who are offered a glimpse of a better life through the intervention of a powerful shaman. The sisters quickly learn that wishes and reality diverge as their dreams begin to crumble, leading them to a poignant exploration of the true value of desires and the inevitable repercussions of their choices.
Charpentier’s storytelling shines as she delves deep into character development, ensuring that both sisters emerge from the narrative fully realized, each with a distinct presence and growth arc. The relationship between Bayelle and Evora is particularly well-drawn, capturing the complex dynamics and unconditional support inherent in sisterly bonds. While the novella offers just a glimpse of its magical setting, the enchantment within its pages captivates, suggesting vast, untapped depths that hint at further mysteries to explore. This element adds an intriguing layer to the sisters’ adventures, inviting readers to imagine the endless possibilities within this world. The magic present is intriguing and enriches the backdrop of the sisters’ journey.
A Maiden’s Wish is an engaging exploration of maturity and the lessons learned from the choices we make. It thoughtfully reflects on the inherent magic of shaping one’s destiny and the profound bonds of sisterhood. This novella is a heartwarming read that resonates with those who appreciate personal growth and familial love stories.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0D29VX78Y
LITERARY TITAN 