Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

From earthquakes to nuclear war, humankind is faced with threats to its survival from multiple sources, both natural and manmade. Michel Bruneau examines this sobering theme in detail in The Blessings of Disaster: The Lessons that Catastrophes Teach Us and Why Our Future Depends On It. Topics covered span everything from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, extreme weather, biological hazards, and terrorist attacks to the possibility of an economic collapse and World War III. The knock-on effects should also not be underestimated. A common factor is that preventative action is often too late and instituted after the event. The author reviews legislation such as building regulations and construction methods, concluding that more should be done to prevent or mitigate the extent of disasters. The inability to predict these events with any accuracy is also evaluated. This is where the politicians step in, often citing a lack of funding for what should be regarded as timely warnings and prudent precautions. There is an inherent conflict in that lives and property damage must be weighed up against higher costs involved, and lower profits by vested commercial interests. Ultimately the public must pay, but are both resistant and complacent. The role of the media and entertainment industry has muddied the water by sensationalizing and misrepresenting disasters, relegating them to distant events that seem unreal and non-threatening to the viewer.

Michel Bruneau is a professional engineer and a specialist in earthquakes, so a study of that phenomenon takes center stage, particularly as earthquakes pose a regular and tangible threat. The Blessings of Disaster highlights the lack of disaster planning by those in authority and the apathy of the general population. Climate change and its dire consequences are evaluated, as well as the impact of overpopulation on the environment. Even pets and farm animals contribute to climate change, just one of many interesting facts. The author catalogs all the possible doomsday scenarios, pondering the age-old question as to whether God’s will is somehow involved as some would have us believe. End-times theories abound, giving rise to a sense of fatalism and inevitability that leads to inaction. This book does not set out to be negative or claim to be a definitive work on the subject. It is a strident call to humanity to wake up, be prepared, and take action. It is thus a valuable tool in creating public awareness. As the title suggests, it may take a major catastrophe to change attitudes, but ultimately good can come of it. The book is painstakingly researched and comes with a long list of sources, plus an index. It is highly recommended for those who are concerned about our future.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Amazing Alaska! by Marianne Jennings is an incredible way to learn about Alaska, starting with basic information and ending with odd Alaskan laws. These various facts highlight a new perspective of Alaska by showing its history and scenery. Learn about why there is a law to prevent pushing moose out of planes, discover that Alaska has no statewide sales tax, and explore the vast landscape in this easy-to-read guide. This well-organized book breaks down different facets of Alaska that cover well-known to lesser-known insights about the state, such as being known as the Last Frontier and having over twenty official languages.

This is an ideal resource from Marianne Jennings with tidbits that are often humorous and intriguing. Some of the more unusual ones include midnight sun baseball games, ice worms on glaciers, ice golf, and the working sled dogs of Denali National Park. The book features a few places such as Lake Clark that can only be reached via boat or air. It teaches various aspects of the Alaskan way of life, describing the clothes worn, plugging in vehicles to keep them from freezing, and the reindeer running event. These different aspects give a well-rounded view of Alaska with information that covers the food and drink (birch syrup and maktak), explores the history (the gold rush and the potato as currency), and even notable figures such as Wyatt Earp and Jack London.

Amazing Alaska! also features superstitions like the Alaska Triangle where mysterious disappearances occur, the Alaskan Bigfoot, Amikuk, Kustaka, and Adlet. The book includes easy-to-find facts and each chapter follows a specific topic, such as wildlife, and sled dog races. You can learn about Alaska’s traditions and culture, like the Aurora Ice Museum, spirit houses, the great bathtub race, and the ice worm festival. Various photos are included, which provide humorous and insightful visuals. Amazing Alaska! is a useful guide filled with details and quirky laws found in this stunning state. It is perfect for travelers, students, and those interested in learning more about Alaska.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

And She Was Never the Same Again: A Multigenerational Memoir is a work of non-fiction in the grief, self-help, and memoir subgenres. Penned by author Natasha Pryde Trujillo, Ph.D., this intriguing work delves into the profound impacts of loss across generations, cultures, and identities. Through narratives spanning near-death experiences, trauma, chronic illness, and the stigmatized death of a partner, the book explores the complexities of grief and its enduring effects on individuals and families. Each chapter offers a poignant exploration of loss, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals navigate their sorrow and showing that we are both unique and united in our experiences of grief.

Author Natasha Pryde Trujillo has done a lot of soul-searching to craft a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant memoir on a very difficult topic indeed. I enjoyed how the narrative brought together personal tales but also invited readers to examine the multifaceted nature of grief from a range of different viewpoints. The synthesis at the end of each chapter provides valuable insights into the manifestation and maintenance of grief over time, leading to a deeper understanding of the grieving process. I felt this organizational touch would be highly useful to those wanting to refer back to the passages that impacted them most. More than a mere memoir, this book serves as a profound educational tool, encouraging readers to confront their own experiences of loss and embrace the complexities of the human condition. Overall, I would certainly recommend And She Was Never the Same Again as a well-penned work that challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of grief and offers a path toward healing and growth.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis by Katherine Schweit addresses the thorny issue of guns and gun violence. The author has had a noteworthy career, from being in the media to obtaining a law degree and serving as a special agent with the FBI. When the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred, she was chosen as a member of the team to help find a solution. Their report spanning fourteen years of incidents indicated an increase in shootings from an average of 6.4 to around 16.4 annually, yet no one seemed to take note of the escalating problem. When there is a shooting, it is followed by mass anger and numerous calls to support the victims, but generally, it ends there. What is the responsibility of the government and citizens in addressing this issue? This work examines the various issues such as pathways to violence, who, and why.

Stop the Killing by Katherine Schweit contains a wealth of information. The author acknowledges that this is a multifaceted issue that needs to be addressed from many different perspectives. For this reason, this book stood out from most of the others I have read. I found it to be thought-provoking on a variety of levels, such as the role of leadership, the mass media, and the Internet in maintaining a healthy balance in society. I also loved the way that the author provided comprehensive statistics and copious references, indicating that the book is well-researched and can be used as a guide to finding other resources on this subject. The readers will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes it accessible to all types of readers. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Matthew Hess used to think it was impossible to have a work-life balance. Many people question if quiet quitting is ethical. In Quiet Quit & Fully Live, Matthew explains how he found his life balance by quiet quitting. He also shares how to do it with a clear conscience because it can be done very ethically. In this wonderful book, he gives steps that anyone can take that will benefit their personal life and relationships and their employer. Matthew reminds the reader that quiet quitting is not being lazy or failing to fulfill your job description. It sets boundaries for any extra work you might take on. As well as describing the benefits of quiet quitting, Matthew addresses its potential drawbacks. The reader needs to adjust each suggestion in this book to fit their unique needs. Because many people face struggles with stress, Matthew suggests ways to reduce it. I highly recommend this book and wish it had been around when I was younger.

In Quiet Quit & Fully Live by Matthew Hess, you will find invaluable advice that will benefit your life in more ways than you can imagine. Matthew’s writing flows well and makes you want to keep reading. The suggestions that Matthew shares will be a major influence on your life for positive change. This book explains the ins and outs of quiet quitting. It also equips the reader to transition successfully from work disengagement to a positive, productive, engaged work style. I think this book should be read by every employee, as it would positively influence the world’s workforce. It would be wise for employers to read this book and have the company’s trainer teach employees how to be more effective by quiet quitting. If I could give this book six out of five stars, I would.

Reviewed by Leonard William Smuts for Readers' Favorite

As the world enters increasingly turbulent times, corporate security is threatened by new and diverse challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism, kidnapping, natural disasters, social unrest, health-related issues, and many more. Dr. Karen Hardy has gathered together a team of industry experts to give readers an overview of areas that must be addressed to identify and mitigate risks to their enterprises. The various chapters deal with aspects of the organization such as resilience, continuity, compliance, and monitoring. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it unique threats that have tested corporate adaptability. It has also exposed weaknesses in the supply chain and threats to the health of employees. Global awareness is thus vital. As companies become more reliant on information technology, they must protect client confidentiality as well as have backup plans in place for data recovery and protecting themselves against ransomware. Flip This Risk for Enterprise Security takes readers through a variety of processes that will help them examine their risk profile, identify potential threats, and formulate a coordinated response and recovery plan. Top management buy-in is essential and a multi-disciplinary approach is advocated.

Flip This Risk for Enterprise Security is designed to be a user-friendly guide to the issues likely to be encountered. The advice provided is both sound and based on many years of practical experience by the contributors, who are all experts in their fields. I particularly liked the chapter on executive security, which highlights overlooked aspects such as what family members post on social media that could compromise home security. The tips on international travel include a checklist and were equally useful. The point is made that while security can be boring in terms of daily routine, it should not be taken for granted. The question is asked of management as to whether being in charge is actually being in control. An interesting debate is the need to balance risk with profit, but security should never be underfunded. In the final analysis, security is everybody’s responsibility and advance planning will give any organization the ability to respond appropriately. Dr. Karen Hardy, herself an authority, has put together a well-written and informative guide that will greatly assist enterprises in planning strategically. The book sets out to be a compact publication and in this, it succeeds admirably.

Reviewed by Tanja Jurkovic for Readers' Favorite

Who Are You, Really? The Search for Authenticity by Ray LeCara Jr. is an insightful and concisely written self-help book that takes the reader on a journey of self-realization, and a quest for authenticity. As today’s world is becoming saturated with all kinds of information, it is easy to be confused by the expectations of contemporary society, with its ever-changing rules and advice on how to keep up with the overwhelming world around us. The author eloquently emphasizes the fact that one’s authenticity can easily be lost, and he suggests wonderful and simple ways to regain our originality to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

The concept of the book is helpful and straightforward, providing genuine advice that Ray LeCara Jr. offers as a road map for starting the process of finding one’s authenticity. What I liked the most is the space that he gives us in the book for making daily notes to record our progress in finding our authentic selves. Who Are You, Really? is a beautiful and inspirational little handbook full of practical guidance on how to achieve your goals in life, how to react to tough situations, and finally how to avoid losing yourself in this busy modern world in which we live. This is a definite recommendation to help people learn more about themselves and others in the process.

Reviewed by Grace Ruhara for Readers' Favorite

Let's be frank. We are tired of those boring lectures, presentations, and public speeches that send us to sleep once the speaker opens their mouth. Shane Read's Winning at Public Speaking gives you the willpower to become that courageous, convincing, enthusiastic, and persuasive speaker you admire and want to be. Shane takes us through the essential aspects of what one should do, overcome, or know before and during a speech. One of the important topics he discusses is fear and how to overcome it. The author goes on to advise on how to persuade your audience to connect with you as you incorporate exciting stories, creative and memorable visual aids, and gestures to convince the audience to agree with and understand your message. Read also discusses the seven principles of public speaking that must be followed. He also emphasizes that after learning what mistakes to avoid, you must practice, practice, practice.

I enjoyed many aspects of this book, making the reading experience educational and entertaining because it incorporates the author's personal experiences and those of famous lawyers. This demonstrated that public speaking can be eloquent, courageous, and enthusiastic enough to convince the audience while holding their attention. The author conducted extensive research to provide us with factual, objective evidence that has been tested. The different examples provide insight into what made these great speakers and lawyers successful. Finally, the experiences made the author's work realistic, credible, and appealing to the reader. I also loved the further reading at the end of every chapter for those who would want more information on that specific topic. I recommend Winning at Public Speaking by Shane Read to readers who want to venture into public speaking since the book will equip you with tips and principles on being a great speaker.

Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite

The Captivating Public Speaker: Engage, Impact, and Influence Your Audience Every Time by Peter George is a comprehensive guide. It appealed to me straight away as I always want to dig deeper into topics and improve what I do. As a speaker and also as a teacher, I benefited immensely from the author’s advice, experience, and comprehensive guidance. It is everything that was advertised and much more. The author explores all the areas that could prove difficult from before the talk to well afterward. He also focuses on the audience, not only on the speaker and the talk itself. This is excellent thinking as we do not usually get such complete and deep analysis. To top it all, this book is extremely well-written, engaging, fun, and serious at the same time.

The Captivating Public Speaker by Peter George is a fabulous guide that I highly recommend and that I would have loved to read before I gave my TEDx talk in Rennes, France! However, as I keep giving talks and am in front of an audience most days of the year as a teacher and trainer, it is still going to help me greatly. I already know that I will change a few things in the future. For instance, I will focus much more on the audience, manage my nerves (not my strongest suit) and try to tame the power of the pause. I will re-read passages as I get ready for talks and try Peter’s methods. Thank you so much for such an effective and amazing book that I’ll use regularly and promote without hesitation.

Reviewed by Grace Ruhara for Readers' Favorite

Most institutions with a large labor force in the same environment clash at some point because of their differences. This, therefore, creates toxicity that interferes with the proper functioning of the institution. Oops, My Team is Toxic by Amy Newfield is one of the best self-help books I have ever read. It helps you recognize these bad habits and take steps to stop them. The book tackles topics such as what toxic traits are and the cycle of toxicity that involves getting hired, being excited to be part of the crew, an increase in workload, no praise from leaders, gossiping and bullying, having busy days that lead to burning out, having fewer salaries, and finally quitting. It shows examples of toxic traits and how to deal with them in different ways. Amy Newfield also talks about what happens when people have these traits and how to stop them from being toxic in institutions. Some strategies that I found most applicable and relatable were embracing conflicts and criticism—changing the negative culture of the group members, and cultivating positivity.

What I liked about Oops, My Team is Toxic by Amy Newfield is that she details her own relatable experiences and gives different scenarios she found herself in and how she handled them. The book not only offers you information on the different toxic traits and how to curb them but also goes deeper into how you can approach the situations and gives you examples of the exact wording for how to say things. This is very helpful, especially to leaders and members who are inexperienced in this or this is their first time solving such matters in the workplace. Most of them will need to learn precisely what to say and how to say it. Therefore I recommend this book to everyone that works primarily in busy companies. You will discover some toxic traits you never knew you had or did not know were toxic, like lack of motivation and no voice. This helps you to scrutinize yourself and act accordingly.