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Recommend this book:
Property of the Revolution
From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town—A Memoir
Ana Hebra Flaster
2025 Finalist
312 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Property of the Revolution by Ana Hebra Flaster is a memoir of Flaster's family life in Cuba before, during, and after the Cuban Revolution. Growing up in Havana, she recalls the vibrant community that was torn apart by politicking. Her family, especially her mother, faced growing disillusionment with the revolution, while her aunt remained a steadfast supporter. In 1967, Flaster’s family was forced to leave Cuba, enduring interrogations and hardships as they resettled in Miami. They later moved to New York, where Flaster’s father worked tirelessly to support them despite issues with other Cuban exiles. Flaster’s mother worked factory jobs, and their cultural adjustments were marked by difficult financial struggles. The family eventually settled in New Hampshire, where strain, poverty, and harsh winters followed. The memoir intertwines personal experiences with reflections on the impact of exile, generational trauma, and the immigrant journey in America.
Ana Hebra Flaster’s Property of the Revolution is a beautifully intimate and raw portrayal of a family’s survival under Cuba’s oppressive regime. Through clear and straightforward storytelling, Flaster captures the harsh realities of rationing, the black market, and the emotional toll of exile, as well as the problems that often accompany immigrant experiences. As a person who moved from a non-English speaking third-world country myself, I connected with Flaster in a way that I didn't expect. Her literary portrait of culture shock, especially between her Cuban roots and her American life, is so on point that it came across as not just relatable, but personal. It does end well, although I won't give away how, but readers are so fortunate to have such a strong voice on the Cuban-American experience. This memoir is bigger than a historical account; it is a deeply emotional journey of self-discovery and healing. Very highly recommended.
Property of the Revolution by Ana Hebra Flaster is a memoir of Flaster's family life in Cuba before, during, and after the Cuban Revolution. Growing up in Havana, she recalls the vibrant community that was torn apart by politicking. Her family, especially her mother, faced growing disillusionment with the revolution, while her aunt remained a steadfast supporter. In 1967, Flaster’s family was forced to leave Cuba, enduring interrogations and hardships as they resettled in Miami. They later moved to New York, where Flaster’s father worked tirelessly to support them despite issues with other Cuban exiles. Flaster’s mother worked factory jobs, and their cultural adjustments were marked by difficult financial struggles. The family eventually settled in New Hampshire, where strain, poverty, and harsh winters followed. The memoir intertwines personal experiences with reflections on the impact of exile, generational trauma, and the immigrant journey in America.
Ana Hebra Flaster’s Property of the Revolution is a beautifully intimate and raw portrayal of a family’s survival under Cuba’s oppressive regime. Through clear and straightforward storytelling, Flaster captures the harsh realities of rationing, the black market, and the emotional toll of exile, as well as the problems that often accompany immigrant experiences. As a person who moved from a non-English speaking third-world country myself, I connected with Flaster in a way that I didn't expect. Her literary portrait of culture shock, especially between her Cuban roots and her American life, is so on point that it came across as not just relatable, but personal. It does end well, although I won't give away how, but readers are so fortunate to have such a strong voice on the Cuban-American experience. This memoir is bigger than a historical account; it is a deeply emotional journey of self-discovery and healing. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Quantum Prayer
An Inspiring Guide to Love, Healing, and Creating the Best Life Possible
Joshua Kai
2025 Honorable Mention
113 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Quantum Prayer: An Inspiring Guide to Love, Healing, and Creating the Best Life Possible by Dr. Joshua Kai is an uplifting and insightful guide through which the author shares how to unlock the keys of self-transformation within each one of us. The techniques and suggestions in the book help readers to explore in an easily understandable way the power of positive prayer, healing vibrations, and quantum energy. The author’s personal story provides perspective on how to utilize quantum prayer in our lives to manifest, create, heal, prosper, and discover everybody’s life’s purpose. Creation always happens with quantum prayer and that helps to create, arrange, and rearrange elements to give the intended result.
The book is all about faith, self-discovery, healing, love, and empowerment. Humanity and the planet are evolving and progressing at a very fast pace and quantum prayer helps us to become more consciously aware and to utilize the higher dimensional frequencies for creating. I like the way the author speaks about the topic and takes readers to new dimensions of consciousness. The power of positive thoughts is reiterated so that readers will choose to always think positively and place their intentions in whatever they wish to create, whether it is healing, abundance, love, or joy. All the suggestions are easy to understand and practice, and can be used in the evolutionary process. This book will help readers look at life with a different perspective. In an era of transition, this book is definitely a must-read as readers will be able to experience and witness a considerable change in their lives with the help of quantum prayer.
The Quantum Prayer: An Inspiring Guide to Love, Healing, and Creating the Best Life Possible by Dr. Joshua Kai is an uplifting and insightful guide through which the author shares how to unlock the keys of self-transformation within each one of us. The techniques and suggestions in the book help readers to explore in an easily understandable way the power of positive prayer, healing vibrations, and quantum energy. The author’s personal story provides perspective on how to utilize quantum prayer in our lives to manifest, create, heal, prosper, and discover everybody’s life’s purpose. Creation always happens with quantum prayer and that helps to create, arrange, and rearrange elements to give the intended result.
The book is all about faith, self-discovery, healing, love, and empowerment. Humanity and the planet are evolving and progressing at a very fast pace and quantum prayer helps us to become more consciously aware and to utilize the higher dimensional frequencies for creating. I like the way the author speaks about the topic and takes readers to new dimensions of consciousness. The power of positive thoughts is reiterated so that readers will choose to always think positively and place their intentions in whatever they wish to create, whether it is healing, abundance, love, or joy. All the suggestions are easy to understand and practice, and can be used in the evolutionary process. This book will help readers look at life with a different perspective. In an era of transition, this book is definitely a must-read as readers will be able to experience and witness a considerable change in their lives with the help of quantum prayer.
Recommend this book:
Maya Blue
A Memoir of Survival
Brenda Coffee
2025 Bronze Medal
280 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Golder Hazelton for Readers' Favorite
Brenda Coffee’s Maya Blue is a memoir of unusual strength, resilience, resonance, and purpose. Her story reads like a mainstream thriller but her voice is so candid and conversational that readers will invest unconditional trust in even the most alarmingly shocking sections of her narrative. Coffee’s hard-won status as a perpetual survivor on multiple fronts infuses Maya Blue with a tenacity and determination that colors each chapter with the precise cliffhanger energy most often displayed in works of popular fiction. At times, astonished readers will do well to stop reading for a moment and remind themselves that the experiences of this remarkable woman and brilliant storyteller are distilled from real life rather than the sweeping imagination of a titan of fiction.
Maya Blue, a seemingly eternal pigment favored by the ancient Mayans to represent their spiritual center, is the perfect metaphor for Coffee’s extraordinary courage and tenacity. The events and scenery of Maya Blue are truly breathtaking, but perhaps even more so is Coffee’s emotional and psychological journey. She goes from being a capable and highly intelligent young woman through a period of virtual invisibility as the abused wife of an equally remarkable older man who begins as an ideal spouse and gradually becomes lost in the wasteland of addiction. Next comes a potentially soul-restoring journey to the land of the Maya that becomes a literal visit to hell, and an eventual final chapter of true happiness that all too quickly ends in grief. Coffee has lived several lifetimes in the span of one human experience, and those with courage enough to embrace her odyssey in Maya Blue on its physical and spiritual planes are assured of a transformative experience of their own.
Brenda Coffee’s Maya Blue is a memoir of unusual strength, resilience, resonance, and purpose. Her story reads like a mainstream thriller but her voice is so candid and conversational that readers will invest unconditional trust in even the most alarmingly shocking sections of her narrative. Coffee’s hard-won status as a perpetual survivor on multiple fronts infuses Maya Blue with a tenacity and determination that colors each chapter with the precise cliffhanger energy most often displayed in works of popular fiction. At times, astonished readers will do well to stop reading for a moment and remind themselves that the experiences of this remarkable woman and brilliant storyteller are distilled from real life rather than the sweeping imagination of a titan of fiction.
Maya Blue, a seemingly eternal pigment favored by the ancient Mayans to represent their spiritual center, is the perfect metaphor for Coffee’s extraordinary courage and tenacity. The events and scenery of Maya Blue are truly breathtaking, but perhaps even more so is Coffee’s emotional and psychological journey. She goes from being a capable and highly intelligent young woman through a period of virtual invisibility as the abused wife of an equally remarkable older man who begins as an ideal spouse and gradually becomes lost in the wasteland of addiction. Next comes a potentially soul-restoring journey to the land of the Maya that becomes a literal visit to hell, and an eventual final chapter of true happiness that all too quickly ends in grief. Coffee has lived several lifetimes in the span of one human experience, and those with courage enough to embrace her odyssey in Maya Blue on its physical and spiritual planes are assured of a transformative experience of their own.
Recommend this book:
The Success Guidebook
How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
2025 Silver Medal
240 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite
The Success Guidebook by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a self-help guide created to assist readers in simplifying their life goals and achieving success in the areas that matter the most to them. This thought-provoking book reminds us that even though the definition of success may vary from person to person, we should all make an effort to prioritize our mental, physical, and social well-being. Hamilton-Guarino explores ten factors of success—such as imagining, believing, planning, and networking—that are crucial in accomplishing one's goals. Anecdotes provided by her clients serve as inspirational guidelines for goal achievement. Readers will learn how to conquer the challenges they encounter daily and progress throughout life with enthusiasm, coherence, and determination. This manual will equip readers with all the resources they need to stay optimistic and steadfast while achieving their dreams.
Overall, this is an informative must-read that doubles as a transformative guide designed to help readers reevaluate what success means to them personally. I appreciate that Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino skillfully reminds her readers that personal success is not achieved by fulfilling society's mandate of what 'success' is but by aligning their values with their life pursuits. Her book is well-structured and offers in-depth strategies to motivate readers to balance their interpersonal relationships, career goals, and health. Hamilton-Guarino uses authentic examples to guide readers on a quest for self-discovery while providing beneficial and implementable exercises to get there. The success stories added throughout the book are inspiring and will help each reader discover the importance of taking control of their life and steering it on the path to success. The Success Guidebook is a groundbreaking innovation for readers in search of a more stable and satisfying life. You'll be happy you read it!
The Success Guidebook by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a self-help guide created to assist readers in simplifying their life goals and achieving success in the areas that matter the most to them. This thought-provoking book reminds us that even though the definition of success may vary from person to person, we should all make an effort to prioritize our mental, physical, and social well-being. Hamilton-Guarino explores ten factors of success—such as imagining, believing, planning, and networking—that are crucial in accomplishing one's goals. Anecdotes provided by her clients serve as inspirational guidelines for goal achievement. Readers will learn how to conquer the challenges they encounter daily and progress throughout life with enthusiasm, coherence, and determination. This manual will equip readers with all the resources they need to stay optimistic and steadfast while achieving their dreams.
Overall, this is an informative must-read that doubles as a transformative guide designed to help readers reevaluate what success means to them personally. I appreciate that Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino skillfully reminds her readers that personal success is not achieved by fulfilling society's mandate of what 'success' is but by aligning their values with their life pursuits. Her book is well-structured and offers in-depth strategies to motivate readers to balance their interpersonal relationships, career goals, and health. Hamilton-Guarino uses authentic examples to guide readers on a quest for self-discovery while providing beneficial and implementable exercises to get there. The success stories added throughout the book are inspiring and will help each reader discover the importance of taking control of their life and steering it on the path to success. The Success Guidebook is a groundbreaking innovation for readers in search of a more stable and satisfying life. You'll be happy you read it!
Recommend this book:
A High-Performing Mind
Strengthen Your Mind and Live Your Best Life
Andrew D. Thompson
2025 Gold Medal
251 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In A High-Performing Mind, Andrew D. Thompson develops his twelve attributes for exceptional thinking. The book is divided into three parts, revealing essential traits contributing to mental strength and emotional balance. Drawing from his personal experiences of self-treating a long-term condition, Thompson shares stories and tools designed to help readers on their journey. Each chapter includes practical tools, true stories, a recap of the lesson, and exercises to apply the material. The book addresses topics, like habits, weaknesses, resisting negativity, personal vision, learning from loss, making positive changes, and embracing fear. The exercises are designed to help readers reflect upon the material and absorb it as they apply the text to their everyday lives.
Andrew D. Thompson has created an empowering read that offers simple and effective steps for building resilience and finding inner strength. The information builds steadily, helping readers climb emotional, mental, or physical mountains that may have seemed insurmountable before reading the text. The book is beneficial for anyone seeking to improve their thinking, and the chapters are structured to be read in order, allowing for a gradual application of the material. Thompson's approach encourages readers to use their critical-thinking skills and dare to take the next step in overcoming adversity. The true stories and practical exercises make the book relatable, ensuring readers can integrate the lessons into their daily lives. A High-Performing Mind is a great resource for readers seeking to enhance their mental and emotional well-being and live a more fulfilling life.
In A High-Performing Mind, Andrew D. Thompson develops his twelve attributes for exceptional thinking. The book is divided into three parts, revealing essential traits contributing to mental strength and emotional balance. Drawing from his personal experiences of self-treating a long-term condition, Thompson shares stories and tools designed to help readers on their journey. Each chapter includes practical tools, true stories, a recap of the lesson, and exercises to apply the material. The book addresses topics, like habits, weaknesses, resisting negativity, personal vision, learning from loss, making positive changes, and embracing fear. The exercises are designed to help readers reflect upon the material and absorb it as they apply the text to their everyday lives.
Andrew D. Thompson has created an empowering read that offers simple and effective steps for building resilience and finding inner strength. The information builds steadily, helping readers climb emotional, mental, or physical mountains that may have seemed insurmountable before reading the text. The book is beneficial for anyone seeking to improve their thinking, and the chapters are structured to be read in order, allowing for a gradual application of the material. Thompson's approach encourages readers to use their critical-thinking skills and dare to take the next step in overcoming adversity. The true stories and practical exercises make the book relatable, ensuring readers can integrate the lessons into their daily lives. A High-Performing Mind is a great resource for readers seeking to enhance their mental and emotional well-being and live a more fulfilling life.
Recommend this book:
Wisdom Keeper
My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within
Chloe Kemp
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
Is there any truth in the concept of reincarnation or the existence of higher cosmic realms? How may we discover how to harness the strength of this cosmic dimension to reach a higher level of spiritual and mental development? The interesting journey of Chloe Kemp provides answers to these profound questions. She discovers her divine calling, deals with ingrained trauma, abandons a sad lifestyle, and eventually enjoys a more peaceful and healthy life. In her memoir, Wisdom Keeper: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within, Chloe Kemp navigates us through her astonishing journey, which is a testament to her unrelenting commitment to exploring new regions of consciousness and to her exceptional capacity for receiving direction from Spirit Guides.
From the first pages of Wisdom Keeper, Chloe Kemp's writing style hooked me. The inventiveness of her work is evidenced by the overall presentation of her conversations. She begins by explaining how she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 before moving on to discuss how she found consolation in her spiritual life. We can all agree that receiving such a diagnosis is bad for one's mental health. This was not the case for Chloe, who saw this as an opportunity to teach herself some valuable lessons. Her capacity to find light in such a dark situation makes her stand out not only as an emotionally strong person but also as an inspiration to others. I applaud Chloe for selecting the first-person narration method. The discussions and stories are more memorable to the reader when experienced firsthand. Chloe wrote this book in such a way that it provides as many details as possible without becoming weighed down by them. This was my favorite aspect, and I believe it is noteworthy. Anyone yearning for a fresh light in their lives will adore this book.
Is there any truth in the concept of reincarnation or the existence of higher cosmic realms? How may we discover how to harness the strength of this cosmic dimension to reach a higher level of spiritual and mental development? The interesting journey of Chloe Kemp provides answers to these profound questions. She discovers her divine calling, deals with ingrained trauma, abandons a sad lifestyle, and eventually enjoys a more peaceful and healthy life. In her memoir, Wisdom Keeper: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within, Chloe Kemp navigates us through her astonishing journey, which is a testament to her unrelenting commitment to exploring new regions of consciousness and to her exceptional capacity for receiving direction from Spirit Guides.
From the first pages of Wisdom Keeper, Chloe Kemp's writing style hooked me. The inventiveness of her work is evidenced by the overall presentation of her conversations. She begins by explaining how she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 before moving on to discuss how she found consolation in her spiritual life. We can all agree that receiving such a diagnosis is bad for one's mental health. This was not the case for Chloe, who saw this as an opportunity to teach herself some valuable lessons. Her capacity to find light in such a dark situation makes her stand out not only as an emotionally strong person but also as an inspiration to others. I applaud Chloe for selecting the first-person narration method. The discussions and stories are more memorable to the reader when experienced firsthand. Chloe wrote this book in such a way that it provides as many details as possible without becoming weighed down by them. This was my favorite aspect, and I believe it is noteworthy. Anyone yearning for a fresh light in their lives will adore this book.
Recommend this book:
Solo Passage
13 Quests, 13 Questions
Glenda Goodrich
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Glenda was feeling guilty about her previous life, having abandoned her children to go be with her new lover, Rich. Her life had not been easy, having lost her father to alcoholism at an early age and getting pregnant at the tender age of sixteen. She had decided to keep the baby, which meant marrying Bob Howard at that young age without knowing what it meant to be a wife or a mother. On this quest, she wanted to forgive herself. The wilderness quest was not just for Native Americans; everyone could join in this ritual, connect with Mother Earth, and honor those who came earlier. Anne, the wilderness quest guide, had counseled fasting for four days during the quest and the need to ensure one was well hydrated. To find out how Glenda connects with nature, makes peace with her past, and prepares for the future, get a copy of Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions by Glenda Goodrich.
Solo Passage by Glenda Goodrich is a wonderfully written, unique memoir. Glenda vividly describes her emotions and various events in detail. Her description of the wilderness quests was like an adventure without having to leave my couch. This made it entertaining and not just a recitation of her life story. Readers will also appreciate the various themes covered, such as nature, hope, religion, and social issues, all of which are thought-provoking. The flashbacks give us a glimpse into Glenda's past life, and the logical flow of events means there is no confusion for the reader. I also loved the tone and the narration, which are very welcoming. Glenda also used easy-to-understand language, which makes the book accessible to all kinds of readers. I can't wait to read something else by this talented author.
Glenda was feeling guilty about her previous life, having abandoned her children to go be with her new lover, Rich. Her life had not been easy, having lost her father to alcoholism at an early age and getting pregnant at the tender age of sixteen. She had decided to keep the baby, which meant marrying Bob Howard at that young age without knowing what it meant to be a wife or a mother. On this quest, she wanted to forgive herself. The wilderness quest was not just for Native Americans; everyone could join in this ritual, connect with Mother Earth, and honor those who came earlier. Anne, the wilderness quest guide, had counseled fasting for four days during the quest and the need to ensure one was well hydrated. To find out how Glenda connects with nature, makes peace with her past, and prepares for the future, get a copy of Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions by Glenda Goodrich.
Solo Passage by Glenda Goodrich is a wonderfully written, unique memoir. Glenda vividly describes her emotions and various events in detail. Her description of the wilderness quests was like an adventure without having to leave my couch. This made it entertaining and not just a recitation of her life story. Readers will also appreciate the various themes covered, such as nature, hope, religion, and social issues, all of which are thought-provoking. The flashbacks give us a glimpse into Glenda's past life, and the logical flow of events means there is no confusion for the reader. I also loved the tone and the narration, which are very welcoming. Glenda also used easy-to-understand language, which makes the book accessible to all kinds of readers. I can't wait to read something else by this talented author.
Recommend this book:
Rise of the Reader
Strategies For Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn
Nick Hutchison
2024 Bronze Medal
287 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite
Rise of the Reader: Strategies For Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn by Nick Hutchison is an informative self-help book. He gives you lots of ideas on how to become a better reader and why you need to. He uses his personal experiences to show how his ideas work. He also gives pro tips for each one. There are quotes from other people to help prove his point. The author also uses other self-help books to explain his ideas. He discusses things like what habits to change to help you become a happier person.
I thought that Rise of the Reader was quite interesting and had some fascinating ideas. I have to admit, the title was initially a bit confusing to me. The second half of the book seemed like it was about how to be a better person, not about being a better reader. However, I absolutely loved his "book baby" idea. I will never read books the same way again, so thank you for that, Nick. I liked how he suggested a lot of books. The format was nice, it made it easier to read. I also liked that he gave suggestions on brands to use because it is easier to look up a product that way. I also loved the quotes that Nick Hutchison used; my favorite was from Oprah Winfrey. If you need tips on how to read better or tips on your personal growth, I highly recommend this book. It's also good if you're an entrepreneur because the author has a lot of tips for starting a business too.
Rise of the Reader: Strategies For Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn by Nick Hutchison is an informative self-help book. He gives you lots of ideas on how to become a better reader and why you need to. He uses his personal experiences to show how his ideas work. He also gives pro tips for each one. There are quotes from other people to help prove his point. The author also uses other self-help books to explain his ideas. He discusses things like what habits to change to help you become a happier person.
I thought that Rise of the Reader was quite interesting and had some fascinating ideas. I have to admit, the title was initially a bit confusing to me. The second half of the book seemed like it was about how to be a better person, not about being a better reader. However, I absolutely loved his "book baby" idea. I will never read books the same way again, so thank you for that, Nick. I liked how he suggested a lot of books. The format was nice, it made it easier to read. I also liked that he gave suggestions on brands to use because it is easier to look up a product that way. I also loved the quotes that Nick Hutchison used; my favorite was from Oprah Winfrey. If you need tips on how to read better or tips on your personal growth, I highly recommend this book. It's also good if you're an entrepreneur because the author has a lot of tips for starting a business too.
Recommend this book:
Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up!
Practical Tools for Personal Transformation
Lynn Lok-Payne
2024 Silver Medal
308 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up! by Lynn Lok-Payne takes a look at how gratitude, joy, and love influence overcoming personal and emotional obstacles. She recounts her experiences with grief, such as the loss of her husband and a house fire, speaking on how gratitude, supported by her support network, facilitated her healing. Lok-Payne leans into practical methods to cultivate gratitude, including affirmations, journaling, and mindfulness, while lifting up visualization and compassion for achieving joy. She talks about the importance of love, both self-love and unconditional love for others, and suggests practices to avoid comparison and self-judgment. By incorporating examples from public figures and spiritual reflections, Lok-Payne illustrates that love and gratitude enhance emotional and spiritual health, advocating for personal responsibility, compassion, and resilience to foster personal growth and well-being.
In Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up!, Lynn Lok-Payne delivers an insightful and empowering guide to transforming one’s life through gratitude, love, and mindfulness. The writing is both eloquent and pragmatic, comfortably integrating personal anecdotes with practical strategies, with each chapter ending with a mixed tape song playlist that's just loads of fun. Lok-Payne’s exploration of self-love and emotional responsibility is a standout to me and I dog-eared the page on how our internal dialogue shapes our reality. As a British/South Asian reader, I am particularly moved by the use of Malala Yousafzai's story as an example of courage and resilience, which came across as extremely relatable. Every piece of advice that Lok-Payne writes is actionable and she tells us what needs to be done, and how. Overall, Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up! is a thoughtful, thought-provoking read that inspires authenticity, compassion, and a proactive stance on personal development. Very highly recommended.
Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up! by Lynn Lok-Payne takes a look at how gratitude, joy, and love influence overcoming personal and emotional obstacles. She recounts her experiences with grief, such as the loss of her husband and a house fire, speaking on how gratitude, supported by her support network, facilitated her healing. Lok-Payne leans into practical methods to cultivate gratitude, including affirmations, journaling, and mindfulness, while lifting up visualization and compassion for achieving joy. She talks about the importance of love, both self-love and unconditional love for others, and suggests practices to avoid comparison and self-judgment. By incorporating examples from public figures and spiritual reflections, Lok-Payne illustrates that love and gratitude enhance emotional and spiritual health, advocating for personal responsibility, compassion, and resilience to foster personal growth and well-being.
In Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up!, Lynn Lok-Payne delivers an insightful and empowering guide to transforming one’s life through gratitude, love, and mindfulness. The writing is both eloquent and pragmatic, comfortably integrating personal anecdotes with practical strategies, with each chapter ending with a mixed tape song playlist that's just loads of fun. Lok-Payne’s exploration of self-love and emotional responsibility is a standout to me and I dog-eared the page on how our internal dialogue shapes our reality. As a British/South Asian reader, I am particularly moved by the use of Malala Yousafzai's story as an example of courage and resilience, which came across as extremely relatable. Every piece of advice that Lok-Payne writes is actionable and she tells us what needs to be done, and how. Overall, Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up! is a thoughtful, thought-provoking read that inspires authenticity, compassion, and a proactive stance on personal development. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Smoke and a Song
A Memoir
Sherry Sidoti
2024 Gold Medal
304 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
A Smoke and a Song is a powerful memoir by Sherry Sidoti, who shares her life from childhood to old age. Along the way, we meet her mother, her sisters, and the men she loves. Her childhood was painful with a single mother who was not always there for her girls, leaving Sherry feeling as if she had to be the responsible adult. Throughout her life and up until her mother’s death, their relationship shifts from happy to sad, to angry and pained. Sherry has two sisters who are very different and they are examined in great detail. They do not seem to see or remember things in the same way, but somehow there is always love and a bond between them. Sherry finds it hard to love and is often in a shaky relationship with the men in her life. Through it all, her son Miles always remains her pride and joy. In time Sherry becomes the owner of a Yoga School offering others a learning tool to handle their trauma through meditation. Sherry takes over as their leader and spiritual trainer and is highly regarded after her 20-year career.
A Smoke and a Song will have you crying, laughing, and shaking your head in amazement as you follow along and become a part of Sherry’s story as the words draw you into her reality. This memoir will make you pause and think about your own life in terms of where it has been and where it is going. I found it impossible to stop reading and was amazed at the strength, spirit, pain, love, hurt, and healing that one woman was faced with, yet she managed to find peace and a bright ending. This is a must-read for women from all walks of life who are looking for answers to the frequently asked question: Who am I, and what is my purpose? Please do not pass up this book, but put it on the top of your reading list as you will not regret it.
A Smoke and a Song is a powerful memoir by Sherry Sidoti, who shares her life from childhood to old age. Along the way, we meet her mother, her sisters, and the men she loves. Her childhood was painful with a single mother who was not always there for her girls, leaving Sherry feeling as if she had to be the responsible adult. Throughout her life and up until her mother’s death, their relationship shifts from happy to sad, to angry and pained. Sherry has two sisters who are very different and they are examined in great detail. They do not seem to see or remember things in the same way, but somehow there is always love and a bond between them. Sherry finds it hard to love and is often in a shaky relationship with the men in her life. Through it all, her son Miles always remains her pride and joy. In time Sherry becomes the owner of a Yoga School offering others a learning tool to handle their trauma through meditation. Sherry takes over as their leader and spiritual trainer and is highly regarded after her 20-year career.
A Smoke and a Song will have you crying, laughing, and shaking your head in amazement as you follow along and become a part of Sherry’s story as the words draw you into her reality. This memoir will make you pause and think about your own life in terms of where it has been and where it is going. I found it impossible to stop reading and was amazed at the strength, spirit, pain, love, hurt, and healing that one woman was faced with, yet she managed to find peace and a bright ending. This is a must-read for women from all walks of life who are looking for answers to the frequently asked question: Who am I, and what is my purpose? Please do not pass up this book, but put it on the top of your reading list as you will not regret it.
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