Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Drum Beats, Heart Beats is a work of non-fiction that is written in a memoir style by author Maria Nhambu. This work completes a memoir trilogy chronicling the journey of culture, empowerment, and identity of the author: the Dancing Soul Trilogy. After the harrowing experiences in a biracial orphanage in Africa’s Child and the promise of a fulfilling new life in America's Daughter, we come to a moment where the author wishes to connect both her past and present on a journey of self-discovery to Tanzania. What results is an emotive and thought-provoking account of how we form our identity, and how our place of birth and early experiences may shape us far more than we first think.

Author Maria Nhambu recounts an emotive and passionate tale of desiring to know more about her roots, heritage, and family in this highly compelling and atmospheric memoir. The author is extremely open with her audience, and the prose invites us to explore the various dichotomies of identity within the writer as a result of the experiences which life has shaped. Though there are struggles and harrowing and emotive moments, overall this is a story of triumph and empowerment, and a search for balance and understanding within oneself. Nhambu writes with eloquence on the biracial experience across different countries and changing times, and the narrative is sure to bring nostalgia, comfort, and education depending on the different reading ages that come to it. Overall, I would highly recommend Drum Beats, Heart Beats as an uplifting and fascinating memoir for one and all.

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

The journey of mind/emotional, physical and spiritual healing comes in many forms, and each person has his/her own unique path to finding wholeness. Author Johnson Chong shares his healing story in his memoir Sage Sapien: From Karma to Dharma. Chong has detailed his amazing journey in an authentic voice, including many moments of anger and rejection and then finding his way to self-acceptance and realization of unconditional love. Being a child of Chinese immigrant parents and growing up in the hectic surroundings of New York City provided an interesting blend of cultural, belief and family systems. Add in the fact that he realized at a young age that he was gay and felt drawn to acting only made the situation more complex. But he found the courage to face life challenges head-on, immersing himself in yoga and other healing modalities and eventually transforming his life.

Anyone who faces challenging life situations but is committed to finding healing will benefit greatly from this book. By sharing his experiences, perceived by Chong to be “successful” or “a failure” at the time, the author creates a realistic portrayal of a healing path. Learning life lessons is not a straightforward road and often has detours and wrong turns along the way. Within the telling of his story, Chong includes spiritual gems for the reader. A good barometer for a solid spiritual book is this: you can reread it over and over and find new gems each time. Sage Sapien: From Karma to Dharma by Johnson Chong is this kind of book – it is to be savored and reread!

Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite

Morgan Field’s Powerful As F*ck is a dynamic insight into tearing down insuperable obstacles preventing you from living your dreams. The trigger for this process came in the form of a question; are you loveable? In exploring her answer, Ms. Field was forced to take a deep look at all that she was. This self-examination led her to realize that the power to be the person she wanted to be was in her hands alone. By deciding who she wanted to be and implementing the mindset to become that person, all of the negative emotions, thoughts, and feelings were washed away on her journey to a dream life. This book takes us on that journey.

Powerful As F*ck is, as it says, powerful reading. In fact, in some ways, it was uncomfortable for me to read as it seemed to be talking directly to my life. Confronting these questions and looking deeply into the mirror can be a daunting challenge, but more importantly, it's a challenge no one can afford to ignore. This is a book you can’t read quickly as every page is packed with the tools and information vital to achieving your dream life. For those serious about their goals in life, this book needs to become your reference. One which should be re-read regularly and acted upon. I have started my new journey in life now as a result and will certainly be going back to this reference when I feel I am losing focus. It’s my view that the most important question of all is the one you ask on your death bed; do you have any regrets? I want to say NO.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

The Little Love That Could: Stories of Tenacious Love, Underdogs, and Ragamuffins by Pamela Capone is an amazing compilation of wonderful stories that inspire love for self and, more importantly, for others. Through her family experiences and wonderful friendships, Capone shows how love can change and empower lives. She shares her story of adoption on how her adoptive parents gave her a home and loved her even though they were not her biological parents. Their sacrifice paved the way for even greater acts of love. She also includes friends’ stories, people who have given up their comfort for the benefit of others and also meaningful historical accounts like that of Rosa Parks. The stories are filled with beauty, love and courage. They show what simple acts of kindness and pluck can achieve.

All the characters in The Little Love That Could have something to offer. Most are heroes that will never receive recognition for the wonderful work they do or have already done. Still, they serve people with joy even when no one is looking. To me, this was the most inspirational part. Reading the book was like having a dialogue with a friend since the stories are told with humor and so much warmth. They instill faith and joy in a meaningful way. They also touch on social issues and the accounts reveal deep-rooted problems which can be solved through compassion and putting others first. Even though the characters come and go, they leave a deep-rooted impact and the stories do not feel rushed at all. The Little Love That Could is a must-read for anyone longing for some warmth and inspiration.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber offers 'Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness.' Originating in ancient Greece, the philosophy of Stoicism can help you overcome any of life’s challenges. Discover how you can overcome your self-limiting beliefs and control the emotions that are inhibiting you from becoming the best version of yourself. By learning the principles of Stoicism, you can choose the best response to any given situation, no matter how harsh. How can you deal effectively with toxic people and situations? How can you deal with grief or negative emotions? You will be surprised at how your deep-seated emotions are controlling your behaviour and holding you back from becoming the person you are meant to be. By following these principles, you will finally understand what is important in life and begin to take the steps toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

The title does not do justice to this excellent guide to Stoicism as the information inside the book is abundant. The author has explained the principles of Stoicism in such a way that anyone can understand. I took so much from this guide, but especially the principles outlined in the Stoic Happiness Triangle. The morning and evening rituals were really helpful too and could change anyone’s daily life, especially those who struggle with negative emotions. I found the teachings very similar to Buddhism, and the belief that thoughts, not people, dictate our state of mind was very enlightening. I feel this guide will have a positive impact on anyone and will really help them connect to their inner spirit and help them live a more fulfilled life which is more in line with their true character. I thank the author for creating such a great guide and explaining the philosophy of Stoicism in such a way that it will help anyone live a more productive and positive life. This book would make a great addition to any school library.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Kick-Ass Kinda Girl: A Memoir of Life, Love and Caregiving by Kathi Koll is one of those books that bring tears to the reader’s eyes while warming their heart — poignant, honest, and filled with humanism. The daughter of parents who were the very picture of 1920s young love, Kathi Koll’s life has been one filled with peace and blessings. While she had enjoyed celebrities in the family while growing up, she became a caregiver when her mom was dying of cancer. She learned to take care of her alcoholic father and brothers suffering with painful diseases. Married to Don Koll, she had been living her life’s dream with the man who became her soulmate, an Air Force pilot turned real estate developer. But then he suffered a stroke and everything changed. This memoir follows Kathi’s journey as a caregiver and answers the question: Does life stop when tragedy hits home?

We encounter a woman who learned to trump difficult situations, who refused to bow when everything seemed to fall apart around her, and who chose to “stand in love” in spite of the odds. The narrative is full of grit and there is a lightheartedness in the voice that makes it memorable. Kathi Koll has a rare gift for humor and this gift flows from her heart — a secret strength that has accompanied her through difficult moments. The intelligence of the heart, the gift of following one’s gut, and the power of instinct are some of the qualities of the author that come out brilliantly through the narrative. Kick-Ass Kinda Girl: A Memoir of Life, Love and Caregiving is beautifully written and I loved how the author opens her heart to the reader, offering lessons from her journey while exploring the beauty and intricacies of the relationships she cultivated along the way. This is a book that both inspires and entertains, loaded with the wisdom readers need to cope with challenging situations. A book for keeps.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Jumping the Curb: One Family's Journey through a Catastrophic Injury by Gail Desberg is the story of a tragedy that leaves the head of a family paralyzed and the agony the family has to deal with. Told with brutal honesty and in prose that is clear, the story follows Alex Kiejdan, a father of two, who decides to go body surfing at the Jersey shore, little knowing that it is going to be the last time he will have full control over his body. An accident leaves him in paralyzed and then he and his wife, Gail, discover who the people around them really are. Follow this family as they navigate the complicated world of medical emergencies, the struggles associated with insurance claims and life-changing decisions. It is the story of one woman’s grit as she raises her small children and takes care of a quadriplegic husband while raising awareness of the dangers beyond the water’s edge.

Jumping the Curb is beautifully written and the emotions greet the reader as they open the first page of the book: “Once again it was Labor Day, and once again it came with a sense of foreboding. For some it was the end of a blissful season, for others, the drumbeat of school grew closer. For those who loved the beach, it was the most stirring time of the year. Yet for us, the blue skies of Labor Day had the pallor of gray.” Told in the first person narrative and from Gail's point of view, the story is moving and it shows readers how infinitely fragile life can be. The narrative voice is strong, capable of evoking powerful sentiments in readers, but it doesn’t miss the lightness that is characteristic of the humorous moments when one is able to find the light, even in the worst experiences. While Gail Desberg’s story revolves around a family dealing with tragedy, it is a story of love, hope, and resilience.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Do you have a story to tell? Is it about your life? A family story? Don’t know where to begin? There are a wealth of resources out there to help you get started, both in the form of actual courses (online and live), articles and, of course, books (print and eBooks). These resources will give you so much information that you will be even more confused and it might scare you off the actual joy of writing your story or stories. There is one book that would be a good resource to begin your writing journey and, in this book, there are good sources, directions to other readings that will strengthen your written voice. It is Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life by Diana Raab.

Diana Raab, award-winning memoir author of books like Regina’s Closet (her grandmother’s story) and Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey (her own memoir), has produced a very thorough and thought-provoking guide to help all would-be memoir writers, or a writer of any genre for that matter, find their written voice. It is a journey, one that the author began as a young girl when, after finding her much loved grandmother had committed suicide, opened her heart on the pages of her first journal, one her mother gave her with the telling words: “This journal will help you move through the chaos of the moment and move forward into healing.” It’s true that writing is therapeutic. It can also be heart-wrenching or even joyful just for the sake of being what it is, a reflection of life. Diana clearly points out that, although writing and life can be a transformative and spiritual exercise, it is a journey of self-discovery - “Just as life itself, the art of writing is also like walking a labyrinth.” But stories connect people in a very unique and compassionate way. So this journey is important to the writer as well as the reader, but it is the writer that must start the journey.

And it’s not as difficult as one would think. Breaking down the process of writing into seven well-defined steps, the journey can be full of surprises and, indeed what the title suggests, bliss. Each of these seven steps includes a well-formulated plan, descriptive discourse on where it will lead the writer, quotes from other profound memoir authors, and, a very useful addition, some distinctive writing prompts to reinforce the concepts presented in the chapter. There is even a section on writing poetry, because even the non-poet author can find some source of inner strength and contentment in writing a few lines in verse. As Diana points out, “Poetry is the voice of the soul. Poets help us see a slice of the world in a way in which we might not have observed it before.” This is a very useful resource, one that writers of all genres will return to frequently.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Saving Bobby: Heroes and Heroin in One Small Community by Renee Hodges is an insightful book for all readers who deal with people with addiction. Bobby’s story is heartrending and chronicles his journey from an addict having suicidal tendencies to getting himself back on track. The book is also the story of his Aunt Renee, who took him in during his lowest phase and worked together with him to get him back on the road to recovery. The story is about love, healing, help, determination, and redemption, and will create an impact on the lives of many who are traversing the same path. It is a wonderful book that sheds light on many aspects of life; the difficulty of overcoming addiction, the stigma of shame attached to it, and emotional scarring.

This book is a must-read for everyone as it opens our eyes to addiction and the shame associated with it. Addiction is a disease and the book encourages everyone to reach out to their neighbors and help them recover. The author speaks about the topic extensively without keeping any secrets. I love her decision to be honest about addiction, making readers understand that healing does not work around shame and secrecy. The Book Club questions at the end of the book make it useful for interactive sessions in communities while discussing addiction and dealing with addicts. The questions will make readers ponder on what they have read and the importance of reaching out. The narration is excellent, honest, and straightforward, and will connect with readers.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Sister Jaguar's Journey by Judy Bisignano and Sandra C Morse is a fascinating memoir of one woman’s journey to herself. Meet Sister Judy Bisignano, a Dominican nun who spent many years looking for God, only to find Him in the most unlikely of places — the Amazon rainforest. Invited to visit the Achuar community in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, she meets people who helped her to reconnect with God and herself; she is introduced to the wisdom of the native people and their rituals and felt the irresistible call to face her past — abusive and troublesome. Join her as she walks the transforming path towards self-acceptance and inner peace.

Here is a story that is rich in its message, in its narrative aspects, and in the entertainment it offers. Apart from sharing one woman’s personal journey towards herself and her communion with God, Sister Jaguar's Journey explores very interesting themes and opens the eyes of readers to a healing culture, hidden in the Achuar community. This is a story loaded with both spiritual and personal lessons that will help readers embrace their own journey with courage. In an age when we easily feel left behind, mistreated, and ignored, this book comes in with a fresh perspective, encouraging readers to love themselves and to pursue what gives meaning to their lives. The writing is beautiful and it offers a lot of descriptions that situate readers in the context of the story. This book will transport readers to a place of transformation — both physical and spiritual. A gorgeous read.