Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Path to Excellence: The Blueprint to Achieving Your Greatest Potential is a work of non-fiction in the self-help, self-improvement, and motivational writing subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Tony Jeton Selimi. As its title suggests, this proactive and inspirational read is intended to offer a practical pathway to a better life for readers seeking to improve their prospects in business, home life, finance, and general harmony. Learning to bridge the gap between the life you have and the life you desire can be challenging, but Selimi’s work paves that path with easily integrated steps to make small adjustments to the body and mind that will have a much larger impact over time.

Author Tony Jeton Selimi has penned a masterful treatise on emotional intelligence and positive change, all with a view to making the very best versions of ourselves come into being. I really enjoyed the writing style as the narrative felt confident and authorial but also personal, as though the reader is talking to a very learned friend. There’s an assuredness in Selimi’s work that will definitely ring true for anyone who has dabbled in self-help before, but the structure that Selimi gives to each principle and the accessibility of his model means that anyone can pick this book up and start applying principles for a better life at once. I especially found the conversations in the back matter to be interesting, including ‘#Loneliness,’ which I feel could be a whole book on its own these days. Overall, I would certainly recommend A Path to Excellence as a worthwhile and helpful read for anyone seeking a new way to improve their outlook on life.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

It's a given that people will face obstacles and have to overcome their struggles in the pursuit of their dreams. Become the Fire: Transform Life’s Chaos into Business and Personal Success is a self-help motivational guidebook by Elisa Schmitz aimed at helping readers to turn their inner conflicts into fuel on their path to success and fulfillment. Born to a Yugoslavian immigrant father and a Puerto Rican mother, Elisa always felt like an outsider. In this book, she demonstrates how being an outsider helped develop her situational awareness, leading her to become the director and executive editor for the Disney Interactive Media Group. She was a divorced single mother raising three children while battling health issues who found inspiration during her situation and built a successful company. The book also contains stories and interviews with ten self-made women from diverse backgrounds who carved their paths to success.

Highly driven people find motivation even amidst adversity. Elisa Schmitz's story of her own life and that of ten similarly empowered women is just the kind of book you need to read if you're an aspiring entrepreneur. Become the Fire teaches you to recognize the opportunities and seize them with both hands to fulfill your vision. You will learn how motivation plays a key role in manifesting courage in a person, just as resilience is the key to becoming friends with failure. Schmitz's writing style is crisp and concise, with the meticulous structural organization of the subject matter that makes for a smooth reading experience. A motivational and informative read.

Reviewed by Joshua Olokodana for Readers' Favorite

Spiritual science, out-of-body experiences, lucid dreaming, cosmic entities, reincarnation, light bodies, astral projection, heaven, the creator, and the universe-multiverse question. An "all-star" cast of topics that have always been a mystery to humanity, giving away precious little across the ages, but no more! How to Kiss the Universe answers all the questions you might have about life, including the ones you have yet to think of. Following years of living without any deep contemplation of life whatsoever, Jozef Simkovic takes a keen interest in his spirituality after overcoming a life-threatening health challenge. Urged on by friends, he enrolled at The Monroe Institute, and a spontaneous journey to spiritual enlightenment was set in motion. Jozef turned out to be a quick study, and he kept developing until curiosity took him to the Reptilian planet. Unbeknownst to him, a reptilian king took notice of his activities and breached the inter-realm membrane some days later, attacking him in his sleep with the intention of possessing him and stopping him from telling us about the Other Side in this startling book titled How to Kiss the Universe.

How to Kiss the Universe: An Inspirational Spiritual and Metaphysical Narrative about Human Origin, Essence and Destiny is a shocking and scintillating account of spiritual journeys, cosmic exploration, and huge universal secrets written by Jozef Simkovic. At times, the narrative is so rational that it's plainly undeniable. Other times, it's just wild. But Jozef allows the reader to draw their own conclusions from the narration, which is obviously philosophical, albeit with mystical overtones one would wish weren't so real. Apart from its unique content, which could have put this book in a genre of its own, How to Kiss the Universe compels you to reassess your beliefs without invalidating your religious orientation. I loved the titling of each chapter and the thought-provoking questions they answered—such as why evil still exists despite the supervision of a loving supreme being. The story is told in short and well-structured chapters that make it easier to read. However, Mr. Simkovic's occasional humor and consistent use of relevant quotes at the beginning of each chapter make it a lively read. How to Kiss the Universe is one of those books everyone needs to read, especially at the point of self-discovery.

Reviewed by Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite

Ditching Success? A Career Ventured; A Life Regained by Batoul I. Ajlouni is a memoir with an intriguing title. Written from the first-person point of view, it documents the author’s journey from being an ambitious career woman, thriving on challenges and success to ultimate burn-out, disillusionment, and, finally, an honest soul-searching aimed at understanding and redefining herself. The honesty in the thoughts and the writing stands out and rings true to the reader. It is also highly informative about the business world in general and Jordan as a country in particular. Through her extensive travels to “four continents, seventeen countries and forty cities”, she provides insight into different sceneries, cultures, and business practices I had not been familiar with before. Her process of rediscovering her own identity culminated in understanding her deepest inner values and summarized what she found by writing this book.

Writing a memoir is a very intense and often painful experience and can be highly revealing to both author and reader. If it’s not done with total honesty and merciless clarity, it is a wasted effort. Batoul I. Ajlouni does not fail this test and, as a consequence, she has written a compelling testimony about the price one has to pay for ‘success’ as well as the price one has to pay for abandoning it. This is the greatest value of this book – it forces the reader to ask themselves the same tough questions and confront unpleasant doubts about life choices they may have made in the past. It also encourages introspection and critical assessment of the road behind and searches for alternative paths ahead. The writing is clear, easily followed, and the emotional context is infectious to the reader. I can sincerely recommend it to anyone who ever had doubts about the value of success. Ditching Success? A Career Ventured; A Life Regained is well worth considering if this sounds like you.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Some people have unique experiences to tell and, when they write their books, show readers how incredible their lives are. This is the case with Katharine Branham, the author of How I Found My Superpowers: An Introduction to the Spirit World. In her book, Branham recounts her life starting from her childhood when she was abused and first discovered her superpowers. She saw figures in the closet where she was locked up and also a man standing at the foot of her bed. She could also see people's energy fields and understand their moods. Follow her on the incredible journey that would lead this little girl to practice her superpowers as an adult.

How I Found My Superpowers tells the extraordinary story of an incredible woman. Katharine Branham has fascinatingly recounted her experiences and I am sure readers of this book will be intrigued by the beautiful storytelling. Branham's journey provides moments of great interest. In addition to revealing her superpowers to the reader - the most extraordinary thing is her predicting the Covid pandemic - it also makes them reflect on how life changes. In her case, particularly the relationship with her mother. I have read these experiences with great pleasure, and I am sure many readers will agree with me. I recommend this book to all those interested in the spirit world and who want to get to know it through the experience of an amazing person like the author.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Plantation Theory by John Graham sheds light on the plight of Black people working in various companies of corporate America who never get a fair chance to climb the ladder. Systemic racism is embedded into the very fabric of basically every major American institution. That also includes corporate America. Author John Graham draws from his own personal experiences and uses anecdotes of some fellow Black professionals to showcase how the work done by African Americans in companies is often overlooked or bypassed in favor of someone with a lighter skin tone. To put things in perspective, there are only four Black CEOs currently leading a Fortune 500 company. And not a single of one them is a woman. Graham cites multiple examples where qualified Black professionals aren't given the opportunity to succeed.

Plantation Theory is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of companies that represent corporate America. The work culture and environment cultivated within the framework of the industry systematically prohibits the growth of Black professionals and becomes a major barrier in the linear rise of their career trajectories. John Graham minces no words in his sharp and accurate criticism of the institutions that protect the status quo and make it nigh impossible for oppressed minorities to bridge the gap between the socio-economic divide. In one of the examples, Graham relates how Black people in certain situations are sometimes forced to change the way they talk to mingle with their White colleagues. This is one of the best books I've read this year. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite

The Magical Guide to Bliss: Daily Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit and Inner Bliss by Meg Nocero is a fabulous self-help book. The cover, title, and sub-title immediately caught my eye. It is as much fun and as useful as the title and sub-title imply and I am delighted that I chose to read it. It is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that reflects our needs and caters to them. I loved the way the author addresses the issues. I enjoyed the book and also her wisdom. This book is inspiring and the focus on positive thinking is so important nowadays. Too many people are disgruntled, exhausted, and close to burnout. We do need this type of guide and I am extremely grateful to Meg for sharing her thoughts.

The Magical Guide to Bliss by Meg Nocero is an amazing self-improvement guide that focuses on sharing daily slices of wisdom. It is perfect for busy people, like me, who can only take a few minutes every day to explore ways to better our lives, to make our days more blissful, and more importantly, more meaningful. We tend to forget ourselves while helping others such as family members or students. We also live in a world in crisis and we need to pause each day and do something for ourselves. This book is one I will read every day. What it covers is essential reading and should be made mandatory for all children from a young age.

Reviewed by Michelle du Plooy for Readers' Favorite

I have never read a book quite like 7 Unicorn Drive by Dani Polajnar. It is a non-fiction story about the adventure of Iza and Samo Login - a couple that is connected in as many ways as a couple could be, and yet they are so different that they complement each other. The two are humble, well-grounded, and demanding of themselves in the workplace. This makes them the ideal candidates to set out on the life journey of all life journeys together. So they decide to become self-employed and start this epic adventure. Samo quits work at a big all-time company that specializes in IT and handpicks a small team of colleagues to come with him. Each is to buy in a percentage share, and together they plan to form a company with well-grounded ethics working through the favoritism of the universe to reach the all-time goal of 100 million in profit over 5 years by writing apps that people will download.

Dani Polajnar's 7 Unicorn Drive: From Startup To A Billion Dollar Sale In 7 Years is a fascinating story that keeps you glued to your reading as the book unfolds. I can highly recommend it as a motivational real-life story, as well as a tale that will keep you intrigued to the end. For everyone who is aspiring to become someone without getting lost in the rat race of the corporate jungle, this book by Dani Polajner is definitely for you. It teaches you to set clear goals and how to attain them step by step. I loved it to the end and, in fact, I think I will happily read it again soon.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

We all need inspiration at some point in our lives, some more than others. Despite the challenges in his childhood from being raised by a single mother, along with his three siblings on the Southside of Chicago, and no college education, author Aaron McCormick was able to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Throughout his life, he has accomplished a lot which comes with some life lessons that can be an asset and beneficial for others on their journey. He is using everything that he's acquired from being a multi-million dollar top-performing sales executive, entrepreneur, and international speaker to getting his MBA to help others by packaging it into a book, Unbounded: Journey to Your Within. He begins with the question that we all ask at some essential time of our lives: What is my true purpose? This handy book will help you to navigate through the clutter and go beyond your fears, uncertainty, and take the risks necessary to live your life to the fullest.

If you want to improve, you must be honest and open about everything, which is what Unbounded: Journey to Your Within by Aaron McCormick offers. In order to tap into that purpose, this book challenges you to look at everything that surrounds you. As you get into the weeds of your life, you will discover what holds you back and what works. These are the gems of this book. I fully enjoyed that no subject was taboo; it was all laid out from anxiety, tough love, relationships, and anxiety to forgiveness. To get the best that this book has to offer, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in because Aaron asks some tough questions to make you go inward. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

When a distraught man stands on a cliff, contemplating the ineffectiveness of his life, fate steps in, enabling him to change the course of his life in the motivational allegory, The Little Book of Greatness (A Parable About Unlocking Your Destiny) by Ari Gunzburg. Lost in the unceasing, time-sucking bombardment of the media, and feeling inadequate to meet any personal goals, David is at the end of his rope. Out of the darkness, a man approaches and offers David a way to turn his life around. Introducing David to the idea of unlocking his dormant greatness, the stranger gives him the name of the first of five keyholders who help people transform their lives and achieve their dreams. Intrigued, David agrees to meet the first keyholder and returns to his car at the bottom of the hill. The next day, David meets Regina, who guides him to each of the 5 keyholders, and his journey into unlocking his destiny commences.

Illustrating the advantages of spiritual and self-awareness, The Little Book of Greatness (A Parable About Unlocking Your Destiny) by Ari Gunzburg is a profound and eye-opening guide to an empowered and meaningful life. Written as a short allegory, it is an absorbing story that introduces the five keys to greatness and how they have the potential to alter and revolutionize lives. In a step-by-step approach, it teaches the reader how to revise perspectives and attitudes and how to be in the moment, effectively gaining the ability to transform our mindset into a more positive vibration, ultimately promoting the means to living our best lives and achieving our dreams. It is a thought-provoking and motivational book that will inspire everyone who desires to get off the treadmill and attain the life of their dreams. I challenge everyone who wants to be different and to make a difference to read the book, apply its concepts, and change their life!