Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Get Out of Here Alive: Inner Alchemy & Immortality by Sol Luckman presents a philosophical spirituality system in which reality is created by belief, observation, and internal focus rather than external facts. He argues that the universe is an energetic projection shaped by consciousness and manipulated through societal structures he calls the “Matrix,” controlled by a predatory “Dragon” intelligence. Drawing from quantum theory, shamanism, and epigenetics, Luckman rejects materialism and promotes conscious attention, simplicity, and creative expression as tools for transformation. He claims that negative emotions fuel parasitic entities and that conspiracy research often traps people in feedback loops of belief. Instead, he advocates for reclaiming inner agency, confronting internal shadows, and aligning with the “Dark Sea of Awareness” to consciously reshape both self and perceived reality.

Get Out of Here Alive: Inner Alchemy & Immortality by Sol Luckman is a sharply written and highly focused work that invites readers to reconsider the nature of attention, belief, and perception. The prose is strong and deliberate, with a tone that remains steady even while presenting unconventional material. Luckman offers memorable concepts, such as “loosh” and pronoia, that support his call to reclaim focus from systems designed to harvest energy. His treatment of the “truthing” phenomenon, where individuals reinforce limiting worldviews through obsessive external research, is pointed and clear. A brief example involving the feedback loop of conspiracy material demonstrates his case without overreaching. The book encourages the redirection of desire inward, and its pacing allows space for contemplation without sacrificing momentum. Readers seeking intentional, well-expressed ideas about perception and agency will find value in this work. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Do you feel you've not lived up to what you've got to offer to the world? Drawing from her over 25 years of experience as a drug counselor, psychotherapist, and Buddhist meditation teacher, Tara Springett introduces the nine stages of consciousness to help readers realize their fullest potential. In The Stairway to Heaven, the author takes a deep dive into these nine stages and shows how to activate each stage of consciousness to find enlightenment, success, and fulfillment. The book provides case studies of people at various levels of consciousness as well as techniques to ascend to the higher levels. Readers will learn about personal and spiritual growth, key motivations, developments, and positive and negative traits at each stage of consciousness, the "true self," growing self-awareness, religious and spiritual beliefs, and meditation, among other concepts.

Tara Springett uses ancient Buddhist teachings and psychotherapy to explore the nine stages of consciousness and present an illuminating guide for self-development and spiritual and personal enlightenment. The Stairway to Heaven is your step-by-step guide to finding love, happiness, and fulfillment. Whether you're too busy to find time for yourself due to hectic work schedules or struggling to deal with the stress and anxiety of everyday life, this book is for you. Springett goes through each topic in vivid detail, which I found not only informative and educational but also very engaging. Each of the nine stages of consciousness is rooted in different aspects of human behavior at various phases of people's lives. This is a practical guide to living a fulfilling and spiritual life. I found it thoroughly engrossing and can't recommend it highly enough.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Quantum physics has attempted to provide a new understanding of the universe, but has yet to fully bridge the gap between science and spirituality. Kenneth Schmitt provides new insights into this with Quantum Energetics and Spirituality Volume 1: Aligning with Universal Consciousness. He teaches that the universe is composed of energy in various forms, each with its unique vibrational frequency. Everything is thus interrelated, and there are varying degrees of consciousness at both the individual and collective levels. The challenge is to free ourselves from ingrained belief systems and programming that limit our happiness and spiritual growth. The author delves into the essence of our being and suggests a path of transformation for readers. He describes our personal energy field (the aura) and points out that we are beings of light with infinite potential, with far more power than we have been led to believe. The reasons for us incarnating on Earth are examined, as well as the question of reincarnation, and how changing our perspectives can alter our consciousness. He points out that the great awakening is upon us. Remembering who we are is part of the process and will facilitate our ascension. We should connect with our higher selves and expand our intuition. By aligning with the new reality, we can discover and fulfill our life purpose.

Kenneth Schmitt provides deep insights into the nature of consciousness and how to raise our vibrational frequency. We have been disconnected from our divine source, and the reasons and lessons that flow from this are particularly well explained. Dark forces are being overcome, and we can now manifest a new future. Our former slave planet and its history are aired, as well as the question of free will. The ruling elite will be exposed and their systems deleted. We should not dwell on the negativity, disinformation, illusion, and manipulation. Embracing unconditional love will help us rise above fear. Quantum Energetics and Spirituality Volume 1 goes further than most spiritual works by explaining the Schumann resonance phenomenon. This is simply the resonant frequency of the planet, which is rising steadily, bringing newer and higher frequency energies with it. The author offers a refreshingly different view when compared to the predictions of the past, many of which focused on the year 2012. For now, we should live in the present, moving from poverty consciousness to abundance and healing. This is an all-encompassing guide to spirituality that covers many topics in a concise and accessible manner. It is informative, inspirational, and highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Tree with My Name on It: Finding a Way Home by Victress Hitchcock is a tender and soul-searching memoir about what it means to rebuild yourself when everything you counted on disappears. After she relocates to a remote Colorado ranch with her husband, life takes an unexpected turn toward isolation, heartbreak, and profound uncertainty. Alone in a place that once promised peace, she begins to confront the unhealed wounds she has carried for years. Through the patient companionship of horses, the healing rhythms of the natural world, and her own unflinching honesty, the author charts a quiet, courageous return to herself. This is not a triumphalist story of reinvention but a deeply human one—messy, nonlinear, and laced with grace.

Author Victress Hitchcock puts her whole soul on display in her writing, and as such, she brings huge warmth, wit, and emotional intelligence to every page. I was surprised by the amount of gentle humor and humility that ran through her reflections to lighten the mood and keep things distinctly human and relatable. She does not claim to have all the answers, and that vulnerability is what makes the book so resonant. Instead of framing her journey as one of success or arrival, she invites the reader into the in-between moments—when the ground is still shaky, but the heart is beginning to beat with hope again. Overall, A Tree with My Name on It: Finding a Way Home is a quiet triumph of a memoir, filled with wisdom, courage, and the kind of honesty that lights the path forward. I would recommend it to memoir fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Melody of Fire by Jen Fields is an inspiring memoir that had me turning the pages and asking earnest questions about the nature of love, belonging, and spirituality. The memoir recounts Jen’s journey from a rigid, fear-based religious upbringing to a liberated and authentic spiritual existence rooted in love, surrender, and self-discovery. The story traces her early years in a fundamentalist Baptist family, her struggles with sexual identity, her painful coming out, and the subsequent rejection by her church community and family. She begins to explore spirituality through unconventional avenues, such as psychic readings, dreams, and self-reflection. She gradually develops a more profound understanding of divine love beyond fear and judgment. The narrative culminates in her embracing her true self—an artist and singer—despite opposition from her loved ones and finding her map to spiritual fulfillment and authenticity.

This book inspired me in a way I never expected. The Melody of Fire prompted me to ask many questions, especially about how we treat people who are different from us. Jen Fields is resonant and relevant, especially in contemporary society, where people are discriminated against because of their sexuality. The author discusses spirituality, sexuality, surrender, and the pursuit of authentic self-love with such clarity that I felt as though I were listening to a friend share her experience and beliefs. She cleverly explores the conflicts between rigid religious doctrines and personal truth, underlining the profound impact of teachings that inspire fear. Her internal struggle with family rejection points to a broader conflict between conformity and self-acceptance. While the work is a memoir, it reads like a well-crafted novel, with an engaging dialogue and prose style. This book will instruct and inspire you.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In his memoir Inner Trek, Mohan Ranga Rao is coerced by land mafia leader Jalli Jagdish into selling his valuable Bangalore property through threats. His lawyer, Advocate Hegde, is found to be involved in the illegal activity, prompting Rao to engage a new lawyer, Mehta. Mehta successfully addresses the encroachment issue, leading Rao to sell the property to Suresh, a buyer with political connections. Following this, Rao undertakes a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, fulfilling his wife Mamatha’s wish by sponsoring a Vedic fire ritual, Rudra Homa. Preparation for the trek involves arranging flights, permits, and acclimatization, and Rao encounters various challenges such as extreme weather, altitude sickness, and logistical issues. Despite difficulty and even death, Rao completes the trek, which proves to be a transformative experience, gaining a deeper understanding of spirituality and personal endurance.

In Inner Trek, Mohan Ranga Rao does well in first offering a detailed exploration of Bangalore's cultural landscape so we can better understand his motivations, which is incredibly important. Rao uses playful humor, such as a quip about not buying five- or seven-faced rudraksha from two-faced stores, which balances the more serious elements of the journey. I think where Rao shines is in his vivid descriptions and his creation of a strong sense of place, evoking the atmosphere everywhere he visits. I admit to a moment of tingly and sweaty palms when he walks us on a swaying narrow bridge over a deep divide and this puts his journey's point of view into strengthened context. The writing is simple and straightforward and, overall, this memoir will be enjoyed by readers interested in experiences in 20th-century mountaineering. It is a solid addition to the accounts that have been written over time. Greater still, I think the biggest boon will be to Rao's own family who will no doubt treasure this look into their history for generations to come.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Twenty-Seconds: A True Account of Survival and Hope is an inspirational memoir written by Robert M. Tremblay. The author was born and raised on a multi-acre spread of land in Vermont, surrounded by mountains and nature. His family’s influence and his own natural inclination led to him finding satisfaction and enjoyment in work; he especially loved learning new things, making them work better and then finding something new to challenge himself with. He and his wife were quite successful in business; however, Tremblay began to suffer from poor health. At first, it was extreme fatigue and nausea, which he worked through, but Tremblay was eventually unable to ignore the increasingly severe symptoms. He lost weight and, along the way, lost his source of income and his health insurance. When he finally surrendered to reason and sought medical help, his doctor hit him with the worst possible news. He had about thirty days left to live, and he should go home and get his affairs in order. Tremblay had end-stage AIDS and, while there were medications available to treat and control his condition even at this late stage, without the money to pay for the medications and treatments, he had no way to survive. His brother drove him back to Vermont to die; his only belongings being some casual clothing and a suit to be buried in.

Robert M. Tremblay's spiritual memoir, Twenty-Seconds, charts the author's life before and after a crucial event -- his near death experience -- which forever changed his life. I was immediately struck by Tremblay's gift of communicating directly to his audience. He pulls no punches nor does he shy away from sharing with his readers the awful truths of coping with end-stage AIDS. He realized that something he was never all that concerned about, a disease that he thought was a gay or drug abuse-related ailment was much more than that, and was actually something that could be radically diminished if early detection and proper treatment became the norm rather than the exception. I was moved by his change of heart and mind and found his description of his NDE to be fascinating. Twenty-Seconds is a story that everyone should read. It's not always an easy read and some may find his spirituality to be at odds with their own beliefs, but the messages he worked so hard to impart in this work are invaluable and well worth the effort. I was inspired by Tremblay’s story and found his wisdom, humor and candor to be refreshing, accessible and authentic. Twenty-Seconds is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

In You Are Deathless, author and wellness guru Nicole Angelique Kerr opens up about her near-death experience as a young lady. But because she didn't understand what was happening then, Nicole decided to suppress it, only coming to terms with it 20 years later. Growing up in a strictly religious home with a disciplinarian as a father, life at home was tense; Nicole and her siblings were constantly being reminded of what God expected of them. Feeling compelled to do what was expected of her, Nicole never had the chance to embrace her individuality. In You Are Deathless, Nicole explains how, over time, she started changing her perception of who she was while getting to know a different God than the one she was taught to fear.

Nicole Angelique Kerr has a way of drawing you in with her warm and gentle personality. She is transparent and offers great insight into the human mind and how it handles different types of trauma. Nicole also helps us understand how important it is to heal. Her story is about more than a personal encounter with God; it's about helping others realize that death is nothing to be afraid of and that loving yourself is the key to maintaining healthy relationships with others. On account of her injuries, Nicole was hospitalized for four months, having to rely heavily on others for assistance. Years later, Nicole was to face yet another life-or-death situation. Today, Nicole is internationally recognized as an award-winning health expert and advocate for healthy living. With You Are Deathless, Nicole hopes to help others find their path to God.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever wondered why, despite your best efforts, things always seem to fall apart before you can accomplish your goal of achieving something you are passionate about? You may be shocked to learn how many people deal with similar situations daily. The reason for your failure is much closer to home than you may think, despite the widely held belief that failure results from the universe not wanting you to succeed. For years, Vincent Genna honed his skills as a gifted psychic medium and licensed psychotherapist. His investigation produced a compilation of information on why you are not succeeding in your endeavors and how to get past those roadblocks. The Secret That's Holding You Back answers all your questions and more.

The Secret That’s Holding You Back is a thought-provoking manual on how to overcome a pre-programmed defeatist mindset and improve your situation. Vincent Genna simplifies his explanations so that any reader can follow along. Genna uses actual sessions with clients for his research, which gives his work a believable level of credibility. His ideas on the significance of manifesting your desires and the impact of the Adult Made Mind (AMM) and Environment Made Mind (EMM) on a person's decision-making processes are profound, thought-provoking, and deserving of more in-depth examination. Genna supports his claims with thoroughly investigated scientific data, which is awe-inspiring. It offers a sensible counterbalance to the spiritual aspects of the book, which readers of all backgrounds will appreciate. I strongly recommend everyone read Genna's masterpiece, The Secret That’s Holding You Back. This book contains pearls of wisdom that will improve your life.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

What is the purpose of our existence? Is it possible to reach a higher consciousness? Human history encompasses diverse cultures, backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, yet a common thread connects us all -- love. A powerful spiritual experience led Jane Kim Yu to the conclusion that love is the only reality that matters. In Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness, you will discover your personality type, learn to appreciate and embrace yourself for who you are, and manifest your own reality to become a thriving part of the collective consciousness. The journey of awakening requires us to honor and appreciate everyone and everything. To begin the awakening, acceptance of the self is a necessity. Practice compassion and meditation, forge healthy relationships, delve into arts/music, and learn to embrace life with all it encompasses.

Jane Kim Yu takes readers through an enlightening journey that focuses on the fundamental tenets of humanity and life. Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness is a thought-provoking book that will help you on your path to a fulfilling and meaningful life with clearly explained guidelines to improve your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual attributes. According to Yu, to heal the world, you have to heal yourself. The author draws upon her own experiences to offer readers some profound insights into the nature of reality, life, and higher consciousness. Using an engaging writing style, Yu covers each topic meticulously and explores answers to some existential questions that many of us have contemplated at one point or another in our lives. I found this book inspirational as well as thoroughly illuminating. Highly recommended.