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Recommend this book:
The Dolan Girls
S. R. Mallery
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Western
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Fans of westerns are in for a treat with S.R. Mallery's The Dolan Girls. The book follows the Dolan sisters, Cora and Minnie, as they inherit and run a parlor in the small town of South Benton in Nebraska in the 1880s. Sexually assaulted as a sixteen-year-old, Cora Dolan has lost the ability to put her trust in others for the past twenty years. After inheriting Madam Ana's establishment, she and her sister Minnie continue to provide entertainment of all sorts to the inhabitants of South Benton. When Cora's daughter Ellie returns home to be the new town schoolmarm, Cora is determined to keep her reputation intact. But the notorious Soltano gang is roaming the countryside with a new member who has a heinous history. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Pinkerton agent brings the past swirling back into Cora's life.
Full of romance, gun-toting cowboys, and lively saloons, The Dolan Girls is an absolute blockbuster of a novel for any lover of westerns. At its heart, this book is the story of two sisters as they carve out a life for themselves in a time and place where men with guns ruled the world. S.R. Mallery paints a vivid portrait of a late 19th-century American town, with characters that leap off the pages, some of whom you will love while others you will love to hate. Each character feels distinct, and their interactions and actions bring their personalities out upfront. You will find yourself rooting for Cora, Minnie, and Ellie until the end. I loved the book and will gladly recommend it.
Fans of westerns are in for a treat with S.R. Mallery's The Dolan Girls. The book follows the Dolan sisters, Cora and Minnie, as they inherit and run a parlor in the small town of South Benton in Nebraska in the 1880s. Sexually assaulted as a sixteen-year-old, Cora Dolan has lost the ability to put her trust in others for the past twenty years. After inheriting Madam Ana's establishment, she and her sister Minnie continue to provide entertainment of all sorts to the inhabitants of South Benton. When Cora's daughter Ellie returns home to be the new town schoolmarm, Cora is determined to keep her reputation intact. But the notorious Soltano gang is roaming the countryside with a new member who has a heinous history. Meanwhile, the arrival of a Pinkerton agent brings the past swirling back into Cora's life.
Full of romance, gun-toting cowboys, and lively saloons, The Dolan Girls is an absolute blockbuster of a novel for any lover of westerns. At its heart, this book is the story of two sisters as they carve out a life for themselves in a time and place where men with guns ruled the world. S.R. Mallery paints a vivid portrait of a late 19th-century American town, with characters that leap off the pages, some of whom you will love while others you will love to hate. Each character feels distinct, and their interactions and actions bring their personalities out upfront. You will find yourself rooting for Cora, Minnie, and Ellie until the end. I loved the book and will gladly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Tea Drinker's Guide to Adventure
3 Women, 2 Dogs, 1 RV: On the Road Trip of a Lifetime
Andrée Jannette
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
When Alice succumbed to cancer, her final request to her friends entailed spreading her ashes in the Ghost Ranch of New Mexico. To fulfill this wish, Cathy, Linda, and Betsy decide to take a road trip in an RV. Driving an RV might be a tad troubling when you are in your sixties, but the trio is determined to enjoy every moment of this journey. However, when they meet a wounded stray dog one night, they need to alter their course. The women must visit the nearby RV park to get the little dog checked by the resident vet. However, once they settle down in the park and befriend the community, a series of unforeseen events follow. Read The Tea Drinker’s Guide to Adventure, a novel by Andrée Jannette, to learn what happens to the three friends.
The novel evoked a gentle, soothing feeling right from the first page. Jannette’s ‘showing not telling’ approach to establish the characters made them quite endearing. I loved the mutual affection Cathy, Linda, and Betsy shared, each ready to do their best for the others. At the same time, I admired how they gave each other space and respected their decisions. The loving community at the RV park, especially the ever-patient Ben and the ever-helpful Alfreda, were simply the best. Throughout the story, Jannette showed how our non-human friends bring us unconditional love. Jannette’s portrayals of various age-related issues and the associated uncertainties tugged at my heart. Yet, the novel also showed how age could be less of a constraint if we have supportive friends to see us through life’s ordeals.
Andrée Jannette’s book conveyed the profound message that age was never a boundary in love or friendship. You could easily form lifelong bonds or feel the excitement of new love at a mature age. The novel contains epic adventures and humorous misadventures, and it is up to the reader to determine which is which. From harrowing life-and-death situations to refreshing naps and hearty meals, The Tea Drinker’s Guide to Adventure seems to cover everything. Reading this wholesome, comforting book was like sipping a warm cup of tea at the end of an exhausting day.
When Alice succumbed to cancer, her final request to her friends entailed spreading her ashes in the Ghost Ranch of New Mexico. To fulfill this wish, Cathy, Linda, and Betsy decide to take a road trip in an RV. Driving an RV might be a tad troubling when you are in your sixties, but the trio is determined to enjoy every moment of this journey. However, when they meet a wounded stray dog one night, they need to alter their course. The women must visit the nearby RV park to get the little dog checked by the resident vet. However, once they settle down in the park and befriend the community, a series of unforeseen events follow. Read The Tea Drinker’s Guide to Adventure, a novel by Andrée Jannette, to learn what happens to the three friends.
The novel evoked a gentle, soothing feeling right from the first page. Jannette’s ‘showing not telling’ approach to establish the characters made them quite endearing. I loved the mutual affection Cathy, Linda, and Betsy shared, each ready to do their best for the others. At the same time, I admired how they gave each other space and respected their decisions. The loving community at the RV park, especially the ever-patient Ben and the ever-helpful Alfreda, were simply the best. Throughout the story, Jannette showed how our non-human friends bring us unconditional love. Jannette’s portrayals of various age-related issues and the associated uncertainties tugged at my heart. Yet, the novel also showed how age could be less of a constraint if we have supportive friends to see us through life’s ordeals.
Andrée Jannette’s book conveyed the profound message that age was never a boundary in love or friendship. You could easily form lifelong bonds or feel the excitement of new love at a mature age. The novel contains epic adventures and humorous misadventures, and it is up to the reader to determine which is which. From harrowing life-and-death situations to refreshing naps and hearty meals, The Tea Drinker’s Guide to Adventure seems to cover everything. Reading this wholesome, comforting book was like sipping a warm cup of tea at the end of an exhausting day.
Recommend this book:
Dark Enough to See the Stars
The Sequel to It All Comes Back to You
Beth Duke
2023 Finalist
316 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Dark Enough to See the Stars by Beth Duke revolves around Ronni, a compassionate nurse and accomplished author, who receives an emotional email from Gary Harris, who claims to be the son of a man she wrote about in her book. Discussing the situation with her husband Rick, they decide to prioritize their own lives against the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interspersed throughout their narrative are flashbacks of Ronni and Rick's journey, including their wedding and honeymoon. Meanwhile, in Anniston, Alabama in 1946, we are introduced to Sam, a talented photographer who captures a perfect yearbook photo of Violet. These intertwining stories gradually unfold, shedding light on the resilience and strength of the characters as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
I really liked the way that Dark Enough to See the Stars by Beth Duke played out in scenes that frequently read like vignettes, with pieces woven together to make one comprehensive story but with each of those same pieces having the strength to stand alone. There is a full emotional landscape that makes Duke's composite wonderfully character-driven, an appropriate maneuver given its anchoring in the pandemic. For instance, when Ronni O'Shea is grappling with a loss, she engages in deep conversations with Max and they bond over shared histories and mutual comfort in a way they never would have in another timeline. The lingering shadow of COVID-19 marks Ronnie's life through various characters as well. Ronnie's friend Deanna grapples with the absence of Max and Elise who are affected by the pandemic's travel restrictions. Meanwhile, Samuel, Max and Elise's son, is overwhelmed by the pressures of store construction delays, a stark repercussion of the economic slowdown during the pandemic. Duke writes an effective and engrossing contrast of experiences to provide portraits of life amidst a global crisis and it is a brilliant tribute to the losses and triumphs of then vs now. Very highly recommended.
Dark Enough to See the Stars by Beth Duke revolves around Ronni, a compassionate nurse and accomplished author, who receives an emotional email from Gary Harris, who claims to be the son of a man she wrote about in her book. Discussing the situation with her husband Rick, they decide to prioritize their own lives against the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interspersed throughout their narrative are flashbacks of Ronni and Rick's journey, including their wedding and honeymoon. Meanwhile, in Anniston, Alabama in 1946, we are introduced to Sam, a talented photographer who captures a perfect yearbook photo of Violet. These intertwining stories gradually unfold, shedding light on the resilience and strength of the characters as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
I really liked the way that Dark Enough to See the Stars by Beth Duke played out in scenes that frequently read like vignettes, with pieces woven together to make one comprehensive story but with each of those same pieces having the strength to stand alone. There is a full emotional landscape that makes Duke's composite wonderfully character-driven, an appropriate maneuver given its anchoring in the pandemic. For instance, when Ronni O'Shea is grappling with a loss, she engages in deep conversations with Max and they bond over shared histories and mutual comfort in a way they never would have in another timeline. The lingering shadow of COVID-19 marks Ronnie's life through various characters as well. Ronnie's friend Deanna grapples with the absence of Max and Elise who are affected by the pandemic's travel restrictions. Meanwhile, Samuel, Max and Elise's son, is overwhelmed by the pressures of store construction delays, a stark repercussion of the economic slowdown during the pandemic. Duke writes an effective and engrossing contrast of experiences to provide portraits of life amidst a global crisis and it is a brilliant tribute to the losses and triumphs of then vs now. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Mouth of the Donkey
Re-imagining Biblical Animals
Laura Duhan-Kaplan
2023 Honorable Mention
94 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
The Hebrew Torah and, therefore, the Old Testament of the Christian Bible contains many instances where animals are directly used to let God's will be done. Many instances, if not most, have the donkey as a means of transport, support, or companionship. God sent ravens to take care of Elijah, and throughout the Old Testament, we find metaphors used that include locust swarms that remind us of armies and wolves among sheep as evil men stirring among God's people. But have we ever tried to look at the animals as they are and view the Biblical world from their eyes? Laura Duhan-Kaplan does just that. She looks at some of the more well-known animals in the Bible and views them first as the species they are and the characteristics that we know and further deduce from observing them. Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals is a refreshingly different take on the animals in the Bible and the meaning they bring to the text, both in Biblical context and how that may be made relevant today.
Mouth of the Donkey by Laura Duhan-Kaplan is a well-researched book about the metaphors and meaning of animals in the Bible. The author gives well-researched and thought-through ideas. What makes this book special is how the author draws comparisons between the animal metaphors and today's world. She posits that man can be a lone grasshopper but change into a locust, part of a violent destructive mass through circumstance, just as men can be known as snakes and the innocent as sheep. In my mind, this book can bring depth to the already well-known animals in the Bible that we tend to gloss over to find the "human" side of the meaning of the text. Maybe when we form our Biblical view by including the rich context of the animals we encounter there, our faith will be enriched. Likewise, our balance with nature might become closer to the ideal, broken when we shed our "first skin" and opened our eyes to the new world where sin was present. Indeed, food for the literary-minded, this is a delightful read.
The Hebrew Torah and, therefore, the Old Testament of the Christian Bible contains many instances where animals are directly used to let God's will be done. Many instances, if not most, have the donkey as a means of transport, support, or companionship. God sent ravens to take care of Elijah, and throughout the Old Testament, we find metaphors used that include locust swarms that remind us of armies and wolves among sheep as evil men stirring among God's people. But have we ever tried to look at the animals as they are and view the Biblical world from their eyes? Laura Duhan-Kaplan does just that. She looks at some of the more well-known animals in the Bible and views them first as the species they are and the characteristics that we know and further deduce from observing them. Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals is a refreshingly different take on the animals in the Bible and the meaning they bring to the text, both in Biblical context and how that may be made relevant today.
Mouth of the Donkey by Laura Duhan-Kaplan is a well-researched book about the metaphors and meaning of animals in the Bible. The author gives well-researched and thought-through ideas. What makes this book special is how the author draws comparisons between the animal metaphors and today's world. She posits that man can be a lone grasshopper but change into a locust, part of a violent destructive mass through circumstance, just as men can be known as snakes and the innocent as sheep. In my mind, this book can bring depth to the already well-known animals in the Bible that we tend to gloss over to find the "human" side of the meaning of the text. Maybe when we form our Biblical view by including the rich context of the animals we encounter there, our faith will be enriched. Likewise, our balance with nature might become closer to the ideal, broken when we shed our "first skin" and opened our eyes to the new world where sin was present. Indeed, food for the literary-minded, this is a delightful read.
Recommend this book:
The Miscarriage Project
Testimonials of Parents Who Found Hope in God
A.C. Babbitt, Deja Nance
2023 Finalist
102 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
Using her testimonial as a springboard to talk about miscarriage, A.C. Babbitt relates her experience and that of others in her audiobook The Miscarriage Project: Testimonials of Parents Who Found Hope in God. Babbitt recalls her feelings at the time of and after the miscarriage of her son, Timothy Lyle Babbitt. She created a blog, and, with their permission, she recounts the stories of other women who commented as they comforted her and shared their private moments of infant loss. The book moves beyond the initial shock of miscarriage and follows the grieving process past the short period society usually allows.
A.C. Babbitt has created a book that will be a treasure to families who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, adoption, or abortion, and offers them peace through biblical quotations and comforting words. Fathers who have lost babies can also find solace in Babbitt’s words, as the author’s husband and a teen father describe their experiences. Applicable scripture will speak to readers and outline women’s struggles as they relate their shaken and renewed faith. The author communicates grief while still providing hope to struggling mothers who had dreams and plans for their unborn children. Even though Babbitt speaks about loss, fear, guilt, and anger, the book encourages understanding, sympathy, and faith in God. The Miscarriage Project is a great selection for anyone who has lost an infant and can benefit from the written testimonials, so they know they are not alone.
Deja Nance is an experienced narrator who is credited with over twenty books of audio performances. Her voice is smooth and even, transporting the reader seamlessly from one chapter to the next. Even though several women and two men contributed to the book, Nance conveys their parts easily, as if she is relating them through the voice of the author. The book was delivered calmly, extending a level of peace to readers. With good sound quality, the reader will have smooth transitions between sections and no background interference as they enjoy this meaningful audiobook.
Using her testimonial as a springboard to talk about miscarriage, A.C. Babbitt relates her experience and that of others in her audiobook The Miscarriage Project: Testimonials of Parents Who Found Hope in God. Babbitt recalls her feelings at the time of and after the miscarriage of her son, Timothy Lyle Babbitt. She created a blog, and, with their permission, she recounts the stories of other women who commented as they comforted her and shared their private moments of infant loss. The book moves beyond the initial shock of miscarriage and follows the grieving process past the short period society usually allows.
A.C. Babbitt has created a book that will be a treasure to families who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, adoption, or abortion, and offers them peace through biblical quotations and comforting words. Fathers who have lost babies can also find solace in Babbitt’s words, as the author’s husband and a teen father describe their experiences. Applicable scripture will speak to readers and outline women’s struggles as they relate their shaken and renewed faith. The author communicates grief while still providing hope to struggling mothers who had dreams and plans for their unborn children. Even though Babbitt speaks about loss, fear, guilt, and anger, the book encourages understanding, sympathy, and faith in God. The Miscarriage Project is a great selection for anyone who has lost an infant and can benefit from the written testimonials, so they know they are not alone.
Deja Nance is an experienced narrator who is credited with over twenty books of audio performances. Her voice is smooth and even, transporting the reader seamlessly from one chapter to the next. Even though several women and two men contributed to the book, Nance conveys their parts easily, as if she is relating them through the voice of the author. The book was delivered calmly, extending a level of peace to readers. With good sound quality, the reader will have smooth transitions between sections and no background interference as they enjoy this meaningful audiobook.
Recommend this book:
 Buddhist is the real-life story of a woman who was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment but later became a Buddhist. Author Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW, holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She experienced traumatic events, including being m...){kind=link}
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist
Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is the real-life story of a woman who was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment but later became a Buddhist. Author Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW, holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She experienced traumatic events, including being molested by her grandfather and going through several divorces. One husband beat her, while another turned out to have a felony conviction and a problem with illegal drugs. She also had a relationship with a man who didn’t tell her for seven years that he was still married to another woman. The book also contains accounts of McConnell’s remarkable travels, including hiking much of the Appalachian Trail and a pilgrimage to India and Nepal. She also lived in other places that most people can only read about, such as South Korea. The book contains some graphic content, including child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual scenes. There are also frank descriptions of religious intolerance.
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is a fascinating book. Pamela McConnell writes openly and candidly. Because of her education and background, she has unique insight into the human condition and in particular her own life. I appreciated her frankness as she doesn’t hide any of her experiences, terrible as some were. Many readers will find her religious quest to be captivating. One doesn’t have to have any particular religious convictions to identify with her struggle to find a faith that worked for her. Everyone can learn from McConnell’s experiences and her honesty in telling her own life story. Anyone who reads with an open mind and wants to live vicariously through both the best and worst life offers should read this book. They will rejoice with McConnell that she was able to overcome her past and become a happy and fulfilled woman.
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is the real-life story of a woman who was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment but later became a Buddhist. Author Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW, holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She experienced traumatic events, including being molested by her grandfather and going through several divorces. One husband beat her, while another turned out to have a felony conviction and a problem with illegal drugs. She also had a relationship with a man who didn’t tell her for seven years that he was still married to another woman. The book also contains accounts of McConnell’s remarkable travels, including hiking much of the Appalachian Trail and a pilgrimage to India and Nepal. She also lived in other places that most people can only read about, such as South Korea. The book contains some graphic content, including child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual scenes. There are also frank descriptions of religious intolerance.
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is a fascinating book. Pamela McConnell writes openly and candidly. Because of her education and background, she has unique insight into the human condition and in particular her own life. I appreciated her frankness as she doesn’t hide any of her experiences, terrible as some were. Many readers will find her religious quest to be captivating. One doesn’t have to have any particular religious convictions to identify with her struggle to find a faith that worked for her. Everyone can learn from McConnell’s experiences and her honesty in telling her own life story. Anyone who reads with an open mind and wants to live vicariously through both the best and worst life offers should read this book. They will rejoice with McConnell that she was able to overcome her past and become a happy and fulfilled woman.
Recommend this book:
Emerging From the Dark: Stroke...The Untold Stories
Terence Ang
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Grace Ruhara for Readers' Favorite
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. Anything can happen at any time. Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang shares his story and that of other stroke survivors. Their stories acknowledge that the journey is not easy, but it's possible, and they have overcome and come back stronger. Before finally accepting themselves as they are and loving their flaws, they faced constant breakdowns and threats that almost compelled them to give up. The struggles one faces are aphasia, anxiety, and mood changes. Self-pity and sorrow arise, especially when you feel no progress has been made and you have to depend on your family and friends to do even the simplest tasks. These challenges give you a reason to fight back and push on. Along the way, you appreciate your loved ones for sticking by you, empathize more with people in need, learn to accept and ask for assistance, and have the patience to give life a second chance.
Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang is commendable for its transparency. The survivors don't try to make their experiences sound better than they were. Instead, they describe the hard parts and give readers a clear picture of the transition. The author also accompanies these stories with drawings that helped him vent his frustrations and speak up about how exactly he felt, enabling readers to connect with his thoughts and emotions more deeply. The numerous stories that the author shares are assurances that there are people who battled through their strokes and came out stronger. This gives anyone going through the same experience hope and courage to overcome their challenges as the survivors did. I recommend this book to readers suffering from a stroke or those with family members who are stroke victims. It will give them reasons to push on harder and more ways to overcome the challenges involved.
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. Anything can happen at any time. Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang shares his story and that of other stroke survivors. Their stories acknowledge that the journey is not easy, but it's possible, and they have overcome and come back stronger. Before finally accepting themselves as they are and loving their flaws, they faced constant breakdowns and threats that almost compelled them to give up. The struggles one faces are aphasia, anxiety, and mood changes. Self-pity and sorrow arise, especially when you feel no progress has been made and you have to depend on your family and friends to do even the simplest tasks. These challenges give you a reason to fight back and push on. Along the way, you appreciate your loved ones for sticking by you, empathize more with people in need, learn to accept and ask for assistance, and have the patience to give life a second chance.
Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang is commendable for its transparency. The survivors don't try to make their experiences sound better than they were. Instead, they describe the hard parts and give readers a clear picture of the transition. The author also accompanies these stories with drawings that helped him vent his frustrations and speak up about how exactly he felt, enabling readers to connect with his thoughts and emotions more deeply. The numerous stories that the author shares are assurances that there are people who battled through their strokes and came out stronger. This gives anyone going through the same experience hope and courage to overcome their challenges as the survivors did. I recommend this book to readers suffering from a stroke or those with family members who are stroke victims. It will give them reasons to push on harder and more ways to overcome the challenges involved.
Recommend this book:
The StorySelling Method
Master the Art of Storytelling to Build Trust, Stand Out, and Boost Sales (Storytelling for Business)
Philipp Humm
2023 Silver Medal
182 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Reviewed by Parul Sood for Readers' Favorite
The StorySelling Method by Philipp Humm is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of storytelling in business. In his book, Humm provides a step-by-step process for crafting and delivering stories that will not only captivate your audience but also persuade them and inspire action. He begins by explaining the importance of storytelling in business, emphasizing the power of stories to build trust, stand out, and boost sales. He then breaks down the four essential elements of effective storytelling: characters, conflict, plot, and resolution. Throughout the pages, Humm provides practical exercises, templates, and real-world examples to help us create compelling stories.
One of the strengths of The StorySelling Method by Philipp Humm is its focus on authenticity and emotional resonance. Humm stresses the importance of connecting with your audience emotionally and provides tips for doing so authentically. He also emphasizes drawing on your experiences and emotions when crafting your stories rather than relying on generic or formulaic approaches. It is a blueprint for creating accounts to captivate your audience and drive sales. The exercises and templates provided make the concepts easy to understand and apply, and the real-world examples help to illustrate the points and make the ideas more tangible. This engaging and informative read offers valuable insights and practical tools for improving storytelling skills. Whether you're a marketer, salesperson, or entrepreneur, it is a must-read if you want to build stronger connections with your audience and drive business results through the power of storytelling.
The StorySelling Method by Philipp Humm is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of storytelling in business. In his book, Humm provides a step-by-step process for crafting and delivering stories that will not only captivate your audience but also persuade them and inspire action. He begins by explaining the importance of storytelling in business, emphasizing the power of stories to build trust, stand out, and boost sales. He then breaks down the four essential elements of effective storytelling: characters, conflict, plot, and resolution. Throughout the pages, Humm provides practical exercises, templates, and real-world examples to help us create compelling stories.
One of the strengths of The StorySelling Method by Philipp Humm is its focus on authenticity and emotional resonance. Humm stresses the importance of connecting with your audience emotionally and provides tips for doing so authentically. He also emphasizes drawing on your experiences and emotions when crafting your stories rather than relying on generic or formulaic approaches. It is a blueprint for creating accounts to captivate your audience and drive sales. The exercises and templates provided make the concepts easy to understand and apply, and the real-world examples help to illustrate the points and make the ideas more tangible. This engaging and informative read offers valuable insights and practical tools for improving storytelling skills. Whether you're a marketer, salesperson, or entrepreneur, it is a must-read if you want to build stronger connections with your audience and drive business results through the power of storytelling.
Recommend this book:
Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door
50 American Chefs Chart Today's Food Culture
Emmanuel Laroche
2023 Gold Medal
318 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
We all have our favorite restaurants and we all enjoy certain foods. How many of us consider the work that goes into preparing those foods? This embraces the person who creates a masterpiece for our culinary enjoyment, the years of training undergone to become the best food artist they could be. In the Foreword to Emmanuel Laroche’s book Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door: 50 American Chefs Chart Today's Food Culture, chef and author Elizabeth Falkner writes, “Food does tell the truth about a society.” How we enjoy our food, and how chefs create culinary classics all speak profoundly about who we are and how we fit into this world. Food also teaches respect, at least for the chef, and it should for the connoisseur as well. Chefs must show respect for the produce they use, the food they create, the people they work with, and the customers that they serve. As those who enjoy their creations, we could learn a lot about respect from these food geniuses.
Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door takes segments from Emmanuel Laroche’s podcasts to feature the powerful, creative, and competitive world of working in kitchens. Arguably, it’s more than a kitchen. It’s an artist’s studio where food is the medium and the customer is the critic. The book features anecdotes from some of the nation’s most renowned chefs, including Gabriel Kreuther, Antonio Bachour, Johnny Spero, Elizabeth Falkner, Edward Lee, Jose Garces, and Dan Kluger. Taking the reader through the stories of professionals, the author aims to encourage us to enjoy being in the kitchen and not to be afraid of experimenting with the foods we prepare. Like any other art form, food and the recipes we use and create are only as inspirational as the imagination we allow to take root. Enjoy the stories, follow the journey, and allow your passion to take control of all you make in the kitchen. A fascinating read.
We all have our favorite restaurants and we all enjoy certain foods. How many of us consider the work that goes into preparing those foods? This embraces the person who creates a masterpiece for our culinary enjoyment, the years of training undergone to become the best food artist they could be. In the Foreword to Emmanuel Laroche’s book Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door: 50 American Chefs Chart Today's Food Culture, chef and author Elizabeth Falkner writes, “Food does tell the truth about a society.” How we enjoy our food, and how chefs create culinary classics all speak profoundly about who we are and how we fit into this world. Food also teaches respect, at least for the chef, and it should for the connoisseur as well. Chefs must show respect for the produce they use, the food they create, the people they work with, and the customers that they serve. As those who enjoy their creations, we could learn a lot about respect from these food geniuses.
Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door takes segments from Emmanuel Laroche’s podcasts to feature the powerful, creative, and competitive world of working in kitchens. Arguably, it’s more than a kitchen. It’s an artist’s studio where food is the medium and the customer is the critic. The book features anecdotes from some of the nation’s most renowned chefs, including Gabriel Kreuther, Antonio Bachour, Johnny Spero, Elizabeth Falkner, Edward Lee, Jose Garces, and Dan Kluger. Taking the reader through the stories of professionals, the author aims to encourage us to enjoy being in the kitchen and not to be afraid of experimenting with the foods we prepare. Like any other art form, food and the recipes we use and create are only as inspirational as the imagination we allow to take root. Enjoy the stories, follow the journey, and allow your passion to take control of all you make in the kitchen. A fascinating read.
Recommend this book:
The Kitchen and the Studio
A Memoir of Food and Art
Mallory M O'Connor, John A O'Connor
2023 Silver Medal
296 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art is a fascinating memoir by Mallory M. O'Connor and John A. O'Connor. It is about the authors' experiences in the world of food and art. Mallory is a food writer and art historian, while her husband John is a painter and professor of fine arts. It is divided into two parts, People, Places and Parties, and The Ancestors. It also has a hundred recipes, each illustrated with John’s paintings. The story unravels with Mallory and John's meeting at the University of California, Davis, in 1962. The couple fell in love and got married. What follows is a meaningful journey that spans fifty years as they share their life and celebrate with family and friends.
Mallory M. O'Connor and John A. O'Connor’s The Kitchen and the Studio is a unique memoir about a couple with a healthy dose of passion for art, good food, and life in general. It is a beautifully written story that celebrates creativity and family tradition. Narrated in the first-person point of view, we get an intimate glimpse of Mallory's and John’s lives where food and art are woven together. I find the illustrations visually pleasing and effective tools in relating to the narrative on a deeper level. This is a wonderfully written memoir that celebrates the joys of creativity, relationships, and lives filled with passion. It is a must-read for those who appreciate the connection between food and art and it should inspire us to create our memories and follow our hearts’ desires.
The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art is a fascinating memoir by Mallory M. O'Connor and John A. O'Connor. It is about the authors' experiences in the world of food and art. Mallory is a food writer and art historian, while her husband John is a painter and professor of fine arts. It is divided into two parts, People, Places and Parties, and The Ancestors. It also has a hundred recipes, each illustrated with John’s paintings. The story unravels with Mallory and John's meeting at the University of California, Davis, in 1962. The couple fell in love and got married. What follows is a meaningful journey that spans fifty years as they share their life and celebrate with family and friends.
Mallory M. O'Connor and John A. O'Connor’s The Kitchen and the Studio is a unique memoir about a couple with a healthy dose of passion for art, good food, and life in general. It is a beautifully written story that celebrates creativity and family tradition. Narrated in the first-person point of view, we get an intimate glimpse of Mallory's and John’s lives where food and art are woven together. I find the illustrations visually pleasing and effective tools in relating to the narrative on a deeper level. This is a wonderfully written memoir that celebrates the joys of creativity, relationships, and lives filled with passion. It is a must-read for those who appreciate the connection between food and art and it should inspire us to create our memories and follow our hearts’ desires.
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