Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Edith Shiro details her five-stage model for post-traumatic growth in her book, The Unexpected Gift of Trauma, written in two parts. Dr. Shiro begins by explaining the terms surrounding trauma and provides an in-depth look at post-traumatic growth, keeping culture, generation, and neurochemistry in mind. The second part details her five-stage model and mentions tools and practices to help with healing and growth, obstacles, and ways you may continue to move forward with a healthy mindset. Dr. Shiro includes a post-traumatic growth inventory and hopes her readers will become stronger, making meaningful connections while growing from the trauma instead of despite it.

Her grandparents' experiences during wars shaped and hurt them physically and mentally, so Dr. Edith Shiro has witnessed post-traumatic stress in survivors of traumatic incidents for most of her life. While reminding readers that trauma is our response to certain events, she presents stories that will motivate individuals to try her process. Dr. Shiro combats myths about trauma and post-traumatic growth, preparing readers if someone focuses negatively on their process. The author explains trauma in a relatable way and includes conditional factors so everyone will feel positive about taking the first step in her model. After the first year of the pandemic, many news sources cited returning to a "new normal." After reading Dr. Shiro's work, I feel as though anyone who has completed the steps would evolve into a "new normal" as their post-traumatic growth brings new perceptions and a better sense of self-worth. Anyone who has been in a situation that resulted in trauma - either personal or generational - would benefit from reading The Unexpected Gift of Trauma.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

J Arthur Moore's The Real Boys of the Civil War is a historical journey back to the American Civil War in a compilation of stories about boys who served in the war. These boys achieved some impressive feats despite enduring harsh prison conditions, sad losses on the battlegrounds, and the pain of war wounds. Ten-year-old Johnny Clem escaped capture after straying away from Newark, Ohio. Charles ‘Charley’ King was twelve when the Civil War began and was promoted to drum major of the field music of the Forty-Ninth Pennsylvania Regiment. Some of the boys pleaded to be soldiers and become drummer boys in the army, a decision many of their parents struggled with. Many of these boys, who had highly unrealistic, romantic expectations of war, faced daunting experiences as they lost their friends and struggled to hold on to their humanity amidst the chaos of war.

J Arthur Moore's writing is straightforward but thorough and filled with detailed information, including the ages of the boys and the time they joined their regiment. His insightful words are supported by letters, newspaper articles, journals, and even pictures that depict the youngsters more vividly. The horrors of war are made glaring with tales from witnesses of the Confederate prison camp, like sixteen-year-old Michael Dougherty, who was shocked by the sight of different torture instruments. The Real Boys of the Civil War will appeal to history enthusiasts and fans of military books. With every story and character examined, it becomes clearer just how devastating and wasteful war is to the human race. Thanks, Arthur, for shining a light on the sad cost of war and the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of boys in the American Civil War.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Charles Serocold's aim in writing A History of the United States for Newcomers is to help immigrants assimilate into their new country. He accomplishes this and so much more! Over fifty million people who were born in another country live in the United States. Charles covers the period from before Europeans came to North America up to the present day. He discusses politics, social conventions, movements, crises, and famous people. He does not condemn but explains by stating facts about how America developed and its direction. His treatment of the events that led up to the Civil War is the best explanation that I have ever read. This history book does not have an agenda except to inform and prepare people to be better American citizens. At the end are several appendixes that give even more data to help one understand the United States.

A History of the United States for Newcomers by Charles Serocold presents US history in a non-judgmental, straightforward, and informal style. This book is a page-turner and I wanted to keep reading it. Each chapter is independent so they can be read in any order you desire. I have an MA in American History which means I have read many books on the subject. Charles’ book is one of the best American history books I have ever read. I would recommend this book not just for newcomers but for anyone who wants a thorough history that is not a commentary supporting political agendas but presents facts without judgment. I wish every high school in the US would adopt this book as their primary textbook for their American History courses. Thank you, Charles, for presenting a balanced and factual history of the greatest country in the world.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Tea and Toil at The Woman's Club by Bainy Cyrus shares the vibrant history of the Women’s Club of Norfolk at the Martin Mansion. The Martin played host to The Woman’s Club for decades before it fell into bankruptcy and decline. There was a time when the club was the center of much activity. From hosting tea parties to wedding receptions, The Woman’s Club is full of history and stories of residents who spent a lifetime there and worked hard to restore the club to its glory days.

Author Bainy Cyrus takes readers back in time and on a journey into The Woman’s Club at the Martin Mansion. The moment I read the description of this book, I knew I would love it. The narrative is rich with details and history, the descriptions are transportive, and the pictures add more depth to it. Bainy Cyrus was meticulous about the information she shared with treaders. I learned a lot about the history of Martin Manor as well as The Woman’s Club and its activities, which was exactly what I expected from this book. Tea and Toil at The Woman's Club is perfect for any reader who enjoys learning about the history of landmarks in different cities and countries. There is nothing that I would want to change in this book. It is just perfect. Author Bainy Cyrus made sure her readers were fully immersed in the history of this beautiful mansion until the end. I certainly was!

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Border: A Korean’s Journey between North and South is a heart-rending and horrific, yet ultimately triumphant tale of one man’s struggle to leave North Korea, seek education, and begin a new life in the democratic and free South. This is the personal memoir of Tae-hyok Kim transcribed by his granddaughter Nicole Kim Rogers based on journals, notes, and personal memories. The memoir spans from his early days on his family farm in North Korea to his daring trips across the 38th parallel, always at risk from North Korean border guards, to his years in the Republic of Korean Army (South) in the “forgotten war”, the United Nations action to stop the spread of communism on the Korean peninsula and ultimately the rest of Asia, to his attempts to seek an education at South Korea’s top universities, and ultimately his emigration to the United States and his attainment of his dream of an education and a new, free, democratic life. Tae-hyok Kim was just fifteen years old when he first made the perilous journey across the 38th parallel to seek work and education in the South Korean city of Seoul. Little did he realize, at the time, that eventually the 38th parallel and later the Demilitarized Zone would become an impassable barrier that would separate him from his parents and siblings forever. This story chronicles the amazing life and struggles of a young man seeking nothing more than freedom and the right to learn and grow without interference from ideologies and politics.

Beyond the Border is a uniquely personal story that chronicles the day-to-day struggles, dreams, and aspirations of an entire nation. Author Nicole Kim Rogers has done an amazingly empathetic and relatable job of bringing her grandfather’s fascinating and heroic story to life. So much of Tae-hyok Kim’s story evokes amazement at his courage, perseverance, indomitable spirit, and sheer determination to succeed against all the odds thrown at him. What came through in this incredible story is the disbelief of ordinary Korean people that a civilization that had lived on the peninsula unbroken for over two thousand years--the same people, culture, language, and shared history--could be split asunder by power-hungry rulers and political ideologies. I appreciated the early school days under Japanese rule when Tae-hyok Kim began to show glimpses of the determination and common sense that would serve him so well in future years, especially during his time in the South Korean Army. The portions that focused on the war years demonstrated the horrors of war, especially a war that pitted brother fighting against brother. That he was able to not only survive the privations, dangers, and horrors of this conflict plus his ensuing health issues and still retain his optimism and humanity are a real testimony to his character and his attitude. His meeting and subsequent marriage to Miss Lee was a sweet and innocent portion of what is a tough, uncompromising story and softened the narrative beautifully. Few stories have made such a deep impact on me. It has not only greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge of the history of the North vs South Korean conflict and the political machinations that led to the divide but it has filled me with understanding and hope, reminding me that all humanity is the same, with the same aspirations and dreams. This is a truly wonderful story that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living by Nathaniel Whitten and Walter Morton contains 105 experiments and activities that urge you to reframe the way you were taught to think. These ideas persuade readers to tap into their creativity and experience life from other angles. Whitten and Morton cover topics like sleep, fully experiencing nature and your surroundings, and pickles, and address common misconceptions, such as a "sour" lemon, in a different way, giving you a well-rounded view of the subjects they touch on. Whitten and Morton use a sense of humor to communicate their suggestions and positively encourage others who may feel depressed or who might need a nudge in the right direction to have a much better day.

Nathaniel Whitten and Walter Morton offer their readers a fresh perspective. To some, these ideas may seem comical, but they have a reason for their suggestions, and they make sense. Since the authors understand the randomness in certain aspects of life, they encourage you to start anywhere in the book. I appreciated Whitten and Morton's wisdom and wit. Instead of relying on the usual advice of others, the authors focus on an even better way. For example, some people may tell you it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. Whitten and Morton encourage you to "exercise all facial muscles" so you may experience the emotions of a full life and reap certain biological benefits from the act of smiling. Readers who aren't afraid to march to the beat of a different drum will enjoy The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living.

Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite

Rise of the Reader: Strategies For Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn by Nick Hutchison is an informative self-help book. He gives you lots of ideas on how to become a better reader and why you need to. He uses his personal experiences to show how his ideas work. He also gives pro tips for each one. There are quotes from other people to help prove his point. The author also uses other self-help books to explain his ideas. He discusses things like what habits to change to help you become a happier person.

I thought that Rise of the Reader was quite interesting and had some fascinating ideas. I have to admit, the title was initially a bit confusing to me. The second half of the book seemed like it was about how to be a better person, not about being a better reader. However, I absolutely loved his "book baby" idea. I will never read books the same way again, so thank you for that, Nick. I liked how he suggested a lot of books. The format was nice, it made it easier to read. I also liked that he gave suggestions on brands to use because it is easier to look up a product that way. I also loved the quotes that Nick Hutchison used; my favorite was from Oprah Winfrey. If you need tips on how to read better or tips on your personal growth, I highly recommend this book. It's also good if you're an entrepreneur because the author has a lot of tips for starting a business too.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Imposters on the Zoom! is penned by author team John Buie and Jason Hagerman in the marketing, sales, and self-improvement subgenres. This comprehensive and engaging work offers practical guidance for marketing managers, sales leaders, owners, and operators of B2B companies to generate more sales leads and overcome imposter syndrome. The book outlines strategies to generate revenue, direct and audit staff better, and master B2B lead generation, emphasizing the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and setting new records for sales lead generation every month. This accessible and engaging volume is sure to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for B2B professionals, both established and aspiring. Buie and Hagerman's comprehensive approach to lead generation and overcoming imposter syndrome takes on a really interesting personal, psychological, and emotional perspective that is accommodating and empathetic to readers' individual needs and limitations.

John Buie and Jason Hagerman's step-by-step plan, accompanied by templates, guides, and examples, makes it easy to implement the strategies outlined to achieve tangible results and to bend those ideas to meet specific needs from a suitably general initial format. The book covers a wide range of topics essential for sustained sales lead growth and revenue generation, and everything is well-organized and formatted so that readers can refer back to relevant sections for easy reminders. As they follow along with the detailed walkthroughs and learn about overcoming personal challenges, readers are sure to feel empowered to take control of their professional growth and drive success in their desired future roles. Overall, Imposters on the Zoom! is a valuable resource for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive world of B2B marketing and sales and one that I definitely recommend.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

A Cup of Tea on the Commode by Mark Steven Porro is the memoir of Hollywood dream-chaser Mark and his unwavering commitment to caring for his ailing mother, Genevieve. Mark reflects on a childhood shaped by Catholicism and recounts his initiation into caregiving with humor. Discussions include family traditions, unique culinary experiences, conmen, and the family's heritage. The difficulties seem endless, particularly with contentious hired aides and legal hurdles. Mark ultimately transitions to full-time caregiving, providing insight into daily routines, the evolving dynamics of family, and even the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Mark also battles uphill with his own health and a personal life that humorously details events like his experience with long-distance relationships. When it comes time to say goodbye, Mark looks back on his time with his mother, the unique ways individuals grieve, and the challenges of facing the end of a long journey with loved ones.

A Cup of Tea on the Commode by Mark Steven Porro is a funny, loving, and lovely tribute to the passing of a beloved mother and the time the author, her son, was given to spend with her as her caregiver. Mark writes in a comfortable and conversational style that allows a reader to feel like they are chatting with a friend over coffee. The result is a connection to the work and the people in it that is hard to come by in memoirs written by or about people most readers do not know or know of. I loved Mark's skillful injection of humor into difficult situations, such as his mother's relentless search for discarded cheese labels during a family reunion. The comical scene of Mark and his brothers feigning collapse as Genevieve points her accusing finger is hilarious, and the anecdote involving his nephew's reaction to the chaotic scene adds to its levity. There is an intentional thoughtfulness to Mark's narrative structure and in making connections, like birthdays, and the gradual progression from joyful celebrations to the somber acknowledgment of his mother's limited time. Overall, this is a beautifully told story that will likely prove comforting to others on similar journeys. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Ground You Stand Upon: Life of a Skytrooper in Vietnam is a work of non-fiction in the military history, memoir, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to moderate graphic content and some strong language throughout. Penned by author team Joshua E. Bowe and Wilbur E. Bowe, this gripping memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of Will Bowe and his comrades from the 1st Air Cavalry Division in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Drafted in 1965, Will finds himself thrust into the midst of the escalating conflict, undergoing training to become a ‘skytrooper’ and flying into jungle battlefields by helicopter. The book, based on classified staff journals and military records, chronicles Alpha Company's journey through rice fields, villages, and mountains, supplemented with Will's letters and photographs sent home from the frontlines.

Author team Joshua E. Bowe and Wilbur E. Bowe have worked together beautifully to craft a profoundly moving experience, offering a poignant glimpse into the realities of war through the eyes of Will and his fellow soldiers. The work meticulously weaves together firsthand accounts, military documents, and personal correspondence to paint a vivid picture of the Vietnam War, and it is exceedingly well-organized in the way it delivers content. The narrative that binds all this information together is smooth and warm, vividly capturing the camaraderie, humor, and sorrow experienced by those who served and revealing the complexities of combat and the toll it takes on individuals and communities. Through the voices of veterans and their loved ones, the book honors the sacrifices made and the resilience shown in the face of adversity. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Ground You Stand Upon for fans of historical accounts but also readers who appreciate a heartfelt tribute to the courage and spirit of those who served their country.