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Exciting Children’s Books That Will Remind You of Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. Are you ready to feel the spirit of the holidays and make the best memories out of it? There are wonderful things to do exclusively for this event, such as decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, drinking eggnogs, building snowmen, giving Christmas cards, and baking gingerbread cookies.

But, if you are looking for activities to remind you of the most awaited and wonderful time of the year — then you should try reading. There are many books that will give you nostalgia and excitement about Christmas, like the ones below:

Is It Santa? by Nelibeth Plaza

The story of the Christmas cookies for Santa on Nelibeth Plaza’s book titled Is It Santa?  was purely based on real events. It follows the mystery of how the perfectly stored cookies that Mother Rebekkah baked were scattered in several places of her home. She only discovered the mysterious event after she got back from fetching her kids from school. After discovering the scene, her children believe that it was Santa’s doing. But, Mother Rebekkah was uncertain about it because it was too early for him to arrive. Everyone has fallen into distress due to the mystery; so, Jacob, the youngest, starts to solve the puzzle using his great inquiry abilities and a magnifying glass.  

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling is an Amazon bestselling book of the children’s fantasy & magic books category. It follows the story of a little boy named Jack and his childhood toy, which he calls Dur Pig. Unfortunately, DP got lost one Christmas Eve. But, as they say, that night is intended for miracles, wild-goose chase, and the moment where everything extraordinarily comes to life. Jack’s brand-new toy called the Christmas Pig has a bold plan, which is to go on a magical trip to look for stuff that was lost and to save Jack’s best buddy.

The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien

This classic fantasy book for children was penned by J.R.R. Tolkien, originally published in 1976. It also contains the illustrations of the author. Moreover, The Father Christmas Letters are a collection of letters written by the author addressed to his kids and sent between 1920 and 1943. Each letter contains a tale of mishap or adventure experienced by Father Christmas that he or his elfish secretary personally narrates. 

It’s Christmas, David! by David Shannon

David Shannon’s It’s Christmas, David!, part of the David Books, was published in 2010 by The Blue Sky Press. It’s a humorous book that follows how David disarrayed the Christmas customs. Knowing that David cannot keep it all together and is misbehaving during the most wonderful time of the year, everyone anticipates Santa’s gift to the little boy this year — would it be a cute toy fire truck or a lump of coal?

How Winston Delivered Christmas: A Christmas Story in Twenty-Four-and-a-Half Chapters by Alex T. Smith

The bestselling author Alex T. Smith has penned another remarkable book titled How Winston Delivered Christmas that was published in 2018 by Macmillan Children’s Book. It centers on a story of a mouse named Wilson who discovered a letter for Father Christmas that failed to make it to the post box. So, he decided to embark on a journey to deliver the letter to Father Christmas just in time for the year’s most important day. While on his quest, he encountered and made new amazing friends. Apart from his thrilling adventure, the book also contains a great activity for the readers to engage with.

All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner

All the Colors of Christmas is another masterpiece of the bestselling author Matthew Paul Turner published in 2020. This book will surely remind you about the essence of Christmas through its colors and makes you more enthusiastic about looking forward to this holiday. Moreover, the author aims to show the nostalgic sensations and amazing memories that are connected by the colors of Christmas, such as red, green, and more, and other festive hues. Thus, it makes every reader feel and see that they are a significant part of this particular holiday. Turner definitely captures the hearts of his readers and has shown how important our loved ones are in celebrating the holiday.

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Basic Elements of a Great Historical Fiction Novel

Historical fiction proves that literature and history go hand in hand. It is a popular book genre featuring wonderful and eye-opening stories, such as Mr. Crane’s historical fiction book, allowing readers to be moved, inspired, and informed. It also brings the readers back to a particular time and place where significant events occurred.

Whether you are an avid reader or an aspiring writer under the aforementioned genre, you should know the basic elements that make a great historical fiction novel. If you are eager to know the said common factors, then please refer to the ones listed below.

Setting

Building great imagery to successfully transport the reader to your chosen place and time is one of the foundations of historical fiction. The setting must be built well with enough descriptions to help the readers picture when and where the story happened. Since it’s based on historical facts, authors must do thorough research to bring out the best of that particular era and bring nostalgia to the readers by mixing factual and fictional elements that appeal to the senses.

“Just before dusk in the late afternoon of June 16, 1832, 1 found myself walking along the crowded docks of Liverpool, England, following a man by the name of Grummage. “ – Avi, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. The excerpt is a great example of how a setting should be presented.

Character

The set of characters, like the setting, may also be a mix of real and fictional aspects. Most stories under this genre make use of historical figures as characters, such as in Paula Mclain’s The Paris Wife. However, writers also blend both real and fictional characters and connect them together through a powerful backstory and other necessary literary devices. The author has all the authority and means to reinvent a particular historical family tree, group, and event to tell a story. But, the challenge is to make sure that the alteration wouldn’t affect history or make fabrications on the significant happenings in the past.

Dialogue

Development is essential in every story, especially in historical fiction. And, dialogue is one of the most functional tools that help bring out the best in a story. With an engaging dialogue, character development will gradually become evident, which helps move the story forward. It allows the authors to establish or uncover essential parts of the storyline that readers didn’t notice or aren’t aware of. It also heightens the tension between characters and sets the mood in some scenes.

Storyline

What makes novels more appealing is their unique ways of mixing and matching. This means that historical fiction books excellently know how to mix fictional events with real happenings. Authors are allowed to build their own world on a specific timeline with characters that both existed and were imaginary. As a result, the ordinary plot will become more interesting. The storyline becomes more engaging because stories present different plot twists and turning points that may or may have happened, how the plot gives a new type of excitement to the readers by either injecting surprising elements on a significant event or on the outcome of that particular historical happening.

Conflict

History is filled with different kinds of events — both good and horrific, that mold the present and the future. Given that fact, the plots of historical fiction novels must also showcase an engaging and realistic conflict. This doesn’t only enhance the readers’ drive and curiosity, but it also teaches them about the culture, norms, and traditions during those periods. The typical conflict in historical fiction books revolves around defying traditions, clashing political beliefs, family conflicts, and more.

Theme

Central messages often go beyond history. However, it is still essential to have a significant message interpreted in the context of the story’s setting. Although readers and even authors are already aware and have learned about the beauty and horrors of particular events in the past, they are still unaware of specific details. Thus, most historical novels communicate simple yet hugely impact people. They transcend the common societal issue and touch into the simple things and experiences in life that appeal to the senses and the emotions of people.

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Stirring Books to Read Before the Year Ends

2021 is ending, but that doesn’t mean that you stop reading. Regardless of the unfortunate events this year, there are still wonderful things that happened, sparking enthusiasm and hope from each of us, such as publishing new books and refilling to-be-read lists. As a certified bookworm, every year is like a book series in which you reach the last pages but still get excited to open the sequel.

Whether you are looking for new titles for your swamped TBR or you want to read more stories before the year ends, then this blog is for you. Listed below are some of the must-read books that will make your 2021 more memorable and exciting.                                                                                                                 

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

This bestselling book written by the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead showcases the different stirring events during Harlem in the 1960s. The said events include heists, rip-offs, and deals with shady clients for survival. Hence, it highlights a wonderfully recreated Empire State around the early 1960s and a family saga disguising as a crime novel. Harlem Shuffle didn’t fail to convey a great dramatic play, race, power, and all things in between.

The Yellow Rose: A Novel of the Texas Revolution by Carl R. Brush and Bob Stewart

The Yellow Rose by Carl R. Brush and Bob Stewart is a historical fiction book published in 2020. However, it also shows hints of romantic elements. The story is set during one of the most important movements in history, which is the 1836 Texas Revolution. It focuses on the characters Sam Houston and Emily, which were both based on real people. The former led the fight to establish the Republic of Texas while the latter helped Sam in particular events and got romantically involved with him.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Faber and Faber published the sci-fi book by the notable author Kazuo Ishiguro titled Klara and the Sun. It has already received multiple reviews and was longlisted for two book awards: the 2021 Booker Prize and the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal Excellence in Fiction. The story is set in the fictional U.S. with an unidentified future where a bunch of kids is genetically lifted to improve their academic skills. Moreover, it uses a first-person POV, specifically the main character named Klara. It is a solar-powered artificial friend selected by an ill kid named Josie to be her buddy.

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr is an instant bestselling book published in 2021. The tale takes place in 15th century Constantinople. Doer made a remarkable period of times and locations that mirror the broad linkage of everyone on the planet — from the past to the present and to the future. It revolves around the story of Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance. They are completely different people who were somehow connected even if they lived in different periods.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Laura Dave penned another bestselling book published in 2021 by Simon & Schuster. The Last Thing He Told Me is a novel filled with mystery and suspense that will shock the readers. Hannah Hall, along with Bailey Michaels, embark on a journey to uncover the truth after Owen Michael’s — Bailey’s dad’s disappearance. Before the mystery happened, Owen left a message to his wife containing the words “protect her.” Thus, would the two solve the difficult puzzle, handle the mind-blowing truth, and realize that they create a new and unanticipated future?

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

This critically acclaimed novel by Casey McQuiston was published in 2021 by Griffin. One Last Stop follows the story of August and the beautiful girl on the train named Jane. The former is cynical about her decision to move to the Empire State and live alone, while the latter magically appeared on the subway in a leather jacket and with a soft smile on her face. The problem is that Jane doesn’t only dress like an old-school punk rocker because she’s surprisingly from the 1970s currently lost in the present time. The twenty-three-year-old protagonist does her best to save her subway crush that’s, unfortunately, lost in time.

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Top Civil War Books That Should Be in Your To-be-read List

The beauty of reading lies behind the fact that it can spark your imagination while still instilling a great number of lessons. In a unique yet efficient way, stories told by every book can widen the knowledge of readers. Books can also magically transport them to different places from the past that are either inflicted with a dash of fictional elements or with full-blown facts.

Indeed, literature has its own method of presenting a story that touches and teaches history. For example, those books take you back to the Civil War and allow you to see how the event impacted the people. Hence, if you are an avid fan of reading but are also fond of learning some historical events, like the Civil War, then we have listed the best titles that suit your preference. Please refer to the books below.

Can’t Hobble the Elephant by Francis J Dutch

Can’t Hobble The Elephant by Francis J Dutch is a remarkable book published in 2013 by Abbott Press. It follows the story of Josh O’Donnell, who was once loyal and have served the Union Army. However, he ran away from the troops and started fresh by working in the West Texas ranch, where he mastered riding and shooting. The former Union army immediately became a violent killer. O’Donnell turns out to have more secrets hidden and is currently haunted by a monster from his past. The more he tries to escape, the more mishaps happen. The question, as the book’s synopsis says, is: “Will he ever be able to hobble the elephant?”

The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War by Michael Shaara

Michael Shaara penned a book titled The Killer Angels in 1974 that was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction a year after its publication. It was preceded by Shaara’s Gods and Generals and was followed by The Last Full Measure. Moreover, the book highlights the Battle of Gettysburg amidst the American Civil War. It also uncovers the preceding event when the soldiers of both sides prepare for battle. What makes the book more engaging is the way it is told by shifting points of view between different historical characters.

March by Geraldine Brooks

In 2005, Viking Press published the historical novel of Geraldine Brooks titled March. It is a clever retelling of the classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. However, the story is told by Mr. March, which is the father of the March sisters. The book narrates the events justifying the absence of Mr. March to participate in the war during the American Civil War takes place in 1862. It reveals how he constantly wrote letters to his beloved family, faced the horrors of the war, and suffered an illness. Furthermore, the book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2006.

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is a classic war novel set during the American Civil War. The first edition of the book was published in 1895. Moreover, it follows the tale of the young private named Henry Fleming. He was a part of the Union Army that was set to combat with the Confederacy. But, he ran away from the battlefield out of fear. After reflecting on his actions, he started to wish for something that could hamper his cowardice, like a wound, which he referred to as a red badge of courage. When another fight was stirring, he served as a standard-bearer, which is the position of the individual upholding the flag.

1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart

This Goodreads Choice Award nominee and national bestselling book were penned by Adam Goodheart. Its reprint edition was published in 2012 by Vintage. 1861: The Civil War Awakening is a captivating and real account of the preceding events that led to the American Civil War and the unraveling of the second American Revolution. It showed how Abraham Lincoln was set on a road for distinction or greatness and how the poor victims of slavery were bestowed their most awaited freedom. The acts of bravery and heroism on the battlefield were also highlighted.

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Writing Sci-Fi: Following The Elements Of A Plot

Acclaimed science fiction movies have garnered popularity in the past years. More and more books are under massive production relative to the thought-provoking genre of speculative fiction. Science fiction stories follow a straightforward sequence of events. All authors, not just in sci-fi, make their stories revolve around the five elements of a plot. One recently published sci-fi book, Moon Luck by Harral — captures the intricacies of building a narrative. It explores a futuristic possibility of life on the moon and a thrilling crime that happened there.

Author Learning Center, an author mentorship website mentioned, your story cannot exist without a plot. However, an existing storyline is not enough — it has to be well-thought-out. And for it to be exceptional, you have to be aware of what are these five elements. It is equally important to note what should be in each one, too!

Exposition: Hook Them Right Away

This part of the storyline must contain a compelling introduction. It is in this part of the story that you establish the characters. You do not have to introduce all the characters in this part; it might confuse your readers. It is essential to plan which significant characters are worth mentioning. In this part — you set a glimpse of the mood, the setting, and the vital backstory that your readers can easily follow.

Rising Action: Compel Them To Flip The Pages

This part of the story is consequential because it is your preface to the climax. In this part, you should play it around with thrill and enthusiasm. You can slowly build the tension as the central conflict grows, creatively develop the plot by coming up with an enticing incident that can draw your readers to follow and flip the pages in excitement. Some authors play around with rising action, which in most cases, makes it the longest part of all the elements in a plot. Your rising action must end in a climax.

Climax: Leave No Room To Gasp

The climax is defined as your story’s central turning point—the moment of peak tension or conflict—which all the preceding plot developments have been leading up to. It is this part when the protagonist clashes with the villain. However, that is not always the case — your story always has the artistic freedom to present a non-conventional climax. Some authors have encounters with anticlimax in their storylines. Anticlimax is a type of climax which approaches a disappointing end to the rising action. In some cases, anticlimaxes can be accidental, or in some, they can be intentional. It depends on what kind of author you are.

Falling Action: Begin The Resolution

The falling action is where the excitement appeases. It is the part where the resolution is gradually presented. For most storylines, the falling action starts at the end of the climax. However, some stories introduce a new conflict in this element of the plot. In that case, authors do that to keep the audience engaged until the narrative resolves. On some accounts, authors do not use a falling action in their outline. However, every story has a de-escalation section wherein the intensity of the plot mellows from the climax. And the importance of that is to re-establish the lives of the remaining characters of the story. Most importantly, the protagonist.

Resolution: End In Satisfaction

The finale of every story. This part of the story is when all the conflicts arrive at a resolution. The resolution also shows the character arc. A character arc is a character transformation throughout the story. And that part is essential because it is when the audience or the reader comes up with a moral lesson. Some endings purposefully do not satisfy. Instead, they intend to end with a cliffhanger. And you have the artistic expression to do so if you wishfully follow. 

Writing novels, fiction, or any other story requires a structured arrangement of events. And for you to successfully create a good one, you have to go back and re-learn the five elements of a plot. Good narratives do not just come by — it demands successive immersion in writing. Your creative fictional world might be the next favorite science fiction of all time! 

Dare to write!

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What You Should Know About Pop Culture

You probably have heard of the term “pop culture.” It is often related to entertainment, such as music and art. You can also observe that there are many books that tackle them, such as how the modern varied cultures on Rahn’s book are highlighted. But, do you have any idea what does it really mean when you say pop culture?

Thus, let us get to know the general information about the subject so we can widen our knowledge and get a better grasp of it.

Overview of Popular Culture

According to Oxford Bibliographies, pop culture pertains to the group of principles, traditions, and objects that signify or represent a social system’s widely shared senses and interpretations. Media and linguistic assembly, literature and film, art and music, fashion and trends, and other aspects are under its wing. Apart from that, it is also linked to mass or folk culture but is contrasted to high and organizational cultures. The generally agreed factors under the scope of popular culture are frequently subject to change. Some particular qualities and principles are reflected and embodied by those aspects, which are those that were already mentioned above.

Moreover, prior to or during the 19th century, the term “popular culture” was coined, which people shortened to pop culture or pop until the current century. It was primarily associated with inadequate education and lower social classes, which is in contrast to the official culture and the upper classes. But, there was a great improvement in the literacy rate, capitalism, and industrialization in the West, such as Britain, around the 18th to the 19th century.  

Following the Second World War, there were gradual advancements in mass media around the West. It resulted in huge changes and developments in both cultural and social facets. Considering the presence of the Great Depression, capitalism still thrived during those moments. As a result, freshly created goods and services were offered and sold to all social classes to boost profits. While everything is on the rise, pop culture also got along with it. It emerged with the mass media, print, and other elements that were made specifically for public consumption.

Examples of Popular Culture

Pop culture is made up of multiple things that have greatly influenced the masses. That said, the examples of popular culture include but are not limited to the following:

Entertainment

Those extremely entertaining movies and TV shows are generally considered as part of pop culture. There are millions of people who love to watch films and shows. Most of them have seen those particular shows more than once. Apart from that, there are also many masses drawn into other forms of entertainment, such as plays, circuses, video games, and more.  

Fashion

At present, fashion is considered a way of expression. Many consider this aspect as a tool to gain a sense of identity. How a person dresses up also reflects on his cultural heritage and history. You can observe how fashion trends tend to change. Hence, there are many factors in society that heavily influence what people wear. For example, loose-fit types of denim, tie-dyes, flared pants, and boyfriend jeans that have gone out of style a few years back tend to dominate and are extremely popular these days.

Sports

People love to play and watch different kinds of sports. Thus, the public is more responsible for its growing popularity. There are specific events that are patronized by a global community, such as the Olympics, while there are certain sporting activities that are consumed by smaller groups, such as a school football match. Sports have become prevalent in society and have symbolized a significant part of people’s lives. Supporting through watching and cheering to a group or a player is one of the many ways of being a part of pop culture.

Pop fiction

Literature never goes out of style; instead, it goes along with the evolution of time. Pop fiction is considered a subgenre of fiction that houses tales purposely written to contain references based on other writings and media. Thus, they are books or stories with pop culture references.

Music

Like literature, music is also greatly influenced by pop culture. Thus, a music genre called pop or popular music emerged around the mid-1950s in the West. They are composed of other styles and kinds of music that intensely appeal to the public.

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Captivating Historical Fiction Books that You Should Never Miss Reading

Historical fiction is among the top genres of literature that feature tales set in significant times in the past. The time frame of the story is considered an important aspect of the setting and the plot. As the literary realm progresses, historical fiction continues to get along with the competition gaining more traction and readers like other genres. Although time is the most defining thing of this particular book category, the way it uses and blends real and fictional factors also stands out.

If you want to start reading books of this genre or add more titles to your current reading list, then listed below are some of the must-reads in historical fiction.

So Much to Give: A Story of America’s Greatest Generation by Carlton Randolph Crane

So Much to Give by Carlton Randolph Crane is an inspiring story of a family that persevered and strived in the most difficult time in America. The Collies reside in Coalville, a small town located in Eastern Texas, during the severe economic depression in the 1930s. However, the Collies also faced other issues that have tested their families, such as racism, death, and personal setbacks. Moreover, each member persisted and has made sacrifices to be part of the greatest generation America has ever had.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This award-winning book by Markus Zusak was set in 1939 in Germany. A unique factor this work showcase is its peculiar narrator, which is death. Moreover, it follows the story of Leisel, the book thief. She was put into foster care after her brother’s death, where she was loved and sent to school by her foster parents. Leisel became literate. Later in the story, she starts to steal books from the library of the mayor’s wife, book-burning events by the Nazis, and other places. The tension heightens after her foster father hid a Jew in their basement. Thus, this is a bittersweet story that will make your hearts ache and warm all at once.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Min Jin Lee’s critically acclaimed book titled Pachinko was published in 2017 by Grand Central Publishing. It centers on the tale of the young fisherman’s daughter named Sunja around the early 1900s. She met and has fallen into a man she met at the seashore close to their house in Korea. They had a romantic affair, which led to her getting pregnant. Unfortunately, the wealthy stranger was married. Sunja opted to marry a frail minister moving through his way to Japan. This decision is about to form a thrilling family saga that will reflect future generations.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet is the bestselling historical epic book of the Kingsbridge series. The book highlights the pre-Kingsbridge account of Philip, who was a dedicated and creative monk motivated to make the best Gothic cathedral in the world. However, it is also the story of Tom, who became Philip’s architect, and of a challenge between good and evil that makes the church in opposition with the state and a brother at odds with another brother.

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

In 1993, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers was published, which is part of the Mark of the Lion series. It brings the readers to the time when the first Jewish-Roman War took place at Jerusalem, which is almost a century after the death of Jesus. This historical Christian fiction focuses on Hadassah, a young Jewish girl suffering from slavery who will soon become the hope in those darkest times. Regardless of the tough situation she’s in, being a slave and falling in love with an aristocrat, she has never forgotten to keep her faith in God.

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

This 2011 RITA Award by Romance Writers of America nominee was published in 2010 by Bethany House Publishers. A Tailor-Made Bride revolves around Jericho Tucker and Hannah Richards. The former opt not to get involved with Coventry, while the latter is astonished by a man that manages the livery. Their lives became intertwined after Hannah helped Jericho’s sister get a man that resulted in wild consequences for their town. Would they figure out how to close the gap between them?

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The Best Things Fantasy Books Can Offer

Fantasy fiction never goes out of style. Regardless of what literary period we are in, this genre always gains more traction. It’s among the top book categories that always make it to the bestselling lists with worlds and characters that create strong marks on the readers. The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, Spiritdancer by Luthie M West, and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo are some of the best books under this genre.

With the growing popularity of this genre, there are surely numerous aspects that encourage and hook people to read its stories. That said, we have listed below the best things that fantasy fiction books offer to their readers and perhaps convince you to read some of its tales too.

Escape from reality

Living an ordinary life in an ordinary world is scary and daunting at the same time. Things and abilities seem to be limited. Thus, people tend to hesitate before making a few steps forward. However, fantasy fiction books bring each reader to a world where possibilities are endless. They create a safe haven that’s completely different from reality.

Reading books under fantasy lets you go on different adventures, possess amazing skills, meet the supernatural, do magic, and experience the extraordinary. You may be sitting on your bed reading a book, but once you open it to flip the page, you are transported into another world where surreal and impossible things can happen.

New perspectives

It has been established that fantasy is the opposite of reality. But, with those imagination-rich stories, one can open their eyes to the good, bad, and ugly of the real world. Therefore, fantasy is crucial to people’s minds. The stories trigger the psychological procedure wherein a reader, especially a child, masters closing the gaps between reality, facts, and experience, which later on turn into an essential coping mechanism as they grow older. With the freedom to explore and imagine granted by fantasy books, readers gain more realizations about the real world, which develop into better perspectives and understanding. In other words, the readers become more broad-minded and aware.

Enhanced creativity

Imagination refers to a person’s skill to picture out things that aren’t perceived by the senses. Thus, it is the ability of the mind to form things, events, people, and other things that do not exist in the past, present, and basically the real world. Thus, the imaginative elements of fantasy books act as the significant agents that boost people’s creativity. As the reader makes different pictures of scenes and events in the story, his creative juices will also motivate him to observe, create, and examine different things.

Fun and learning

Reading is always fun, but fantasy fiction makes it more entertaining. Every leisure time spent reading fantasy books tends to become an exploration, adventure, and risk-taking in a world that’s quite strange yet beautiful. Books of the said genre allow you to be different people, possessing extraordinary abilities, all at once. Thus, the stories give you the chance to have fun experiencing different fates while still learning things that are also applicable in the real world. In every fantasy story, you get to experience and learn the importance of various human values, even in complex situations. And, that’s all the more reason to continue reading those kinds of stories.

Developed empathy

Empathy basically means the skill to comprehend and share the emotions and sentiments of other people. It’s often associated with the phrase “putting oneself in someone else’s shoes.” From that, you can already understand what this particular ability is. Through fantasy fiction stories, readers feel different intense emotions. From those feelings, empathy will start to emerge.

Thus, from the emotional connection of readers to the tales, empathy is being developed. Understanding the events and feelings of the characters becomes the key for the readers to unlock their empathic selves. With the ability to sense, understand, and share the emotions of others, readers can start to open their eyes and become more aware of the feelings and situations of the people around them. And will lead to a more harmonious society.

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5 Things You Need To Know About Climate Fiction Novels

Climate fiction has always been an unexplored genre for readers; in fact, some may be unaware that it exists at all. You may be wondering why this is the case. It’s because climate fiction is portrayed in some areas as too scientific for people to comprehend, or they’re simply uninterested in novels with the word climate in them, and in some cases portrayed as too boring for others to read to sleep. However, this is not true for all cli-fi novels; it’s not boring or uninteresting at all.

This genre can be anything as long as it is speculative fiction with a changing climate as a major plot device. It could be an adventure-like plot in which the protagonist sets out to find a scientist who can bring life back to Earth, or it could be a mystery-thriller plot in which a failed climate-change experiment kills all life except for survivors who board a ship. Isn’t it fascinatingly exciting?

If you’re new to the concept of climate change that’s just one of the many reasons why you should start reading cli-fi novels as soon as today, then Sam Bleicher’s Guardians of The Solar Shield, is a great piece to start if you’re new to the genre. This new release tells the story of a UN Solar Shields Corps Officer who faces political pressure, corruption, romance, intrigue, and murder while fighting climate disruption.

How could people have missed this?

People have been writing cli-fi stories and novels unwittingly for decades, and some people still fail to recognize this literary genre. It’s not the most popular genre, but it’s depicted in some of the most popular movies you’ve probably seen, such as Snowpiercer, The Day After Tomorrow, and Wall-E.

This begs the question of how you can let people know that this genre exists, not just under the genre of science fiction, but also in the sub-genre of climate fiction as well. Here are five things you need to know about climate fiction:

Climate change is a real thing

Most people believe that climate change is a sham made believable by scientists so people can take interest in their work. And you can’t blame them for their reaction because it’s based on the fact that some people lack the cognitive abilities to deal with the situation. It’s far too complex for others to comprehend and it’s too overwhelming of a problem that could cause a worldwide panic. Although these are plausible reasons for others to believe it, it doesn’t erase the fact that climate change exists.

But how do we convince people that climate change is real? Well, some people, particularly scientists, have a proclivity for improvising and thought, “Why not write a fiction novel about it?” because it seemed to them that if they could give the readers a way of imagining what it might be like to live in a climate-changed world, it might help them think about the problem more effectively.

Reawakens the instinct to adapt

Writing a novel about climate change can help people understand that the climate crisis, which includes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, shrinking mountain glaciers, and sea-level rise, is more real than they can imagine. It allows them to hold ideas in their heads (or adapt to the situation) that they should do this or that in order to be less of a burden on the world such as segregating garbage, using energy wisely, and many more. And, cli-fi novels are so descriptive about the possible futures of the cause of climate change that readers’ hairs stand on end, believing that the world will end tomorrow because of it.

Strengthens emotional resilience

Believe it or not, but these cli-fi novels help you prepare for the great number of possible outcomes in a climate crisis when the situation calls for it. Climate change is terrifying, and whether or not you already knew how high the stakes are, focusing solely on the negative effects will not help anyone. It’s important to be aware of the severity and urgency of the climate crisis, but only seeing climate change as a threat can only make you feel depressed and hopeless.

Cli-fi novels not only help you prepare for the situation, but they also help you reassess the climate crisis as an opportunity to create a better future, accept that change is a natural part of life, and sort out the complicated feelings you have surrounding climate change.

Reassess’s the worst-case scenarios

Did you know that books depicting fear sell well? Some cli-fi novelists grab readers by the collar and compel them to keep reading by speaking to their worst fear, which is the “end of the world” as you know it. When people are focused on their fear, they tend to think to themselves and reassess their situation to see if they are doing the right thing.

Helps people accept change

Cli-fi novels help people realize that there is a lot going on in the world more than they know. It’s not just about the adventure, the mystery, the action or conspiracy but rather it’s about how the story can change other people’s lives. It helps people believe that change is possible and realizing this, helps them accept the change that climate change exists and you need to do something about it.

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How to Write a Good Autobiography

When you hear the term “autobiography,” the word “life” immediately comes to mind. They are indeed connected to one another because the former refers to the story of an individual’s life. Most autobiographical works are often created to tell, express, and confess a person’s story and truth. These kinds of accounts are first written in the form of diaries, journals, and letters. Thus, they are typically narrated using the first-person point-of-view.

At present, there are already thousands of autobiography books that have moved, taught, and inspired readers of all ages. Most of these books feature different kinds of lives, struggles, pieces of baggage, and faiths, such as The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, Becoming by Michelle Obama, The Beginning… The End… Anew! by Zedart Hodges, Educated by Tara Westover, and Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt.

Hence, if you have been planning to share your story with the world or wanting to narrate the personal account of a significant figure, then here are some of the tips in writing a good autobiography that you should know.

Recall the memories

Given that this type of writing stems from a person’s experiences from childhood to the present, it is best that you recall your memories. You may take a moment to breathe and prepare yourself for the wounds that you might reopen while doing this activity. If your mind fails to retrieve the significant parts of your life that you want to remember, you can connect with the people present in those certain stages. Nostalgia will definitely hit you, along with the gratitude of experiencing those good, bad, and ugly happenings that molded you into the person that you are now. Moreover, do not forget to list these events for reference.

Create an outline

You successfully had traced down your memories and experiences when you were little until the present. So, what do you have to do next? You should make a comprehensible outline. Make sure to include the exact dates when these events took place, names of people who you were with, locations where it happened, and the likes. Also, you can indicate the highlight of each point of your life so you won’t get caught on choosing what memory to focus on that has helped you shape your life now. This outline will guide you during the writing process by making you in line and on track until you reach the conclusion of your manuscript.

Write truthfully

It will be a sin if you fabricate even the littlest detail in your or your subject’s autobiography. The most valued trait during this process is honesty. Hence, you should write nothing but the truth. Why? As you go through life, there were people who journeyed with you, and they’ve witnessed and contributed to some parts of your voyage. They can definitely testify or speak up when there are glimpses of your book that you’ve altered. A single tweaking of information can lead to a stain on your integrity as an author and a disappointed reader base. So, show your readers the genuineness of your story and the rawness of your emotions through an honest narrative.

Do not be too hard on yourself

Many might think it is the easiest genre to write since you only narrate your personal experiences. But, little did they know about the complexities of looking back on your darkest moments and revisiting your traumatic experiences. When the pain of the past hit you while writing, do not be too hard on yourself and take some breaks; and, on moments when you feel like you’re about to be burnt out, just pause and relax. Don’t push yourself too much to the point that you become lost and unable to write a word. Opt to have breaks in between your schedule to refresh your mind.

Review and edit

When you finish the first draft, expect that there will be lots of polishing work to do. Don’t worry because this is a good part of the writing process that can contribute to your growth as an author. Please review and proofread your work because there might be errors that you haven’t noticed while writing. If you wish, you may hire a professional editor to have a fresh set of hawk eyes to spot the issues in your manuscript and give you points on what to improve on.  

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How Stories Encourage People to Turn Their Lives Around

In this world where bad decisions, impulsive actions, and reckless choices are present, how can people identify the good from the ugly? You can notice in both society and social media that the current generation tends to be more spontaneous and liberated. Although there is nothing wrong with being free and easy, things need to be taken into account and thought of thoroughly before making a choice.

You probably have heard of the word “accountability,” which refers to the state of being responsible. Hence, you must stand up for your choices and decisions either by pursuing or correcting them. There might be many who will throw their judgments at you, but they are none to judge because everyone has a story and a reason. Your truth and principles might not be the same as theirs. But, what is important is you are holding accountable for your actions.

Many stories were told and books about life and second chances; most of them are from the author’s personal experiences, specifically how they strayed from their chosen path but found their way back home in the end. For example, the author Fred Sights on sex and womanizing stories expresses his struggles and emotions, along with his journey to redemption and change that truly inspires the readers.

So, if you are wondering how stories encourage people, specifically those in their darkest moments, to turn their lives around — then here’s how.

They help you realize the consequences of your actions

Everyone has gone through different things. What others may have experienced might be different than what you are dealing with. But, regardless of these differences, it all boils down to how aware you are of the results of your actions.

Luckily, literature is there to provide you insightful stories that contain the words you need to hear. These tales can either be works of fiction or have happened in real life that aims to make you more aware and responsible for the impact of your decisions and choices, not just on your life but on someone else’s too. By reading them, you become more thoughtful and motivated to make better judgments and strive harder to follow a straighter path for the sake of you and the people around you.

They make you see the world from different angles

While journeying through life, there are moments when your perspectives become clouded, resulting in different undesirable events. There are also times that you tend to have a fixed mindset, which makes you resist changes. Through reading books that aim to inspire, help, and develop a person’s thinking, lifestyle, and skills, you start to gain realizations and reflections from stories. And, somehow, develop a better understanding that the world is progressing and life gets along with these improvements.

Thus, your past and current views might not always be correct and sensible. You start to comprehend why people live their lives that way and that it’s never too late to turn everything around and better yourself for your good.

They push you to seek grander perhaps

On your darkest days, hope might be scarce. The difficulties might overwhelm you, leaving you with two choices: to stay in the dark or strive for the light. In these situations, books can help you come up with a good decision and see things more clearly. Once you become wiser and tougher, you can see a more profound meaning in those stories, and they will push you to seek grander maybes.

Many may be afraid of uncertainties, but with everything that you’ve been through, the opportunities that are knocking on your door might be worth a shot. All you need is the courage to pursue greater heights and faith in your abilities.

They give you the chance to forgive and move forward

Forgiveness and moving on might be two of the hardest things in this world. Surprisingly, there are many stories — both fiction and nonfiction, that help you slowly apply these aspects to your life. As you read these tales, you tend to get the urge to gradually forgive yourself and others for you to move forward. Once you reach that state, you can start fresh with a stronger mind and heart.

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Incredible War Memoirs You Shouldn’t Miss Reading

Stories have their way of touching and changing human lives. These stories can be either fictional or nonfictional. Moreover, the latter has been obtaining a wider reader base because of how all the words born from the experiences and emotions of the author or a significant figure formed a magnificent tale that talks about nothing but the real and essential events.

War memoirs, for example, are among the stories that don’t only inform and entertain but also bring meaning and realization. If you are interested in these kinds of works, then we have listed below the best books that center on true war stories that you shouldn’t miss reading.

Donut Hole: A Marine’s Real-Life Battles in Vietnam During 1967 and 68, 1st Force Logistical Command Clutch Platoon by R.C. LeBeau

This book doesn’t look into the religious factors of war; instead, it features a marine’s real-life battles in Vietnam by RC Le Beau. The Detroit-raised author has gone through the loss of his father before joining the Marines; and, his new father figure is the epitome of a real Marine Corps. His experiences as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Civil Air Patrol cadet contributed to his new journey as a Marine Logistics expert. When he reached the age of 21, he was already in Vietnam for over a year. Thus, he strived in the place for almost 85 days of battle. Therefore, it is not just your typical war story but also a historical tale where bravery, suffering, combat, and survival are found.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah is an Amazon bestselling book under West African History. This book shows other horrifying aspects of war, which is making use of innocent children as soldiers. Imagine a little kid robbed of their rights to enjoy life and a big future in order to fight and kill. The author, who’s already an adult now, narrates an unusual story of how a 12-year-old child fled striking rebels and explored a place made unidentifiable due to violence. After a year, the 13-year-old Beah was tucked in by the government troops and discovered that he was adept at committing dreadful acts. The pureness and genuineness of the author can be found while he’s telling the story.

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge

In 1981, Presidio Press published the war memoir of Eugene Sledge titled With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. It is based on the several notes that the former US Marine Sledge has sandwiched between the pages of his pocket-sized Holy Bible. He didn’t fail to carry the Bible in every combat he fought, specifically in Okinawa and Peleliu. Moreover, in 1944, he started his memoir, particularly in a camp in Pavuvu Island, and continued the piece two years later. With the Old Breed was later translated into different languages and was the basis of Ken Burns’ documentary and HBO’s The Pacific.

The Coldest War: A Memoir of Korea by James Brady

James Brady draws his experience as a young lieutenant from what they referred to as the “forgotten war” of America and turns it into a remarkable book titled The Coldest War: A Memoir of Korea. The war lasted over three years, yet there were more than 54 thousand Americans whose lives were lost. This book brilliantly centers on the author’s immediate learning in the existence of war and the tensions of command. What makes this more meaningful is that it offers a glimpse of a significant part of American history as many lives were impacted, but only little information is known about this event.

If I Die in a Combat Zone: Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O’Brien

If I Die in a Combat Zone: Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O’Brien tells the personal account of the author when he served as one of the soldiers in the Vietnam War. He lets the readers witness how the day of a troop who serves in Vietnam usually goes. But, before the tension and struggles, he first showed them where he was raised and how his childhood went. O’Brien’s masterpiece will definitely touch many hearts and move many lives.

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Action-packed Fantasy Fiction Novels to Read this Fall

Imagine how wonderful it is to be transported to different extraordinarily magnificent places and live different thrilling lives by reading books. To experience this kind of magic, all you have to do is pick a book and read it. Literature has millions of stories that will surely captivate your heart, bring you lessons, shift your perspectives, and help you see the bigger picture. And, fantasy books are some of the works that offer these perks.

Fantasy fiction is a literary genre with extraordinary storylines that go beyond what we perceive as real. Thus, well-crafted settings, remarkable characters, awesome magic systems, and the likes often characterize stories. If you are already a fan of these tales or want to explore a new genre, listed below are the best and action-filled fantasy fiction novels that will make your fall and any seasons of the year worthwhile.

Sons of Twilight by Collette Jackson-Fink

Sons of Twilight is Collete Jackson Fink’s action pack fantasy fiction novel that continues the saga of the first book titled Daughters of Twilight. In this sequel, the members followed Dane Coles to vent the brand-new realm and reside with the incredible female warriors living in the mysterious black pyramid. The two parties learn to dwell in the area harmoniously. However, danger seems to follow them as a peculiar dark mass is on the verge of inflicting chaos on the planet.  

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

This is an award-winning novel that was originally published in 1962. It is categorized as a young adult science fantasy book as some of its remarkable aspects belong to the three genres. However, its fantasy elements dominated. It follows the tale of two teens, Meg Murry and Calvin O’Keefe, and a child. Charles Wallace Murray. They jumped into space and time in the hopes of saving Meg and Charles Wallace’s dad. Apart from their magical adventure, the novel brings light to the battle of good and evil as the characters transition into adolescence during their voyage.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil is the first book of the fairytale fantasy series authored by Soman Chainani. It gained multiple feedbacks and attention from critics and readers and was adapted into a series by Netflix. It centers on the story of two best friends; one tries so hard to possess princess-like qualities named Sophie while the other is effortlessly perceived as a witch named Agatha. But, when they were taken to the infamous School for Good and Evil, their fates were turned upside down. Sophie was sent to the evil, which made her a “Never,” while Agatha was put into the Good, which branded her as an “Ever.” Would the two survive, and their friendship lives on?

The Cruelest Mercy by Natalie Mae

Recently published last June 2021, The Cruelest Mercy by Natalie Mae is the most-awaited sequel to the adventure-filled book The Kinder Poison. The book showcases the story of Zahru, who survived the Crossing and decided to turn her back on adventures. Moreover, Crown Prince Jet manages the growing threat of battle, but they were challenged when prince Kasta came back and announced that he is the real champion of the Crossing, the rightful heir, and bearer of the god’s mark. The problem is, Zahru also has an amazingly identical mark, which gives her the same right to the throne. So, Zahru must do everything to keep the villain away from claiming the throne.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Razorbill published this young adult fantasy novel was published in 2015 by Razorbill and was penned by the bestselling author Sabaa Tahir. The setting is inspired by Ancient Rome called the Martial Empire. Moreover, it focuses on the story of Laia, a girl that serves as a spy for the rebels that are at odds with the current empire in return for their support in saving her captive brother named Elias. Thus, the story is narrated alternately by the two, Laia and Elias.

With the extraordinary stories, wonderful worlds, amazing characters, and other elements of fantasy fiction, you should definitely not waste the chance to read books of this genre.

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Getting to Know Science Fiction

From books to movies, science fiction has always been popular. Every story’s awesome and extraordinary concepts and themes greatly contributed to its growing fame in different industries. Moreover, sci-fi in literature refers to the particular speculative fiction category with a bunch of imaginative elements and various themes. The common denominators of every SF story are that they use scientific and technological innovations and are set in a futuristic setting.

In today’s day and age, there are already a wide array of books in science fiction that have captured the interest and hearts of the readers. 1984 by George Orwell, The Martian by Andy Weir, Cyberbrain: Guardian Angel by Benoit Blanchard, Edge of Darkness by Kyla Stone, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Dune by Frank Herbert are some of the best scifi books of all-time.

Moreover, let us know more about science fiction by looking into its different characteristics and subgenres.

Traits

Science fiction books include various futuristic motifs and concepts, which lead readers to put their imagination to work. Because of their rich and fun ideas and elements, both soft and hard science fiction greatly appealed to the bookworms. What could be the common characteristics that made readers more invested in these types of books? Here are the aspects that you can observe in many SF novels:

  • Parallel universes
  • Extraterrestrial creatures
  • Space exploration
  • Mind control and telekinesis,
  • Time travel and teleportation
  • Interplanetary battles
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cryosleep
  • Space pirates
  • Alien artifact and remnants
  • Clones
  • Body modifications
  • Interspecies romance

The listed elements are the things that enhance the overall impact of the stories that allow them to look into more significant themes, tackle societal issues, and infuse commentaries. These characteristics, therefore, play vital roles in every sci-fi novel and add to the strength of each story.

Subgenres

Like every other genre, sci-fi also has interesting subcategories that can help book lovers sort books to be added on their TBRs, such as the ones below:

Dystopian fiction – this subgenre refers to the tales that the author sees as troublesome. Dystopias often infer aspects of the present-day society inflicted; thus, this subgenre shows brand-new views on problematic events, such as poverty, tyranny, violence, and more, in both social and political avenues that can otherwise be considered innate and bound to happen.

Space opera – it features the utilization of melodramatic bold space journeys and heroic romance. Stories under this subcategory are set in outer space and revolve around adventure, romance, and thrill. The term “opera” is not linked to music but to “soap opera,” which explains the melodramatic element in every space opera novel.

Steampunk – stories under steampunk — such as Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld and Boneshaker by Cherie Priest, often entail retrofuturistic elements inspired by the steam-fueled machines in the 1900s. Other remarkable features of this subgenre are alternative historical settings, anachronistic inventions, and more.

Utopian fiction – utopian stories are characterized by perfect societies as per the author’s ethos. The term “utopia” was first utilized in a direct context in the book Utopia by Sir Thomas More. This socio-political satire book highlights an obscure and ironic reckoning of the perfect condition.

Cyberpunk – works in this subgenre showcase dystopian futuristic places that seem to revolve around the mixture of low-life and high tech, highlighting different technological innovations and scientific successes, like AI and cybernetics, contrasted with a level of marked transformation in the order of the society. Some of the best cyberpunk stories are Neuromancer by William Gibson, Snow Crash by Neil Stephenson, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

Feminist science fiction – is a popular subgenre of sci-fi that concentrates on feminist themes, sexuality, gender discrimination, reproduction, and more. It is somehow considered political because it is prone to criticisms on the prevailing culture. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Female Man by Joanna Russ, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, The Power by Naomi Alderman, and Red Clocks by Leni Zumas are among the best works under feminist science fiction.

Indeed, science fiction has proven that it deserves its popularity and wide reader base. The thousands of stories in this literary genre that remarkably highlights various scientific and technological advancements and several social issues surely bring fun and knowledge to the readers.

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Why Science Fiction Books Are Popular

For readers, and even non-readers, the term “science fiction” will always ring a bell and ignite interest. In the world of literature and film, sci-fi is one of the best genres that have a wide range of fans.  As a literary genre, sci-fi looks into the effect of real or fictional science on the world and the people. The storylines, settings, characters, and central messages of stories under this genre are extremely based on scientific theories, concepts, and facts, which is in contrast to the approach of fiction.

Most stories under this genre revolve around different branches, innovations, and advancements in science and technology that are often futuristic. There are multiple science fiction tropes that you can notice in many books, such as aliens, alternate universes, artificial intelligence, clones, cyborgs, psychics, and more. Among the hit sci-fi books are Dune by Frank Herbert, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Other Emily by Dean Koontz, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

Given the variety that science fiction adds to the table, what could be the reasons why they are deemed to be popular?

According to Medium, the fame of science fiction possess started 21 years ago, which is 2000. And from that time being, the popularity has continued to grow. Many individuals became drawn to not just sci-fi books but also films and video games. Here are some of the reasons why science fiction books are popular.

Offer a new sense of entertainment

Can you imagine a book that is based on scientific facts and principles but showcases fictional elements? How cool would that be? Through science fiction, readers will surely gain a new sense of entertainment from the awesome adventures, amazing scientific and technological advancements, and significant messages inflicted in every story. What makes this genre more entertaining is its ability to infuse another category, which can elevate the overall impact and quality of stories, such as Harral’s sci-fi and mystery book titled Moon Luck. Thus, the ways books in this genre propel your imagination bringing you interesting yet impactful stories, are indeed remarkable.

Feature another side of literature

Literature is known to be an avenue of creativity and storytelling. For many, it is all about books with either fictional or real stories, along with works of prose and poetry. The distinctions within these major literary genres are clear. However, science fiction seems to be one of the game changers because of how it utilizes both fictional and nonfictional aspects, such as science and fantasy. The paradoxical quality of sci-fi contributed to the reasons why many are interested in its stories and even movies. Thus, the way science fiction books tell stories with accurate scientific theories and interesting tropes is definitely appealing.

Inspire readers to conquer greater heights

There are many stories that boost inspiration and motivation. But nobody does it better, thank science fiction books. Sure, you can get the same assurance and self-esteem enhancement from other works, but sci-fi is surely a game-changer. The way it tells action and adventure-packed stories to the readers with significant central messages and impressive writing style is enough reason to become a fan of this genre.

Moreover, it also develops a human connection by touching the emotions and lives of the readers with the help of different elements, such as characters and literary devices. From those aspects, readers become inspired to take after the traits of the characters and encouraged to take action to create a better and more orderly world, as well as to pursue greater heights that can contribute to their development.

Make you learn different concepts

In this world, there are many fields with various concepts — and science is one of those avenues. There are different ways that people learn about science and technology, but SciFi books offer another way of learning, which is more enjoyable and interesting. Knowing that each science fiction book is based on a particular theory or concept of science, infused with strong central messages, readers wouldn’t only learn more about science but will also learn more about the world and society. Hence, they are more than just science fiction stories because they are also inanimate teachers pushing people to achieve awareness and development.

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Finding Joy and Redemption in Music

Music has proven to be a powerful source of inspiration, happiness, and — in many ways, redemption.

Music, like poetry or any other art form, is a medium of expression. It imitates life and songs and melodies reflect humanity’s various experiences, whether personal or collective. Each song displays a theme or an emotion. It can be happy, sad, angry, frustrated, funny, longing, celebrating, or any message the musician wants to convey.

We identify with certain songs, musicians, or genres as both listeners and ordinary people because of what they represent. But, amongst all these emotions and themes, music is widely identified with joy and happiness. Most of us create songs and music when we are happy and celebrating something. On a not-so-familiar premise, music can also be a source of redemption.

In the book Sex, Womanizing and …, we discover a man’s journey as a child who loves music and later, in his adult life, went back to music and found redemption along with his faith in God. Fred William Sight’s biography details how he was interested and excelled in music as a young boy. But Fred’s adult life was not without trials and dark times. He went through a period of anxiety, self-doubt and got involved with things that alienated him from his family, friends, and God. When Fred hit rock bottom, it was only then that he returns to seek God and his family. Music served as an outlet for him and one of the few things he was able to retain while seeking redemption for him.

Although not a rockstar musician, Fred’s story is common among music celebrities. Sometimes, they are overwhelmed by the fame and money that goes their way, and they venture into drugs and other activities that fuel their anxiety and depression. Many spiral down, and when they lose everything, that’s when they return to music and rediscover themselves. While some are not so lucky to be able to get back on the right track, there are others who have battled and were able to make a successful come back. Some musical icons that have battles addiction, alcohol, or dark pasts include Red Hot Chilli Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis, legendary musicman Sir Elton John, and Pop Princess Britney Spears.

For ordinary people or non-professional musicians like us, also music plays a huge role in seeking solace, inspiration, and even redemption, whether you are a simple listener or play an instrument. Music and song have been proven to calm our souls and help us put things into perspective. In some instances, songs have been used in therapy sessions as background music or facilitate a mood.

On a more personal note, music and songs help us seek joy and redemption simply because we can identify with their lyrics or message. Whether it contains a narrative similar to what we are going through and has a positive ending or message or an inspirational song about God’s grace and never-ending love that will stir our soul into a path of a spiritual journey, music affects our disposition and outlook. Praise and worship songs are very effective in providing a serene mood that helps listeners reflect and meditate. The lyrics in these types of music are also enlightening and take us to a whole new perspective and positivity.

Throughout history, music has been humanity’s companion in its struggles, triumphs, mournings, losses, pride, battles but more so in times of joy, happiness, victories, celebrations, gatherings, and marking time, seasons, era, milestones, and other events. Without music and songs, the world would be a dull place to live in. It is through music and poetry that we are able to communicate and discover many things.

As individuals, music speaks to us, our deepest fears, hopes, joys, and even the longings we have. And that includes redemption. We seek affirmation and even counsel in music, hoping that its words and symphonies will guide us and inspire us to pursue what is good and right for us. Music is a potent reminder that you will have salvation and fulfillment if you listen hard enough or embrace the song.

So, if you are feeling down today or you think you need to rethink your life, pick a track and listen heartily to what the music is telling you. Have a good one!

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Great Reads under Romantic Suspense

When people hear the word “romance,” things like love, affection, and relationship automatically come to mind. On the other hand, when they hear the term “suspense,” things like fear, tension, and mystery often emerge. You can definitely see the difference between the two; but, what if they become one? The world is filled with endless possibilities, and literature has shown its versatility through fusing two different genres together.                 

If you combine elements of romance and suspense in a story, it will result in romantic suspense wherein the readers can fall in love while feeling the height of the rising tension at the same time. Knowing love is a strong emotion. When it is combined with suspense — the thrill becomes stronger. So, if you are looking for these kinds of stories, then listed below are the must-reads under the romantic suspense genre.

Jasmine: A Greater Love by M.L. Boyd

This book is the sequel of Jasmine: A Woman of Color. It was published last June 4, 2021, by ReadersMagnet. In the first book, the protagonist Jasmine Moore has experienced what it is like to lose someone she genuinely loved but ended up uncovering his deepest secrets. Thus, her grief turned into revenge. She has fallen in love in the pursuit of vengeance and has also discovered that someone wants to kill her. Now, would the world work and give Jasmine a better love on Boyd’s book, or rather would Jasmine find a greater love in this story? There are also other important aspects that will surely make the readers be more driven to turn every page, like discovering the person trying to kill her, thriving to keep herself alive, and more.

The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly

The Runaway Heiress is a newly released romantic suspense book written by Oscar-nominated actress Meg Tilly. It follows the story of a strong-willed and courageous woman named Sarah Rainsford as she escapes from her vengeful husband. Sarah did everything to keep herself safe, such as changing identities and living different lives. Her husband also tries his best to get his hands on her fortune; thus, he will never stop until he gets her. So, Sarah begins to live her life as a personal assistant to a prominent Hollywood director. But, both developed a bond more than just being colleagues. How would they handle their growing attachment while there is a danger coming their way?

Drown Her Sorrows by Melinda Leigh

Bestselling author Melinda Leigh penned the book titled Drown Her Sorrows, which is the third book of the Bree Taggert series. Moreover, the story revolves around Sheriff Bree Tagger, who found a corpse floating close by the Scarlet River’s bank. The car of the mysterious young woman, who’s now dead, has a note indicating that what happened was pure suicide. But, the autopsy shows that there was foul play because the woman already died moments before she was thrown into the waters. Bree begins to investigate the case along with Matt Flynn, her investigator. They started to discover various secrets of the victim’s life; but, would they also uncover who killed her?

Open Season by Linda Howard

The illustrated edition of Open Season by bestselling author Linda Howard was published in 2002. The story focuses on how a girl named Daisy Minor transformed from a simple librarian into an extraordinary party girl. She starts to wear ultimately different clothes. The twist in Daisy’s life continues as she had a new lease on her place, which then she begins to flirt and man-hunt. But one night, as she heads home, she witnessed something that she wasn’t supposed to witness. And just like that, Daisy becomes the next target of a murderer. Her fun and exciting life were put to a stop in order to keep herself safe and alive.

Black Ice by Anne Stuart

Wheeler Publishing published the first edition of Anne Stuart’s Black Ice in 2005. This romantic suspense novel is the first book of the promising The Ice series. It follows the story of Chloe Underwood, who works as an American book translator and has lived from one paycheck to another in Paris. Chloe is the type who seeks thrill and excitement. Thus, she immediately agreed to go on a booming gig where she is translating in a conference for business purposes. But, she found out that her bosses are not the entrepreneurs that they deemed to be.

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Action-Packed Fantasy Fiction Books That Ignite Intense Emotions

As a reader, you often hear the term “fantasy” or “fantasy fiction.” It pertains to a literary genre featuring works with extraordinary storylines, unique setting, amazing characters, and other elements inflicted with awesome twists and literary devices. If you are a fan of books filled with magical and action-packed stories, then fantasy fiction is the best genre to dig into.

In this day and age, there are myriad fantasy fiction books that have been published. Some come in stand-alone novels, while others come in series. So, if you are looking for the best fantasy books that will give you the thrill, fear, action, and excitement that you’ve been searching for for so long; then, you might want to check the books listed below.

Sons of Twilight by Collette Jackson-Fink

This book is the sequel of The Daughters of Twilight and was published in 2017. Readers will definitely get the drive to flip every page and even beyond the final page on Sons of Twilight by Fink. It tells the story of how the team members opt to follow Coles into a strange world and reside with the awesome female warriors that live in the Black Pyramid. After consummating their bonds with the angels, the physical appearances of the men transformed into ore, and it will draw their entire strength to safeguard their home and the earth from a mysterious dark mass that promotes chaos.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is a heroic fantasy fiction book and the first of The Kingkiller Chronicle series. It was published in 2007 by DAW Books. The story is set in a world called Temerant, which is a huge continent that’s split into multiple diverse countries and cultures. It was told using the main character’s voice; thus, the story follows the magical tale of a brilliant young man who became an infamous wizard. The personal narrative of his experiences from his childhood to his life after killing a king has created a thrilling coming-of-age story. This book is definitely a great piece that will bring the readers into the thoughts of a wizard.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods is a best-selling and award-winning fantasy book that was published in 2001. It centers on the story of a prisoner named Shadow whose wife died in a peculiar accident a few days before he’s freed. With a heavy heart, he went home, but while he was on a flight home, he met a man named Mr. Wednesday. The stranger claimed that he was an escapee from a war and was a god and king of America. Thus, they jump on a journey transversely to the heart of America while an extraordinary storm surrounding them is about to break. American Gods will definitely bring you to an awesome journey to see the soul of the U.S. and be surprised by the things and people that you’ll discover there.

The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

This book is the third book of the infamous Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. It was preceded by The Sea of Monsters and followed by The Battle of the Labyrinth. It was published in 2007 by Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children. The story focuses on the teenage half-human, a half god named Percy Jackson, who embarks on a thrilling journey together with his friends to save Annabeth Chase, Athena’s daughter, and Artemis,  Greek goddess, that is held captive by the titans. Moreover, The Titan’s Curse got nominated in several awards and was recognized as the top The New York Times children’s series bestseller and top 30 in the 2010 Book Sense Summer Pick.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments is a bestselling series by Cassandra Clare, and City of Bones is its first book. It was published in 2007 by Margaret K. McElderry. It follows the story of a girl named Clary Fray who enters a club along with his friends. While in the establishment, she begins to notice various peculiar people doing suspicious acts. That is the first event that leads Clary to uncover her true identity, which her mother tried so hard to protect.

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Reasons to Read Thriller Books

Thriller is one of the best genres that ignite a bunch of intense emotions from readers. Its most basic characteristic is the moods that it bring out, which offers the readers intense emotions, such as suspense, enthusiasm, anxiety, and more. Therefore, this genre has the ability to keep the targets at the end of their seats with an extreme desire to turn every page.

What makes a thriller more outstanding is its ability to hide significant information to increase the curiosity and engagement of the readers. Literary devices are its prized possessions. The typical devices that this genre maximizes are cliffhanger, foreshadowing, unreliable narrator, and red herring. In contrast to stories from other genres, thrillers frequently have antagonist-driven storylines, meaning that they introduce and plots the challenges that the main characters should conquer.

Great action and suspense are typically showcased in thriller books. There are also some stories under this genre that somehow features characters that are connected with the law in any way, such as the former CIA field agent on The Secret Empress by Frank Heller, a defense attorney on the False Witness: A Novel by Karin Slaughter, and detective on 21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.

In this day and age, there are still many people who are drawn and are a fan of this genre. What could be the main reasons to read thrillers? Here’s why.

Experience thrill and suspense

There are a lot of individuals, book lovers or not, who love suspense even regardless of what form they come. That said, through thriller stories, readers can experience being thrilled through the growing suspense and unexpected twists in the simplest way, which is reading. Both thrill and suspense give readers the assurance that they will be entertained and have enough enthusiasm to read the story. Hence, they are the primary aspects that engage book lovers in the plot and different kinds of emotions, which leads to a growing attachment of the readers to the book. It is definitely

Learn to persevere and not give up

Perseverance is a value that many tend to cultivate and apply to their lives. However, life seems to be always one step ahead of everyone and surely knows what lemons to throw at people. That is why there are various situations where giving up is almost the only option left.

But through thriller stories, you can get inspired by the will and determination of every character to survive unfortunate situations and even save the people that have special places in their hearts. Regardless of how hard and risky the circumstances can get, the protagonists are still motivated to face the challenges, heart strong and head held high.

Develop compassion and empathy

Why do compassion and empathy matter? The former is the skill to comprehend people’s situations and generate the want to help them improve their lives. The latter, moreover, is the skill to understand the emotions of others and put you in their shoes. Thus, they are significant because they drive individuals to help, execute kindness, connect with others, and be more human.

By reading different thriller stories, the hearts of the readers will definitely root and go out for the main character and the victim. Upon knowing the backstory of the villain, you may perhaps develop a good understanding as to why he had done those evil deeds. Thus, a thriller is definitely more than just action, suspense, and fights. It is more on touching people’s hearts and giving them learning that they can apply to different aspects of their lives.

See the value of courage and apply it

Courage is the sense of taking action in a manner that suitably answers to risks but not in an excessively confident or too cowardly way. Given that most thriller stories involve great actions, fights, suspense, and other twists, the main characters always showcase their bravery so they could solve the problem and conquer the struggles that come their way. With every bit of courage displayed by these amazing characters, readers will definitely see and realize how important and what it means to be brave. Then, use their courage in situations that they deemed necessary, regardless of how big or small the circumstances may be.

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Best Science Fiction Books to Read Before Summer Break Ends

Everyone knows that summer is the most amazing time of the year. But, what makes it more awesome is the time that you can get off from school and other responsibilities. For the people in the workforce, you can take a couple of days for vacation or maximize the sunny and bright days to relax by reading novels. Science fiction books would be great to read since they can bring you to extraordinary worlds, take you on a thrilling adventure, and put your imagination to work.

If you are looking for great reads under science fiction for your summer break reading list, then here are the titles that you might want to check out.

Cyberbrain by Benoit Blanchard

Cyberbrain by Benoit Blanchard was published in 2020 by FriesenPress. It is the first book of the series and was followed by Cyberbrain: Guardian Angel. The story centers on the fight to whether or not people need to implant a “cyber,” the developing technology that a corporation invented to keep people from doing bad deeds to eradicate crime, on their brains.

In the U.S., the Cyberbrain Corporation is definitely making a buzz, but their plan for Canada expansion seems to go nowhere. Dr. Alston, the doctor, offered by Patrick Kobayashi with the business expansion, tried and successfully got rid of the implanted cyber from a person named Max and discovered that the invention could put society to risk. That’s when the action starts to boil.

The Madhouse Projects by Rick Badman

This is the first book of the remarkable science fiction series by Rick Badman. The Madhouse Projects centers on the story of a former professor who shifted career and begins working in an underground research and development institution referred to as the Madhouse.

Dick Thurman encounters diverse individuals and collaborates with them to work on projects for a particular organization called BOSS. Thus, he created fly-wheel-power electric Indy cars that are raced at the 2037 Indianapolis 500. Thurman’s wife followed him in the Madhouse and also started a new job there following their fake deaths.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini’s To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, published in 2020, already became a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller. It also won the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Science Fiction in 2020. The book focuses on the story of Kira, who discovered an alien relic during their routine inspection mission on a certain planet. At that moment, she was delighted, but her happiness was exchanged with fear when the ancient dust surrounding her starts to move.

While a battle among the stars breaks out, she is sent into a galaxy-spanning journey of revelations and transformations. As she discovers significant things and faces her fears, she becomes the only hope of the poor humanity.

The New Wilderness by Diane Cook

The New Wilderness by Diane Cook is an award-winning and bestselling book that was published last year. The book tells the story of Bea and her daughter Agnes. The latter is struggling to survive the toxicity and pollution of the overdeveloped city that they reside in. Bea is torn between staying in the city and letting her precious kid die.

There is only one place that is ideal for humans to live, which is what they called the Wilderness State. It is the last piece of land that hasn’t been touched and innovated but is strictly forbidden for everyone to access. When the said land searches for people to be lab rats to evaluate if humans can live in the area and maintain everything inside the place, Bea, Agnes, and others primarily volunteered. Would they live up to their mission and survive?

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

Del Rey published Micaiah Johnson’s award-winning and a bestselling book titled The Space Between Worlds. The story focuses on Cara, the individual whose parallel beings seem to be outstanding when it comes to dying for different reasons. Thus, her life has been shortened to 372 worlds. The thrill began when multiverse travel was developed. However, you cannot go to another world if your counterpart is still living. Currently, Cara is living on a dystopian planet Earth where there seems to be no problem. But, trouble emerges after her eight doppelgangers peculiarly face death, driving her to a new realm with an old secret.

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Tips in Creating Stirring Action Scenes in Your Novel

Action scenes are integral parts of a story. But, they don’t necessarily be in every novel because it depends on the author whether a fight scene is relevant and essential or not. Moreover, the said scenes are commonly seen in works under action, thriller, crime, and mystery genres. They are often created to enhance the mood and increase the tension of a story.

Among the best works that feature some good fighting events are A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, The Jungle Rules Trilogy by Paul Shemella, Ocean Prey by John Sandford, The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton, and Photographing the Dead by Dean Koontz.

So if you want to be the next best-selling author whose works are recognized for their amazing fight scenes, then here are some tips that might help you in crafting one.

Read more books with great action scenes

Knowledge is power. With enough knowledge, you can definitely give justice to your characters and story by giving them intense fight scenes. Reading different kinds of books with great action bits can help you analyze and conceptualize how you want to write yours. You can delve into the stories of popular thriller or action authors. Try reading them objectively because you can definitely examine the scenes in a thorough manner using an objective point of view instead of becoming subjective. By getting to know their works, you can pinpoint how each part enhances the tension, develops the characters, moves the story, and magnets the readers. Thus, read, study, and write.

Write with your own style

Every writer has an artistic license. What does it mean? It simply implies that the individual has the right and liberty to disregard the rules or principles that typically govern the art in which he practices, writing in this case. After you have read some action-packed stories, apply your learning through writing the fighting scenes in your own book. Writing a story using your own writing style is important in this process. This will not only help you craft great action scenes but also give you the identity wherein the readers can instantly recognize your work from the way it is written. But, you must make sure that your style perfectly fits the tone and pacing of your story.

Ensure that it maintains the progress of the story

A story that doesn’t move forward won’t make sense. Readers always expect developments in books. Hence, knowing that action scenes can create a magnificent impact on the story’s progress, then you should ensure that they can advance the tale while maintaining the same pace. Write the fight scene on the most suitable part of the story, then read it. Afterward, delete the action scene and reread your work. If the former works better than the latter, then that’s when you can tell that the exciting scenes are integral in your work and are propelling your story forward. But, make sure

Make the events more realistic

If you are writing a detective, crime, mystery, or another story that highlights the tension and ignite intense emotions, then you should make your fight scenes closer to reality. You have already read books or have seen movies where there are impossible parts where the main character survives horrible and near-death events. Whether you still haven’t witnessed a shooting incident, assault, or another form of violence, or you already have, it still won’t stop you from writing those scenes.

You can always do your research and pick what type of violence you can inflict on your planned action scenes that will be relevant to your plot. Do your research first prior to writing that particular section of your story. Know the entities that should be involved, terminologies to be used, and more. In that case, every punch, gunshot, bleeding, threatening, and begging will be pictured out and felt by the readers because they also happen in real life.

Don’t forget the pre and post-fight details

Transition is important in every story. As an author, you know how the plot works. Thus, you should always supply enough information to your readers. A fight couldn’t just pop out of nowhere without motive or reason. Also, it wouldn’t suffice if there will be no resolution after an action happens. To create a stirring action scene, there should always be great storytelling before the fight takes place for readers to know the root of the conflict. The same as the aftermath, you should also give the readers some details whether the characters resolved the issue or are there other consequences that emerge. Brainstorm, plan, and write.

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Promising Contemporary Novelists Bookworms Should Know

In this contemporary literary period, the author community has become bigger compared to the past eras. There are already different means where remarkable novelists gather, share stories, and interact with one another — such as online forums, book fairs, social media platforms, and more. These authors can be writing in different literary genres, telling various tales, and touching lives of several readers.

Novelists differ from each other. Most of them have diverse backgrounds and belong to a wide array of social classes, which may have influenced their works. The general reception of the book, literary criticism, and the influence of the authors’ life to his writings and characters can lead to the novelist’s private life and identity being inflicted to the works’ fictional aspects.

So, if you are a bookworm and want to get to know more remarkable novelists, then here are the names that you might want to check out.

Haruki Murakami

Are you a fan of the books Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Wood, or 1Q84? Then, the name Haruki Murakami might ring a bell. He is a Japanese writer who authored multiple bestselling books that were translated into several languages, including the ones aforementioned.  Murakami has gained a wide array of awards for his works. Among these awards are the Franz Kafka Prize, Gunzou Prize for New Writers, World Fantasy Award, and more. Moreover, he was born in January 12, 1949 in Fushimi-ku Kyoto, Japan but grew up in Nishinomiya, Ashiya, and Kobe. While growing up, he was fond of reading various stories written by European and American novelists, such as Charles Dickens, Jack Kerouac, Franz Kafka, and more.

RC LeBeau

RC LeBeau is the author of the brilliant book titled Donut Hole, which is a story that recounts his personal experiences as one of the Marines who fought in the Vietnam War. The book was published last year by Barnes and Noble Press. He is a Detroit Michigan born war veteran who was sent to Vietnam and was assigned to the FLC unit when he was 20 years old. The said unit is responsible for every supply and ensures that all those supplies are received by the different units; especially the ones battling in the frontlines. Moreover, the Boy Scout training that he experienced when he was young has proven useful when he was in the military.

Gillian Flynn

The phenomenal woman who authored the books Sharp Objects, Dark Places, and Gone Girl goes by the name of Gillian Flynn. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri but grew up in Coleman Highlands neighborhood located in the midtown of the city. Before becoming an author, she got a freelance job at U.S. News & World Report. Then, she became a feature writer at Entertainment Weekly paving her way to get promoted as a television critic. While working for the Entertainment Weekly, she also allocates some of her time in writing her novels. Her debut novel was published in 2006, which received multiple recognitions a year after publication. Flynn’s following books were also bestsellers critically-acclaimed works that added to her popularity as an author.

Alison Bechdel

Alison Bechdel is the author of the books Dykes to Watch Out For, Fun Home, and Are You My Mother?. She wasn’t only a notable author but also an excellent cartoonist. She was born in Beech Creek, Pennsylvania on September 10, 1960. Bechdel attended Simon’s Rock College and Oberlin College. It was in the latter where she acquired his Bachelor of Arts degree.  Furthermore, Alison garnered multiple awards throughout her journey as a novelist. Among these said awards are 2007 Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work, 2007 Stonewall Book Awards — Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award, 2014 MacArthur Fellowship, 2015 The Erikson Institute Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media, 2019 Harvey Awards Hall 2019 Hall of Fame inductee, and more.

David Mitchell

The renowned novelist, TV writer, and screenwriter David Mitchell was born in Southport, Lancashire, England, in January 12, 1969. He attended the University of Kent where he garnered his degree in English and American Literature. Afterward, he obtained a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature in the same institution. Moreover, the Mitchell authored a total of 9 books where 2 got shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

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Best Perks of Reading Self-help Books

Books are more than just words and stories because they can take many forms. These amazing pieces of literature can become your most trusted counselor, which can effectively help you stir the wheel navigate your life. The best books that can encourage you to map out your decisions and follow a clearer path are those that belong in self-help. It is the genre that houses thousands of works aiming to make readers develop better ways in handling their emotions, finances, and everything that centers on life.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, and Let Me Tell You How I Got Saved by Charles Lewis Anthony are some of the best self-help books in the market. But, if you are wondering about the perks of reading these kinds of works, then here’s what you should know.

Discover more of yourself

Self-discovery is as important as growth. They are directly proportional with one another. Why? A person who hasn’t discovered some parts of himself yet wouldn’t achieve full development. Thus, by reading several books that about self-help, you become driven to take action that can result to skill improvement, lifestyle change, and other events that revolve around self-discovery. Those works can also push everyone to identify their abilities, find ways to maximize them, and select a path where we can make the most out of and grow best.

Get a better understanding of the world

The world is filled with different kinds of things that can either help you grow or bring you down. In the middle of your search for greatness, you’ll surely encounter various people and events that can help you journey your way through life. But because of the sudden progress of the world, you may become confuse and doubtful of your choices and decisions. When you read an inspiring or motivational book, you learn more about the several concepts and ideas that you can apply on your journey that can lead to crafting a better understanding of the world.

Develop better ways to handle ups and downs

Life is full of ups and downs. These events can either make or break you. When the time comes that you cannot clearly find a way to get up after stumbling down, self-help books can be the hand that can help lift you up. There are multiple books that can give you tips on what methods to follow or advise to use in dealing with different types of problems, such as health, finances, personal, career, and more. Also, there are several works that can support you in managing your emotions and achieving success. So, whether you are on your highest or lowest point, there is always a self-help book that knows the words to say and the stories to tell.

Mold a growth mindset

There are two types of mindset, the fixed and growth mindset. Although both can bring different benefits to a person’s development, the latter is definitely the better one. Having a growth mindset is the most realistic one that can bring you closer to success. It is the belief that you can still enhance and develop different aspects of yourself. By delving into self-help books, the guidance and words of wisdom that they provide can assist you in shaping a mindset that centers on personal development instead of solely living through your current way of living. The Growth Mindset by Joshua Moore, Gritby Angela Duckworth, Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins, and Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes can be the best books to read with regards to the subject.

Look forward for better things

Knowing that life is brings unpredictable things, it is important that you should know how to stay positive. There are many things that can make you less enthusiastic in facing life, such as broken dreams, unfulfilled promises, unmet expectations, and more. However, there are many books under self-help genre that can bring you back on track and realign your views on things that once were painful and unfortunate to deal with. As a result, you will soon become more excited to look forward to better things and better days.

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Must-read Fiction Books of All-Time

Fiction is among the largest and most popular literary genres. There are millions of books that were written under this category. Most of the stories are products of the playful imaginations of the authors while others take inspirations from different aspects of the world. The most defining aspect of fiction is its remarkable ability to tell stories that aren’t real but create realistic outcome through its elements. Thus, it has the capability to educate readers and apply those bunches of learning to their lives.

So, if you are looking for great titles under the fiction genre for your reading pile, then listed below are the stories that you might want to check out.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

It’s first book of the famous Harry Potter series that introduced many readers to the magical world of wizardry. It follows the story of a young boy named Harry Potter and his journey to the popular school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  He starts to discover a couple of hints and information about his birthright. Harry becomes more drawn in the amazing world that he never thought existed and closer to his destiny.

The Secret of Jerry’s Pride by Jo A. Totty

The Secret of Jerry’s Pride by Jo A. Totty was recently published in May of this year by Readersmagnet. The story is set in small Southern town that is peaceful and orderly. There is really no suspicious or disturbing events that took place in that quiet town. But, one day, a stranger arrives and peculiar things start to happen to a prominent family.  One event after another begins to occur that will change the lives of the residents forever.

Jasmine: A Woman of Color by Monique Boyd

This romantic suspense book by Monique Boyd was published in 2020. It focuses on the story of a widowed executive assistant named Jasmine Moore. After her husband’s death, she uncovers his secrets and starts to want revenge. But on the process of getting the revenge that she thinks she deserves, she finds love. That affection made her let go of her plan only to discover that somebody is attempting to kill her.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

American novelist Harper Lee penned a book that has won a Pulitzer Prize and has turned out to be a modern American literary classic. It was first published in 1960 by J.B. Lippincott & Co.  The characters and the storyline in this book are generally based on the author’s assessment of her family, neighbors, and a particular incident in 1936 that took place close to Monroeville, Alabama, which is the town that she lives in. Another remarkable thing about this novel is that discusses multiple societal issues that can educate the readers, such as rape, racism, and more.

The Secret Empress by Frank P. Heller

The Secret Empress is an action-packed book by Frank R. Heller. It centers on the story of Joe Wilder, a former CIA field agent and now a CEO. But, his business is on the rocks due to a huge price increase. He taps the ministry of trade to dispute. Instead of being argued, he was suddenly offered a deal, which is to help the minister’s son get to America in return for his request. However, the deputy minister gets murdered right after the signing of the contract. Joe becomes the suspect and also the guardian of the minister’s son. He will have to rely on the skills of his former life to stay alive and keep the child safe.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been adapted into film. It is the first book of the series, which follows the story of a teenage girl named Katniss Everdeen. She resides in a post-apocalyptic country of Panem located in North America. The title of the book is based on the annual event that the characters are playing. It is a game where a pair of boy and girl aged 12-18 years old from every district around the Capitol is required to participate. As Katniss volunteered to be a tribute instead of her sister, would she survive?

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Good Reads Under Thriller-Suspense

Are you into stories that make you feel different intense emotions all at once? What about books that put you at the end of your seat craving to turn each page until you find out the culprit? If you have checked all the boxes, then you are a thriller-suspense fan. It is a combination of two literary genres, which many draws out a couple of extreme emotions from the readers due to push and pull between the main character and the antagonist and the tension building up in the story.

So, if you are looking for some good reads under thriller-suspense, then listed below are the best books that you might want to add to your reading pile.

The Secret Empress by Frank R. Heller

This brilliant debut novel of Frank R. Heller was published in 2019 by iUniverse. It follows the story of a former CIA field agent Joe Wilder, who now owns a company. When his business is on the brink of bankruptcy due to massive price increase, he went to China to dispute the ministry of trade. He was given a deal with the minister to help his son fly to America. Joe agreed but after how many hours, the minister died. Now, he is considered as the person responsible to the death of the minister and the guardian of 12-year-old Charley Hence, readers can witness how Joe’s abilities were highlighted on The Secret Empress on skills of his former life or rather how Joe will rely on the skills of his former life to stay alive.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl is a best-selling and widely recognized novel penned by Gillian Flynn. It already got a film-adaptation starred by Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck. The story centers on a couple living in North Carthage, Missouri who are on their 5th wedding anniversary. But, Amy Dune — wife of Nick Dunne, suddenly disappear. Nick becomes the instant suspect, which tainted the way people perceived him. On the investigation process, he came up with lies and deceits, as well as developed an undesirable behavior. In the middle of this mess, it all goes down to one question:  who is the real culprit behind the disappearance of Amy Dunne?

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The British-Cypriot author Alex Michaelides penned the thriller book The Silent Patient. It was published in 2019 by Celadon Books. The story follows Alicia Berenson, the mute patient, was a painter who was proven guilty of the death of photographer Gabriel Berenson. However, it is told through the eyes of a psychotherapist. She was sent to a protected forensic unit and has become the patient of Theo Faber due to plea of diminished responsibility. The primary reason why Theo applied on the job in the Grove was because of his deep interest in the said case. Moreover, there sessions begin and Theo starts to get to know Alicia through her diary. Theo helped Alicia to cope with the trauma and made her speak, and then the twists and turns happened.

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen was published in 2020 by Vintage Crime/Black Lizard. The book is filled with thrill, humor, suspense, and mystery. It revolves around the story of Kiki Pew Fitzsimmons, who is a significant member of a particular high society. In the middle of a swank gala, Kiki mysteriously disappeared.  But, that isn’t only the peculiar thing that happened because a wildlife wrangler named Angie Armstrong was brought to the Palm Beach to handle a gigantic Burmese python. With these two events, the President is more drawn to the case of Kiki Pew. He instantly proclaimed her as a victim of immigrant hordes, which turned out to be a lie. What happened to Kiki?

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

This instant bestselling book is the debut novel of B.A. Paris. It centers on the story of the perfect newlywed couple named Jack and Grace. People around them think that they are inseparable and they are made for one another. But, everyone starts wondering why Grace doesn’t answer the phone or go out to get coffee. Others also begin to ponder how she keeps a sexy body but cooks delicious meals or why there are extremely protected metal shutters on every window downstairs. What does really happen behind closed doors?

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Amazing Reads Under Historical Fiction

If you are a bookworm, then historical fiction might not be new to you. But if you are new to reading, then the phrase might not ring a bell. Historical fiction is a popular literary genre that features a tale set in the past, usually on an important period of time. In this genre, the indication of time is integral for the creation of its setting and even on the whole story. Other elements might also carry a great importance on the entire tale, such as fictional characters deemed to be a popular historical figures or a blend of the two.

Since it is still under fiction, authors are free to use their artistic license so that they can write and present the story with substantial theme perfectly. However, the said license should not tamper, in any way, the established events in the history. So, if you are looking for great reads under historical fiction, then here are the titles that you should check out.

Bannack: A Growing Up Story In The Vigilante West by Jerry Delaney

Bannack: A Growing Up Story In The Vigilante West by Jerry Delaney is a story filled with adventure set in the period of the Civil War and vigilante violence. It follows the story of Billy Mayfair, a teenager who got casted away from his house in Illinois. After being kicked out by his father, he starts to seek for gold in a distant mining camp in what would turn out to be the Montana Territory. When he got to St. Louis, Billy’s financial resources drain out and he loses his virginity. But his misfortunes didn’t stop there, because he got in a fight that leads him to jail. With all these events, he manages to get back on his feet and land on a job in a Union hospital. He continues to pan for gold, so he lives in the wild town of Bannack, where he sees the severe vigilante violence in the history of America.

Scourged Souls by Keith Niles Corman

Although Corman’s Scourged Souls is also categorized as sci-fi, it is still considered as historical fiction for it has elements representing some events in the history — such as its setting. Scourged Souls, moreover, is a story that takes place during the American Civil War and focuses on the lives of different individuals. The characters were living different lives but got entangled with one another after a horrific battle broke. One defining thing about this book is that it captured and featured the innocence of each character and their way of living. They also have personal reflections, as well as the principles and schemes, which are all highlighted in the book.

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

This New York Times bestseller and Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick was penned by Maggie Shipstead and published by Knopf last May of this year, 2021. It follows the story of two rescued babies, Marian and Jamie Graves, after an ocean liner sank in 1914. They were raised by their decadent uncle in Missoula, Montana. Marian fell in love with flying, so she dropped out of school to pursue her dreams of becoming a pilot no matter what it takes. After how many years, an actress named Hadley Baxter was picked to star in a movie that revolves around the disappearance of Marian Graves in Antarctica. Hadley was determined to perfect the role. Would there be any connection that will happen between Marian and Hadley? Read more to find out.

The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton’s historical and family saga fiction book titled The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba was published in May 2021 by Berkley. It instantly became a bestseller and recognized as among 2021’s Most Anticipated Historical Novels and Best Beach Reads by many platforms. The story centers on two families whose lives were intertwine. In Gilded Age New York City, a feud between William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer emerged. In the middle of that competition and feud, a girl named Grace Harrington got a job at Hearst’s newspaper business in 1896. She must to her job well because one story can either make or break her career. However, the story of an eighteen-year-old girl who’s prisoned in Cuba emerged; it made big changes in her life.

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War Memoirs: How they Influence the Way We Look at History

War Memoirs like Donut Hole by RC LeBeau and other war biographies impact how we view past armed conflicts and history as a whole.

War is a significant part of human history. Throughout ages, war has shaped nations, the human psyche, and people. Kingdoms rose and fell because of wars. Countries have been united and divided because of wars. For what it’s worth, wars have actually contributed to the maturity of modern societies. Peace and progress have been attained because of wars. Despite the violence, the death tolls, and the destruction of properties and human lives, it is safe to say that sometimes war is inevitable and must happen to usher in a new and better era for humankind. History is written with wars, and all wars are built on history. War stories, whether fiction or not, are mostly based on wars that actually happened. War memoirs and biographies, in a way, influence how we view our history and the history of nations and people that took part in those wars.

War memoirs and biographies are first-hand accounts of people who have participated in the armed conflicts. Depending on which side they fought for, these authors’ chronicles portray a particular bias towards one party. Except for those who have taken an objective stand for telling war narratives, these memoirs and biographies always portray their side as the heroes and victors. More importantly, their side of the story seeks to influence, validate, and reaffirm their version of history.

However, since the early 1900s, war literature has moved on from being biased and often self-glorifying into a collection of works that seek to celebrate humanity, values, faith, and peace. The anti-war movement and the realizations by the brave men and women who fought in the Vietnam War and earlier wars provided a different outlook and perspective as far as armed conflict and war of aggression are concerned. Classic works like Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front (1928), Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms (1929), and Dalton Trumbo’s Johnny Got His Gun (1938) all emphasized the human experience and tragedy of war. In doing so, these books have forced readers to re-examine the histories of these conflicts as well as their aftermaths.  

“There is one cliché that holds true in writing about war. It brings us together. While warfare is an intensely personal experience for its participants, it is a very public endeavor. It’s history. It is deserving of the type of recording that allows society to interpret its meanings and determine its worthiness.” – David Ervin

The Vietnam War is undoubtedly the most famous armed conflict in recent memory, not even rivaled by the War in Afghanistan and Iraq. The war was participated by several independent nations and lasted almost 20 years. It is the war that the United States suffered its worst casualties and losses in terms of men, equipment, and morale. The war would produce an anti-war movement and countless war literature that would forever change how we view the American nation, the nations in the East, and the concept of war as a whole. Works like Fields of Fire by U.S. Senator Jim Webb (1978), Killing Zone Can by Frederick Downs (1978), and recent works like We Were Soldiers Once … and Young by Hal Moore (1992), The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien (1990), and Donut Hole by RC LeBeau (2019) all showed us many aspects of war that were not present or highlighted in past works.

Because of these war memoirs and biographies, we discover many details in the accounts of men fighting the war and the logistics, politics, and how they influence the outcome of the war. We are also made aware of schemes and the so-called Military Industrial Complex and how Wars of Aggression play a massive part in the United State’s economic survival. Because of these modern war stories, we discover new lessons and realities that equip us to better understanding history and history as it unfolds right before us. 

Recent works paint a clear picture of the politics, history, heroes, puppet masters, main players, and nations that took part in these wars. We are seeing history not in black and white anymore, but with multiple perspectives. For the first time, we embrace history not written exclusively by victors, tyrants, and the powers-that-be, but in the eyes of innocent people, reluctant heroes, unyielding “villains,” and ordinary souls whose lives were forever changed by the war.

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Mystery Fiction Antagonists You Should Know

Mystery fiction is among the biggest and most patronized genres in the literary world. Many readers become drawn to this category because of the gripping tales and wide scope of every story encompassing other genres. That said, there are already mystery books infused with elements of other literary genres, which give the rise of mystery-thriller, mystery-suspense, horror-mystery, and more. The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, The Numbered Cups Mystery, Ocean Prey, and The Silent Patient are some of the great reads under mystery fiction penned by remarkable authors.

Although many tend to remember the amazing protagonists and cases in most mystery books, there are still various readers who are more invested on the antagonists. There are definitely outstanding traits on villains that made book worms drawn in hating them, which is a great indication of how effective the characters are. That said, here are some of the popular mystery fiction antagonists that you should know.

Professor Moriarty – Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

If you are a diehard fan of the classic Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, then you probably knew Professor Moriarty. He starred in some stories in the book and was first presented to the readers as a narrative device to allow the author in killing the protagonist. Moriarty was only showcased in two of the original stories of the hit classic book even though the popular detective talks about him in five other tales.

Manipulative, callous, and different are among his traits, which — if summed up, fall under Machiavellianism. Professor Moriarty makes other do the dirty work while he sits back and hands out the evil plan to his minions. He obviously makes use of his brilliant mind and connections to execute a crime instead of staining his hands with blood. In return for his great strategies and tactics, he is given a share of what his connections gain from the crimes.

Tom Ripley – The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

The mystery-suspense novel titled The Talented Mr. Ripley has a jaw-dropping plot twist with an unexpected villain. Patricia Highsmith’s novel follows the story of Tom Ripley, who is both the protagonist and antagonist of his own tale. Hence, it is evident that the conflict in this popular book is man vs. man and the character of Tom is an anti-hero. Tom Ripley also returns in the following books of the Ripliad series, which is series of crime novels.

A young fine man named Tom Ripley encounters a lot of challenges while making a living in the Empire State. As a result, he grabbed every opportunity that comes his way to earn money regardless if it illegal or not. One day, a shipping magnate reached out to him and put him on a mission to encourage his son named Dickie to go back to America. As Tom Ripley’s life becomes entangled with Dickie’s, his true colors suddenly show. He slowly turned into an obsessive, deceptive, ambitious, and horrendous, which lead to his killing of Dickie and his manipulation on Dickie’s social circle.

Lanfranco Cassetti – Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

If you hear the phrase “Murder on the Orient Express,” the renowned novel of Agatha Christie and its film adaptation often come to mind. The popular detective Hercule Poirot also pops to your mind, after he figured out the murder and the motive. Even though Lanfranco Cassetti was the one who got killed on that train, he was remarked as the villain of the story after he abducted and a child named Daisy for ransom.

Cassetti is a gang leader who won the trial of Daisy Armstrong’s kidnapping and murder because of his wealth and technical inaccuracy of the case. But, justice prevailed in the end after a bunch of people connected to the late Daisy plot a revenge plan to end Cassetti. The plan to put justice on their own hands was initiated by Linda Arden, the grandmother of the poor kid who got abducted and killed the night before her $200,000 ransom was paid. Cassetti’s death is among the most, excuse for the term, satisfying ones knowing that already paid the consequences of for taking the life of a little girl, as well as the ransom.

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The Best Action-Packed Books for Your June Reading Pile

Does your reading pile is on shortage after reaching the mid-year? Are you currently on the look-out for brand-new books and genres to read for the rest of the remaining months? Then, you might want to check out action-packed books that will surely stir different intense emotions. Reading is truly one of the best and most entertaining leisure activities that many get excited to do. Hence, here are some of the best books filled with action, thrill, and everything in between that you might want to check out!

The Dictator’s Revenge by Paul Shemella

The Dictator’s Revenge by Paul Shemella is the third book of the Jungle Rules Trilogy and is, surprisingly, the prequel. The story starts when Manuel Noriega created a plan to take revenge for the invasion of Americans in Panama while he’s still in prison at Florida. During that time in 1993, Carl Malinowski was not a mercenary yet for he was an active duty SEAL assigned in Panama. When a Canal pilot goes missing and is known to be kidnapped, the government requested the Americans to bring aid in getting the hostage back. Hence, Carl was the head of the mission under the direction of the CIA, and that is when all the action began.

The President’s Daughter by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

Co-authored by two of the best thriller writers of the contemporary period, The President’s Daughter already received different reviews from wide arrays of critics days after its publication. It is also known as an Amazon editor’s pick for best mystery, thriller, and suspense. The book centers on the story of the former president and Navy SEAL named Matthew Keating. He constantly protects his family as firmly as he did to his nation; but, his defenses are challenged after his daughter was kidnapped by a madman. Keating takes off into a one-man mission to save her daughter, which tests different sides of him — which is as a father, leader, and fighter.

Devoted by Dean Koontz

Published by Thomas & Mercer last March 2020, notable author Dean Koontz penned another bestselling thriller that surely excites the readers. It follows the story of Woody Bookman and his mother, Megan. Woody hasn’t uttered a word in his entire 11 years of living, not after the death of his dad due to a freak accident or his mother expresses her love to him. Regardless of his silence, his mother does everything to maintain his safety and joy. However, Woody didn’t believe that his father died a natural death for he suspects that there is a monstrous person behind it all, and is about to get him and his mother. Would he uncover the truth and protect his family from this madman?

Threat Vector by Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney

Threat Vector is a remarkable thriller book by renowned American novelist Tom Clancy, which he co-wrote with promising author Mark Greaney. It was published in 2012 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons and is part of the Jack Ryan and The Campus series. The story basically revolves on President Jack Ryan and The Campus as they try their best to stop a particular expansionist administration of China from creating havoc in the South China Sea. Hence, you will not only get the entire thrill but also get more entertained with the military, political, and spy fiction elements. Threat Vector was recognized as a bestseller in different platforms, received multiple reviews, and obtained a 2013 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Mystery & Thriller nomination.

The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle

The first edition of The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle was published in March 2013 by Legion Books. It is known as the first book of The Origin Mystery series by the author and is currently an Amazon bestseller under the medical thrillers category. It focuses on uncovering the biggest mystery of all-time, which the researchers in Antarctica found a peculiar structure hidden in ice. In Jakarta, on the other hand, an autism researcher spots a radical treatment that might turn the tables around. But, those two discoveries seem to be deceptive because they will soon create a competition to uncover the most profound secrets of humankind — and, could change everything in a snap.

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How Conversation Cultivates Relationships

Conversation, in the broadest sense, is the verbal exchange of views and concepts where both parties are actively creating impacts to each other. The enhancement of the abilities and etiquette of an individual is an integral aspect of socialization. However, there is really no generally accepted meaning of conversation apart from the fact that it entails two or more individuals talking together.

There are many platforms, methods, and scenarios where you can identify if there is a conversation taking place, see the benefits of conversation, and notice the impact of conversing. Author Carol Wilson-Mack wrote a remarkable book titled Patchwork on sharing information between generations or rather the book shows how essential conversing becomes in eliminating generation gap and creating bonds.

Furthermore, if you are wondering on what could be the positive influence of conversation in cultivating relationships, then here’s what you need to know.

Allows you to get to know one another

You probably have heard of the phrase “getting to know each other stage” both in friendship and romantic relationship. However, that also applies in other kinds of connection that you have created. Initiating conversation can help you build familiarity and perhaps grow closer with that individual. You will come to know the following: likes and dislikes; traits and characteristics; strengths and weaknesses; and goals and aspirations. As a result, you will become more aware and sensitive on your action in dealing with the person so that you could enjoy your moments together and live happily. Hence, all you have to do is to talk and listen.

Helps you develop empathy

Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is, again, one of the most essential things in this world. People faces their battles every single day, which many tend to forget and overlooked. That explains why there are many who experienced being burnt out, having a breakdown, becoming less enthusiastic, losing their passion, and more. A simple conversation might help those around you to lighten up their days and unload their excess baggage. You can start to understand their struggles and goals, as well as the way they live and behave. Just by asking how their day went, what struggles did they conquered, how are they holding up, and more, it can create a great difference in their lives.

Makes you see the bigger picture

There are many things that can make your judgment and perspective clouded. It could be because of the influence of the people around you or the environment that you grew up in. Regardless of those factors, what is essential is that you are doing your best to achieve the big-picture thinking. When you converse with someone, you can learn different things — may it be a skill, trivia, knowledge, and more, that you can apply to your life. The different types of people that you interact and talk with can help you develop a growth mindset and see the bigger picture in different circumstances, which are beneficial in conquering life.

Aids in resolving conflicts

A little misunderstanding can lead into a big conflict, and it could lead to undesirable things. However, you may have had conflicts with people that were once close to your hearts. Regardless of the weight of this conflict, you must know how to heal the burned area and conversation is one of the agents that can mend relationships. The time that you gather your courage and fix what has been broken; both parties can see each other’s points and come up with their judgment based on the talk. The more you express yourselves, the more you understand the sides of one another; hence, conflict will be solve later on.

Enables you to develop a stronger bond

A strong relationship can lead into bring a lot of positive things in the lives of both parties, and even to everyone around them. The positive vibes will just spread like rays of sun. But, how can you develop a stronger bond? The answer is conversation. Like relationships, conversation is all about giving and taking. You provide them your input in different matters and they will absorb the information wholeheartedly, and vice versa. With that, there are little to no conflict and your familiarity with one another increases as time goes by.

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Stirring Books to Check Out for Your Incoming Summer Reading List

Summer is just around the corner. You are probably preparing your summer reading list by now. Almost one more week left in spring and you may have had you current reads approaching the last few chapters. That said, readiness is definitely a need to continue having a great and uninterrupted reading experience during the season change.

So, if you are looking for books that will absolutely give you both excitement and lesson all at once, then this is your lucky day! Here is some of the must-read books that you might want to check out for your new reading list.

Jasmine: A Woman of Color by Monique Boyd

Jasmine: A Woman of Color book by Monique Boyd was published last year by ReadersMagnet. It is a romantic suspense novel that centers on a lady named Jasmine Moore, who works as an executive assistant. Jasmine was married until her life took a turn after her husband died. Following his death, she uncovered his dirty little secrets. The affairs of her late husband pushed Jasmine to seek revenge. At first, her hear was full of vengeance but later in the story, it was exchanged with love for a man named Dr. Jason. But another hindrance comes her way, because there is someone who is trying to kill her. Who would it be?

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Audrey Niffenegger’s debut novel titled The Time Traveler’s Wife is a mixture of the elements of science fiction and romance. Even from the title, you can see the sci-fi trope that the author incorporated in the story. The book centers on the love story of Henry and his wife Clare. The former is a guy suffering from a genetic disorder that makes him to travel through time unpredictably. The latter, moreover, is an artist that needs to manage her husband’s recurring disappearance and risky experiences of reappearing in peculiar areas. While reading this book, you will surely get thrilled on the time travels of Henry and feel the pain of being left behind by Clare.

Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho

The bestselling Brazilian author Paulo Coelho has written another remarkable novel called Manuscript Found in Accra. It was translated to English by Margaret Jull Costa and was published by Vintage in 2013. The book tries to tell the readers who they are, what they are afraid of, and what they desire for the days yet to arrive that is from the wisdom and belief, which can be discovered within them and not from the difficulties that revolves around their lives. Manuscript Found in Accra will absolutely attract the readers that get fond of having their philosophies premeditated yet presented on platters.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a New York Times and Amazon bestselling book. It was also a nominee of PB’s The Great American Read as among America’s best-loved novels. The story revolves around the life of Liesel Meminger but it was narrated by an unusual narrator, which is death. It was set in 1939 during the rule of the Nazis in a fictional Molching, Germany. Liesel lives under a foster home where she got educated and nurtured. She was also sent to school where she met a boy whom she gotten close with. Another medium of learning that Liesel loved were books. She started stealing some of them and read. In the middle of the tension due to the Nazi’s rule, she shared her books to others, even to the Jewish man who was hidden in their basement.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Simon & Schuster published the satirical war book by Joseph Heller titled Catch-22 in 1961. It is also categorized as dark comedy, historical fiction, and absurdist fiction. It is frequently regarded as among the most essential novels of the 20th century. The book, furthermore, utilizes a distinctive non-sequential point of view, which is particularly third-person omniscient. The narration talks about the happenings from the perspectives of diverse characters that are moving the plot forward. The divided storylines are out of chronology; hence, the timeline progresses together with the plot. World War II was the setting of the story and Captain John Yossarian is its protagonist.

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Great Reads under Mystery Fiction

We are almost halfway through this year, how does your reading going? Do you need more titles to sustain until the end of this year or you have it all covered? There is no such thing as enough as a book worm because reading equals to learning; and, learning doesn’t stop. So, if you are seeking for brand new titles that can give you a great reading experience, then you should check out mystery fiction books.

One of the most popular book genres is mystery fiction. This is where you can find a wide array of stories filled with puzzles, suspense, and more. These tales have the ability to evoke intense emotions from the readers and show them a great deal of twists and turns. This, here are some amazing reads under this cool genre that you might want to add to your reading list.

Mystery at Pima Point by JB Clemmens

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform published the amazing mystery book written by the remarkable author of The Lieutenant James series, JB Clemmens, titled Mystery at Pima Point last November 13, 2013. This follows the adventure of Lieutenant James who ought to solve another mystery. A bride-to-be named Christa suddenly becomes missing from a cave just over the spectacular Pima Point Resort. With intense worry, Christa’s fiancé named Drew came with Lieutenant James to help find the love of his life. Upon their investigation, they discovered a dead body but thankfully it is not Christa. Would they find the bride-to-be just in time for the wedding? Find out.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

This Amazon bestselling book was published recently this year by Simon & Schuster. It is already recognized as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. The Last Thing He Told Me centers on a stirring mystery on a female who thinks that she already knew the love of her life not until he’s gone missing. Prior to the disappearance of Owen Michaels, he sneaked a note to his wide saying “protect her.” Hannah Hall read the note and was totally confused and afraid; but, she definitely knows whom she must protect. The investigation started and Hannah, along with Owen’s daughter, discovered something they didn’t expect.

Ocean Prey by John Sandford

Ocean Prey by New York Times bestselling author John Sandford is the 31st book of The Prey series. This Amazon bestseller was published last month by G.P. Putnam’s Sons. It centers on the peculiar behavior from a boat close to the fishing site of an off-duty Coast Guard and his family. The boat was speeding off and slowed down to fetch a surfaced diver. What added to the suspicion was that the diver doesn’t have any company or a boat. He is completely in solitude in the middle of the sea. When three Guardsmen were sent to check out and evaluate the event, they were instantly got shot dead. Fishy, isn’t it?

21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The bestselling author James Patterson and Maxine Paetro wrote the last book of the Women’s Murder Club series titled 21st Birthday. The story follows the disappearance of a young mom named Tara Burke along with her baby.  Many speculated that it was the husband because he made it looked like Tara was a wayward wife instead of missing. Everyone almost what Lucas painted Tara until a horrible evidence turned the tables of the investigation. If Lucas would confess, then there wouldn’t be any female in California who is secured from the bounds of the suspect.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn’s award-winning debut novel titled Sharp Objects was published in 2006 by Shaye Areheart Books. The story centers on the journalist named Camille Preaker who should come back to her hometown to report on a sequence of brutal crimes. She, in fact, wasn’t totally content with her work and had experienced personal struggles that led to self-harm. One day, she was assigned to create some news about a girl who was murdered and another who was missing. She did her best in collecting information and has published a story about it. But, she was asked by her Boss to stay in her hometown to cover more events in the said crimes; and, that is when Camille discovered something.

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Inspiring Books that May Change Your Life

Life is full of surprises, as many have said. You probably have experienced the unexpected events at first-hand. Some of the surprises that it brings are amazing while others are unbearable. Hence, life surely knows what astonishing thing to bring in different moments. With all these uncertainties and bewilderments, you may need some instruments that can uplift you up in times when life surely hits hard.

Luckily, there are many inspiring books that can definitely help you get along with the unpredictability of life can deal with different events it gives.  If you are looking for some great book recommendations for your to-be-read list, then you might want to check these titles out.

Botanical Reflections: Capture Your Days in Words by Pictures by Doris Lance

Doris Lance authored the promising book titled Botanical Reflections: Capture Your Days in Words. It was published in 2019 by WestBow Press. With this book, you will surely appreciate nature, achieve growth, and enjoy life. With all the twists and turns of that life bring, this book can be the support and motivation-booster that you need to make you days more delightful. Evaluate feelings, lessen anxiety, and restore emotional conflicts by reading this amazing book.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life is a self-help book written by Jen Sincero.  It is part of You Are a Badass series and was published in 2013. It is intended for readers who desire to enhance their lives but do not like to break during the process. There are at least 27 chapters found in the book that are filled with witty and encouraging tales, advice, practices, and more, which will surely help readers achieve the lives that they want to live. After reading this book, you will absolutely get a better grasp on your personality, lifestyle, constants, changes, and more.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

This New York Times bestselling book was published in 2016 by Scribner Book Company. The author aims to help those who are trying their best to succeed, such as parents, athletes, students, and more. Duckworth tells these readers that the only secret to excellence is not talent but a one-of-a-kind combination of passion and determination that she referred to as “grit.” In Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, the author brings the readers into a journey wherein they can see and evaluate the struggles and obstacles of different types of individuals, as well as offers great insights from history and other fields. Hence, this is the book that centers on the things that enters your head on your lowest moments and the ways that creates every difference.

Screw It Lets Do It: Lessons in Life by Richard Branson

Worldwide entrepreneur Richard Branson authored the book Screw It Lets Do It: Lessons in Life. Branson has already create an empire and earned billions but he isn’t only known for that, instead, he is popular for his skills and abilities to approach, challenge, and win every hindrance that comes his way. Thus, this book shows the learning from life that supported and uplifted the author in succeeding in business and personal life. Trusting the process, never giving up, and loving your craft are among the substantial things that readers can learn from this book. What makes Screw It Lets Do It more special is Branson’s way of showing some examples on how he understood, learned, and applied these amazing lessons.

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath & Dan Heath is a compelling book that was published in 2010. The authors aim to show the readers how daily individuals, such as workers and managers, have fused minds that lead to fulfilled dramatic outcomes. The Heaths unites years and years of counterintuitive psychological and sociological studies to highlight the ways everyone can make remarkable impacts on transformative change. Hence, this book presents that victorious changes observe a pattern that can be utilized in creating significant changes in your life. 

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Keys in Writing a Stirring Children’s Book

The impact of children’s books on the life of every reader goes beyond time. You can say that books are compelling because they have the ability to change one’s outlook, beliefs, and lifestyle in just a snap. The books intended for kids, simple as they appear, also possess this excellent capability. 

Whether you are a published author or an aspiring writer who wants to create the next best-selling children’s book, you should look out for the crucial aspects to perfect during the writing process. So, if you don’t have many ideas on hitting, worry not because we have listed below the essential keys in writing a stirring children’s book.

Outline the plot

The plot is among the most vital parts of a story. No matter what genre your book belongs to, it is integral that you seamlessly craft the plot to increase the engagement of your readers. A perfect sequence of events can lead to book success. Thus, make sure that you outline the events in your story before the writing process. In that way, you will have enough time to brainstorm and come up with fresher and better concepts that can alleviate the quality and impact of your book. You are also given a chance to infuse aspects that can hit the interests of your readers. 

Use a suitable language

Although the readers of children’s books are not only children but also adults, you still have to be sensitive in your language. Take note that your primary and intended readers are kids; so, you should consider their innocence and purity first before anything else. They are still developing their comprehension and reading skills, which means that they are still learning every bit of this world. So, use a suitable language that is easy to understand and read, as well as reader-friendly.

Some great examples are the works of Dr. Seuss, where he uses simple words and arranges them in sentences that rhyme. Kids who grew up reading his works already have known the importance of caring for the environment and other essential things in this world that can also be learned by the younger readers of today.

Craft interesting characters

Kids love fun characters. Although they still at the age where they are not picky and judgmental on the creatures that are progressing, the plots, engaging, vibrant, and unusual characters capture their attention. However, you should ensure that your characters fit the theme and setting. Take, for example, The Patchwork Princess by Connie S. Arnold, a fairytale book for kids. The book has the typical characters of a fairytale, such as humans, specifically a princess, animals, a dragon, and more. The more relevant your characters are, the more enjoyable your story becomes. So, make sure to craft them flawlessly.

Insert exciting plot twists

Children, innocent as they are, are always up to some adventure and fun. Therefore, you must make use of their curiosity and engagement to write a captivating story. Do not forget to infuse some twists and turns on your story that can push the readers to be invested in finding out the mystery and answer to the puzzles in your book. Is it Santa? is the best book to read for kids who have the heart for mystery-solving. The Christmas cookies for Santa on Nelibeth Plaza’s book impressively formed an eerie atmosphere that makes the readers’ drive to catch who moved the cookies of mother Rebekah from the basket to the different parts of the house. The engagement of the readers is vital in every story, so make sure to draw their attention.

Add illustrations

Illustrations make everything more beautiful, especially in children’s books. You can decide whether to create a picture book or add minimal illustrations to increase the quality of your work. Just take into consideration that pictures and drawings can increase the engagement of your story because your target readers are still developing their comprehension. Thus, the illustrations can guide them on the story’s events and help them get a good grasp on your tale. You may hire an illustrator for convenience and more promising work, or you might want to use your talent in drawing to harness your skill.

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Timely Social Issues Discussed in Books

Books are known to bring you the best of both worlds. With only paper and ink, they can form a story that can move mountains and urged many to make a difference. Beyond the substantial and amazing tales, they also have the power to educate and inform people about the good, the bad, and the ugly in the society. What most individuals don’t know is that books often take inspiration on the real world regardless of their fictional characteristics. There are many authors that inject different social issues in their works with the hopes of making the public aware from these things.

Social issues refer to the problem that impact the community and the populace. These present-day concerns have the power to increase the burden of everyone that lives within a society. As a result, these unfortunate individuals either strive to follow the right path or gave in to the temptation of becoming astray. With this wide array of issues that are already beyond the control of everyone due to different factors, many were affected and have taken their impact either positively or negatively.

There are many mediums that people have come up in the attempt to spread awareness and invoke initiative to slowly eliminate these problems. Authors are among the proactive people that try to eradicate these problems gradually through their remarkable tales. That said, here are among the most common social problems highlighted in books that you should know.

Poverty

This refers to the state wherein an individual or a community fall short of the finances and other resources that are essential for the basic living standards. Poverty also pertains to a person or a group who receives little to no income, which cannot provide the primary needs of humans — such as shelter, food, clothing, and water. The Face of Hunger: Reflections on a Famine in Ethiopia by Dr. Byron Conner is a great example of a book that discusses poverty along with famine in Ethiopia.

Bullying

Bullying pertains to the repeated utilization of force, threats, harassments, aggression, and other similar aspects with the purpose of dominating or scaring others. One significant requirement is the views of either the bully or others of the inequality of physical or social authority. This disparity identifies bullying from conflict. There are many books that tackle this issue, such as The Ladybug children’s book by Caroleann Rice or rather The Ladybug and the Bully Frog.

Discrimination

According to Britannica, discrimination is the social issue that shows the distinctive treatment of individuals or groups due to specific generalized characteristics, such as color, religion, gender orientation, and more. Racism is the term referring to the discrimination of race. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a YA fiction book that greatly captures what racisms is. Another remarkable book that shows a progress when it comes to gender inequality is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, where it gave female readers more choices other than marriage.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse doesn’t only pertain to drugs but also to alcohol, tobacco, and more. It commonly describes the pattern of dangerous utilization of any substances that are intoxicating and psychedelic purposes. The abuse can happened when the individual is in taking the substances in a manner that is inappropriate and unsuitable. Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker talks about the story of the author how she turned her life around after being addicted to alcohol.

Domestic Violence

You may have known someone who was beaten in their homes or have read in Big Little Lies by Liane Morriarty or other books, which is categorized as domestic violence. This social problem is defined as the abuse or violence done in a household. The most common scenario is a married or co-habiting couple physically fighting leading to one being badly hurt. This can also be in the form of marital rape, assault, and more.  

Imagine living in a society full of faults and imperfections but having no idea that they exist. That would be horrible. Luckily, books are here to educate and remind everyone about the impact of these issues and the ways to gradually help the society become a better place.

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Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Book

You have this intense drive and motivation to write a book. However, you are not sure what steps to take and what actions to avoid. Writing a book is daunting because there are a lot of things to consider in crafting an amazing one. Also, there are many factors that you should look out for before you can produce a publishing-worthy manuscript — the one that captures the attention of both publishers and readers. With the current number of books that are competing in the market today, taking the leap and risking it all to be the next best-selling author is definitely hard. You should be able to survive the competition and have what it takes to be on top of the list.

Apart from that, there are also different genres that you must consider before writing one, which are prose, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Examples of each genre are 1984 by George Orwell for prose, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur for poetry, Jasmine: A Better Love by Monique Boyd for fiction, and Sabbath Economics: A Spiritual Guide Linking Love with Money by Judith Wright Favor for nonfiction.

However, if you are determined to write the next remarkable book that can touch the lives of many, the here are the points that you must take note of and you should avoid.

Do’s

Brainstorm for the basics

Take some time to brainstorm for some ideas and concepts that can surely elevate the beauty of the story that you are about to write. This activity enables you to think extensively. Hence, you can think of different options that you can incorporate on every aspect of the story, such as setting, plot, characters, point-of-view, theme, and more. Afterward, you can create an outline base on the results of your brainstorming.

Research the important details

Conducting a research before you start writing is the best thing to do. Regardless of what genre your tale belongs, you should study and collect factual and reliable details. It cannot be avoided that there are aspects of your book that needs correct descriptions in order to help the readers imagine the exact place or event that you want to show them. This also strengthens the quality of your book because readers can identify how the incorporated details are related or close to the real world.

Pay attention to plot holes

Plot holes can throw your story off. Imagine putting all the hard work in writing the manuscript but ending up losing the interest of the readers due to unnoticed plot holes. To prevent that to happen, you should scan your work after finishing each chapter or the whole story. You may hire an advanced reader to give you some feedback on what parts of the plot that is lacking and uninteresting. Also, you can hire a professional editor to enhance the overall quality of your work.  

Don’ts

Rush to end the story

There are times that you become demotivated in finishing the book that even a paragraph becomes difficult to finish. There are also moments that you feel so much inspiration that you are unintentionally enhancing your pace and almost ending the story. If either of these happens, please take a quick breather in order to regain the pace that you normally have. Rushing to end the book is not a good thing because there will aspects that you might miss out leading to a dull and so-so story. This will affect the impact that your book might leave to your readers.

Switch the point of view all of the sudden

The POV is important. This is the element that helps the readers navigate and witness the story through the eyes of the character, narrator, or etc. They can also see get a glimpse on the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of the characters. You, as the author, are the only one who has the power to choose what point of view to use. What you need to avoid is the sudden switching of point of views without proper indication whose POV is already being used in the chapters. Although there are stories that uses different eyes of the characters, such as Eleanor & Park, they still did a great job on the switching part because there are enough details and indication that didn’t confuse the readers.

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7 Reasons Why You Should Love Fantasy Novels

On the surface, you may think it’s all about dungeons and dragons. When, in fact, it is much more complicated than that. If you’re a reader of the fantasy genre you might know what I’m probably talking about. You can’t get enough of how the story unfolds, how the character suffers and thrives within each conquest, and how the story can take you to a completely different world. It’s mesmerizing, it’s inspiring, and it’s fantasy!

However, if you’re new to the concept of the world of fantasy. That’s just one of the many reasons why you should start reading fantasy novels. The Shadow of the Staff: A Wizard’s Revenge by M.A. Haddad is a great place to start if you’re new to fantasy books. This is the first novel in a series based on a story of magic, grandiose adventure, eons-old lineages, and self-discovery. This book would undoubtedly entice you to read more and pique your interest in reading even further. Here are only a few of the many reasons why fantasy literature is so popular:

It’s unique

The fantasy genre has always been a diverse literary piece that has captivated it’s readers.  And we’re not talking about the traditional tropes like elves, dwarves, wizards, or dragons here! We’re talking about broader elements– general concepts where the story can be creative and innovative as the author wants.  With fantasy, it’s always something different, something extraordinary, and something more than we can possibly imagine. And fantasy authors like M.A Haddad always have a way of putting everything together, including genres with romance, sorcery, magic and etc.

They’re extraordinary ability to handcraft stories of characters and settings is incredible that we can’t help but ask for more.

It has contrasting characters

In fantasy fiction, or in any other genre, it’s the character that often gets readers invested in the story. Over the years, the fantasy genre has created some of the most memorable characters (e.g., sorcerers, witches, war-beasts, and etc.) each one charming and dynamic enough to make you fall in love with. Fantasy characters that can accomplish great feats are impossible in the real world, but only improbable in their own.

I’m sure while reading this you probably thought of your favorite character just now. And he or she may be of a different race or species, have different height and weight, and may appear to be eye-candy in your imagination. Nothing is impossible in the fantasy world, and diversity is what makes it so unique.

It has an exceptional character background

What makes a good story is the character’s back story. Whether it may be the protagonist, antagonist, or the auxiliary character’s back story, a three dimensional character with depth, personality, and clear motivation (e.g., such as ambition or dream) is essential in every story. This may sound like a cliché back story, but most fantasy characters start with the most surprising encounters. Like finding a mystical sword in the forest, a hidden family secret where they could use magic, or finding out that he was actually the illegitimate son of a royal. You don’t want to admit it, but you know we like these kinds of back stories.

It has a well-developed setting

The fantasy genre’s realms are unambiguous in nature. Fantasy realms defy the laws of physics while retaining some resemblance to the real world. Any inconsistency in the laws that rule the world has a compelling rationale. This explains the changes in terms that the human mind can comprehend. By design, this makes the fantasy genre the sole owner of this unique world building. The level of detail and complexity used to construct the fictional universe is unrivaled. Everything from language to social traditions to history and mythology is explored to create the author’s fantasy world.

And who in their right mind wouldn’t want to read something out of the ordinary.

It has one of the most amazing character developments

A novel is composed primarily of the character’s interactions with events over a period of time. Character and plot are strongly intertwined since a person is defined by their experiences. In fantasy novels, there is always that unexpected journey for the hero where he battles evil. Shortly after he has accomplished his conquest, he will come home a different person. And these kinds of stories help us reflect on how we should battle our own demons, and win the fight!

A central conflict

Whether it may be a fairytale or a series of novels, conflict is essential in creating a good story. No matter how small or large the conflict may be. And, M.A Haddad’s The Shadow of the Staff fits the bill— pillaging, war, mystery, magic and monsters are some of the factors that sparks conflict.

An unexpected plot twist

Is there anything more satisfying than a great plot twist? Twists, turns, major surprises, and unexpected endings that keep you up all night, astonished by the events that begin with plot twists like how the hero’s father was actually the villain. With fantasy, this kind of plot twists is commonly used in the adventure, and magic story.

If you love fantasy, the story’s plot twists are virtually endless. It may be a cliche, but it also has some of the aspects of a great story; even if it’s just a brief revelation, it may have a greater impact on the readers. And who wouldn’t want to be part of that. If you look closely, the fantasy genre is very insightful. Despite its diversity, you’ll find that everybody has more influence on their lives than those who don’t. Regardless of the genre, nonfiction or fiction, you can always count on them to entertain you while also providing you with valuable information and knowledge on a variety of subjects.

So don’t wait, and be sure to give the fantasy genre a shot; you’ll be hooked.

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The Best Traits of Horror Fiction

You probably might think that horror only exist in TV shows and films. But, you should know that there are also thousands of horror fiction books written by brilliant authors that are meant to frighten and excite the readers. Some of the shows and movies that you see on the screen are, in fact, adapted from horror books. So, what could be the best definition of horror fiction? Horror fiction is a rich genre of literature that is known for its ability to scare and repulse the readers through its thrilling story.

Carrie by Stephen King, World War Z by Max Brooks, The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, The Missing Medium by Joab Stieglitz, and Coraline by Neil Gaiman are some of the best examples of horror fiction. Moreover, there are many outstanding elements that these books have, which became the reason why many readers tend to patronize them. These aspects include the following.

They have an amazing set of characters

You might see this as a common factor in stories that are beyond the horror fiction genre, but great set of characters is the key to a well-driven tale. The tension and conflict of the story are being dealt with them; hence, they are definitely essential in every story. Horror fiction showcases a great bunch of characters that aims to connect with the readers by living up to the expectations, showing their traits, and accomplishing their motives. That is why this genre showcases many characters with cool backstories, different perspectives in life, good characteristics, and other realistic traits. The closer they are to reality the more they can elevate the quality of the story and impact the readers; and, that is what horror fiction has been doing all along.

They utilize the core elements of tragedy well

There are many horror stories that focus the spotlight to tragedies and other unfortunate events. The mishaps alone can increase the thrill and magnet the attention of the readers, how much more taking advantage of that event? Horror fiction has been utilizing the center aspects of tragedy for a while now, where some parts of it have already become tropes or clichés. But, these core elements contribute to the story by increasing tension, developing characters, captivating readers, inflicting lessons, and improving the uncanny events. This awesome trait of the story reminds everyone that flaws and mistakes can turn into a great lesson.

They connect into the usual human fears

People have different fears. The common aspects that most individuals are afraid of are heights, spiders, darkness, dogs, holes, narrow spaces, oceans, and more. With these factors, horror fiction found a way to utilize and incorporate them to give readers thrilling and exciting stories. Even the fear of the unknown can craft a good horror story. The way writers tapped into these phobias are exceptional, because they made the fictional story closer to reality resulting into a better reading experience and impact. These

They evoke different kinds of intense emotions

Horror typically generates different feelings, such as shock and disgust. But, it doesn’t only focus on extracting intense fear but also abhorrence and astonishment. The different literary devices used by stories, such as foreshadowing, suspense, allegory, and more. Combining these devices with the other elements of the story, they can successfully evoke a lot of intense emotions from the readers. The more they dive into the story, the deeper the connection becomes. Readers will crave for more events that can alleviate their feelings and thirst for the resolution of the conflict. Nothing could definitely top the feeling of reading a story and experiencing fear, surprise, excitement, and thrill all at once while on the way to turn each page.

Horror fiction is indeed a one-of-a-kind genre. Its aspects and traits justify its popularity. Readers who are fond of reading horror stories and even those that aren’t surely have a place in their book shelves for horror books. The characteristics of horror fiction works are enough reason why people should check them out. Aside from the, every story brings not just the peculiar and strong feelings but also the fun and learning that are essential products of reading.

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Ways to Avoid Plagiarism

Do you know the mortal sin of a writer? It is the act of copying the work of others and presenting it as if it is your own original idea — in other words, plagiarism.  In this industry, taking someone else’s work is definitely one of the forbidden things. Committing plagiarism either intentionally or not is like self-destruction. Your writing career is at stake the minute you chose to copy and paste a great concept of someone without proper crediting because readers and literary critics definitely have hawk eyes that can easily detect a copied work.

Hence, becoming an author is quite difficult especially that many have already published their remarkable ideas before you. These concepts already have copyrights, which made it impossible to incorporate them in your book without formal citations. Plagiarism is absolutely a pretty serious issue. How utilizing the books to proper knowledge by Van Arsdale — a promising author-editor, is truly necessary to maintain your credibility and integrity as a writer. Thus, if you are looking for the best ways to avoid plagiarism, then here they are.

Understand what plagiarism is

Having enough knowledge about the subject is vital. The information that you have collected will help you know its nature, pros, cons, and other essential things revolving around plagiarism. The ability to get a better grasp of plagiarism must be given attention because it can make you nurture awareness that copying one’s work is never okay. The measures of using somebody’s creative works differ in many aspects. In the U.S, the copyright rule does not safeguard the concepts or facts; however, the law does protect the certain authentic expression of a concept either in the form of pictures or words the moment that they are being carried out in a tangible figure. That said, you should know the nature and consequences before trying to commit plagiarism.

Summarize an idea

Having to summarize a lot of words can be daunting; but, it is the price that you need to pay to avoid your work being tagged as a copied content. Most summaries drop some details or parts of the idea to create a more direct concept. Taking out a particular aspect of a published work and uniting it into a more comprehensible concept using your own words is the main purpose of summarizing. It allows you to extract the most significant factors from a paper, book, or the likes and shorten them but still maintaining the main point.

Paraphrase concepts

Whether you are a seasoned writer or a newbie, you always hear about the word “paraphrase.” It is the act of utilizing the general concepts of a particular author but restating them using your own words. This is, in fact, the best way to prevent plagiarism. You will be required to rewrite the parts or the entire piece without altering the meaning of the original work. For better paraphrasing, you may change the whole sentence structure, use synonyms, split the sentences, and more. What is crucial is that the words do not duplicate the original text, but the meaning remains the same.

Make use of quotation marks

Using quotations might be old school to you, but it is one of the essentials to avoid being called a copycat. You probably have read multiple books that use direct quotes from famous authors and public figures but noticed that the works weren’t tagged as plagiarized. Quoting is definitely a significant technique utilized to incorporate data from external sources in academic and creative writing. In using this technique, you must also indicate the original source or where you got the quote. This doesn’t only increases your credibility but also enhances the reliability of your work.

Cite your references formally

Indicating your sources is one of the basics of writing papers and creative works. This act constantly helps you prevent plagiarism and enhances the quality of your work. Moreover, citing your references enables you to recognize the contribution and the intellectual property rights of the other authors. Depending on the writing format that you have, such as MLA, APA, and the likes, make sure to write the source correctly. Also, do not forget to put references by using footnotes, citations, and bibliographies.

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Why You Should Read Fiction Books

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Fiction novels have always been there to give us the best stories that will help us escape reality. The elements in these tales are product of the playful imagination of the writers; thus, it cannot be denied that most of these aspects take inspiration from the real world. Many books of this genre have sold millions of copies, which mean that there are a lot of people take time to read these stories. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Jasmine A Woman of Color by Monique Boyd, and The Old Man’s Request by Joab Stieglitz are some of the top fiction books of all-time.

If you are interested in reading fiction but still looking for reasons to jump-start your reading experiences, then here are the reasons why.

They showcase thrilling stories

Before you look at the other aspects of fiction, what we always examine first is the entire story. From picking up the book and reading the synopsis, you can definitely tell whether that novel is worth reading or not. These remarkable stories contain different yet important central messages and other aspects that when you combine them together, they form interesting tales. These books also have the ability to extract different types of emotions from the readers, such as thrill, excitement, fear, happiness, love, and more. With the various emotions and lessons that you can get from fiction books, you will come to learn these aspects and apply them in the real world. Hence, stories are truly powerful and thrilling.

They create extraordinary worlds

If you try to view the world using the rational and subjective eyes, you will discover how harsh and competitive it can become. Sometimes life can become too scary to explore and make the most out of. But, fiction is here to reignite your views and drive to live to the fullest without the worries. There are different extraordinary worlds where you can find comfort and security. These amazing realms can become your safe haven whenever you need a quick escape from reality. With the amazing features, magical elements, and cool people that live within the bounds of these imaginative worlds, they can definitely make you more hooked in reading fiction.

They allow you to develop empathy

In this day and age, empathy is essential. Life has been hard these days and people have been struggling to do their best. There are those who have experienced failure and mishaps; and, being empathic towards them is a must. Upon reading fiction, you will start to develop your empathy. You can practice empathy while reading different fiction stories where the characters journey towards success. But, before they achieve their goals, they have gone through tough times too. As a reader, you can feel as if you are part of the story either as the narrator or the protagonist depending on the point of view used by the author. Hence, you will be putting yourself in someone else’s shoes — in this case, one of the character’s shoes. The more you read, the more you become empathic.

They enhance your creativity

Creativity plays a big part in everybody’s lives. If you want to improve your creative side, then fiction books are here to the rescue! You might think that they are only ink and paper combined into one. The world and story inside a fiction book is a work of someone else’s creative mind. Upon reading these types of books, you will be putting your imagination to work — as well as becoming inspired to also create your own fictional story. There will be fragments and pieces of the book that will motivate you to use your talents and create.

They help you in discovering yourself

As you grow older, the meaning of your life starts to change. Your interests and ways will change too. Hence, confusion and anxiety will definitely be there to give you a little bit of a struggle. There will be times that your real feelings are being tainted by different factors, such as fear of failure, peer pressure, feeling of not being enough, and the likes. But as you try to read these books, you will come to know that everything will pass and you will soon discover your likes and passion as you go through life.

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Five Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books with Christian Themes to Check Out

So you have read A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr., The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, and Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. What next? Read more Christian- or religious-themed science fiction and fantasy books.

Reading science fiction and fantasy novels with either subtle or overt Christian or religious themes and messages helps readers, particularly those who practice their faith, find and experience the good, the true, and the beautiful in the world and among God’s people, including those who are unbaptized and have yet to know and accept Jesus. Such works will challenge Christians to ask difficult and speculative questions about the human condition and confront the ills of the world courageously and head-on with an increased or newfound faith.  

The Madhouse Projects by Rick Badman

The Madhouse Projects is about Dick Thurman, an automotive engineer and born-again Christian who works at the Madhouse, underground research, and development installation in Arizona. The different departments at the Madhouse work on technology and projects that are meant to improve the world and society. Dick, who belongs to the automotive technology department, builds flywheel-powered electric cars, one of which he will drive to victory at the 2037 Indy 500. “The Madhouse Projects,” said Badman, “should appeal to futurists, lovers of technology and scientific advancement, action losers, and many Christians since the main character is one.”

The Russian Madhouse by Rick Badman

The Russian Madhouse by Rick Badman is the second book of The Madhouse Project. In the sequel, automotive engineer Dick Thurman and his wife Kate travels to Siberia in a flying car. Dick is now the director of the Russian Madhouse, which is referred to as The Facility because the Russians do not want to give their underground research and development installation the impression that it is an insane asylum. At The Facility, Dick and Kate are introduced to new and amazing medical and technological breakthroughs. Dick continues his fascination with flying cars, eventually developing a flying limousine for the Russian President, while Kate develops a brain companion; a device that can aid children’s learning progress. Dick, Kate, and their colleagues will soon find themselves in an action-packed adventure that features teleportation and Earth-Mars travel.  

The Jesus Ring by Daniel Harry

The Jesus Ring tells the adventure of Peter Christian, a young American veteran struggling with PTSD who receives a life-changing mission from God after wearing a ring. The ring is not just any ordinary ring or artifact but is the actual ring last worn by God’s own son. The ring’s purpose is to find the person chosen to champion the faithful into the future. Peter discovers the ring gives him the ability to communicate directly with God, as well as the means to build fantastic devices to help save mankind. Peter, however, is not alone in accomplishing this enormous task from God as he will be helped by eleven others, and together they form the Golden Twelve. The novel is a modern-day interpretation of the events foretold in the Book of Revelation.

Closer to Home by Gina Venable

The faith-based science fiction Closer to Home is a story about Kat and Sam, two people who have both endured near-fatal accidents that have them lying between life and death. But instead of awaiting her last judgment, she finds out she has been placed in a situation where she faces two choices: to accomplish four missions for a mysterious higher power or live in limbo eternally. The missions are to reverse four mistakes made by the higher power who cannot reverse them Himself because of His image of perfection. Sam joins Kat in the missions, and if the missions are successful, the results will revolutionize politics, social welfare, social and racial justice, and eliminate homelessness and juvenile violence.

The Amazing Adventures of Superfeet: The Awesome Book by Lynda Sturdevant

This children’s fantasy is an inspiring story of Lacy, a spirited young girl who goes on a journey of faith with her newfound friend. When her grandfather leaves her his most valued possession, “The Awesome Book,” Lacy is drawn to search for the treasure within. As she reads “The Awesome Book,” she sees her destiny, which is far greater than she could ever imagine. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Lacy discovers the secret of the book’s mysteries and becomes her ultimate self, Superfeet.

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Cheating in Relationships: What You Should Know

When you were younger, cheating tends to be an act with a lesser value; but, we never really knew how big of an impact it can bring to our lives if things get uglier. Perhaps you have heard of cheating from the late-night talks you had with your friend, read about it from your favorite romance book, witnessed it when you were younger or experienced it at first hand.

Cheating is always a sensitive word when it comes to relationships. It is basically defined as the act of emotionally and sexually deceitful and unfaithful to your significant other in the relationship. Having personal and secret contact with another individual outside the romantic relationship is basically deemed as cheating.

Many platforms have featured this unfaithfulness with the hopes of making people aware, relate, and informed about it. Literature, for example, showcases a lot of books with stories of cheating. Most authors incorporate cheating with the purpose of adding twists to a romance, but they didn’t how much it has taught readers the destruction caused by unfaithfulness. There are also other authors, special under nonfiction, which genuinely uses their personal experiences about cheating to make people understand how it affects the development of a person. The effects and reasons why men cheat on Alternate Reality Book by Steve Ross is a great example of the latter.

Additionally, there are many factors that push a person to commit infidelity, betrayal, and unfaithfulness. According to the a 2017 study titled Motivations for Extradyadic Infidelity Revisited, 495 responders — a lot were young adults, tend to cheat due to multiple reasons. These causes include falling out of love, having shallow commitment, wanting popularity, obtaining sexual diversity, and depending on situational aspects. But, what could be the actions that plainly show that a person who is in a relationship is committing infidelity? The following aspects are basically acts of cheating:

  • Hitting on other people by sending them explicit or flirty texts
  • Communicating with the alleged third party in secret
  • Going on intimate dates with an individual other than your significant other
  • Seeing your ex for a couple of times without your partner knowing
  • Giving or asking phone numbers to keep your contacts and meet up with someone that is not your partner
  • Committing inappropriate and erotic acts with another person
  • Flirting with others
  • Using dating apps without your partner’s knowledge
  • Having relationships with others even if you’re already committed

Cheating, furthermore, has two categories namely emotional cheating and physical cheating. What could be the difference between them? Here’s what you need to know:

Emotional Cheating

This refers to the act where someone projects his emotional time, effort, and attention to an individual that is not his partner. This person who is cheating practically has his time divided between the two people that he tries to shower his affection at the same time. As a result, the unfaithful significant other tends to allocate less his time and attention to his partner, which often leads to mistreatment and neglect.

There are many signs of this type of infidelity including but not limited to: the cheating partner tells the third party things about their day but they are not telling you anything; the unfaithful other is becoming more irate on you without concrete reason; the deceitful individual starts to have a difficult time handling the short moments of stress, loneliness, and other emotional issues within your romantic bond.

Physical Cheating

This pertains to the act of unfaithfulness where one in the relationship starts to commit some sexual activities with another person. Basically, physical cheating entails common physical events of intimacy. Showing affection through hand-holding, hugging, kissing, sexual intercourse, and more is under the turf of this category.

In conclusion, any kinds of cheating are unacceptable and heartbreaking. If you are committed to somebody, do your best to remain faithful because you might end up wasting a really great person in exchange for either of your emotional or physical satisfaction. Hence, when someone is faithful to you, you should reciprocate that faithfulness and do your best to not go astray. All you need is to shower your partner your love, time, and effort and not on somebody else.

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Top Romantic-Suspense Books that You Should Not Miss Reading

Romance and suspense are both successful genres. They separately have wide reader bases, which add up to their popularity. But, can you imagine how amazing would it be if these two major literary genres are combined? Yes, romantic-suspense is already one of the most patronized genres on this day and age.

The combination of romance and suspense has formed a powerful subgenre in literature, which is a hit because many are drawn into it. Like the other subgenres, there are also complexities and elements that lie behind romantic-suspense. If you want to get to know more about romantic-suspense, then we have the perfect materials for you! Listed below are some of the best books in this genre that you should check out.

Jasmine: A Woman of Color by Monique Boyd

Monique Boyd has written a promising book filled with both romance and thrill, making every reader wants to turn each page. Jasmine: A Woman of Color is about an executive assistant named Jasmine Moore whose life is about to become a rollercoaster ride. After her beloved died, Jasmine uncovered the dirty litter secrets of her husband. The desire to commit revenge has ignited within her. While she’s on her journey to seek for vengeance, she was surprised of what she found — which is love. Thus, Jasmine put her revenge aside and fell in love with Dr. Jason. The only thing left to solve is that there’s someone who wants her killed.

Faithless in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel by J.D. Robb

This thrilling book was written by the New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb, also known as Nora Roberts. Faithless in Death was published in 2021 with its hardcover edition. Moreover, the crime scene found in the West Village studio seems like a crime-of-passion. Beside the bed are two wineglasses, music was played, and Ariel Byrd’s head was thrash in. Eve started the search for the mystery rich lady who contacted 911, and she discovered the information didn’t coincide. Hence, Eve started to investigate everything about Gwen Huffman. The case just started to get suspenseful with a bunch of criminal conspiracy.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Published in 2018, Verity is definitely one of the top books of bestselling author Colleen Hoover. The story centers on Lowen Ashleigh, a writer who is experiencing a lot of challenges in life and is close to bankruptcy. She was approached by remarkable author Verity Crawford’s husband Jeremy. The deal was Lowen to finish the remaining novels in a contract that Verity, who is injured, fails to complete. She went to the Crawfords and spent time with them. Little did she know, she started falling in love with Jeremy. Lowen also found Verity’s secret autobiography, which causes the turn of events.

Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh

This Amazon bestseller was written by Melinda Leigh and published by Montlake last year. Cross Her Heart follows the story of Bree Taggert, a homicide detective based in Philadelphia. She has already suppressed the horrific murder-suicide of her parents. But, the memories were reawakening after her sister died in a crime similar to her parents. But, the only contrasting event is that Erin’s husband suddenly disappeared. Bree is knowledgeable about the power of love and hate. However, the evidences are not matching with one another. Bree started working with Justin’s old friend to solve the crime, as she swore her sister’s kids. Just as she is close to solving the mystery, another threat happened that dangers herself and her family.

The Girl that Vanished by A.J. Rivers

The Girl that Vanished is the second book of the Emma Griffin FBI Mystery by A.J. Rivers. There was a phone call from the past that turned the whole situation around. A ten-year-old girl mysteriously disappeared when she was going home from a camp. What made it worse is that another kid, who Emma knows, also vanished. These vanishing, death, and misfortunes tend to follow Emma during her entire childhood. Thus, her enthusiasm to uncover the truth of these horrific events urged her to be a part of the FBI. Months have passed after the tragedies in Feather Nest. Following the shocking discoveries from the last cases, Emma came with a decision to take a vacation. But, after receiving a phone call, her plans change suddenly.

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Amazing Nonfiction Books to Read this 2021

Last year has been tough; there were lesser visits to the book store and fewer titles to add to the bookshelf. But, we are now in a brand-new year — that means a fresh reading list and new books to buy and fill the shelf. Perhaps you are looking for another genre that will widen your knowledge and bring you lessons that you can apply in real life. Nonfiction could be a great genre to explore, be entertained, and learn something.

There are many amazing genres that you can also find under the sheets of nonfiction. These range from self-help to biographies. Regardless of the wide variety of categories, you can surely complete your reading list and begin diving into spectacular stories in these books. Thus, we have listed below some of the top-notch nonfiction books that you shouldn’t miss reading.

A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health by Kourosh Naziri (Cyrus)

Recently published last year, this remarkable weight loss program book by Naziri aims to help its readers fully understand what it means to lose weight and enhance their well-being. To strengthen his claim, the author commendably utilized the current ideas of science and technology. Readers can also find some fresh concepts that they can apply as they go on their daily routines. Naziri believes that there are probably some issues present if both diet and exercise don’t spark happiness. A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health were also founded on the fresh and original concepts that will soften your way from the rough journey towards losing weight and improving health.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This promising nonfiction book by writer and lecturer Dale Carnegie has sold more than 30 million copies from all across the globe. It is a self-help book that was published by Simon and Schuster in 1936. How to Win Friends and Influence People has 6 major chapters with core ideas in every part. The following are the titles of the chapters in the book: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People; Size Ways to Make People Like You; Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking; Be a Leaders: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment; Letters That Produced Miraculous Results; and Seven Rules For Making Your Home Life Happier. Moreover, it was recognized as the 19th of the 100 most influential books on Time Magazine’s list in 2011.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

One of the top 10 in Amazon charts, a New York Times bestseller, and a number 1 international bestseller, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari examines the methods wherein biology and history have expounded us and widen our comprehension when it comes to the meaning of being a human. The author also urges us to anticipate and foresee, because humans started to break and modify the laws of natural selection over the recent decades. Furthermore, Sapiens showcases many images, maps, and illustrations that will definitely improve your reading experience.

Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated, has become one of the best books in its genre. It was even recognized as a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe bestselling book. The author poured out her experiences when she started schooling at the age of 17. She was an offspring of survivalists who resides in the mountains of Idaho. Because of the environment and home that she grew up in, they were very withdrawn from civilization. Thus, Tara wasn’t blessed with someone who can guarantee her proper education, as well as someone who can step-in when she is being beaten by her sibling. Despite all of that, Tara managed to enter Harvard and Cambridge to quench her thirst for knowledge.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

In 1962, the environmental science book titled Silent Spring by Rachel Carson was published by Houghton Mifflin. The book records the unpleasant environmental impacts created by the haphazard utilization of pesticides. The author holds the chemical industry responsible for the spreading of false data and the public personnel for welcoming the marketing promotions of the said industry without questions. Silent Spring, moreover, is a product of the author’s thorough study on environmental preservation and the issues revolving around it.

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The Bridge between Science and Spirituality

Science is widely regarded as the absolute constant by which all proven facts abide by, and serves as a method for conscious, sentient human beings to attempt to grasp and comprehend the phenomenal complexity of the variety of functions and framework that comprises the very fabric of tangible and intangible existence in our universe, down to the very smallest decimals and increments of quantum physics all the way up to the largest exponents of celestial bodies millions of times larger than our solar system’s sun.

When new information is discovered or proven to disprove a once widely-accepted idea or theory, we adapt and incorporate it – repeating this process until we learn the outright, irrevocable validity of everything and anything. Science never ceases to challenge its own beliefs in the pursuit of ultimate truth. Carl Sagan once said that the cosmos is within us, and that the conscious human brain is like the universe trying to understand itself.

This method of comprehending the physical world can be seen as the final frontier of human perception. It is the embodiment of cognitive, conscious awareness and inherent curiosity towards the powerful forces of nature that permit life to exist and persist in the void of space, as well as the active pursuit of attempting to fathom the elusive nature of human consciousness, the questions surrounding geology, anthropology, biology, physics, anatomy, medicine, astrology, and the entirety of studies known to man – including the supernatural mysteries of energy, religion, and spirituality.

In the relatively short span of a few million years, which equates to a brief and insignificant blink of an eye in comparison the billions of millennia that the universe has existed following the big bang, an incredibly mundane and mind-blowing set of random and unpredictable circumstances have occurred in just the right place and time in the expanding universe. This allowed a domino effect of cosmic coincidences to occur that enabled celestial bodies to form and exist in the perfect, laser-sharp accuracy of coordinates, temperatures, and conditions that set the stage for the basic elements and components of life to conglomerate and interact, resulting in the eventual conception of basic life.

This series of astronomical trajectories and positionings of specific, tiny specs of matter drifting through the emptiness of space that were always in the right place and time every single time, had somehow miraculously transpired together in a unique fashion that just so happened to provide the fundamental building blocks for rudimentary, single-celled life forms to appear in the cosmos, evolving into complex life forms that eventually gave rise to the peculiar rarity that is sentient, human existence. And the incredible luckiness of the course of history that unfolded throughout the extinction periods and evolution of life leading up to the rise of conscious human beings? That in itself is another stupefyingly overwhelming coincidence to behold.

As a result of this incredible chain of unprecedented events, we human beings in the modern day are left with a powerful product of eons of evolution – a large, endlessly curious brain that allows us to ask every and all questions perceivable, and it is this organ that has allowed mankind to rise above all competition, inherit the earth, and attain some kind of golden age of technology so to speak, in which mankind’s reach has stretched all the way across the globe, colonizing and exploring nearly every nook and cranny of the planet’s surface.

As technology continues to boom at an exponentially rapid rate, it’s presumable that we humans have reached apex physical form, and will no longer evolve in terms of physicality, but in technology, as we no longer need to adapt to a changing environment. We’ve found a way to make the environment adapt to us, and if that won’t work, we invent ways to do so.

At this stage, we’ve begun to peek our eyes deeper and deeper into the distant galaxy, well beyond distances that aren’t even physically reachable yet, and well beyond anything previously conceivable – a seemingly god-like attribute that humans have managed to achieve, on top of many others. Could we be our own gods? Or is there more to this universe than meets the eye?

Reality is just so complexly coincidental, efficient, and well-designed that it makes some of us wonder if there truly is some kind of unseen or unfathomably intelligent designer that painstakingly curated the complexity of all existence. Some wonder if this master designer dictates the fate of mankind. To this day, these perplexing curiosities puzzle humanity, and have done so for as long as our species has been conscious – and many speculate that we may never know the absolute truth about the cosmos and our existence, maybe not anytime soon perhaps.

Various aspects of the human condition are focused on science and theology. Theories of research must be based on facts derived from an analysis of the natural environment. Religious belief, on the other hand, does not rely on objective facts, is not generally altered in the presence of contradictory evidence, and usually includes spiritual powers or beings. Scientifically based findings or tests that disagree with an interpretation must inevitably lead to alteration or even rejection of that hypothesis. As they are not a part of the natural world, science cannot study mythical phenomena.

The traditions and beliefs which are frequently portrayed in current discussions about the connection between faith and science as ways of interpreting the universe are that they are hostile to or distant from each other. Leading minds have examined ways wherein science and faith demonstrate both logical and irrational aspects, particularly morality.

Furthermore, recent theoretical hypotheses open up new potential relations between religion and science, particularly ways in which their debates can relate to each other. Faith and the spirit are two of these fields, reflecting the future mutual interests of the two opposing beliefs. Due to this, it is presumable that they may not only coexist, but may very well be interrelated as well. This train of though is embodied in Neil C. Griffen’s book “From Science to Spirituality: Finding Spirituality in Science”, which is an insightful adventure into new worlds of ideologies and perspectives on this particular subject, and is a recommendable, highly immersive, and thought-provoking read.

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Reasons to Read Mystery Fiction Books

Mystery fiction has always been one of the talks of the town. Who wouldn’t want to play detective and solve the biggest mystery that has been making a lot of ups and downs in every story? There are just a bunch of thrill and suspense that these stories offer, making readers crave for clues and answers. Mystery fiction books also ignite some strong emotions from the readers, making them more engaged to finding out who the culprit and what the secret is.

Deadly Cross by James Patterson, The Numbered Cups Mystery by JB Clemmens, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, The Searcher by Tana French, A Time for Mercy by John Grisham, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle are some great examples of mystery books to keep an eye on.

But, apart from the mysteries and clues, what could the other reasons to read mystery fiction? Here are some of the best reasons why you should dive into this genre.

Discover a lot of awesome characters

There is no story that doesn’t have any characters in it. They are the ingredients that make an interesting story. Without them, the plot wouldn’t come to its conclusion and the conflict will not arrive on its resolution. When it comes to mystery fiction, the characters have interesting traits. Among the common characteristics manifested by these awesome characters are the following: curiosity, inquisitiveness, peculiarity, secretive, enthusiastic, goal-oriented, and more.

Make you create better judgments

Creating better judgment is vital because there are wide array of things and consequences that depend on it. Every single day, you make decisions. These judgments may be either be big or small, but they can affect how your fate, mindset, and growth. By reading mystery fiction, you can observe how these amazing detectives, cops, and other characters deal the tough situations along with the pressure of being in an area where the cases happened. You will be inspired and motivated to think everything thoroughly before taking actions.

Help you to not trust anyone easily

Trust refers to the conviction of an individual or a thing. It is also known as the confidence on the truthfulness and sincerity of a person. It is often associated in building relationships, because it shows that both or either of the two parties is genuine and comfortable with one another. In mystery books, trust is a big deal. Characters don’t give easily to others, because even their own blood betrays them. Since there are a lot of deceptions and betrayals in this genre, you will start to learn to not trust anybody that easy — especially those that you just met.

Teach you to see every sides of a story

There are many situations that evoke thrill, suspense, and curiosity in mystery fiction, such as murders, disappearances, crimes, and other intense events that leave the protagonist motivated to reveal the mystery. With all the awesome twists and turns that the author mixed, you can truly say that there are two sides of a story. You can, in fact, apply this observation in real life. There are times that emotions get the best of you, which make your judgment clouded and opt to believe on one version of the story. However, mystery fiction books are here to teach you that every tale has different angles that you have to spend time evaluating before arriving at a conclusion. Always take this lesson with you, wherever you go and what you status you hold.

Increase your reading comprehension skills

Reading skills are often taken for granted by many. However, it is truly vital to develop this skill because it is where comprehension is also being harnessed. When you start reading mystery fiction, you will learn and get entertained at the same time. The complex puzzle that the characters need to solve, as well as some unfamiliar terms, used that are necessary for the description of a thing or situation, help you improve your reading comprehension skills. This ability is significant because it can be applied to your daily life, such as buying goods, availing services, applying for a job, assembling things, and among others.

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Stirring Horror Books for Your 2021 To-be-read List

Horror fiction has been one of those literary genres that spark fear, thrill, shock, and suspense on a whole new level. It contains the same elements as the other fiction stories, but with different literary devices and focus. What makes this genre great is its ability to extract a sense of fear from the readers with the use of scary circumstances, symbols, images, and central messages.

Since it we are still at the beginning of 2021, perhaps you are still a little short of great titles to add to your reading list for this year. Worry not, because we have listed the best horror books that you should check out and add to your list.

The Ground Upon Which I Stand by Stephanie Stieglitz

Published in 2019 by Rantings of a Wandering Mind, The Ground Upon Which I Stand by Stephanie Stieglitz is one of the top books that evoke fear and suspense from the readers. It is a Lovecraftian horror anthology that follows the story of Ramona and Dexter. The former isn’t prepared on dealing with the mythos’ crash course. For her, college is just an establishment for higher education. After coming home with the latter following her survival for the first ritual, something unexpected happened. They were evaluating the event and arrived at a conclusion that good things can happen to bad people and likewise. However, they are not keen to stand by and let karma do its thing.

The Shining by Stephen King

One of the greatest hits of Stephen King is his book The Shining. This gothic horror novel is his third book, which contributed to his book success. Some of the elements of the story are inspired by the experiences of the author, such as his drinking problems and The Stanley Hotel visitation. Moreover, it follows the story of a striving writer and recuperating alcoholic named Jack Torrance. He accepted the off-season caretaker job located at Colorado Rockies for the notable Overlook Hotel. Jack went to the hotel along with his family. Unexpectedly, his little son Danny got a hold of the various psychic skills called “the shining,” which enabled him to witness the horrendous past. After that, insane things happened to Jack.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

This critically-acclaimed and Amazon bestseller for Children’s Studies Social Science category has been entertaining, scaring, and teaching readers of all ages about the importance of family. It centers on Coraline, a little girl who discovered a brand-new world beyond the usual that she thought has better things to offer. In that world, there was a mother and father who like her to be their child and be with them forever. They wanted her to be like them, strange and with button eyes, and not go back to her parents. The events escalated quickly and Coraline’s perception towards her new mother and father made her crave to go fight for her normal life with her biological and normal parents.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson, a great literary figure of American literature, wrote The Haunting of House Hill in 1959. The book was categorized as both gothic fiction and psychological horror. It focuses on terror instead of horror in order to evoke intense emotions from the readers with the use of complicated bonds between peculiar circumstances in the house and the psyches of the characters. As of now, it is still recognized as among the top literary ghost tales published in the 20th century. In fact, it got multiple film adaptations and the latest was the Netflix series that was based on the book.

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Pantheon Books published the horror novel House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski in 2000. It is the debut novel of the author that also tackles romance and other exciting things. The story revolves around a recording about a family whose home is extraordinarily bigger on the interior than its exterior. Apart from the unconventional house, the book itself is formed in an unusual way. The story opens with the point of view of a worker of a tattoo parlor in LA named Johnny Truant. He is looking for an apartment, and that is when Lude — his buddy, the late Zampano has an apartment that he might be interested in. That is when discoveries, mysteries, and other things emerged.

The Chuckles of Wisdom: Funny Observations from A Life Well-Lived

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash

What if getting old was simply a way for us to feel more at ease and find humor in every aspect of aging?

Life is a journey filled with experiences, lessons, and opportunities for laughter. As we grow older, we accumulate wisdom and a unique perspective on the world. Along this journey, we encounter countless humorous moments reminding us to embrace life’s lighter side.

One of the most amusing aspects of getting older in the modern world is navigating through technology. From struggling to master smartphones and social media to sending text messages to the wrong recipients, endless comical mishaps arise in those moments. And in the book Humor All the Way by Renee’ Servello provide laughter but also reminds us that it’s never too late to learn and adapt to the modernity of life.

The Perks of Seniority

Aging has its fair share of perks, and seniors often receive humorous advantages. For example, they could enjoy senior discounts at restaurants and movie theaters. Even more, they get to be offered seats on public transportation, making these moments amusing and heartwarming. Embracing the humor in these situations allows us to appreciate the small joys that come with age.

Our sense of humor often evolves as we age, and dad jokes become a staple. Dad jokes are cheesy, pun-filled one-liners that elicit groans and eye-rolls from their listeners. However, they also bring smiles and laughter, showcasing the lighthearted and playful spirit that comes with experience. Sharing these jokes brings joy and fosters connections and bonds between generations.

With age comes a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings. Seniors often find themselves more content with what they have and grateful for the simple joys surrounding them. They have learned to savor the present moment, finding beauty in the small things and cherishing the relationships and experiences that have shaped their lives. This sense of contentment and gratitude brings immense joy and peace.

The Joy of Embracing Self-Deprecation

With age comes a sense of self-acceptance and the ability to laugh at ourselves. We become more comfortable with our quirks, imperfections, and past mistakes. Embracing self-deprecating humor allows us to find amusement in our fumbles and share relatable stories that bring laughter and connection. It’s a reminder that we are not perfect and that laughter is the best antidote to taking ourselves too seriously.

Nobody is perfect, and acknowledging our flaws with humor can be liberating. By embracing self-deprecation, we can find amusement in our quirks, mistakes, and idiosyncrasies. Whether it’s laughing at our inability to take a decent selfie or poking fun at our less-than-stellar cooking skills, finding humor in our imperfections allows us to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace our authentic selves.

In social situations, self-deprecating humor can act as an icebreaker and help ease tension. By poking fun at ourselves, we create a more relaxed and lighthearted atmosphere, allowing others to feel more comfortable and at ease. It can diffuse awkward situations, break down barriers, and encourage others to open up and share their own humorous stories.

The Universality of Humor and Aging

While aging is a personal experience, the humorous moments that come with it are universally relatable. From memory lapses and misplacing items to discovering new wrinkles and gray hairs, these shared experiences bind us together through laughter. By embracing and sharing these funny observations, we find solace in knowing we’re not alone in our aging journey.

Moreover, aging makes us realize that we can make friends with people of all ages and backgrounds. We expand our worldview with every person we meet, enriching our existing experiences and learning from each other on how to deal with the constant life changes. Getting old has never been better, and with a good mix of humor on the side, we had a life well lived.

Different Storytelling Techniques You Should Learn

Photo by Min An

A great storyteller is equipped with compelling storytelling techniques infused with the gift of narration, music, art, and poetry.

“Piece-A-Way Crossroads” by Gloria Gipson Suggs brings you to a world where you are part of the storytelling. You, the reader, as a character, will engage with the story’s main girl, Jeannie. She will walk you home in a piece-a-way. She tells a story of her family through different parts of history, such as the Civil War, in varying forms. Sometimes, they are infused with music, poetry, and narration.

Here are different storytelling techniques you should learn as you tell a character’s life to your audience:

The Basics: The Fichtean Curve

The Fichtean Curve is the basic technique for good storytelling.

It follows three parts:

–         Rising Action

–         Climax

–         Falling Action

This structure introduces the protagonist to the conflict. As the story progresses, the protagonist fights for his goal until he clashes with the antagonist, bringing it all to a climax. In this part, the character finds a resolution for the conflict. After the conflict, the story goes to falling action, where the readers get to relax, and the resolution takes effect.

The other story structures follow this technique and follow more details and strategies to make the stories more engaging.

The Power of a Three-Act Structure

So, we have been introduced to the basic story structure. It is time to know the Three-Act Structure, which follows the Fichtean Curve but divides the structure into three acts.

An act gives the readers time to breathe and to get ready for the next parts of the story. The Three-Act Structure is a powerful tool that most novels and plays follow, particularly comedy, drama, romance, and thriller. The story guides the readers into different points and plots of the story. This structure follows the Set-up, Confrontation, and Resolution steps. Each step is well-defined, putting the protagonist into different incidents and turning points.

Structure:

Set-Up

–         Exposition

–         Inciting incident

–         Plot point 1

Confrontation

–         Rising action

–         Midpoint

–         Plot point 2

Resolution

–         Pre-climax

–         Climax

–         Dénouement

The Call of Adventure in the Hero’s Journey

Popularized by Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, this storytelling technique follows a hero in his adventure towards his goal. Just like the first two techniques, this storytelling strategy also uses a three-part structure that is defined, giving the hero more difficult challenges to pursue. Here, the readers follow different stages where the hero can fail in reaching his goal and stand up again to regain his honor and try to find his way to achieving his goal.

Structure:

Departure
  1. Establishing a place of comfort
  2. Hero’s reason for adventure
  3. Hero refuses the call for adventure
  4. A mentor guides the hero
  5. The plot begins following the three-act structure

Initiation
  1. Gaining allies and facing new enemies
  2. Hero approaches goal, but the outcome is uncertain
  3. The hero faces a great challenge to overcome
  4. Hero gets a reward for overcoming the challenge

The Return
  1. Hero achieves the goal, but something worse happens
  2. Hero tries to fight the worst and uses everything he learns
  3. Resolution of the conflicts

The Show, Don’t Tell Technique

This technique employs sensory details, actions, and dialogues, taking the audience on a journey towards the gist of the story. The Show, Don’t Tell format is most commonly used in different formats, such as fiction, creative writing, songs, poetry, podcasts, audio stories, and other media.

The storytelling technique uses active voice, concrete nouns, and verbs, creating vivid images of the story to actively engage the audience. It discriminates against passive voices and adverbs. Instead, it lets the audience immerse in the experience.

“Piece-A-Way Crossroads” by Gloria Gipson Suggs uses this type of technique.

The Rhythms and Twists of The Rule of Three

Story genres such as Horror, Humor, and Mystery follow this structure. Speeches and presentations also follow this technique to keep the audience engaged. As a rule, this technique always uses three elements. For example, the story should have three characters, three events, or three sentences that brings in the mystery or the catch.

It uses patterns, repetition, and symmetry that help build anticipation, twists, and satisfaction for the audience.

Starting from the Middle: In Medias Res

In Medias Res is a technique where the story introduces a clash between characters right away. Here, we don’t know what the real conflict is, but the clash will let you expect something big. It uses juxtaposition or backstory layers to give details to the audience.

Structure:

–         Clashing of characters or ideas

–         Rising action

–         Explanation

–         Climax

–         Falling action

–         Resolution

The storytelling techniques become stronger with the writer’s creativity and imagination. All mentioned techniques originated from the most basic ones, modified to bring the audience to a specific direction of a story. Authors can also create their own technique that suits the universe they imagine. So, what’s your best technique for storytelling?

In Piece-A-Way Crossroads by Gloria Gipson Suggs, Jeannie tells different stories. What technique did she use to tell varying stories to your character in the story?

You can buy a copy of the book on her website.

Signs of Society’s Impending Doom: The Warning Signals

Photo by mostafa meraji on Unsplash

Throughout history, civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind lessons and warnings for future generations. 

In the present day, it is crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate a societal decline or impending doom. While it is impossible to predict the future with certainty, specific patterns and indicators can help us identify potential threats to the stability and well-being of a society.

The perception that society is collapsing can stem from various factors and perspectives. However, it is essential to note that this perception may not always reflect the objective reality of a society as a whole but rather individual or collective concerns, fears, or observations. Here are some reasons why people might think that society’s reaching its impending doom:

Political Polarization and Social Divisions

One of the warning signs of societal decline is the deepening polarization and fragmentation within a society. When political ideologies become increasingly extreme, and divisions grow more expansive, compromise and pursuing common goals can hinder cooperation. Such divisions can lead to social unrest, weakened institutions, and a breakdown of the social fabric.

Economic Inequality and Disparity

A society on the brink of doom often exhibits significant economic inequality and disparity. When wealth and resources are concentrated in the hands of a few while the majority struggle to meet their basic needs, it breeds discontent, social unrest, and a loss of trust in institutions.

Rising poverty rates, stagnating wages, and limited access to opportunities can create a fertile ground for societal instability. Furthermore, people often worry about finding a purpose after retirement. Still, they cannot attain it due to economic disparity and the inability to make ends meet.

Environmental Degradation and Climate Change

The degradation of the environment and the impacts of climate change pose significant threats to societies worldwide. Increasing pollution, deforestation, resource depletion, and the intensification of natural disasters can severely affect human well-being. Ignoring or neglecting environmental concerns can lead to ecological collapse, resource scarcity, and widespread social disruption.

Erosion of Civil Liberties and Human Rights

The erosion of civil liberties and human rights signifies societal decline. When fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, are curtailed, it can lead to fear, oppression, and the suppression of dissent. Protecting and upholding human rights is essential for a just and inclusive society.

Deteriorating Education and Critical Thinking

A society’s future is closely tied to the quality of its education system. The decline of education standards, inadequate access to education, and the erosion of critical thinking skills can have far-reaching consequences. Societies that undervalue education risk losing the ability to adapt, innovate, and make informed decisions, hindering progress and leaving them vulnerable to challenges.

Weakening Social Cohesion and Empathy

A society on the verge of collapse often experiences a decline in social cohesion and empathy. When individuals become disconnected from one another and compassion and understanding wane, it can lead to a breakdown in social bonds and a rise in conflict and violence. Nurturing empathy, fostering community engagement, and promoting inclusivity are crucial for maintaining a healthy and resilient society.

Modern societies often prioritize individual interests over collective well-being. The emphasis on personal success can lead to a diminishing sense of social responsibility and a decreased willingness to empathize with others. And while technology has brought numerous benefits, it has also influenced social dynamics. The rise of urbanization and mobility has led to the fragmentation of communities. It causes people to struggle to form strong bonds with each other and instead live in isolation and detachment.

Societal Decline That Leads to Destruction

Recognizing the signs of societal decline is essential for taking proactive measures to address the challenges. A book called The Sword of the Spirit: City on the Brink contains stories about the controversial city of Sodom and how it details the impending doom of a city that doesn’t follow God’s will. If you’re a fan of stories highlighting ruin and destruction. Not only do they tell a gripping tale about destruction, but they also encourage us to turn our lives around for the better.

Don’t forget to grab a copy of the book and marvel at the thrilling plot that concerns the future of an entire city in the hands of one man.

Jesus Cares for the Homeless and the Bible Proves It

Photo by Matt Collamer

If you are ever in doubt that Jesus cares for the homeless, you only need to look at the Bible because it has evidence that showcases Christ’s love for everyone—especially for the homeless.

Richard Berry, author of the book series Shelters by Jesus (including Shelters by Jesus, The Story Continues), is a pastor, and he’s all about sharing how much love and compassion Christ has for the homeless. People often think that it’s bad to provide help for the homeless because it’ll make them dependent. However, there’s much more nuance to aiding those in need than simplifying issues like homelessness.

With that in mind, let’s go ahead and examine what the Bible says about our homeless brothers and sisters.

1. God Cares for Every Person Suffering From Destitution

God, first of all, is a loving God. He shows them His particular concern, compassion, and protection. If you need further reference, you can look up Psalm 140:12, Psalm 94:5-6, Psalm 109:16, Psalm 103:6, Psalm 147:6, Psalm 146:7-9, Psalm 68:5-10, Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 10:3, and Deuteronomy 15:11.

God’s love is always available for those in need. He recognizes that destitute individuals deserve His love equally, if not more.

2. God Makes Sure to Bless the Righteous People Who Aid the Destitute

Such an individual is kind and lends money freely without considering usury, like the one mentioned in Psalm 112:4-5 and Psalm 15:5. His generosity is astounding as he distributes his presents to the underprivileged, like in Psalm 112:9.

High authority figures have a specific duty to stand up for the oppressed. They can protect the kids of the poor, show compassion for the helpless, keep them from dying, and bring an end to their oppressors, like the ones in Psalm 72:12-14 and Psalm 72:4.

3. Jesus Christ Knew What Being Homeless Was Like

Jesus relied on the kindness of people for a greater part of three years, as recorded in Luke 9:58, Matthew 8:20, and Luke 8:1-2. He then proclaimed the gospel to the impoverished alongside His disciples, as people can read in Luke 7:22, Luke 4:18, Luke 6:20, John 12:5, Matthew 11:5, and Matthew 5:3. They donated liberally to the impoverished and in need, as written in John 13:29, Matthew 26:9, and Mark 14:5.

As someone who experienced homelessness, Jesus cares for the homeless in a big way. This makes Richard Berry’s book, Shelters by Jesus, The Story Continues, make more sense. What the Bible says about the homeless is pretty clear when it comes to Jesus Christ helping them, and providing aid for them is a good thing.

In fact, it’s so important and good that Jesus promised people who help the homeless and impoverished eternal benefits, which was written in Luke 11:41, Luke 12:33, Luke 14:13, Luke 18:22, Luke 19:8, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 25:31, and Mark 10:21.

Jesus also forewarned of the eternal consequences for those who disregard the impoverished, and you can check Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 28:27, and Matthew 25:41-46. James, Jesus’ half-brother, subsequently reiterated a similar dire warning, which folks can read in James 2:1-9.

4. God Judges Those Who Oppress the Destitute and Poor

These oppressors’ arms will be broken by God, and He will hold them accountable, as written in Psalm 10:14-15. He will destroy them with their own weapons, as mentioned in Psal 37:14-15. He will confront them and chastise them for their wicked actions, like in Psalm 50:21.

He’ll bring them to destruction for all eternity, as written in Psalm 25:5. God will also remove them from the record of life, which is recorded in Psalm 69:22-28. Unjust judges are certain to fall, as the Bible says in Psalm 82:7, and those who proudly oppress others will be vanquished, as written in Psalm 94:23.

David had a lot of adversaries in his days of poverty. David, however, refrained from hurting King Saul even after God gave him over to him, telling himself that the Lord alone is entitled to retribution.

Jesus Cares for the Homeless, and There’s No Doubt About That

Caring for the homeless is certainly what God and Jesus Christ want us to do. By helping others, we glorify them, and we make the homeless’ lives better. Donating and aiding the homeless is certainly worth our time, so we should do it whenever we can.

Grab a copy of Richard Berry’s book, Shelters by Jesus, The Story Continues, today by visiting https://sheltersbyjesus.com/. Don’t forget to check out some of our other blogs and learn how stories encourage people to turn their lives around for the better!

When Caregiving Becomes a Burden Rather Than a Caring Act

Photo by Alexas_Fotos on Unsplash

When family caregivers feel that what they do is more of a burden, it’s time to talk about openly it and address the elephant in the room.

Family caregiving is often viewed as a noble and loving act, where individuals willingly step up to care for their aging or ill family members. It is driven by compassion, empathy, and a sense of commitment responsibility. However, there are instances when caregiving can become a burden or obligation rather than an expression of love and care.

While their role in this situation is crucial and cannot be disregarded, there might be times when we need to notice how they are on their end.

Are they holding up well?

Are our family caregivers taking care of themselves?

Do we even notice what they’re going through while caregiving?

The role of caregivers in the professional healthcare system makes it easier for seniors to get by every day. After all, they do many taxing things that most of us wouldn’t even accomplish in a day. In the book One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta, quality in-home senior care is shared in great detail. Furthermore, the book expresses the essence of having family caregivers around and how they deserve all the appreciation.

Lack of Support from Other Family Members

One of the primary reasons caregiving can become burdensome is the need for support systems in place. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed and isolated if they have limited assistance from family members, friends, or community resources. With a strong support network, the responsibility of caregiving can become manageable, leading to resentment and burnout.

Emotional and Physical Burnout

Caregiving is a demanding role that requires significant emotional and physical energy. When caregivers neglect their well-being and fail to prioritize self-care, they become more susceptible illness, depression, and exhaustion. Constantly attending to the needs of their family members without sufficient time for themselves can lead to feelings of emotional and physical burnout, eroding the initial motivation for love and care.

Financial Strain

Caregiving can also become burdensome when it imposes a financial strain on caregivers. Providing care entails additional expenses, such as medical bills, home modifications, or specialized equipment. Suppose caregivers cannot meet these financial demands or experience a significant loss of income due to reduced working hours or quitting their jobs. In that case, the financial burden can overshadow the initial intentions of love and care.

Lack of Boundaries at Home

Boundaries are crucial in maintaining a healthy caregiver-care-recipient dynamic. When caregivers struggle to establish and enforce boundaries, their personal lives and well-being may be compromised. Blurring boundaries can lead to losing personal autonomy and identity, causing caregivers to feel trapped in their role and view it as an obligation rather than a choice.

Unresolved Tension Within Family Dynamics

Family dynamics and unresolved conflicts can significantly impact the caregiving experience. Pre-existing tensions or strained relationships within the family can amplify the burden of caregiving. Suppose caregivers feel unsupported, unappreciated, or taken for granted by other family members. In that case, their caregiving role can transform into a heavy obligation devoid of love and care. These feelings need to be addressed openly but the end result could well be more tension.

Lack of Much-Needed Breaks

Caregivers need regular breaks and opportunities for respite to maintain their own well-being. Without adequate time for rest, relaxation, and pursuing personal interests, caregivers may experience emotional and physical fatigue. The absence of respite care can lead to heightened stress levels and a diminished capacity to provide care with love and compassion.

Deteriorating Health of the Care Recipient

The declining health of the care recipient can also contribute to caregiving becoming a burden. As the care needs increase, caregivers may be overwhelmed by the physical and emotional demands. It was even more complex when they dealt with one of the most vulnerable demographics during the pandemic. Witnessing the deterioration of their loved one’s health can be emotionally distressing, making it challenging to sustain the initial motivation of love and care. That’s why the additional COVID-19 vaccine knowledge is necessary for seniors to protect themselves.

Continuing to Lovingly Care for Family Members

While family caregiving is rooted in love and care, there are circumstances where it can transform into a burdensome obligation. Factors such as lack of support, emotional and physical exhaustion, financial strain, blurred boundaries, unresolved family dynamics, lack of respite, and deteriorating health of the care recipient can contribute to this shift.

Lasting for Decades: How to Maintain a Long Marriage

Photo by Ihsan Adityawarman

The Seven Principles of Successful Marriage, a book about successful marriage by Hilaire Louis Jean, is a reminder that it takes effort to maintain a long marriage.

In a world where quick connections and immediate satisfaction are gaining primacy, a marriage lasting for decades is an outlier. Yet, it is also an example of the enduring power of love, commitment, and resilience.

Unwavering dedication, mutual respect, and the ability to weather life’s storms together are all required in this journey.

A marriage that spans decades is more than just a romantic partnership; it’s a testament to the strength of human connection and the ability to grow and evolve alongside another individual. It’s a beacon of hope in a world that often seems to value fleeting moments over lasting bonds.

For couples who have achieved this remarkable milestone, their marriage serves as a source of stability, security, and unconditional love. It’s a sanctuary in a world that can be unpredictable and often overwhelming. Their journey is a reminder that true love can endure, even amidst the inevitable challenges that life throws their way.

How to Maintain a Long Marriage 

Maintaining a decades-long marriage requires conscious effort. 

You have to nurture open and honest communication. These are the cornerstone of any successful and enduring relationship. You should make time to talk regularly, not just about everyday matters–but also about your hopes, dreams, and fears. Listening actively to each other without judgment or interruption is extremely important.

Another thing to remember is forgiveness. What it is isn’t condoning wrongdoing and letting bygones be bygones, but it is about releasing yourself from the burden of resentment and anger. It is letting your emotions flow through you naturally and letting it all out. Holding onto grudges might sound acceptable at first, but it quickly erodes your rationality and, in effect, your relationship. While forgiveness is difficult, it also allows you to move forward together.

For some, relationships are transactional engagements. While an argument could be made for the validity of that, it can be so much more. It is important to stay grounded when in a relationship and work for yourself, but it is also important to create a shared vision together. If possible, always align your goals and aspirations. Working together to achieve these dreams and supporting each other’s individual pursuits can be common ground for mutual personal growth.

A Love Lasting for Decades 

While fostering a strong bond, don’t ever lose sight of your individual identities and passions. When couples only base their relationship on being partnered together, cracks easily form. Pursue personal interests and hobbies and allow your partner to do the same. If you can achieve this balance, your lives will be enriched, and your relationship will be strengthened.

In any relationship, any form of disagreement is inevitable. Yet, if you are able to navigate through this constructively, it becomes an opportunity for growth. Do not get caught up in your emotions; focus on the underlying issues, avoid personal attacks, and always listen to the other perspective. Do not be driven by a need to win but by the need for compromise. Work towards solutions that address both of your needs.

Intimacy isn’t just about physical toughness. It’s about emotional closeness and connection. You should always try to make time for regular date nights. Engage in shared activities and express your affection openly. And don’t be afraid to express your affection openly.

Cherish the big milestones, but also make time to appreciate the everyday moments of shared joy and laughter. These small connections are the foundation of a lasting relationship. It’s also a great way to express gratitude. Regularly expressing gratitude for your partner’s presence in your life is a good way of showing how much you love them. Acknowledge their contributions, big and small, and let them know how much they mean to you.

Embrace the journey together and never stop encouraging each other’s development, supporting each other through challenges, and celebrating each other’s successes.

The Seven Principles of Successful Marriage, a book about successful marriage by Hilaire Louis Jean, is a reminder that it takes effort to maintain a long marriage.

Moon Governance: Dealing with Politics and Diplomacy in Space

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

In the not-so-distant future, as humanity expands its reach beyond Earth, the establishment of moon governance will become a vital topic of discussion. 

As we envision a future where humans inhabit the Moon, questions surrounding politics and diplomacy in space arise. The establishment of moon governance will be a complex process that requires the collective commitment of nations and stakeholders to create a framework that ensures responsible and equitable exploration and utilization of lunar resources.

How will nations collaborate and govern in this extraterrestrial environment?

We will explore the complexities and potential approaches to moon governance, emphasizing the need for international cooperation. Such a peculiar system can also be seen in the book Moon Luck by Scott Harral. As a sci-fi and mystery tale, we find nuances to living in such a glorious dream. Harral’s glimpse into the near future as we inhabit the Moon reflects our desire to escape and live a better life away from our dying planet.

Developing A Comprehensive Moon Governance Framework

The Moon represents a new frontier, offering a vast potential for scientific exploration, resource extraction, and even tourism. As multiple nations and private entities expressed interest in lunar life, the need for a governance structure becomes increasingly apparent. Moon governance will address property rights, resource allocation, environmental protection, and international joint efforts. It will provide:

  • A framework for resolving conflicts.
  • Ensuring equitable access to lunar resources.
  • Resulting in cooperation among nations.

Given the global interest in the Moon, a multilateral governance structure involving multiple stakeholders is essential. This can affect several governing bodies in a universal setting, including space agencies, private entities, and representatives from various nations. Creating an international lunar governing body can help consolidate efforts, regulate activities, and settle disputes.

Resource Management and Safety Concerns

Preserving the lunar environment is of utmost importance. Moon governance should prioritize sustainable practices, minimizing the impact of human activities on the Moon’s delicate ecosystem. Strict waste management, habitat preservation, and conservation regulations will be necessary. Moreover, moon governance must address safety and security concerns.

Measures should be taken to prevent conflicts or accidents that could harm human life or lunar infrastructure. Establishing protocols for emergency response, space traffic management, and the prevention of space debris will be vital.

Challenges Surrounding Diplomacy

Establishing effective moon governance will be challenging. Diverse national interests, differing legal frameworks, and potential geopolitical tensions could complicate the process. Diplomacy will play a crucial role in navigating these dangerous waters.

Regular international meetings, negotiations, and dialogue will be at play to address specific concerns. It also helps to align interests and build trust among internally diverse nations. Moon governance should be inclusive, ensuring spacefaring and non-spacefaring countries’ participation in creating a just and balanced system.

National Interests and Competition – Different nations may have varying priorities and interests regarding moon governance. Conflicting national agendas, resource competition, and geopolitical tensions could impede the formation of a unified society.

Legal and Regulatory Systems – No universally recognized legal framework designed explicitly for moon governance exists. Developing comprehensive and internationally accepted laws and regulations on property rights, resource extraction, liability, and jurisdiction will be a significant challenge.

Multilateral Cooperation – Achieving consensus among multiple stakeholders, including space agencies, private entities, and various nations, is complex. Diverse perspectives, differing priorities, and negotiating power imbalances may hinder the establishment of a multilateral governance structure.

Resource Allocation and Exploitation – The Moon’s resources, such as helium-3, water ice, and rare metals, are precious. Ensuring fair and equitable resource allocation while preventing monopolization or exploitation will require careful negotiation and international cooperation.

Funding and Investment – Establishing moon governance and supporting lunar activities will require substantial financial resources. Securing sustainable funding models and attracting investments from public and private sectors will be essential for successfully implementing moon governance.

Technological and Infrastructure Development – Building the necessary infrastructure and developing technologies to support lunar activities is a significant challenge. Cooperation among nations and private entities will be crucial in developing common standards, sharing technological advancements, and avoiding duplication of efforts.

Final Thoughts

The future of humanity’s presence on the Moon hinges on the development of effective Moon governance. Creating a system that fosters peace and cooperation is possible by prioritizing collective agreements, multilateral control, resource management, security, and safety.

Diplomacy will be vital in exploring the complexities of Moon governance, ensuring that the Moon becomes a shared resource for the benefit of all humanity. As we strive to inhabit the Moon, let us work together to establish a better-governing system that paves the way for a prosperous and sustainable future in space.

The Wind on Your Face | The Themes of Freedom in Storytelling

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok

The story of Samuel Calo, The Hunger Games, 1984, and more are some examples of stories that deal heavily with themes of freedom–their importance and their necessity.

Freedom is something that people have been pondering about for millennia. It is an incredibly powerful concept that has changed the world many times over. No wonder there since it’s something all creatures strive for, not just humans, but even the lowliest animal yearns to be free. 

For something so encompassing, so enormous a concept, it’s also something that can be quite difficult to define. Where does freedom begin and end? Where does my freedom end, and where does yours begin? 

Some people smarter than me think freedom is the ability to do whatever and whenever we want, while some say that it is the ability to pursue what makes us happy. Between these two, there are several more schools of thought—too many that I’d care to count.

Regardless, freedom is something that is deeply ingrained in the fiber of all our beings. As such, it has always fascinated me—this concept of freedom, and to this end, I’ve read many a treatise and story with the themes of freedom woven into its texts, from the conception of it in the Declaration of Independence to Percy Shelley’s Ode to Liberty. 

But nowhere do I find a more vivid and exacting inquest into the themes of freedom than in storytelling, from the overarching shadow of it in The Hunger Games to inklings in the story of Samuel Calo. 

The Themes of Freedom in Storytelling

Because of the enormous glut of literature that has been written over the millennia, there are more or less basic conceptions of what freedom is—an archetypal shape, so to speak, that conforms to three features:

  • Inaccessibility. Freedom is always portrayed as being difficult or challenging to come by like it’s a scarce resource. There are plenty of stories in our collective oeuvre that have characters fighting hard to be free, often with great cost and hardship. This reminds us that freedom is not something to be taken for granted; it should be cherished and protected.
  • Inclusivity. Freedom is not something that begins at the individual level. No one is born free, not because we are condemned to live (as Sartre puts it), but because we are born in an unfree world. Why is this so? Because we have made it so, as such, in stories about freedom, true freedom is only achieved when the whole is free. This reminds us that freedom is and should always be a win-win situation. No one is free until all of us are.
  • Indispensability. Freedom is always worth fighting for. The world can be terrible; it can be horrible, but nothing is worse if there is freedom. This is because it is only in freedom that change is possible. Therefore, it is always a moral good to fight for freedom no matter how the odds are. The body breaks, but the spirit endures. 

The Wind on Your Face 

All this reading about freedom in stories has made me appreciate life a little bit more. It’s helped me understand the preciousness of what we have and the importance of fighting for it. The themes of freedom in stories taught me that freedom is not just about the individual but also the community. Finally, it has reminded me that freedom is worth fighting for—no matter what.

I encourage everyone to read stories about freedom. These stories can help us to understand the concept of freedom better and to appreciate the freedom that we have. They can also inspire us to fight for freedom and to build a better world for everyone.

Freedom is vital for many reasons:

  1. It is essential for flourishing. When we are free to live according to our values and choices, we are more likely to be happy and fulfilled.
  2. It is necessary for progress. When people are free to think and express themselves freely, they are better able to identify and solve problems, both individually and collectively.
  3. It is essential for the protection of human rights. When people are free to live their lives without fear of persecution, they are better able to enjoy their fundamental rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person.

The Lunar Life: What It Would Be Like Living on the Moon

Photo by T Leish

Moon Luck, is a story of astronauts living on the moon by Scott Harral—but maybe soon, the story will become a reality; if so, what would it be like living on the moon?

Being that it is the largest natural satellite within the Earth’s vicinity and certainly the most visible, the moon has always held somewhat of a special place within the collective heart of humanity. Humans have dreamed of living on the moon for centuries. Just see many a story of astronauts living on the moon for a recent run on things! 

Now, NASA is slowly working to make this primal dream a reality with its Artemis program. The goal to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon is on the horizon, and by the decade’s end, perhaps it will be finally realized—living on the moon will no longer be a dream by then.

But what it would be like living on the moon? For sure, it will be challenging; it will be demanding—but there would still be a certain gratification with it, yeah?

What It Would Be Like Living on the Moon

Housing

The first people that would be living on the moon would likely have to live in a pressurized habitat since there is no “atmosphere” to speak of on the moon. Therefore, establishing an artificial habitat is important so that they are adequately protected from the harsh lunar environment, which includes the vacuum, extreme temperatures, and harsh solar radiation.

The habitat must also be self-sufficient in providing the settlers with food, water, oxygen, and a waste management system. It must also be equipped with all the necessary equipment so that the astronauts and other scientists can conduct their research and exploration.

The small size of such a living space will be one of the biggest challenges of living in a lunar habitat; thus, the people will have to learn to live and work in close quarters with each other.

Sustenance

Food and water will be precious resources on the moon—since there obviously wouldn’t be a lot, and it would be pretty hard to go looking for some on the lunar surface. As such, the people living on the moon must carefully ration their supplies and recycle as much as possible.

A typical lunar diet would likely be pre-packaged foods and dehydrated meals. Hydroponics will also play a large role in a lunar colony, becoming the backbone for a thriving moon settlement to be realized.

Because of the glaring scarcity of water on the moon, every drop of it will have to be carefully utilized—it’s likely that urine and sweat will have to be recycled and treated, and if things have settled down, journeys looking for ice deposits would be commonplace.

Physical Activity

Because of the consequence of the moon’s lack of an atmosphere and the weakened gravitational pull, there will be a need to get enough sleep and exercise in order to stay properly healthy in the lunar environment.

Sleeping on the moon will be different from sleeping on Earth. Because of the aforementioned weaker gravitational field, people will have to sleep in unique sleeping bags that keep them from floating around.

Settlers will also need to exercise regularly to prevent muscle atrophy; thus, access to a treadmill and other exercise equipment in the habitat is critical.

Labor and Work

For a cohesive society to form, it’s important that people have something to do and contribute; it will not be different when living on the moon. People will have a lot of work to do on the moon. They are chances to conduct scientific experiments, explore the lunar surface, and build vital infrastructure.

Like on Earth, everyone will be working shifts to ensure someone is always on duty (it is important that things go smoothly and are always running). Of course, everyone will be properly compensated and given time off to recharge and relax to avoid overworking, as the conditions on the moon make people more susceptible to fatigue.

When people are not working, they will have the opportunity to explore the lunar surface. This will be a unique and exciting experience, but it will also be dangerous because of lunar hazards such as craters and boulders.

Psychological Health

Perhaps the aspect that is least known would be what effects lunar life will have on the colonists. Living on the moon will be a mentally and emotionally challenging experience, to say the least. This is especially the case for the first wave of settlers. Most everyone will be separated from their families and friends for very long periods of time, and there is constant exposure to the dangers of the lunar environment.

Because of these isolating conditions, it is essential for a lunar settlement to have a robust support system and for people there to actively take care of their mental health; thus, they will have access to counseling and other resources to help them cope with the challenges of living on the moon.

The Future of Lunar Life

The Artemis program is just the beginning of human exploration and habitation of space. In the future, we may see lunar settlements home to hundreds or thousands of people and settlements on Mars and beyond.

These settlements will be self-sufficient, with their own food production, water recycling, and energy generation systems. They will also have research facilities, manufacturing plants, and other necessary infrastructure.

Living on the moon is bound to open up a new era of scientific discovery and exploration in human history. 

Adaptability and Flexibility: Why the Human Spirit Endures

Photo by Rehook Bike

What does it mean to be relentlessly resilient? The human spirit is surprisingly robust and enduring and can go through a wallop and never stand down.

Will your courage endure, or will your hands be strong when I deal with you? 

– Ezekiel 22:14

Life is always full of surprises, either terrible or hilarious. And we each get a measure of both throughout our lives. Although, where it falls may depend on your perspective. 

So, let me talk about an experience I had back before the pandemic began–so, you know, this was a long time ago. It was a sunny afternoon in July. I’d just come back from a meetup with some friends, and I was now walking down the street, feeling pretty good about myself and my lot in life. 

Suddenly, I got a call. 

It was from my boss. Good bloke, if a bit too blunt with stuff. He was calling to inform me that I was on the list of people who were likely to be laid off. I was devastated. My mind stopped working for a bit, and I remember that I just told him, okay, before hanging up.

Six years. I’d been working there for six years, and I was even told a year ago that I had the best chance of getting promoted from my group of hires. I didn’t know what happened in the interim between then and now. 

I knew the company was going through some things, but I didn’t know it was that bad. 

I felt lost, confused, and a whole slurry of other emotions. I didn’t know what to do next. To cut a long story short, I’ll just tell you that I spiraled into a very low place in my life at that point and had even considered making a rushed exit.

Why the Human Spirit Endures

Looking back, I now realize that there was some bit of resilience inside me that I didn’t know, and that helped me overcome that difficult time. 

I didn’t let the layoff roll me over and bury myself in anxiety and worry (although I’m still wracked by those from time to time–I’m only human). Instead, I used it to explore new career options, improve my skills, and ultimately land a better job.

Through this experience, I learned that setbacks are a part of life, but it’s how we respond to them that matters most in the long run. Being resilient and staying positive can help us overcome the toughest challenges that life has to offer.

The human spirit is incredibly resilient; it’s harder than diamonds. It can bounce back from even the most difficult of circumstances. This resilience is what allows us to overcome challenges and helps us grow as individuals.

I’ve seen the resilience of the human spirit firsthand in my own life. I’ve experienced some tough times, but I’ve always managed to find the strength to keep going. 

No matter what life throws your way, you can always find a way to persevere.

Adaptability and Flexibility

If you want to be more resilient, these are perhaps some small but helpful things you can do daily:

  • Develop a positive mindset. A positive attitude can help you see the light at the end of the tunnel, even when things are tough. Always look on the bright side of things.
  • Build strong relationships. Cherish your family and friends. Having people who care about you and support you can make a big difference in your ability to cope with stress and adversity. 
  • Take care of yourself. While the spirit can endure, it can only do so with a healthy vessel, i.e., your body, and that means taking care of your physical health as well as your mentality. 
  • Find meaning and purpose in your life. A sense of purpose and a spirit of adventure can give you the strength to keep going, even when difficult.

People with Enduring Spirits

While I’ve told my story, it is ultimately something that only fully resonates with me. Of course, that does not mean that we shouldn’t be reading up or listening to other people’s stories; it just means that we should be more appreciative when we do get the chance to. 

So, here are some examples of people who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and whose stories are worth knowing about:

  • Malala Yousafzai. This young Pakistani woman was shot by the Taliban simply for advocating that girls had the right to education. Her struggle is a deeply poignant and relevant one during these times. Because of her activism, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Nick Vujicic. This Australian-American man was born with the rare tetra-amelia syndrome, a condition that left him born without arms or legs. Yet, despite his physical limitations, he became a successful motivational speaker, author, and a bright example of the enduring light that all humans have in their souls.
  • Nelson Mandela. This South African man was imprisoned for 27 years for fighting against the brutal apartheid regime of South Africa. He was humiliated, and the rights of his people were violated. If he became a firebrand after his release, I think we would all understand why, but he never gave up on his dream of a more equitable and peaceful South Africa. He was the first black president of his country.

These stories are just a few examples of the relentlessly resilient human spirit. Whatever you encounter in life, it is only with persistence that you can overcome it and strive for a better future.

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