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.

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.

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.

Inspiring Books that Offer a Great Reading Experience

Inspiration plays a significant role in this lifetime. It is typically defined as the process of becoming mentally motivated to do a particular action or feel a specific emotion. This is a powerful aspect of an individual’s life because it can cause both good and bad. Those who are drained of inspiration tend to become stagnant, while those filled with motivation often achieve growth.

Many things may inspire people. Books, for instance, are among the most underrated source of encouragement. There are many works that can ignite inspiration within you just by telling different kinds of stories, experiences, and everything in between. So, if you are looking for books that will boost your motivation and give you a great reading experience at the same time, then here are some great titles to look out for.

Let Me Tell You How I Got Saved by Charles Lewis Anthony

Let Me Tell You How I Got Saved by Charles Lewis Anthony tells a story about life transformation and breaking barriers.  It was published in 2018 by CLF Publishing and is under the genres self-help and memoir. It follows the personal accounts of Ray Watkins. He was born around the 70s and grew up in a gang-filled Los Angeles, California, in the 80s. As he grows up, the need to make accurate decisions that will impact his life arises. Hence, some of the decisions that Watkins created were either good or bad — there was no in-between. But, the most significant thing that he put in his mind was to survive to live another day. Thus, the author aims to tell every reader that there is still a more excellent way of life and various choices other than thug lifestyle through faith and God.

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom, bestselling author of Tuesdays with Morrie, penned another excellent nonfiction book titled Have a Little Faith. It is based on different conversations that happened between Mitch Albom and a rabbi, and a Protestant minister. Among the things that the bookmarks out is the reality that those people at a funeral were caught off guard upon hearing the taped message from Lewis, ideally readied to be played at the event. Hence, attendees get to hear about his last teaching, congregation, and more. Have a Little Faith, moreover, is being utilized by both religious and non-religious organizations in moments that they talk about faith and more.

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

This book is received recognition from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today. It also won a dozen of book awards, voted as Goodreads’ Top 100 Business Book of All Time, and more. The first edition of the book was published in 2013 by Bard Press. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results asks the readers about the particular thing that gives them outstanding outcomes in different aspects of their life, such as career, family, spirituality, and more. It helps everyone realize that they commonly like little to no distractions and love most productivity.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown is a bestselling book that has that motivates people to seek the courage to conquer their fears and self-consciousness. This book boosts the confidence and growth of the readers through the heartwarming storytelling and the reliable studies that it contains. The author starts to look into the psychology of showing what we mean about the phrase “imperfect life.” Brown also gives us ten tips that will be the basis of authenticity, which can aid everyone to create a routine for a perfectly imperfect life.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Don Miguel Ruiz authored the bestselling book titled The Four Agreements. It was translated into more than 40 languages and got reviews from remarkable critics, including Oprah Winfrey. The book highlights the root of self-limiting principles that take away everyone’s happiness and create unnecessary agony. The book was based on the old Toltec wisdom and gave an excellent code of conduct, enabling people to instantly turn the tables and experience freedom, genuine joy, and love.

Revisiting Action-Thriller Novels of the Last Decade

Last week I encountered a book by Frank Heller. The Secret Empress is an action-thriller set in China. It follows the story of a former CIA agent who finds himself in a complex situation involving a boy, a son of a murdered deputy minister. Joe Wilder made a promise to the boy’s mother that he would safely get the boy to America. The only problem is most drug lords, gangs, and criminals in China are after him and the boy. The Secret Empress is a high-octane read we rarely encounter these days, as far as action-thrillers are concerned. And it made me think about the state of the action-thriller genre over the past ten years. It seems that not too many books with the same theme as Heller’s are being published recently. This dangerous quest on Secret Empress book is the type of action we’ve been missing lately. Action-thrillers are some of the most exciting and entertaining reads, and I wonder what other things I have missed these past years, mostly reading high-fantasies and sci-fi.

Action Thrillers in the Last Ten Years

I did a little digging, and I observed the most action-thrillers released these past ten years mainly featured former military characters- Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, David Baldacci protagonists, as well as most of the characters from James Patterson’s books. Many action thrillers released between 2000 and 2020 carry themes of a one-man army, lone wolf persona, and leaning towards vigilante justice, except for war memoirs that featured squads or teams in combat action. Some works tackle military conspiracy or scandal, such as Jack Carr’s The Terminal List (2018) and Clive Cussler’s The Saboteurs (2020). Like Frank Heller’s The Secret Empress (set in Mainland China), many action-thrillers also feature other countries such as Panama, Eastern Europe, Japan, and Latin America. Despite these updates, the action-thriller genre is still on a steady decline these past few years. Most recently published works are romance novels, young adult literature, sci-fiction (with many subgenres), and high fantasy book series. While works from best-selling novelists such as Tom Clancy, Lee Child, Nelson DeMille, Jack Higgins, Vince Flynn, and Stephen Hunter continue to gain readership, there are not that many new and young authors of action-thrillers. This could also mean that the narratives of the past decade are limited and if so, this is a bit sad, especially for fans expecting new materials and stories to be told. Or it could be that new and upcoming writers are just out there waiting to be discovered, like Frank Heller and his refreshing narrative, The Secret Empress.

What Can We Expect This 2021?

If there is one thing that is constant in action-thrillers aside from its explosiveness and fast-paced narrative, the stories reflect the political and social realities of their times. After 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan, many works of literature were action thrillers that are directly or indirectly related to those two events. These past five or six years, a lot has happened- from the global pandemic to the recent military incidents in the Middle East and Southeast Asia and other international political crises. These could be great materials for new and seasoned authors. I can imagine new action-thriller narratives that have something to do with biochemical warfare, territorial disputes, and other geopolitical issues. We can safely expect new themes and plots from these recent collective experiences. Because that is what literature is all about, and action thrillers can tell these experiences in an exciting and enlightening way.

For more than a year, we struggled with covid, and many of us were confined in our homes, authors not exempted. I do not doubt that the months they have spent at home have been productive. That said, it is safe to assume that this year and in the coming years, readers are in for excellent and new stories, the ones that will reflect our struggle, the lessons, the values, and the victories we have achieved as a human race. Hopefully, the action-thriller genre will be at the forefront of this new era of storytelling.

Frank Heller is an author and a former hospital corpsman in the United States Navy. The Secret Empress is his debut novel. He is currently working on his next thriller story.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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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