Beowulf: A Verse Translation from the Anglo-Saxon

 Beowulf: A Verse Translation from the Anglo-Saxon, Andrew B.F. Carnabuci, Independently Published, 2021

Here is a new translation of the classic Old English poem. Set in Denmark, it follows his arrival as a young man. A large, carnivorous beast named Grendel has been terrorizing a local kingdom for years. Beowulf, and some of his warriors, do battle with the beast (spoiler alert: they are victorious). As an old man, the now King of Geatland faces off against a dragon.

The book has a translator's introduction, pedigree diagrams of the major royal houses, and a bibliography. For those who have never read (or understood) it, here is a very accessible translation. It is very much worth the time.

525 Essential Words for SSAT/ISEE

 525 Essential Words for SSAT/ISEE (Middle/Upper), J. Jonathan, Independently Published, 2021

Intended for students in grades 6-10, this book attempts to help with the vocabulary portion of the (Middle/Upper) part of the SSAT/ISEE test.

Split into groups of 10-12 words each, this book explores words from "abet" to "wreath." Each word includes phonetic pronunciation, a short definition, use of the word in a sentence, synonyms and antonyms of the word and further information about the word. There is a review exercise after each group, to consolidate the student's knowledge.

This book is not just for students preparing for the SSAT/ISEE test, though it is certainly recommended for them. It is also recommended for any student who just wants to improve their vocabulary.

SSAT/ISEE Core Vocabulary

 SSAT/ISEE Core Vocabulary, James Jones, Independently Published, 2021

Intended for students in grades 4-7, this book aims to help with learning and memorizing vocabulary words. It includes words that have appeared on the Lower/Middle portion of the SSAT/ISEE test.

The author has tried very hard to not present all the words in the same way. On one page. the student learns synonyms, while, on another page, the student learns antonyms. On one page, the student is given a group of words, with instructions to choose the odd one out. On another page, the student is given a word bank, and instructed to choose synonyms for words like intense and shallow, or dark and light, or rude and polite. Having all the answers in the back of the book certainly helps. 

This book is recommended for any student who wants to improve their vocabulary. It is not just for students preparing for the SSAT/ISEE test, though it is certainly recommended for them, too.

Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals our Way to Healing

 Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing, Jay Stringer, NavPress, 2018

In the past, the response of the Catholic Church to any sort of sexual problem (online pornography, prostitutes, adultery, etc.) on the part of a parishioner has usually been some version of "Pray harder" or "Just say no." This book looks at the reasons behind such behavior.

God made us, including the sexual parts, so it is wrong for anyone to say that He is disgusted with anyone who goes down this path. The book explores several possible causes for this behavior. Among them are: parents who are overly rigid or totally disengaged; being emotionally abandoned by your parents; triangulation (a parent tells their marital or sexual problems to their child instead of to their spouse); along with emotional trauma and sexual abuse.

This book also explores how to get out of your sex addiction. It includes things like learning to love yourself, repairing your relationship when things go wrong, pursuing strength and vulnerability in your relationships, and discovering a purpose in your life through community.

You may think that your online porn "habit" is totally under control. If your spouse and your children don't agree with you, try listening to them and take a step back. Start by reading this book. It is very much worth the time. 

Goal Setting for Entrepreneurship

 Goal Setting for Entrepreneurship, Timothy Presley, Independently Published, 2021

Setting goals for a new business is not much different than setting personal goals. That's what this book is all about.

"I want to be rich." It's a laudable goal, but define "rich." How long are you giving your business to get there? Among the requirements of goal are that it be specific, measurable, achievable and timely. "I want to achieve a million dollars in sales in my first year." It's closer to a good goal. The only problem is that it is not very achievable for a new business. "I want to achieve at least $50,000 in sales in my first year." It's measurable, specific and it has a time limit attached. Break that overall goal into smaller pieces, like monthly sales goals, and, every day, resolve to do at least one goal-oriented thing.

Be sure to write down that overall goal, and post it where you can see it every day. Otherwise, it's a dream, not a goal. Tell someone else about your goal, and ask them to hold you accountable. It's much harder to let someone else down than it is to let yourself down. Try visualization, and using a vision board. Consider setting short, medium and long term goals for your business (6 months, 1 year and 5 years).

Here is an excellent book. It is short, about 50 pages, and it says a lot. This belongs on the reading list of every entrepreneur.

Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

 Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, Timothy Presley, 2021, self-published

Habits are how we do things without thinking. They can be good or bad habits, but we developed them over time to supposedly make our lives easier. How do we replace our bad habits with good habits? That's what this book is all about.

The best way to start a new habit is to actually do it, frequently. Your brain will build up the required neural connections, and will remember how to do it. There are several things to do to change bad habits, including changing the environment around you, change your thinking, and making a list of the good things that will happen (including the money you will save) if you stop your bad habit. When you acquire a new good habit, you might feel happier and be better organized, it will be easier to reach your life's goals and your chances of success will increase, along with reducing your stress level.

The book gets specific about actions to take to change bad habits, like an impulsive personality, indulging in too much alcohol or nicotine, or watching too much TV. Exchanging that bad habit with a good habit, like going for a walk after dinner, usually helps.

For most people, this book may be considered common knowledge. Even if a person can do only one of the tips in this book, it will help a lot. This book is short, less than 40 pages, and it is full of information. It is recommended for everyone.

A Deadly Harvest

 A Deadly Harvest, Scott Dovala, self-published, 2021

Set in present-day California wine country, this novel is about one of the last family-owned wineries. The owner, Gio Venetti, has just completed an extremely successful advertising campaign. He chose Peter Lansing, a close friend and world-renowned photographer, to shoot the ad, and English model Emily Taylor to be featured. The sparks between them are immediate (Gio planned it that way). Suddenly, Gio is found dead in his office. It seems that Emily and Peter have attracted the attention of "The Deadly Samurai," one of the world's most ruthless businessmen. Does he want the winery for himself? Did Emily and Peter see something that they shouldn't have seen?

Mystery and film noir fans will love this book. It's got good writing, good characters, and works really well as a suspense/thriller story. This feels very plausible, and is well worth the time. 

Managing Time Effectively

Managing Time Effectively: How to Boost Productivity, Making Effective and Practical Schedules, Embracing Change, Leadership and Organization, Timothy Presley, 2021, self-published

Is there not enough time in the day for everything you need to do? Are you a hard-core procrastinator? This book might just help.

Decide which tasks are important (do those first) and leave the rest for later. Make a schedule, and stick to it like glue. If you really can't do it all, learn how to delegate some of the tasks to others. Set personal goals, and, if necessary, break them up into smaller, more manageable pieces. Stay off the internet, except for certain, specific times of the day. What is your best time of day? Are you a morning person or a night owl? Learn how to manage change, because you can't stop it.

This book is short (less than 100 pages) and very easy to read. For most people, the tips in this book are just common knowledge. Even if a person can do only a few of these tips, it will help greatly. This is very much worth reading.

Fatty Liver and Cirrhosis Diet Cookbook

 Fatty Liver and Cirrhosis Diet Cookbook, Sophia Williams, 2021, self-published

What is cirrhosis of the liver? Do you have liver problems and want to know what foods to eat (and avoid)? This book attempts to answer those questions.

Did you know that the liver has about 500 different functions? This book lists some of them. It talks about the latest research on liver disease. Included is a description of various types of fatty liver conditions, including liver cancer, liver failure, acute viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.

Much of this book is taken up with recipes to eliminate toxins from your liver, and improve your health and energy level. Among them are: liver detoxifying smoothie breakfast bowls, easy avocado pancakes, low carb berry salad with citrus dressing, tomato basil and brown rice pasta, lemon-pepper tuna bake, lemon olive snack, superfood raw bars and ginger citrus liver detox drink.

For anyone with any type of liver issues, reading this book, and trying a couple of the recipes, is a very good idea. For anyone who simply wants to eat healthier than they have been eating, reading this book is a very good idea.

100 Business Math Questions and Answers

100 Business Math Questions and Answers (The Complete MBA CourseWork Series Book 2), Hicham  and Mohamed Ibnalkadi, 2021

The business problems described in this book (with answers explained) are not bookkeeping or accounting questions. These questions and answers involve calculus and linear algebra.

For anyone who loves math, this book is recommended. It is especially recommended for anyone who is on the journey toward getting their MBA. For the average reader, this book can be skipped.

Diverticulitis Cookbook

Diverticulitis Cookbook: A Comprehensive Diet Guide with 200 Proven and Delicious Diet Recipes to Prevent Flare-Ups and Improve Gut Health, Sophia Robinson, self-published, 2021

You have just left the doctor's office complaining of cramps and constipation, only to be told that it is diverticulitis. An internet search might provide a list of symptoms, along with a list of foods to avoid. Are you stressed about what you can eat without having a flare-up? This cookbook attempts to give some answers.

It talks about the causes and symptoms of diverticulitis, along with the latest science. The book talks about preventing attacks, and dealing with mild to strong symptoms. There is a list of foods to eat, and of foods to avoid. Included are 200 recipes to improve the health of your gut and prevent flare-ups.

This book feels very detailed and accurate. For anyone with chronic gut problems, whether or not you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, reading this book is time very well spent.

Pancreatitis Cookbook

 Pancreatitis Cookbook: The Ultimate Pancreatitis Guide with More than 120 Easy and Delicious Pancreatitis Diet Recipes to Improve Your Enzymes and Health, Sophia Wilson, self-published, 2021

You have just been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Now what do you do? This book attempts to answer that question.

Acute pancreatitis is a short-term inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to lead to gradual fibrosis of the gland, which can lead to it losing the vast majority of its function. This becomes a big problem because your body is unable to produce enzymes to absorb some products of the digestion process, including nutrients that come from fats, and sugars.

This book explores the lifestyle and diet changes that are required of someone with chronic pancreatitis. It includes over 100 recipes to improve your health and the condition of your enzymes. Included is a 21-day meal plan to help reduce the frequency, and severity, of attacks.

For anyone who is frustrated by the results of their online search for information on pancreatitis, reading this book is a very good idea. Try just one recipe, and if you don't have an attack, try another recipe. This book is very much worth the reader's time.