How to Build Your Influencer Brand

 How to Build Your Influencer Brand, Liz Fe Lifestyle, 2021

There are many things to consider before a person can become a social media influencer.

What is your subject (food, travel, beauty and makeup)? What is your method of communication (blogging, podcasts, videos)? Who is your target audience (please be more specific than "everyone")? Don't try to spread yourself all over social media; pick one or two platforms and stick with them. The Facebook audience is different than the YouTube audience which is different than the TikTok audience?

How often are you going to post new content? Whatever you choose, be consistent. Know your competition, and find some way to be different than they are. Why should a person listen to you, or buy from you, over someone else? Define your brand. What colors and font will you use? What is your mission (aside from making a lot of money)?

This is an excellent introduction to the influencer world. Other books go into more detail, but for anyone just starting out in social media, reading this book is a very good idea.

The Temptation of the Midnight Bird: Last Turn, Elena Zhuravleva, 2022

 The Temptation of the Midnight Bird: Last Turn, Elena Zhuravleva, 2022

Set in present-day Europe, this story is about a pair of sisters, and a horrible event that happened several years previously.

Lisa is a journalist for a local news website. She is haunted by less-than-clear memories of the night her sister, Laura, was sexually assaulted by a man named Alexander. Lisa really doesn't remember whether or not she killed Alexander by whacking him on the head with a bottle. Laura vanished that night, and has not been seen since.

Lisa encounters people who seem to know what really happened that night. They include a nosy, older woman named Martha, and a robotic voice on her phone telling her to go here or go there. Do Lisa and Laura ever find each other? Does Lisa ever get answers about what happened that night?

Included is a separate story story about a hacker who develops a program that allows the authorities to track criminals while they are still in the planning stages. He offers the program to the police, who are not interested. They suddenly get interested, for the wrong reasons, when the program shows that the police are frequently the bad guys.

Both of these stories are really good suspense thrillers. There is some violence, along with first-rate writing throughout. These tales are very much worth reading.

The Secrets to Happy Parenting, Happy Kids

 The Secrets to Happy Parenting, Happy Kids, Nijel James, 2022

Raising a child can be one of the most challenging, and most rewarding, jobs for any adult. This book gives some pointers.

Are you a permissive or uninvolved parent? (I have a child?) Are you an authoritative or authoritarian parent? (It's my way or the highway.) Every child is motivated, or "reached," in a different way. Your job, as a parent, is to find out what will motivate your child. Is your child an introvert, preferring to stay home and read, or draw, instead of playing at the playground, or doing team sports? Attempting to turn your child into a sports-loving extrovert, because that's what you were at that age, is a very bad idea.

Your job is not to be your child's friend, but help them to navigate through this thing called "life." Don't make the boundaries in life like concrete barriers, but find some way to show them, or tell them, that Behavior A is acceptable, but Behavior B is not acceptable.

Spend some one-on-one time with your child; show them that you care about them. Take them to the playground, or to a movie. Leave the cellphone in the car. It may take a long time for your child to feel comfortable talking to you about school, job or romance. Let them know that you are available when that time comes.

"Do as I say, not as I do." That will not work when raising a child. You can tell your child to be tolerant of others, but talking, and acting, like an anti-immigrant racist will not help your child. You are encourages to ask for ideas from other parents. What worked for them may not work for you.

This is a gem of a book. It is clear, concise and easy to read. It is recommended for any parent, or future parent.

Sri Devi Mahatmyam for Kids: Glories of the Feminine God in Hinduism

 Sri Devi Mahatmyam for Kids: Glories of the Feminine God in Hinduism, Ishwar Joshi Awalgaonkar, 2022

This book is a child's version of one of the major gods of the Hindu religion - Devi - the Feminine God. She is the Mother. She is the Protector. She is the SuperHero.

The story is told of two brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha, who were powerful gods in their own right. They were not beings to be ignored. Both were very interested in Devi, because she was very beautiful. Devi, who lived alone on the top of a high mountain, turned down their marriage proposal. The brothers sent an army to convince her to reconsider. At that time, a woman's place was in the home, and they should leave war to the men.

Devi showed her extreme disinterest in the proposal by killing the general, and wiping out most of the army. Those that were left got back to the brothers and told them the tale. Another army was sent, and another, with the same result. One of the generals had a unique superpower. Every time a drop of his blood hit the ground, a fully-formed, adult clone of him instantly appeared. Devi was surrounded by thousands of the same general; things were not looking good. Devi figured a way around it, and killed the general, and all the clones, and also wiped out the army.

Finally, Shumbha and Nishumbha took on Devi, personally. After a titanic battle, Nishumbha fell in battle. Seeing his brother dead, Shumbha and Devi had the Battle To End All Battles; all other combatants got out of the way.

This book is surprisingly good. The other does an excellent job at telling the story in simple terms. It is not a boring story; there is enough action for anyone. The book is also recommended for those who are not of the Hindu religion.

Here are the Pros and Cons When You Decide to Bring the "Bedroom" to Work

 Here are the Pros and Cons When You Decide to Bring the "Bedroom" to Work, Melissa Owens, 2022

For long-time employees of a company, acquiring a "work wife" or "work husband" is almost normal. Turning that "romance" into a real romance can work out favorably for both parties. Usually, "disaster" is a better description of the outcome.

A married woman works the late shift at a kitchen. She hires handsome young men for sex after everyone else leaves. Her newest hire threatens to blow the whistle on her. She threatens him with immediate termination. He threatens her with a sexual harassment lawsuit. Her husband finds out about it.

A local pastor travels to women's houses, at night, for private "counseling." His wife follows him, and finds out that they are having sex. She immediately leaves him, and a divorce soon follows.

A maintenance man at an apartment complex is very honest and reliable when it comes to maintenance. He is also very handsome, and provides sex to women whose husbands are constantly traveling for business, or younger women who are between boyfriends. He is very honest with them, saying that he can't be tied down to one woman at a time. As long as both parties have their eyes wide open, the arrangement can work out.

These short stories are very well done, and can take place anywhere in America. For anyone thinking about such "extracurricular activities," think twice, and then think again, before doing anything, and then read this book. It is very eye-opening.

A Black Woman's Journey

 A Black Woman's Journey, Melissa Owens, 2022

These stories are about one woman's journey through the world of love and relationships. While growing up, she didn't have a male role model, so she had to learn these lessons through experience.

She became a teen mom by a boy who wanted nothing to do with the baby, until after it was born. His mother was much more interested in the baby than he was. She meets a man who is separated from his wife. The relationship seems to have possibilities, until he learns that she has been in a serious auto accident. He decides to move back in with her; this is no time to abandon her.

The author is attracted to another woman; the feeling is mutual. Before the relationship has a chance to get going, it is suddenly stopped in the most awful way imaginable.

This book is a very quick read, and a very good read. The author is very honest and vulnerable, not blaming anyone else for her decisions. It is very much worth reading.

The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2022 (2nd edition)

 The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2022 (2nd edition), Ellen Marino, Independently Published, 2022

The Mediterranean Diet is not about restricting people to certain foods, but about adding healthier foods (like fresh fruits and vegetables) to your diet. That's what this book is all about.

This diet can help prevent heart disease and Alzheimer's Disease. It can also help burn fat and manage your Type 2 diabetes. Among the suggestions are: eating healthy fats, increasing your consumption of seafood, drink wine and exercise.

There are two recipes per page, along with color pictures of what the dish is supposed to look like. There is a also a full list of ingredients and instructions. The recipes include vanilla raspberry oats, poached eggs, crispy fried sardines, chicken pizza, chicken rice, orange avocado and almond salad, cucumber bites and chocolate cake.

For anyone who wants to eat healthier, this book is a very good place to start. The author makes it very easy. Alternatively, you can just drool over the color pictures.  

From Pain Into Purpose

 From Pain Into Purpose, Andrea Baumann, 2022, Independently Published

This book is about one person's journey, from extreme emotional pain to dedicating her life to helping others.

The author grew up in 20th century Switzerland. To say that both sides of her family were dysfunctional is much too mild. Is there such a thing as "super-dysfunctional"? Lots of alcohol was consumed. There were a couple of suicides. In her 20s, the author moved to New Zealand, where she was able to regain her emotional bearings. She became interested in alternative health, including meditation, reiki and chiropractic. She was exposed to something called BodyTalk, and it changed her life. 

BodyTalk does not just treat your lower back pain, for example. The pain could be a manifestation of unresolved emotions from childhood, that need to get resolved. It could also be a symptom of unseen problems with your gallbladder. BodyTalk looks at the whole person. The book also talks about chakras and meridians. If this sounds too "New Age," consider this: Would you rather try an out-of-the-box treatment, or deal with migraine headaches, or bowel problems, for the rest of your life?

This book shows that it is possible to survive even the worst conditions at home. For those with chronic health problems, reading this book is a very good idea. 

The eSmith Short Tales

 The eSmith Short Tales: Fables and Stories from Fairytale Land, GranRan, NuSaga Press, 2020

The collection of fairy tales is about the family of a fox named eSmith. They are based on Aesop's Fables. The reader will experience eSmith's first trip to the beach, along with his first encounter with a buffalo, a boar and a lion. His father is disfigured, having lost his tail in an "accident." His mother is brash, and has red fur. She tries desperately to save him from becoming lunch for a group of hungry eagles. Color illustrations certainly help.

Here is a really good group of stories for older children. It may not be good for young children, because, like Aesop's Fables, not all of the stories end with "happily ever after." It is still a good book to read to a child, or for a child to read back. 

Chronicles of the Future Past: New World Order

 Chronicles of the Future Past: New World Order, A Elkady, 2022, Independently Published

Part 2 of a series, this illustrated book looks at the near future of humanity. It's not pretty.

The book moves between three different time periods. Of course, 9/11 is included in this book. In the present, a new type of arms race forces the American President to completely withdraw from Afghanistan. American intelligence agents are rushing around the world, hunting for those responsible, and attempting to stop the next 9/11.

In the 2060's, the False Coming sparks a new worldwide holy war. This just after the Second American Civil War in the 2050's. America, Russia and China are forced to team up against Nova Spes, a new fascist tyranny.

Since this story is all about present-day, and future, politics, many people who read it will accuse the author of being anti-this or anti-that. Relax, and take a deep breath. It is always good to know what the "other side" is thinking. My only criticism is that reading Part 1, before Part 2, is probably a good idea (I am one of those who has to read a series in order). This is a chilling look at humanity's near future, and is very highly recommended.

Anger Management Book for Kids

 Anger Management Book for Kids, The Mentor Bucket, 2022

This book presents many ways for children to express themselves when they get angry.

First of all, what caused you to get angry? Did it happen at school, on the playground or at home? Did a friend or family member treat you badly? Do you bear any part of the blame for the incident?

There are many pages in this book to express your feelings. Draw a self-portrait of your angry self. Are there lots of lightning bolts around you? There are many suggestions of ways to let out your anger. Ride your bike around the neighborhood, or otherwise get active outside. Go in your room and draw (or paint) or play a musical instrument. Sit down with a notebook, and write out how you are feeling. Journaling is always a good idea. If you consider yourself a future Gordon Ramsey, head for the kitchen, and bake something (with a parent's help, of course). The important part is to let out that anger, using whatever method works for you.

Children are not the only ones who have a hard time dealing with anger; this book will help a lot. It is very much worth reading, for children and their parents.

The Luxe Life

 The Luxe Life: A Guide to Launching a Fabulous and Thriving Online Boutique, Dee D Smith, 2022

You consider yourself a fashionista, and you have decided to open an online boutique. There are many things to consider before Opening Day.

Will you have a brick and mortar store, or will it be all online? Will you sell your items through a site like Etsy or Poshmark, or will your success depend on your own website? The name of your company should be short, and catchy, and leave no doubt in the mind of the consumer as to what you are selling.

Your company needs to be registered with your local or state tax authority. While you're there, ask them about any licenses or permits that are needed; get them, ahead of time. What is your niche? Why should a person buy from you, instead of someone else? What sort of message do you want to convey with your website? Should the site have all pastel colors, or should they be more bold and vibrant?

This book is very easy to read, and very good. It is not a comprehensive book that will answer all your questions. For anyone wanting to enter the world of online retail, here is an excellent place to start.