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.