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Monday, July 27, 2015

BOOK BLITZ: Overcoming Anxiety by David Berndt, PhD

Overcoming Anxiety
By David Berndt, PhD
Genre: Mental Health, Self-help

Book Blurb

The good news is that anxiety can be overcome without relying on medication. Psychologist David Berndt, Ph.D., in Overcoming Anxiety outlines several self-help methods for relief for anxiety and worry. In clear simple language and a conversational style. Dr. Berndt shares with the reader powerful step by step proven techniques for anxiety management.










You will learn:
  • A Self-hypnosis grounding technique in the Ericksonian tradition.
  • Box Breathing, Seven Eleven and similar breathing techniques for anxiety relief.      
  • How to stop or interrupt toxic thoughts that keep you locked in anxiety.       
  • How to harness and utilize your worries, so they work for you.
  • Relief from anxiety through desensitization and exposure therapy.
  
Designed to be used alone as self-help or in conjunction with professional treatment Dr. Berndt draws upon his experience as a clinician and academic researcher to give accessible help to the reader who wants to understand and manage their anxiety.



Author Bio 

David J. Berndt, Ph.D. was an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago where he published or presented over 80 papers and articles before establishing a private practice. Dr Berndt currently lives in Charleston, S.C. where he also teaches in an adjunct capacity at the College of Charleston. He is best known for his psychological tests TheMultiscore Depression Inventory, and the Multiscore Depression Inventory for Children, both from Western Psychological Services. He also contributes to several psychology websites including www.psychologyknowledge.com.


Praise for Dr. Berndt’s work:

About Overcoming Anxiety
“Dr. Berndt is a creative and forward-thinking psychologist who has contributed to advancing psychology both with his research and clinical practice. He has helped countless patients with their depression and anxiety, and his conversational and accessible style of writing makes Overcoming Anxiety a book you would want for your top shelf.
- Charles Kaiser, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the College of Charleston

Links:  





BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Eyes of Payne by Anthony D. Flores

Eyes of Payne
By Anthony D. Flores
Genre: Alternative History
Pub Date/Pub: March 26th, 2015 - John Galt Publishing



Book Description:

Jack Payne discovers who he really is through the painful events of 9/11. 

September 11th, 2001, chaos and confusion were ignited shortly after the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Three thousand miles away Jack Payne went about his day as usual. Jack was unaware of the horrific events taking place in New York City, unaware of how these acts of terror would change his life. Unaware that his wife, Catherine, was a passenger on United Airline flight 175. 

Once Jack learns about the attacks, his world is turned upside down. Secrets are exposed, a threatening bomb plot is uncovered, and Jack begins to understand his true calling. But his biggest concern is his six-year-old daughter. 



Author Bio

Anthony D. Flores lives in Rapid City, South Dakota with his wife, youngest daughter, and two dogs. Born and raised in California, he moved to the beautiful Black Hills in 2004. He dreamed as a kid about becoming a teacher and writer. In 2006, he went back to college to make those dreams come true. Anthony earned his degree in Writing and Literature from Union Institute & University before attending Black Hills State University to achieve his teaching credentials. Currently he teaches 8th grade Social Studies and Writing at St. Thomas More Middle School. Lazarus Rising fulfills the other half of his dream and is his debut novel. In March of 2015, he released a prequel short story to Lazarus Rising titled, “Eyes of Payne.” He spends his down time in the summer studying American history, reading historical and science fiction, and writing his next book.


Author Links

Author page on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dkaZz8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADFlores.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FloresFreedom
Website: http://www.anthonydflores.com/


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

BOOK SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW: Sandcastle & Other Stories by Justin Bog

Sandcastle and Other Stories: The Complete Edition
By Justin Bog
Genre: Short Fiction/Psychological Literary Suspense


The Complete Edition of Justin Bog's First Collection of Dark Psychological Suspense Tales. 

An award-winning collection, Sandcastle and Other Stories reveals twisted secrets that are mined like plutonium. These twelve literary tales are nothing short of an adventure through a roiling sea of emotion. With authenticity and eloquence, author Justin Bog holds a provocative and compelling mirror on the human condition. 

"The stories are those of everyday people who might live next door or in the walk-up across the street . . . A man with a personal crisis takes a singles cruise – a woman leaves her toddler girl at the beach while having a romantic tryst – a B-list actor’s character is killed off – a girl is sucked below the sand into an underwater chamber . . . an old gardener who has dark secrets interacts with the bosses daughter in a most unforeseen way. The only commonality in these tight, little stories is they are unexpected. Having this book is like having a string of black pearls – each one slightly different, but each a perfect, dark, little gem . . . Bog paints pictures with words as Titian did with oil paints – startlingly detailed with deep perspective and rich complexity." 

--Rosi Hollenbeck, San Francisco Book Review

My Review

Sandcastle and Other Stories is a collection of dark short stories by Justin Bog. Once again, I am bowled over by Justin’s stunning writing ability. In this collection, Justin explores the darker side of human emotion and behavior with powerful imagery, well-rounded and complex scenery and situations, and from a vast array of different points of view. His articulate and highly cerebral story-telling left me still pondering, hours later, the deeper meanings behind what I had read. This was a highly imaginative selection of fables and I am very excited at the prospect for more! My highest recommendation and Five stars!



Author Bio 

Justin Bog lives in the Pacific Northwest on Fidalgo Island. Justin Bog was Pop Culture Correspondent and Editor for In Classic Style. He enjoys cooking, lawn mowing not so much, and spends time walking and handing out treats to two long coat German shepherds, Zippy and Kipling, and two barn cats, Ajax The Gray and Eartha Kitt’n.

Sandcastle and Other Stories: The Complete Edition on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1T2gnHX
*The author will be selling two new stories separately in one bundle under the title: Speak the Word! as an eBook only for $1.99




Links:


Justin’s creative writing blog is here.
On Twitter @JustinBog
On Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1FCBVk3


Monday, July 20, 2015

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Detox Your Soul by Tamar House

Detox Your Soul
By Tamar House
Genre: Christian based self-help


Synopsis

Freeing your soul from all the negative stuff in your life is an exhilarating experience. It’s amazing what a positive mindset can do! God has forgiven us for our sins, and now it’s time that you start forgiving yourself. It’s time to change your thought process and learn how to enjoy the destiny God has created for you. In your life journey, challenges and mistakes are going to happen, but you need to realize how these issues are simply the stepping stones to the “good life”. This book will not only teach you how to overcome obstacles, but to renovate your soul. When you are finished, you will have the tools to give your mind, body, and spirit a complete overhaul. It’s time to make better choices. It’s time to live that wonderful life you dream of. It’s time you focus on the YOU that God intended you to be. It’s time to DETOX YOUR SOUL!!!





Author Biography

Tamar House grew up on the other side of the tracks.  She was born in Lancaster, California and spent her early life in the slumlords. Straight from the school of hard knocks, she has been through it all.  Abandoned by her biological father, lived in a drug-infested neighborhood, molested as a child, raped as an adolescent, ran with the gangs as a teenager, and divorced in her early twenties, she felt that God was out to punish her.  She was broken and abused and she struggled as a single mom.  She met her current husband, Ryan, in 2010 and he brought her back to the Christian church.  She accepted the Lord back into her life weeks after they met and she began focusing on all of the wonderful blessings she has in her life.  She decided to rid her soul of all the negativity that encompassed every ounce of her being, and started on her journey to true happiness.  She began encouraging her friends and co-workers to live life focused on being caring and loving, instead of anger and resentment.  People started to notice this change in Tamar, and saw that by changing your attitude, it could change your life.  She has created a following on social media and now her friends all look up to the motivational posts she has to offer.  She wants everyone to have the wonderful life God intended for us all.  She is now happily married with four beautiful children, is a successful Realtor, owns a property management company, sells body alkalizing and balancing products, and spent two years writing this book “Detox Your Soul”.  She hopes you enjoy it as much as she did writing it.  This book will renovate your mind, body and spirit.   


Links:

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Riding by Cassia Cassitas

Riding
By Cassia Cassitas
Genre: Fiction/Parenting and relationship/Special needs


Book Description

Amidst real events and landscapes, men and women like us wander the cities we inhabit, rehearsing happier lives in the pages of this motivational narrative. From each one, destiny took a part to make them perfect. 

When he is born, AndrĂ© propels his mother’s life in a new direction, shifting her focus away from her professional aspirations. His father, an executive who organizes Olympic competitions around the world and doesn’t know when to come back home, strives to make him a worldly citizen. Cycling, his life acquires purpose: becoming an Olympic para-athlete. 

Together with his friends, he experiences disappointments and new beginnings. A doctor that builds robots, the daughter of a lonely teenager, and a retired athlete teach AndrĂ© how to overcome his limits and live his dream. 

Set in Curitiba with breaks in Los Angeles, Seoul, Johannesburg and Soweto, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London, the narrative ends in 2012, in Rio de Janeiro. 


As a tribute to all those who choose to sign the next episodes of their lives, this book is about overcoming one’s self amid achievements, obstacles, love and heroism, written behind the scenes of life.


Author Bio: 

Cassia Cassitas made her career in technology. She has remained in academics both as a teacher and a student, working on innovative projects including those that involve prospects.

She specialized in philosophy and existence,information engineering, and college didactics. Currently she studies French, due to her husband's influence, and English to enlarge her world. 


Mother to two adolescents who devour books, Cassia published her first work, Sunday, The Game, in 2010, a digital best seller in Brazil. And then Saga of Wealth in 2013. Cassia Cassitas lives with her family in Curitiba, where her dreams prosper under the eyes of her readers.


Follow Cassia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassiacassitas
Twitter: @cassiacassitas
Website: http://cassiacassitas.com.br
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1L7c5vk
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7205105.Cassia_Cassitas







Wednesday, July 1, 2015

BOOK SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW: Epiphanies Whilst High Out of One’s Mind By HT Yim


Epiphanies Whilst High Out of One’s Mind
By HT Yim
Genre: Narrative Non-Fiction, Personal Memoirs and Humor 



Book Description: 

Epiphanies Whilst High Out of Ones Mind is a thought provoking and consciousness-raising essay series following a young woman's often-humorous and ever-poignant journey on the path to becoming a stoner.

Already heralded by critics as an “honest revelation of the soul,” Yim’s full-length nonfiction work entertains and educates – offering a decidedly unique narrative exploration of recreational marijuana use at the same time that paradigmatic law reform is changing the way the country legislates this still-controversial substance.

“I wanted to write a book that was accessible and fun to read, and – just as importantly – one that promoted responsible consumption,” explains Yim, a Third Wave feminist and dedicated advocate for drug policy reform. “I’ve learned so much about the substance over the years, both positive and negative, and hopefully readers will benefit from those lessons. 

“Especially as we enter a new era of understanding, I believe it’s important to challenge lingering misconceptions about cannabis, as many are as unfair as they are inaccurate.”

Epiphanies Whilst High Out of Ones Mind is a must-read for nonfiction lovers, marijuana enthusiasts, or anyone interested in gaining a fuller appreciation of the opportunities and obstacles that lay ahead for the future of cannabis and its path toward social legitimacy.

As a graduate of University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in Political Science and English, Yim is also a prolific blogger with a passionate and loyal following.

“I want to help shatter the stigma associated with marijuana, which dates back to the 1930’s,” explains Yim. “Epiphanies allows readers to learn while laughing and glimpsing the world from the perspective of an average user – breaking down stereotypes and exploring the beauty of the Cannabis plant and its many medicinal, sedative, and creative uses.”


My Review

Epiphanies Whilst High Out of One’s Mind, a new novel by HT Yim, is an exhaustive exploration into the Authors experiences, good and bad, with smoking and ingesting marijuana. It begins with her youngest and most unpleasant experiences, and progresses forward in her life as she gets more comfortable both with the drug AND the progression of her relationships. Her insights are well-thought, her writing impeccable, and the descriptions of her experiences full of color and complexity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite my reluctance towards the subject matter originally. This is recommended reading for stoners and non-stoners alike.


Excerpt
 'The wind was bone-chilling and relentless, whipping my hair into my face and attacking from every possible front while I stood outside the metro station, eyes focused firmly down the street, scanning for a familiar vehicle. My body felt flushed with warmth and intense relief as I at long last entered Kurt’s car, escaping the harshness of yet another winter night in Canada.
 It was one o’clock in the morning: we had both been relieved from our shifts at our part-time jobs in the restaurant industry. We spoke little on the ride to Kurt’s home, for which I was silently grateful. It was a Friday, the busiest night of the week. We were both senselessly tired and, immersed in the intense panic, stress, and self-hatred inducing experience known as final exams, I was caught in a mild spell of depression. Constantly feeling the pressure of school and working just to pay rent and other seemingly never-ending bills, I lamented the futility of life, of slaving away only to perish, in what can be construed as the last remnants of adolescent angst; it all seemed so … Damned pointless. As we drew closer to his house, Kurt pulled over in front of the nearby park to light up, as per usual after a shift. ‘You want some?’ he asked in a choked voice as he held in the smoke. Normally, I would have refused his offer. Though I had learned to appreciate marijuana, I was not quite comfortable doing it on a frequent basis. Yet on a night such as this, exhausted and stressed out for various reasons … Fuck it, I thought. Why not? ‘Please and thank you.’ Once we were satisfactorily ripped and had reasonably aired out the car, we drove into his garage and entered the house. After shedding our coats we turned the television on, chose Clone Wars as the Netflix selection of the night, and scoured the fridge to lay out a little feast for an obscenely late dinner. Sadly, even the enhancing effects of weed could not dissolve my melancholy mood; at least, not immediately. After we finished our meal, Kurt revealed his surprise. Having noticed my gloomy state of mind, he had brought back a slice of chocolate-encrusted caramel cheesecake from his restaurant; a gesture that normally would have thrilled me. I pulled him into a hug, appreciating his thoughtfulness. Though I did not much feel like eating it, I tiredly picked at the dessert. The moment cake and taste-buds made contact, my eyes widened; it was as if my brain exploded in a whirl of delight, pleasure, and revelation. This … this is it. This is the point! Sensations … food, laughter, sex, music. This is the point of life! For a more coherent (and sober) explanation, I was referring to the sweetest sensations, both physical and mental, that life has to offer: of food that makes you feel inundated, indeed almost intoxicated with pleasure; of humour that makes you feel certain you must be developing abs from laughing so hard; of a book that absorbs you completely, pulling you from and simultaneously enriching reality; of physical intimacy that makes you feel like you wouldn’t even mind if life were to end immediately afterwards; of music that truly moves you, instilling in you a strong, almost physical urge to share it with the whole world; of the first distinguishable scent of a new season in the air, stirring up old memories and promising new ones to be made; of a soft bed that makes you feel like you never, ever want to leave its warmth and comfort … For me, such delightful sensations were what made life truly beautiful and worthwhile, whereas the painful experiences of sadness, anguish, and heartbreak served as reminders not to take anything for granted. Like the ephemeral firework or flower, I mused, finally swallowing. Beautiful despite its brief existence – perhaps even more so because of it. Smiling to myself, brimful of satisfaction and meaning, I proceeded to shamelessly and unrestrainedly stuff my face with cheesecake.'
Author Bio: 

Hayoung Terra Yim is a graduate of University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in Political Science and English.

She is a Third Wave feminist and a member of the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy. She is the author of Epiphanies Whilst High Out Of One’s Mind: a series of narrative nonfiction essays written on the subject of cannabis, seeking to both entertain and educate. Her blog, www.potandprose.com, provides insightful and incisive commentary on marijuana-related themes and confronts today’s most controversial topics in an approachable, yet direct way. Her writing has been published on Elephant Journal and Ladybud Magazine and she is an avid fan of all things science-fiction and fantasy. 

Links:


The author is giving away 10 digital copies of her book. 



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