5 out of 5 stars *****
This Dr Stanley devotional is an excellent way to start each day. Nothing improves focus more than a visit with His word. The author applies scripture to life's circumstances for an inspirational lesson. Reading this devotional every morning is a little bible study that matures the soul.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This is a first-hand account about alcoholism and recovery. The author is brutally honest and genuine about his own introspection and various treatments out there, like, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The first half of the book is graphic in describing the tragedy of alcoholism and substance abuse.
Mishka Shubaly, an intelligent writer and musician, narrates his own story of dependence to freedom. His no-excuse attitude serves him well to escape depressing victimization. He perseveres, "Cold Turkey." Cold Turkey: How to Quit Drinking by Not Drinking is a compelling lesson about human frailty giving in to desires of the world and flesh (sin). The author pays dearly in every aspect of his life: physical, emotional, social, and economic. His turn-around comes with repentance, longsuffering, and recovery that gives life purpose and meaning. Mishka comes face-to-face with fear, the underlying issue of the book, and overcomes it.
4 out of 5 stars ****
Three entertaining short stories well written and narrated by professionals in their industry. The interesting angle that all three stories share is the sudden shock of a Quarantine that causes them to stay at home and carry out their best laid plans from there. This angle is enough to tease today's listeners into investing a few hours of their quarantined day to escape and enjoy the fictional issues of what is called, "Inside Jobs."
4 out of 5 stars ****
This Young Adult, Fiction/Fantasy has the right pace, plot, and character build to pique my attention as I enjoy the brash and sassy protagonist's adventure in Jaymin Eve's first book in her Curse of the Gods series, Trickery. Humor ameliorates any sense of horror or shock in this young female's self discovery. She forms a working, sometimes amorous, relationship with her dominant, protective companions. This formula for interesting interaction unfolds in the writing skill of the author.
Magical powers define the tiers of social significance in this world. The heroine offers experiences from the bottom wrung to the top surviving much of what should kill her along the way. The conclusion of book #1 implies much leaving opportunities for book #2 to elaborate.
3 out of 5 stars ***
First chapter reveals the protagonist as a young girl who finds herself in a Sword-in-the-Stone scenario. The antagonist is identified as the Demon King. The plot is to kill or dethrone the Demon King using a hero. Follow the young girl as she develops skills and confidence along a path of many challenges she must overcome on her quest. She discovers her own magic maturing as she befriends other magical beings to assist her.
This Young Adult fantasy fiction moves at a quick pace. Some of the adventures are generalized; like, killing monsters along the way as they approach the Demon King's castle. A greater description details the surprise meeting of protagonist with the antagonist. The climax exposes the remaining characters' magic as they fulfill their duties heading into the story's conclusion, one with an open end.
5 out of 5 stars *****
An Audible Bedtime Story, A Short Account of the History of Mathematics is an interesting account about Mathematics' origins and its significant contributors. Despite all the accomplishments of the Egyptians and Chinese, it is the Ionian Greeks who seem to apply Deductive Science to Mathematics. Tony Shalhoub explains this in his laid-back fashion with a pace and clarity that commands attention. The short time it takes to enjoy this Audible Original is well worth one's time.
4 out of 5 ****
This short audio presentation is a teaser to James Patterson's Science Fiction Magical Fantasy series about witchcraft and wizards, young adult heroes, and a new societal take-over by a tyrannical New Order. In the course of a day or two, the young teenagers, Wisty and Whit, discover their burgeoning powers, they are under arrest and face probable death for practicing magic, and discover that their parents are not dead but on the lam, guilty of the same charges.
Patterson's characters are likable. The protagonists are challenged to draw upon inner strength and fortitude to get through their ordeal. The plot is set for anyone to explore this imaginative world by the author's craftsmanship.
