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< Back Sarah Sparks The Angriest Monster on Mill Street A tiny monster has the biggest roar on Mill Street. Albie is the angriest monster on Mill Street. He is a little monster, but when he is angry, he is very angry! He shouts and screams, and hits and kicks when he doesn’t get his own way. But one day, Albie gets so angry he loses his temper and lets out a big roar. As the anger bubbles inside him, little Albie grows into the biggest monster you have ever seen. He stomps on the ground and causes a giant earthquake. He huffs and he puffs and stirs up a tornado. Albie knows he has lost control and starts to think what he can do to help himself. He smells the fresh flowers, and he feels the cool breeze. He sees a rainbow in the sky, and watches the rain bounce off the ground. He feels much calmer. Albie’s temper subsides, and he goes back to being a pint-sized little monster. But he has left a lot of mess in Mill Street and is determined to put things right. He meets some new friends who help him talk through his thoughts and feelings. Some days, Albie is still a grumpy monster, but now he knows how to cope. The Angriest Monster on Mill Street by author Sarah Sparks is part of the Monster on Mill Street series. Like other books in this series, Albie has thoughts and feelings he doesn’t know how to control. He experiences bouts of anger and doesn’t know how to keep his emotions in check, to the extent that his temper blows up out of all proportion. But with spending time in nature and speaking to his friends, Albie learns how to cope, little by little. This book is a great resource for parents or carers to open up discussions with younger children about their thoughts and feelings. It will help younger children recognise their own behaviours and help them to develop techniques to manage their emotions. Importantly, it will remind them that they are not alone, and other people will help and support them. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A great resource for parents or carers, with coping mechanisms for children to help manage their emotions. Purchase here

Book Reviews: Adult Filter by Award Bronze Finalist Finalist Gold Silver Lisa Towles Terror Bay Jennifer Ivy Walker The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight Lisa Towles Salt Island George R. Hopkins When Secrets Come to Light: A novel of love and tangled friendships Leon Conrad Story and Structure: A complete guide Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights J Paul Rieger Jr The Big Comb Over Bill Canady The 80/20 CEO Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days Gail Scoates Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency Jennifer Ivy Walker The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven Angela White Stopping Time: Life After War Carol Amorosi Death on the Line Mitzi Perdue Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul Juliet Rose Prick of the Needle Sabrina Simon Violet Dr Pietro Emanuele Garbelli The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck Viola B. Mecke, Ph.D., ABPP Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years M. E. Taylor Brothers Lachlan Pirie The Resolution Lukman Clark The Alexandria Scrolls Marianne Hartley ALIGN & SHINE Isra Sravenheart Her Dark Love Romana King House Poor No More: 9 Steps to Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Mrs. Anthony I Am Woman... : Book One: My Journey, My Tony G.S. Carline Blood Dragon Rising Marieke Lexmond The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 Jonnie Ramsey Brown You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African American Family Gail Grant Park We Are Shadows An Irish Ghost Story Juliet Rose Trigger Point Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love Alex Poppe Duende J. F. Cronin It Could Happen Here - A Roadmap to Disaster Reese Trapped Cynthia Hughes Live...But LIVE! Madeline Pasimio Contrary to Conception: Stories and Lessons about Successful Birth Control and Contraceptive Methods Juliet Rose Do Over Matthew Binder Pure Cosmos Club Genevieve Jenner Chocolate Cake for Imaginary Lives B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin Liza Gino Imelda's Secret Roni Robbins Hands of Gold Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Peter Eliott A Dream of Shadows David Cairns The Case of the Emigrant Niece Angie Bailey Believe Katie Jay Murder most Vegan Jamie Anderson Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) KJ The Forever and The Now DF Kennedy Nothing But The Truth Alex Poppe Jinwar and Other Stories Regan Walker Bound by Honor Mark Roeder What We Do Next Really Matters Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War Jennifer Ivy Walker Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced Michael Bickel 250,000 NOs Karen K. Brees Crosswind Juliet Rose Carrying the Dead Tucker Madison Green Glass Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl Tony Jeton Selimi A Path to Excellence Pat Wahler The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll Aimee Hill All The Gray In Between Tobin Marks Ark of the Apocalypse Angel A Holy Parrot Margaret Tran The ACTIONS Geoff Spellberg Escape From Hawaii Paul Sanders Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Glendall C Jackson III Naked Came the Detective Karla Huebner In Search of the Magic Theater Raejean Kanter Who Held the Door Open?: Mentoring Through Life's Challenges Gifford MacShane Rainbow Man Stephanie Woodward The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design Wendy Hewlett Witches & Whisky Leslie Kain Secrets In The Mirror Andy Lipman The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community Juliet Rose We Don’t Matte Dr Nizar M Benazzouz The innovative Animal Geoff Sease When We Push Through Sound W.A. Pepper You Will Know Vengeance: A Tanto Thriller DF Kennedy The Whole Truth Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev David Zelman PhD What's Next? Get Clear & Get Going Ralph L. Bayrer Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional A Memoir of Entrepreneurism Politics and Pot K.c. LaSaga Dragum Julie Cadman UnMasked David W. Berner The Islander Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster Humology: How to put humans back at the heart of technology Anne Angelo Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass Carter Fielding Murder in the Marshes Rozsa Gaston Margaret of Austria Melissa Jacobus The Accomplice Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake Cristiana Pinciroli Sport : a Stage for Life - How to Connect with the Touchstones of Elite Performance and Personal Fulfillment Robin Jeffrey R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery Lem Moye Catching Cold Vol 2 - Redemption Peter Mazurek Modern Catholic Concerns Anthony J Mohr Every Other Weekend Coming of Age With Two Different Dads Ben Merrick Where the Valley Meets the Sky Alison McBain The New Empire Paula Dail Fearless Rick Soshensky The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul's Truth Danny Holst The Harlem Story Jon Howe Shanghaied Angela Williams Loving Me: After Abuse Don Ake Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life Hannah Sward STRIP: A MEMOIR Kathleeen Janz Anderson September Wind Book II Glenda Brown The Story of Raine C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street Kelly Cheek Gazing Into the Abyss Lisa Towles The Ridders Dr Haseena Chokkiyil The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights from a Healers Diary Stephen Alder Deehabta's Song Mary L Schmidt Her Alibi Joshua Hershey Linden Falls Sherman E Ross Code Name: Juggernaut Juliet Rose Through the Surface Shonna Waters The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You Ronan James Cassidy Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind Paula Welch Cloud Piercer Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Richard Lui Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness Jeremy Bazley My China - Living Inside the Dragon Julia Brewer Daily ;The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement DF Kennedy The Truth Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Adam Saint The Transfer Problem J J Alo The Street Between the Pines Holly Brough The Name I Choose J Paul Rieger Jr Clonk! Alison Jean Lester The Sound of It Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Brian R Estvander Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank Jim Malloy Raptor's Revenge Ed Norwood Be a Giant Killer: Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths Marlayne Jan Giron Second Chance Inn Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors Paula Welch A River of Fortune John Bartell The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience Danny Holst Promised Land Jim Lichtman Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr S. C. Eston Deficiency Carter Fielding Murder in the Tea Leaves: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery--Book 2 Dr. Trent W. Smallwood Lethal Decree S. Graham Vacant Ashley Porsche Bugge The Ocean is Calling Hayley Lyle Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others Filter by Category Fiction Non fiction Filter by Genre Alternative history Biographical fiction Biography Black & African American Business Childhood trauma Christian fiction Fantasy fiction Historical fiction Literary fiction Medieval historical romance Memoir Music Mystery and crime Poetry Romance Science fiction Self-help Social sciences Thriller and suspense War fiction Women's literature Writing reference

< Back Bill Canady The 80/20 CEO Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days A business playbook by author and global business executive Bill Canady. The 80/20 CEO: Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days is a business playbook by author and businessman Bill Canady. Canady created an operating system for business – the Profitable Growth Operating System – designed to turn a business around in one hundred days, using the 80/20 principle. The 80/20 principle (also known as the Pareto Principle) is a rule in business that maintains that just 20 percent of what you do or spend generates 80 percent of your revenue. Divided into three parts, the first part describes the Profitable Growth Operating System, the second part focuses on the first one hundred days in a leadership role, and the third part discusses the long-term strategy required for sustained success. Canady’s story is remarkable. He describes his upbringing, growing up ‘dirt poor’ on a farm in southeastern North Carolina, and how he rose to success as a global business executive through hard work and determination. Canady’s operating system is based on his own personal experience of leading multi-million-dollar companies. Over a thirty-year period, Canady generated significant profitable growth for several companies. He uses his insight, business expertise, and knowledge of other management practices (including strategy, talent management, lean methods, and mergers and acquisitions) to provide a comprehensive roadmap for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Canady provides a wealth of information, and practical tools and tips that readers can implement in their own business. Each chapter is filled with expert advice and examples from the real world of business. Canady’s style is engaging, entertaining and easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers of all levels of business expertise. Overall, an inspirational and practical guide to business success for aspiring or experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders , or anyone interested in business. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A comprehensive and valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2023: Best Teen Book Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) Brianna and Matthew Penfold The Intrepid Three: Animus Revealed Daniel Foster Torment: Descension Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders S.M. Webb Spirited Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Maggie Paredes On a Rooftop in Beijing Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose Alexander Sotberg Secrets of the Elementals Ilene Grydsuk Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles E.M. Leander Wren and the Tarnished Tiger

< Back Juliet Rose Through the Surface A haunting love story, by author Juliet Rose Teenager, Iris Brubaker, fights for her life after her abusive father brutally attacks her and leaves her for dead. Iris dies on the operating table, but is brought back to life several times and survives the ordeal. Iris’s father kills her mother, aunt and cousin, and Iris is traumatised and scarred for life, both physically and mentally. Around the same time, another teen, Ledger Elliot, faces unimaginable loss when his father tragically commits suicide by jumping from his fishing boat. Ledger takes on the household responsibilities of his father, and decides to keep the fishing boat in use, to honour his father’s memory. Fifteen years later, Iris and Ledger’s worlds collide when Iris takes residence on a small Island, off the coast of Maine, where Ledger was born and raised. Iris arrives on the island to take over the ownership of the old Crowley Lodge, which she inherited as the only living survivor of the Brubaker family, following the death of her late grandmother. Iris plans to bring the lodge back to its former glory and open a hotel, in her grandmother’s memory. She hires Ledger, now a fisherman and an all-round handy man to help her with some jobs. Ledger feels a presence in the lodge, and experiences strange visions and terrifying nightmares. Ledger starts to develop feelings for Iris, but is scared of taking the relationship forward when he hears about her trauma and near-death experience. As the couple grow closer, Ledger learns more about Iris’s past, the history of the lodge, and the mystery of his father’s death. He discovers evil, demonic forces that have forced the couple together and risk tearing their whole lives apart. Through the Surface is a gripping horror novel, by author Juliet Rose, with an unexpected and supernatural twist. What starts out as a typical love story (boy and girl have troubled pasts, help each other recover, and fall in love), turns into a haunting, terrifying and gripping thriller. This book is weird and wonderful, serious and surreal, engaging and horrifying. Juliet Rose has a natural gift for storytelling and super characterisation, and this novel does not disappoint. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A haunting, terrifying and gripping thriller, with an unexpected and supernatural twist. ​ Purchase here

< Back Geoff Spellberg Escape From Hawaii A love affair, and a battle for supremacy, on the islands of Hawaii. In the late 1700’s, Jake Attucks, a former Captain in the Continental Army, sails to the Hawaiian islands, on board the ship Columbia. He is fleeing his home in New York, following the death of his younger brother, Tad, who was tragically killed on the battlefield. Still grieving the death of his brother, and seeking redemption from his parents, who blame him for Tad’s death, Jake hopes to make his fortune in the Pacific North fur trade. After a violent incident on board the Columbia, Jake is thrown off the ship and abandoned on the island of Maui . When the natives learn of Jake’s weapon-making skills, they are keen to befriend him and learn his skills. The Chief of Maui is preparing for war against the Chief of Hawaii, who has ambitions to take over the entire archipelago . The Chief of Maui sets Jake up with a forge and two assistants, to make weapons for the impending war. Jake settles into village life, but he is forced to work and fight for the Chief, to stay on the island. Jake meets Leilani, a member of the Maui royal family. The couple fall in love, and Jake is adopted into the Maui royal family, so they can marry. Jake learns that Leilani was stolen from her family on the island of Hawaii and is being held captive on Maui against her will. She hopes one day to escape and return home to her blood family in Hawaii. As the Maui and Hawaiin Chief's prepare for battle, Jake and Leilani have an important decision to make. Will they fight for Maui, or will they risk their lives and try to escape to Leilani’s homeland in Hawaii? Escape From Hawaii by author Geoff Spellberg is a historical fiction novel set on the beautiful, tropical islands of Hawaii in the late 1700’s. This is an insightful and fascinating novel, inspired by real events, following Captain Cook’s discovery of the islands in 1778. The book tells the story of the battle of supremacy between two island Chiefs, and the interference of foreign traders and settlers from Europe and Russia. At the heart of the story is a beautiful affair between two fictional characters, Jake and Leilani, who are both enslaved on the island of Maui, but unexpetedly find love in the tropical paradise. With piracy, warfare, romance, and betrayal, this is a thoroughly enjoyable action, adventure novel not to be missed. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, and those with an interest in the fascinating history of Hawaii. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable, historical fiction novel, set during a significant period in Hawaiian history. ​ Purchase here

< Back W.A. Pepper You Will Know Vengeance: A Tanto Thriller Author WA Pepper writes a new techno-charged version of the Shawshank Redemption for the 21st century A young hacker, known by his handle name, Tanto, is captured and found guilty of cyber terrorism. Imprisoned under a new US law, he has lost of all his rights as a human being. He is implanted with a tracking and torture devise and is subjected to forced labour. To secure his freedom, Tanto must capture other hackers and defend government systems from cyber-attacks. Failure to do so would result in death, or worse, a transfer to Guantanamo Bay. For eight years, Tanto follows the rules and meets the minimum capture requirements, while at the same time he protects the other inmates (his tribe). But everything changes when a new inmate, the notorious hacker Barca, enters the prison and the safety of the whole tribe is put under threat. Tanto hatches a desperate plan to protect his tribe, destroy the enemy, and escape the prison. You will Know Vengeance, is the first part of a fresh, new techno-thriller trilogy by author WA Pepper. Set within the confines of a prison, and the wilderness of cyber space, the two disparate worlds collide in a tense, gripping drama. It is a fast-paced, high-energy novel, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whilst this book will certainly appeal to techno-thriller junkies, it is an easy-to-read novel for neophytes, providing a fascinating insight into the hidden world of hackers, cyber criminals, and the dark web. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fast-paced, high-energy, techno-thriller novel, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Author Elizabeth H. Cottrell demonstrates how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a guidebook by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell about how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Cottrell explains how handwritten notes have been effective, meaningful tools for connection throughout her life. She shares her experience of writing personal and professional notes, and offers advice and guidance to help readers find and write their own words. The book is divided into six key sections. In Chapter 1, Cottrell explains why she wrote the book, and discusses the history of note writing. In Chapter 2 she describes how note writing can build deeper and more meaningful connections with people. Chapter 3 describes her secret NOTES formula for note writing, and Chapter 4 examine how to apply the formula in different scenarios. In Chapter 5, Cottrell provides examples of notes in less common or difficult situations. Chapter 6 demonstrates how to apply the same principles to business and professional correspondence. The remaining chapters and appendices include a variety of tools and tips, and further resources to help readers on their personal note writing journey. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a beautifully written and insightful book by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell. Cottrell shares her own personal experiences and describes the power of note writing to connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire. The book provides insight, advice, hints and tips, and helpful tools, to help readers craft meaningful and impactful notes for any occasion. With a simple and easy to follow NOTES formula, the book will help develop readers confidence and skills in note writing. The book is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their note writing skills, and will appeal to any reader interested in note writing, in either a personal or professional capacity. I hope this beautiful book will inspire a love of this art-form. Cottrell’s expertise in note writing, and her passion for more meaningful communication, shines throughout this book. Cottrell speaks from the heart and this book is very special. Truly heart spoken. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A definitive guide to more meaningful and impactful communication through the art of note writing. ​ Purchase here

< Back J Paul Rieger Jr Clonk! A refreshing and entertaining take on the detective genre. Clonk! by author J Paul Rieger Jr is a dark detective comedy novel about a group of high school friends and social misfits, who meet at Ignatius High School. The story takes place in Baltimore from the mid-1990s to 2020, and follows the friends journey from graduation through to middle age, as they continue to support one another through good and bad times. The main character, Kev Dixit, joined the Baltimore City Police Force and after several failed attempts, was promoted to Detective. A dedicated family man, and a shrewd but unorthodox cop, Kev is the glue that keeps the friends together. Kev and his detective partner, Dinetta Laurence, are investigating the murder of a local artist in Roland Park. With few clues, the pressure to close the case is intense. Can one of her own paintings solve the mystery of her murder? Meanwhile, classmates and real estate businessmen Lou Ricciti and Pete Palanzo find themselves embroiled in a fraudulent scheme with some unsavoury characters. Kev is reluctant to get involved, but forced to step in when things get out of hand. Chris Waxley, an actor, who everyone thinks is gay, but isn’t, is helping another classmate, undertaker Brian (the Troll), to stop his meddling parents interfering in his love life, by pretending to be in a relationship with him. Clonk! is an exceptional crime detective novel, with a fusion of mystery and dark comedy. The clever juxtapositioning of dark and comedic elements will keep readers thoroughly engaged. Kev Dixit is an endearing crime detective, and the supporting, eccentric cast, adds to the comedic charm. Clonk! captures the essence of lifelong friendships, and the camaraderie and banter amongst the friends brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to the characters. Spanning multiple timelines, the plot unfolds slowly, keeping readers guessing to the very end. Clonk! offers a refreshing and entertaining take on the detective genre. If you’re a fan of detective stories and enjoy dark humor, you will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Clonk! captures the essence of lifelong friendships, while delivering a satisfying and unforgettable mystery. ​ Purchase here

< Back Carter Fielding Murder in the Tea Leaves: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery--Book 2 Monkey mayhem and murder mystery, from author Carter Fielding Finley Blake, a freelance travel writer from Manhattan, is asked by a high-end travel magazine to write a piece about Sri Lanka. She snaps up the opportunity and travels out to Sri Lanka, where she meets up with her sister, Whitt, and is later joined by her boyfriend, Max, and her sister’s boyfriend David. On a visit to a tea factory, a dead body is found, and the sisters help the police identify the victim as a young woman residing at their hotel. As they start their adventure again and explore the local Sri Lankan wildlife, another dead body is found – and another familiar face from their expedition. The police think that the deaths are accidental, but Finley and Whitt notice a couple acting very strangely, and some rather odd monkey business. Will Finley and Whitt discover the truth before any more bodies are found? Murder in the Tea Leaves is a cosy mystery novel by Carter Fielding and the second instalment in the Blake Sisters Travel Mystery series. This is an excellent mystery, intertwined with a little romance, monkey business, and a travel adventure of a lifetime. Fielding is an excellent storyteller, who really knows how to plot a mystery and build suspense. I was gripped until the very end. I hadn’t read the first book in the series, and while there were some references to previous events, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the book, or my understanding of the story. With vivid descriptions of the beautiful Sri Lankan landscape, history, culture, and wildlife, I was transported to this idyllic paradise for a while. This is a perfect novel for fans of cosy mysteries, women’s fiction, and travel fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An excellent mystery, intertwined with a little romance, monkey business and a travel adventure of a lifetime. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Jeremy Bazley My China - Living Inside the Dragon A fascinating insight into China and Chinese culture, by author Jeremy Bazley. My China - Living inside the Dragon is a memoir by author Jeremy Bazley about his experiences and observations of living, working and travelling in China between 2002-2017. Bazley went to work in China in 2002, on behalf of a UK based entrepreneur, managing a joint venture with a state-controlled company making high quality cigarette paper for the huge Chinese market. During this fifteen-year period, Bazley visited twenty-four out of thirty-three regions, covering 73 per cent by region in all geographic areas of China. The book provides a unique western perspective on living in China, away from the more ‘isolated chattering classes, intelligencia and professional communities of the larger cities’ . Bazley built a home and life for himself in a country where he initially did not speak the language. He benefited from many privileges that came with his job, but he also made significant personal sacrifices, that impacted his marriage and children. Bazley’s work brought him in contact with all aspects of Chinese life and culture, from Beijing to the modern mega cities and the rural countryside. Bazley describes his early days in the city of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province in eastern China; his experience of China and ways of life, including Chinese drinking culture, food, leisure pursuits, business dealings, politics and education; his personal life, and his travels across the country. Bazley provides a non-judgmental commentary on China’s politics, economic growth and culture during a period of historic growth and evolution. During his time in China, Bazley was presented with various awards of recognition through the all-important ‘Friendship’, from the Jiaxing city and Zhejiang provincial governments in China. This is an enlightening, engaging and entertaining book about an English man’s life, work and travels across China. I particularly enjoyed Bazley’s extracts from detailed personal diary notes , which were heartfelt, funny and fascinating. The book will appeal to readers who are interested in China, and Chinese culture and politics, those who are considering working and living in China, and anyone interested in travel and adventure. China is an amazing country and is now firmly on my bucket list! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enlightening, engaging and entertaining book about an English man’s life, work and travels across China. ​ Purchase here

< Back Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster Humology: How to put humans back at the heart of technology Griffin and Foster explore how to put humans into the heart of technology. Humology: How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology, by authors Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster, explores the impact of technology on humans and society. The authors were motivated to write the book to urge others to design technology with humans in mind, not just for the sake of progress. The book is divided into six parts: The Shifting Landscape, Managing Change, Designing with Humans in Mind, Seeing Humans Through Five ‘I’s, Ethical Design and The Humology Approach. It considers the evolution of technology from the dawn of the digital age to the present day, the impact of technology on market dynamics and human behaviours. It examines the complexity of change and the various approaches taken to increase success, including change and project management. The authors seek to understand human psychology through a Five ‘I’s framework (Impatient, Impressionable, Inattentive, Inert, and Irrational) and they describe their human-first approach to solving challenges with technology, ‘The Humology Approach.’ Humology: How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology is an informative and thought-provoking book about the impact of technology on our lives. Well written and thoroughly researched, the book examines the rapid advancement in technology and the challenges and opportunities this presents. The book is easy to read, engaging and very accessible. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between humans and technology. This book provides practical tools and solutions for those designing and building technological solutions. The book will appeal to readers involved in designing and implementing technology, anyone using technology, and anyone interested in the role technology plays in our lives. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and thought-provoking book about the impact of technology in our lives. ​ Purchase here