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< Back Michael Bickel 250,000 NOs From rejection to riches, a memoir by the President / CEO of TableMation Studios, Michael Bickel. 250,000 No’s is a memoir by Michael Bickel, which chronicles his journey from childhood through to adulthood. Bickel describes how he managed to overcome trauma and rejection to establish two successful, digital, companies. Bickel experienced significant loss as a child, when his father died when he was just ten years old. His mother was absent from much of his youth, as she took over the family business and later re-married. Bickel discusses his personal relationships, the highs and the lows, and how he had to cope with two surprise pregnancies. He discusses with openness and honesty the break-up of his first marriage, which left him heartbroken and nearly bankrupt. He later found companionship and happiness with his second wife, Jeanelle. He documents his education and career, dropping out of college and then reluctantly working for his stepfather in a furniture store for fourteen years. He spent twenty-three years as a sales rep for the Yellow Pages, becoming a top seller and receiving numerous awards. In his fifties, Bickel established TableMation Studios – an ambitious, animated dining experience, and later invested in Proto Hologram, a holographic broadcast and communications company. Bickel describes how he was deceived by his business associates, and nearly lost everything during the Covid19 pandemic. During his life, Bickel estimates he received 250,000 rejections. But, through sheer hard-graft, ‘irrational persistence,’ and the support of a loving family, he found success later in life. Today, TableMation Studios is in cities all over the world and has sold over two million tickets. 250,000 No’s is a poignant and inspirational memoir by an extraordinary businessman who found success later in life despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks. Bickel refused to give up and worked relentlessly to achieve his dreams. The book offers practical insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders. Bickel shares his personal experiences and wisdom, offering readers a roadmap to achieve long term success. Overall, a compelling memoir of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. A must read for anyone interested in TableMation studios, or those seeking motivation and inspiration in personal or professional pursuits. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and inspirational memoir by an extraordinary businessman who found success later in life. ​ Purchase here

< Back C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street A young boy finds love with the girl next door, by author CJ Hudson Twelve-year-old CJ lives in constant fear of his drunken, abusive father. Life at school is no better, as he is frequently tormented and bullied by other children. When CJ gets into a scrape at school, his father is enraged and beats him with his belt. But when CJ’s mother tries to intervene to protect her son, he beats her close to death, and she ends up in hospital. His father leaves the family home, and his mother later marries another equally unpleasant man, Dick. The family move to a new house on Fairhaven Street, where CJ meets his new neighbor, Danielle. Danielle’s home becomes a sanctuary for CJ, where he can escape his miserable life at home. CJ and Danielle become inseparable, but their parents dismiss their relationship as ‘puppy love.’ As the love between CJ and Danielle grows, CJs mother announces she is seeking full custody of CJ, and the family are moving from Florida to Michigan. CJ is distraught when he has to leave Fairhaven Street, and he promises to wait for Danielle and return back to Florida when he can. CJ soon settles into school in Michigan, and meets new friends, but misses Danielle and dreams of the day when they can be reunited. Eight years later, following his graduation, CJ returns to Florida to try and track down Danielle. Will CJ find Danielle? Will Danielle remember her childhood sweetheart? And will the couple rekindle their relationship? Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is a beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir by author CJ Hudson. Written for his sons, CJ Hudson tells the story of his troubled life, the abuse he suffered as a child from his father and school bullies, and the depression he experienced throughout his life. But this is also a story about love and hope, how the love he found from the girl next door, and other significant people in his life, including his grandma and his karate teacher, helped him move forward and break the cycle of violence and abuse. There is an unexpected twist towards the end of the book, which brings a whole new and slightly disturbing perspective to the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir about love and hope. ​ Purchase here

< Back M. E. Taylor Brothers A young boy in Roman Britain is sold into slavery. Set in Roman Britain around 100 AD, about fifty years after the Roman invasion, when slavery was legal and common place. The book follows Verluccus, a ten-year-old enslaved boy who is sold, branded, and gifted to a seven-year-old Roman child, Gaius Marcius, as a playmate. Gaius’s family had recently arrived in the province of Britannia from Italy, with the hope of new opportunities, land, and wealth. Gaius’s father, Lucius Marcius Phillipianus, a wealthy Roman senator, thinks Verluccus is unsuitable for his precious and protected son, describing Verluccus as a dirty, coarse, uneducated ‘brutish Briton.’ Verluccus refuses to obey his master, believing he is not a slave, and escapes the household. Nine years later, Verluccus is found and returned to the family. Gaius, who had yearned for Verluccus and prayed for him to be restored to him for nine-long years, is delighted. Gaius plans to train and tame Verluccus, and makes him his personal body slave. Verluccus is initially hostile but eventually complies, and serves his young master, while Gaius’s obsession for his slave grows. Meanwhile, Verluccus falls hopelessly in love with Gaius’s sister, Gaia, who is betrothed to another man. Gaia declares her love for Verluccus but knows she would disgrace her family if found consorting with a slave. The secret affair continues, but the couple are separated when Verluccus is required to travel to Rome with his master. Will Verluccus and Gaia reveal their love for one another? And will Verluccus ever be freed from a life of slavery? Brothers by author M. E. Taylor is a historical fiction novel about life and love in Roman Britain. This is an utterly absorbing novel, about wealth and inequality, love and romance, treachery and betrayal, hidden treasures, and forbidden love. This is a well written and well researched story about the personal lives of the Roman conquerors and their conquered subjects. With a host of interesting characters, and an intriguing and believable plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, and anyone interested in Roman Britain. This is a lengthy novel, at just over five hundred pages, but very easy to read and well worth the time investment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An utterly absorbing historical fiction novel about life and love in Roman Britain. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2023: Best Children's Book Age 3 to 7 Scott Smallwood Monkey and Bug's Night at The Corn Stand Jam Becca Johnsey When We Are Apart Nadja Springer The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Hope Charlene McIver Nature Study Buddies Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! C.J. Zachary Awkward Avocado and the Interrupting Raptor Paul Hock Snowflake the Christmas Beagle DoodleFina Adventure Press Beatrice and Her Razzmatazz C. James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch Goes to School Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Three August E. Allen I Love Dandelions L.A.D. Publishing Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report Amy Landgraf Good Night, Sweet Peas Ariel and Brandon Blackwell The Beat In My Head Greg Payne My Grandpa's Grandpa Timothy Frazier Lauren The Cow Anna Finch Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals Melitta Santos Fini: The beauty of a broken shell April Lopez Napoleon: No Ordinary Donkey H. R. Manske Doppy and the Runaway Balloons Anna Finch Mellie the Mermaid: Is NOT Scared of ANYTHING Charly Froh How to Solve the Mystery of Crying Ron Keres This Book Is Perfect! Nadia Khan Zoey Wonders Why Joe Ciccarelli When You Meet a Hangry Howard Susan Justice Children Who Dance in the Rain Sally Fetouh Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks Jennifer Welborn Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Margaret Grote I Like Mud Jana L. Farris The Chicken on the Moon

< Back Mitzi Perdue Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul An insightful biography about an inspirational man, by author Mitzi Perdue Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul, is a biography about author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, Mark Victor Hansen, by Mitzi Perdue. The book comprises thirty chapters, which follow Mark from early childhood, his teenage and college years, through to his sixties and right through to the present day. The book describes how even at a young age, Mark was a hustler, buying and selling greetings cards to buy a racing bike. During his teenage years he excelled at writing, and at college he was destined for a career in academia. Later, he ventured into business when his academic career was cut short, but his business failed, and he was made bankrupt at the age of twenty-five. Described as one of the lowest points of his young life, Mark felt a failure and contemplated suicide. But, his faith in God pulled him through, and with the help of his friends and trusted mentors, he became a successful motivational speaker. He set up two successful companies: The Million Dollar Forum, and The Three Percent Club. The stories he collected during this time became the foundation for his book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, coauthored with friend and business partner Jack Canfield. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series led to sales of half a billion books and a Guinness Book of World’s Records entry for the most books on The New York Times bestseller list at the time. Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul is an insightful and inspirational biography by Mitzi Perdue, based on interviews with Mark and many of his relatives, friends, and colleagues, who shared their personal stories and memories. The stories show how Mark strived hard to achieve his goals and didn’t give up when things got tough, and how he maintained a strong sense of faith during good and bad times. Throughout his life, Mark was supported by many friends and mentors who guided him on his journey, and he used his experiences to give back to others. He inspired millions of people across the world, through his books, speaking events, and philanthropic activities. After each chapter, there is a short section titled ‘Learn from Mark’, which includes hints and tips for the reader to help them achieve success in their own life. Mitzi Perdue has done a great job at bringing Mark Victor Hansen’s story to life, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly events of his life. This is an honest, respectful, well-researched and exhaustive biography, which covers Mark’s life from early childhood to the present day. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and insightful biography, packed full of life-lessons that will benefit any reader. ​ Purchase here

< Back Dr Nizar M Benazzouz The innovative Animal Nizar M. Benazzouz, PhD examines the hidden pattern within all natural and human innovations. The Innovative Animal explores the concept of innovation in all its facets, from the computer field and business, to the creation of our Matrix, online streaming, and the introduction of AI. Benazzouz discusses the rapid and profound transformations that have taken place over recent times, and how they have disrupted almost every aspect of our lives, from our economy, our society, and our individual identity. He discusses how the smartphone has become an extension of ourselves, enabling us to do almost anything and everything, from ordering a taxi, to streaming movies, and communicating with loved ones. The world we live in today is almost unrecognizable from the world of the 1950s. For many, the rapid pace of change is confusing and overwhelming. Benazzouz developed “The Fundamental Identity of Innovation”, an equation, he argues, capable of describing all human and natural innovations. In the equation, innovation is a result of motivation (of the innovator), creativity (or vision), technology (or implementation), value (or outcome), and need (of the end user). This is a meticulously researched book by Digital Transformation Manager and Innovation Professor, Nizar M. Benazzouz. The book explores both the creative and destructive forces of innovation, integrating knowledge from the East and West, and exploring innovation alongside developments in other fields of science and social science, such as biology, physics, history, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Benazzouz’s primary motivation to write the book stems from a belief that we are approaching the apogee of the current technological revolution. An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. The book is accessible, yet thought-provoking. It offers readers a fascinating insight into the relationship between innovation and human evolution. Whether you are a tech nerd, a history buff, or just curious about innovation and the future, this book encourages reflection and debate about the intricate relationship between innovation and the world we inhabit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. ​ Purchase here

< Back Hannah Sward STRIP: A MEMOIR Author Hannah Sward tells the story of her life and work in the sex industry. Hannah Sward was abandoned by her mother at the age of two, and brought up by her father, poet Robert Sward. Hannah lived on a houseboat near Victoria, Lasqueti Island, with no cars, stores, and few people. Hannah describes a simple life, living off the land and sea, with fun filled summers spent in Florida with her mother and her half-sister, Rilke. Hannah dreamed of becoming an actress or dancer, and made a pledge with her sister to move to California when they were older. When her father leaves for a trip to India, Hannah is left with his girlfriend, Alina, but spends much of her time alone. One day, while playing at a park alone, Hannah is abducted by a man in a brown car and sexually assaulted. The police are called, and Hannah is examined, but no-one mentions the incident again. Her father and Alina marry, and Alina has a baby boy named Alex. When Hannah and Alex are left alone with a young male babysitter, Hannah is repeatedly sexually abused in the family home. At the age of twenty-two, after studying in Montreal, working as an escort in Chicago, and living with an older man in Miami, Hannah moved to Los Angeles with her sister. But their dreams of becoming successful actresses did not work out as planned, as Rilke worked as a burlesque dancer, while Hannah found more work as an escort. As Hannah struggles to make ends meet, she turns to crystal meth to help cope with her reality. She finds a respectable office job and starts to see a therapist, but jeopardises both when she replaces her drug of choice with alcohol. As Hannah spirals further into addiction, she must confront her past to move forward with her life. Strip: A Memoir, is a deeply moving and personal memoir by Hannah Sward about her childhood growing up in the 1970’s, and her adult life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. Sward’s writing is raw, honest, and at times difficult to read. She describes the pain of being abandoned by her mother, the enduring trauma of abuse, the reality of sex work, and the impact of drug addiction. But she does not dwell on any of these incidents, she does not criticise, and she does not blame. She describes her experience in her own words, with no judgment of others. Sward’s story is heart-breaking. Her journey is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply moving and personal memoir about one woman’s life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. ​ Purchase here

< Back Sabrina Simon Violet A collection of romantic poems and prose, from author Sabrina Simon Violet is a collection of fifty poems and prose by author Sabrina Simon. Written over a seven-year period, from 2015 to 2022, the collection captures the authors journey from her early teenage years through to young adulthood. This is a deeply personal and profound collection of poems from a talented young woman, with a gift for poetry. The early poems capture the authors longing and yearning for love, and her desire for mental and physical intimacy. She describes beautifully her feelings of loss and rejection when love is unrequited, her elation and euphoria when she experiences her first love, and the pain of her first heartbreak. The later poems deal with more mature themes, her fears of starting a new relationship, and her growing sense of self and identity. This book is a deeply intimate collection of poetry and prose about the authors first experiences of love and life as a young teenager, through to early adulthood. This is a beautiful memoir, written during the authors formative years, which captures both the joy and pain of love and relationships. Sabrina Simons describes how poetry became a type of therapy, and how she used it to make sense of new, romantic feelings. Inspired by music and her own life experiences, her poetry is lyrical, powerful, and passionate. Her stories are vivid, emotional and relatable. The book took me back to my own youth, and my own experiences of love and loss. Overall, a beautiful and moving collection of poetry, and a joy to read. Ideal for teens, young adults and anyone who loves romantic poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and profound collection of poetry from a talented young author. ​ Purchase here

< Back Julie Cadman UnMasked A year that changed history, and the lives of the Blake family, by author Julie Cadman UnMasked tells the story of the Covid19 pandemic through the eyes of three generations of the Blake family; seventy-three-year-old grandmother Patti; her daughter, forty-eight-year-old Jenni; and granddaughter, sixteen-year-old, Kylie. The three women describe their personal experiences during the Covid19 pandemic, their individual struggles as the world went into lockdown, their relationships with other family members and how they changed during the pandemic, and how they found hope during this time of unprecedented change. Prior to the pandemic, Patti was the life and soul of the party, she loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends, but as life slowed down during the pandemic, she felt lonely and isolated from her loved ones. With increasing amounts of time spent alone, Patti reflected on her life, which brought to the surface unresolved grief. Jenni struggled with the demands of working from home and looking after three teenage children, the youngest with autism and severe medical needs. She also faced financial struggles as first her husband lost his job, and shortly after she was laid off from her job as a Chief Marketing Officer. Jenni was forced to reassess her life, and her relationship with her mother, which had been strained for many years. Teenager, Kylie, was sad and frustrated at missing out on school, social events, sports activities, and major milestones, such as her driving test, which was cancelled several times during the pandemic. She was inadvertently caught up in the conflict between her mother and grandmother. UnMasked is an honest and heartfelt novel by author Julie Cadman. This is a fictional novel, written in the first-person perspective, which alternates between the voices of the three women. The novel deals with some of the key challenges faced by ordinary people during the pandemic, including fear of catching the virus, vaccine hesitancy, loneliness, isolation and mental health issues, working from home, home-schooling, travel restrictions, and many more. It also describes some of the benefits of lockdown, such as lie-ins, cooking together, and family time. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different experiences and perspectives of three strong female characters, each in a different boat in the same storm . This is an engaging and insightful book, that will resonate with women and girls of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An honest and heartfelt novel, about a year in the life of three women during the Covid 19 pandemic. ​ Purchase here

< Back Victoria E Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson The Big Dream Will Brandon’s dream of winning a remote-controlled car race come true? Twelve-year-old Brandon is looking forward to a fun filled summer break with his friends in Riverside. It is the final week of term, but before school ends, Brandon has to complete an English essay about his plans for the summer. As Brandon ponders his essay, the bell rings and school closes for the summer. Brandon retreats to his rooftop pigeon coop with his friends, Josh and Skip. Brandon has twenty pigeons in his coop, and is visited frequently by a friendly crow, he named Ralph. When the boys hear of a new remote-controlled car race being held in the town, they cannot wait to enter. The race is being organised by video game developer, Game2Teck, and the winner will feature in a new video game. But the car kit and race fees are expensive and could cost up to $2,000. Brandon summons Josh and Skip to an emergency meeting, to discuss ways to raise the money. Each boy gets a summer job, and they plan various other fund-raising events, including a car wash and a bake sale. When they notice crow Ralph collecting shiny objects from the floor, they spot a novel opportunity to make even more money for their racing scheme. But, when money and valuable trinkets start disappearing across the town, Brandon and his feathered friend find themselves in a spot of bother. Will the boys make enough money to enter the race? Will Brandon’s goal of winning the race come true? Or is it all just a pipe dream? The Big Dream by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a fun book for middle grade readers about a young boy named Brandon and his school friends. The boys desperately try to raise money over the summer break to enter a remote-controlled car race. They will stop at nothing to achieve their dream even if it means bending the rules, just a little bit. This is an entertaining story and young readers will laugh out loud at the boys fund-raising adventures and the (mis)adventures of Ralph the crow, who is drafted in to help. The book beautifully captures the essence of summer, childhood friendships and the innocence of youth. A delightful read, with a surprising, unexpected twist at the end. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful, fun-filled summer adventure of pigeon hunting and remote- controlled car racing, featuring a very special crow. Purchase here

< Back Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Siblings Mia and Luka learn how to stay safe in the sun. The Sunscreaming Summer is a graphic novel for middle grade readers, and the first book in the Skinventurez series, by Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar. The book follows the adventures of siblings Mia and Luka, and their friends Jude and Anya, as they take a trip to the countryside during the summer break. Luka is terrified of ghosts and even scared to watch the movie Ghostbusters. When Jude and Luka attack Mia and Anya with rabbit poop, the girls decide to take revenge. They hatch a plan to convince the boys that their dad is a real ghost. The boys test the theory. His skin is pale. His hands are ice cold to the touch. They are convinced he is a ghost. One day as the children play outside, Mia tries to get Luka to wear sunscreen. He ignores her advice because it is cloudy and gets badly sunburnt. His skin is pink, sore, and very itchy. His dad suggests they visit Dr Lazic, a skin doctor in the city. Dr Lazic gives advice on how to stay safe in the sun. She explains how to apply sunscreen correctly, how much to apply, and the importance of protecting the skin by covering up, staying in the shade, and wearing a hat and sunglasses. She also warns of the dangers of sun exposure and provides tips for treating sunburn. When they leave the doctor’s office, they soon learn the truth about Mia and Luka’s dad. Why is his skin so pale? And is he really a ghost? The Sunscreaming Summer is a fun graphic novel, with an important message about sun safety. Written by Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar, a dermatologist who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Struga uses her experience as a skin doctor to raise awareness and educate young people about the dangers of sun exposure. Combining a fun summer holiday and a silly ghost story, the book deals with a serious topic in a way that young children will easily understand. With lots of hints and tips for staying safe in the sun, and additional resources, including a quiz and several puzzles, the book makes the topic fun and accessible for readers of all ages. The illustrations by Lea Embeli are sublime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational graphic book for young readers about sun safety. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar The Diversity Cube and the Cloud Wizard An evil wizard causes disharmony amongst the squares on a Rubik’s Cube. All of the squares on a Rubik’s Cube were different colors, had different names and spoke different languages. For years, the squares lived in peace and harmony with one another. Amongst the squares, six best friends (the ‘Bestest Six’) decided to host an annual festival to celebrate their diversity. They invited the other squares on the cube to join them, and the festival was a success, as each square learned more about their neighbours. But after the festival, one orange square ‘Orong’ made unkind comments about the other squares. An evil wizard named Druff overheard the conversation and decided to spread his hatred, to separate the squares. At the next festival, the squares refused to move, and the wizard cast a spell to freeze the cube. As the Bestest Six try to restore harmony to the cube, a battle ensues with the evil wizard. Can the six best friends defeat the evil wizard? And will harmony ever be restored to the diversity cube? The Diversity Cube And The Cloud Wizard by author and illustrator Hazem Nassar, is a unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Nassar uses the squares and colours of a simple Rubik’s Cube to show the importance of unity and acceptance of others. The message is delivered in a simple way, that children will easily understand. It’s hard to imagine how an inanimate object will resonate with readers, but through the bright and vivid illustrations, Nassar brings the squares’ characters and story to life. The book will serve as a useful tool to discuss unity and diversity with children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Purchase here