First Chapter Plus - November 2022 Issue

First Chapter Plus

Edge of Old Age by Janice Miller

by I Have Something To Say Press Roadmap to New Angles to stay relevant by Susan Violante

Interview with Mike Brookshire Author of “The Persimmon Tree Narrative” by Sheri Hoyte

Christmas Celebrations Round the World: Families, Friends, and Food by Barefoot Librarian

New Books and Videos

First Chapter Plus

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First Chapter Plus is a monthly e-Magazine which includes the First Chapters, book videos, and podcasts of recently published books and back lists books. It is distributed to libraries, book stores, media, readers, reviewers, and bloggers; It also offers content of value to our audience.

Published by I Have Something To Say Press 11900 Jollyville Rd. #201673 Austin, Texas 78759.

Editor’s Note

Susan Violante - Managing Editor

Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Al though she built a career as a Business Analyst/Ac countant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children’s stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edi tion: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past –Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO/Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity, Author, Reviewer, Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs, Canela, Karina, and Nutela. Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Ari anna and Nicolette, and caregiver to her father. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, and any outdoor activity.

This Thanksgiving Be More Than Grateful, Say Thank You!

Every year during Thanksgiving many of us expresses what we are grateful for. Some of us also express gratefulness through prayer. Al that is wonderful, but how many times do we take the opportunity that Thanksgiving brings to say thank you to our loved ones for being part of our lives. Furthermore, what about thanking our coworkers, customers, doctors, patients, and anyone who in some way big or small, has touched our life.

We currently live such hectic schedules that rarely we can grasp everything that goes on around us. Thus, it is so common to take people and things of real value for granted. Finding a quiet moment to take inventory and be able to thank the people in your life that matter regardless of their relation to you should be part of our thanksgiving holiday because being grateful makes us mindful and hum ble. But to receive an unexpected “thank you” from someone let us know that what we do matters. It makes us feel appreciated and valued.

So why not give the gift of “thank you” to someone this Thanksgiving?

Thank you all for supporting us for so many years! First Chapter Plus has al ways been a labor of love for books and writing. Without the support of Authors and Readers our e-magazine would not be possible. Have a happy Thanksgiving surrounded by love and cheers!

Page 02

Editor’s Note - This Thanksgiving Be More Than Grateful, Say Thank You!

Page 11 Book Reviews of the Month

Page 17 Roadmap to New Angles to stay relevant by Susan Violante

Page 22

Edge of Old Age by Janice Miller

Page 25

Interview with Mike Brookshire Author of “The Persimmon Tree”

Page 39

Christmas Celebrations Round the World: Families, Friends, and Food by Barefoot Librarian

Featured Books and Authors

Lynne

Armstrong-Jones

FLynne Armstrong-Jones, like many authors, feels that she’s been writing all her life! When she started sending manuscripts to major publishers and agents, though, finances interfered, and she went back to full-time work. Since then, she’s been making up for lost time! On the Trail of the Unseen is the third of her five-book fantasy series.

For more information about Frederick visit www.lynnearmstrongjones.com

Synopsis:

Although Nico is a skilled swordsman, even he can’t fight plague, so he is forced to leave and flee northward with his family, leaving his sorcery friends to try to help the panicked people. One sorceress remains behind in the Tower, searching for a cure. But what she does could prove disastrous.

By Lynne Armstrong-Jones

Featured Books and Authors

L.E. DeLano

L.E. DeLano comes equipped with a “useless” Theatre degree that has opened doors for her in numerous ways. Though mostly raised in New Mexico, she now lives in Pennsylvania with two adventurous kids and two ri diculous cats. L.E.’s 2021 novel, BLUE, was named a 2021 SPARK Award win ner by The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), a 2021-22 Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult in the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards, a 2021 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite in Young Adult Fiction, a 2022 Independent Press Award Distinguished Fa vorite – Teen, and was named 2021-22 Teen/YA Book of the Year by Reader Views Kids. Her debut novel, TRAV ELER, was a Keystone State Reading Association (KSRA) Secondary Book Awards Finalist for 2018-2019.

For more information about L.E. visit www.ledelano.com

Synopsis: Blue’s older brother was in volved in a car accident that killed the father of her classmate, Maya, and now Maya has returned to school determined to make Blue’s life a living hell in the aftermath. When Maya’s taunts push Blue to retaliate, they find themselves forced into a project meant to foster cooperation. Blue learns about Maya—and her own sense of privilege—when revealed secrets cast a new perspective on everything in Blue’s world.

Blueby L.E. Delano is an intense and completely engrossing YA novel about perspective . . . a must read for teens and anyone else who enjoys a great fictional story.

— Paige Lovitt Reader Views Kids

Overall: 10.00 out of 10. DeLano has an excellent ear for teens' idiomatic speech. This is a fast-paced novel focused more on feelings and the social world of teens . . . An easy read for its intended audience.

— BookLife Prize

I Have Something To Say Press was founded in 2013 and has been an unseen force behind Book by Book Publicity since then. Our mission is to promote the sharing of life lessons through story telling by focusing our publishing efforts to produce a high-quality product, as well as publishing independent authors to help them develop marketable books with the current available tools. Our program is based on providing options to writers. We offer affordable Print On Demand Publishing Packages; An a La Carte publishing services menu and the opportunity to win publication through an annual manuscript contes which will open

La Clave

By Marjorie L. Anderson

I Have something To Say Press (2021, 2022) - ISBN: 9780985430825

Nonfiction - Spanish/YA-Teen- Tradeback - 100 pages - $16.00

La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying lo cal products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”

READ First Chapter

Becoming an Angel of Change

By Bineta Ngom

View on Amazon

I Have Something To Say Press (2021,2022) - ISBN 9781647751784

Nonfiction - Memoir / Self-Help-Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00

Through a collection of inspirational stories, Bineta Ngom details her journey exploring her life’s purpose, helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, read ers will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.”

READ First Chapter

View on Amazon

Mr. McCoodle Shares a Secret

By Melissa Kerry

Bookwrangler (2021) - ISBN 9781736603123

Fiction - Children/Early Reader (4-8yrs old)Hardcover - 25 pages - $15.99

Mr. McCoodle encourages children to identify their feelings and to dis cover different possibilities for expressing emotions. It is the story of a man who has feelings that he has a challenging time identifying and expressing. He eventually recognizes his feelings through the help of a fish friend. He identifies his emotions and is able to feel his feelings while joining his friend on a ride.

READ First Chapter

View on Amazon

READER VIEWS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Finding

By Elizabeth Conte Fiction - Historical/Time Tavel Romance

Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (11/2022)

After her heart is broken by the man she expected to spend her life with, Jane is reeling with anger and self-loathing. Still, she dries her tears, forcing herself to make the best of an upcoming work trip.

Across the pond from California to England, Jane embraces the downtown, rich with history and the sprawling English countryside. Perhaps it’s the escape she needs. But when she en counters a bookstore with a peculiar woman who delivers a cryptic message to Jane about her fate, she cannot shake the eerie feeling. The woman was adamant about Jane traversing the terrain of past and future to find love, but what did that mean? Then, she is found completely nude and taken to the Eaton Estate, where she realizes she has been transported back to the nineteenth century. Dr. Cummings, a kind-hearted doctor and a close friend of Henry Eaton, cares for her. He doesn’t even bat an eyelash when she voices her plight re garding the time travel and promises to help her get back home. Still, he warns her to tread carefully and keep tight-lipped as people will surely gossip.... I couldn’t praise this enchanting book enough or bring it the justice it deserves without gushing over the love story between Henry and Jane. It was passionate, heartbreaking, and time-bending all at once, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in the couple’s mass of emotions....

“Finding Jane” has something for everyone—history, including vivid descriptions of nine teenth-century England, time travel, and a love story that will pull your heartstrings. Be tween the unique premise and expertly crafted characters, the book is worthy of five stars! Read complete review or visit www.readerviews.com.

“ It was passionate, heartbreaking, and time-bending all at once, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in the couple’s mass of emotions...”

READER VIEWS KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Let’s Celebrate Being Different

Lainey Dee (author) Dhiraj Navlakhi (illustrator)

ShieldCrest Publishing (2022)

ISBN 9781913839659

Fiction -Early Readers - Ages 6 to 8

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (10/2022)

Let’s Celebrate Being Different by Lainey Dee, illustrated by Dhiraj Navlakhi, is an endearing and encouraging children’s book about recognizing and loving the differences you find in yourself and others. The main character is Todd, who certainly is different from other animals. He’s a bird, and his head is that of a bird, his belly is that of a bear, and his legs are those of a tiger....

Cleverly using a variety of animal features, Dee creates a story and a character that will appeal to children and adults alike, especially to those who can relate to feeling different, or like an outsider. This is an important lesson for today, and a great way to get the point across. The artwork is amazing and adds so much to the already-fantastic story. A lot of children believe they don’t belong because they feel different and compare themselves to others. Or, perhaps these differences are targeted by bullies or those who don’t understand. Self-acceptance is always a good lesson to learn, for those who feel different, and for those who treat others badly because of those differences. Tolerance is a wonderful message for children to learn early, and this book perfectly demonstrates the lesson... For a children’s book full of heart and warmth that would be a wonderful addition to any home or classroom, don’t pass up “Let’s Celebrate Being Different” by Lainey Dee.

Read complete review or visit www.readerviews.com.

“Dee creates a story and a character that will appeal to children and adults alike,...”

Featured Books and Authors

Conor Mitchell

Conor Mitchell was born in October of 1994 and raised in the suburbs just outside of Baltimore, MD. Growing up, he had gained a fascination with photography and videography. In 2007, while visiting his uncle in Palo Alto, CA, Conor experienced the city of San Francisco for the very first time. From the minute he got on the plane back to Baltimore, he never stopped talking about his plan to eventually move back to the city he fell in love with after only one visit.

Conor started his own YouTube channel, Dragon Rider Network, in October of 2008, dedicated to discussing technology news and tech product reviews. In September of 2018, nearly 11 years after his first visit to the city, he would travel 3000 miles over four days by train to his new home of San Francisco, CA.

For more information about Conor visit www.lockdownsf.squarespace.com/

Although Conor was unsure what he was so drawn to the city for expressly, he knew he had a purpose of serving, and San Francisco was the key to this purpose. With all he had experienced with COVID-19 and the last several months of his time in the city, documenting one of the most historical times in world history could very well have been his calling. On March 16th, 2020, San Francisco announced that it would be instituting a Shelter-In-Place to help combat the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first major metropolitan area in California and the United States to enact such an action. Yet, throughout those first 100 days, Conor Mitchell, a photographer and videographer living in downtown San Francisco, found himself alone in the city he had called home for just 18 months.

Taking as many pictures as he could, Conor curated a collection of photos in this book to best illustrate what a total lockdown in one of the most famous cities in the world looked like.

By Conor Mitchell

NonFiction -Photography

Synopsis: On March 16th, 2020, San Francisco announced that it would be instituting a Shelter-In-Place to help combat the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first major metropolitan area in California and the United States to enact such an action. Yet, throughout those first 100 days, Conor Mitchell, a photographer and videographer living in downtown San Francisco, found himself alone in the city he had called home for just 18 months. Taking as many pictures as he could, Conor curated a collection of photos in this book to best illustrate what a total lockdown in one of the most famous cities in the world looked like. But the street would not stay quiet for long. Aside from the pandemic itself, San Francisco was one of many cities that hosted a string of protests that swept through the country fueled by the death of George Floyd. As a result, the city saw empty city streets become filled with protestors and even scenes of civil unrest. Conor hopes these photos will act as a force for change.

Featured Books and Authors

Marcus

A. Nannini

Mr. Nannini began his writing career when he published his own newspaper in the sixth grade and charged 25 cents per school quarter for the privilege of reading the only hand-written copy of each edi tion. The newspaper was a modest success. During his undergraduate years, he was a paid newspaper reporter and worked three semesters as the Research Assistant to journalism professor Richard Stocks Carlson, Ph.D. Nannini’s newspaper reporting paid for his senior year of undergrad. Carlson advised him to always write as if his readers have an 8th-grade education or less, something he took with a grain of salt.

For more information about Marcus visit www.chameleonsthebook.com/ midnight-flight-to-nuremberg/

Ariveting and detailed military memoir, "Midnight Flight to Nuremberg: The Capture of the Nazi who put Adolf Hitler into Power" is an extraordinary and recommended addition to community, college, and university library World War II biographies.

—Midwest Book Review

Nannini, author of Left for Dead at Nijmegen, takes flight in this gripping account of courage in the air, the story of pilot Harry E. Watson, who flew 27 combat missions in World War II and was the recipient of seven Battle Stars and three Air Medals. Nannini, who interviewed First Lieutenant Watson extensively, opens this vivid account in the thick of the war, with the tense tale of Watson.

— Book Life

Midnight Flight To Nuremberg

By Marcus A. Nannini

Nonfiction

Synopsis: This is the story of an American C-47 ‘Dakota’ pilot who earned three Air Medals, seven Battle Stars and flew twenty-seven combat missions during the Second World War. Around midnight, in early April 1945, he was sent on a secret mission to fly to a point near Nuremberg, which was behind enemy lines at the time. It was necessary for him to locate an empty meadow in the dark, land, load a party of US soldiers and their captives, and then take-off again. He pulled it off. Among those prisoners was Franz von Pappen, the man who had persuaded President Hindenburg to make Hitler Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Von Papen had been seized at his own home by First Lieutenant Thomas McKinley and his men from the US 194th Glider Infantry Regiment.

ROADMAP TO NEW ANGLES TO STAY

Time passes, things happen, and new angles of your back back lists you can notice those new angles and put them

1There are different ways to recycle your old book material into cur rent times. The first step is to decide what you want to do. You could use your new angle to promote the old book or use the old book to find content relevant to the new angle for a new book. -

6*I could rewrite my book and enrich aspects that relate to current wars happening around the world. *Or I could produce a new book based on a child growing up in Ukraine now.

2Creating new

marketing

The best marketing content come from angles of the book’s topics and events on be achieved by taking story to comment on event through interviews, comments on the news online.

5Put it all together - In my example, I can take my nocent War” (the story about childhood growing up in Libya during WW2.) and do the following:

* Decide to market my book menting on what families going through in Ukraine based knowledge about growing my research. Or I could publish book...

*Finally, whether to produce a new book idea based on the back list topic or even update the back list title through a revised edition your old book is still useful. The point is that an older publication doesn’t need to stay old and forgotten!

STAY RELEVANT

back list book pop up. By staying connected with your them to good use!

marketing content –marketing and promotion relating the different book’s content to current on the news. This can taking events from your on a similar current interviews, articles, and news publications

my case, for WW2 book “In about my father’s Libya and Italy following: book by *Comare currently based on the in war through publish another

3

Publish a revised copy of your old book – Another way to recycle the material is by rewriting the portions of your backlist title that relates to current trends and relevant news making the new angle draw the attention of current new readers following those trends and news.

4

Produce a new book based on a new angle of your back list – I know this sounds like so hard to do. But it really isn’t. You came out with one or more books already! You have the process down, and a lot of the research as well if you are working an angle of your previous book. Now you can set the book in a location where a similar situation rom your book is happening and develop a new plot from that premise. You Could just take the main Character and create a sequel based on current news rel evant to the character’s profile.

Featured Books and Authors

Frederick Reynolds

Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a retired LA County Sheriff’s homi cide sergeant. He was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan before joining the US Marine Corps in 1979. After a brief stint in Okinawa, Japan, he finished out his military career in southern California and ultimately became a police officer with the Compton police department. He worked there from 1985 until 2000 and then transferred to the sheriff’s department where he worked an ad ditional seventeen years, retiring in 2017 with over seventy-five commen dations. He lives in Southern Califor nia with his wife, Carolyn, and their daughter Lauren and young son, Desmond. They have six other adult children and nine grandchildren.

For more information about Frederick visit www.authorfrederickreynolds. com

Synopsis: This book is far more than just “cop stories”; it is a looking glass into life in ways that had not been thought of before. , The author set out on a path of destruction, living on the streets, dealing with drugs and gangs, and even ending up in jail before an unlikely career as a police officer in Compton, California. As a Black man who found himself on both sides of the law, the author offers a truly unique perspective to readers, showing the intricacies of how society works in dif ferent ways for different situations. No matter what someone’s gender, race, or political views are, any reader will be able to take these life experiences and learn the reality of racism and policing in America through the author’s lenses.

Frederick Reynolds

HELLO THERE!

WONDERING WHO I AM AND WHAT I AM DOING HERE. LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF. BUT FIRST I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT KNOW...

lt's been said that reading is a gift thatjust keeps on giving. lt's like cardio for your brain, building muscle that keeps you learning, entertained, and mentally healthy. lf you already know that, do you know this?

Reading can change a person. That's a fact!

Reading can increase your knowledge, inspire new ways of being, reduce stress, and be your silent best friend. That'sjust for starters. lt can also be an amazing self-development tool. and that brings me to answer the questions, who I am and what I am doing here.

As a new editorial contributor to First Chapter Plus e-magazine, and a certified personal and professional coach, I would like to share my perspective, answer any questions you may have or write about topics of interest to you.

Set up a complimentary discovery call at janice@janicemillercoach.com

EDGE OF OLD AGE BY JANICE MILLER

At the edge of old age... Wait. I think I may already be here. lt's hard to know precisely. I live in a 55+ active community, Not entirely by choice.

I moved here because the apartments were well-appointed, the neighborhood was upscale, the price was right, and... there were planned activities.

It was almost perfect, except for one thing-the activity calendar. Filled with activities that required no standing, it was a dead giveaway. (No pun intended) Active or not, 55+ meant old people.

Although the apartment was perfect in so many ways, I told my son, who was helping me find an apartment, I wouldn't be happy living with older people. I wouldn't fit in.

He replied, "You are an old person." I was shocked and silenced. Me? Old? Really? At 77 years of age, I feel 60 years old at best.

I moved in and discovered there is more than youth and old age. There is living at the edge of old age, which can last a lifetime.

Janice Miller is a Co-active certified coach and former corporate leader, partnering with Fortune 400 clients to develop and produce commu nications and marketing. A master in the art of resilience, she works with people to discover where they are, where they want to be and how to get them there. Her approach focuses on empowering insight and practical action. Shifting your present reality by leveraging your unrealized assets and dismantling your limitations. The purpose is to create changes that are sustainable. Interested in learning more?

For more information about Janice and her work visit janicemillercoach.com

Featured Books and Authors

Suzanne Simonetti

Suzanne Simonetti grew up in the New York sub- urbs just outside of the city. After earning a BS in marketing, she spent several years writing press releases, until she left her corporate job to focus on her passion for crafting fiction. She lives on Cape May Harbor with her husband. The Sound of Wings is her first novel.

For more information about Suzanne visit www.suzannesimonetti.com

Synopsis: A gripping, touching, and memorable prtrait of three women rising above painful pasts to seize present opportunities and of friendships that grow, despite differences, to sustain and inspire. The novel is set on Cape May Island.

By Suzanne Simonetti

INTERVIEW WITH MIKE BROOKSHIRE

OF “THE PERSIMMON TREE NARRATIVE”

Mike Brookshire is a nationally known expert on the economic value of human life and in 2022 has published his first non-academic book – a humorous journey toward joy, The Persimmon Tree Narrative. He and his wife Lynn reside in Charleston, West Virginia. Mike earned a bachelors and Ph.D. in economics from The University of Tennessee and his academic career as an administrator and professor included The University of Tennessee, The University of Cincinnati, and Marshall University. He published four books and more than fifty peer-reviewed articles. As a teacher and courtroom witness, Mike has attempted to make discussions about economics as interesting and fun as they could possibly be. Now freed from the shackles of academia, he turns in The Persimmon Tree Narrative to a relationship with a talking tree and the pursuit of joy.

Tree establishes his supra-human status with Mike, they agree on an unusual bargain: Tree teaches Mike how to live a simple and more joyful life while Mike teaches humor to hisnew mentor. Through their six years of interactions and conversations, the treatment of such serious topics as fear, anger, control, old age, and the meaning of life is thought-provoking and funny. Sadness intervenes when Mike’s adult daughter dies of a drug overdose, and Tree patiently returns Mike to a path of joy. Another gift to Mike is a personalized parade of miraculous attractions, which invites readers to visualize their own parades.

What was your inspiration behind the storyline?

The persimmon tree actually sits adjacent to my porch. Whether we really talked or not, the storyline came into my consciousness over a period of years and continued through six years of parttime writing. Once my relation ship with Tree became a working reality, it was great fun to explore what might happen next. My goal was to write the book and that has been accomplished.

Hi Michael, thank you for joining us today at Reader Views! Tell us a bit about your novel, The Persimmon Tree Narrative.

"The Persimmon Tree Narrative is part memoir and part self-help book, wrapped in humor throughout. It is a book of fiction, however, because a talking tree and a college professor are the main characters. After

Is The Persimmon Tree Narrative a fictional memoir of sorts?

The best stab at a genre came from a retired newspaper editor: it is an imaginative memoir. Thus, it is not easily classified as fiction or non-fiction. I wrote the book that I intended to write, and classifications were not important to me.

“..serious age, and provoking

NARRATIVE”

By Sheri Hoyte

“..serious topics as fear, anger, control, old the meaning of life is thoughtprovoking and funny. ...”

Does the pair solve any worldly issues? Can you tell us about one of their deeper conversations?

Answers are provided for the problems of western fires and southeastern hurricanes, as examples. In one of many, deep conversations, Tree patiently speaks with Mike about the death of his daughter. They deal with grief, guilt, and the path forward. It is a final test of their commitment to each other.

I love that a tree is one of your protagonists! What motivates Tree and his companion Michael and what are the dynamics of the relationship?

The motivation of Tree and Mike is a growing love for each other; there is also a shared curiosity of both to learn something new and important. The development of this relation ship is an important part of the story. A human and supra-human come together, and both change Answers are provided for the problems of western fires and southeastern hur ricanes, asexamples. In one of many, deep conversations, Tree patiently speaks with Mike about the death of his daughter. They deal with grief, guilt, and the path forward. It is a final test of their commitment to each other.

And on the lighthearted side?

With two exceptions, everything in this book is on the light hearted side. Even serious topics are made funny: old age and death, facing one’s fear of cows, taming road anger, and keeping up with technology. Tree’s first attempt at humor is a laugh worthy treatment of this football. Tree’s miracle parade for Mike is an entirely lighthearted tale which converts fun to joy.

What are some of the key elements you hope readers take away from The Persimmon Tree Narrative?

To consider the easier life of living smaller, not in control, in the day, with lowered expectations. To have experienced joy in this tale of an unlikely relationship between a man and a talking tree.

Read the complete interview with Mike Brookshire

Featured Books and Authors

Ari

Loeb

Ari Loeb spent much of his life traveling as a circus artist. Now he lives in Los Angeles and works as a stuntman, specializing in creature horror such as Zombieland, Fear The Walking Dead, and the Resident Evil video games. He also writes books.

For more information about Ari visit www.ariloeb.com

Synopsis: College student Jimmy Johannsen returns to his small hometown, only to find it’s been overrun with death, chaos and strange rumors. Now with his shocked, hayseed mother under his arm, Jimmy must defend himself against a storm of horrors, as well as the town’s dwindling survivors, who’s history adds up to a deadly sum of guns, conspiracy, and bad blood. Welcome to Thunder, Arizona –a small town with a big nuclear secret.

Ari Loeb

INSIDE SCOOP LIVE

PODCAST OF THE MONTH

Jacqueline Greer Graham is a Canadian citizen who was born in Montserrat, British West Indies. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from York University, and a Medical Office and Labo ratory Assisting Diploma from Career Canada College. Jacqueline is a former manager at the Canadian Institute for Health Information. She is now a business owner, pursuing her passion for telling stories. Almost Full Circle is her debut book. Jacqueline also enjoys singing and dancing, and is a health and fitness enthusiast. She lives in Ontario, Canada, and has two children.

Visit Jacqueline Greer Graham at: jacquelinegreergraham.com to stay in the loop on new projects.

Listen to Podcast Topics of Conversation

• About Almost Full Circle and the inspiration behind the book.

• Writing Memoir and drawing on memories

• Keeping your stories alive for future generations

• Experiences in Montserrat

• Learning a thing or two along the way

• What's next for Jacqueline Greer Graham?

Jacqueline Greer Graham

The Lone Sailboat - Navigating in Political Waters

By Edward Korczynski

Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN: 9781977243478

NonFiction - Religion/Christian Living - 80 pages - Tradeback - $16.95

Like an American Chesterton, Ed Korczynski has taken a hard look at our current moral environment, compared it to the one within which he grew up in the 1950s and 60s, and asked himself “What the heck happened?” In answer to the issues he raises, Korczynski proposes solutions inspired by his Catholic upbringing that have been effective throughout the Church’s 2,000-year history.

READ First Chapter View on Amazon

A Boy Named Malachi

By Ruth Broek

Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN 9781977247223

NonFiction-Memoir - Family - 234 pages - Tradeback - $19.95

Mal was only six when he found he was not welcome to join his friends in their white school. He was shocked. Sad and confused, Malachi looked for answers. One Saturday, while planting pansies, he looked up to see Julie, a very serious little blonde six-year-old. They both agreed the flowers looked like kitten faces. And there began his friendship of many years with her whole family..... the one which gave birth to this book.

READ First Chapter View on Amazon

A Collection of Tiny Stories - Diminutive Tales from the Tip of My Imagination

By CK Sobey

Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781737506133

Fiction-Short Stories - Tradeback - 63 pages - $17.95

A Collection of Tiny Stories: Diminutive Tales from the Tip of My Imagination presents prose and art that represent an inspirational celebration of the spirit, gathering “tiny” works “born out of moments of whimsy, mystery, and longing.” Add “and magic” to that list, because CK Sobey’s works employ a magical element that gather tales both fantastic and reflective into three sections: “Inspiring Odysseys,” “From the Heart,” and “Fanciful.”

READ First Chapter View on Amazon

For me, the little something is a book video. A book video not only brings to life the main story or topic for the reader, it can also portray a feeling on who the Author is and what message he or she wants to share. Below are some things I get from book vid eos that help make the decision to read the book but also gives me insight on its contents, improving in many cases, my reading experience.

• The images – unlike movie trailers which use previews from the movie, the book video images could be off putting when reading the story, as the characters looks and settings will be a combined result of the descriptions, and the readers’ imagination. But images that do not mess with such specifics and instead reflect the mes sage, topic, or plot are perfect as a preview of a book, because it helps us to visualize in a short time the content of the book.

• Background music and nar rator’s voice – The sound allows the possible reader to feel the mood of the story. Is it thrilling? Mysterious? Romantic?

• Finally, but not least is the script of the slides or voice nar ration. Here is where we learn what the book is all about, and other information like endorsements, Author website, and where to get the book.

BOOK VIDEOS

“Sometimes we need a little bit more than an endorsement, book review or book cover to get a feeling for the story and decide on whether to purchase or not a title”

Book Videos on this page were provided by https://www.youtube.com/user/ReaderViews - For information on how to place your bookvideo here email us at admin@firstchapterplus.com

The Crown of Sammuramat

By Mel Weiser

Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781977250513

Fiction-Thriller - Tradeback - 304 pages - $22.95

Nothing is more satisfying than a book snaring attention in its first pages until its final words. In pitting the mysteries of Ancient Assyria against the forces of contemporary America, this book carries a reader breath takingly from a shocking opening to a glorious and gratifying conclu sion. Enlightening. Imaginative. Hypnotic. A reading experience bringing smiles of satisfaction long after it has been put on a shelf. “The Crown Of Sammuramat”, a thriller to be remembered.

READ First Chapter View on Amazon

Khuda Buksh - The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangladesh

By Muhammad Obaidur Rahim

Fulton Books (2022) - ISBN: 9781637108758

NonFiction-Business/Memoir- Tradeback - 360 pages - $24.95

This is the story of a wizard of insurance whose work spanned about four decades in three countries from 1935 to 1973. During his life time he popularized life insurance in Bangladesh and became a legend. After his death in 1974, he was lost in history. But his son Muhammad Rahim, an US immigrant and a retired engineer, researched on his father’s life. The book may interest people studying leadership of a role model leader.

READ First Chapter View on Amazon

Movin’ and Groovin’ - A Saga of Calamity

By Oakley Taylor

Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781977250513 NonFiction-Memoir - Tradeback - 344 pages - $23.95

In 1973, a young woman embarked on a westward venture to unknown destinations. From the beginning, her plans go awry as she learns how volatile the world could be. This story is a tale of resur rection. From the depths of loneliness and the hardship of destitu tion, came hidden strengths. Inspired by the kindness of strangers and guided by blind faith lies hope for light at the end of a dark and dreary tunnel.

READ First Chapter View on Amazon

Featured Books and Authors

Imani Lewis

Imani Lewis is a multi-award winning and national best selling author of multiple genres. She enjoys reading to her babies and creating worlds that others can relate to.

Check out more titles by Imani Lewis at manitheauthor.com

Synopsis: Hello & Goodnight gives you a look at a day in the life of a toddler, through the eyes of a toddler! Engaging you with fun rhymes, beautiful imagery, and adorable humor, Hello & Goodnight is sure to become a bedtime favorite.

By Imani Lewis

— Sheri Hoyte

Featured Books and Authors

Wally Jones

Wally Jones is a first-time author. He is also fully dyslexic. It wasn’t until his late twenties, and after dozens of tests for physical disabilities and learning disorders, that it was discovered he was missing the fundamental ability to encode and decode word phonics. Reading and writing simply wasn’t possible for him. He subsequently spent many years building a comprehensive Sight Vocabulary and is now considered to be fully compensated. However, dyslexia still causes him many problems. Though he contin ues to struggle with reading and writing, Sam the Chosen serves as testament that all challenges can be overcome.

For more information about Wallyvisit www.theprophecystoryline.com

Synopsis: The attacks changed everything. Life would never be the same. So much car nage, and yet the enemy was never seen. Not even once. The truth is, humanity had no chance. You can’t fight what you can’t see. Sam tries to return to a normal life after the attacks end, but constant reminders and paranoia feed the need for protection at all times. The desire to run, that internal voice triggering the urgency to escape this harsh world, is very real. Now an ill-fated camping trip will show Samantha just how deep the peril goes. Swept up in a new reality, she gains a deeper understanding of the way the world operates. For Sam, there is no returning to her old life. Sam is now Chosen.

Review

ally Jones respects his readers and know how to take us to the conflict in his opening paragraph. Sam the Chosen is a page-turner, taking its readers to a time and place they will never forget. — Mary Ellen/Gavin Literary Agent

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS ROUND THE WORLD: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND FOOD

BY BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN

Although the Thanksgiving meal has not even been cooked, the holiday season is upon us. The ads on TV; the decorations in the malls, our neighborhoods, and our homes; after-school practices for holiday concerts; parties being planned; goodies being baked; and the list goes on. Even if it is not our practice to celebrate Christmas, we all feel something special in the air. This is Christmas, American style.

However, the United States is only one of the many countries around the world that celebrate Christmas. But have you stopped to consider how other countries celebrate? Christmas celebrations vary, reflecting the unique cultural aspects of each region or country. But there are also similarities.

Of course, attending a house of worship is central to many Christmas celebrations. Decorations of various kinds are common. These can include nativity scenes, trees or tree branches, and different sources of light, including fireworks. Songs, nativity plays, and Christmas stories specific to the country are typical. And most cultures engage in some type of gift-giving. But the most significant focus shared by the countries mentioned in the books below is on family, friends, and food.

Since food is central to almost all Christ mas celebrations, like I did for Thanksgiving, I suggest using food to add diversity and quality family time to your holiday season. Learning to cook and bake new items can be a wonderful, shared experience with delicious results. Both Joy to the World and How Kids Celebrate Christmas Around the World include specific foods eaten in the countries included in the books. Sweet or savory, there is a wide array of appetizing foods to prepare and taste

Perhaps you know someone from an other country who will share a recipe for one of their holiday favorites. Or search the Internet for recipes for some of the items mentioned in the books below. Post these recipes in your bookstore, library, or classroom, and include these dishes in your family holiday celebrations—what a delicious way to embrace the richness of diversity.

Let’s appreciate the joy of being with family and friends this holiday season. Let us be grateful for the food we are blessed to have at our celebrations. And let us remember those who are not as lucky as we are and find ways to make their holidays brighter.

Eve Panzer reviews books for Reader Views Kids as well as her own business, Barefoot Librarian. Monthly she publishes the Barefoot Librar ian Newsletter. She sells children’s books published by Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More at book fairs, educational conferences, com munity events, and online. She earned her Masters in Library and Infor mation Science from the University of Texas in Austin and worked as a school librarian before retiring to start her own business. barefootlibrarian.com

Joy to the World

Written by Kate DePalma and Illustrated by Sophie Fatus

Publisher: Barefoot Books (2021)

ISBN: 9781646862818

Children-4-7 years old-Hardcover - $17.99

Travel to Colombia, India, Philippines, Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Ethiopia, Australia, Italy, Serbia, Argentina, Iceland, and Lebanon to learn about their Christmas celebrations. This brightly illustrated picture book includes rhyming text for younger children and end notes with more de tails for older children.

How Kids Celebrate Christmas Around the World

Written by Pavla Hanackova and Karolina Medkova Illustraded byMaria Neradova

Publisher: Albatros Media(2021)

ISBN: 9788000061313

Children-6-9 years old-Hardcover - $14.83

Travel to Spain, Germany, Mexico, USA, Japan, Aus tralia, New Zealand, Greece, Ethiopia, Italy, Israel, Russia, Venezuela, Finland, and France in this fun and informative book about Christmas celebrations around the globe. This book is more text-heavy and will appeal to children ages 6-9

Featured Books and Authors

Amy Pflueger

I am a Best-Selling and AwardWinning author, and is a proud mother of two totally awesome boys who both have autism. I have a bachelor’s degree in business, and I am an autism self advocate who loves learning about autism and supporting autism organizations. I advocate for kids with autism to be heard, valued and understood. My mission through this book is to encourage self belief and resilience, to embrace different abilities, and to empower kids with autism to reach their full potential no matter what challenges they have.

For more information about Amy visit www.ausome-able.com.

This book shows us how to embrace our own uniqueness, talents, and interests, empowering those that read it to feel super! Perfect for kids beginning school, full of new faces, to those well versed in making new friends, this is a read perfect for helping our little ones understand more about themselves and the talents of everyone around them.

—Jill ReaderReyViews

This is such a powerful resource. As a pediatric occupational therapist myself, I find this book to be important for parents, students, teachers and the team that a child has around them. We so often get lost in what a child cannot do, and need to stop and remember all the beautiful powers each unique and individual child has. Love the incorporation of all the calming strategies! — Amazon Customer Review

By Amy Pflueger

Synopsis: This book explains autism though the lens of an autistic child in a special way inviting people to visit their unique world, to help people understand more about autism and the reasons behind their unique behaviors, to embrace differences and to raise acceptance. This story is to empower kids with autism to believe in themselves and reach their full potential no matter what challenges they have; encouraging them to be confident in being who they are - because they are who they’re meant to be!

by I Have Something To Say Press