First Chapter Plus e-Magazine January 2023 Issue

First Chapter Plus is the e-Magazine where readers connect with Indie Authors and their work.

First Chapter Plus by I Have Something To Say Press

A True Story by Janice Miller

Roadmap to Being a Brand by Susan Violante

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Interview with Budd Titlow and Mariah Tinger Authors of “Coming Full Circle” by Sheri Hoyte A Shout Out for Multicultural Children’s Book Day by Barefoot Librarian

New Books and Videos

First Chapter Plus

listings https://www.firstchapterplus.com/contact

subscriptions www.firstchapterplus.com

email admin@firstchapterplus.com

creative director/graphic designer Susan Violante © Copyright 2023 First Chapter Plus eco-friendly information First Chapter Plus e-magazine is environment conscious, and has gone 100% green. Please consider the environment before printing this e-magazine * First Chapter Plus is a monthly e-Magazine which includes the First Chapters, book videos, and podcasts of recently pub- lished 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

Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Adminis- tration before moving to the US . Although she built a ca- reer as a Business Analyst/Accountant, 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 edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past – Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Prin- cess 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 re- sides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs, Canela, Karina, and Nutela. Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Arianna and Nicolette, and caregiver to her fa- ther. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writ- ing, gardening, and any outdoor activity. Susan Violante - Managing Editor

Light at the End of the Tunnel We always hope for the light at the end of the tunnel when we are going through rough times with- out realizing that we can, and should be the light guiding us inside the tunnel. This is what I learned these past few years through the hardest times I have lived so far. The reality is that there is no light at the other side of the tunnel…there is just life, with the pretty and the ugly; the good and the bad; the sweet and the sour; the tender and the cruel of each moment of our lives. It is up to us to find the light to guide us through this journey called life. But what is the source of that light and where do we look for it? The brightest lights come always from within. Below are some things that helped me find my own light. • Meditation – This is the best tool to learn how to empty our minds and stay in the present moment. By being in the moment we learn to be with ourself and experience our surroundings as an individual. To learn to enjoy being by ourselves is the first step to connect with our mind, heart and spirit and earning to be mindful. • Journaling – It is only when we practice self-reflection consistently that we learn to embark in a journey of self-discovery. Journaling allows us to visit our mind and heart through time and see ourselves cope through different moments and situations. What best way to get to know you! • Explore – By opening up and exploring ourself when experiencing different places, people and cultures we become self-confident. Our self-confidence eventually becomes our strength grounding us throughout our life journey. Practicing these three activities has helped me to be my own guiding light when times get hard, and appreciate the good moments when they come. This new year, I hope you al find your own light to guide you in the tunnel that life sometimes become!

Table of

Contents Page 02 Editor’s Note - Light at the End of the Tunnel Page 11 Book Reviews of the Month P age 17 Roadmap to Being a Brand by Susan Violante

P age 22 A True Story by Janice Miller

P age 25 Interview with Budd Titlow and Mariah Tinger Authors of “Coming Full Circle”

Page29 ISL Podcast of the Month

P age 31 Book Videos

P age 39 A Shout Out for Multicultural Children’s Book Day by Barefoot Librarian

Featured Books and Authors

Lynne Armstrong-Jones

Lynne Armstrong-Jones, like many au- thors, 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 mak- ing up for lost time! On the Trail of the Unseen is the third of her five-book fantasy series.

For more information about Lynne 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 sor- ceress remains behind in the Tower, searching for a cure. But what she does could prove disastrous.

On the Trail of the Unseen

By Lynne Armstrong-Jones

Friesen Press (2022)

ISBN 9781039121652

Tradeback - 337 pages - $7.06

Fiction - Fantasy

View on Amazon

L ynne Armstrong-Jones is an amazing fantasy writer who knows how to create unique plots ... Her characters are colorful and complex. —Reader Views A smart, gripping, and skillfully constructed novel of fantasy ... A definite winner. — The Prairies Book Review

READ FIRST CHAPTER

L.E. DeLano Featured Books and Authors

L.E. DeLano comes equipped with a “use- less” 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 ridiculous cats. L.E.’s 2021 novel, BLUE, was named a 2021 SPARK Award winner 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 Favorite – Teen, and was named 2021-22 Teen/YA Book of the Year by Reader Views Kids. Her debut novel, TRAVELER, was a Keystone State Read- ing 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 involved in a car accident that killed the father of her class- mate, 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.

Blue

By L.E. DeLano

Gaze Publishing (2021)

ISBN 9781736473108

Tradeback - 233 pages - $10.99

View on Amazon

Fiction - Young Adult (age 16+)

B lue by 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 O verall: 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

*Reader Views Kids Award for Best Teen/ Young Adult Book of the Year

READ FIRST CHAPTER

WATCH BOOK VIDEO

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 les- sons through story telling by focusing our publishing efforts to produce a high-quality product, as well as publishing in- dependent 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 ser- vices menu and the opportunity to win publication through an annual manuscript contest which will open in 2023.

La Clave By Marjorie L. Anderson

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 com- munities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key. ” I Have something To Say Press (2021, 2022) - ISBN: 9780985430825 Nonfiction - Spanish/YA-Teen- Tradeback - 100 pages - $16.00

View on Amazon

READ First Chapter

Becoming an Angel of Change

By Bineta Ngom

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, readers will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.” I Have Something To Say Press (2021,2022) - ISBN 9781647751784 Nonfiction - Memoir / Self-Help-Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00

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 discover 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 eventu- ally 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

“ This phenomenal and mind-bending quick read is a must-have...”

#MINDSET: A Research-Based Approach to Understand- ing Motivation

By Mary Kovach Ph.D.

ISBN 978-1737360216 Strategic Edge Innovation Publishing (2022)

NonFiction - Social Science Reviewed by Natalia Kavale for Reader Views (01/2023) H ave you ever wondered why you have such great confidence in achieving certain goals or succeeding in certain situation in your life, yet in others, they seem so unattainable or out of your control? If so, Dr. Mary Kovach’s “#MINDSET” can give you the answer

you are searching for. Through a scientific research approach, Dr. Kovach analyzes how Julian Rot- ter’s locus of control (mindset) is related to an individual’s motivation. This book demonstrates how an individual’s mindset contributes to their motivation or demotivation, ultimately leading to their success or failure. The author notes that an individual can succeed in a certain circumstance because they take responsibility for the outcomes of that particular circumstance and because they have the confidence in their ability to succeed. This happens because they have an internal locus of control. However, individu- als with an external locus of control do not attain high success because they fail to take accountability for the outcome situation since they believe that the outcome of that particular situation is solemnly depended on external factors like chance or luck, regardless how of much effort that individual has put into the task or situation... This phenomenal and mind-bending quick read is a must-have for anyone who would like to achieve what they deem impossible, be it in business, academic, or personal life. Anyone who is currently strug- gling to stay motivated should have this book on their bookshelves. Fans of “The Maestro Monologue” by Rob White will devour Dr. Kovach’s “#MINDSET”. Read complete review or visit www.readerviews.com.

READER VIEWS KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

“I didn’t want to finish because I was enjoying it too much!”

A Home Called Haven Book 1: The Lower World

C. Anne

ISBN 9798986229843 DeRodi Books (2022)

Fiction - Teens/YA

Reviewed by Kathy Stickles Reader Views (01/2023) I must say that since I was a child, more years than I care to admit to, the books written for this age group have gotten so much better and I am very grateful for that. A Home Called Haven: The Lower World is the first in a new series named A Home Called Haven and it is an absolutely wonderful beginning for a series that I hope will be around for a very long time….. Think Magic Treehouse here everyone. In this first book, the author shows us what happens when two very different children find their way to a small magical cabin in the place named Haven and are taken in by Amma, the very sweet, mysteri- ous, and playful lady that lives there. Neither Fox nor Otter, the names that Amma give these two chil- dren, have a family and both end up at the cabin and are taken in by this delightful lady. What happens next is a wonderfully written adventure to the Lower World that these poor misfit children take. It is a journey filled with magical creatures that helps them along their way as the children try to find the way back home. This is simply an enchanting story that combines fantasy and reality into one as these two outcast kids try to face their fears and get back to the lady they have both come to love very much... This is an absolutely spell-binding adventure for the reader and for the characters and it should not be missed. I cannot wait to see what the next adventure will be for Fox and Otter and Amma and I know you will all feel the same way. 5 Stars! Read complete review or visit www.readerviews.com.

Featured Books and Authors

Conor Mitchell

Conor Mitchell was born in October of 1994 and raised in the suburbs just out- side of Baltimore, MD. Growing up, he had gained a fascination with photog- raphy 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 Sep- tember 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.square- space.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 pur- pose. 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 Fran- cisco 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 metro- politan area in California and the United States to enact such an action. Yet, throughout those first 100 days, Conor Mitchell, a photographer and videogra- pher 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 cit- ies in the world looked like.

Lockdown

By Conor Mitchell

Outskirts Press (2021)

ISBN 9781977241160

Tradeback - 84 pages - $29.95

View on Amazon

NonFiction -Photography / Photojournalismold)

Synopsis: On March 16th, 2020, San Francis- co announced that it would be instituting a Shel- ter-In-Place to help combat the spread of the on- going 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 photogra- pher 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.

* Overall Best Non- Fiction Bronze Winner

READ FIRST CHAPTER

Marcus A. Nannini Featured Books and Authors

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 edition. The newspaper was a modest success. During his under- graduate 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/

A riveting 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 N annini, 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

Air World, An Imprint Of Pen & Sword Books (2021)

By Marcus A. Nannini

ISBN 9781526792730

Hardcover - 224 pages - $32.95

Nonfiction - Biography

View on Amazon

Synopsis: This is the story of an American C-47 ‘Dakota’ pilot who earned three Air Med- als, 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 cap- tives, and then take-off again. He pulled it off. Among those prisoners was Franz von Pap- pen, 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.

* Gold Winner: Overall Best Non-Fiction

READ FIRST CHAPTER

ROADMAP TO BEING A BRAND Being a brand will allow you and your books to be recognized It gives your fans a feeling of familiarity. These three things t

1 Your Story – Do you know your story? - This is the most important aspect of creating a brand. What is your brand’s mission. Why does it exist? How did it come to be? What makes your brand different from others? There is al- ways a background story about who you are and why you are doing what you do; and your target wants to know! 6 Your Relevance - Keep current. Trends change in time, and so your brand’s platform should too. But be careful enough to keep what makes your brand be recognizable by your fans.

2 Your Look - Wha like? How does it f to recognize your bran and even company cu possible that people re Just look at Apple or S sure that you keep you consistent.

5 Your Consistency - Be c throughout your platform pline to get your design infor mented and organized so that variations on colors, font styl it is a priority if you want you professional and credible.

* Finally, make sure that your brand stays true to who you are while keeping itself relatable to the times.

ed and easy to find. It sets you apart from the pool of authors. together is what makes an Author a classic through time.

3 Your Uniqueness - Writing and publish- ing a book is awesome, but it is not enough to make a living as a writer. If you wish to live the writing style and make a living at it you must become a brand. Whether a fiction writ- er, a columnist in a magazine, a food critic, or a travel writer, what makes you or you unique- ness, is your brand. Discover it, visualize, and design it!

at does your brand look feel? Will people be able nd? Web design, logo, ulture is what will make ecognize your brand. Starbucks! So, make ur visuals and voice

consistent m. It takes disci-

rmation docu- at there are no les…etc. However ur brand to look

4 Your Design - Get design help. All Indie Authors are trying to play all the roles involved in publishing, promoting and sell- ing their books. But brand design is one of those things that investing on help will pay off on the long run.; even if the investment is a class to learn about it.

Frederick Reynolds Featured Books and Authors

Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a retired LA County Sheriff’s homicide sergeant. He was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan before join- ing the US Marine Corps in 1979. After a brief stint in Okinawa, Japan, he finished out his military career in southern Califor- nia 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 additional seventeen years, retiring in 2017 with over seventy- five commendations. He lives in Southern California 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 different 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.

Black, White, And Gray All Over

By Frederick Reynolds

Mindstirmedia (2021)

ISBN 9781638485216

Tradeback - 395 pages - $16.99

Nonfiction - Memoir / Law Enforcement / Black / African

View on Amazon

A n intimate, sharply written account of one cop's perseverance in a broken system...Get it. —Kirkus Review A worthwhile, eye-opening read! — Book Excellence

* Silver Winner: Overall Best Non-Fiction

READ FIRST CHAPTER

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

A TRUE STORY

Too heart-clutching, not to be shared. And if you read it before it’s too good not to read again.

According to a recently published article in an Inc. newsletter, a 7-year-old boy named Thomas wrote to the Lego company asking for a job. His eagerness resulted in his Mother mailing the letter. As one can imagine, his Mother was thrilled with the ex- citement of Thomas’s innocence, as well as concerned about managing Thomas’s expecta- tions. And then…a package arrived from Christian Pau, the vice president and general manager of Lego U.K. and Ireland. Inside was a Lego kit and a handwritten letter. It read as follows: Dear Thomas, Thank you so much for your letter. It is great to see how excited you are for Lego building and your creations look fantastic! We would love your help to design even better products, but unfortunately, all our prod- uct designers are sitting in Billund, which is in Denmark. We would still love to invite you to visit us in our Slough office (together with your sister and parents) for a juice/tea/coffee and a tour of the building. My office is called “Dumbledore’s Office” -- [like] the box attached.

Let us know what time works for you! All the best, Christian

That may have been a brilliant marketing strategy, but for a 7-year-old, it was surely some- thing more. Thomas mattered. he had been heard, acknowledged, and offered an open invitation to future possibilities.

The value of that gesture was priceless.

Janice Miller is a Co-active certified coach and former corporate leader, part- nering with Fortune 400 clients to develop and produce communications 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 pur- pose is to create changes that are sustainable. Interested in learning more?

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

Suzanne Simonetti Featured Books and Authors

Suzanne Simonetti grew up in the New York suburbs just outside of the city. Af- ter earning a BS in market- ing, 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, touch- ing, and memorable prtrait of three women rising above painful pasts to seize present opportunities and of friend- ships that grow, despite differ- ences, to sustain and inspire. The novel is set on Cape May Island.

The Sound of Wings

She Writes Press (2021)

By Suzanne Simonetti

ASIN B08F2BJP1N

e-Book - 296 pages - $8.69

View on Amazon

Fiction - Novel / Women

A story world so completely alive with characters so real, I can feel them breathing behind me. —Caroline Leavitt New York Times best-selling author R eminiscent of Alice Hoffman in its elegant unfolding and sheer magic of its storytelling.. — Mary Morris award-winning author

* Silver Winner: Overall Best Fiction

READ FIRST CHAPTER

WATCH BOOK VIDEO

INTERVIEW WITH BUDD TITLOW AND MAR AUTHORS OF “COMING FULL CIRCLE” “...we all our natur

fun-loving nomads, racist ferrymen, grizzled mountain men, trickster trappers, and ambushing poachers. Then—as the story moves through the Industrial Revolution and into modern times—merchants and developers start to dominate with their tawdry acts of wiping out entire bird rookeries for women’s hats, ditching and draining south Florida’s wilderness, blasting away mountaintops for coal, damming pristine rivers, destroying coastal shorelines, and fracking entire landscapes into oblivion. Tessa loves her job. Her career is what motivates her to get out of bed every morning. But she hasn’t been feeling well lately. She is troubled by what she witnessed as a teenager and has been seeing a ther- apist, but it hasn’t been helping. She realizes that in order to heal, she needs to confront her fears and travel to Japan where her troubles started. Emphasizing optimism, the last part of Com- ing Full Circle features the human resiliency that has allowed us to overcome the many existential threats—the Civil War, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, Nazi Germany, the Cold War, COV- ID-19—we have faced as a Nation. The story con- cludes by answering this question: Will we find and apply solutions in time to save humanity’s place on our beautiful planet? In essence, Coming Full Cir- cle is a fiction sequel to our 2016 award-winning, non-fiction book, Protecting the Planet—Environ- mental Champions from Conservation to Climate Change. What was the inspiration behind the storyline? As a lifelong wildlife ecologist and conservationist, I’ve always been both offput and discouraged by the still far too prevalent

F or the past 50 years, professional ecologist and conservationist Budd Titlow has used his pen and camera to capture the awe and won- ders of our natural world. His goal has always been to inspire others to both appreciate and enjoy what he sees. M ariah Tinger is an author and educator teaching sustainability at Boston Universi- ty’s Questrom School of Business. Additionally, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in climate communi- cation at Otago University in New Zealand. Hi Budd, Welcome to Reader Views! What is Coming Full Circle about? "COMING FULL CIRCLE—A Sweeping Saga of Conservation Stewardship Across America" tells how we took our country to the brinks of both the Climate Crash and the Sixth Extinction and then tried to solve them both. Following the fortunes and foibles of a multi- generational American family, readers first experience a vivid array of frontier vignettes— including wagon-crushing landslides, frontier smack-downs, buffalo killing fields, life- threatening blizzards, deadly avalanches, and Gold Rush boomtowns. Along the way, they also witness heart-warming friendships among white settlers and Native Americans while also meeting wildlife slaughtering ne’er do wells,

RIAH TINGER

By Sheri Hoyte

are “part of” and not “apart from” ral world. ...”

notion that humans have a “biblical right” toexert dominion over all creatures of the natural world. Over the course of 15 years, I wrote CFC to emphasize the exact opposite of this misguided thought. Heavily relying on the knowledge I gained and experiences I had throughout my career, my goal with CFC was to set the record straight and—in the process—bring readers to the understanding that we all are “part of” and not “apart from” our natural world. What is your goal with Coming Full Circle? I read newspaper articles, visited the websites of organizations such as PETA, Action for Dolphins and World Animal protection. I also watched videos regarding Japan and dolphins. I visited the websites of Japanese bloggers to learn about life in Japan. I traveled to Japan and hired private tour guides to learn all that I could about their culture. I asked a lot of questions and observed people’s behavior, learned by interacting with them, and met many nice and helpful people. However, my experiences were not all positive. I was yelled at by train employees, not because I did something wrong, but because I was a foreigner and they just didn’t like me. And one day when I was crossing the street with my tour guide, this man punched me hard in the arm and hurt me. When I told my tour guide, she said that it was because he liked me. I thought, no way. That guy really hated me and that’s why he hit me. But you know, that’s how it is when you travel anywhere— you meet good people and crazy people. What is your goal with Coming Full Circle? Bringing readers to the understanding that we all are “part of” and not “apart from” our natural world. Then—based on this realization—helping readers comprehend that we have both the moral obligation and profound ability to solve our climate change and biodiversity loss crises.

Budd Titlow

Mariah Tinger

Read the complete interview with Titlow and Tinger

Ari Loeb Featured Books and Authors

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

For more information about Ari visit www.ariloeb.com

Synopsis: College student Jimmy Jo- hannsen returns to his small home- town, only to find it’s been overrun with death, chaos and strange ru- mors. Now with his shocked, hayseed mother under his arm, Jimmy must defend himself against a storm of horrors, as well as the town’s dwin- dling survivors, who’s history adds up to a deadly sum of guns, conspira- cy, and bad blood. Welcome to Thun- der, Arizona – a small town with a big nuclear secret.

Thunder, AZ

By Ari Loeb

Abandoned House (2021)

ISBN 9781736993934

Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00

View on Amazon

Fiction - Horror / SciFi

A cracked carnival of a book - pendulum rides, freak shows, and the best damn shooting gallery. You'll gasp, grin, and line up for more. —Kirkus Review E ngrossing... Complete annihilation... An unforgettable tale tnat hasn't been told before. — Paige Lovitt Reader Views

2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Award Gold Winner in the Horror category and The Jack Eadon Memorial Award.

READ FIRST CHAPTER

INSIDE SCOOP LIVE

PODCAST OF THE MONTH

Jan Phillips’ quest has taken her into and out of a religious convent, across the country on a Honda motorcycle, and around the world on a one-woman peace pilgrimage. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Livingkindness Foundation, which created a Learning Center in Nigeria and supports anti-racist creative projects by black women in the U.S. Jan is the author of eleven award-winning books and a thought leader who bridges spiritual intel- ligence, evolutionary creativity, and social trans- formation. She has taught in over 25 countries, and has published work in the New York Times, Ms., Newsday, People, Parade Magazine, Christian Sci- ence Monitor, Spirituality and Health, Science of Mind, National Catholic Reporter, Sun Magazine. Still on Fire: Field Notes from a Queer Mystic is her first mem. Visit Jan Phillips at: www.janphillips.com to stay in the loop on new to stay in the loop on new projects.

Jan Phillips

Listen to Podcast

Topics of Conversation

• About the book and her inspiration for writing it. • Being Gay. And Catholic. And Suicidal • Experiences in the Convent • Religion vs. Spirituality • Marginalization and Homophobia • What is a Queer Mystic? • What's next for Jan Phillips?

The Lone Sailboat - Navigating in Political Waters By Edward Korczynski

Like an American Chesterton, Ed Korczynski has taken a hard look at our cur- rent 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 up- bringing that have been effective throughout the Church’s 2,000-year history. Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN: 9781977243478 NonFiction - Religion/Christian Living - 80 pages - Tradeback - $16.95

View on Amazon

READ First Chapter

A Boy Named Malachi

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. By Ruth Broek Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN 9781977247223 NonFiction-Memoir - Family - 234 pages - Tradeback - $19.95

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 long- ing.” 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: “In- spiring Odysseys,” “From the Heart,” and “Fanciful.”

View on Amazon

READ First Chapter

“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

F or 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 mes- sage he or she wants to share. Below are some things I get from book videos 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 descrip- tions, 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 pre- view of a book, because it helps us to visualize in a short time the content of the book. • Background music and narra- tor’s voice – The sound allows the possible reader to feel the mood of the story. Is it thrilling? Mysterious? Ro- mantic? • Finally, but not least is the script of the slides or voice narration. 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 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

Fiction-Thriller - Tradeback - 304 pages - $22.95 Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781977250513

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 breathtakingly from a shock- ing opening to a glorious and gratifying conclusion. 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.

View on Amazon

READ First Chapter

Khuda Buksh - The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangla desh

By Muhammad Obaidur Rahim

Fulton Books (2022) - ISBN: 9781637108758

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

View on Amazon

READ First Chapter

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 vola- tile the world could be. This story is a tale of resurrection. From the depths of loneliness and the hardship of destitution, came hidden strengths. In- spired by the kindness of strangers and guided by blind faith lies hope for light at the end of a dark and dreary tunnel.

View on Amazon

READ First Chapter

Featured Books and Authors

Imani Lewis

Imani Lewis is a multi-award winning and national best sell- ing 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 tod- dler! Engaging you with fun rhymes, beautiful imagery, and adorable hu- mor, Hello & Goodnight is sure to become a bedtime favorite.

HELLO AND GOODNIGHT

Red Beetle Publishing, LLC (2021)

By Imani Lewis

ISBN 9781734517088

Tradeback - 34 pages - $11.99

View on Amazon

Fiction - Preaschool/Early Reader

A delightful story that will appeal to little ones, their parents, and their grandparents, and I highly recommend it as a must-have in every little home library.

— Sheri Hoyte Reader Views

* Reader Views Kids Award for Best Children’s Book of the Year

WATCH BOOK VIDEO

READ FIRST CHAPTER

Wally Jones Featured Books and Authors

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 en- code and decode word phonics. Read- ing 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, dys- lexia still causes him many problems. Though he continues to struggle with reading and writing, Sam the Chosen serves as testament that all challenges can be overcome.

For more information about Wally- visit www.theprophecystoryline.com

Synopsis: The attacks changed everything. Life would never be the same. So much carnage, 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 trig- gering 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.

Sam the Chosen

By Wally Jones

Koehler Books (2021)

ISBN 9781646634545

Tradeback - 271 pages - $19.99

View on Amazon

Fiction - Fantasy/Epic

A n entertaining, well-crafted debut that challenges planet. —Kirkus Review W 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 humankind's stewardship of the

they will never forget. — Mary Ellen/Gavin Literary Agent

* 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards Overall Gold Prize Winner * Winner in the Fantasy category * B.A. Bellec’s Production Studio Marketing Package * The Author Marketing Experts Award for Best Debut Fiction * Best Southesast Region -Regional Award Winner * Best North America - Global Award Winner

READ FIRST CHAPTER

WATCH BOOK VIDEO

A SHOUT OUT FOR MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY BY BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN

T his article will sound like a Public Service Announcement for diverse children’s books. However, if you follow me, this will be no surprise since I am an avid advocate for diverse children’s books. I look for every opportunity to get diverse books into the hands of educators, librarians, teachers, booksellers, parents, and children. It seems appropriate to consider what defines a book as multicultural or diverse. When I set up my school library over twenty years ago, multicultural was the established term, and had a narrower definition. Now the term diverse has become more commonly used, expanding the concept to be more inclusive. To understand what is considered a multicultural/diverse book today, I will borrow from the definition given on the Multicultural Children’s Book Day website. Multicultural/ diverse books: • Contain characters of color as well as main characters that represent a minority point of view. • Are written by an author of diversity or color from their perspective. • Share ideas, stories, and information about cultures, race, religion, language, and traditions. • Embrace special needs or even “hidden disabilities” like ADHD, ADD, and anxiety.

• Show IBPOC readers what is possible – an Asian child as an astronaut, a biracial child as a world leader, etc. Today I am touting the Multicultural Children’s Book Day event. On that day, hundreds of reviews of diverse books, including some written by me, are published on the MCBD website. Started ten years ago by Valarie Budayr from Audrey Press Books and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom, the event is held at the end of January (this year on January 26). However, the MCBD website is available year- round with plenty of “…! resources, teaching tools, booklists, and downloads…”. The organization also supports “…a year-round initiative to get multi- cultural and diverse books into the hands of young readers.” The MCBD website defines itself as “…a non- profit whose mission is to raise awareness about children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into classrooms and libraries. To date, Multicultural Children’s Book Day, along with literacy partners, authors, and publishers, has donated over 10,800 books to parents, teachers, and librarians. Multicultural Children’s Book Day strives to shine the spotlight on the diverse books and authors that often get overlooked by main- stream publishing and media.” Join the official MCBD zoom party on January 26, 2023! Below are two books I reviewed for a6cc39 in the past.

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

Sumo Joe Author: Mia Wenjen Illustrator: Nat Iwata Publisher: Lee and Low Books (2019 ISBN: 9781620148020 Children-4-7 years old-Hardcover - $20.95

S uno umo Joe is a rhyming book that gives us a glimpse into Asian cultures through two martial arts forms in a fun, playful way. In the story, big brother Joe faces a challenge – choosing between his role as a friend and as a big brother. Read more.

Quigley the Quiet Hedgehog

Author: Claudine Norden Illustrator: Bonnie Wiegand Publisher: Hoberman (2018)

Children-4-8 years old-Hardcover - $14.95 ISBN: 9780736983099 M Diversity comes in all forms, but this is the first book I have read about introverts.

This book explains why a person is introverted and that, despite this trait, still has a lot to offer the world. Written by an author who is an extrovert mother of an introverted child, this book helps the reader see into and make sense of the world of introverts with understanding comes caring, respect, empathy, and inclusion. Read more.

Amy Pflueger Featured Books and Authors

I am a Best-Selling and Award-Winning 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 advo- cate who loves learning about autism and supporting autism organizations. I advocate for kids with autism to be heard, valued and understood. My mis- sion 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. T his 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 Rey Reader Views T his 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

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44

Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator