This collection of stories and advice was compiled by a self-proclaimed serial optimist, David Mezzapelle. Each chapter is part of the collective theme of optimism in action, including, but not limited to, nurturing talent, designing, achieving goals, cultivating gratitude, and building positive and rewarding relationships. Within each chapter there are numerous short stories and advice […]
Archive | Uplifting Books
Winning The War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
This book, by Craig Groeschel is a bit of a gift wrapped in a conundrum. First, let me say that it is a good read, but there are a few head scratching elements. To start, it’s written by a pastor who states in the beginning that this book is not targeted solely to Christians. But […]
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
I haven’t met a person who isn’t struggling with anxiety and stress these days. Toss in the inner critic, fear, low self-esteem, and emotional reactivity, and you have a cocktail that we all occasionally finds ourselves swimming in. That’s why this book by Dr. Julie Smith is a timely read for everyone. There’s a lot […]
Strength to Stand: Overcoming, Succeeding, Thriving, Advancing, Winning.
A lot of promises are made in this title, so naturally I was drawn to what author, pastor, and motivational speaker T. D. Jakes had to share. A servant of God, Jake has written this book for both believers and those who are curious about Christianity. But pulling back the lens, you can see that […]
The Eloquence of Silence: Surprising Wisdom in Tales of Emptiness
Author of Care of the Soul, Thomas Moore, humbly presents his most recent book with an introduction that made me a believer. A believer of his promise that “less is more.” By exercising the hard-won lessons he shares throughout this book, I’ve discovered it’s a promise kept. That’s rare. Especially in this age of too […]
Choosing Survival
“How I Endured a Brutal Attack and a Lifetime of Trauma through the Power of Action, Choice, and Self Expression,” is the subtitle of this book by dancer, choreographer, and survivor, Lynn Forney. This statement alone is enough to draw a reader in, especially someone seeking inspiration and hope for life after trauma. The book […]
Of White Ashes: A Novel
This novel by husband-and-wife team Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto is a compelling saga that tells the story about two individuals separated by an ocean yet destined to come together. Ruby Ishimaru is a Japanese American growing up in Hawaii on the cusp of World War Two. Her happy childhood ends when her mother […]
The Guidance Groove: Escape Unproductive Habits, Trust Your Intuition, and Be True
Author Dr. Carolyn Kurle is a scientist, professor, and researcher who is passionate about helping people increase their personal authenticity and contentment. The Guidance Groove is both a tool and a gift she’s created to help you get unstuck, break free from false mental programming, and follow a gentle and supportive roadmap for navigating the […]
Meaningful Conflicts: The Art of Friction
Over 90 short stories, prose, memoirs, essays, and poetry are contained in this “Developmental Anthology,” a richly diverse, creative ensemble by the Off Campus Writer’s Workshop (OCWW) community. The collection from forty-nine authors and fifteen poets, is composed of a vast array of interpretations on overcoming obstacles, including emotional friction, personal conflicts, generational disputes, and […]
Return To the River: Reflections on Life Choices During the Pandemic
Known for his bestseller A Child Called It, Dave Pelzer shares his journey and reflections during the pandemic. His book, which he affectionally calls “a love story of sorts,” came about unexpectedly. Pelzer describes how he mentors a young fireman and reconnects with lifelong friends as he strives forward despite his haunting past. “I’m not […]