This weeks book review is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.  Prior to reading the book, I was aware it would reference the Black Lives Matter movement but unaware of anything further regarding the book.  From the beginning, I felt out of my element.  The Hate U Give was unlike any book I have read before and for that I am grateful.  Throughout the book, I experienced a culture much different than my own.  I experienced, through the power of reading, a world that, if not for this book, I would have never visited.  We become numb as a society to the media exploitation of men of color being shot and killed, whether by a police office or any other individual.  The media sensationalizes these deaths and reports on what we want, or need to hear.  We hear that the police officer was protecting himself or that the victim was a drug dealer and his death doesn't matter.  But every senseless death has a story.

This week's book review, Break Into Journalism: Contact Building Tools and Tactics, written by Johannes Koch is an excellent guide to those aspiring to break into the business of journalism.  Koch has written a thorough, quick read with specific strategies to help build and maintain contacts in the industry. 

Morgen La Civita and Margaret McClure are the talented authors of The Urban Manners Manifesto - A Practical Guide for A**holes.  Today I share my exclusive author interview with Morgen and Margaret. The authors share how they began their writing journey and their goals for the future- enjoy!

This weeks book review is Liane Moriarty's newest novel Nine Perfect Strangers.  I am a fan of Moriarty's previous novels so I was excited about the new release.  The premise to the novel was fascinating.  Nine people arrive at a health resort looking for relief from the hardships of life.  From the onset, the health resort is odd.  Bags are search, items are confiscated, and for five days, there is no speaking.  Throughout the novel, the reader peers inside the lives of the nine strangers - what brought them there and the ghosts they are trying to leave behind.  From there, the story takes a dramatic turn as the leader of the facility has incorporated extremely alternative therapeutic protocols. 

Nancy Wagaman is the talented author of The Curious Dreamer's Dream Dictionary.  Today I share my exclusive author interview with Nancy. Wagaman shares how she began her writing journey and her goals for the future- enjoy!

I will preface this review of Acne: Just Another Four Letter Word by saying I have never dealt with severe acne, whether as an adolescent nor adult.  That being said, I was initially skeptical of the approach presented by the author.  Can we really change our mindset and in turn, free ourselves of the excruciating and  psychological tortures brought about by acne?  Without much knowledge on the topic, I assumed treatment for Acne was purely medicinal.  Take a pill, wash your face, and wait for the acne to go away.  However, I wanted to approach Dr. Patel's book with an open mind, ridding myself of my preconceived notions of acne treatment. 

Johannes Koch is the talented author of Break Into Journalism.  Today I share my exclusive author interview with Johannes. Koch shares how he began his writing journey and his goals for the future- enjoy!

Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline delves into the the dynamic relationship between teenager Molly and Vivian, a ninety year old woman who on the surface has nothing in common with Molly.  As the story unfolds, you realize that everyone has a story to tell, even those residing in large mansions on the outskirts of town.  An unlikely pairing, Molly and Vivian are drawn to each other and the connection formed is deeper than ever expected. 

Happy Holidays! In celebration of this festive time of year...it's time for a GIVEAWAY!

PURSUING GREATNESS by author Stacey Ritz is now available in Audiobook format! We have 20 FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD COPIES to giveaway! 

How do you get your free copy? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!