Tag Archives: Non-fiction

Eric Lindner, Author of Hospice Voices: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on February 4th, 2014

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, Oct. 6, 2013
Category: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Volunteerism, Hospice, Caregiver
Tour Dates: January, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 232 pages

As a part-time hospice volunteer, Eric Lindner provides companion care to dying strangers. They are chatterboxes and recluses, religious and irreligious, battered by cancer, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer s, old age. Some cling to life amazingly. Most pass as they expected.

In telling his story, Lindner reveals the thoughts, fears, and lessons of those living the ends of their lives in the care of others, having exhausted their medical options or ceased treatment for their illnesses. In each chapter, Lindner not only reveals the lessons of lives explored in their final days, but zeroes in on how working for hospice can be incredibly fulfilling.

As he s not a doctor, nurse, or professional social worker, just a volunteer lending a hand, offering a respite for other care providers, his charges often reveal more, and in more detail, to him than they do to those with whom they spend the majority of their time. They impart what they feel are life lessons as they reflect on their own lives and the prospect of their last days. Lindner captures it all in his lively storytelling.

Anyone who knows or loves someone working through end of life issues, living in hospice or other end of life facilities, or dealing with terminal or chronic illnesses, will find in these pages the wisdom of those who are working through their own end of life issues, tackling life s big questions, and boiling them down into lessons for anyone as they age or face illness. And those who may feel compelled to volunteer to serve as companions will find motivation, inspiration, and encouragement.

Rather than sink under the weight of depression, pity, or sorrow, Lindner celebrates the lives of those who choose to live even as they die.

Advance Praise for Hospice Voices:

 “This is an honest, pull no punches look at coming to terms with the one thing we will all do-die. In this well-documented and highly-readable book, Lindner proves an adept chronicler of the individual human stories that make up his journey to understand that beauty and grace can exist at the end stages of life. Lindner deftly reminds us of the power of the small things, the simple gestures and the importance of dignity for those that face a terminal situation. Throughout the book, we meet people approaching the end of life in their own individual ways, with different measures of love, faith and family. This book simultaneously opened my heart and broke it as each story taught me how hope and dignity can exist even in terminal situations. As a hospice volunteer, Lindner teaches us all that the ability to ease and bear witness to someone’s journey at the end stage of life is perhaps the ultimate gift one human can give another.”– Lee Woodruff, author of the New York Times bestsellers Those We Love Most and In an Instant

“Heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure claim more lives than any other disease state. Over my career I’ve seen my share of sadness due to the ravages of end-stage cardiovascular disease. But I’ve also seen terminal patients and their loved ones wring out great joy and meaning in the final months of life. This book is joyful, insightful, witty, and truly meaningful. It tugged at my heart, tickled my funny bone, and served up numerous insights and tips that had escaped me when trying to advise patients and their families. What a marvelous set of stories that should be read by all adults. It inspires us to live life to the fullest and respect and learn from the past in order to better deal with future uncertainty.”–Roger S. Blumenthal, M.D., FAHA, FACC. Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology, Director, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease and co-editor-in-chief of Preventive Cardiology: Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease

“As a physician who cares for the chronically ill and dying I all too often see people who are alone in the midst of their suffering. Trained volunteers, like Lindner, play such an immensely important role in providing that companionship to the patient. His book reminds all of us that we are invited to attend to others-not to change them, not to judge, not to fix. We are there simply to listen and to be witnesses to the suffering and joy of others in their living and in their dying. Presence to others, as Lindner describes so poignantly in his book, is a transformative sacred act for the patient and for the companion. His book inspires all of us to enter the sacredness of living and dying with openness and courage.”-Christina M. Puchalski, MD, MS, FACP. Director, George Washington University’s Institute for Spirituality and Health, Professor, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the author of A Time for Listening and Caring: Spirituality and the Care of the Chronically Ill and Dying.

“This book intrigued me because of the author’s pledge to donate 100% of his profits to charity. His book moved me because it’s an illustration that there are many ways we can provide love and justice in this world. We think of love in our daily affections for those close to us. We think of justice in the work of social movements. But all religions teach that at the heart of justice is love, hospitality, and kindness to strangers. It is hard to imagine a better example of exactly that than this book, and in reading it, one comes away knowing that as in sacred scripture, Lindner has encountered and served angels themselves.”–Timothy L. Fort, PhD, JD, Everleigh Professor of Business Ethics, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University and author of Business, Integrity, and Peace: Beyond Geopolitical and Disciplinary Boundaries

“Eric Lindner gives voice to those in their final days so that we may better listen, love, and learn from their example. A must read for any caregiver – volunteer or family.”–Vince Evans, MSW, Vice President of Patient Services, Hospice of the Valley

About Eric Lindner:

Eric Lindner is an attorney & entrepreneur. He has been a hospice companion caregiver since 2009. He divides his time between Warrenton, VA and Kauai, Hawaii.

Author Website: http://www.hospicevoices.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericlindnerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricLindner1
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ericlindner/

Buy Hospice Voices:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Jan 3 Review & Giveaway
WV Stitcher Jan 6 Review
WV Stitcher Jan 7 Guest Post
I’d Rather Be At the Beach Jan 8 Review
Teena in Toronto Jan 10 Review
Anastacia Reviews Jan 13 Review & Giveaway
Library of Clean Reads Jan 14 Review
Sincerely Stacie Jan 15 Review
Midnight Musings Jan 16 Review
Midnight Musings Jan 17 Interview
Sweeps for Bloggers Jan 20 Review &Giveaway
Every Free Chance Jan 21 Review
Every Free Chance Jan 22 Interview
Daddy Blogger Jan 23 Review & Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt Jan 24 Review & Giveaway
As I Turn the Pages Jan 27 Review
As I Turn the Pages  Jan 27 Guest Post
Joystory Jan 29 Review
Genuine Jenn Feb 4 Review
Anglers Rest Feb 7 Review

 

 

Jenn Flaa, Author of The Happiness Workbook: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on May 7th, 2013

Publisher: Bush Street Press (May, 2012)
Category: Self Help, Non-Fiction, Self Discovery, Happiness
Tour Dates: Mid April, 2013
Available in: Print and ebook 158 pages

#1 on Amazon Hot New Releases!

We arrive on this planet naked and without operating instructions. We live our lives and learn from trial and error (lots of errors) what works, what doesn’t work, what makes us happy and what pisses us off.

Each new person that comes into our lives gets no user’s manual and has to figure us out the hard way.  But what if we changed the rules?  What if we wrote our own user’s manual, The Happiness Handbook, about what makes us tick and gave it to the people we love most?

Imagine how that would change our interactions and our lives. People would begin to do what makes us happy and … we would be happy!  If someone received our Happiness Handbook and chose not to follow it, well then, we could choose not to hang out with them more quickly.

The Happiness Handbook is about empowering the reader to discover their own unique ways of being that lead to unlocking their full potential and becomes their guide for leading the extraordinary life they were born to fulfill.

The Happiness Handbook is written in a warm, friendly and informal tone; as if a girl friend were guiding the reader through their process of self discovery. Peppered with humbling, humorous anecdotes and stories; the reader has a practical, seasoned guide and partner in crime as they work the exercises and use the tools to move from unhappy to happy!

Praise for The Happiness Workbook:

“Flaa’s guide aims to send the reader down the path of self-discovery.

After living through a divorce, Flaa finally decided that there was only one thing in the world that was going to make her happy: herself. But who was she? The answer came as she took the time to rediscover what she enjoyed and then tell other people about her findings. Flaa’s book explains how the author found her own fulfillment, and the author’s hope is that her readers will use the handbook to do the same…

Reaching a state of elation may be a process, but the work outlines three steps to get there: Decide what makes you happy, communicate your needs, and do a “happy dance,” i.e., express your joy. Along with this simple strategy, the guide presents plenty of different exercises and activities…

The aim of all these exercises, and the book itself, is to give the reader the tools they need to figure out how to find their bliss. For Flaa, taking an active role in the creation of one’s own joy helps actualize it.”– Kirkus Review

“A witty and revealing journey around many of life’s more friction-filled corners. The challenges described have such a human, almost generic universality that you’ll find wisdom even in the words not on the page, but that flash into mind hours after putting the book down. Ms. Flaa is talented author, intelligent and unafraid to be bold employing a particularly conversational flavor of the written word. Enjoy!”– Matt Maurer, Amazon Reviewer

“To all the women that read this review; buy the book, read it, answer the questions, give it to your man and tell him to read it and learn and then act on what he has learned. To all the guys that read this review, do yourself a HUGE favor buy the book, give it to your lady, ask her to read it and fill it out, then steal it after she has finished it and learn what you’ve been doing wrong all these years and then fix the problem and become that knight in shining armor that you think you’ve been. Trust me I know, I’ve been married for 23 years and thought everything was fine and it is for the most part, but obviously there is always room for improvement and this book help me find out where I needed to improve to make my wife much happier.”-Jeff Black, Amazon Reviewer

“What a marvelous concept – ask for what makes us happy! Such a simple concept, yet so overlooked. Thanks Jenn Flaa for this fun and enlightening read. Doing the happy dance!”– Kd Harris, Amazon Reviewer

“I just finished this book and found it to be the most refreshing no nonsense approach to overcoming the hard knocks that life presents! It provides questions that you need to ask yourself, putting it in writing makes you see it more clearly and work through it. I thought I was happy before, and really I was relatively, but know, I have a whole new perspective. Go get this book and read it, then reread it, you will learn a lot about yourself. I am giving this book to my daughter!”– M. Susan Swchwartz, Amazon Reviewer

About Jenn Flaa:

Serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and a passion for music. Jenn merges creativity and tech with fun and energy.

After starting her career as an engineer at NASA and a stint in Silicon Valley as a Quality Assurance Manager, Jenn started her first of four companies.  Vettanna provides high tech resources and communications training on-camera.

Not content to use one side of her brain, Jenn is also the rock vocalist and song writer for the band Urban Fiction, the author of The Happiness Handbook and the Better Boyfriend blog.

You can find out more about Jenn and The Happiness Handbook in her interview on CBS:

The Happiness Handbook Website

Jenn Flaa Twitter
Jenn Flaa Facebook
Jenn Flaa Google+

Buy The Happiness Handbook at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Follow the Tour

So Many Precious Books April 15 Review & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto April 17 Review
Luxury Reading April  18 Review & Giveaway
Live to Read April 19 Review (Postponed)
JoyStory April 24 Review
Saving for 6 April 25 Review
Books a la mode April 25 Excerpt  & Giveaway
Dr. Bill’s Book Bazaar April  26 Review
MN Girl in LA April  29 Review
Love At First Book May 2 Review & Guest Post                                                               Library of Clean Reads May  3 Review
Sincerely Stacie May 6 Review
Library of Clean Reads May 7 I & Giveaway

 

 

Shelly Lowenkopf, Author of The Fiction Writer’s Handbook: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on March 22nd, 2013

Publisher: White Whisker Books, November 16, 2012
Category: Non-Fiction, Writing, Publishing
Tour Dates: Feb 18-March 15, 2013
Available in: Print, Kindle, & Nook  336 pages

The Fiction Writer’s Handbook is the definitive volume to explain the words and phrases that writers and editors use when they talk about a work. In the highly competitive publishing world, today’s writers need to stay ahead of the competition and make every sentence count. This book will help new writers who need an understanding of the writing process, and for seasoned writers, it is a powerful tool.

Praise for The Fiction Writer’s Handbook:

“Knowing how editors choose one work over so many others would give any writer an advantage. To that end, Lowenkopf, a longtime writer, editor, and educator, delivers the fiction-writing guide he has always longed for–one that can be applied to the practical goal of every aspiring writer: getting published… VERDICT: An invaluable insider’s take on what editors look for when sifting through the slush pile.” –Henrietta Thornton-Verma, Library Journal

“The effect is also similar to falling down a rabbit hole. To put it plainly, it’s a tool that anyone who loves to learn more about the craft of writing won’t be able to put down, an indispensable addition to any writer’s library.” –-Marc Schuster, Small Press Reviews

“Shelly Lowenkopf has cooked up literary gumbo for all writers. Once you’ve sampled it, you won’t be able to stop coming back for more.” –Ehrich Van Lowe, author of bestseller Boyfriend From Hell

“It’s encyclopedic in its erudition, yet as practical as a toolbox. It’s also the masterwork of a brilliant mind, which has devoted itself to its subject and its students. Finally, as Sinatra might put it, it’s simply a kick in the pants.” –Gerald Locklin, poet

“The Fiction Writer’s Handbook is one of those rare reading experiences–insightful, unusually useful, and wise.” –Gayle Lynds, author of bestseller The Book of Spies

About Shelly Lowenkopf:

Shelly Lowenkopf taught in the University of Southern California’s Master of Professional Writing Program for 34 years, has taught at the annual Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference since 1980, and has been guest lecturer in many schools and conferences. He is currently Visiting Professor at the College of Creative Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, with classes in noir fiction, the modern short story, genre fiction, and developing a literary voice. Lowenkopf has served as editorial director for literary, general trade, mass market, and scholarly book publishers, seeing over 500 books through the editorial and production process. His own short fiction has appeared widely in the literary press.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lowenkopf 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shelly.lowenkopf

Buy The Fiction Writer’s Handbook at:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books  Feb 19  Spotlight & Giveaway
Dizzy C’s Chick Book Feb 21 Review
Dizzy C’s Chick Book Feb 22  Guest Post & Giveaway
Cozy Little Book Journal Feb 26 Review
Bloggin Bout Books Feb 27 Review & Giveaway
Dr. Bill’s Book Bazaar Feb 28 Review
Angler’s Rest Mar 1 Review & Giveaway
Alive on the Shelves Mar 1 Guest Post
Angela Shelton Mar 4 Review & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto Mar 5 Review
Book Lover’s Library  Mar 6 Guest Post
Book Lover’s Library Mar 7 Review
Reviewing Shelf Mar  11 Review
Every Free Chance Mar 11 Guest Post
Broken Teepee Mar 12 Review
Frugal Experiments Mar 13 Review & Giveaway
Joy Story Mar 14 Review
Reviewing Shelf March 23

 

Benjamin Berkley, Author of Before You Say I Do Again: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on February 25th, 2013

Publisher: Frederick Fell Trade (September 15, 2009
Category: Non-Fiction, Self-Help (Legal)
Tour Dates: February, 2013
Available in: Print, 240 pages

Learning from the mistakes of a failed first marriage and telling yourself you will do better the next time around is like saying if you lose a football game you’ll win the next one.  You will but only if you learn some new plays before you go back on the field.  Presented   by an attorney who has seen all the warning signs, “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!” will teach those new plays to avoid coming up on the losing side again.

Note, book shelves are filled with warm and fuzzy titles authored by psychologists and family counselors.  Their message is to teach how to listen to each other and improve the relationship.  “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!”is not a how to book to get back together or to stay together.  Instead it takes the gloves off and provides insight as to the issues one must consider before walking down the aisle a second time.  Tackling a serious subject, but presented in a sometimes whimsical fashion, “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!” puts the brakes on the wedding ceremony and provides the reader with the questions that must be answered before she drives down the path of destruction.

In addition,   it provides information regarding the legal consequences of a failed second marriage. “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!” is a “tell it is like it is guide”   to avoid an impending disaster.

 Praise for Before You Say I Do Again:

“According to Psychology Today, 60% of remarriages fail. What are the reasons? Why do people believe that whatever went wrong the first time won’t happen again?  Have you gone through a divorce, found a new partner and are considering remarrying? Perhaps you’re afraid of making the same mistake twice and are thinking of living together first? Do you wonder if you’re doing the right thing?  Before You Say I Do, Again answers these important questions, and much more. Written by a divorce attorney with over 30 years of experience, the book is filled with insightful information, practical advice and statistics supported by research studies.  Besides being chock-full of information, author/attorney Benjamin Berkley writes in a simple, light, engaging style, making the reading experience enjoyable. The structure is clear and well organized. Best of all, it is written by someone who really knows what he’s talking about. If you or someone in your life is considering remarrying, please do yourself a favour and get a copy of this book. It is definitely an eye opener.” Mayra Calvani, BlogCritic Books

“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. “Before You Say I Do Again: A Buyer’s Beware Guide to Remarriage” is aimed at those who may be taking the dive into marriage the second time and want to be legally prepared this time around. Written from an attorney’s perspective, he offers much advice people should know the second time around to see if you’re truly ready to do it again. “Before You Say I Do Again” is a solid and highly recommended read that’ll educate and make many people reconsider.” Midwest Book Review

“Here’s helpful advice from an attorney, packaged in a readable, insightful new book! Even if you’ve already remarried, you may gain valuable tips here that can help you construct, or re-construct, the legal details of your new marriage.  Divorced? Dating? Considering a new marriage? Pick up this book and read it carefully. You’ll be glad you did.” Dr. David Frisbie, The Center for Marriage & Family Studies

“Before You Say I Do Again is a fantastic tool and worthwhile reading for anyone thinking of remarrying. It might be even better reading for someone stepping into their first marriage. I highly recommend it.” brownlevine, Barnes and Noble. com Reviewer

About Benjamin Berkley:

Benjamin Berkley is the author of four self-help books:  “My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family’s Needs” (Sourcebooks, June, 2006)   “The Complete Executor’s Guide” (Sourcebooks, June 2007)   “Winning Your Social Security Disability Case” (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and “Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer’s Beware Guide to Remarriage.” (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009). “Against My Will” (Fell Publishers, September, 2012) is Benjamin Berkley’s fifth book and debut novel.

And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door.  One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for “Against My Will.”   Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley.   He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.

Benjamin Berkley Website
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenjaminBerkley 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benjamin-Berkley/365105946878419

Buy Before You Say I Do, Again at:

Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Feb 3 GP & Giveaway
Angela Shelton  Feb 4 Review
Angela Shelton  Feb 5  Interview
Teena In Toronto Feb 6 Review
MN Girl in LA Feb 7 Review
JoyStory Feb 8 Review
Melissa’s Midnight Musings Feb11 Review
Melissa’s Midnight Musings Feb 12 Guest Post
My Life Feb 13 Review
Books a’la mode Feb 14 Spotlight & Giveaway
Live to Read Feb 15 Review
Live to Read Feb 18 Guest Post  & Giveaway
My Devotional Thoughts Feb 20 Review
A Book Lover’s Library Feb 21 Review
A Book Lover’s Library  Feb 22 Interview
So Many Precious Books  Feb 25 Review