by M@sterWriter | Jan 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
On Writing by Stephen King is a different book from most I have read on the subject of writing. In addition to being instructional, this book could be considered an autobiography. The book is composed of three sections: King’s early years, his writing life and his advice on writing.
King’s love of writing began by copying comic books and writing adapted commentary at the tender age of five. His mother loved his stories and would always compliment him on them. At that time, King sold his first four books; his mother had bought them all and gave them to her friends. (more…)
by M@sterWriter | Jan 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
In Mary Romero’s book, The Breakdown of the All American Family, the author screams and shouts from the depths of her soul for anyone who has been victimized by abuse to find their voice, use their voice, and use it well. Romero asserts that victims need to let the world hear them roar!
Romero’s dominant objective is to stop the generational curse that runs through her family and the families of other abuse victims. With passion and authority, Romero cites, “no one has the right to silence anyone in any way, shape, or form. From bullies to abusive husbands, they do not have the right. Angry bosses, demented neighbors, and denying siblings do not have the right. Everyone has the right to their voice, especially our children.”
Throughout the book, Romero tells her story of overcoming the lingering effects of the abuse she experienced at the hands of her father. His demeanor and the treatment he allotted his family are clear indicators of a psychopathic disorder. The predator is tall, dark, handsome and charming on the outside, but in private, he reveals himself as a narcissistic, controlling, and abusive individual weighted down by low self-esteem.
Warning, this book is not for the faint of heart, and do grab some Kleenex as you prepare to read this memoir. Romero’s descriptive retellings of the domestic violence, rape and emotional abuse, which she and her siblings all endured at the hands of their father, can be overwhelmingly disturbing. In 150 pages, Romero paints raw and vivid images: her dad choking her mom, him bashing her head against the wall, and her feet dangling off the ground. There are several of these instances throughout the book.
Romero further draws you into her saga as you witness her mature. The author takes the reader first through the abusive episodes, but as she matures she opens her heart and explains the emotional, spiritual, and psychological damage that remained. As a child, the author took on the role of protector for her mother and siblings. It is almost unbelievable, as she explains what her father did, that there is almost no retaliation from the mother or the five children.
Romero grew determined to mitigate the effects of her abuse and discontinue the predisposition of abuse, for the curse lives on in the lives of her children. She desperately wanted the rewards of a productive and fulfilling life. She believed she had to begin to change her attitude and behavior. With her determination, she sought therapy and then school to study psychology. She was liberated. She had found her voice.
As one would suspect, this subject is near and dear to Romero’s heart. Her life’s work is consistent with the theme of the book. Professionally, she has worked with juvenile offenders for most of her career and she is currently working as a life coach. Through her work, Romero silences perpetrators by empowering victims to let their voices be heard.
Romero‘s memoir is written in a conversational and intimate tone that is disarmingly unpretentious. Readers will appreciate its candid disclosure into the lives of children living in the world of abuse. This is a book that encourages victims to be aware of the likelihood for victims to become abusers; however, she attempts to empower victims to be proactive and to abolish the generational curse.
The author’s story lends itself to research in the school of human behavior. A question is raised to study: Why is it that, of the five siblings, the author was the most resilient? The others fell prey to the predator and several of them still yearned for his approval. Romero placed a great emphasis on stopping the curse. When she witnesses the character of a toxic person, she removes herself from them, just as she did with her own father.
The author is well-connected with her topic. She is able to verbalize her feelings as she began to let go of the anger that bound her. In the beginning, she held steadfast to the mental, emotional, and spiritual components of her abuse, but through her journey, finds freedom. This information is directed at an audience of those previously abused, currently abused, abuse support groups and her family.
by M@sterWriter | Jan 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
When a man loves a woman, heaven and earth move, miracles happen and a woman is reawakened. Rebecca D. Myers’ book, My Journey to Heaven and Back, is a love story. The active and engaging love Myers experienced with her husband Gene transformed her belief in love, humankind, providence, and herself.
Near Death Experiences (also known as NDEs) are controversial. Thousands of people have had them, but many in the scientific community argue that they are impossible. However, neurosurgeon and author Dr. Eben Alexander supports the possibility of NDEs as he himself reports to having had one.
Myers, a trained nurse, was attacked by an extremely rare illness that caused her heart to stop. Her body lay lifeless as the expectation of survival dimmed. She was in need of care. Her teary-eyed husband watched as the medical team wheeled her gurney into the operation room. After many hours of surgery, Myers’ recovery is, by all accounts, a medical miracle.
Immediately upon return, Myers relates to her husband what she believes to be details of a near death experience. She describes an extraordinary excursion as she travelled through the golden gates of heaven accompanied by an angelic figure. White, gold and purple lights are beaming, beautiful singing and music in the background, and her body was pain-free. All her senses heighten and clarity was brought to her, engulfed in the presence of the love that surrounded her. Myers felt so close to her Divine source; she craved to be closer. She embraced the warmth. Myers wanted to stay in this extraordinary place, but she heard Gene’s prayers in between his sobs; he begged the Lord to keep her with him. Myers knew her husband loved, wanted, and needed her. Thus, she woke, with more wisdom, love, understanding and happiness than ever; she had escaped death.
Throughout the book Myers recounts her many obstacles and it reads almost like a list. It takes a detour from the focus of the love she embraces with her daughter and husband. In fact, she barely mentions her daughter, except to tell us she is the love of her life. Myers recounts many of the miracles she experienced in her illness, instances of abandonment, abuses and the love of her life, Gene.
Placing this book in the hands of believers at any age would be a bonus to their assurance and acceptance of the divine. In her NDE, Myers describes the total bliss she experienced, when God loves a woman. This book can be used as a resource for inspiration and encouragement, with Bible verses for supplication.
This book might be called a love story. Myers places her loving relationship with her husband on display. The story unfolds with her telling of what truly happens when a man loves a woman. Not only did this man accept and love her with all her flaws, but he also cared for her two children as his own. The love devotion and commitment Myer’s husband demonstrates repeatedly supported the author in life and on her Journey to Heaven and Back.
by M@sterWriter | Jan 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
“I do believe my life has no limits! I want you to feel the same way about your life, no matter what your challenges may be. As we begin our journey together, please take a moment to think about any limitations you have placed on your life or that you have allowed others to place on it. Now think about what it would be like to be free of those limitations. What would your life be if anything were possible?”
—Nick Vujicic, from Life without Limits
Nick Vujicic wrote his memoir Life without Limits and his main objective is made clear. Vujicic aims to inspire his readers and calls them to action. He weaves passion and purpose through each page, reiterating his theme: to live our lives limitlessly, fearlessly believing “Anything is possible.”
Vujicic immediately captures the reader’s attention, beginning the journey by sharing the disappointment his family felt when he entered the world without limbs. He was born with Tetra Syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. Though they were saddened by their son’s diagnosis, Nicholas’s parents loved him and welcomed him into the world. A few years later they had two more children, Nicholas’s wonderful brother Aaron and loving sister Michelle. Vujicic was determined to find a way to live a joyous, exuberant life despite his disability.
Vujicic cleverly integrates himself into his illustrations, depicting his life without limits. As one can imagine, Nick had to overcome bouts of physical adversity. His first hurdle arrived as a child in grade school. The kids teased him ferociously, calling him a freak and an alien. At this time in his life, Vujicic contemplated committing suicide. Nicholas shared this intention with his brother. His brother, of course, shared this with their father who entered Nicholas’s room, sat on his bed, and enticed his son to share his thoughts and fears. His dad was patient, kind, and loving. Vujicic’s father listened with an open heart and thereafter, he acknowledged Nicholas’s fears and told him that both he and his mother would always love and support him. They would always be available to him. Dare to do something because “Anything is possible” was the message Nicholas received, and echoes it on every page of the book.
Vujicic yearned to fit in with the other children. He had been told a million times or more that he was cute, charming, personable, and outgoing, and he had started to believe these compliments. Thus, Nicholas courageously approached other children daily, seeking friendships. He had been rejected at the onset, but remembering his father’s words, he persevered. He used the curiosity of the other youngsters to draw them in. He found a convenient spot on the playground and made himself available to his classmates. Soon, Nick had groups of kids gathered around him, questioning how he did things with no arms and legs. The inquisitions continued and the crowds increased in size. It was this time that sparked Nick’s dream of becoming a motivational speaker.
Nick, growing in popularity, left one student angry and jealous, which in turn frightened him. Nick shares that fear always appears; it lies in and along the path. The author encourages us to approach fear fearlessly. He demonstrates this to the readers by recounting the moment he conquered fear for the first time: Nick’s first, last, and only fight. The school bully challenged Nicholas to a fight. Nick says he was terrified and he certainly did not want to fight the person, but his pride was on the line. Actually, Nick tried explaining to the bully that there was nothing to prove or gain by beating up a person in a wheelchair without arms and legs. Nevertheless, the bully did not back down and Nick’s ego manifested. He knew he had to fight the bully, but how? Nicholas’s parents always encouraged him to focus on his abilities and steer away from his disabilities. As he sat pondering how to fight the bully, his parent’s message pushed him. He threw his trunk into the bully’s chest, and eventually knocked him down and then began butting the bully with his head until the bully bled. Nick had won the fight and he never saw the bully again. Nick reminds us that when something is taken away, what we have left grows stronger. Nick encourages his readers to fear not and to use your strength to remove the obstacle blocking your path.
Vujicic prayed many years for a miracle: he prayed that God would grow his limbs. Years passed and the miracle never arrived. Thus, he concluded, and tells us, “If you can’t get a miracle, become one.” He spends his life trying to enrich the lives of others. Vujicic found passion and love for people. Vujicic continually states that purpose produces empowerment. One must ascertain a vision and follow it, believe in oneself because “anything is possible.” He has a non-profit organization that supports people with disabilities. In addition, he evangelizes and speaks to millions of people, spreading his message, “live life without limits,” across the world.
Nicholas told stories of others who overcame obstacles; however, just about every person in his tales had a physical disability. Almost every other adversity people commonly face was excluded, with the exception of the slave women residing in India and an example of poverty in Africa. The book would have been more powerful if he brought greater variety to the stories, such as people struggling with academics or generational curses. The continuous image of disability stories makes them begin to sound alike. The subjects’ bouts of self-pity, despair, and hopelessness begin to sound monotonous, rather than powerful.
Nick does a good job integrating his own story through the larger points, rather than presenting a strict, linear autobiography. Moreover, he includes examples of other people’s stories that have inspired him.
Nicholas is an evangelist and motivational speaker; he also has a double degree in business and accounting. Though Nicholas spoke of God, he does not overwhelm the reader with religion; he inserts scripture so sparingly that it is powerful and effective when the reader sees it.
Vujicic clearly describes his frustrations of being dependent on others. Therefore, he sought a resolution to this dilemma. He announced to his parents he wanted to live independently; they put their heads together and came up with gadgets to help him live without the need of the care of others. The book is helpful because he describes a few gadgets, and he directs the reader to his web site that has a host of options for the physically disabled person to live life liberated.
This book is truly inspiring and motivating. This book moved me to action. If you ever go surfing, scuba diving, or skateboarding and see a smiling face on a body without limbs, it is probably Nicholas, the man born without limbs who lives a life without limits.
by M@sterWriter | Jan 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
In Markwick’s book Now it Begins he teaches us to look within and see the truth; we all have an energy source that is with us every moment of our lives, waiting and expecting us to access it at all times. Markwick encourages us to choose to make a shift, to move forward in life connecting to the power of your higher consciousness, inside of you… Next, he teaches us daily practices to maintain and or recognize our higher consciousness that leads us to a liberated life.
Page after page Markwick reminds us what miraculous beings we are. He relinquished all, and freely he shares a distillation of his deepest revelations and practical advice about life and existence to spiritual seekers. He educates on his view of higher consciousness and the path to enlightenment, which allows a person to realize their full potential for successful living. In Marwick’s 249 pages, he outlines the techniques, principles, practices, and laws of the universe for us to use in order to awaken and strengthen our higher consciousness.
Markwick teaches us to use metaphysical forces, the older intuitive insights of the mystics and saints throughout the centuries. He is passionate and knowledgeable about the positive effects of energy and the path to access it. To justify his claims, Markwick delves into his own life and the lives of those around him to illustrate the powerful nature of this method. Marwick is a hypnotherapist, palmist, and an instructor of, Reiki, Meditation, Grounding, Palmistry and other techniques to allow you to reach your higher consciousness.
All these techniques work on the mind, body and spirit. Though many of these principles have been around for quite some time, Markwick does an excellent job of bringing new life to his ideas. He writes simple, coherent sentences to explain systematic strategies to heighten awareness of our innate spirituality and procedures to release whatever is blocking us from change and healing.
Markwick uses anecdotes to illustrate the energies, forces and vibrations in the universe. One of his most memorable stories was from his grandfather demonstrating the cycles of life: pitch a rock in the river and notice the ripples. The ripples represent cycles and how eventually everything you put out will return. Everything in life ends and there are new beginnings. “Focus on the ripple effect the pebble has created. Each ripple is a cycle of your life,” he explained. “Be careful what you cast out because everything will return to you at some point in your life” (150).
Markwick sets out to inspire the reader “to feel the passion and dedication required to get there.” There are many spiritual, ancient and metaphysical terms used in this book. He enhances the reading experience for his audience with strong, simple, natural sentences. These keep the flow steady and the pace moving. He believes in his subject matter and wants the audience to understand his message. He wants his readers to utilize practices and understand principles like meditation and the practice of the third eye.
Markwick explains the third eye in this way: “the pathway may often appear to be sometimes dark and unlit therefor; use your brightness from within to guide you. This is the awareness of the third eye. Once you begin to find your way, dim your brightness, otherwise, the ego will take control and you will stumble and fall. It is only you who can know the true path, which exists and lies ahead.”
Markwick provides detail on his view of the afterlife. If you are interested in the present life, the detail appears to drag a while. However, for readers who are interested in the after life there is plenty: ghosts, rebirth, reincarnation, he even tells us about a regression therapy that will take us into our past lives.
This book reflects several categories of metaphysics, healing alternatives, New Age, motivation, law of attraction, and self-improvement. This book is a must-have for a newbie, as it is a guide that will take you systematically through enlightenment, to know thy self. It is also a good review for spiritual practitioners; it contains solid review material and acts as a reminder of the powerful effects of being content with one self. Markwick’s candid self-disclosure, frankness and glimpses into the spirit world create a book to be used as a guide to be read repeatedly.
Markwick’s insights on failure leave a particularly profound impact on readers. He says failure is not trying and not achieving the outcome you expect. Failure is giving up. Throughout the book, he charges us to be free by trusting Energy to change us. Concluding with a new world emerging; now it begins.
On Writing by Stephen King is a different book from most I have read on the subject of writing. In addition to being instructional, this book could be considered an autobiography. The book is composed of three sections: King’s early years, his writing life and his advice on writing.
