A. Idle

COUNTING THE COST: A MEMOIR by Jill (Duggar) Dillard Jill Dillard, the oldest married daughter of the Duggar clan, reveals the details behind her estrangement from her family. As much as reality TV can be blamed for Duggar family issues, IBLP also contributed to the toxic family values. ‘Counting the Cost' is perhaps the most authentic memoir to come out this year. Jill's true voice has been uncovered. Further reading: ‘Becoming Free, Indeed' by Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo Similar on TV: Shiny Happy People on Amazon Prime Thank you!

THE OTHER BLACK GIRL by Zakiya Dalila Harris When being black in the workplace goes wrong… Nella swallows covert racism in her editorial position as the only black woman in the company until Hazel arrives. Invoking the best friend to enemy trope, this book slowly reveals the conspiracy that Nella is up against. SPOILER ALERT: Hair grease is the weapon. Jesus be a fence! Further reading: ‘When No One is Watching' by Alyssa Cole & ‘The Sellout' by Paul Beatty Similar movies” ‘They Cloned Tyrone' & ‘US' Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com Thank you!

THE PRESIDENT AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTER: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and their battle to save America's soul by Brian Kilmeade This piece details Lincoln & Douglass' proximity to abolitionism, the executive office & the US Civil War. The issue surrounding federal power & the president's ability to free those enslaved, created a deep division that threatened the union established less than a century prior. In comparison to Peniel E. Joseph's Sword & Shield, this book [& writing] failed to impress me with the overall structure. Obviously, Abraham Lincoln & Frederick Douglass remain important historical figures regardless.  Further reading to checkout: ‘The Columbian Orator', ‘Lincoln' by David Herbert Donald & ‘Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass' by Frederick Douglass Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com Thank you!

HUMBLE THE POET - Book Trilogy for Life Unlearn (2014), Thing No One Else Can Teach Us (2019) & How To Be Love(d) (2022) are all pieces by Humble The Poet that discuss growth and introspection. The trilogy encourages the removal of bad habits, focus within the current journey & aiming to become a vessel of love. They build off of one another by expanding on the best practices for personal peace. Humble has alluded to a pause on writing books, but I think everything he's produced thus far has been worthy of publication. Here's to hoping we see more from in the future! Playlist for reading: To Feel Love/d by Luke James Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

THE PIANO LESSON by August Wilson The Piano Lesson is a dramatic stage play exploring legacy, family, ambition & dreams; all symbolized by the family's piano. Popularized recently by it's 2023 Broadway run with an all-star cast, this is an important reflection of what many black families dealt with  a few generations removed from slavery. Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE by Tupac Shakur Tupac, the activist, the poet, the artist, the rapper, the lover, the human. ‘The Rose That Grew From Concrete' is a compilation of poems written by Pac between 1989 - 1991.   Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

THE TIPPING POINT: HOW LITTLE THINGS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE by Malcolm Gladwell The tipping point is the catalyst for any epidemic. Gladwell explains the science behind word of mouth & Paul Revere's successful journey; the power of context & the Zimbardo experiment; and the stickiness factor & Sesame Street's successful curation. Ultimately, the Tipping Point preemptively foretold why Social Media Influencers would be successful & necessary for  the corporate ecosystem. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.   Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

BAD BOY: A MEMOIR by Walter Dean Myers ‘Bad Boy' is a memoir covering Walter Dean Myers' childhood up to the beginnings of his successful career in writing. From Harlem to the army to New Jersey, this man always communicated in creativity. Dean Myers published his 1st book “Where Does The Day Go?” after winning a literature contest in 1969; he continued to publish books for over 40 years. Bad Boy serves not only as a reflective piece for him, but a masterclass on the evolution of a great author. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.   Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

The Unbothered King has spoken! Omarion details his internal process of maintaining a peaceful mentality in his writer's debut. Flying high above internet beefs, O reflects on fear, masculinity, emotions & more while encouraging readers to be introspective. As a longtime Omarion fan, I was pleasantly surprised in learning about his more personal side. As a book reviewer, I was delighted to observe the various affirmations & prayers sprinkled in the plot. Overall, I had a well spent afternoon reading this & I'm looking forward to more music O! All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gJb1vGoc9Gez06Nmz89Bf Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-idle/id1501703673#episodeGuid=0be7a2e3-7aec-4f26-8ad8-f3743edbe2b0   Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.idlebookreviews Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

DEATH IN THE CLOUDS by Agatha Christie Moneylender Madame Giselle has been murdered on Prometheus Air. Was it poison? Insects? Heart Attack? Certainly foul play.. Detective Hercule Poirot will put it all in perspective. Act 3 surprises us with a culprit whose motive is exceptionally cruel & without redeeming qualities. Analysis: There is a surprising overlap with Detective Hercule's process & the 48 Laws of Power. Stick around to learn more. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. Want to stay in touch? Twitter: @AIdlePodcast IG: @A.IdlePodcast WordPress: aidlepodcast.wordpress.com Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com Thank you!

THE SWORD AND THE SHIELD by Peniel E. Joseph PART 2 The revolutionary lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. In various ways they represent the political sword and shield of the Civil Rights Movement. This book also acknowledges the strategic development of Malcolm & Martin and the alliances they formed for the greater good of black people. Peniel E. Joseph penned a much needed nuanced narrative on these figures. Side Note: This is your weekly reminder that black education can happen outside of February; you can start by reading this book. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.   Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast WordPress: aidlepodcast.wordpress.com Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

The revolutionary lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. In various ways they represent the political sword and shield of the Civil Rights Movement. This book also acknowledges the strategic development of Malcolm & Martin and the alliances they formed for the greater good of black people. Peniel E. Joseph penned a much needed nuanced narrative on these figures. Side Note: This is your weekly reminder that black education can happen outside of February; you can start by reading this book. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.   Want to stay in touch? IG: @A.IdlePodcast WordPress: aidlepodcast.wordpress.com Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com   Thank you!

THE 7 ½ DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE by Stuart Turton This murder mystery dances with the premise of Groundhog Day by purposely changing the character perspective every day. Because the audience is continuously off balance, the thrill is heightened & the mystery's captivation is strong. What we find leads us through a gruesome redemption story. But perhaps, we are left with more questions than answers? Want to stay in touch? Twitter: @AIdlePodcast IG: @A.IdlePodcast WordPress: aidlepodcast.wordpress.com Gmail: A.IdlePodcast@gmail.com Thank you!

SHOOK ONE by Charlamagne Tha God  In times of mental health awareness, Charlamagne delivers an intriguing reflection of his struggles with anxiety. Coupled with clinical correlations by Dr. Ish Major and a plethora of hip hop references, this book has truly earned it's NYT Bestselling position. IG: @A.IdlePodcast YT: @aidlebookreviews Thank you!

Jinger Vuolo, nee Duggar, is discussing her religious path to following the true word of God. In her own words, this memoir is  “How I've had to figure out what I believe & why I believe it”. Although foreign to most, Bill Gothard's teachings have proved incredibly harmful & disjointed. Jinger's breakdown of her disentanglement from his reign is quite captivating for someone looking in. NOTE: In the world of emotionally charged judgements, I ask everyone to read this book with only the intention to hear from Jinger herself. IG: @A.IdlePodcast YT: @aidlebookreviews

Released in 1997 this Toltec Wisdom Book explains the spirituality of the Naguals through 4 key self agreements. Ruiz imparts his esoteric knowledge that you haven't encountered in most other self help novels. Adjacent to The Alchemist, ths novel emphasizes self regulation & accountability through concise phrases. Renowned for its impact on readers, this piece has been praised by many influential figures & influenced a large part of the world. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In an alternate Earth timeline, humans now have 9 chances to come back to life. Of course there has to be some government regulating this process, thrusting the world into a new society based on life scores. Our main character, Julian, is a teen who uncovers a wild conspiracy where many are forced to die to maintain natural resources. This YA novel is very reminiscent of the ‘Divergent' & ‘Hunger Games' plot profile where kids are positioned to save the world. Overall Hines' has a fair debut, looking out for a sequel though! All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley Coleman's pens a young black love story serving healthy conversation on creativity and career paths, music industry navigation, and a hint of a love triangle. Carli is a young writer trying to break into the music industry with a hit. But NYC is expensive so she's stuck working several hours a day at a 9 to 5. When she meets Tau Anderson, several things seem to change expeditiously. But the moral of the story isn't about chasing some man, it's about working hard to receive the best fruits of your gifts. Why should you read this book? Well, “we all need to be encouraged in our greatness once in a while”. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Released in 2021 this YA Murder Mystery surrounds a few boarding school students & the death of the polarizing 2nd wife of the Dean. Carrie Doyle delivers an Agatha Christie level of thrill for the audience as they slowly draw out the suspect. By the last page we receive an answer to the crime mystery but is it really the end to the story? What we know for sure is 1. Joanna Heckler was murdered 2. Pippa is a sketchy cold teenager running from something 3. Luke never received closure post kidnap & 4. Mr. Tadeckis is weirdly effective. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week's non-fiction piece discusses the defining characteristics and detriments of High Conflict Personalities (HCP). Classified as a self-help book, the intent falls on informing the public on how to deal with an HCP in the least disruptive way. While this book is certainly informative, it falls to the side of speculation with little scientific data to boost the conclusions. Nevertheless you may encounter someone with high conflict tendencies & this book will bolster your defense against becoming a Target of Blame. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Set in the late 1800's, this stage play depicts the duplicitous nature of Jack Worthing & Algernon Moncrieff. These two goofy characters have spun a web of lies in order to enjoy life elsewhere. Ironically, these lies led them to realize who exactly who they really are. Accompanied by dramatically grandiose side characters, this play is a most comical narrative of life in the Victorian era. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Officially ratified in March of 1781, this piece elaborates on The Declaration of Independence released years earlier. This document established the foundation of the United States of America as we know it today. Mostly dictating the behavior of each state in relation to the whole union & general conduct of an American representative. This short read is another historical document that can be easily read & understood by the masses. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The fourth novel by urban fiction legend Donald Goines continues the gritty voice of the streets established in previous works. Describing the life of a prominent pimp, Earl the Black Pearl, we get an insider's view of a prostitution network. The nature of pimping mixed with the blunt descriptions of Goines paints an unnerving picture of street life that will certainly not hold to the social standards of 2022. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Caleb Azumah Nelson debuted with a vulnerable poetic piece on trauma & healing. Set in Southeast London, we watch our main character fall in love while treading ‘open waters' within himself. With consistent background references of black artists, musicians & writers alike the vibe of this book is a perfect read for the creative searching for a deeper meaning. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best released this piece in 2021 detailing her time as the first black woman to hold the position. As the self proclaimed, “Proud black voice [speaking] of the thin blue line” this book highlights the unique struggles she faced during the 2020 police brutality crisis. Amongst her story, she presents an inside perspective on ‘defund the police' & used detailed analysis to describe the negative impact this could impose on the community. As a prominent public servant, this book serves as a special channel to connect with the community & explain the complex crisis of policing America. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America is a historical document that officially separated the colonies from Great Britain. Provided is a brief analysis of this ever so important piece, in today's terms. (Basically the 13 colonies read King George for filth. Enjoy!) All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Hercule Poirot is back at it again! This time on the Nile River, solving the death of a most envied socialite. Love, deceit & money circle our characters' trip on the Nile; a trip which ends with three deaths. Agatha Christie's descriptive dialogue & suggestive explanation build a firm tension for the reader. Of the group of entertaining mystery writers today, Christie still remains at the top. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The second book of the Bridgerton book series displays the courtship and marriage between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sheifield (Sharma). This regency era appeals to many readers because of the respectful romantic encounters & enticing character backstories. I'll be honest, I only read this in preparation for the season 2 of Netflix's Bridgerton.. But it was a cool romance read. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Five strangers, a catastrophic snow blizzard and a sketchy desolate rest stop. No Exit is a textbook thriller, delivering twist after twist. The reader finds comfort in rooting for the protagonist, Darby, to solve this mysterious crime & come out of it unscathed. Thus eliciting engaged reading until the very last page. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mansa Musa, reportedly the richest man to ever live, resided over the Empire of Mali during the 1300's. However, history has glided past the expansive developments of this civilization. P. James Oliver has introduced readers to a summary of the legacy Mansa Musa left behind, hopefully striking the world enough to rediscover more of this African Empire. This piece is easily read within an afternoon and appropriate for all levels of curious readers. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Nothing like the present to get acquainted with one of the most respected pieces on military strategy. The Art of War, written in the 6th century, is the road map of victorious military conduct which carries true to this day. Sun Tzu cunningly explains the opportunities for success on the battlefield in this expository piece. The edition reviewed today was originally published in 1944 with an introduction by Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Phillips. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Gifty, our main character, reflects on the tragic unraveling of her mother's mental health & her brother's addiction. Now an established candidate for a PHD in the neuroscience field, she is wishing to recreate the environment of addiction to solve the only question that matters..'WHY?'. As a child of Ghanian immigrants to the US, she grew up in the bible belt of the south. Her religious foundation demolished her sense of the world when her brother overdosed. Gyasi pens a tragic tale from a scientific view point, leaving the readers to decide if Gifty's experiment was indeed successful. To donate to the Black Seed Scholarship, visit them on IG @TheBlackSeedScholarship --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

When we talk about free speech, what we often mean is the speech protected under the First Amendment. Cose informs us just how long FREE speech in America actually lasted. From Sedition Acts to Cancel Culture, you can say just about anything you want, but expect varying reactions (so, not protected). In this piece we never discover what should be considered free speech, just the road to the current position the US has on these freedoms. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is an expose of a bunch of illegal and unsavory acts happening between a handful of characters. Goines, famous for his urban fiction contribution, delivers another gritty portrayal of street life during the 60's/70's. The character arcs are flat yet effective, proving nuance isn't always necessary. This short read was adapted into a film starring the greats, DMX, Michael Ealy & Clifton Powell. Check out this review for a breakdown on this masterpiece. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Opportunity comes to those who create it. In his debut, Charlamagne assesses the innate, but unique skill set we each have within. The idea that privilege only applies to a few is null & void. Tapping into the assets we have will ultimately put you on YOUR path to success. And if you're blinded by the smoke screen of celebrity..F your dreams. Don't chase someone else's life, achieve your own. All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Changez crashed through every obstacle to earn a spot at Princeton & one of the top business valuation firms, Underwood & Samson. Unfortunately the terrorist attacks of 9/11 left him in a reactory position to the hostility surrounding his everyday tasks. He narrates this story to an unnamed American while sitting in a market in Lahore, Pakistan. On the surface this is a long monologue from a friendly man to someone clearly out of place. Once you dive deeper, you see just how terrorism flings its' tentacles of destruction & instability throughout the world. Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A tale of racial passing where Clare Kendry & Irene Redfield are afforded two very different lives. Clare chooses to pass as white for the rest of her days alongside her adamantly racist husband, while Irene struggles to protect her quiet family life, blackness intact. Through these characters author Nella Larsen writes the consequences of denying a part of your existence. Most recently, Passing has gained new popularity with the release of the film adaptation on Netflix, starring Ruth Negga & Tessa Thompson respectively. As time passes, let us reflect on the implications of passing over the race line in a world where race determines everything. Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How much does circumstance contribute to your success? According to Malcolm Gladwell, there are an array of hidden opportunities, out of your control, that should be the focal point of this discussion. Gladwell writes the backstory for achievement, with the help of data from many psycho-social studies. Historical events have ultimately set the stage for the creation of a few famous outliers. In conclusion, Gladwell has produced nothing less than another informative piece with the utmost integrity. Thanks Mr. G!! Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season! All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lucy Hutton & Josh Templeman are the most childish characters I have ever read about. Their progression from sworn rival to confidant serves as a nice contemporary love story though. Sally Thorne incorporates workplace competition and love/hate relations that has been adapted to a film, releasing Friday Dec 10. Before you run to see this romantic comedy, get to know the characters a little more with this review. Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season! All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Woman in the Window is a psychological thriller that plays with the perception of the audience. There is a crime to solve and the protagonist, Anna Fox, is an unreliable narrator. Although Fox is incapable of fundamental functions in the world, she is still a child psychologist who can sniff out trauma. She just happens to be surrounded by her own cloud of darkness. Newly adapted into a film streaming on Netflix, this book is maintaining a fair level of attention. Readers generally enjoy the book, and some are even able to guess the twist at the end. Listen to this review to bolster your interpretation of A. J. Finn's work. Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season! All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Released in 1963 James Baldwin penned a pure essay of the black consciousness in America. His unfiltered commentary on race, religion & their respective roles in the destruction of a nation will preserve the knowledge of American society for generations in the future. I encourage you to reflect, in this season of giving, on the climate of hostility that produces the fear holding us back from maintaining our sense of self. Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Paulo Coelho released The Archer in 2003, which explains life, goals & professional mastery through archery. A topic many are not familiar with, Coelho uses metaphors and shorthand writing to reach his audience. This conversation between mentor & mentee resonates with many because the advice is universal. Coelho is successful because he himself has mastered simple storytelling. And with that gift, he can explain every mystery under the sun. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sula Peace invented hot girl summer, sleeping with husbands & leaving them for the next tryst. On her trail lay many un-Christian like descriptions & vengeful townsfolk. Only encountering suffering upon her death bed, she lived a life without regret. Her former best friend, Nel Wright, is the picture perfect wife who maintained a level reputation in Medallion. Both women's experiences reflect authentic hardships black women faced during this time period. Toni Morrison released this novel almost 50 years ago & the themes can still teach us lessons on the impact of relationships with family, friends & lovers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Curtis Jackson remains one of the most successful rappers of the early 2000's. His success being the ability to remain relevant, wealthy & alive. Prior to this book it was easy to assume 50 Cent to be callous & short-sighted, but his business strategy laid out for all to see proves otherwise. ‘Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter' may as well be a textbook for first year entrepreneur students. Every business lesson you need can be found in these few pages (at a much lower price than those outdated textbooks your professor wrote). Side Note: Dear ‘Fofty', if you're reading this...please don't curse me out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Stuart Turton is in the running for my favorite fiction author of all time. Delivering a well placed follow up on the darkness of The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Turton wrote a narrative of an entire ship being hunted by the Devil, like Tom hunts Jerry. The difference however is the cold calculated & complex moves of the Devil. Discovering the true evil that lurked in dark places took my breath away. I would tell you, but I'd rather you support this AMAZING author & find out for yourselves. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Tiffany D. Jackson writes the story of a young Enchanted Jones who is taken advantage of by a wealthy, older musician, Korey Fields. Abusive relationships are no joke, especially when it contains a power imbalance. This display of fictional trauma may be a little too real for some readers, but in the times of ‘Me Too' & ‘Time's Up', it is imperative our literature reflects the reactions of the public to sexual manipulation cases. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Shout out to Agatha Christie showing the kids how it's done. Christie's efficient writing created the typical murder mystery trope, successfully providing a thrilling story line. Monsieur Hercule Poirot is the Dr. Gregory House of his generation, easily seeing through smoke screen facades & diagnosing the situation at hand. For the reader learning how each character has come to such a state on the Orient Express holds interest & adds suspense. Read through this real classic, and tell me, was justice served in the end? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

J. D. Salinger penned this novel in the late 40's depicting the internal conflicts of Holden Caulfield. Holden's story reflects the struggles of many teens trying to find their way in the world. However, this tedious narrative is but a page in the book of life. A page that includes no excitement, power, strength, ambition or laughs, only miserable excuses. There is nothing to learn from a character who refuses to learn themselves. Undoubtedly Salinger is a good writer, but this piece isn't something worthy of high praise. So what's the lesson here? We should stop labeling books as classics, just because they ruffled a few feathers upon release. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Here we are folks, the reason I've continued to review books & analyze thoughts. It's beyond imperative for us all to comprehend meaning through written language. Arrangement of words matters, exclusion of specific verbiage matters, and from the words of Harold Evans, this book explains exactly “Why Writing Well Matters”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this contemporary fiction story, Olivia Monroe & Max Powell fall in love from opposite ends of the personality spectrum. Making up most of the book is their love journey, with an introspective look at their career paths. This week I took a break from the heavy topics discussed last week to relax with this fun read from Jasmine Guillory. Hope you enjoy the review! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Howard Fineman debuted as an author in 2008 with The Thirteen American Arguments. Detailing centuries of disagreements, Fineman solves the complex equation where America equals a paradox. You see, this country cannot exist without divergence. What pushes us to greatness is not hate, but debates. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app