WHAT IF ANGER IS THE ANSWER?
FULL BOOK TITLE: What If Anger Is the Answer?: A Harvard Marine’s Guide to Shaping Aggression
AUTHOR NAME: Michael LeBlanc
PUBLISHER NAME: Matt Holt Books
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/What-If-Anger-Answer-Aggression/dp/1637749228/
Michael LeBlanc’s What If Anger Is the Answer? challenges the common idea that anger should be suppressed or avoided. Instead, he presents it as something useful—energy that, when handled with intention, can improve judgment, build discipline, and drive meaningful action. The book reads less like typical self-help and more like a mix of personal story and philosophical reflection.
LeBlanc opens by addressing his son, setting a personal and grounded tone. He then critiques modern life, arguing that too much comfort and convenience can weaken resilience. His time in the Marine Corps serves as a key example, showing how deliberately facing difficulty can shape character and build a mindset that embraces challenge.
Drawing on classical philosophy, he frames anger as part of a balance between emotion and reason. It can be a signal or motivator, but only if guided—not ignored or allowed to take over. He warns against two extremes: acting purely on impulse or becoming stuck in overthinking.
The book stands out when these ideas are tied to real situations, especially in leadership and high-pressure environments. LeBlanc emphasizes that growth comes from consistent, small decisions, accountability, and taking action—even without perfect certainty.
Overall, the book isn’t about promoting aggression, but about using anger as a tool for purpose and direction. It offers a more demanding view of personal growth, encouraging readers to rethink how they handle discomfort, responsibility, and self-development.
Author Bio:
Mike LeBlanc is a decorated Marine Corps major, Harvard Business School graduate, and accomplished entrepreneur. He co-founded Foundation Future Industries, a defense-focused robotics company building autonomous systems for the Department of Defense, and previously co founded Cobalt Robotics, a Sequoia, Founders Fund, and Coatue-backed startup acquired in 2024. During 13 years in the Marines, he deployed three times, led 150 troops against ISIS, and served as an economic and technology advisor to the Pentagon. His work and leadership have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Fast Company, and Business Insider. Mike resides in Newport Beach, CA with his wife and three children.
THE FIREFLY SEASON
FULL BOOK TITLE: The Firefly Season
AUTHOR NAME: Benjamin Z. Etzioni
PUBLISHER NAME: Benjamin Z. Etzioni
LINK: https://www.benjaminetzioni.com/
Benjamin Z. Etzioni’s The Firefly Season is a tender, quietly propulsive novel about grief, atonement, and the peculiar ways fate nudges us back toward the people and moments that define us. The book opens with a summer tableau—fireflies skimming a lakeshore—that doubles as the narrator’s thesis: in the story of your life, someone else often seems to hold the starring role. From there, Etzioni steers us into a visceral present: a turtle rescue on the Pacific Coast Highway, horns blaring, a bite that literally marks the hand of a man who can’t stop trying to do the right thing—and the cascading tragedy that follows.
Barnaby Fox, journalist and chronic over-giver, narrates with a mix of rueful humor and unguarded sincerity, aided (and heckled) by “Ceviche,” the sardonic inner voice that turns his self-reckonings into smart, memorable dialogue. Etzioni balances sharp scene work (a wedding-planner’s office as blindingly white as a hospital, a Viking funeral at Big Sur, a newsroom humming after hours) with essayistic asides on smog, palm trees, ties, and pinball—miniatures that refract the book’s larger concerns: how memory edits us; how love, guilt, and chance braid into destiny; how pain can be both burden and compass.
Structurally, the novel moves like recovery itself—two steps forward, one step back—yet the pacing never drags. A recurring image, “the drawer in the corner,” becomes a resonant emblem for the secrets we try (and fail) to compartmentalize, while the book’s title motif casts a steady glow over Barnaby’s search for meaning in the wake of loss.
Etzioni writes with empathy, wit, and an eye for the small detail that unlocks a life. The result is an affecting, deeply human story that lingers—like a lone firefly over still water at dusk.
Author Bio:
Benjamin Z. Etzioni is a writer of literary fiction. He models his style after that of John Irving. He blends humor with pathos and keeps his readers entertained and engrossed. His Barnaby Atlas Fox series features a protagonist that makes a tragic mistake during his childhood and spends the rest of life trying to atone. Through his loves and losses, he learns many of life’s fundamental lessons. His story will make you laugh and make you cry, but more than anything, it will make you think.
THE IRISH YANKEE
FULL BOOK TITLE: The Irish Yankee
AUTHOR NAME: Regan Walker
PUBLISHER NAME: Patriotic Books Publishing
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Yankee-Regan-Walker-ebook/dp/B0FGLLNNYV/
In The Irish Yankee, Regan Walker creates a thrilling historical romance that takes readers into the early days of the American Revolution, blending vivid battles on the high seas with the passionate, turbulent romance between two unforgettable characters.
Jeremiah O'Brien, an Irish immigrant turned daring privateer, takes center stage as he defies the British in the pursuit of both freedom and love. Walker skillfully balances the dangers of war with the personal stakes of a budding romance, offering readers a story that is as rich in historical detail as it is in emotion.
The novel begins in June 1775, with Jeremiah's audacious capture of a British schooner off the Maine coast. This daring act sets him on a path that will forever change his life, as he abandons his business to command privateer vessels, relentlessly pursuing British merchant ships. Walker brings the history of the American Revolution to life, with intense action sequences that showcase Jeremiah's courage and determination. His bravery at sea makes him a hero among the Patriots, but it is his personal battles on land—particularly his quest to win the heart of the fiercely independent Elizabeth Fitzpatrick—that truly defines the story.
Elizabeth, a woman who shares Jeremiah's love of liberty and independence, is a perfectly matched foil to his rugged masculinity. Walker creates a rich romance between the two, making it clear that Elizabeth's heart is as hard to win as any British vessel. As much as Jeremiah is a hero on the sea, he must prove himself worthy of Elizabeth’s strength and passion.
What sets The Irish Yankee apart from other historical romances is Walker’s detailed portrayal of the privateers—men who operated in the shadows of the American Revolution, disrupting British trade routes and aiding the Continental Army. Through Jeremiah’s eyes, readers gain insight into the often-overlooked role these men played in securing American independence. The supporting characters, including his brothers, fellow privateers, and a cast of complex figures like the British sympathizer Ichabod Jones, add a great deal to the narrative, with each character playing an integral role in the story's unfolding.
The pacing of The Irish Yankee is steady, balancing action sequences with quieter, introspective moments. Walker’s writing captures everything from bloody sea battles to the stormy dynamics of the growing relationship between Jeremiah and Elizabeth. This novel will appeal greatly to fans of historical fiction, adventure, and romance.
Author Bio:
Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.
Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President's Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.
You can sign up for her newsletter on her website and get the "Reader Extras" there, too. Regan loves to hear from her readers.
Author website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com
Regan Walker's Readers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReganWalkersReaders/
Historical Romance Review Blog: http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com.
TRANSCEND
FULL BOOK TITLE: Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI
AUTHOR NAME: Faisal Hoque
PUBLISHER NAME: Post Hill Press
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Unlocking-Humanity-Age-AI/dp/B0DGF7T8QG/
Transcend by Faisal Hoque provides a roadmap for understanding and leveraging AI across various domains, structured into clear sections that guide readers from theory to practice. The work stands out for its meticulous organization, with a focus on individuals, businesses, and governments, framed by an emphasis on the human-AI dynamic.
The initial chapters, "How to Think about Humans" and "How to Think about AI," lay a strong foundation, delving into the nuances of human intelligence and the transformative potential of AI. The text emphasizes not only the cutting-edge capabilities of AI but also its limitations, presenting a balanced view that resonates with both tech enthusiasts and skeptics.
One standout section is Chapter 6, "OPEN for Business," which presents a wealth of actionable insights. Here, the author intertwines concrete examples — from the development of mRNA vaccines to adaptive cobots in supply chain roles — demonstrating the profound impact of AI on real-world industries. The text does not shy away from addressing challenges like AI "hallucinations" and the rough edges of emerging technologies, which are refreshingly acknowledged rather than ignored.
Further, the book’s later chapters bring a fresh perspective on "Humanity in the Age of AI," shifting the lens toward long-term implications and urging organizations to prioritize human-centered approaches in their AI strategies. This combination of forward-thinking vision and immediate practicality ensures the book's relevance for a wide audience, from industry leaders to policymakers and individual tech enthusiasts.
Stylistically, the writing strikes a balance between informative and accessible, with key points highlighted through case studies and thought-provoking scenarios. While some sections, such as the "OPEN" and "CARE" frameworks for business and government, lean toward an academic tone, the clarity and practical takeaways ensure the content remains engaging.
In essence, this book is a timely and authoritative guide that captures both the promise and pitfalls of AI. For those keen to embrace the current wave of technological advancement while preparing for future developments, this work is both a roadmap and a source of inspiration.
Author Bio:
Faisal Hoque is recognized as one of the world's leading management thinkers and technologists. He is an award-winning entrepreneur and innovator, and a #1 Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author. A three-time Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ and Fast 500™ winner for his work as a founder and a CEO, Faisal has also earned numerous honors for his books, including two Axiom Gold awards, a Nautilus award, and a place on the 2023 Thinkers50 Shortlist. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Inc., Fast Company, Fortune, and more. He has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Technology. Faisal's life and work are shaped by a unique blend of Eastern philosophy and American entrepreneurial spirit. He volunteers with MIT's IDEAS Social Innovation program and contributes to Thinkers50, the Swiss business school IMD, and other academic institutions. Driven by his personal experiences, Faisal is a passionate advocate for cancer research, actively raising awareness and supporting efforts to combat the disease.
BABIES ON BOARD
FULL BOOK TITLE: Babies on Board Part 1 (a Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure)
AUTHOR NAME: Susan Marie Chapman
PUBLISHER NAME: Gourmet Dog LLC
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Babies-Grumpy-Iguana-Parrot-Adventure/dp/B0DT2Y6TX8/
Babies on Board Part 1 (A Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure) is a sweet, easygoing story that feels perfect for younger kids.
It starts off simple—Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot are just planning a relaxing day—until their friend Little Mouse shows up with the idea of going to the beach. From there, the story turns into a small adventure filled with curiosity and little moments that keep things interesting, like questions about eggs hatching and some concern about what’s happening out in the ocean.
The writing is straightforward and easy to follow, which works well for kids. There’s a lot of dialogue, so it almost feels like you’re listening in on the characters talking to each other. Grumpy is a fun character too—his personality adds a nice contrast to the others and gives the story a bit of humor.
The illustrations are bright and playful, and they do a great job bringing the beach setting and animal characters to life. They help hold a child’s attention and make the story feel more engaging.
What stands out most is the message. It’s really about friendship, being curious, and looking out for others. Nothing heavy—just simple, positive ideas that come through naturally as the story unfolds.
Overall, it’s a warm, gentle read. The kind of book you could easily pick up for bedtime or story time, and one that kids will probably want to revisit as the series continues.
Author Bio:
Susan Marie Chapman grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania as the eldest of eight children, where she developed a lifelong love of animals and nature inspired by her storybook childhood. Today, she resides in Naples, Florida, with her two white, fluffy Pomeranians, Cookie and Sugar.
Susan is the author of the Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure series (17 books) and the Sugar and Cookie series (4 books), with two titles also available in Spanish.
Her work has received multiple honors, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Independent Press Book Award, the Next Generation Indie Book Award, and the Pinnacle Award.
SIGNS OF THE FALL
FULL BOOK TITLE: Signs of the Fall
AUTHOR NAME: Sean M. Price
PUBLISHER NAME: Koehler Books
A gritty, unfiltered look at modern adolescence, Signs of the Fall leans into discomfort to explore how young people piece together identity in a culture saturated with conflicting messages about sex, relationships, and self-worth.
Rather than following a tightly plotted arc, the novel unfolds as a series of moments—awkward, charged, and often messy—that reflect both the inner and outer life of its protagonists. Moving through everyday settings—bookstores, conversations, late-night reflections. A flirtatious scuffle or casual exchange can quickly deepen into tension, isolation, or questions of performative identity. Across ten linked stories, figures like the searching Hogarth Hughes, the increasingly prominent Peter Merritt, and a range of rebels and wounded souls shape narratives that feel both personal and philosophical.
What makes the collection compelling is how each story stands alone while contributing to a broader emotional arc. From Hogarth’s coming-of-age struggles, the narrative expands to encompass fractured relationships, shifting moral landscapes, and female protagonists grappling with authenticity and belonging. As Peter Merritt’s role expands, the anthology develops into a meditation on truth and transformation.
What I really liked about the book was its willingness to sit with discomfort. The character’s thoughts are often repetitive, even obsessive—especially around rejection and desire—but the narrative lets them linger, capturing how consuming that stage of life can be. Their attempts to understand attraction also hint at a broader critique of how young people learn about relationships.
Stylistically, the prose is direct and unembellished, with dialogue that feels natural and sometimes awkward in a way that rings true. While this can lead to uneven pacing, the lack of neat structure mirrors the uncertainty the book aims to capture.
This isn’t a traditional coming-of-age story. There are no clear resolutions—just a gradual, uneasy shift in awareness. Signs of the Fall offers a raw portrait of a young person trying to make sense of himself in a world that provides little guidance.
An unvarnished, sometimes challenging read that prioritizes emotional realism over narrative comfort.
Author Bio:
Sean M. Price is an Air Force veteran with 30 years of cybersecurity experience that enabled him to produce more than 20 professional publications. He began studying the craft of fiction upon entering the Air Force at the age of 19. His personal and professional experiences are infused within the stories he has been writing for more than 15 years. As an avid life-long learner, he earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Accounting and Master’s Degrees in Information Systems, Information Assurance, as well as a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Currently, Sean is working on a Master’s of Theological Studies. He writes speculative fiction that examines relationship issues at the intersections of reality and fantasy. Attributes of mythology, mysticism, and the lyrical imbues the stories he enjoys to tell.
