Book Review: Native Knowings: Wisdom Keys for One and All by Steven McFadden

Book Details:

Author: Steven McFadden
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Series: Soul Sparks
Genre: Philosophy, Motivational, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 84 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
This original compilation–a small treasure–offers a concise and contemporary compendium of some key North American (Turtle Island) wisdom teachings to help support people through this era of transition.
What do some of the venerable, deeply rooted wisdom teachings of the Americas offer in our era of transition?
This Soul*Sparks small treasure offers an array of thoughtful messages, a compilation of keys that everyone has opportunities to turn. We’d be wise to understand and then to weave their enduring insights into the fabric of what we are creating for ourselves, our children, and our childrenโ€™s children
The words of contemporary elders, in particular, sound a note of urgency.

“I ask you to listen,
not just with your minds.
I ask you to listen with your hearts,
because that’s the only way
you can receive what it is,
what we are giving.
These are the teachings of our hearts.”
– Frank Decontie, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Native Knowings: Wisdom Keys for One and All by Steven McFadden is a profound and soul-stirring journey into the heart of North American indigenous wisdom. This concise book, though just 84 pages, is a treasure trove of timeless teachings that are more relevant today than ever. As I delved into its pages, I found myself deeply moved by the words of wisdom that have been passed down through generations.

McFadden’s writing is both eloquent and accessible, making the profound teachings of the Native American elders resonate with a contemporary audience. The book masterfully weaves together teachings from various tribes, offering a rich tapestry of wisdom that speaks to the heart as well as the mind. The quotations and teachings from elders like Frank Decontie are particularly impactful, urging the reader to listen not just with their minds, but with their hearts. This approach brings a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the messages conveyed.

One of the most compelling aspects of Native Knowings is its relevance to our current era of transition and uncertainty. The book highlights how these ancient teachings can guide us in creating a more harmonious and sustainable future. It’s a call to integrate these insights into our daily lives, for the sake of ourselves and future generations. The sense of urgency in the words of contemporary elders adds a poignant note, underscoring the importance of heeding these teachings now.

In conclusion, Native Knowings: Wisdom Keys for One and All is a must-read for anyone seeking wisdom, guidance, or a deeper connection to the Earth and its history. McFadden has created a powerful compilation that not only educates but also inspires. It’s a book that I will undoubtedly return to, as its messages are timeless and its wisdom, inexhaustible.

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Book Review: The Women in Me: How They Helped Me Survive and Thrive byย Nancy Maloney-Mercado & Jackie J O’Donnell

Book Details:

Author: Nancy Maloney-Mercado & Jackie J O’Donnellย 
Release Date:ย 
6th December 2022
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Inspirational
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 166
Publisher: Sunflower Press
Blurb:
Are you caring for your chronically ill husband? Did you grow up with suicidal, alcoholic parents? Are you searching for a loving relationship? Have your efforts at starting a fulfilling career been thwarted by someone determined to hold you back? Maybe you’ve postponed your own dreams in order to keep from making waves with a significant other. Does your life seem to be heading a long wat from where you’d wish it to be? Any of these can steal your happiness or keep you from achieving your potential. All can crush your hopes and dreams.This is the story of a woman who grew up in a dysfunctional family, was trapped by a predator at age 8, was suffocated by an abusive marriage, grappled with being a single mother, finally found her soulmate, struggled with a blended family, juggled the incompatible roles of wife and caregiver, yet maintained her faith, at least most of the time. She did it thanks to some special women who supported her in ways she didn’t recognize until she unconsciously drew upon their influence. We hope you’ll learn to call on the influencers in our own life. Possibly you’ve drawn on them in your past and can now appreciate their impact on you.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Women in Me: How They Helped Me Survive and Thrive byย Nancy Maloney-Mercado & Jackie J O’Donnell is a beautifully written inspirational memoir that is extremely thought-provoking and very emotional.

The author’s writing is very simple, yet speaks straight to the reader’s heart. The author’s struggles are extremely relatable and one cannot help but feel drawn into the book right from the beginning, finding themselves rooting for the author and even the other characters in the book.

All women should read this beautifully written work by two new authors as it strongly resonates with the problems faced by women. This book can provide equal enjoyment for men, too. I would strongly recommend it to readers of women’s fiction and to those who like reading inspirational memoirs.


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Book Review: Building Resilience And Finding Meaning in Life by June Rousso

Book Details:

Author: June Roussoย 
Release Date:ย 
17th February 2022
Series:
Genre: Young-Adult, Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 83 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Building Resilience and Finding Meaning in Life:ย A Guide for Teens is an interactive book meant to engage readers in learning how to face adversities in life and to find meaning in these experiences. It gives the message that we have a treasure chest of inner resources that can be called upon in the face of adversity. These resources must be discovered and, in some instances, developed to build resilience and find what holds personal meaning. Along with discovering meaning in adversity readers are encouraged to look for meaningful moments in their lives rather than engaging in activities that often lead them to feel empty inside.

The guide also can be read by counselors and educators to help teens cope and live a more meaningful life. The guide was inspired by the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl, noted author ofย Manโ€™s Search for Meaning,ย and by the research findings on character strengths presented by the VIA Institute on Character.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Building Resilience And Finding Meaning In Life by June Rousso is a very inspirational young-adult book on practical and easy-to-follow strategies and instructions for facing everyday adversities for teens. The main thing that I loved about this book is that it is tailor-made for teenagers, which is pretty rare and also abundantly helpful because the author has especially highlighted problems and solutions faced by teenagers regularly.

The author’s writing is simple, succinct and very undeviating, which I found to be most appropriate, as the author delved directly into the strategies she has to offer without the jargon that spoils most books in this particular genre. So I really appreciate the author’s directness.

This book has a lot of meaningful and practical life lessons for teenagers (and even for adults if you want to read this book being a non-teenage or an adult.) If you have a teenager in your family then you should definitely gift them this book as it will help them tremendously


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