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

18/11/202301/12/2023Non-Fiction, Self-HelpLeave a Comment

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 children’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

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: Unwanted: Fighting to Belong by Mary Beth Moore

23/10/202323/10/2023memoir, Non-Fiction, Parenting, satireLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Mary Beth Moore
Release Date: September 8, 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Memoir, Disability, Parenting, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 218 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
“He is my son. A person. He is not a condition or a statistic. He’s my son.”
Mary Beth Moore chose to have hope in a situation experts deemed hopeless. She was encouraged to abort her son when an ultrasound revealed the presence of multiple disabilities. Years later, experts education said the limitations of the school system could not be changed to meet her son’s needs. Again, Mary Beth chose to have hope.

Unwanted is a powerful story about one mom’s journey to make the world a better place for her son. Full of heartbreak, grit, and triumph, it raises awareness for disability rights and advocates for the human right to belong.
The presence of disabilities is a natural part of humanity, and in no way makes someone less worthy of living a full, inclusive life. Children with disabilities face pervasive discrimination and systemic segregation in school systems across the United States and around the world. Unwanted explores the evolution of special education law, research on creating inclusive classrooms, and real-world stories of families and teachers actively fighting to protect the rights of children with disabilities in our education system.

Review

“Unwanted: Fighting to Belong” is a heartrending and deeply personal journey of a mother’s unwavering determination, resilience, and advocacy for her son’s right to belong. Mary Beth Moore’s narrative is both a testament to a mother’s love and a powerful call to action for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

From the onset, Moore’s emotional recounting of being encouraged to abort her son due to detected disabilities is both heart-wrenching and evocative. This crucial moment sets the tone for the entire book, showcasing a mother’s fierce determination to protect her child in a world that might not readily accept him. Moore’s persistence in the face of adversity is commendable, and her narrative is charged with raw emotion and palpable passion.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with an exploration of the evolution of special education law. Moore’s detailed examination of the history and present state of the education system in relation to disability rights is both enlightening and alarming. Through her eyes, readers gain an intimate understanding of the pervasive discrimination and systemic barriers that many children with disabilities face daily.

Moreover, “Unwanted” is not just a memoir but also an educational tool. Moore delves deep into research on creating inclusive classrooms, offering insights and solutions for a more accepting education system. The real-world stories from families and educators actively challenging the status quo add depth and dimension to Moore’s narrative, presenting a holistic view of the challenges and triumphs in the realm of disability rights.

In essence, “Unwanted: Fighting to Belong” is an inspiring tale of hope, persistence, and advocacy. Moore’s story is a clarion call for society to recognise and uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities, emphasising that their presence is an intrinsic part of our shared humanity. The book is a beacon of enlightenment, urging readers to rethink and reshape perceptions about disabilities, inclusivity, and the inherent right of every individual to belong. Highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families with children with disabilities and for educators and policymakers striving to make a positive change.

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Book Review: Tech-ology: A Digitally New Way To Way To Raise Happy Kids by Angie Rumaldo

07/11/202007/11/2020Angie Rumaldo, Non-Fiction, ParentingLeave a Comment

Author: Angie Rumaldo
Release Date: 2020
Genre: Self-Help, Parenting
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 276 pages
Publisher: True Pursuit
Blurb:
Tech-ology is a refreshing new look into the digital world and video gaming and its effects on children and teens today. It attempts to help parents, teens, educators and other professional understand the movement towards this new technology in a more culturally appropriate manner. This self-help book directly addresses many of the concerns that have been voiced by parents due to the rapid increase of technology.

Review

Tech-ology: A Digitally New Way To Way To Raise Happy Kids by Angie Rumaldo is a very impressive parenting book that even a non-parent like me found useful. In this book, Dr Angie goes into the intricacies of dealing with kids that were born and raised in the “digital age.” I have a teen brother and therefore as someone who is constantly dragged into the war between my mum and brother, I know very well how much friction technology can cause amongst families, especially in which the parents were born in the 19th century.

The book is written well and doesn’t actually feel like a parenting book. The author uses a very friendly tone which feels very light to read. But even though the tone of the book is light, the subject matter is handled with great care by the author and her expertise in the field of handling the behaviour of young children shines through the pages.

I would definitely recommend you read this book even if you are not a parent yet. There are some great tips and advice that will definitely aid you, if not in the present then in the future which I honestly believe will only get worse with the advancements in the field of digital technology.

Remember, you were born in the twentieth century and that alone indicates that you are an immigrant to the new digital culture (new way of being) while our children are natives (born to the digital culture). We have to work toward learning the new ideals, expectations, and potential dangers. With this newfound knowledge and values we can effectively parent with less tension and more harmony within the home.
Angie Rumaldo, Tech-ology: A Digitally New Way To Way To Raise Happy Kids