Blog Archives - K. Weikel

Book Review: Even Animals Wear Shoes by Theadoshia Goings

12/31/2023

My Review:

I love it! This book is so cute and perfect for young children, especially if they’re just learning to read. The images are so colorful and creative! Highly recommend.

Summary:

Animals that are domesticated and kept as pets, such as dogs and cats, are often seen wearing shoes to protect their paws from hot pavements, sharp objects and rough terrain. These shoes come in various shapes and sizes, and are designed to provide comfort and support to our furry friends. Some animals even seem to enjoy wearing shoes, as it gives them added traction and grip while running and playing.
About the Author

About the Author:

Meet Theadoshia Goings - An Artist, Illustrator, Cook, and More!

Theadoshia Goings is a talented artist and illustrator, as well as a devoted wife and mother. But that’s not all – she’s also an accomplished cook and baker, an outdoor enthusiast, an avid reader, and a homeschool teacher. During the winter months, you can find her curled up with a good book in the reptile room or spending quality time with her loved ones. And when spring and summer come, she enjoys tending to her garden and fishing.

Book Review: Midnight's Murder by James Schroeder

12/17/2023

My Review:

Loved it. With a cast of well-rounded characters and the spot-on narration style of the 30s, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Clive is well thought out and generous with the amount of things we get to know about him. The descriptions are vivid and the storyline is engaging. I can’t recommend it enough. I absolutely love it.

Summary:

After what seems like a decade of unrest, Prohibition has finally ended. While the new year draws closer, Detective Clive Hill hopes the remaining hours of 1933 are uneventful. Crime, however, never takes a holiday. When the fugitive accountant, Midnight Lawrence, calls seeking help, Hill agrees to meet with him. But just before the clock strikes twelve, Lawrence is found dead. As the list of suspects grows and the dangers multiply, the seasoned detective must use his expertise to navigate the twists and turns of the investigation if he's going to solve Midnight's Murder.

A 1930's Detective Mystery novel set in Chicago after prohibition has ended. "Midnight's Murder" mixes Chicago's history with the trills of mystery to bring you this exciting story. If you love mystery novels or historical fiction that are filled with action, suspense, and romance, then this is the book for you.

Book Review: Ronin of the Dead: Book One by Keith McIntosh

12/15/2023

Summary:

Kenshiro suspected he’d been on the road now for well over a year, but he really didn’t know. It’s not like he kept track of such things anymore. When the undead first came, everybody thought it was a new strain of rabies that was sweeping across the globe. When the scientists of the world finally figured out the horrible truth, it was too late.

The undead took everything from him. His friends, his father, and the only woman he ever loved. He doesn’t know how he survived; it would have been better if he didn’t. Back then, he survived by running, but he doesn’t run from them anymore. He sticks to the small towns of middle America, because that’s where the essentials can still be found. Food, water, gas, and bullets. That’s all that matters now.

His days were filled with extreme violence, and mind-numbing solitude that he shared with the ghosts of the people he left behind. He doesn’t know how much longer he can do this. Sooner or later, something’s got to give. Until it does, Kenshiro is going to continue to make the undead pay for what they took from him.

In La Veta, Colorado, Kenshiro finds something that changes everything.

My Review:

This book is a shining example of what it means to be human, and what it takes to keep it in-tact.

We follow three characters in their very different lives two years after the zombie apocalypse. Kenshiro is wiping zombies off the map by the handful as often as he can. He's been a lone wolf, especially since his last encounter with a human. His character arc in the first book of this series is absolutely amazing, and I love hearing his thoughts and watching him process different situations and encounters, especially when he comes across Elliott.

Elliott is a special boy who has been left alone for who knows how long in his parent's house. He's wasting away, and I could feel my heart bleeding for him. I was hoping Kenshiro would come across him somehow, and soon. His chapters were my favorite. Reading everything through his optimistic, unwavering eyes made my heart swell. I love him so much.

On the other side of the world in Manhattan, Elle is staving off boredom as she stays with her newfound family in a building they repurposed to live in. They each have their jobs, and she's doing her best to just live it out. In fact, her first chapter, she wakes up hungover and realizing how reckless she's starting to become. Watching her accomplish something she never thought she could was amazing to see, and how it effected her made the ending more triumphant.

The description and situations in this book were beautiful and amazing. I highly recommend this for anyone and everyone. The zombies aren't just faceless creatures, but they had personalities, lives, a whole world ahead of them before the virus crept in, and you can see it in their clothing and where they've gathered. I love this book so much and I highly recommend it. Five stars.

Book Review: FREE: Recognizing and Leaving Toxic Relationships by Thierry Zibi

12/11/2023

My Review:

I love when books talk about delving deeper into oneself and trying to teach that, although you aren't in control of how you grew up or how people are around you, you can control your reactions. One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from a movie called "You Again": "You can't control the things that happen to you, but you can control the way you react to them."

Thierry Zibi has been on an emotional and spiritual journey many times over, constantly and consistently learning from his mistakes and sharing them with the world. He's used several different methods to learn why he does certain things, and learning the why helps with how he can grow. It also taught him how to recognize toxicity in friends, coworkers, business partners, and companions.

This book is wonderful for anyone who thinks they're either in a toxic relationship, or they believe they could be the one who is toxic. It's an amazing and enlightening read and I highly recommend it. That being said, even if you aren't in a relationship such as that, or you don't believe you're toxic, this is still a great tool and resource to learn about yourself and grow as a person.

Summary:

This guide provides tools and new perspectives for understanding and breaking free from toxic relationships.

Some everyday situations may seem trivial, but they're full of manipulation and control.

You love this person and at the same time the relationship is making you suffer. 😞

Communication becomes impossible and his behavior becomes increasingly unacceptable.

Your partner makes you think that the relationship is difficult because of you. 😭

You feel lost as you try to work things out, but nothing seems to work 😥

Living in a toxic relationship means feeling misunderstood, criticized and controlled.

A toxic relationship has many consequences for your physical and mental

Your mind is very confused and you feel stress all the time 🤯

You feel a lack of energy. 🔋

You're constantly walking on eggshells!

You have dark thoughts and become negative, you lose confidence and self-esteem 😱

A toxic relationship is a hostage situation in which the abuser uses various forms of manipulation to keep you under his or her thumb. You become more and more extinct and lose your zest for life.In this guide you'll learn how to :
✅Recognize the different forms of manipulation and toxic people
✅Understand and break free from toxic relationships.
✅ Regain your peace of mind
✅ Understand and accept your sensitivity
✅ Develop your inner strength to gain self-confidence
✅ Take action to regain your freedom
✅ Stop investing in toxic relationships

This guide will give you tools to rebuild yourself and new perspectives to understand and free yourself from a toxic relationship.

It's now URGENT to get out of this prison, rebuild yourself and regain your FREEDOM

❤Add this book to your cart to regain your confidence, joie de vivre, and your FREEDOM ☀️

Book Review: The Fall by Albert Jaskula

12/10/2023

My Review:

Summary:

2023 American Writers Awards - Finalist

Regrets are like birthdays—they keep coming, each one a new scar slowing you down and dragging you closer to your grave.

Ariel Fall, a seasoned private investigator, knew this well. After the devastating loss of his wife and young daughter, Ariel attempts to forge ahead, leaving behind the painful memories that threatened to ensnare him. But his quest for redemption proved more elusive than anticipated, and his entanglement in a series of harrowing investigations were proving rather useless, only serving to expose the darkest corners of humanity's nature and the enigmatic depths of the human mind.

Haunted by the relentless pursuit of truth, Ariel embarks on a treacherous journey, encountering a seductive femme fatale and an enigmatic "guardian angel" along the way. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lavender Killer, the League of D***ed, and the notorious Dirty Joe, he discovers the pervasive corruption lurking within the very heart of the London police force.

In a world where rules and morality blur, Ariel is forced to confront his own limitations and question the validity of conventional approaches. Struggling with the weight of his decisions, each one seeming to lead to his downfall, he realizes that true impact requires bending and even breaking the rules. With the specter of failure looming, Ariel must navigate treacherous waters where every choice feels like a waking nightmare.

Book Review: There Came A Knocking: A Horror Novel by John McCool

12/9/2023

My Review:

The book is a well-written page-turner, and kept me enthralled the whole time. It's a short book and worth the read. I enjoyed every second. And I don't think I've ever read a slasher book, I've only watched movies. It was well done, and there were quite a lot of lines I wish I highlighted because they were extremely beautiful.

I didn't understand how the killer moved around so fast. That part seemed far-fetched. Other than that, I loved that it called back to 2016 when all those crazy clowns popped up out of nowhere. That was a... funky time with no rhyme or reason.

There were a few places that might need a second reading, as I noticed some typos or strangely worded sentences, but I'm not one to base my feelings about a book on that unless they're REALLY bad or a terrible distraction. These were subtle and I didn't mind them.

Overall, I love the book and the story. Unhinged people like the clown exist, sadly, and all I have to say is, "Stay strapped or get clapped."

****SPOILER****

I AM UPSET AT THAT ENDING, but whatever. A lot of people are wrongly convicted, and Jessica was one of them. Frick... that made me mad. But it was well done, anyway, and I think this would actually make a good series. I'd love to see the sick man be put behind bars.

Summary:

Best friends, Jessica and Danielle, are in for the fight of their lives as they fall victim to a home invader. However, this intruder isn’t there to rob them of the little they have. A simple game is all he’s after, and they have no choice but to play. This horror/thriller calls back to the clown epidemic of 2016, where clown sightings became a regular occurrence for reasons that still remain a mystery.

Book Review: The Battle of the Erathiel: Across the Enchanted Sea by Constanza Mayer

12/7/2023

My Review:

The descriptions and the way in which this book is written is beautiful. It reminds me of older books and stories, especially when it comes to interactions between characters. A few sentences or areas felt clunky, and you couldn’t always tell who was talking, but it didn’t trip me up a lot.

There were a lot of names. For a book this short, it’s kind of difficult to keep track of everyone, especially because the names are all unique and some are hard to remember. There are a few that are hard to say, but I’d only stumble for a moment.

The story as a whole is wonderful. The struggles, the connections, the world—they were all masterfully crafted. I love the history and the path this story paves. The ending is somewhat abrupt, however, but that makes a great jumping point for the next book. This is a quick read, and you won’t be disappointed.

Summary:

The ancient elven race of the Erathiel embark on a journey across the Enchanted Sea to find a new home. With them travel the only remaining dwarves and humans from their land. They are struck by a terrible storm that leads them to a land they are not keen to call their own. Soon they will find that there is more to this new land than they had ever expected. Friends and foes, hope and loss will be their constant companions in this adventure where wizards and shape-shifting adversaries will cross their path.

Book Review: The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe's Hidden Force by Anshuman Verma

12/6/2023

My Review:

This book breaks down all that is gravity. What it does, how it works, what it affects, and what could happen should it change. It reiterates the things we already know, expands upon them, and then adds to it. It talks about light diffusion and black holes, as well as how gravity affects time and the creation of planets.

I do wish it was shorter, and, although I enjoyed the Q&A to an extent, it became somewhat stale and repetitive. I feel it would have benefitted from a normal formatting, broken up by topic, and then followed each section with a related Q&A.

I love the end section that gives various experiments to test and learn how gravity works. I’ve even done a few in class when I was in school.

Overall, this book is solid, but the Q&A section gets a bit muddy. However, it contains a tremendous amount of information. It’s worth the read if you’re curious about this critical building block of our universe.

Summary:

"The Gravity Guide" is an engaging and accessible exploration of the force of gravity that shapes our world and the universe at large. Written for common readers, this book starts with relatable everyday experiences, such as dropping objects and walking, and takes readers on a journey through the history and science of gravity.

It delves into the fascinating stories of early scientists who discovered gravity's secrets and explains complex concepts in simple, relatable terms. Readers will discover how gravity affects their daily lives, from keeping them grounded to influencing tides, sports, and travel.

The book also explores the universal nature of gravity, describing its role in celestial bodies like planets and stars. It introduces Einstein's theory of relativity in an understandable way, connecting it to practical applications like GPS and time dilation.

Readers will venture into the cosmos to explore intriguing phenomena like black holes, all while having their gravity-related questions answered. The book encourages hands-on learning with fun experiments that can be tried at home.

In the end, "The Gravity Guide" aims to inspire curiosity about the hidden force of gravity and its impact on our world, making science engaging and accessible to common readers.

By offering relatable examples, clear explanations, and practical experiments, this book invites readers to appreciate the wonders of gravity in an enjoyable and informative way.

Book Review: The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career by Olivia Von Holt

12/4/2023

My Review:

This book has everything you need in preparations for a new job and/or in order to grow in your current one. I’ve only had two jobs in my life, but I’ve been playing around with the idea of applying for a new one. However, recalling that one day I learned how to do this in high school, I’m grateful I read this book. It not only inspired and emboldened me to get out there and try to find something, even in this economy, but gave me the tools and resources I need to succeed in securing a job.

There is an outline and walkthrough for a resume, tips on how to educate yourself on and negotiate for better pay, and so much more. This is a book I’ll be referencing back to from time to time when I feel like I need it. It’s solid and helpful advice, and I highly recommend it.

Summary:

"The Reward of Embracing Confidence In Your Career"★ is more than a guide; it's a beacon of hope and a blueprint for those poised at the precipice of their professional journey, eager to leap into a career filled with purpose, growth, and achievement. This book is an essential companion for the ambitious young professional, a lighthouse casting a steady, inspiring beam into the often turbulent waters of career development. It's a narrative that intertwines the wisdom of seasoned experience with the dynamic energy of youth, offering not just advice but a pathway to a career that doesn't just exist but thrives and resonates in the modern, fast-paced economy.

As you turn these pages, you'll embark on a journey into the heart of professional development, where each word serves as a stepping stone toward building a career that stands out and soars. This book is a treasure trove of strategic insights on confidently laying the foundation of your career edifice. It's about crafting an unforgettable personal brand, networking like a seasoned pro, and establishing robust, rewarding relationships that form the backbone of career success.

Dive deep into the art of volunteer work, understanding how it's not just an act of community involvement but a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. Learn how volunteer experience can be a powerful tool in resume building, helping you stand out in the competitive job-hunting process. Discover the nuances of volunteer management and how leading non-profit organizations can hone your leadership skills and open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Book Review: Olivia Cole and the Legend of the Silver Seed by Ricky Melamed

12/1/2023

My Review:

I loved the world and the creatures involved in this story, and it has a perfect setup for a sequel. It’s written in a style for younger readers, and is easy to understand all around. The descriptions enrapture you and take you on a whimsical journey. Olivia and her friends learn to trust their instincts, face their fears, and lean on one another. They have to learn quickly and stay on their toes as one thing after another come to stand in their way. It very much felt it was written from the points of views of children, and was executed extremely well.

My only gripes about the book is the main kids can be entitled/bratty at points, and it just put a sour taste in my mouth. That being said, they are flawed and each their own character. There are also a lot of instances people just started shouting, shrieking, or yelling with no buildup or explanation, bringing me out of the immersion. That being said, I would have loved to see what kind of impact the traumas they’ve faced have had on their mental states and bonds with one another.

Overall, it’s a solid read and it had me on the edge of my seat many times, especially at the end. I look forward to the next book and what other crazy places these kids zap to. Great read!

Summary:

Two years ago, Olivia Cole's brother Tyler vanished, and her family has been torn apart. Now she and her best friends, Eddy and Penny, plan to spend their summer vacation together at her family's farm. But before their bags are even unpacked, Olivia enlists their help to find Tyler and bring her family back together.

While scouring the meadow for clues, they stumble upon a patch of strange metallic silver flowers. As they obsess over the mysterious flowers, Olivia is unaware that her troublesome neighbor Amanda, who has spent her life being ridiculed about her missing finger and unusual height, has secretly caught wind of their discovery. But the flowers aren't all she's keeping to herself; she's also hiding her heartache over Tyler, the first boy who ever made her feel loved.

Olivia and her friends catch Amanda investigating the flowers under the cover of night, but before she can confront her, all four are whisked through a mysterious portal into the world of Sumera.

With tensions boiling over between Olivia and Amanda, they part ways. Used to being alone and forced to fend for herself, Amanda trudges off into an ominous forest. Olivia, Eddy, and Penny are approached by the locals, who guide them on a journey across the churning sea, through a glittering underground city, and over barren ice lands in an effort to keep the sinister Queen Sasha from getting her hands on the humans.

While separately searching for a way home, both girls grow confident that Tyler must have been transported to Sumera, too. As their journey progresses, they uncover the troubled history of the legendary Silver Seed, a source of immense power that just may hold the answers they seek. Olivia and Amanda are forced to make a difficult choice: to focus on finding a way home or search for Tyler.