A Life Through Books

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Can laughter save the mortal soul? Perhaps it can as a beauty-obsessed mad scientist becomes the cultural and political leader of a nation. Deceived by his pupil Doctor Praterius, Doctor and Mizzieri and Gelsomina are driven again to creating new realities facilitated by transformative music. Great innovations are on display; AI created propaganda such as the Mexican Robin Hood La Carambada, musically induced blockchains and introducing Crotox, a cryptocurrency based on the value of skin rejuvenators.

Musicians develop personal leitmotifs as they navigate between mundane and extraordinary worlds, from the forested hills of New York to the Italian mountaintop city of Ravello, to a neighborhood in Venice where the feeble-minded are barred from technologies created after 1980, and finally on a river journey through a South American rain forest, a world that becomes entirely transformed into music. Will music enable higher consciousness or bring about submission through mesmerization? Will it strengthen the conscience or assist Praterius in fulfilling her corrupt ambitions? Engaged in battles with dissonant harmonies and immoral regimes, these musicians will attempt to reconcile the paradoxes of human nature, proving music can indeed save the mortal soul.

About the Author

Nick Cascino is a media theorist, part-time musician and aspiring astrophysicist attempting to integrate knowledge across the realms of Quantum Physics, the creation myths of ancient cultures, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and the superintelligence embedded in progressive jazz, musicals and operas. He wrestles with the great paradoxes of human nature, how the fundamental building blocks of the soul create infinite blends of morality and depravity, and how we can reconcile these by revealing the unconscious through music. While he pursues an elusive apprenticeship with the great Neil deGrasse Tyson that would greatly improve his prospects, it's most likely that he will attain his astrophysicist credentials no earlier than 2039, in time for the Centennials of the 1939 World's Fair and the Wizard of Oz. He has however, developed a cutting edge concept called QUANTUM AROUSAL THEORY, central to the work of his main protagonist, Doctor Bruno Mizzieri. It's an artistic concept based on science, mythology, history and complex math equations. It's long-term objective is enabling the perception of simultaneous realities, but at a minimum it will make you the life at parties.

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Iconic New Look of DIOR

Nonfiction

Date Published: March 18, 2024

Publisher: ‎ MindStir Media

Today, it is difficult to imagine a fashion show of a high-end brand without the presence of Asian and Black models. However, until the mid-20th century, it was considered a taboo. Who were the pioneers to break this barrier and tread this new and difficult path?

For the very first time in the history of high fashion, a model with a non-European appearance graced the runways - Alla Ilchun. Discovered by Dior himself, she was described by him as "one of the born mannequins". In the United States, she held the esteemed title of Ambassador for the House of Dior.

Since 1947, the creative concept behind Dior's New Look was often perceived as a new trend in fashion. This book presents a much broader context of the New Look concept that includes a human component: a new type of model. A woman for whom this fashion design was created. Alla was an Asian beauty whose body perfectly corresponded to the aesthetic of the New Look. Her impassive, distant, and notably aristocratic expression captivated the couturier's attention.

However, the story of her appearance at Dior has remained a mystery until recently. Her name was doomed to be forgotten. This amazing story of the Muse of Dior as a bearer of multiculturalism is explored in our books "L'Énigme d'Alla. Muse de Dior" (2021) in French and "A Pearl of the Orient at Dior" (2022) in Chinese. The value of these books along with their English counterparts lies in the fact that we rely on official documents, unique photographs, and diverse sources of information about Alla's saga. The story of Alla Ilchun, as an Icon of the New Look and Muse of the great couturier, is a story of wisdom and foresight of the legendary architect of fashion and elegance, Christian Dior.

About the Author

A multi-faceted individual, Dr Berlin Irishev is a researcher, diplomat, founder of the global project aimed at reviving the name of the legendary Muse of Dior - Alla Ilchun. This biography is part of a series of books dedicated to chronicle Alla’s fascinating story. The book "L’Enigme d'Alla. Muse de Dior" in French (2021) and "A Pearl of the Orient at Dior" in Chinese (2022) unravel the extraordinary destiny of the Muse of Dior.

In addition to telling the story of Alla’s life, this book focuses on the study of Alla as an icon of the New Look. Dior's groundbreaking decision to invite a model of non-European appearance to the High Fashion runway for the first time marked a true revolution in the fashion industry. Additionally, Dr Irishev serves as the general producer of the documentary "Alla - the Oriental Pearl of Dior".

“Alla is one of the born mannequins”

 “My models are the life of my dresses. And I want my dresses to be happy.”

-         Christian DIOR

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”

 -Yves Saint LAURENT

“Alla was an Asian beauty whose silhouette perfectly corresponded to the aesthetic of the New Look.” 

-Catherine ORMEN (DIOR Forever)

 “In every swarm of bees, Alla is the Queen”

-Frédérique MITTERAND

 “The star of all stars, unsurpassed”

-Denis SARRAULT

“Happy end guaranteed”

-Victoire  DOUTRELEAU

1947:   ALLA - THE FIRST ASIAN MODEL IN HAUT COUTURE

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Lo has ENCONTRADO.

Lo que NECESITAMOS.

AHORA.

La mayoría de los habitantes de la Tierra están familiarizados con el principio ético fundamental a menudo llamado La Regla de Oro - la regla número uno de la humanidad.

Es hora de que adoptemos una versión mucho más amplia y eficaz del original.

RegladeOrismo es el nombre de nuestra ética general, una ética universal en su alcance. Descubre lo que puede significar para tu vida.

Este folleto te estimula a actuar, a hacer lo que TÚ puedas, desde donde estés.

El RegladeOrismo se basa en dos principios principales: dos frases elegantemente simples.

Es la ética "Aplícalo ya" de la humanidad. Nosotros, los habitantes del mundo, tenemos que ser RegladeOristas. Haremos que nuestras vidas sean decididamente mejores, con y para los demás.

He aquí las palabras de algunos de los partidarios de RegladeOrismo:

"El RegladeOrismo nos da una nueva visión de una sabiduría milenaria, aumentando nuestro sentido de auténtica compasión por los demás, por nuestros hijos y por nuestra única Madre Tierra".

"Si todas las comunidades pudieran adoptar los sentimientos que se encuentran en el RegladeOrismo, realmente tendríamos un mundo mejor para todos".

"Es hora de asumirlo y sanar el mundo".

Harás bien en conseguir este convincente folleto. Harás bien en "entender" el RegladeOrismo.

--------------------

***NOTE: Our English edition is also available!

***NOTA: Edición en inglés también disponible!

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Contemporary fiction and Romance

Date to be Published: May 1, 2024

Publisher: Indies United Publishing House

Dive into the mesmerizing world of “MEGASTAR” and experience a poignant tale of music, fame, love, and love lost. Nineteen-year-old Addison Stone, raised by a mentally unstable single mother, becomes an overnight international singing sensation. Still carrying the scars of his youth, he struggles to accept his sudden fame and fortune. Will it suffice to fill the void left by his tumultuous past?

With a twist of fate and a bit of kismet, Addison stumbles upon solace in his extraordinary singing voice. The stage becomes his refuge, but amidst the blinding lights and thunderous applause, there’s a deafening silence left by the absence of the woman he loved, lost, and hopes to reclaim.

As he climbs the ladder to musical acclaim, his heart remains tethered to a past he can never escape. He yearns for the love he once had but is lost to his addiction to fame and fortune.

From mother to son, the legacy of Addison’s turbulent childhood persists. Journey through the intricate roots of Addison’s life as “MEGASTAR” takes you on a captivating odyssey.

Praise for Megastar

In Megastar, readers receive a powerful tale of teen Addison Stone, who reaches the pinnacle of international singing success but also creates distance from the woman he loves, lost to stardom and addiction. The author blends realistic dialogue and character insights into the story of how pasts are either set aside or influence future decision-making. Libraries and readers seeking novels steeped in reflective accounts of changing love and ambition will find Megastar thought-provoking and worthy of book club debate and discussion as its hero attempts to move from tragedy to uplifting new possibilities in both life and love. 

5 Stars. D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Novels that feature celebrities are of enormous interest to the reading public. Megastar features teen Addison Stone reaching the heights of fame without the usual pitfalls that so often overshadow the rich and famous. The story concentrates on Addison’s feelings, portraying how money and fame cannot replace the loss of the woman he loves love. I kept expecting the story to take a different path, but time after time, I was surprised and simply had to keep reading to the explosive ending. I highly recommend this book. A well-deserved 5 stars!

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers’ Favorite

About the Author

Mr. Emery’s career as a Producer, Director, and Writer of motion pictures and television productions spans four decades. At a very early age, he began writing short stories and shared them with one of his teachers, who encouraged him to keep writing. His work in motion pictures and television eventually led him to begin writing books, both fiction and non-fiction, for which he has received many book awards, among them, Pen America, Author’s Circle, Book Excellence, Book Talk Radio, Readers Favorite, Literary Titan, International Review of Books.

His newest novel, “MEGASTAR,” is his 9th publication.

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Humor

Date Published: May 23, 2024

Publisher: ‎BookBaby

"Peculiar People and the Pets Who Love Them"…lovingly written and illustrated by Justin Moroyan, is a darkly-whimsical and addictively-humorous picture book that tells the stories of fantastically weird people and their equally strange and adoring pets

These stories revolve around characters who are gloriously abnormal. They embrace that attribute, and don't shy away from being their unique, spectacular selves. Like Madam Rosette and her poodle, Josette, who only enjoy "bad" smells…or Samurai Megasaki, who is addicted to water but also allergic to it. Each spread welcomes you into wondrous, stunningly detailed, vibrant illustrations, and stories that are guaranteed to capture your imagination and tickle your grey matter. Each time you explore it, you'll discover new secrets and symbolism that delve you deeper into captivating worlds you will inexorably fall in love with.

About the Author

I'm an illustrator and writer, and I've always loved expressing myself on paper...the ability to work within a space where I can make anything happen has always been a form of therapy for me. It's one of the reasons I love the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres so much.

"That's the wonderful thing about crayons. They can take you to more places than a starship." (Guinan, Star Trek: The Next Generation)

I share an affinity for dark humor with some of my atypical real-life superheroes, like Tim Burton, Charles Addams, Edward Gorey, and Wes Anderson. Of course, I can't leave out the wondrously enchanting worlds created by Dr. Seuss and Disney, which fertilized my drive to invent worlds of my very own growing up, and still, to this day.

I tend to gravitate towards humorous stories about social ineptitude, mad science, the supernatural, and wonderfully addictive, perfectly imperfect, B-movie-like humor and exaggerated characters. I love diving down the rabbit hole of my mind and exploring strange new worlds.

"All we can do, Scully, is pull the thread and see what it unravels." (Fox Mulder, The X-Files) --This text refers to the paperback edition.

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Historical Fiction

Date Published: 1/18/2024

Narrator: Deborah Balm

Run Time: 15h 30 min

It is 741. Only one thing stands between Charles the Hammer and the throne—he's dying. Despite his best efforts, the only thing to reign after Charles's death is chaos. Son battles son, Christianity battles paganism, and Charles's daughter flees his court for an enemy's love.

Based on a true story, Anvil of God is a whirlwind of love, honor, sacrifice, and betrayal that follows a bereaved family's relentless quest for power and destiny.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Since I write historical fiction, much of the plot is driven by what happened in history. The trick is to develop characters whose motivation matches the choices they made in history. I knew in the first book of my trilogy (Anvil of God) that one of the characters would do something unconscionable in the third book (Crown of a King). I had to build a story arc that would get him to a place where it would be credible to the reader that he would do it.

Because I believe there are few really evil people, I needed to define characters who could make evil choices. Why do brothers battle brothers? What motivates someone to betray a loved one? Those choices have to be consistent with their character, or the story will not work. More than once I’ve had to reconsider a character trait to make the historical plot believable.



What are your most played songs?

Of late, it’s “Just Like That” by Bonnie Raitt. There’s a reason it won Song of the Year. It breaks my heart every time I hear it. I’ve also become a big fan of a song making the rounds on TikTok. It’s called “The Road Goes Ever On,” and it’s sung by Fritz Hager and a woman called Elizardbeth (who “stitched” in her duet). It’s fantastic.



Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

Beta readers have been invaluable. They catch inconsistencies, question my story choices, and help me improve the story every time.



What book are you reading now?

I tend to read science fiction and fantasy when I’m writing just to keep my head from getting mixed up with other historical novels. I’m currently reading The Hopkins Manuscript by R. C. Sherriff. It’s an SF classic but new to me. I’ve just started it, so I can’t really give it a thumbs up or down yet.



How did you start your writing career?

Most of the jobs I’ve held (press secretary, newspaper columnist, and public affairs/crisis management consultant) required extensive writing. That said, it was a very different type of writing.

During one of my last jobs, I was given a sabbatical and figured that, if I was ever going to get started, it had to be then. Once I began, I couldn’t stop.



Tell us about your next release.

It’s called, Errata, The Temptation of Ben Franklin. While most of us think of Franklin as an eighty-year-old founding father, he was once 17, young and green, trying to make his way in the world. Those formative years were not only challenging but contained a number of mistakes he called “errata.”

If I had to describe it in a sentence, it would be, “Political and romantic intrigue beset young Ben Franklin as he is torn between his ambition and his sense of morality.” I had a great time writing it.

 

About the Author

After a 25-year career working as a press secretary on Capitol Hill, writing a weekly column for a daily newspaper, and managing crisis and public affairs for many of the largest American corporations and institutions, J. Boyce Gleason began writing historical fiction to satisfy his passion for storytelling.

His first novel ANVIL OF GOD, Book One of the Carolingian Chronicles received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, was named Historical Fiction Book of the Year by the Independent Publishers Awards and Mainstream/Literary e-Book of the Year by Writers Digest Magazine.  The sequels (Wheel of the Fates & Crown of a King) both received 4.5 ratings or better on Amazon.

With an AB in history from Dartmouth College, Gleason brings a strong understanding of the events that shaped history. He says he writes historical fiction to discover “why.” He and his wife live in Virginia.

 

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Illustrator: Angel Neha

Children's Book

Date Published: ‎February 27, 2024

Publisher: ‎Mindstir Media

This short story is about a mother wanting her children to enjoy the outdoors. The story takes Nathan, Iris, and Mommy on another trip to the national park. Nathan and Iris are extremely excited to visit with their new friend, Gob the Gnome again. Gob takes Nathan, Iris, and Mommy on a short tour of park and Nathan sees a large empty area of the park. Gob explains to Nathan, Iris, and their mom the unfortunate realities of what happens in some parks due to human interference and natural occurrences. Gob also introduces the family to some of the animals and explains how they suffer through deforestation, tornados, and storms. In this story Iris comes to age by using what she learns from Gob to defend the forest.

Since the 1400s, folklore has described gnomes as guardians of treasure and the protectors of Earth. Gnomes represent stability, growth, and good luck. This is the second book of the six-book series about Gob the Gnome. The six books in this series all revolve around Gob, the protector of a local forest, who becomes friends with Nathan and Iris and helps to educate them on the importance of caring for the environment.

About the Author

 Marilyn Slaughter is an educator with experience teaching second through fifth grades, middle school science, and social studies. She now spends time authoring books for children and adults for engagement, learning, and entertainment. Marilyn’s first six books are a set with the theme of children, with their families enjoying the outdoors; and with teachers and classmates learning about the environment. The children are introduced to a magical and mythical being in the forest and they work to save the local forest. Her goal is to provide a fun read with an entertaining way for children to learn about science.

 

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