Iss, an eight-year-old boy, has some lessons for us all. Things he has
learned in a very short time through experiences.
These lessons include finding your purpose, the Golden Rule, being honest,
smiling, having hope and faith, forgiveness leads to happiness, telling
people you love them, keeping a positive outlook, people you love are always
in your heart, and salvation.
Let’s find out what Iss has learned, and maybe we can learn too and
become better people. The world needs better people, don’t you
agree?
About the Author
Rose Marie Ezell is a lover of Jesus, people, and laughter - to name a few.
She seeks to live life to the fullest. Whether riding the waves on a day at
the beach or a karaoke night with family, there is guaranteed to be no
shortage of fun. Drawing from her own well of joys, trials, heartaches,
victories and life experiences, Rose’s desire to help others live the
best life possible is evident in all she does. Born and raised in
Mississippi, you can catch her outside on a sunny day, creating and enjoying
the beauty of God’s creation.
How to Win a Million Dollars is a madcap, self-deprecating, laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story that reads like David Sedaris meets Heartstopper, told as Ready Player One. It takes readers on an adventure through the wildly inventive, sometimes-questionable, but always entertaining schemes of a boy who would do anything to make it big.
Growing up as a gay Catholic schoolboy in a tiny Mississippi River town surrounded by cornfields, Luke’s imagination was constantly set on fire by million-dollar daydreams and DIY hustles. Whether it was hunting down the missing Cap’n Crunch or gaming McDonald’s Monopoly, no scheme was too ridiculous, no shortcut too far-fetched. With his trusty Hustler bike and a mountain of determination, Luke didn’t just dream—he plotted.
Set in the 1980s, this is the story of a kid with a knack for scamming, hustling, and occasionally crashing and burning—all in the pursuit of that elusive big win. From navigating a Catholic school playground full of bullies to trying to “make it” out of a blue-collar family, Luke was always on the move, cooking up his next big adventure. Dragging his little sister—turned faithful sidekick—into trouble at every turn, her sweet voice was always in his ear, making us wonder: is he conning her, or is she saving him from himself?
As Luke grew up, so did the schemes—transforming into a Broadway Cinderella story of sorts, ditching it all for the artist’s life in Paris, and even getting cursed by a vengeful Hawaiian god. With each crazy plan, the stakes got higher, the twists got weirder, and Luke had to ask himself the big questions: Can you beat the system, or will the system beat you? And what do you do when your dreams—and all your wildest schemes—start to crumble?
Through hilarity, heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, How to Win a Million Dollars explores the glittering highs and crushing lows of chasing success in a world shaped by Reaganomics, dyslexia, and the crumbling façade of opportunity. From paperboy scams to glitter-filled art shows, this story is proof that while everything can fall apart at any moment, the journey—chaotic, messy, and wildly imperfect—is the real prize. And maybe, just maybe, there’s still a million-dollar dream out there, waiting to be won.
Excerpt
Chapter 1: Cereal Entrepreneur
The first time I tried to win a million dollars, it was the sweltering summer of 1985, and the Mississippi River was swollen and threatening to spill over its banks. The town was on edge, but thanks to the giant quarry wall my grandpa helped build back in the ‘50s, we were safe from the river’s fury. It was during that unforgettable summer when Cap’n Crunch went missing, and panic spread across the nation like wildfire.
Supermarkets were packed with towering displays of Cap’n Crunch, a mountain of yellow and blue boxes stretching to the ceiling. But when you looked up, there was no Captain. His jovial face had vanished, leaving behind nothing but dotted lines and a big question mark. He had disappeared, zeroed out. Zoinks! What was I to do?
The commercials made it sound so simple: find the Captain, restore him to his cereal kingdom, and win ONE MILLION DOLLARS. For a kid like me, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. A million dollars wasn’t just a number—it was a golden ticket, a way out of this tiny Mississippi River town.
Every Saturday morning, I’d sit in my parents’ living room—a shrine to America’s Bicentennial celebration. The royal blue carpet stretched wall to wall, its plush fibers worn thin in front of the TV. A deep red couch commanded the room like a throne, while gold curtains depicting Revolutionary War scenes framed the windows. It was like 1776 had crashed into 1980s suburbia, and somehow, we were still stuck suspended in between.
As my brothers and sisters tormented each other in the background, I was glued to the TV. The old box hummed as commercials blared, demanding kids like me solve the mystery, save the Captain, and claim the prize. The urgency of it all buzzed in my chest, electrifying the air around me. To a seven-year-old like me, a million dollars wasn’t just thrilling—it was everything. It meant a chance to escape this town, this life, and find something more.
In the afternoons, when the noise at home became too much, I’d head for the bluffs. The familiar path wound through tall grass that swayed gently in the breeze, the green hills rolling endlessly toward the horizon. I’d climb to my favorite perch and sit there for hours, the town spread out below me like a miniature toy train set. The limestone clock tower stood proudly at the center, surrounded by the river, the factories, and the steeples of the churches. Everything looked so small from up here, but somehow, it felt even smaller at eye level.
You see, up close, the town was just a second-rate version of Main Street USA, stripped of all the charm and magic of Disneyland. Most of the families here were like mine—working-class and stuck. I lived on the North End, what people would call the wrong side of the tracks, where factory workers like my dad scraped by.
I was a short, scrawny kid with wavy dishwater blond hair, wearing tattered dungaree shorts that were practically a second skin during the summer, their faded denim streaked with dirt and grass stains. My skin was golden tan from hours in the sun, but my legs were a patchwork of scars from chigger bites I couldn’t stop picking. Sitting cross-legged on the warm earth, absently scratching at the bites, my mind churned, methodically piecing together a plan. The Captain was missing. My ticket to freedom was hidden somewhere out there, and all I had to do was find it. Yet from this vantage point, the possibility of something greater still felt wildly out of reach. A million dollars meant escape, and as I sat on that bluff, staring out at the endless rows of cornfields, I swore to myself I was going to find it.
Each week, I’d beg my mom to let me tag along to the grocery store. Econofoods smelled like a strange mix of fresh produce and fake lemon cleaning products that clung to the air. The linoleum floors were scuffed and worn down from years of shopping carts rattling over them and the steady shuffle of feet. Jess, my five-year-old sister, was always a whirlwind of energy, darting between aisles like a tiny tornado. She had our dad’s button nose and her favorite white, frilly cotton top tucked into neatly pressed khaki shorts. Her tiny diamond stud earrings, pierced at Claire’s in the mall when she was a baby, sparkled as she twirled through the store. Her short brown pixie cut bobbed with every step, her energy infectiously lighthearted even as I plotted my next move.
Free use image from Open Clipart Vectors
Ornery Owl's Review
Rating: Five out of Five Stars
As an early Gen Xer, this book resonated with me from the first page. The first presidential election I voted in was Reagan vs. Mondale in 1984. I voted for Mondale. For me, the 1980s were not the neon-glittery nostalgic time depicted in modern movies and TV series. The Cold War colored the way I view the world. There was a definite dystopian undercurrent. However, today's story focuses more on the materialism of the era.
I'm 13 years older than the author. I turn 60 tomorrow, but I was no less affected by the belief that I was a temporarily inconvenienced millionaire. I fell for many of the same corporate scams that the author mentions. I didn't fall into the hunt for Captain Crunch scam because I couldn't stand that cereal. Also, the sweetest cereal my parents allowed in the house was Alpha Bits. However, I fell hard for the McDonald's Monopoly scam. More than once. More recently than I care to admit.
If you're a member of Gen X, you will find much to cringe about as you read this book and see yourself described in its anecdotes. However, the story is hilarious, allowing us to laugh at ourselves and the foibles of the Me, Me, Me generation.
If you're the child of a Gen Xer, you will smirk and shake your head as you recognize your parents in many of the anecdotes. My son, born in 1990, describes his generation (Millennials) as young old curmudgeons. Unlike me, he's good with money and not prone to magical thinking or falling for get-rich-quick schemes.
I'm not nostalgic for the 1980s. At best, it's a time of excellent entertainment and hideous fashion. The magical thinking of the era set me up for a lifetime of disappointment. However, I enjoyed taking an irreverent look at both people of my generation and an era that, for all its flaws, had a hopefulness to it that our current circumstances do not. This book was a wonderful early birthday gift to myself. I recommend it without reservation.
Free use image from Pixabay
Guest Post
Author
Name: Luke Stoffel
The
prized possession you value above all others…
I
have a tall glass terrarium set up with black rocks, a tiny felted
red rose in a rounded glass enclosure, and The Little Prince sitting
nearby under a bonsai tree.
The
book that holds everlasting resonance…
Big
Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I come back to this book over and over. I
don’t typically resonate with self-help books, but it’s written
in a way that addresses creativity in a manner I strive to emulate in
my own life.
The
priority activity if you were invisible for a day…
Te
he he… I don’t know; I might rob a bank.
The
film you can watch time and time again…
Interstellar.
There’s a line in that movie that strikes me every time:
Hathaway:
Listen to me when I say that love isn’t something that we invented.
It’s… observable, powerful. It has to mean something.
Cooper:
Love
has meaning, yes. Social utility, social bonding, child-rearing…
Hathaway:
We
love people who have died. Where’s the social utility in that?
Cooper:
None.
Hathaway:
Maybe
it means something more—something we can’t yet understand. Maybe
it’s some evidence, some artifact of a higher dimension that we
can’t consciously perceive. I’m drawn across the universe to
someone I haven’t seen in a decade, who I know is probably dead.
Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends
dimensions of time and space. Maybe we should trust that, even if we
can’t understand it.
The
event that altered the course of your life…
My
ex-boyfriend’s death has been an anchor in my life. Whether I’m
healed from it or not, it remains present, even 12 years later.
The
unfulfilled ambition that continues to haunt you…
The
elusive idea of success at all costs. A million dollars… the
comfort of knowing I won’t have to worry anymore as long as I can
live within my means. A chance to win Survivor on TV.
The
piece of wisdom you would pass onto a child…
Don’t
let fear stand in your way. Don’t let bullies dim your light. If
your light becomes dimmed, do whatever you can to make it shine
brighter. Live for yourself; you are not guaranteed tomorrow. Take
every opportunity you can and proceed as if success is inevitable.
The
crime you would commit knowing you could get away with it…
Again,
I’d rob a bank, lol.
The
philosophy that underpins your life…
Invest
in yourself.
The
book you enjoyed planning/writing the most…
I
spent three months learning to scuba dive in the Philippines. It was
the first time I worked daily on writing about my experiences in the
third person. It was challenging at times but incredibly rewarding.
Although I haven’t finished that book, it remains an idea I love
playing around with.
And
the promo…
How
To Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter! has been a chaotic joy to
craft. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, written in a way I
could never have imagined. This book was as much born as it was
created. It’s funny, witty, and far more philosophical than I
thought I could write.
It’s
an extension of one of my favorite books, Ready Player One, in style
and tone, and seeing that come to life on the page was unexpected and
fun.
The
book is a testament to anyone who has ever doubted themselves. It
reminds readers that rewards can come into our lives in many shapes
and sizes if we allow ourselves to be open to them.
“If
you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic
bean buyer… If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire.”—Where
the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
About the Author
Luke Stoffel (b. 1978) Growing up a gay Catholic schoolboy on the banks of the Mississippi came with its own cross to bear. Confined by the cornfields of small-town Iowa, Luke’s understanding of God and his yearning for a world beyond began to take shape—often while nursing a bloody nose on the playground. The first thing Jesus taught him was how to hate himself; but the first thing the world taught him was how vast his possibilities were.
Luke is an accomplished artist and author, with several books available on Amazon, including The Easy Bake Unicorn Cookbook, The Art of Tarot: A History and Guidebook, and his debut novel
How to Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter! His second, follow-up novel, In Over Your Head, is set to release in 2026. Additionally, his art and photography are featured in his ongoing book series The Noble Path.
Stepping off the plane in Thailand was like landing on Mars. Surrounded by towering golden stupas, and realizing there was something beyond the confines of Christ, became an explosive creative catalyst. Having visited over 40 countries, Stoffel channels the diverse cultures he’s encountered into his art. His work explores spirituality in a vibrant, pop fantasy style, offering American audiences a glimpse into the world’s rich religious and cultural tapestries.
Recognized as one of NYC’s top LGBTQ+ artists by GLAAD he has been showcased by prestigious organizations like the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Matthew Shepard foundation. His art and photography have appeared on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, in the New York Times, Huffington Post, AM New York, Hawaiian Airlines Magazines, and on the cover of Next Magazine. His artistic contributions have earned him the Starving Artist Award, along with a commission for Ralph Lauren’s daughter. His art has graced iconic New York venues like the Puck Building, The Art Directors Club, The Prince George Gallery, GalleryBar, and New World Stages.
When renowned professor Dr. Aidan Ryan vanishes without explanation, he
leaves behind a haunting message revealing he has a new life and can never
return. His devastated daughter Sofia embarks on a global search to uncover
the truth behind her father’s disappearance. What she finds is more
shocking than she could have imagined—a web of family secrets and lies
that challenges everything she thought she knew.
After clues send her to Italy, Sofia reconnects with her estranged mother
Ella who reveals a hidden past of trauma and deceit. When they discover
Aidan’s ties to The Brotherhood, an elusive, powerful society that
operates in the shadows of world affairs, Sofia and Ella become ensnared in
a deadly conspiracy. Trapped in ancient catacombs beneath the Roman
countryside, they must face Aidan’s mysterious captors and fight for
their lives. But as they edge closer to escape, one question remains: Will
Aidan choose his family or The Brotherhood?
About the Author
A.C. Adams is the nom de plume of co-authors Anthony Leigh Adams and
Christina Adams, who have written, produced, and developed film and
television projects for many studios, including Disney, ABC, and CBS.
Christina is a producer of the Emmy Award-winning series, The Amazing Race
and multiple programs for Oprah Winfrey. Anthony composed the music and
co-wrote the book and lyrics for their most recent theatrical project,
Sideways: The Musical, which is based on the Oscar-winning film and is in
development as a Broadway musical.
The Adamses also wrote and produced the original musicals Love-In: A
Musical Celebration and Primal Twang: The Legacy of The Guitar. Both shows
were filmed and aired nationally on PBS. Primal Twang won Best Documentary
Feature at the Rome International Film Festival.
Adams Entertainment, Anthony and Christina’s production company, is
based in La Jolla, California, where they work and live with their two
calico rescue cats. Chasing Shadows, their debut novel, is inspired by true
events. For more information visit: www.adamsentertainment.com.
Single Mom Millionaire is a powerful and inspiring guide for women looking
to take control of their financial future through real estate investing.
Written by Debbie, a single mom of three with over 20 years of experience in
real estate, this book combines personal stories of resilience and success
with practical, actionable advice.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to scale, Single Mom
Millionaire will equip you with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts
needed to achieve financial freedom.
Packed with relatable examples and motivational insights, this book is
perfect for women ready to turn their dreams into reality, no matter their
age, background, or current circumstances. If you’ve ever thought,
“I can’t do it,” this book will show you exactly
why—and how—you can.
About the Author
Debbie’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and determination.
Growing up in both Germany and Alaska, she experienced a diverse childhood
that shaped her into a well-rounded person with a global perspective. Her
love for hiking and travel reflects her adventurous spirit and appreciation
for life’s beauty.
With over 20 years of real estate investing experience, she has developed a
deep understanding of building financial stability and wealth through smart
investment strategies. However, her journey was not without challenges.
After enduring a 10-year abusive marriage that brought significant financial
setbacks, Debbie rebuilt her life with courage and tenacity, emerging
stronger than ever.
Her experiences have fueled her passion for helping other women find
financial freedom and independence. Through her personal story and real
estate expertise, Debbie inspires women to take control of their financial
futures, proving that it’s never too late to start over and
thrive.
The year is 2360. A select group of a half million humans, the only
survivors of global warming and the "Race Wars", are living a
Spartan lifestyle and exhibiting loss of memory and emotions resulting from
mind-altering drugs created by world leaders known as the Orchestrators. The
drugs markedly slowed metabolism and aging, making them ideal for prolonging
the lives of humans requiring long periods of travel in space. Henry Shannon
is being groomed as the next Orchestrator who will lead a mission to
Jupiter, hoping to find an inhabitable moon that can accommodate the humans
remaining on Earth. After discovering that the moons of Jupiter are
uninhabitable, Henry reluctantly agrees to return to Earth, ultimately
bolstered by news that global warming somehow has given way to global
cooling. During the return trip home, his wife is killed when an asteroid
collides with their spaceship. Depressed and increasingly concerned about
survival of the human race, Henry presses on and successfully lands his
group back on Earth, which bears little resemblance to the planet they
remembered. The returning passengers encounter strange new animal species
and are stunned to find that Earth has been repopulated by a group of humans
previously known as Tunnel People because of their subterranean lifestyle.
Their Supreme Leader, Lillian Goodman, a long-time opponent of the
Orchestrators, somehow alters the Tunnel People who now have advanced
technologies, an above-ground life of opulence, and apparent immortality. As
Henry unravels the nefarious means employed by the Supreme Leader to create
this Utopian state, he discovers why these new humans remain desperately
dependent on his passengers for maintaining their immortal status, and must
decide whether to cooperate or resist and face his own mortality.
About the Author
Donald Hricik is a physician who was born in Ohio, currently living in the
Cleveland area. He is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve
University and the former Chief of the Division of Nephrology and
Hypertension at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He has
authored or edited over two hundred medical manuscripts or medical text
books. He has published six novels: Racing to Pittsburgh (2010), Nothing to
Confess (2013), and Escape from Cleveland (2016), Our Great Escape; Part 1:
Dumbers and Part 2: Return to the Tunnel People (2017, 2018), Toxic Affairs
on Hidden Lane (2021), a memoir about his wife - Lynne's Last Christmas: A
Battle with Dementia (2021). All of his books have medical themes. Aside
from writing, Dr. Hricik is a painter (mostly acrylics and oil) and enjoys
cycling, gardening, and occasional attempts at deep sea fishing
Single Mom Millionaire is a powerful and inspiring guide for women looking
to take control of their financial future through real estate investing.
Written by Debbie, a single mom of three with over 20 years of experience in
real estate, this book combines personal stories of resilience and success
with practical, actionable advice.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to scale, Single Mom
Millionaire will equip you with the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts
needed to achieve financial freedom.
Packed with relatable examples and motivational insights, this book is
perfect for women ready to turn their dreams into reality, no matter their
age, background, or current circumstances. If you’ve ever thought,
“I can’t do it,” this book will show you exactly
why—and how—you can.
Teaser
Creating passive income gives you the freedom of choice.
The choice to do what you want to do, and how you want to do it.
About the Author
Debbie’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and determination.
Growing up in both Germany and Alaska, she experienced a diverse childhood
that shaped her into a well-rounded person with a global perspective. Her
love for hiking and travel reflects her adventurous spirit and appreciation
for life’s beauty.
With over 20 years of real estate investing experience, she has developed a
deep understanding of building financial stability and wealth through smart
investment strategies. However, her journey was not without challenges.
After enduring a 10-year abusive marriage that brought significant financial
setbacks, Debbie rebuilt her life with courage and tenacity, emerging
stronger than ever.
Her experiences have fueled her passion for helping other women find
financial freedom and independence. Through her personal story and real
estate expertise, Debbie inspires women to take control of their financial
futures, proving that it’s never too late to start over and
thrive.
From fist fights to dragon duels: NYT bestselling author Angela Knight
explores how to write fictional combat.
As a novelist, teacher and editor, I’ve seen bad fight scenes ruin
too many good stories. My objective in this book is to demonstrate how to
write fights that keep readers on the edge of their seats -- and publishers
begging for more.
I’ll discuss how to use YouTube to research combat techniques and
construct thrilling fights blow by blow. You’ll also learn how to use
those fights to reveal character and build reader sympathy.
I’ll demonstrate the warning signs of an anticlimax and what to do
about it. I’ll show you how to build tension and excitement with every
battle until you reach a climax that has the reader craving your next
book.
Note: This is an updated and heavily revised version of my book, How to
Write Fight Scenes.
EXCERPT
Knowing how to write an exciting fight scene is crucial in genres ranging
from romance to horror. As a teacher and editor, I’ve seen bad fights
ruin too many good stories.
My objective in this book is to share techniques that keep readers on the
edge of their seats -- and publishers begging for more. You’ll learn
how to use YouTube to research combat techniques and construct thrilling
sequences blow by blow. I’ll also demonstrate how to use those scenes
to reveal character and build reader sympathy. You’ll learn what
anticlimaxes are and how to avoid them. I’ll also share the tricks of
building reader tension with every fight until you reach an exhilarating
climax that will make you an autobuy.
Storytelling and the Brain
What do good books, college graduations, professional football, weddings,
and chocolate have in common? As Lisa Cron points out in her terrific book,
Wired for Story (Cron 2012), it’s dopamine -- the brain chemical that
rewards us for accomplishing something difficult.
Remember the rush when you graduated high school or college? That was
dopamine. Your incandescent happiness at your wedding or the birth of your
child? Dopamine. Even chocolate and cocaine trigger dopamine, the first a
little of it, the latter a lot.
Dopamine floods can even be triggered by someone else’s success.
Remember your joy when your favorite team won the Super Bowl? You were just
sitting on your couch, but you still felt as if you’d personally
scored that winning touchdown.
The harder you work for something, the greater the dopamine rush your brain
produces when you succeed.
A good writer is a merciless god. Yet it’s cruelty with a purpose,
because it forces the protagonist to discover their strengths and overcome
their fears. In sharing that struggle, the reader may experience more than
just a happy buzz -- they may find the courage to face their own challenges.
There have been times in my life that felt unbearably dark and grim, yet a
novel helped me find the hope and guts to keep going. “Hey, if a
vampire who hates his own penis can overcome his self-loathing, maybe
I’ve got a shot at it too.”
I genuinely believe giving other people courage is the best reason to be a
writer. But to do so, you must be willing to put your characters through the
hell of a hard, desperate fight.
I guarantee some of your readers are facing their own brutal challenges.
Let them find hope -- and a welcome distraction -- in your fictional
world.
About the Author
New York Times best-selling author Angela Knight has written and published
more than sixty novels, novellas, and ebooks, including the Mageverse and
Merlin’s Legacy series. With a career spanning more than two decades,
Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine has awarded her their Career Achievement
award in Paranormal Romance, as well as two Reviewers’ Choice awards
for Best Erotic Romance and Best Werewolf Romance.
Angela is currently a writer, editor, and cover artist for Changeling Press
LLC. She also teaches online writing courses. Besides her fiction work,
Angela’s writing career includes a decade as an award-winning South
Carolina newspaper reporter. She lives in South Carolina with her husband,
Michael, a thirty-year police veteran and detective with a local police
department.
In a few hours, MOLLY MAGUIRE’s life implodes. After her
apartment burns down, a lawyer shows up at her office informing her that a
distant relative left her a home in Loon Lake, Wisconsin. Then she’s
fired. With nothing holding her back, and nowhere else to go, she heads to
the small town.
Young retiree, GRANT REEM sold his tech start-up and was
contacted by the owner of his family’s favorite vacation spot with an
interesting next act: buy a tour boat company in Loon Lake. With nothing
stopping him, and always putting his trust in the universe, Grant buys the
business and moves across the country. When he bumps into the one who got
away, his college girlfriend Molly, he’s thrilled, but she’s not
the same go-getter who dumped him.
Molly’s new home floods the first night, and she
escapes to the Inn with a few dry belongings. She bumps into Grant and
learns of the local legend about her family’s curse. When she uncovers
a treasure map, she decides to take a chance with Grant’s
encouragement. As they search for the treasure, however, they met unexpected
opposition, learn about local superstitions, and have to decide if
fate—or some other force—wants them to win or lose.
About the Author
Rachelle Paige Campbell writes bestselling contemporary romances filled
with heart and hope. She believes love and laughter can change lives. No
matter the location—big city, small town, or European
kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after.
She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner,
and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).
Grandpa, My Hero is a touching story of love, resilience, and family bonds.
Mia, a spirited young girl, shares a special connection with her Grandpa,
her ultimate hero. Together, they create joyful memories until a stroke
leaves Grandpa unable to walk or talk like before.
Determined to help, Mia becomes his “assistant,” making therapy
fun with games, balloons, and laughter. As Grandpa works hard to regain his
strength, their bond deepens, teaching Mia valuable lessons about patience,
kindness, and perseverance.
This heartwarming tale celebrates intergenerational love and shows how even
in the face of challenges, family connections can grow stronger. Mia learns
valuable lessons about patience, kindness, and the importance of caring for
loved ones. In turn, Grandpa’s courage and determination inspire her
to see challenges as opportunities to grow. Together, they discover that
heroism isn’t about strength or perfection—it’s about
showing up for each other, no matter the obstacles.
Through vibrant illustrations and a touching narrative, Grandpa, My Hero
celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of
intergenerational love. It’s a story that encourages children to
cherish and care for their elders while showing that even in difficult
times, family bonds can grow stronger. This book is a tribute to every
grandparent who has ever been a hero in their grandchild’s eyes.
About the Author
Kimberly Chang is a passionate advocate for seniors and a champion for
intergenerational connection. Inspired by her grandfather, who suffered a
stroke during her childhood, Kimberly witnessed firsthand the challenges and
frustrations he faced due to medical setbacks. These early experiences
shaped her deep empathy and determination to make a difference in the lives
of older adults.
Driven by her desire to create meaningful change, Kimberly conducted
extensive research on geriatric care and went on to develop Bloom, an
innovative app designed to enhance seniors' lifestyles and foster
connection. She believes seniors are often overlooked and deserves more
support, care, and respect.
With Grandpa, My Hero, Kimberly hopes to inspire readers of all ages to
recognize the value of their elders and to foster a deeper understanding of
the joys and struggles of aging. Her heartfelt storytelling shines a light
on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of caring for those
who came before us. Through this book, she aims to raise awareness about the
need for compassionate geriatric care and to spark meaningful conversations
about love, family, and the enduring strength of intergenerational
bonds.
One in six American adults take psychiatric medication and yet, doctors are
only allotted twenty-minute appointments that are spaced out by months at a
time. This book starts at minute twenty-one and is filled with everything
you wish your doctor had time to explain about mental health. Nearly sixty
million American adults struggle with mental illness but half are not
receiving any treatment and only a quarter of them have access to
psychotherapy. With demand for treatment far outpacing supply, our current
mental health crisis requires a new approach that goes beyond the
limitations of the health care system.
Dr. Julia Krankl, a Harvard and UCLA-trained psychiatrist, trauma
resilience specialist and physician educator details her mental wellness
menu-fifteen practical ways to improve mental health that don't involve
taking a pill or doing formal therapy. Readers of The 21st Minute will be
empowered to become the hero of their mental wellness journey using tools
that work. The 21st Minute bridges the gap between what doctors hurriedly
explain in twenty minutes and what we all need to thrive. For physicians and
therapists who practice holistic mental health care, The 21st Minute stands
as an evidence-based resource of alternatives and adjuncts to medication
management and psychotherapy.
The 21st Minute offers an accessible and transformative roadmap to optimal
mental wellness using modern medicine, evolutionary psychology and diverse
cultural perspectives. If you are ready for a new approach to achieve your
mental health goals on your terms-this is it.
About the Author
JULIA KRANKL, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, trauma resilience
specialist, physician educator, winemaker and recovering perfectionist. All
proceeds from The 21st Minute will be donated to mental health
nonprofits.
In this beautifully crafted book that delves into the intricacies of human
emotion and resilience, the author takes us on a poignant journey through
the memories and experiences that have defined their life. From childhood
challenges to moments of profound connection and self-discovery, the
narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of
familial bonds. Through heartfelt reflections and poignant storytelling,
readers are invited to explore their emotional intelligence and embark on a
journey of self-discovery alongside the author. This compelling and
insightful book promises to uplift, inspire, and resonate with readers
seeking connection, understanding, and empowerment in their own lives. Join
the author on this transformative journey and discover the beauty and
resilience that lies within the human spirit.
About the Author
Dinorah Briceno's academic journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to
education and social welfare. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Social
Welfare/Social Work at Yeshiva University, she is engaged in pioneering
research that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Latin communities
today. In addition to her academic pursuits, she currently works as a
psychotherapist and site coordinator in the SBS program at a community-based
mental health agency, where she continues to apply her expertise and
advocate for vulnerable populations.
Before starting her doctoral studies, Dinorah obtained a Master’s in
Social Work from Yeshiva University in 2021, deepening her understanding of
the intricate relationship between mental health and social justice. In
conjunction with her Master’s degree, she also earned a certificate in
trauma, further enhancing her expertise in this critical area.
Her dedication to language education is evident in her pursuit of two
additional master’s degrees: one in Teaching English as a Foreign
Language from Universidad Europea del Atlántico and another in
Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from Universidad Internacional
Iberoamericana (UNINI PR). These degrees underscore her belief in the
transformative power of language as a means of empowerment and
cross-cultural understanding.
With over 16 years of experience in education, Dinorah’s journey
began with a Bachelor of Education degree from UCAB - Universidad
Católica Andrés Bello in 2009, establishing a solid foundation
for her career. She has continuously sought to expand her expertise through
specialized training, including a Diploma in Autism Education from the
Center for Disabilities Studies (CEPIA) at Universidad Monteavila.
Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in Teaching Formation for
Early Education from Universidad Metropolitana (VE), further showcasing her
dedication to early childhood education.
Dinorah has gained valuable experience working with children and adults,
including those with special needs, individuals struggling with addiction,
and those facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant
disorder (ODD). Her hands-on experience in these areas reflects her
commitment to supporting individuals with diverse challenges and enhancing
their quality of life.
Dinorah Briceno’s diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to
education and social welfare exemplify the transformative potential of
knowledge and compassion. Her journey inspires others and highlights the
profound impact that education and advocacy can have on fostering a brighter
and more equitable future for all.