Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Nov 22

15

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on November 15, 2022
Posted in Book Tours • Books Read in 2022 • Immigrant Experience • Literary Fiction  | Tagged With: , , , , | 1 Comment

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. MkparuSoulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (November 22, 2022)
Category: General Fiction, Literary Fiction, African-American Fiction, Immigrant Experience
Tour Dates November 2-23
ISBN: 978-1955065603
Available in Print and ebook, 332 pages

Soulful Return

Description Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


“The hounding voice inside me would not let go.”

Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku, a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened.

Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall.

As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together—and alive.

My Thoughts Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku left his homeland and family in Nigeria to attend Harvard medical school to become a doctor.  It was always expected by his family that he would return to his homeland one day to take over the running of his family lands. In the meantime, he built his career, married, and had children in Boston.

Now he is 60 years-old.  He is offered the CEO position in Boston Medical Center and his wife wants him to accept the position.  It was such an honor to be offered the top position!   However, he is also yearning for Nigeria.

His father passed away 25 years ago and that was the last time he was in Nigeria. Then he receives a call from his sister.  Their cousin is trying to claim his father’s lands.  He goes against his wife’s wishes and takes a sabbatical from work and goes to Nigeria.

He finds it has changed and not for the better.  At every turn he runs into corrupt police, just trying to make his way home to his sister.  Then when he gets there, his cousins are there and demanding “they get what’s there’s”

You will have to read the book to find out what happens as I do not want to give away spoilers.  Fidelis O. Mkparu’s writing is hypnotizing, making it hard to put the book down.  He captures the Nigerian land and people with his poetic prose.  His characters are well fleshed out and grabbed me through the pages and transported me. I will be thinking about this book and its characters for a very long time to come, they will not let go!  I highly recommend you read ‘Soulful Return’!

Awards and Praise for Fidelis O. Mkparu


2018 EVVY winner, Literary & Contemporary Fiction for Tears Before Exaltation.

Silver Medal: Nautilus Book Awards, Fiction 2016 for Love’s Affliction.

Reader Views Literary Award Winner 2015/2016 for Love’s Affliction.

Finalist 2015: INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, Multicultural Fiction for Love’s Affliction.

“A must-read, Love’s Affliction is an exceptionally gripping and poignant story. While intense throughout, there is resolution – and not quite what one may expect!”—San Francisco Book Review

“An exceptionally well crafted work, “Love’s Affliction” is an engaging and extraordinary multi-cultural novel that documents author Fidelis O. Mkparu as a talented, first class storyteller. “Love’s Affliction” is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and would prove to be a valued addition to community library Contemporary Fiction collections.”—Midwest Book Review

About Fidelis O. Mkparu Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Multi award winning author, Fidelis O. Mkparu is a Nigerian immigrant in the U.S. who wishes to speak to his experiences and those of his fellow immigrants. He is a professor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and a senior attending cardiologist at Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a Spaulding fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School.

His preceding novels include Love’s Affliction and Tears Before Exaltation.

Website: https://fidelismkparu.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fidelismkparu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fidelis.mkparu

Preorder Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


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Barnes&Noble
DX Varos Publishing

Giveaway Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


This giveaway is for 3 print or ebook copies. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 24, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Follow Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 2 Kickoff & Interview

Sal Bound 4 Escape Nov 3 Review

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Nov 9 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Nov 10 Review & Excerpt

Bookgirl Amazon Goodreads Nov 11 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Nov 14 Review & Excerpt

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 15 Review

Gracie Goodreads Nov 16 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Nov 17 Review & Interview

Linda Lu Goodreads Nov 18 Review

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Nov 22 Review & Excerpts

Ellen Goodreads Nov 23 Review

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

Nov 22

4

Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar: Review, Giveaway

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on November 4, 2022
Posted in Books Read in 2022 • Music • My Past Giveaways  | Tagged With: , , , | 1 Comment

Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. GaarElton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar

Thanks to Steve Roth of The Quarto Group, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Elton John at 75’.

Description Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


Few rock artists continue to gather more and more adulation with age. Sir Elton Hercules John is an exception who proves the rule. In Elton John at 75, veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar examines the rock icon through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Key studio albums are featured, of course, as are a curated selection of his earworm singles. But Gaar delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Elton’s career:

  • Key performances such as his breakthrough performance at LA’s Troubadour, and the historic Soviet Union and Dodger Stadium concerts
  • Legendary collaborations with the likes of George Michael, Billy Joel, and Kate Bush
  • His many film and television roles, including Tommy and The Muppet Show
  • Tireless work on behalf of AIDS research
  • Notable awards and honors, including knighthood
  • And of course, his collaboration with long-time cowriter Bernie Taupin

Beginning with his 1969 debut LP, Elton John is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades. In examining 75 touchstones, Gaar provides a unique presentation of Elton’s career arc, from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to his flamboyant stage presence, and beyond.

Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more. This incredible package also includes a gatefold Elton John timeline, a previously unpublished gatefold artwork, an 8×10-inch glossy print, and a pullout poster. The result is a stunning tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock—in a milestone year.

My Thoughts Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


I had always wanted to see Elton John live however, for many reasons, I didn’t get to see him until his Farewell concert in 2019.  Yes, he is still touring with his farewell concert but that is because he had to postpone while we were all in social isolation for covid.  If you get the chance, do not hesitate!  I have been to a lot of concerts but his is in my top 5!

Then Steve Roth of The Quarto Group sent me an email asking if I wanted to review this new book coming out about him by Gillian G. Gaar.  She just happens to be my favorite Rock and Roll biographer so, of course I wanted it.  I was so excited to be asked.  Not only that, Steve agreed that I could offer a giveaway of one print copy to my readers! This is a $75 book, even more in Canada! 

As usual, Gaar has done an exceptional job in not only writing but curating some of the best photos, memorabilia, etc.  Due to my older sister being an earlier fan, I thought I had seen it all.  I hadn’t!  This book is packed full of amazing photos and includes an 8X10 poster! 

When this book came in the mail, I absolutely geeked out.  I couldn’t put it down until the last page!  I have had it for about three and a half weeks now and have gone through it several times.  It has a prominent spot on our coffee table with many other spectacular musicians! This would be the absolute perfect gift for Elton John lovers, I only wish my big sister was still around so I could get it for her!

Despite the price tag, I cannot recommend this book highly enough!  I give it 5 plus stars!

About Gillian G. GaarElton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


Gillian G. Gaar has written for numerous publications, including Mojo, Rolling Stone, and Goldmine. Previous books include She’s a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll; Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana; Return of the King: Elvis Presley’s Great Comeback; The Doors: The Complete Illustrated History; and Boss: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band—The Illustrated History. She lives in Seattle.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillianGaar

Buy Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


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Amazon.ca
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Giveaway Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar


This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on November 18, 2022 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
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Oct 22

4

On the Ledge: A Memoir by Amy Turner: Review

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on October 4, 2022
Posted in Book Tours • Books Read in 2022 • Memoir  | Tagged With: , , , | 2 Comments

On the Ledge by Amy TurnerOn the Ledge: A Memoir by Amy Turner

Publisher:  She Writes Press, (September 6, 2022)
Category: Memoir, Dysfunctional Families, Mental Wellness
Tour dates: September 6, 2022-October 7, 2022
ISBN: 978-1647422257
Available in Print and ebook, 256 pages

On the Ledge

Description On the Ledge by Amy Turner


In 1957, when Amy Turner was four years old, her father had to be talked down from a hotel ledge by a priest. The story of his attempted suicide received nationwide press coverage, and he spent months in a psychiatric facility before returning home. From then on, Amy constantly worried about him for reasons she didn’t yet fully understand, triggering a pattern of hypervigilance that would plague her into adulthood.

In 2010, fifty-five years after her father’s attempted suicide, Amy—now a wife, mother, and lawyer-turned-schoolteacher—is convinced she’s dealt with all the psychological reverberations of her childhood. Then she steps into a crosswalk and is mowed down by a pickup truck—an accident that nearly kills her, and that ultimately propels her on a remarkable emotional journey. With the help of Chinese Medicine, Somatic Experiencing, and serendipities that might be attributed to grace, Amy first unravels the trauma of her own brush with death and then, unexpectedly, heals the childhood trauma buried far deeper.

Poignant and intimate, On the Ledge is Amy’s insightful and surprisingly humorous chronicle of coming to terms with herself and her parents as the distinct, vulnerable individuals they are. Perhaps more meaningfully, it offers proof that no matter how far along you are in life, it’s never too late to find yourself.

My Thoughts On the Ledge by Amy Turner


Stuck between her mother’s alcoholism and her father’s depression, Amy’s childhood was not easy. In 1957, Amy Turner’s father tried to kill himself by jumping off of the ledge attached to his hotel room window. He was on a business trip and ended up having to be talked down by a priest who just happened to be passing by.

Starting the memoir from this place—the first moment that her life changed forever—Amy goes on to explain how her father’s subsequent hospital stay affected her entire family. From the time that she was four years old on, Amy’s family had to sidestep her father’s fragile moods and continually worry about his mental health. Although Amy makes it clear that she loved her father, the adapted ways that she learned to deal with him throughout her childhood took a toll on her.

Many years later, Amy’s life is forever changed in another split second when she is hit by a car. Although she is soon deemed to have only sustained a concussion, Amy spends many terrifying hours after the accident and during the Life Flight to the hospital, wondering if she is going to die. Events like this can understandably change a person, and it is from this that Amy began to take a good, hard look at her life and her childhood.

‘On the Ledge,’ is a memoir that is well worth your time and worth adding to your TBR list! Turner’s look at her inner child and all of the events that lead her to the place in her life that she is now, was refreshing and thought-provoking.

I couldn’t put this book down throughout the entire time that I was reading, and finished it in one day. I deeply admire Turner’s resilience and appreciate her sharing her story with readers everywhere.

About Amy TurnerOn the Ledge by Amy Turner


Amy Turner was born in Bronxville, New York, and is a graduate of Boston University, with a degree in political science, and of New York Law School, with a Juris Doctor Degree. After practicing law (rather unhappily) for twenty-two years, she finally found the courage to change careers at forty-eight and become a (very happy) seventh grade social studies teacher.

A long-time meditator and avid reader who loves to swim and bike, Amy lives in East Hampton, New York, with her husband, Ed, to whom she’s been married for forty years. They have two sons. On the Ledge is Amy’s first book.

Website: https://www.amyturnerauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyturnerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyTurnerWriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyturner2000/

Buy On the Ledge by Amy Turner


Amazon
Bookshop.org
Indiebound

Giveaway On the Ledge by Amy Turner


This giveaway is for 2 print copies and is open to the U.S. only. This giveaway ends on October 5, 2022 midnight, pacific time.  Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Follow On the Ledge by Amy Turner


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On the Ledge by Amy Turner

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