Book Review - Small Town Michigan: Legends, Lore, and Attractions in the Wolverine State

About the Book

Reedy Press is pleased to announce the release of our newest local interest book, Small Town Michigan: Legends, Lore, and Attractions in the Wolverine State, by Amy Piper.

Williamston, Chelsea. Germfask. Indian River. Vicksburg. Grand Haven. These aren’t just dots on a map; they’re small towns brought to life through their stories, legends, and lore.

We’ve seen those picture-perfect small towns where time seems to slow down, shopkeepers remember your name, and neighbors still gather for parades and ice cream socials. But you don’t have to watch a Hallmark movie to find that charm. Small Town Michigan invites you to explore the authentic warmth, character, and heart of Michigan’s often-overlooked communities.

Throughout Michigan’s industrial ups and downs, its waves of settlers and visionaries, small towns have quietly endured. They’ve rebuilt after fires, revitalized main streets, and reimagined old factories as art studios and coffee shops. In every part of the state, from lakefront harbors to inland crossroads, you’ll find places that thrive on connection, creativity, and a sense of pride.

From their founding stories to what it’s like today, each of the 50 towns featured on these pages shares a unique story. You might think you know Michigan, but this book will take you beyond the familiar, revealing hidden gems, local legends, and lore that make each town special.

Wander through historic downtown Chelsea and see a show at actor Jeff Daniels’s Purple Rose Theatre. Take your picture with Benny the Beard Fisher in Germfask, or get your adrenaline going in Indian River’s color corridor with an off-roading side-by-side adventure through Michigan’s hardwood and pine forests with Big Bear Adventures. Explore the tip of the Mitten by boat on Michigan’s inland waterway. Learn about Michigan’s maritime history at the Michigan Maritime Museum with an on-water experience aboard a replica 1810 tall sail sloop.

Let the relaxed pace remind you of what “small town” means. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a weeklong adventure, or a fresh way to explore your hometown, Small Town Michigan offers an invitation to reconnect with the heart of the Great Lakes State.

Small Town Michigan is available wherever books are sold.

My Take on the Book
As someone who has lived in Michigan for years and who lives in one of the small towns listed in this book, I thought I already knew most of what the state had to offer, but Small Town Michigan: Legends, Lore, and Attractions in the Wolverine State surprised me at every turn. Amy Piper captures the personality of Michigan’s smaller communities in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. Instead of focusing only on the well-known tourist spots, the book shines a light on the stories, traditions, and hidden treasures that make these towns unforgettable.

What I appreciated most was how each chapter made me want to plan a road trip. From quirky landmarks to rich local history, the book reminds readers that some of the best experiences in Michigan happen far from the bigger cities. The writing is approachable, engaging, and packed with fascinating details that even lifelong Michiganders may not know. This is the kind of travel book you keep nearby because it inspires adventure long after you finish reading.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

NewGel Helps Reduce Scars in Days

About the Product
Scars come in many shapes, sizes and types. Now there’s a customizable treatment solution that helps improve the appearance of scars from C-sections or other surgeries, acne, burns and other injuries, as well as keloid and hypertrophic (or raised) scars. If you’re covering the best new at-home health and wellness products on the market, please read on about NewGel Plus Silicone Scar Tape and let me know if you want to test it!

Like NewGel’s existing range of physician-developed silicone scar therapy products that are considered the gold standard in hospitals and clinics worldwide, it uses 100% medical-grade silicone to help flatten, soften and fade scars while improving skin texture.

This convenient 1.5” x 48” roll of reusable silicone tape is reusable, flexible and easy to cut to the exact size required for each individual scar. Unlike other scar treatment brands, it features extra thick 1mm silicone for superior occlusion. This thickness helps create an optimal healing environment by maintaining hydration and protecting scar tissue.

The tape is comfortable to wear and can be washed and re-used. Made in the U.S.A. in an ISO-certified GMP facility, it is safe, non-toxic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and includes medical adhesive tape to keep sheets securely in place. MSRP $39.99. They’re available at NewGelPlus.com and on Amazon.com 

My Take on the Product

NewGel Plus Silicone Scar Tape stands out as one of the more thoughtfully designed scar care products I’ve tried. The thicker medical-grade silicone feels durable without being uncomfortable, and the roll format makes it easy to trim the exact size needed for different scars. I appreciated how flexible the tape was, especially on areas that move often throughout the day. It stayed in place better than many thinner alternatives I’ve used and didn’t irritate my skin after extended wear.

What impressed me most was how reusable the strips are. After gently washing and drying them, they still maintained good adhesion, which helps justify the higher price point. While results are not instant, consistent use noticeably improved the texture and appearance of older scars over time. The tape also creates a protective barrier that keeps the area hydrated without feeling greasy. If you’re looking for a non-invasive scar treatment that feels high quality and easy to incorporate into daily life, this is an excellent option.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

About the Book
From the only king who ruled in the United States to the only President who was also a king, you’ll unearth the fascinating stories behind popular places. From a state with a car culture history, discover the origins of the world’s largest tire, the only state highway that doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, and what ship is a designated continuation of a United States highway. You’ll discover the answers to these questions and many others in Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. The book explores weird museums where you can have your picture taken holding a human skull, wonderful natural beauty where rafting over clear springs reveals the trout below, and where obscure shipwrecks lie in a shipwreck alley. You’ll learn about the people who made history in the Great Lakes State, like a hall-of-fame rock band that turned around a small-town football team’s losing season, the first Black woman to sue a White man – and win, and how a man survived the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Some people would like to keep you in the dark, but local author Amy Piper pulls back the curtain to reveal secrets some Michiganders don’t want you to know.

My Take on the Book
As someone who has lived in Michigan for years, I thought I had a pretty good sense of what the Great Lakes State has to offer. Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure by Amy Piper proved me wrong—in the best way possible. This engaging guide uncovers a side of Michigan that many residents and visitors rarely see. From quirky museums and unusual roadside attractions to fascinating pieces of state history, the book highlights destinations that are as surprising as they are memorable.

What makes the book especially enjoyable is how it blends storytelling with travel inspiration. Each entry offers a quick glimpse into a unique place or historical moment, making it easy to imagine planning a weekend road trip to see it for yourself. Even lifelong Michiganders will likely discover spots they’ve never heard of before.

If you love exploring hidden corners of the state, this guide will spark curiosity and remind you just how many unexpected treasures Michigan holds.

 
----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Belonging to the World: A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth

About the Book
Some journeys we choose. Others choose us.

In Belonging to the World, you are brought into the book in the aftermath of tragedy, where Barry Hoffner wanted to feel the pulse of the world again. The whole world.

When Barry Hoffner lost his wife and travel partner, Jackie, in a sudden tragedy, his grief was a black hole that consumed everything. But amid the quiet wreckage of loss, something unexpected stirred: the call to move, to reconnect, and to live fully again.

What began as a reluctant return to the road became an audacious mission to visit all 193 countries on Earth-not to escape his pain but to transform it. Along the way, Barry discovered a world with far more depth and complexity than headlines suggest-one full of unexpected joy, even amid hardship and struggle. From war zones to mountaintops, refugee camps to ancient ruins, he found people whose kindness and openness brought him back to life.

Belonging to the World is a deeply felt memoir of healing from grief, finding resilience, and forging human connection across the globe.


My Take on the Book

Belonging to the World: A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth is a powerful meditation on loss, movement, and the quiet ways human connection restores meaning. After the sudden death of his wife and travel companion, Barry Hoffner does not set out to outrun grief—but to sit with it while re-entering the world. His decision to visit every country becomes less about geography and more about reawakening curiosity, trust, and presence.

What makes this memoir especially compelling is its emotional steadiness. Hoffner writes with humility, allowing grief to coexist with wonder, fear, kindness, and joy. The encounters he describes—often brief, sometimes profound—reveal how generosity and shared humanity transcend borders, languages, and circumstance. The book balances reflective inner work with vivid observations of places rarely centered in mainstream travel writing.

Belonging to the World is ultimately about choosing engagement over withdrawal. It’s a moving reminder that healing doesn’t erase loss—it expands life around it.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - When a Good Man Cares Enough to Change Something Crucial

About the Book

In this book you will find a creative new breakthrough and methods for handling the stressful moments at home, at work, and in your relationship

If you are a good man (or you know a good man) who sometimes gets impatient, distant, or tense during stressful moments, these nine quick, non-judgmental chapters can give you the most effective breakthrough methods for definitely improving your daily mindfulness and creative teamwork (at home, at work, and in your key relationships).

Bestselling author and psychologist Len Felder, PhD, doesn't waste time on vague theories or jargon. In this highly practical new book, you will discover:

• How to handle the tense moments in your daily life far more creatively and compassionately than your dad or previous generations knew how to do.
• How to deepen the two-way caring, playfulness, and intimacy in your love life.
• How to make sure you don't alienate someone you don't want to lose (in a relationship or at work) as a result of slipping back into some old, retro, or impatient ways.
• How to clean up the unintentional hurt feelings and misunderstandings that happen in even the best relationships and work settings.

My Take on the Book

When a Good Man Cares Enough to Change Something Crucial is a grounded, accessible guide for men who want to respond differently when pressure, conflict, or misunderstanding show up in everyday life. Rather than diagnosing flaws or revisiting old patterns with blame, Len Felder, PhD, focuses on awareness and choice—what happens in the exact moments when patience runs thin or connection feels at risk.

The book’s strength lies in its practicality. The chapters are brief, focused, and written in a tone that feels supportive rather than corrective. Felder uses relatable scenarios from work and personal relationships to show how small shifts in presence, listening, and intention can prevent unnecessary damage and even repair it when things go sideways.

This is not about perfection or suppressing emotion; it’s about learning how to pause, recalibrate, and respond with care. A valuable read for men committed to growth—and for anyone invested in healthier, more collaborative relationships.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - I Am A Lioness

About the Book
In I Am A Lioness, Hear us ROAR!

Lion communities (known as prides) are often misperceived as being led by a male lion.

But in this honest, unfiltered portrayal of savanna life, we learn that lionesses are the pride's true leaders!

Discover how these majestic females nurture young cubs and prepare them for life in the wild, all while making their own vital contributions to the success of the pride.

• Beautiful picture book depicts the world of the savanna in soft, muted colors.
• Ages 3 to 8.
• Hardcover with dust jacket.
• 40 pages.
• 10-1/4'' wide x 9-1/2'' high.

My Take on the Book
This book was full of amazing facts about prides of lions. There was so much in the book that I did not know. If your kids love learning new things. this was a beautifully illustrated and researched book that will help your kids learn so much more than they would have known before the first read the book. Highly recommend!

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Best Bunny Brother Ever

About the Book
P.J. Funnybunny from the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny coaches his little sister in Best Bunny Brother Ever, Honey Bunny, at T-ball in a story that celebrates family ties and is perfect for Eastertime and gift-giving all year long!

Honey Bunny Funnybunny LOVES baseball, but is too little to play. So big brother P.J. teaches her T-ball! From warming up to throwing and catching to hitting the ball and running the bases, P.J. and Honey Bunny work side-by-side until she is ready for her first game—where she hits a home run! But is winning what Honey Bunny is MOST thankful for? Or could it be . . . P.J.?

With colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, this story about family and sports is a perfect Easter treat for beginning readers and Funnybunny fans!

Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children.

Look for more of Marilyn Sadler’s Funnybunny books!
It's Not Easy Being a Bunny
It's Better Being a Bunny
Honey Bunny Funnybunny
Money Money Honey Bunny
Bunny with a Big Heart


My Take on the Book
This was a wonderful story that really shows the power of siblings that support each other. I loved how the story allows OJ to mentor his sister and the mentorship comes around full-circle as Honey takes what PJ shares and accomplishes what she hopes! This is a great story for families to share with their kids!

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth

About the Book
In Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth, it's time to brush his teeth, but little Capy doesn't want to!

Mom has an idea: ''Let's make a song like 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat.' All about brushing . . . we'll sing every note!''

'Brush, brush, brush your teeth in circles round and round. Don't forget the ones in back, you want them white, not brown!''

Fun board book will help parents engage little ones in learning those important toothbrushing basics!

• Includes dental hygiene tips from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
• Get your little one started on the right track with this helpful book!
• Features cute and colorful illustrations and rhyming text to read together!
• Sturdy board book has soft, padded covers.
• Easy for little hands to grip and hold.
• Ages 0 +.
• Board book measures 6-1/2'' square.

My Take on the Book

Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth is a delightful way to turn a daily routine into a moment of fun and connection for young children. Centered on little Capy’s reluctance to brush, the story cleverly transforms toothbrushing into a playful song that keeps toddlers engaged from start to finish. The rhythmic text makes it easy for parents to sing along, helping children remember simple brushing motions without feeling like they’re being lectured.

The bright, friendly illustrations instantly capture attention, while the sturdy, padded board book format is perfect for small hands that love to explore. What truly sets this book apart is how it blends entertainment with trusted guidance—subtle dental care tips backed by pediatric experts add reassurance for parents while keeping the focus light and joyful for kids.

Ideal for bedtime or bathroom routines, this book helps build healthy habits early, making toothbrushing feel like a shared, happy experience rather than a chore.


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organization

About the Book
Every company or team assumes they are curious, that their questions are a strength. In my experience, that assumption is often wrong. In many organizations, questions have become something else, something negative.

In Question to Learn we learn that the good news is that we all have the power to change that. It just means tapping into a skill we all had as kids—pure, unfiltered curiosity.

Question to Learn is a mix of my life story, the stories of other professionals like me and examples of companies who have struggled and thrived with questions. My goal is to guide you through a journey from feeling stuck to unstuck, much like I would with clients in a workshop.

If you’ve ever felt like you wanted to ask a question to learn but buried it below a layer of self-doubt or fear, this book will help you break that cycle. If you’ve ever been asked a question that was clearly not intended to learn, this book will help you create an environment where questions are used in their purest form—to learn. If you’ve ever been frustrated by endless meetings spent debating something that could be learned simply by asking, this book is for you.


My Take on the Book
As someone who values lifelong learning and open dialogue, Question to Learn really struck a chord with me. Joe Lalley reminds us that curiosity isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that can unlock growth, innovation, and stronger human connections. What I loved most about this book is how practical it feels; Lalley doesn’t just talk about the importance of asking questions—he shows how curiosity can reshape team culture, leadership, and personal development.

The blend of personal stories, workplace examples, and actionable insights made it an engaging read. I especially appreciated the emphasis on shifting from “having all the answers” to “creating space for discovery.” It’s a refreshing approach in a world obsessed with quick fixes and certainty.

For leaders, educators, and anyone eager to grow through curiosity rather than control, this book offers both wisdom and inspiration.


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential

About the Book

In Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential you are asked: How much of your potential remains untapped? Throughout our lives, we catch fleeting glimpses of the greater capacity within us-but what if you could consciously and consistently harness more of it?

Soulgery is your lifetime companion for uncovering that deeper potential. It offers an organic yet transformative way to accelerate your growth through the natural course of everyday life.

Spanning a broad spectrum of human experience-from everyday challenges and performance to deeper explorations of love, wisdom, and meaning-Soulgery brings a rare depth by revealing how your sense of self can profoundly shape each of these dimensions. With engaging real-life stories that bring its insights to life, Soulgery stands apart as a uniquely effective guide.

Are you ready to discover your untapped potential and embrace the richer, more fulfilling life you were always meant to live?


My Take on the Book

Soulgery is the kind of book that invites you to slow down and look inward in a way many self-development books try—but rarely achieve. As I worked my way through each chapter, I found myself reflecting on the beliefs and habits that shape how I show up in the world. Ahmet Bozer draws from his personal and professional experiences to show how growth isn’t a one-time breakthrough but something we cultivate in everyday moments.

What I really appreciated is how practical the guidance feels. The models and reflections aren’t overwhelming—they give you a structure for moving from intention to action. The stories he shares make the concepts relatable and remind you that pushing toward your best self is universal work, no matter your background or career.

This is a book I can see myself pulling off the shelf again whenever I need a reset or a spark of clarity.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More

About the Book
If you’re struggling to get things done or meet your goals, the problem isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough, it’s that you’re trying in the first place.

When it comes to getting stuff done, we fall short more often than we like to admit. This can leave us feeling frustrated and ashamed, because despite trying our very best we can’t seem to meet our goals. Why? The surprising answer is ingeniously outlined in Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More—an evolutionary guide that evokes the revelatory force of The Five-Second Rule and the sublime practicality of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Put simply, it turns out that trying is just an illusion for doing.

Stop Trying! illuminates the deception in a mindset built on trying, which can lead to anxiety, procrastination, perceived loss of control, fatigue, fear of failure, lack of follow-through, and overall life dissatisfaction. Importantly, this book offers a way out of the rut and into practical, progressive action. Stop Trying! reveals the compelling science behind our brain, behaviors, and beliefs when it comes to the notion of trying. Pulling from positive psychology, the science of habit formation, clinical studies, and more, motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik guides us to proven-effective strategies for better doing—and ultimately to goal achievement and a more fulfilling life.

Readers will learn techniques and tips, build skills through interactive activities, and hear sincere stories from everyday people who’ve made the transformative switch from trying to doing. Achievement is just one “do or do not” decision away, and it starts with eliminating “try” from our vocabulary. Stop Trying! shows us how to do that.


My Take on the Book

As a dad, I often catch myself telling my kids to “try harder” when they get stuck—whether it’s homework, sports, or even chores. Reading Stop Trying! made me rethink that completely. Carla Ondrasik lays out a simple but powerful truth: effort without action is just spinning your wheels. What really matters is doing. That hit home for me because I realized how often I fall into the same trap—overthinking, planning, and telling myself I’ll “try” tomorrow.

This book doesn’t just inspire, it gives you practical ways to shift from hesitation to forward movement. The blend of science, real stories, and easy-to-follow activities made it feel less like a lecture and more like a guide I could put into practice immediately. I’ve already started using the lessons with my kids, and honestly, with myself too. If you’re ready to stop circling and actually move forward, this is a must-read.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - The Oneness Guide for Today: The Oneness Guide for Today: A Book of Insight for Young Women

About the Book
Discover Your Connection to the World from Within...

There are countless paths that a young person can take to adulthood. Between family, friends, and school, there are many influences affecting every step of that path. Yet, the teenage and young adult years are when one’s independent voice blossoms alongside feelings of doubt and disconnection. It may help to know that others have painfully wandered through adolescence searching for happiness, only to find that their inherent beauty and peace was inside their own heart all along. Perhaps the words of Rumi speak clearest in today’s world:

“There is a life force within your soul, seek that life.
There is a gem in the mountain of your body, seek that mine.
O traveler, if you are in search of That
Don’t look outside, look inside yourself and seek That.”

How can this message be heard and understood in a world of social media and cell phones, common tools meant to enhance communication that instead have become ways to critique, discredit, and even hurt others? Especially during the teenage years?

The Oneness Guide for Today now provides a down-to-earth roadmap that offers compassionate guidance and self-empowerment tools in straightforward language without preaching. This is where Faith Spencer, an expert who teaches young women how to embrace and accept themselves, has developed effective ways for girls to identify, express, and respect their true selves despite the ups and downs of peer pressure and negative energy from others. Throughout the book, Spencer points readers toward a source of comfort and guidance that is always available to them, which is an inner connection with a greater source of life.

The journey of adolescence is challenging, filled with unnecessary pressures at this critical and formative age. The Oneness Guide for Today offers guidance to help young women connect to an inner sense of peace and harmony and learn to navigate life on their own terms.


My Take on the Book
As a dad raising daughters in today’s complicated world, I found The Oneness Guide for Today to be both grounding and hopeful. Faith Spencer’s words reminded me of how important it is to help my girls see beyond the noise of social media and peer pressure, and instead tune into their own inner strength and self-worth. What struck me most was how the book balances gentle wisdom with practical exercises, making it feel approachable without losing depth. The themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and trusting your intuition aren’t just good lessons for young women—they’re reminders we could all use. I especially appreciated how the author frames oneness in a way that’s both spiritual and practical, offering young readers a lens through which to see themselves with more compassion and confidence. As a father, this is exactly the kind of resource I want to share with my daughters.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Make Your Destiny Happen

About the Book
Take control of your future—don’t leave your destiny to chance.

In Make Your Destiny Happen, global business leader and transformational coach Donzel A. Leggett delivers a proven, experience-driven roadmap to personal transformation. Grounded in the innovative Destiny Development Delta™ Model, this book shows you how to rise above life’s chaos, confront self-doubt, and take intentional control of your future, charting a course toward the life—and legacy—you truly want.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience and personal triumph over adversity, Leggett equips you with the mindset, models, and methods to:

• Break free from the “cycle of no destiny control” that traps so many in frustration and stagnation
• Discover the A-Attitudes of Leadership™—a powerful, values-based framework to build confident and authentic leadership while maintaining holistic balance and personal well-being
• Master the iLEAD Change™ model, a practical, step-by-step process for designing and activating a personalized life plan

Transform your life—personally, professionally, and spiritually—on your own terms

Make Your Destiny Happen is more than a motivational read. It’s a comprehensive coaching experience packed with personal stories, reflection exercises, and powerful calls to action.

My Take on the Book
Reading Make Your Destiny Happen felt like sitting down with a mentor who genuinely wants you to succeed. From the start, Donzel Leggett’s story pulled me in because it’s not theory—it’s lived experience combined with practical guidance. The Destiny Development Delta Model gave me language for something I’d struggled with for years: feeling stuck in a cycle without clear direction. What I appreciated most was how the book blended professional strategies with personal reflection, showing that leadership and life planning go hand in hand. The exercises pushed me to look honestly at my own habits and start mapping a path forward that actually feels doable. I also found the personal stories inspiring—they made the concepts relatable and reminded me that setbacks don’t define us, but what we do next does. This isn’t just a motivational read; it’s a playbook I know I’ll revisit often.
----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery

About the Book
There's a seismic shift happening worldwide, as individuals from every social class question their relationship with alcohol and drugs. While marijuana gains mainstream acceptance, a profound inquiry persists: Is this okay? Am I drinking too much? Is this normal? These questions resonate deeply, particularly among professional women who are drinking at higher rates than anyone else, and White women are drinking themselves to death. Beyond the health risks, high alcohol consumption affects women's personal and professional relationships and ability to successfully function and lead in their professional roles.

The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spiritually-Based Recovery encapsulates Ms. Marginot's journey through addiction to redemption. Delving into Karen's tumultuous past, she narrates how she found healing and renewal through spiritual tools, transcending addiction to create a fulfilling career in tech and leadership coaching.

This isn't merely a narrative on redemption; it shines a light to a way out for those grappling with the devastation of alcoholism and addiction. The Bad Girls Club doesn't preach; it shares a deeply personal odyssey from self-destruction to empowerment.


My Take on the Book

Reading The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery was both heartbreaking and uplifting for me. Karen Marginot doesn’t hold back as she shares the raw truth of her descent into addiction and the long climb back to wholeness. What struck me most was her honesty—she writes without sugarcoating the dark moments, yet somehow infuses her story with hope and courage. I found myself reflecting on my own patterns, even outside of substance use, because the deeper themes of self-worth, resilience, and spiritual connection are so universal. Her voice feels like both a friend confiding in you and a guide pointing toward a healthier path. By the end, I wasn’t just reading her recovery story—I was reminded that change is always possible, no matter how far we’ve fallen. This book is more than a memoir; it’s a beacon for anyone searching for renewal and authentic empowerment.
----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Impact: How to Inspire, Align, and Amplify Innovative Teams

About the Book
Impact explores the people and culture teams need for sustained innovation and problem-solving.

This transformative guide is aimed at leaders who have earned their roles through subject matter expertise, a capacity for impact, and innate leadership skills, and who now face the challenge of building innovative teams. This is the high-impact engineer turned manager, or the rising scientist turned lab director, or the founding startup executive. Subject matter proficiency and leadership intuition can initially take leaders far, but team performance ultimately hits a wall when leaders lack team-building expertise.

Impact guides individuals across the leadership spectrum, from the new player/coach to the seasoned team builder, helping them sidestep common scaling pitfalls such as diminished team impact, lower productivity, culture dilution, disempowerment, and loss of focus. It presents a two-tiered framework that examines culture as a system and leadership as a discipline. The first tier offers team-wide practices to drive focus, cultivate alignment, and unlock collective brainpower and horsepower. The second tier provides individual-centered practices to ensure the team hires, promotes, and retains those most likely to contribute to the mission.

Drawing from Keith V. Lucas’s direct experience in building teams and advising startups, Impacts offers practical insights for effective team building and leadership.

My Take on the Book
Reading Impact: How to Inspire, Align, and Amplify Innovative Teams felt like getting a personal coaching session on how to truly lead, not just manage. As someone who has seen how quickly talented individuals can lose focus without the right guidance, I found Keith Lucas’s approach both refreshing and practical. What struck me most was how he balances the need for structure with the freedom for creativity—showing that real innovation thrives when people are aligned on mission but empowered to think for themselves. The two-tiered framework gave me concrete tools I could immediately apply, from hiring with intentionality to creating systems that keep culture strong as teams grow. Some sections are dense, but that depth made me reflect more deeply on my own leadership habits. This book reminded me that building great teams isn’t about charisma—it’s about clarity, alignment, and disciplined practices that unlock lasting impact.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - 7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World: How to Stay Calm in a World Designed to Make You Anxious

About the Book

How do you stay calm in a world that seems determined to keep you on edge?

How do you break free from the noise in your head?

How do you train your mind to stay resilient in the chaos that surrounds us?

7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World is both a philosophical and practical guide to managing the constant mental noise that weighs us down. It offers ways to quiet your mind without relying on anyone else, while also helping you navigate your relationship with the world around you.

In this book, you'll discover:Why a lack of clarity about who you truly are is the root of your restless mind

• How to express yourself fully and authentically
• What purpose your soul should serve-and why it's essential to define it clearly
• How to care for your mind and body
• A dead-simple but highly effective way to break free from overthinking
• How to escape your echo chamber and seek information wisely
• How to quickly interrupt negative thought cycles
• The right way to consume online content
• How to communicate with the world like a pro
• How to cultivate great taste-and why it matters

This book takes a holistic approach to training your mind. It considers both internal and external influences and offers timeless, grounded advice to help you deal with the anxiety of the present-and the uncertainty of the future.

My Take on the Book
Reading 7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World felt like having a thoughtful conversation with someone who’s been through the storm and is finally at peace with the weather. I picked it up hoping to find a few tips to help settle my ever-busy brain—and I got more than that. The book doesn’t rely on grand promises or trendy jargon. Instead, it offers honest, steady guidance on building clarity, setting boundaries, and staying present. I appreciated how each chapter tackled a different angle of internal and external calm, without ever sounding preachy. The personal stories helped connect the dots, and I found myself nodding often, especially during the chapters on mindful communication and consuming information with care. The reflections at the end of each chapter made it easy to revisit what mattered most. It's a book I’ll return to—not for answers, but for reminders I trust.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die

About the Book
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die
Take a ferry ride back in time to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the car-free destination in the Straits of Mackinac where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. Here, the streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings, and getting around is by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or bicycle. Centuries ago, it was a gathering place to the Anishinaabek, a sacred place. By the late 1800s, the picturesque island had become a popular escape for city dwellers seeking fresh air, scenic beauty, recreation, and amusements, and that appeal continues today. Explore the island from the bustling shops and eateries of Main Street to the trails and natural wonders of the state park, like spectacular Arch Rock. Take a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour for an overview of the sights. Explore historic Fort Mackinac, and sit a spell on the world’s longest porch at Grand Hotel. Sample the fudge at the many candy shops, and be sure to take home a slab or two as a memento. In 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo helps you explore this historic island. This book will assist you to make the most of a day trip and introduce you to the many reasons you could easily spend a night or several at this captivating spot.
My Take on the Book
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die instantly transported me back to one of the most charming places in Michigan. I’ve visited the island before, but this book gave me a whole new appreciation for just how much more there is to discover. From trails I hadn’t explored to spots I walked past without realizing their significance, it’s full of fresh ideas and little-known gems. Kath Usitalo’s insights helped me imagine new ways to experience the island beyond the fudge shops and Fort Mackinac (though both are still favorites!). The mix of historical context, scenic suggestions, and unique activities makes this book more than a checklist—it’s like a friend sharing insider tips. I’m already planning to return with this book in hand, especially to try a few of the guided tours I’ve never taken. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, this book will deepen your connection to the island.


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com