Book Review - Hidden Talent: How to Employ Refugees, the Formerly Incarcerated & People With Disabilities

About the Book

Are you tired of looking for productive, loyal employees in an era of chronic talent shortages? Do you want to know how innovative businesses successfully recruit and retain refugees with limited English, the formerly incarcerated, and people with disabilities?

Hidden Talent shows how ten companies, from a global tech firm and a major hospital to a small painting company, effectively invest in this marginalized and routinely overlooked talent-and the practical lessons they have learned on that journey.

Loaded with practical steps and best practices, Hidden Talent shows how to:

• Identify specific opportunities for employing refugees, the formerly incarcerated or people with disabilities.
• Use 5 interviewing tips from a former inmate turned business owner.
• Onboard non-English speaking employees more effectively.
• Successfully employ different levels of talent on the autism spectrum.
• Train supervisors to engage more effectively with marginalized workers.
• Build productive partnerships to create new talent pipelines.

Hidden Talent is packed with useful lessons from businesses that are already profiting from these over looked sources of great employees. If it was easy, every organization would be accessing these labor pools. But it's not. This book shows how innovative leaders tackle the challenges of hiring employees they would have ignored in the past. Learn how investing in marginalized workers can change your company's performance, culture and, perhaps, your life.

My Take on the Book

"Hidden Talent" is a game-changer for any organization grappling with talent shortages. The book combines practical steps with real-world examples from companies that have successfully tapped into marginalized talent pools, such as refugees, the formerly incarcerated, and people with disabilities. What stood out most to me were the actionable tips, like better onboarding strategies for non-English speakers and training supervisors to engage effectively with diverse employees. The stories of businesses transforming their cultures and bottom lines by hiring from these overlooked groups are both inspiring and instructive. It's not just about filling roles; it's about building partnerships, fostering inclusion, and creating pathways for meaningful work. This isn't a surface-level guide; it's a deep dive into innovative hiring practices that any company can implement. If you're ready to rethink how your business accesses untapped talent, this book is an essential 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

Game Review - Nintendo World Championship NES Edition Deluxe

About the Game

In Nintendo World Championship NES Edition Deluxe put your gaming skills to the test with over 150 thrilling challenges across 13 iconic NES™ games*! Whether you’re competing online against global players**, battling friends on the couch***, or chasing your personal bests, there’s always a new challenge waiting for you.

Feel like a Nintendo World Champion as you tackle challenges big and small. From blazing through the first level of Super Mario Bros.™ to mastering speedy moves in Kirby’s Adventure™, these tasks are designed to welcome newcomers and thrill veterans alike. Progress through multiple difficulty levels, honing your skills to conquer tougher obstacles.

Prepare with helpful video guides, then aim for a high letter ranking as you complete challenges. Beat your own ghost data, earn in-game coins to unlock even more content, and rise to the top of weekly rotating leaderboards.

Ready for the ultimate test? Take on Legend Challenges, like speeding through Super Mario Bros. using Warp Zones or conquering the first dungeon in The Legend of Zelda™. Choose your division—Silver for accessible fun, Gold for intense competition—and race against ghost data from global rivals.

Show off your gaming prowess with customizable profiles, unlockable badges, and unique Hype Tags. Are you ready to prove you’ve got what it takes?

My Take on the Book
The Nintendo World Championship NES Edition Deluxe is a nostalgic gem that packs 150 creative challenges from 13 classic NES games, blending fun and competition for all skill levels. From breezing through Mario levels to tackling Zelda dungeons, this game kept me hooked with its diverse tasks and ranking system. The collector's edition pins are a delightful bonus, adding a tangible piece of retro charm to the experience. While I initially wished for full versions of the included games, I appreciated how the challenges felt like a modern spin on a historic gaming competition. Playing online added an extra layer of excitement, though some leaderboard scores seemed suspiciously unbeatable. Overall, it's a great way to celebrate Nintendo’s legacy, and I’m now crossing my fingers for future SNES or N64 editions to keep this nostalgia train rolling!

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

Game Review - Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

About the Game

• DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy – the first three games of the mainline DRAGON QUEST series. Featuring vibrant HD-2D graphics, new and modernized features, and a refined narrative, players are invited to set out on an epic fantasy adventure to save the world from a dark evil.
• A fully modernized remake of the original: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, bringing players into the world of DRAGON QUEST III like never before, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements.
• Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
• Immersive world: Deep exploration of a vast world map with an abundance of rich and captivating locations to discover, challenging players to overcome many unexpected encounters during the journey.
• Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.  

My Take on the Book

The DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is everything I hoped it would be—a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern updates. From the gorgeous HD-2D art style to the streamlined gameplay features, it’s a joy to dive back into this classic RPG. The vibrant visuals breathe new life into the familiar world, and the music feels richer than ever, pulling me into the adventure.

The new features are a game-changer. Adjustable battle speed and the auto-battle setting make grinding a breeze, while the revamped UI and ability to save at churches simplify the journey. The additional side content and reworked mechanics, like equipping two accessories, add a fresh layer of depth.

Exploration feels rewarding, too, with hidden treasures and hints tucked away in unexpected places. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this remake is a must-play—it captures the heart of the original while making it even better.

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

Game Review - Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

About the Game

• Experience your Favorite MARVEL vs. CAPCOM classics All in One – Enjoy 7 of your favorite classic titles that helped shaped the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM universe both single player and online.
• Enjoy Enhanced Features Added to the Classic Collection – To enhance your playability experience, we incorporated the favorite added features from Capcom Fighting Collection including gallery mode, quick save, training mode for all fighting titles, and the high score challenge. Beginners and first timers into the franchise are also welcome to play through adjusted settings and execution of one-button specials!
• Play with Friends Worldwide through Online Compatibility – This collection also includes rollback net code for a smooth and enjoyable experience online. Play casually or competitively through casual, ranked, or custom matches using rules of your choosing!
• Preorder and receive a new 32 page Marvel vs. Capcom physical comic book.
• Comic is packed in with game.
• Size is Approx. 4”x5” (to fit into SW package)  

My Take on the Game

The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a nostalgic gem that pulls together seven iconic titles, plus The Punisher beat-'em-up, into one solid package for the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is smooth, with no noticeable lag or graphical hiccups, making it feel like you’re back at the arcade. What stood out to me was the range of accessibility—beginners can enjoy simplified controls, while veterans can crank up the challenge.

The bonus content, like the gallery and jukebox, adds a nice touch for fans wanting more than just the games. While the included comic is small and nothing groundbreaking, it’s a fun little collectible. I also loved the quick-save feature, which saved me during intense matches.

Whether you’re battling friends online or reliving childhood memories solo, this collection is a blast. It’s a must-have for Marvel or Capcom fans and anyone who loves retro fighting games!

----------------------------------------
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 - Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher

About the Book
Acclaimed civil rights icon, Ruby Bridges, shares the touching tale of reuniting with the first-grade teacher who changed her life, Mrs. Henry.

Once again, you have shown me that you never get too old to learn. Teaching really is the noblest of professions.

When Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she made history by being the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School. She became best friends with her teacher, Mrs. Henry. Excited to come back for her second year, Ruby is soon devastated to learn that Mrs. Henry isn’t her second-grade teacher. Where did Mrs. Henry go? Can Ruby ever reconnect with her favorite teacher?

A love letter to teachers who hold the power to change lives, Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher illuminates the lasting impact that the best of teachers can have on the lives of their students. Trudy Tran's emotive rendering of Ruby Bridges from childhood to adulthood brings new life to this heartwarming story of a reunion between two long lost best friends.

My Take on the Book

Reading Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Ruby Bridges shares an incredibly moving story of courage, resilience, and the enduring bond she formed with her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Henry. As the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School, Ruby faced unimaginable challenges, but Mrs. Henry’s unwavering support became a beacon of light in her life.

This book beautifully illustrates the power of teachers to transform lives. Ruby’s reunion with Mrs. Henry years later brought tears to my eyes—it’s a testament to how deeply relationships forged in classrooms can resonate throughout a lifetime.

The illustrations by Trudy Tran add richness to the narrative, capturing both the struggles and the warmth of Ruby’s journey. This is more than a history lesson; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who shape us and the connections that transcend time.

----------------------------------------
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 - Ghost-Spider's Unbreakable Mission

About the Book
In Ghost-Spider's Unbreakable Mission, Gwen Stacy tries to balance her homework with her responsibility as Ghost-Spider in this original Marvel chapter book with black-and-white illustrations throughout!

Gwen Stacy has homework over the weekend: she has to carry a chicken egg everywhere she goes without breaking it. It should be easy enough for the average student, but Gwen is Ghost-Spider, with a duty to swing in and save the day whenever she sees a need.

So when a winged villain comes onto the scene, can Ghost-Spider stop him mid-flight without sabotaging Gwen’s chance for an egg-cellent grade?

Find out in this chapter book that’s perfect for Marvel fans beginning to read on their own or for reading aloud!


My Take on the Book
This was a fun story about Gwen Stacy, the Ghost Spider. What I loved about the book was that it showed Gwen Stacy as both a teen, making her way in school and in life as well as a superhero working to save the day for a special new winged friend that she meets. Along the way she learns some valuable lessons in responsibility too!

----------------------------------------
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 - On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom

About the Book
A powerful story touched with family trauma, deprivation, and adversity balanced by a life of hard work and philanthropy!

On the Road Less Traveled is the inspirational story of Edmund A. Hajim, an American financier and philanthropist who rises from dire childhood circumstances to achieve professional success and personal fulfillment. At age three, Hajim is kidnapped by his father, driven from St. Louis to Los Angeles, and told that his mother is dead. His father soon abandons him in order to seek employment—mostly in vain—leaving his son behind in a string of foster homes and orphanages. This establishes a pattern of neglect and desertion that continues for Hajim’s entire childhood, forever leaving its mark. From one home to another, the lonely boy learns the value of self-reliance and perseverance despite his financial deprivation and the trauma of being an orphan.

As time passes, Hajim displays a powerful instinct for survival and a burning drive to excel. A highly motivated student and athlete, he earns an NROTC college scholarship to the University of Rochester; serves in the United States Navy; works as an application research engineer; then attends Harvard Business School, where he finds that the financial industry is his true calling. So begins his rapid ascent in the corporate world, which includes senior executive positions at E. F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers, and fourteen years as CEO of Furman Selz, growing the company more than tenfold. He also creates a happy and abundant family life, though he never forgets what it means to struggle. At age sixty, he is reminded of his painful past when a family secret emerges that brings the story full circle.

My Take on the Book

When I picked up On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, I expected an inspiring rags-to-riches story. What I didn’t anticipate was the depth of vulnerability and life lessons Edmund Hajim would share so openly. This isn’t just a memoir of a man who overcame incredible odds—it’s a roadmap for anyone seeking to navigate their own challenges with resilience, integrity, and purpose.

Hajim’s childhood reads like a Dickensian tale: kidnapped by his father, abandoned repeatedly, and shuffled between orphanages and foster homes. Yet, it’s in these dark beginnings that he develops a fierce self-reliance and determination. As Hajim details his rise from an impoverished boy to a successful financier and philanthropist, I was struck by how he transforms each hardship into a stepping stone. His story isn’t sugarcoated—he reflects honestly on his struggles with family, loyalty, and forgiveness, and this rawness makes his triumphs all the more compelling.

What truly sets this book apart is Hajim’s unwavering humanity. Through his journey, he demonstrates that success is about more than ambition; it’s about compassion, mentorship, and giving back. His four principles for life—embracing challenges, valuing relationships, staying adaptable, and giving generously—resonate deeply and are woven throughout the narrative like a masterclass in living a meaningful life.

Hajim also doesn’t shy away from his imperfections, which makes his story relatable and profoundly inspiring. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or someone seeking direction in life, this book is filled with wisdom that feels like a gift.

By the time I turned the last page, I didn’t just admire Ed Hajim; I felt empowered by his story. On the Road Less Traveled is more than a memoir—it’s a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, kindness, and vision.

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