Piatures

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff is a text covering most, if not all, aspects of a couple progressing before, through, and beyond a/ pregnancy(ies). I'm constantly improving considering myself alone as well in relation to an/other good partnering entity(ies). Researching to answer curious questions I have about sex in a/ relationship(s) progressing with a pregnancy, I discover What to Expect When You're Expecting then decide to buy then read the all-encompassing guiding-informative text about a/ relationship(s) before, through, and beyond most, if not all, aspects of a/ pregnancy(ies). Even before the text answers my questions, I begin finding more appreciations for pregnancy, relationships, and women. The text guides through all stages of pregnancy from beginning to end with a clear path from before the beginning of the trimester through to the end of a set third trimester (though covers aspects of a seemingly necessary fourth trimester). I read the text all the way through from beginning to end: I think the text works very well as a reference text for individuals familiar with most, if not all, aspects of a/ pregnancy(ies) and/or after reading through the text completely once. The author advises skipping Chapter 19 if not experiencing any complication(s) to avoid/prevent unnecessary stress though I think reading the entire text in tandem with planning a/ pregnancy(ies) can prove valuable long-term (each relationship can be different, to each one's own). I want to plan a/ pregnancy(ies) with my future romantic-life partner (whoever she may be). I find the text to be very relevant and valuable.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Debt: The First 5000 Years by David Graeber anthropologically explores debt beyond traditional historical as well as economical methodical perspectives through concepts evidentially proving varying forms of economy reasoning toward better understanding underlying premises largely contributing to the establishment of modern economical parameters. After reading The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow (such an overall beautiful conversation), I research both authors a bit more and decide toward more of David Graeber's works which stand out to me as quite relevant (I even discover one of his works of which I remember reading an article on, about five years ago. Additionally, I think reading Debt: The First 5000 Years after The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity is a sound approach [I find the text is easier to read due to reading in such an order—though to each one's own]). I have an appreciation for David Graeber's well-rounding research enlightening and informing without bias against objective truth (truth that is not working for institutional appeal or seemingly like for a commissioning entity—truth that is relevant for a layperson) emboldens the evidential supports as well as David Graeber's honesty through different contexts of reality. I find the text is extremely relevant and quite a wonderful read. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

I Love the Earth by Todd Parr is a children's type book of positive affirmations about wanting good for the well-being of Earth and all in connection with Earth—the universe. I read the text before buying it as  a gift. I like the feel good text and reread the text multiple times. Even so, I think the text can prompt one to question—in some instances—how, why? I like that at the end of the book is a list of ten rules one can apply to help one help Earth.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Steven Pinker is a self-help type book concerning grammar, editing, and stylistically writing. I remember buying the book about three years ago randomly searching Amazon. I don't find anything wrong with assessing a different perspective or so especially when concerning anything in relation to publishing such as writing, editing, etc. toward good. I find the text insightful with intermittent comedic moments. I like the author's logical approach in certain respects concerning punctuation and style. I think the text can be useful as a reference especially as the text acknowledges insights of other entities catering to responsibilities of caring for grammar and style concerning letters, words, and writing. I think anyone can find any portion of the text useful: I like to highlight "Chapter 3: The Curse of Knowledge" most of all the chapters though I find value in sections concerning punctuation as well as organization of words. The first paragraph of chapter one sits well with me as I read the rest of the text as a good reminder (which the author iterates time and time again) to adhere to an aspect of the author's premise acknowledging sentiments of a Purist vs. a Writer and/or Layperson (if one will):

""Education is an admirable thing," wrote Oscar Wilde, "but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught." In dark moments while writing this book, I sometimes feared that Wilde might be right. When I polled some accomplished writers about which style manuals they had consulted during their apprenticeships, the most common answer I got was "none". Writing, they said, just came naturally to them." (Pinker, 11).

I like the text though I find the quote from Oscar Wilde to be considering a limiting idea of education as one may consider school in multiplicitous ways.

Pinker, Steven. (2015). The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century. Penguin Books.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin is the fifth book in A Song of Ice and Fire series. The text continues devolving complex relationships, telling stories of characters not in A Feast of Crows (the fourth book in A Song of Ice and Fire series) before eventually combining all characters appropriately for purposes of fulfilling A Dance With Dragons. I find myself in a space of relief after finishing the text. Reading each book (so far) in A Song of Ice and Fire is fun. Overall, I like the story so far (largely because of the character development), and I feel like the author maintains consistencies in telling the stories which ensure each book is interesting. A Dance With Dragons hosts varying complex themes which I think are important such as aging (as a person of duty, as a woman/man, as a child, as a dragon, as a parent), maturity (as a leader, as a parent/a family member, as a person of duty), self-awareness (comparing/contrasting human characteristics, concerning attraction, deliberating as an adult in an ever changing world bigger than one's self, engaging concepts of freedom as a human being distinct from a position as well as in a position), governments and peoples (an intricate kneading throughout the books that I don't feel one can ignore at all because people make a society), and coin (a controversial distraction—are words only wind?) amongst other themes. I like the text.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama is an autobiographical self help type book which feels more like a journey through the wisdom the author gains through her relationships which she finds highly valuable for individuals to consider moving in life personally. I end up buying The Light We Carry because of not having my original copy of Becoming to share with my mom seeking to read Becoming, so I buy both texts (initially only having an interest in reading The Light We Carry—I'm glad about reading the text beyond my interest). The author grounds the text in important values for one alone though greatly connecting to values/social values valuing one's self and relationships—leading to as well as building valuable relationships—valuable futures. The text has pictures and offers good insights from the author's myriad social experiences with flashback connections to Becoming (though unique to its own purposes).

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn is a self-help type book about finding sources of and healing from generational trauma(s) within one's lineage. After discovering the text as a reference in Dr. Christiane Northrup's Dodging Energy Vampires, I decide to purchase then read It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn. During the end of the text, I think to myself, along these lines, everyone needs to read this book, because generational trauma affects individuals—society, at large—in humongous ways. Each chapter of the text is progressing toward healing through anecdotal (of practical scientific research) guidance and practical methods (of practical scientific research) for a/ reader(s) to engage. One may heal proactively with the text, from beginning to end, though if one needs different guidance, one must seek necessary care respective to one's particular needs to completely heal. One may always improve, even after completing necessary self-work on a journey of eternal self-culturing, and I find the text offers awesome perspectives to consider as one is living—self-culturing. Generational development is so important because one can start to decide aspects of being one might/ want(s) in one's generational line(s) on the basis of individual-personal action. Being conscious of a/ decision(s) one makes is so important and integral to generational development whether one wants one's decision making to be or not to be integral to generational development. Self-culturing generationally is an important aspect to consider when deciding on entering and/or developing a/ relationship(s) (especially a/ romantic relationship[s]). I find the text holds very valuable information (even valuable for any individual already complete with necessary self-work on a journey of eternal self-culturing in the best ways possible respective to one living well). The text has a Glossary, Appendices, Notes, and an Index to help navigate the text.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins is like an autobiography of the author's life. Over the past four years, I've come across very different looking individuals that have an appreciation for David Goggins and find aspects of his life's story motivational (if not just aspects of his character alone). After an interaction in a gym with an individual telling me about how watching a video by David Goggins is enough to motivate him to get out of bed to go to the gym, I recall all the other instances in which I meet people that bring up David Goggins to me (so I decide to buy then read the text). I like the text. David Goggins spreads challenges (at the end of each chapter) to assist one toward living a better life after dissecting his own life as reason for presenting a challenge for one to use (he encourages to re-use) moving forward in one's own life (after reading the text/from that point in the text). The text is a way to navigate mental aptitudes toward mental toughness in order to accomplish a/ goal(s) one might have in one's life.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Dating Divide: Race and Desire in the Era of Online Romance by Celeste Vaughan Curington, Jennifer H. Lundquist, and Ken-Hou Lin is a text exploring qualitative and quantitative research concerning experiences of individuals of different genders and racial backgrounds in connection with online dating. One day, I open a new tab to find an article (Why aren't college-educated Black women meeting their match?) piquing my interest because of its correlation to a project I know an individual is working on. After discovering the text as a source in the article (with commentary from authors of the text), I decide to purchase then read the book. (Of 2/20/23) As a cis-heterosexual single man, practically confident in my ability to help a relationship thrive, I find dating to be more practical for me after I meet an individual in person though I am not averse to online dating. The text offers substantial research with historical evidential support (which makes a lot of sense)—not just for argument's sake:

"To be very clear—it is not our objective or intention to judge individuals for their personal dating preferences: in some cases, individual racism could play little part in why one person marries another of the same racial background. So too might interracial relationships be formed in a context rife with overt racism. Instead, our aim is to call into question the naive views that intimate racial preferences are natural, apolitical, and inconsequential. Indeed, as we show throughout this book, societal forces that insist on a racial hierarchy of desire shape our intimate desires, whether or not we'd like to address that fact." (Curington, Lin, Lundquist, 2021, p. 15)

I learn a lot about antimiscegenation and social hierarchies historically to a degree beyond my original familiarity prior reading the text. I choose to constantly learn to improve practically, and I hold no racial preference when it comes to choosing a potential romantic/life partner (though I find when women practically prioritize health, personally, attractive—because I live an increasingly healthier lifestyle, personally). The data is accessible and verifiable with links throughout the text as well as a "Data and Methods" portion in the Appendix. The contexts concerning dating seem globally aware with a focus on dating online in the United States. I'm mindful concerning relationships and potential a/ romantic/life partner(s)—romance. I really enjoy reading the text. I digitally applaud individuals partaking in the research development to help bring the text to fruition especially in an age in which access to the internet via a medium like a cellphone is apparent (and entities are looking to ensure access to the internet grows exponentially). Research of the sort can benefit dating, individuals personally, and relationships in the long run in psychological/social ways. The text informs to encourage and enlighten individuals:

"It may not be our intention to have absorbed societal racial preferences, but we can be intentional about acknowledging and not cultivating them. Who we decide to pursue personal relationships with, be it marriage or a brief encounter at a party, is one of the last visible threads sustaining the racial hierarchy now that public racial discrimination is no longer legitimated. The commodifying process of online dating has made the existence of sexual racism undeniable—and our complicity in the process has made it virtually acceptable and commonplace. In this light, searching for a partner is itself a process of remaking race. While it may not be our fault directly if we have a racial preference, it is our responsibility to examine our preferences and decide whether to perpetuate or disrupt them. Are we willing to question why we might have such preferences and what they mean about our relative positions within hierarchies that privilege some and not others?" (Curington, Lin, Lundquist, 2021, pp. 226–227)

If one finds the data too intense to read alone, I advise reading with diverse wise council. The resulting conversations may prove better for everyone in the conversation. Even the authors of the text share in the Acknowledgments: 

"This book was not always an easy one to write, and we found ourselves frequently grappling with the hard truths that emerged from the data. We each came into the project from different perspectives and varying experiences. We often disagreed, engaged in heated discussions, and sometimes called out one another's blind spots. The book is that much stronger for it." (Curington, Lin, Lundquist, 2021, p. 229)

The discourse might not be easy though may prove valuable. I appreciate the text. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Curington, C.V., Lin, K., & Lundquist, J.H. (2021). The Dating Divide.

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

A Feast of Crows by George R. R. Martin is the fourth book in A Song of Ice and Fire series. I find the text fantastically full of drama and snark. An author's note at the end of the book indicates A Feast of Crows is "a book that told all the story for half the characters, rather than half the story for all the characters..." With that, I really enjoy the character plots present, some plot progressions are more enjoyable and/or entertaining than others (to me); Brienne's is drastically epic, Arya's is super cool, Cersei's is twistiest-sinisterly, Alayne Stone's (clears throat) is like a tricky calm, Arianne's is most curious, Sam's is most comical, Jaime's is most reinventing, and all characters otherwise round the world at large well. The text offers a looseness in style which correlates so well with characters' languages morally bending always giving way to honesty—truth (which I feel all characters in the story are seeking to varying degrees). Major driving forces in the text—series—so far, are loyalty, trust, and truth. I'm enjoying the series a lot so far.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren is a daily reader with forty chapters of exercises and reflections guiding one toward identifying as well as living one's purpose(s) in accordance with God's purpose(s) for/in one's life. I read one chapter per night as a part of my nightly devotional before sleeping. I find the book in my mom's home then decide to read it due to waiting on a different book to read. I discover it's one of my oldest brother's books (R.I.P.), and I notice his notes stop about halfway through the text (I'm not judging him though, much love). I enjoy the text as a part of my nightly devotional. The text has subjective statements though toward the end especially advises/encourages readers to explore more of the topics in groups—not only alone—through exercises, questions, journaling, and reflecting amongst other methods (some of which are available in the book) toward adhering to one's purpose(s) in tandem with God's purpose(s) for/in one's life. I like the way each chapter ends with a "Point to Ponder," "Verse to Remember," and "Question to Consider." At the end of the book are additional resources contributing to well-rounding sentiments of the text.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz with Joanne Gordon is about the reinvigorating and reexamination of Starbucks's culture through Howard Schultz's reflective return journey as an impassionate CEO—member—of the Starbucks community. During a visit to a Starbucks, an individual responds to a phrasing on my bookmark I remember (generally) choosing to use ever since about 2015 (without any motivation to other than appreciating the meaning of the words in regard to how I choose to live my life [especially from fall of 2015]) "onward and upward," by telling me of the irony of the individual's recognition of the phraseology in a Starbucks as the individual connotes the book from the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, with the phraseology. Curious, I decide to buy then read the book. Starbucks is not a franchise. The culture of Starbucks is more apparent to me now than ever before though I wonder of the consistency of the culture now (about decade after the book's initial publishing). Company cultures fascinate me. The text offers experiential lessons and perspectives which I think may be useful for any navigating coursing a company practically and theoretically. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel is a book about finances focusing on one's psychological approaches, being, and understanding(s) in relation to finances. The text offers information about finances that seems necessary as common knowledge especially for anyone considering finances, generally and personally. The text offers sound advice—in conjunction with supporting evidence from others individuals in history have come to for sound financial advice—that seemingly is timeless. While (really before explicitly) offering advice, the author is quick to acknowledge the idea of to each one's own before sharing aspects of his financial journey (with respect to his family, largely his spouse as a financial partner—toward the end of the book). I find the book posits finances in a way that encourages one to live the best life one reasonably may (especially financially) with respect to knowing when enough is enough and appreciating that which one already has or healthily obtains (especially against a rat race, keep up with the Joneses mentality). I like the text, and I am glad about reading the text. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Blackman's Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman by Shahrazad Ali is a book that can be easy to laugh at and/or/then slowly crawl into one's self about. I purchase the book after a conversation at a gym with a gentleman showing enthusiasm for the text. The title seems to only suit the text due to references of slavery though I feel anyone may be able to actually connect certain aspects of the author's observances to reality. I find the author is attempting to empower and protect families, heterosexual relationships, thinking for one's self responsibly especially in relation to romance, living healthy(ier) lifestyles conducive to good growth, and reasonably living in an ever changing world (at large) in which one must stand for good, not just agree with any and every passing development seeping in harmful ways toward future generations. I'm glad about reading the text. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is about a couple (of ducks) trying to find a location to settle and start a family. During a visit for a regular STI test (negative), I find a section of the facility with children's books, so I read Make Way for Ducklings as I wait then finish reading it after my appointment. Testing for an STI is important; if you need more information about testing for an STI, here is a link: Where to get tested for STDs: Testing information and more (medicalnewstoday.com). Make Way for Ducklings primarily develops in Boston, and I'm glad about being able to read the text. The story depicts factors to consider when moving to an environment to raise a family especially highlighting education, security, technology, and traffic well. The text sets emphases on factors that might affect a couple of ducks and ducklings in ways important for anyone trying to find a location to settle and raise a family. I like the illustrations; the illustrative style accompanies the storytelling well (making the story more vivid which I think may be helpful for individuals literately benefiting from visual assistance while reading). 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Before Shackles and Chains by Reuben Laurore is a book in a genre similar to Zechariah Sitchin's texts. The text feels like an opinion on parts of history though seems to veer from its initial scope to be motivational for readers. I think capturing details of intricate histories are more possible in modernity due to accessible information especially in connection to Biblical tracings. Certain tracings through the text can be more thorough. Even so, the author seems to attempt an all-encompassing historical perusing with bits of data of topics with vast amounts of data available. History is history/herstory is herstory, I think modernity offers a lot of value in contrast to data which the book connects. I do not hold any racist or stereotypical sentiments in any part of my life nor am I implying the book or author does. The author is my cousin, and he shares the text with me over Thanksgiving. With all that, I think the author's book is light years away from his children's book Luke the World Traveler: Welcome to America! concept-wise (the concept for the children's book is quite brilliant). After reading Before Shackles and Chains, I feel like one must read the book with assisting data for a more well-rounding understanding.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi, 

I hope all is progressing well.

A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin is the third book in A Song of Ice and Fire series. There are a lot of characters in the series so far. The third book is full of familial reorganizations—legacies—albeit conniving ways and battles (more so than a war though all battles seemingly leading to or a part of a war). I really enjoy Jon Snow's character development (as I do most of the characters of which I feel have a fair balance of notable developments in this text—no one character's development weighs more than another to me) largely due to his relationships with wildlings which I find make the story much more interesting. The story is full of so many plot twists: I'm curious as to which directions characters' stories might flow. I'm no stranger to fantasy and/or fiction so the character development intrigues me most of the series so far. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Funko Pop!) (Little Golden Book) by Arie Kaplan (Author) and Chris Fennell (Illustrator) is a short fun version of E.T. which only captures highlights of the original full length story. I read the book (on the spot) deciding between which book to purchase to donate to one of the hospitals Barnes and Noble has a donation relationship with as a part of a Christmas program. I read the book though I pick another book to purchase to donate. I enjoy the E.T. story, and I like the illustrations: the pages are full and vibrant. The Funko Pop! designs really stand out: I recognize the Funko Pop! qualities of the characters as I'm about half way through the book then learn the text is a Funko Pop! variation of the original full length story afterward. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Values Compass: What 101 Countries Teach Us About Purpose, Life, and Leadership by Dr. Mandeep Rai, PhD, is a collection of essays about layers of values in connection to highlights of a distinct value of each culture the author experiences and shares of her travels. I buy the book because of the author's Travel Noire article on Haiti. I appreciate her input and grow curious about her knowledge base. Dr. Mandeep Rai, PhD, offers a positive outlook in her article about Haiti which is a style she carries throughout her reflective travel essays in The Values Compass: What 101 Countries Teach Us About Purpose, Life, and Leadership. Through the exploration of different cultures, the author shares culturally informative stories offering a more rounding perspective of a particular culture in relation to the author's experiential evaluation of a value the author connotates with a particular aspect of a culture. I like the evocative-thinking text. The short essay form is enough to carry the author's diary-like writing style well in a way that can be quick to read slowly (a decent book for an individual with a busy schedule). 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Gilgamesh translated from the Sîn-Leqi-Unninnĩ Version by John Gardner and John Maier is an epic poem largely about nature vs. nurture through Enkidu and Gilgamesh's journeys respectively as well as together. The story is really good (even with only parts of it being available due to only certain parts of tablets being available). I find the translation makes the story a dark-deep-tragic-comedy of a bromance of immense heights that runs into ruin due to a jealous goddess unable to cope with the truth (which Gilgamesh explains as reason for him not being sexual with her), even in realization of the truth herself in multiple ways.  All the while, the story comments on destructive behaviors and characteristics branching from nature vs. nurture though heavily sets a gaze on nurturing beyond and within realms of space and time on every level of existence imaginable within the story. The accompanying notes containing cross-translation information between prior scholars, translators, translations, and supporting texts are very helpful to my interpretations of the story as a whole as well as between columns and tablets of the text. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Sweat and Soap (Volume Eleven) by Kintetsu Yamada is the final manga in the series! The manga resolves a lot in the series through niche moments in the end (Asako's childhood friend maturing to recognize a need for space between/for herself, the baby as well as the baby's father, work-life balance especially during busy times at work especially with a child in the mix, Asako acknowledging her maturity [albeit slow] with gratitude to her family as well as Natori, emotional-empathetic familial/collegial/social intricacies). I like the implementation of Japanese sentiments (food, clothing, terminology) throughout the series, and the illustrations in volume eleven are good, eye-popping frames (especially with the garbs). The manga ends the series on a good note, a happy ending for the series (though has subtle hints that things may go awry real quick [like the series does in subtle ways to engage potential realities of relationships] before returning to the happy ending path of the series). I'm glad about reading the Sweat and Soap series. Fan service in volume eleven is very light.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Sweat and Soap (Volume Nine) by Kintetsu Yamada magnifies aspects of cohabitation mainly through a lense acknowledging a personal situation from a person's history which may be affecting the particular person in the present. Mysteries of Asako's childhood and traumatic history with bullying is center stage in volume nine especially because of Asako's response(s) to aspects of her traumatic history with bullying affecting her relationship with Natori. Volume nine has the most mature tone in comparison to prior volumes. Additionally, I like the cultural introduction (a trip to a festival with Japanese attire/sentiments) in the beginning of the manga, and I like the post portions of the manga. Fan service is light.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Sweat and Soap (Volume Seven) by Kintetsu Yamada is mainly about Asako and Natori's developing relationship within about two months of living together, Asako meeting Natori's family for the first time, and different moments of maturity pertaining to each individually as well as their relationship to each other, together. The text delves into Natori's parents' take on Asako and Natori's future together philosophically indicating the importance of respecting one's house (rules, if you will, like a to each one's own concept) with a bit of parental advising toward living good and healthy. Concerning family, the series overall touches on family dynamics like siblings' feelings about siblings' significant others as well as siblings' feelings about siblings'/siblings' significant others' value(s). Fan service is moderately present throughout the text! I really like the illustrations of the series so far. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Prescription: Medicine: The Goodness of Planned Death by Dr. Jack Kevorkian is about developing obitiatry in order to further human development(s) medically as well as Dr. Jack Kevorkian's efforts to get death row inmates to become organ donors, to become choice candidates for obitiatry especially members on the path of condemnation to a sure death sentence, and Dr. Jack Kevorkian's historical-social-medical-philosophical observations of human autonomy particularly concerning death and life especially in relation to the developing medical field. The author presents very sound economical and moral arguments. Recalling my reason for buying the text reminds me of the ambiguous joyful somberness of the nineties, I'm glad about having individuals engage with me—especially in my younger years—varying topics. Life is such a variety show. To be in fourth grade at a Christian school having a teacher answer my inquiries of euthanasia to then watch a classmate squeeze gerbils to watch the eyes pop unnaturally (or perhaps naturally, since it happens) slightly out of their heads before returning to normal in their heads. Life. My curiosity branches from encountering Dr. Jack Kevorkian while watching channels through a large wooden Zenith television, luxury furniture, in an aunt and uncle's living room. Suicide never looks as good as anything else optional on the other channels. Plus, coming from communities respecting religious laws via the Holy Bible, sacrifice is sacrosanct, and one must choose mindfully—wisely—that which one wants one's life to be about (which is always choosing good over evil whether one's life is hard or not because in the end all proves well with God, amen!). I buy the text to get a deeper perspective of the doctor's pursuits. Regarding the death penalty, Dr. Jack Kevorkian attempts to appreciate life in lieu of meaningless death against a societal mentality of revenge and violence by means of creating meaningful death to engage realms of infradeath as well as potentially save lives through organ donations of any subject to the death penalty with no way out. I'm glad about reading the text.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi, 

I hope all is progressing well.

The Beowulf translation by Seamus Heaney is a classic oral around-the-fire-type narrative of a Scandanavian warrior's/king's character, heroics—life. The text is a moralistic tale heavily revolving around good character. I like the story as well as the story telling style, and I don't find the narrative to be overly complex or lengthy. The glorious-grandiosity of—within—the text is quite entertaining, to me.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant is a young adult romantic dramedy about a sixteen-year-old girl, Tessa Johnson, aspiring to be an author, struggling with anxiety due to her insecurities and impostor syndrome after getting into a creative school. I randomly buy the book in Barnes and Noble as a part of a Buy One, Get One 50% off deal. I enjoy the looseness of the story telling which seems to be Tessa's voice: I feel like I'm reading a diary and loose text messages an author is trying to make sense of completing publicly, in the form of a story, while the author is living the story. The text has social aspects rounding characters' experiences which approach acknowledging a human as a human and connecting socially in a diverse social world at large.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin is the second book in A Song of Ice and Fire series. I like the introspection George R. R. Martin offers through the characters, and, even more so, the outrospection in relation to particular characters. For example, what an astounding character role Tyrion hosts! What I'm quite clearly noticing now in A Clash of Kings is the aggressiveness toward dismantling and manipulating of children (though set very clear in A Game of Thrones, the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire series) as means to an end or no end. What more of a poster child than Tyrion, to be like the PTSD representation of all children from/in a savage world—always a door, an eyeglass, a mirror to immoral characteristics. What an aware-well-rounding character Tyrion is! For so many to only see outward falsely and never inward honestly—as far as the author shares—sets Tyrion in a role most distinct to any other character. Tyrion is a conduit of truth about society he maneuvers, heavily revealing delusionality about him, ironically, not a product of his environment though so in a resourceful sense for his life—a peace of mind, in a world of individuals suffering from intoxications of coin, cunning, and narcissm. This is not a justification for Tyrion's behavior, just an appreciation for a character set so well in the text, quite unlike any other so far, in connection with major themes in the series so far like children, family, and succession. I like the way each chapter allows for one to focus on one particular character though more characters are always in a mix. The text has an appendix in the back which helps with returning to reading the text after a while to continue engaging the story sensibly. I like the book.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Vagina Book: An Owner's Manual for Taking Care of Your Down There by The Thinx Inc. Team, Dr. Jenn Conti, MD, and Daiana Ruiz (Illustrator) is an insightful text about healthily approaching a vagina in relation to a broader spectrum of better health connecting to as well as branching from a woman. While browsing Barnes and Noble, I find the book in an art section before reserving the text then picking it up a day after the reservation expiration to find it, with the help of an employee, in a health section. I like reading a book of the sort because I think it's important to be cognizant of a woman's body/a body one might want to care more about, and I like to have a book of the sort in my library of books so a woman that decides to spend time with me may learn a bit of herself (if she doesn't already know information I may already/have available) especially/particularly when browsing my library of books. I find the text to be very informative of menstruation which I have a deeper respect for—through better understanding—now. I find certain aspects of the text can/need to be a lot clearer especially regarding human development as well as sexual communication boundaries. I think the style of the book overall between textures of the cover and pages, illustrations, and font styles makes the book like an adult-child-friendly book.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Sweat and Soap (Volume Four) by Kintetsu Yamada divulges, thematically, a girl/woman might not like/be able to like a boy/man a same reason or way a boy/man might like a girl/woman in an overall theme of there being no clear line of relational understanding that brings a couple together to stay together hence the importance of communication beyond visceral senses (though Asako and Natori never completely separate from the visceral). Dating after college, and work in relation to being in a relationship takes center stage in the text: the text offers a couple of interesting perspectives about work in relation to being in a relationship which I find shows different emphases a couple or an individual may put on work and/or a relationship. All in all, volume four explores the importance of communication, of even the tiniest detail, and ways good communication can really affect a relationship in a destressing way (whether a romantic relationship or not). There is almost no fan service in volume four which the author acknowledges with an abrupt teaser bonus chapter of Natori reminiscing about a sexual time with Asako.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi, 

I hope all is progressing well.

Saki the Succubus Hungers Tonight (Volume Three) by Mikokuno Homare (Author) and StudioHIP-CATs (Illustrator) is a very funny dramedy. The feeding rules of Succubi create an interconnecting open world of sexual possibilities which in the text leads to Succubi feuding. Between the sexualness in the story, there are short deep moments about Renta being a man seemingly only Succubi seem to like (which isn't surprising though is kind of ironic because of ways certain Succubi like him) though Saki's approaches are different than other Succubi's approaches (even while Saki abides by the Succubi's rules and is taking a new route to acclimating herself with Renta's body sexually). I really like volume three.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Whether anyone has a qualm with Playboy does not dismiss a fact that Playboy is one of the most groundbreaking editorials in history to ever cover topics, particularly taboo topics, even now relevant, and not so taboo in/to modernity (consider the times when Playboy starts publishing). 

How do you think I come to discover The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan? A Playboy interview between David Sheff and Betty Friedan in the September 1992 issue of Playboy. I'm a collector, and my pages aren't sticking together.

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan explores being a woman, a purposeful human, living with goals and meaning, beyond being an American housewife as the standard of fulfillment for a woman's life. Through explorations of economic, social, political, feminine, and masculine—human—mystiques, Betty Friedan brings the importance of having goals and living with purpose to the forefront of humans being mindfully. In my lifetime so far, I've come to experience many, if not all, situations directly or indirectly within the text hence one reason I am patient with individuals in general though particularly women (largely due to not ever knowing a/ situation(s) a person may be coming from as well as acknowledging a person does not know the same of me—which is part of the reason for me apologizing to anyone I ever feel I may have hurt in my lifetime so far—if anyone feels deserving of an apology for a reason I'm not aware of—I'm sorry. I mention this in light of a discovery in my lifetime, a person can find/make offense from a completely good-kind-non-ill-action-or-non-ill-intention in the form of a gesture because that's a way a person chooses to be/respond for whatever reason. I never dismiss the potential of another side to a story and/or another story altogether). 

I live as fully as I may. Betty Friedan encourages living a self-actualizing-purposeful-full-life—to be/feel whole, human. In the text, the economic-social-political nuances of masculinity and femininity are relevant and sound with modern developmental parameters—likely for the perpetuity of time, even with advancing/additional technologies—each nuance to a different degree. The book focuses on American culture primarily though is culturally relevant globally, an aspect of a nuance may have a culturally different acknowledgement/meaning though resembles a situation in the text (Friedan expounds upon this point in the text). I think the topics of this book are very important, and that The Feminine Mystique is a book to reference for a lifetime.

I remember going to therapy twice. The first time to address in and grow through a professional setting to handle certain types of situations with a professional. Bringing up any situation in an unprofessional setting may leave one to get an/ unprofessional response(s) and an/ undesirable result(s). The second time I go to therapy really results in my understanding the necessity to move on one's own in the world beyond any trauma—without therapy though with good-proper efforts, direction, purpose, and self-care. After reading books about my experiences (that I go to therapy for) and writing about my experiences for analytical purposes, in reflection (more so clearer now though apparent before differently)—a different way of crying for help though seeking a/ resolve(s) (which I've a history of doing in myriad ways), I feel amazing—because of my self-culturing, like a continuation of my life, beyond any trauma(s) I've come to experience (a conversation for my future romantic life partner, and, God willing, our immediate family like our children, necessarily). At my current point in life, after doing all the necessary personal work (and I'm always finding a way to improve), I attest The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan has insights of which I feel to be useful for me (considering varying stages of my life so far) and may be relevant for anyone seeking to be more culturally aware of developmental parameters of a human being. I'm going to harp on certain important topics for the rest of my life like literacy, critical thinking, good sex, being a good person—to name a few. I'm beyond so much because of choice practical processes. I think reading a book of the sort can help one become more aware of certain developmental parameters though personal growth usually happens from actually making choice action in one's personal life.

As a single heterosexual man supportive of good women (especially of the autonomous-fit-intelligent-salacious type, to say the least), I think it's important for me to be as aware as possible especially as economic-political-social situations are developing, human minds need to be operating properly in order to secure a more sensible equilibrium particularly in relation to living standards without impeding on a human's rights especially concerning privacy. Even with improvement, purposeful growth and learning is always possible. As many more social nuances are ever present in modernity, mystiques are even more, varyingly—bringing more value to Betty Friedan's book, The Feminine Mystique.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Sweat and Soap (Volume Two) by Kintetsu Yamada definitely does not provide as much fan service as volume one though focuses on other aspects of getting to know different sides of a person in a relationship, in different social settings, slowly including external individuals more intimately. Indications of love making are seemingly present though more so private (like the bedroom scene with Natalie and Blake in Isn't It Romantic (2019) except without the replays—unless one keeps flipping the pages back and forth while using one's imagination—) which actually helps set emphasis on the other happenings pertaining to Asako and Kotaro's relationship, emotionally and socially. I like the character profiles and translation notes at the end of the manga. Concerning the end of the manga, volume two has a few more interesting tidbits than volume one.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Saki the Succubus Hungers Tonight (Volume 1) by Mikokuno Homare (Author) and StudioHIP-CATs (Illustrator) is the meet cute and introductory portion of Renta, a thirty-five-years-old virgin, and Saki, a twenty-year old Succubus, living together. This manga is full of fan service in line with this (so far) ironic-sweet story. After purchasing the manga from Barnes and Noble, tearing the plastic wrap, then reading the manga, I'm looking to finish reading the series. Renta and Saki are in a seemingly perfect situation though Renta is choosing to be considerate of Saki after discovering one of her reasons for not partaking in normal behaviour (for a Succubus). Both Renta and Saki seem to be very horny (and comically considerate of each other), and Saki is a nice Succubus which makes the fantasy the story is offering pleasanter.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Everyday Words and the Character of Prose in Nineteenth Century Britain by Jonathan Farina is an extensive exquisite delve into spherical understandings of certain common words of British print in the nineteenth century. The author is one of my graduate school professors. I remember enjoying his classes beyond his teaching style due to the topics, extending conversations, and my discoveries through choice research—all part of a wonderful graduate school experience. The text explores nineteenth century Britain through choice words (semantics through certain common words of British print in the nineteenth century), intricately analyzing language—derivations. The text is an intricately intellectual scholarly work with comedic tinges. I consider the text valuable beyond realms of English majors.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Nothing Personal by James Baldwin is a collection of essays examining human experiences that may affect human characteristics as well as social dynamics. After an engagement of curiosity, standing in a line at an airport, recognizing James Baldwin’s face, the book becomes a gift to me from the prior owner of the text. The author dissects societal systems and systems of technology to identify ways in which certain parameters connect directly with humans’ physically and psychically particularly in relation to an American developmental experience though relevant in regard to any experience in relation to similar societal systems and systems of technology which the text references. I think the text is worth reading and thinking about in regard to modernity.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi, 

I hope all is progressing well.

You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney is a recommendation from a discussion of a random though pleasant invitation. Reading the text, I feel like I am reviewing a more entertaining version of the information from an undergraduate PSYCH101 class due to the additional commentary between the explanations of psychological and marketing parameters in relation to social developments as well as sciences. The text seems to root itself within the psychological, marketing, and social which I think is important to understand while reading the text because there are outliers the text does not consider which limits the text, particularly, to the fields I afore mention. Even so, the text proves insightful and may help one navigate toward becoming a more mindful individual.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein is an exploration of the absoluteness of meaning and the meaningless through parameters of death and life, the existent and the non-existent via parameters of Philosophy (equations—logic—reason—). I feel like I am reading an assignment with a page limit by the end of the book because of the way the last few pages seem to summize the intentions and purposes of the text, for the reader (seemingly in case the jargon doesn't make clear, immediate, or much sense). I like the text and find Wittgenstein's examination of life like a philsophically intense motivational text urging the reader to be present and make one's life of one's own because only one can bring any meaning into one's life.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

While about encouraging reading, I re-encounter two individuals which share with me books of their choosing for practical use in a culturally enrichening sense in a classroom. I'm glad about the chance to read both books; in reading order; the first book is Mae Among the Stars, writing by Roda Ahmed, illustrations by Stasia Burrington, and the second book is I Am Golden, writing by Eva Chen, illustrations by Sophie Diao. This review will focus on I Am Golden. The text encompasses aspects of Chinese culture reflective through an individual, particularly Mei, receiving a form of generational support, and, I think, can encourage an individual, family, to culturally, as well as self, identify in an aware, confident, empowering, and respectful way. The illustrations are so vibrant and fill the pages very well in tune with the writing. I find the author and illustrator's stories in the end about aspects of their upbringing being Asian to be very powerful. As an ally, one that attempts to support good of cultures/individuals of different experiences especially outside of one's own experiences though potentially relatable, I find myself trying to listen as good as I may especially as there is only so much I may reasonably do at times, respectfully, respecting boundaries. I don't condone acts of hate. I find the text empowering and enlightening.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

After asking a Barnes & Noble representative for a book recommendation, I decide to read the text. Circe by Madeline Miller is about a half-divine, half-nymph, witch that struggles coming into being of her own, through her abilities, between worlds of the immortal and mortal as well as between familial relations/tendencies of her youthful past in tandem with familial development of her present maturer years. The text is like a fan fiction of Greek Mythology which offers deeper-rounder perspectives of/branching from, a character from an interestingly popular group of beings in Greek Mythology, the nymphs, and the character's lineage. I like the text's approach concerning Greek mythology. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi, 

I hope all is progressing well. 

Due to inquiring of a student about a book for a class, I learn about Sparks of Genius: The 13 Thinking Tools of the World's Most Creative People by Robert and Michèle Root-Bernstein, a text engaging purposes of creative processes, and imagination. As a creative, I appreciate the text as a form of affirmation (not in a validation seeking sense) since I am properly tending my creative responsibilities. The text offers exemplar methods that may help one creatively, and theoretically expounds creativity. I find the text is a good reminder to all to respect creative processing with, at least, more grace—patience, since each creative process can be quite different from person to person. I find the text enjoyable and very insightful.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is a book-play about a man of learning—knowledge—that makes a pact with Lucifer after coming to experience magic through a somewhat disdainful-reverential manner. One afternoon while writing in my apartment, I ponder on the phraseology, misery loves company, and find it originates from—its rootings are in—The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus (the character Doctor Faustus of German literary origins). So, I decide to read the text, and find the phraseology (in Latin, in the version of the text I read), "Solamen miseris socios habuisse dolores," which translates to "Solace of the wretched to have companions of pain" (Marlowe, 2020, page 28).  After reading the story, I find the adage is a wonderful line set in the play, of the like. The version I read doesn't have translations so requires a bit of research, and, though the English seems of antiquity, I find it's comprehendible. I like the text, a good read, I think, and I'm glad about reading it.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Marlowe, Christopher. (2020). Doctor Faustus. Independently Published.

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Republic by Plato (translated by Benjamin Jowett) is an extensive dialogue between Socrates, Thrasymachus, Polemarchus, Glaucon, Adeimantus—a variety of individuals though ends up heavily between Socrates and Glaucon—about developing a perfect society branching from as well as revolving around inquiries concerning justice and injustice flowing from ideas analyzing makeups—potentialities—of an individual (heavily in accordance with developments of a State). Each character carries a tone of a language (which I think is a unique colloquial touch better situating developments and understandings of the dialogues overall), the text overall seems to be a philosophical comedy respecting realities pertaining to/of the philosophical dialogues within the text. To experience and observe that which is in this extremely relevant text, happening—present—in actuality, whether abroad or near in space and time, speaks volumes on human conditions and societies. The text ends on a comically-wonderful beat of hope and life. I'm glad about reading The Republic.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Upon running into multiple acquaintances, I find myself agreeing to join my acquaintances to a dinner party. I have a chance to meet and converse with individuals around a table, about reading, and its importance. One of the adults asks me if I want an alcoholic drink to which I politely decline. He comically finds shock because I don't drink, do drugs, or smoke. He mentions that every person has a vice, and, I admit to him that some might consider one area of which I have a strong interest in, a vice, though I think, appropriately, it's not. As natural as I might consider sex, it's not always a normal topic for conversations.

So, I find myself buying then reading a book primarily focusing on a form of oral sex, cunnilingus, greatly in connection with parameters of orgasming; She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman by Ian Kerner might not be most up to date with certain data (percentages) though the techniques in the text can be timeless. I really like the diagrams of techniques and vaginas. This is not erotica though I find myself nearly salivating reading the text. One point I really find interesting is about vaginal agenesis, a condition in which a woman's reproductive system (inclusive of the vagina) does not fully develop. I find a lot of familiar information, and I find new bits of information that I think important in connection to having more meaningful relationships branching from more meaningful sexual relations.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Music to My Years: A Mixtape Memoir of Growing Up and Standing Up by Cristela Alonzo is largely about her upbringing particularly in relation to her journey toward becoming, not only a more aware entertainer, but a woman of her own choice merits. I find out about the author randomly scrolling through Twitter, then decide to buy the book after reading a tweet she pins from October 13, 2019: https://twitter.com/cristela9/status/1183450846819995648?t=Np-ThvHAlwy6xj_ZrW2MrQ&s=19. I mainly find surprise reading stats of her tweet ("1st Latina to create/write/star in network sitcom/1st Latina to star/lead Pixar movie") because Pixar has a lot of films, and television networks are decades old! I like the book. I think the author maintains a comical tone throughout the text though grounds the text in serious topics as well as situations (like bullying, healthcare, etc.) progressing through chapters thematically by songs.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne 

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

On my way to the Little Yosemite Valley Backpackers' Campground, I meet a couple for a second time. The wife shares a sentiment of a quote she finds profound concerning grieving, and loss from C.S. Lewis's book, A Grief Observed. I think a lot about the sentiment concerning a loss of a person one loves making one feel like one is missing a limb. To get a better grasp of the sentiment, I decide to read the book largely exploring C.S. Lewis's responses toward God, the loss of his wife, and his life as is, in general, though after the loss—confusing, happy, and miserable, seemingly-knowingly of personal choice, a very conflicting personal processing. I think the text is a good way to explore processing loss especially for anyone trying to better navigate grieving, loss, and/or anyone in a deeply serious relationship that wants to engage in a conversation of the sort as a potential form of preparation—reasonable peace of mind. My version of the text has a foreword by Madeleine L'Engle (author of the Time Quintet) which I think is a good supplemental piece to read prior reading the text.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well. 

While helping one of my brothers and his family pack up to move a time ago, I remember finding my sister-in-law has two collections of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. At a younger age, I remember having to read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe though never any of the other books, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in the series. So, I decide to read all of the books in order, and I appreciate them all though each to a different degree.

The Magician's Nephew sets the tone of most of the books. I think it's a great introduction into the realm of Narnia which ties in so well with The Last Battle (more so than the other books do), and I think it is fun to read. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a decent story in the series which really becomes like a reference point of deeper magic, meanings, and rules of Narnia which help explain parts of journeys in Narnia at latter points in the series. 

The Horse and His Boy is one of the most critical pieces in the series broadening ideas of worlds in connection with Narnia. I think it's one of the more serious books in the series, and, is a shifting point in tone in the series.

Prince Caspian is a good story sifting ideas of ruling magics/powers in Narnia, and an introductory into more adventurous routes thereafter through The Voyage of the Dawn Treader as well as The Silver Chair; I feel like I'm reading a mini-series in a major series through these three books, and I find these three books to be quite enjoyable in different ways than the books in the series surrounding them though carrying tones of all the stories prior. Even so, leaning toward the end of the series C.S. Lewis funnels more comedy, fun, happiness, and Narnian philosophy in The Last Battle after topsy-turvy journeys in topsy-turvy ways (which seems to really be the style of writing in the series) to end on a light note. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson is a collection of reflections by the author. I find the text informative particularly in relation to history in general, African historical roots specifically. I buy the text as a part of a learning process for research purposes. I find the author’s reflections to be aware as well as relevant albeit a bit extreme in varying instances though I do not know the author's life experiences growing in (or the circumstances personally--concerning--) the early 20th century and late 19th century amidst so many different economical and social situations. Even so, I find the author’s reflections to be encouraging toward seeking routes of proper communal-economic growth, self-independence, particularly mental independence, for all individuals, even as the reflections are through lenses analyzing individuals of African descent in development with wider diasporas.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

I believe exploring and learning about sexual health is extremely important. If/When someone and I decide to form a relationship, I'm going to continue reading books about sex (at least one a year), and, hopefully, my future partner and I will be coreading (at least one a year) books on an aspect of sex. As much as Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex by Joan Price seems to mainly be about individuals above forty years of age, the emphasis on sexual development, exploration, and health is relevant for all ages particularly for capable individuals willing to comprehend explorations of one's personal sexual developments/health. The text is full of expert advice and testimonies. I find the text very insightful, and refreshing. One reason I choose to care for myself well is so I can enjoy myself well as I continue to grow well--which I think is mindful and respectful concerning growth with a potential future partner, or romantic interest. If you're looking for a book about sexual development and health, I highly recommend Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex by Joan Price (which is full of references to other expert and professional sources).

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

I enjoy learning about anthropological-cultural progressions (which I find the text to be informative of, respectively). I'm glad to be in connection with individuals of varying backgrounds willing to converse respectfully on varying topics. During a meeting at work, I express an interest in one of the topic options concerning the "Model Minority Myth." After conversations ensue around the topic, one of my colleagues recommends The Karma of Brown Folk by Vijay Prashad. I write the name of the book down, and I'm glad I decide to read the book. The text covers aspects of Asians and South Asians (Desi) in relation to individuals of the African diaspora as well as to cultural progress as Asians and South Asians (Desi) in connection to freedom, economy, equality, identity, multiculturalism, racialness, socialness, and solidarity ranging from historical roots of about the past two centuries abroad as well as in America.

Ultimately, the text leads to a point of cheering, and encouraging solidarity. While reading the text, I ponder of scenes in a film, The Rainbow (1989), concerning ideas of war, the way some view parts of life as a game in a way or so that is far more real to others--far more, affecting--present. Nurturing is a part of every culture, a responsibility of each human, whether self-nurturing, or nurturing another. I hope nurturing tends toward good, the betterment of humanity overall, from each individual of and through proper nurturing. 

In the film House Bunny (2008), there's a scene containing a point about not knowing about Aztec culture though having fun with an experience of an aspect of the Aztec culture in a celebratory form (which I think is actually a nod of respect in a tasteful way--especially in a comedy) some may find fun, honorable, offensive, be opinionless, etc. At the beginning of the Aztec party scenes, I cautiously think about social points that may be problematic concerning the party though I don't assume anything, the party looks like it's a success. I do not know any details concerning the proceeds of the film. Yet, in a situation no one is being disrespectful and/or making a profit from a different culture while crediting a particular culture at an event, open to any, from an aspect of a culture, with invitations out to members of all ethnic groups, is it problematic?

Will Critical Race Theorists be in proper spaces to properly guide students concerning anthropological-cultural relations? Will individuals be able to civilly communicate beyond cultural economic-political understandings toward resolves benefitial toward future generations without bias? Individuals may be doing so already. Still, nurturing properly is lifelong. Realistically, there are a lot of individuals that are like the bus driver that kicks the trouble making kids off the bus in The Long Walk Home (1990). It's nice to get to one's destination(s) without any problems. It's the responsibility of each individual to check individuals nearest first about the potentially problematic as well as the good especially in tandem with social relations (which do not just concern race). If there's no one near to properly nurture, one must be willing to learn, and listen-- self-responsiblity, and self-nurturing are very important: both need proper tending to be done well.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

During a visit to my Barber for a Taper, as per usual, we enter a discussion about human diasporas and histories, apart and interconnecting. In our discussion, a topic of perceptions of bodies of individuals of African descent arises in relation to a book my barber is imbibing via Audible (mayhap reading as well), Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings. As our conversation veers toward romantic realms of perceptions of bodies, I decide I'll read the text for myself.

     The text offers histories of developing pseudo sciences, propaganda -- social standards/standardizing -- particularly concerning women broadly (though specifically honing in on culturing idealogies of beauty pedestaling Anglo-Saxon-Americans/parameters/characteristics of bodies) through about five centuries (with rootings and references from further back). I find the book informs modernity that a lot more accurate research without bias is necessary concerning better supporting developing health data in relation to weight for varying types of bodies.

     In tandem with physical characteristics of women I find attractive, and developing understandings of conversations concerning bodies via histories, modernity -- I understand, tastes differ. Aside from choosing to have a respect for conversations and understandings about race and bodies, for me, personally -- especially romantically, concerning bodies, I have strong inclinations toward athletic women that care about their well being (ideally overall), and find me attractive in a very similar regard as well. She can be of any ethnicity! 

      Growing up with a mom that has a nice physique and takes care of herself for so long so well is a great reason for my strong inclinations toward that which I find attractive physically. In 2017, I remember my mom walking through my room topless, at almost seventy, with an upper body that looks really good. She has a strong body. She takes care of herself. I don't judge or shun one because of one's body type. There are so many different types of people that find different types of bodies very attractive. I think Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia is a great resource for individuals seeking to learn more about parameters of data and health in tandem with bodies and media via a historical perspective.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi, 

I hope all is progressing well.

The Overstory: A Novel by Richard Powers is a fictional collection of stories about the importance of stories, purposeful vs. nonpurposeful ongoings of humans, and a wonderful homage to human nature in relation to nature overall with intricate deep details of curiosity, discovery, and truth. There are a lot of references in the text which I think help move the stories along well. I think the writing is really good though I find myself reading this text very slowly due to the nature of the content. I find the text to be overall important and relevant though not gripping (mainly because of the constant switching between stories which are vastly different though interconnecting, then the extreme intertwining emphasis on climate change -- mainly trees, which I like though I feel detracts from the stories though cleverly intentionally very well set for completion of the overall points of the text). I'm glad to be done reading the text especially since it is the second of two recommendations I remember telling someone I'll read (the first being Empire of the Summer Moon).

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason is a book about becoming wealthy in general though from impoverishment through financial efficiency: spending less, saving, and investing well -- to say the least. The book advises many of the same lessons though through different situations in each chapter, all of which connect to ideals and practices of the richest man in Babylon, Arkad. I find the context to be financially relevant, simple, and useful. After completing equations from my own financial history, I realize one may have tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars or more within a span of thirty years by simply paying one's self a monthly wage above nintey dollars and saving that which one pays one's self-- for thirty years. The text offers insightful financial bits which cover a lot of basic financial bases. If I ever share a child or children, I realize I can set the child or children up to have a good amount of money at thirty. Imagine being thirty, a few years out of college, mature, a bit in debt, working an alright job, then receiving thirty thousand or more dollars: for a mature person, that can be life changing -- just as the simple financial advice in the text. I think The Richest Man in Babylon is worth reading.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Collected Oscar Wilde offers select pieces from the span of Oscar Wilde's writing career. In graduate school, I remember having a crush on a peculiar openly bisexual girl quick to boisterously reference Oscar Wilde of whose works I recall reading very little. So, while perusing Barnes and Noble, I buy the book (I'm glad that I'm finally done reading all the books I purchase on that visit). I really like the organization of the collection. Here are pieces I really enjoy (for varying reasons) and recommend: The Portrait of Mr. W.H. (culturally important piece containing very interesting points concerning the developments of gender/masculinity/feminity in societies branching from societal standards/mentalities in relation to art mediums/media), Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, The Model Millionaire, The Canterville Ghost, The Young King, The Fisherman and His Soul, The Remarkable Rocket, "The Critic as Artist, Part I," "The Critic as Artist, Part II," "The Soul of Man under Socialism," and The Importance of Being Earnest. Yet, I enjoy reading the entirety of the selection and find Oscar Wilde's writing on aspects of theater to be quite insightful.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

During my elementary school years, I remember walking by a Hallmark Gold Crown in Livingston Mall with my mother during the holidays and seeing Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques on a book display in front of the store. Being an avid reader, I remember finding so much delight selecting the book. Even thinking on the memory brings me to a different sense of joy. After my mother purchases the book for me, I become a fan of the Redwall series. So, finding Mariel of Redwall in one of the library/local book exchange posts (at various locations in Long Beach-- some, if not all, in relation to LittleFreeLibrary.org), is a pleasing surprise for me. The level of elation I find from reading a Redwall book is explicably tearing, personally, and I find these texts quite enjoyable to read. Mariel of Redwall is a fictional story of a mousemaiden warrior that escapes the grips of Garbool the Searat King to find herself on a path of recovery and redemption with her new friends of Redwall and Salamandastron to defeat evil. I think Brian Jacques's Redwall series is a great stepping stone for children looking to read more arduous books with a literary maturity. Brian Jacques implements varying styles of literary culture into the Redwall stories which I find makes reading books from the Redwall series (concerning my reading history of the texts in the series so far) all the more enjoyable. I've yet to read all of them.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis is the sequel to Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant To Be (a bundle purchase from a time ago -- two books for about the price of one). The second book feels like a heavy recap of the first book though I don't find it as amusing. The second book feels more direct and gung ho about its intentions. I feel like the core of the text leads to and from the chapter, "Planning," which I think is the book's most pertinent chapter. As with any advice/self-help type book, I think it's important to keep an open-aware-deliberating ear/mind.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a poetic, touching, and witty fictional piece about a writer meeting with the sole survivor of a shipwreck and the eventual telling of the sole survivor's journey from before and after the shipwreck. During a discussion about the film adaptation of Life of Pi, I recall a bit of shock at my lackluster response about the film (though admittingly speaking from the perspective of watching the film while providing amazing customer service for gym patrons sometime in 2017). So, I decide to read the book and re-watch the film. After reading the book, I don't think any better of the film, but, I am glad about reading the text.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

I remember conversing with a father and his son nearly four years ago about life. Near the end of our conversation, the father is aghast and has somewhat of a brain fart sigh-uttering the name Horatio Alger. I come to find Horatio Alger Jr. is an author. The Horatio Alger Jr., Collection Novels consists of five stories: "Grit," "Luck and Pluck," "Ragged Dick," "The Store Boy," and "In Search of Treasure." I enjoy every single one of these stories about character and integrity. These tales are quite fitting for more than Americans alone. Even so, Horatio Alger Jr. defines what an ideal American is, what the American ideal is to be, through the heroes of these stories.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

After reading about a quarter into Get Out of Your Own Way: A Skeptic's Guide to Growth and Fulfillment by Dave Hollis, I decide to read Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis and watch her documentary Made for More. She mentions her target audience being women though I find points in her messages capable of being relevant for any human. After reading the entirety of the text, I find a few of her points can use a little more context or else can potentially come off as seemingly contradictory. Rachel Hollis uses experiences from her life to encourage women to make choices toward living their best possible lives.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hello,

I hope all is progressing well.

I’m heading out of the video game section of Walmart and find Get Out of Your Own Way by Dave Hollis on top of a stand at the exit of the video game section. We’re making eye contact. Why is this the only book there? I remind myself I’m already reading a book. I pick up the book, randomly open to a page near the end of the book, read a random portion of a paragraph (which so happens to be) of the only theme (which I come to find out is really in only that area of the book as a central topic for a bit with a little indirect sprinkle here and there in other parts of the text) immediately relevant to me throughout the entire book, and I buy the book. It’s a decent self-help book and I think it’s good to read self-help books from time to time (especially since I tend to read a variety of texts) with a grain of salt to a fresh-open-wound. Dave Hollis shares experiences from his life to advise and encourage readers toward decisions that are not community and self-sabotaging. I think the book may serve couples well too. Day-to-day, between varying conversations with varying individuals, and varying duties, I find Get Out of Your Own Way has points that people may benefit from learning and applying. Yet, as with any self-help text, one must be actively helping one's self. If you’re really into self-help books across the board (mind, body, soul relationships, etc.), this might not be the most enlightening read for you (which Dave Hollis notes near the beginning of the text). On another note, the book offers references to other developmental sources for one seeking to explore more contexts for self-improvement.

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The excuse of a dog eating one's homework is believable to me now and I'm glad about it. The Communist Manifesto is a pamphlet. I order a copy via Amazon. My former neighbor's dog shreds the delivery. I go to Barnes and Noble then find The Communist Manifesto and Other Writings by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. If not for the occurrence with the dog, I might not have come to encounter one of the most important historical documents I've come to read to date, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, which digs into the economical-governmental-political-societal landscape of France in the 19th century with a focus on class and revolutions in the middle of the 19th century. After reading the text, I've a few affirmations to share:

1.) One does not have time to not create, discover, and fulfill one's purpose(s).

2.) One must develop and learn wholesome-positive-unimpeding senses of life, living.

3.) The understanding of genres in different fields is important.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Elements of Screenwriting: A Guide for Film and Television Writers by Dr. Irwin R. Blacker is very insightful especially for someone with only an inkling of screenwriting between the craft and business. The guide is a good reference and contribution to making one aware of parameters of screenwriting. I'm glad about reading the text. I observe films with a much better understanding now.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

I learn about Joel Peterson and David A. Kaplan's text, The 10 Laws of Trust, via Yahoo Finance (as I'm scrolling through Twitter for Business News). After listening/watching the interview clip, I decide to add the text to my reading list (in September). Ultimately, the text is an attempt to build and safeguard high levels of trust in an organization. The text flows from aspects of some of Joel Peterson's experiences in his life which contribute to the developmental points in the text. I feel as though the text is especially for use as an organizational assessment-focal tool though one may find interesting insights reading the text alone. I think the text offers decent points to consider and deliberate (beyond the questions set forth within the book).

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne     

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Heart of Darkness and Selected Short Fiction consists of "Heart of Darkness," "Youth," "Amy Foster," and "The Secret Sharer." I find each of these short stories to be profound and important. These contexts are relevant on a universal level. Each short story examines coinciding gamuts of internal and external worlds in a brief grand balance of immense depth.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Even the Stars Look Lonesome by Maya Angelou is a pleasant-surprising read. The context is an aware appreciation of aging, being, being with art, being a woman, being of African descent, being an African woman and being of value as a person in connection with all that contributes well to their being and that which they choose to contribute from and to their being. I appreciate her points: in particular, I appreciate her points about aging, sexuality and sensuality: I think it's important for woman to talk about these topics and for men to hear women talk about these topics (especially since there are so many different people with different perspectives concerning these topics).

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

P.S. I Wanna Know by Joe

Hi,

​

I hope all is progressing well.

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Great Sex for Life by Linda Sonntag is a decent book (despite the few grammatical errors). The book is dated. Yet, the information relevantly contributes as modern texts concerning sexual processes. I found this book at a garage sale and there are really good points in the text. I like reading information of this nature from time to time (even if some of the information stands as refreshers): there's a lot one may learn to have a thriving intimate relationship and/or contribute very well toward an intimate relationship.

​

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

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P.S. This book contains nudity.

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Rin, Tongue and Dorner by Rich Shapero is a book about an extreme fire fetish intertwining with lust, madness, and passion. I received this book for free at the L.A. Times Book Festival. Do people entering new relationships from previous relationships have to endure so much? What are the underlying elements of a psyche transitioning pleasures with one person to share with another? I think Rich Shapero presents many psychoanalytical ideas that may be further honed in the context.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Jataka Tales concern stories of Gautama Buddha's previous lives. I received these volumes of the Jataka tales for free at the L.A. Times Book Festival. Personally, I find many of these tales, meant to encourage one to be mindful and live a good life according to a particular order, as comical in getting their points across. These stories are available for free: I think some of them are as interesting to read as some of Aesop's Fables and some of Grimms' Fairy Tales.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

P.S. I like having physical copies of text(s). Clicking the link will lead to Bing search results leading to the Jataka tales. It's not hard to find the Jataka Tales online. Happy reading!

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Rhythm of My Life: Tuning into the Rocky Rhythms of Fire by Yvon Milien is one of a few free books I got at the LA Times Book Festival. Essentially, it's about Yvon Milien's romantic life and spiritual journey (which, oddly enough, always engages him about his romantic life). A few (of so many) serious questions I like to raise concerning marriage (really relationships) are: 1.) What securities are in marriage that are not already in a serious bond? 2.) What are we trying to do together in the long term of life? 3.) Are you cool with you? Actually, I might uncover more of these questions with every book I read concerning romance and relationships. On another note, every time I read the title, "The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona starts playing in my head.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Initially, I find Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett resonating with "Who's on First," by Abbott and Costello (which is, interestingly enough, accredited to "Who's the Boss," an earlier comedic reference, and years of further development). Yet, as I continue to read, I discover a dark-honest satire about the world (as much as is given of it) in which these characters live that reveals the importance of purpose. Waiting for Godot jostles living, meaning in living, information, and meaning in information. Reading this text after Atlas Shrugged really makes me think more about why and how one is where and when one is with the future ahead. This text is not as dense as Atlas Shrugged but sends an important message about doing in and with one's life: one should not let their life fall in folly or wasting; one should find or make a reason to live their life or else one is left to answer, what is living at all? Where does one go from there if not with a decision, guidance, or the will?

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Reading Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion is enjoyable and exhausting. I bought Jane Austen: Four Classic Novels to ensure I read the stories in the collection though I did not re-read Pride and Prejudice (I'm sure I read it). I find Jane Austen's writing to be exquisite in its choice genre: I like the way her writing engages particulars of social realms (of her stories) and the routes of her descriptions are as entertaining as gripping (at least to me). I'm glad to be done with reading these particular stories and am ready to engage other texts now.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Emissary by Yoko Tawada and translated by Margaret Mitsutani is a great fusion of speckles from Japan's history debating a developing future in a fictional hypothetical world questioning design and order of an overarching world through omniscient lenses of an inner world. I find The Emissary to be pointedly descriptive, buoyant, and as entertaining as tragic. The text blatantly though intricately displays beauty and joy as well as forcefully engages secure insecurities to draw appreciation in life. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Laws of the Sun by Ryuho Okawa initially makes me laugh (in a good way). The way the text portrays Buddhist beliefs in accordance with its correlations makes me more appreciative about active routes available for people to pursue creating a better world as well as to become better acting people. It's important to be cautious reading texts as such though I think one may find interesting points throughout these types of texts that are useful in assessing how one might better proceed with living their life.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Black Poets is an anthology of Black American poetry edited by Dudley Randall. All-in-all the text is profound. I read so many varying poems by some persons I have never even heard of that are not only potent--but timeless, of which I am very grateful to have come to encounter through The Black Poets.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

​

I hope all is progressing well.

​

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur makes a lot more sense after reading the foreword. As much as these poems are of women, they are very relatable to men. I think Milk and Honey's extrospection and introspection offers more insight concerning women (really anyone relating to the experiences in the text).

​

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Yuval Noah Harari writes cleverly about the developing human condition in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. As much as the text discusses historical developments with importance, Yuval Noah Harari greatly ensures to emphasize the eternally-pervasive impact of imaginations working in accordance with the ambiguity of historical developments. I find the text to be an enjoyable-insightful read.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés is an enjoyably insightful read of the developmental human psyche (don't let the title dismay you from reading the text). As I'm walking out of a library elevator reading, a woman asks me about the book, I tell her the title and admit to reading the book to better understand women and how to improve my relations with women (though every person is a person with their own individuality). Clarissa Pinkola Estés emphasizes the value of storytelling as an assistance to living through Women Who Run With the Wolves in an in-depth, entertaining-informing manner.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness concerns racial systematic relations. Michelle Alexander observes and opines on the effects of social developments in (primarily) American societies. After a discussion with my co-workers, I bought the book to better understand their perspectives. Still, I notice headway in human societies, in particular American societies, and I think continually developing intellectual pragmatism will prevail in bringing about greater-diverse-equal communities globally, let alone in the United States of America. The book is informative and definitely useful for its purpose in assisting conversation on the presented matters.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

In Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Society Jared Diamond assesses post-Pleistocene human progressions. The text is very enlightening. Reading Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Society in observation with modernity really makes me interrogate the decisions that people make especially when (seemingly) lacking (unless regardless of or in spite of) knowledge about human developments in history. It's definitely worth reading and may really assist one's sociological understandings.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm by Nancy Farmer is a comical story which I am able to envision in comic book form. There is a steadily moving plot within a realm of creative lore heavily set about Zimbabwe. The book is a simple read though has many details. The Glossary and Appendix assist readers navigating the text. The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm is an enjoyable-relaxing fiction: it's a casual carry along.

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve by Edward Griffin is a very informative and insightful text concerning the development of the Federal Reserve System. In a very roundabout-informative-simple way, Edward Griffin presents the processes historically that culminate as the functions proving the Federal Reserve System as well as other facets of developing society affecting the present day and potentially future days. Edward Griffin seeks to resolve financial-social-political matters that seem to plague the entirety of the developing world that is experiencing any facets of the processes culminating into the functions proving the Federal Reserve System. The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve by Edward Griffin is a detailed-simple-thick read which requires careful attention especially because Edward Griffin doesn’t repeat or re-emphasize a lot of key points as much as he does others to maintain focus on the primary purposes of his text.

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Business of the 21st Century by Robert T. Kyosaki has come to me by accident, an incident of work. Robert Kiyosaki mentions The Business of the 21st Century as a re-emphasis of his messages from Rich Dad Poor Dad with additional contributions that may further assist individuals in the 21st century. The Business of the 21st Century is a quick and simple read. 

Onward and Upward,

Kevin Dufresne

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Save Yourself! by Robert Gilbreath is a very encouraging and enlightening piece (targeting white collar workers with information relevant to entrepreneurs concerning developing elements of one’s self in an ever changing world). This text is very relevant, and, as I am writing about it— I’m having a strong urge to re-read the text. As with all texts, read with a cautious-deliberating-open-mind (especially advising-self-help texts-- with so much readily available information, one must move forward with the information best leading them toward their next step, their next goal). The organization of the text makes reading very simple.

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne