Beyond Bedlam's Door by Mark Rubinstein, MD

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're sharing a recent Non-Fiction read that I found myself between the pages of thanks to Anna at FSB Associates.  It's a sequel, of sorts, to the author's 2016 release, Bedlam's Door, which introduced us to Mark Rubinstein, M.D. and the world of afflicted minds that he inhabits.  So, if you're ready to reaffirm that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction, join me as we discover...

Beyond Bedlam's Door:

True Tales from the Couch to the Courtroom

by

Mark Rubinstein, M.D.

9781941016251

Thunder Lake Press

About the book...

What drove a psychiatrist to enlist a patient in a plot to murder six people?

What was the secret bargain struck that allowed a 104-year-old woman to live such a long and productive life?

Why would a woman refuse to emerge from the confines of her bedroom? And after treatment liberated her, why did she suddenly take a turn for the worse?

In Beyond Bedlam's Door, former practicing psychiatrist Mark Rubinstein takes you outside the hospital and into his world of private patients, nursing home residents, and the challenging legal system in which he worked as a forensic expert. As in Bedlam's Door, great lengths were taken to preserve people's anonymity, but the raw truth of each story remains intact. The resiliency of some individuals and the venality of others are laid bare in these pages.

Beyond Bedlam's Door invites you to meet twenty-one unforgettable people. Some stories will disturb you, others will make you smile, but all will give you a deeper appreciation of what it means to be human.

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Here, we have a mixture of minds, attitudes, afflictions, and something other, that take us into the inner workings of a handful of souls encountered in the author's lifetime.  From the boy who couldn't get enough attention to passing judgment on whether a perceived threat was handled according to best practices, the housewife that needed a life to the artist that needed a hand up not out, there are many stories between the pages, both expected and non, that will have you nodding in agreement, shaking your head in sympathy, or fired up with the desire to avenge the wronged.  It runs the gambit for certain, but there are always those that stand out most.

For me, I was most drawn to three stories in particular; two for the better, one for the worst.  First and foremost, his unexpected office addition, even if only temporarily, of four legged friend.  The therapeutic nature of animals has long been debated, but on the whole, I'd say the decision is definitely in their favor.  It was wonderful to see everyone open up under the attention of that unconditional love, providing our dear doctor another avenue to reach their troubled minds.  Second on the list, the gentleman struggling through surviving the 9/11 attacks.  He was actually IN the building when it occurred, and the story he shares is so heart wrenching, so unbelievable and yet impossibly true, you can't help but feel for him and marvel at the strength of his character even as he relays the continuing trials he faces on a daily basis.

One that I actually found most disturbing wasn't even a patient or client scenario, but a clandestine conversation between colleagues...though the latter term I use quite loosely.  It seems one person in particular that was in the role of doctor, craved to cross that line between the patient and themselves.  Grant it, it was a person whose particular "issues" ran the line of shall we say exposition, but people (well, most anyway) go in search of professionals in this field generally after searching themselves for answers and finding none. They are seeking help, not a continuance of what they are trying to lay to rest.  I must say I was rather pleased with the response the author as well as his associates gave to this "Lothario's" conundrum...and took a small measure of pleasure in something that fell the "good doctor's" name later in life.

In the end, it was another curious walk through the psyches of patients and clients, that reminds us that while we may all experience life differently, we're all a part of the human race. The stories are shared with enough tact to prevent sensitive information from being exposed yet with enough depth that you can truly see behind the eyes of those seeking his audience.

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About the author...

From author's 'About Me' page...

Mark Rubinstein was born in Brooklyn, New York. He dreamed of playing baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers since his all-time hero was the Dodgers’ first baseman Gil Hodges. Rubinstein played high school baseball and ran track. His love of sports led him to read sports fiction, and soon he became a voracious reader, developing an enduring love for all kinds of novels.

He entered medical school at the State University of New York’s Downstate Medical Center. As a medical student, he developed an interest in psychiatry, discovering in that specialty the same thing he realized in reading fiction: every patient has a compelling story to tell. He became a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in New York City.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to Anna at FSB Associates for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrated its book birthday May 2017 via Thunder Lake Press, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

BOOK BLITZ: Mother at Seven by Veronika Gasparyan

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Truth About Books in a BOOK BLITZ promotion to shine the spotlight on your next potential read...and this one is a doozy!  It stars a true story filled with tragedy, hardship, and grief...but there is also hope.  Hope that a better tomorrow is to come.  Hope that one day the nightmare they are living will end.  Hope that they have the strength to hang on until that final moment when everything turns from darkness to light.  Ladies and gents, today's title in the spotlight is...

Mother At Seven

by
Veronika Gasparyan

Mother at Seven is the shocking, inspirational true story of a little girl’s tragic childhood, and how she endured and overcame a decade of unspeakable abuse at the hands of her cruel and sadistic family. Set in Sochi, Russia, near the banks of the majestic Black Sea, Mother at Seven tells of those critical moments in a child’s life when the only thing standing between the life and death itself was a pure and innocent belief that better days lie ahead. It teaches that by fighting through hardship and pain, miracles can still happen, and that life can still be amazing as long as hope is never lost.

AMAZON  |  B&N

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About the author...

Veronika Gasparyan, author of “Mother at Seven,” was born in the beautiful city of Sochi, Russia in 1981. She is a proud descendant of many generations of Armenian ancestors from both sides of her family. Today she lives in her own home, in Smithfield, Rhode Island with her two sons.

From a very young age, she enjoyed playing piano which resulted in her attending a music school for ten years, and eventually, the prestigious Sochi College of Arts and Music. Other than the music, she has always displayed a profound love of reading, and at a very young age, read dozens of books from her grandfather’s vast, personal library.

Veronika possesses an innate passion to help others in any way that she can, which has displayed itself in many situations throughout her early years and adult life. She considers herself to be a true survivor of what many would call a traumatic and brutal childhood, but has still found a way to not lose her kindness, patience or hope for better days.  She is a strong believer in laws of attraction and positive thinking and is working on other books that she hopes will provide emotional support to those who are in need — those who have given-up or have already lost their hope for better days and a joyful life.  She believes her lifelong mission is to help one person at a time while making the world a better place for us all.

SITE  |  GOODREADS  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to A. Fae at Truth About Books for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those tours on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on be on the lookout for it at your favorite virtual retailers.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Pound for Pound by Shannon Kopp

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a true story of love in adversity, finding yourself among your own emotional wreckage, and the reality of how life changing our fur babies can be.  It's a title that came to my attention thanks to FSB Associates that released the end of last year, but regardless of time, place, or self recognition in the subject matter, it will touch your heart and bring you to tears (trust me, I was bawling while trying to explain what the book was about later on in the work).  Ladies and gents, grab your furry friend as we embark on a journey through the pages to explore...

Pound for Pound:

A Story of One Woman's Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life

by

Shannon Kopp

9780062370228

William Morrow

About the book...

The brave, inspiring story of one woman's recovery from a debilitating eating disorder, and the remarkable shelter dogs who unexpectedly loved her back to life.

“The dogs don’t judge me or give me a motivational speech. They don’t rush me to heal or grow. They sit in my lap and lick my face and make me feel chosen. And sometimes, it hits me hard that I'm doing the exact thing I say I cannot do. Changing.”

Pound for Pound is an inspirational tale about one woman’s journey back to herself, and a heartfelt homage to the four-legged heroes who unexpectedly saved her life.

For seven years, Shannon Kopp battled the silent, horrific, and all-too-common disease of bulimia. Then, at twenty-four, she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where in caring for shelter dogs, she found the inspiration to heal and the courage to forgive herself. With the help of some extraordinary homeless animals, Shannon realized that her suffering was the birthplace of something beautiful. Compassion.

Shannon’s poignant memoir is a story of hope, resilience, and the spiritual healing animals bring to our lives. Pound for Pound vividly reminds us that animals are more than just friends and companions—they can teach us how to savor the present moment and reclaim our joy. Rich with emotion and inspiration it is essential reading for animal lovers and everyone who has struggled to change.

PUBLISHER  |  AMAZON  |  B&N  |  BAM  |  INDIEBOUND

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I start every Memoir review the same...they are hard to review.  You can't judge them the same way you would a work of Fiction, after all...this was someone's LIFE.  It is what it is or rather what they made of it; we're just here to come along for the ride afterward.

Here, we have a woman whom had struggled with her inner demons throughout her life.  They started out small but grew over time, and as it seemed, no manner of therapists, psychologists, medications, or close friends were going to be the saving technique to pull her through.  So, what was...as this isn't a book written postmortem...?  ANIMALS but more specifically, those four legged friends many call themselves parents to (*raises both hands*)...DOGS.  Though people showed her understanding, lent their ears, shoulders, and time, welcomed her into their homes and their hearts, nothing ever quite broke her protective shell like the unconditional love emanating from the eyes, nose, tongue, and tail of a dog.  Whether stray, family, or current "pound puppy" seeking a forever home, she felt their tug on her heart the moment she sighted their happy grins, recognized how they accepted her as she was with their playful antics, and longed for the freedom they expressed as they seized the moment every second of the day.

Now, Shannon's story isn't one big happy ending in the making once she finds her comfort within the canine ranks.  No siree.  There is much heartache ahead for our narrator, and those she cares for along the way.  I'm sad to say that not every encounter led to a happy ending, and your heart will truly break as she struggles valiantly to save one soul in particular (*SPOILER ALERT* - she manages to make the impossible possible!  Sorry, had to share that...pet lovers would kill me for leaving them in a lurch like that!). In time she is stronger for all she's been through and finds the balance, the love for others, and HERSELF that she needed all along.  She puts that newfound strength to good use in not simply healing her own life, but those of the pups needing love, care, and forever homes in her home area...something that many of us can achieve on a smaller level at least by volunteering our time at our own local shelters.

In the end, I learned as much about eating disorders and how they affect the mind, body, and soul, as I did about the HUGE role animals play in our own welfare (though that latter part I know first hand).  It's hard watching someone go through struggles in life, but a work like this serves several purposes.  First as a reach out for those experiencing similar issues in life; there is a way out, a light at the end of the tunnel...it's simply a matter of getting the help you need and continuing to reach for that goal.  Second, as a reminder that everyone has their own obstacles to overcome in life;  big or small at the time, it's a journey none of us can escape.  Last but not least, the overwhelming positive affects that our furry companions can have on our lives but also that WE can have on THEIRS. 

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About the author...

Shannon Kopp, author of Pound for Pound, is a writer, eating disorder survivor, and animal welfare advocate. She has worked and volunteered at various animal shelters throughout San Diego and Los Angeles, where shelter dogs helped her to discover a healthier, more joyful way of living. Her mission is to help every shelter dog find a loving home, and to raise awareness about eating disorders and animal welfare issues. 

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Leyane at FSB Associates for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!



BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Expect a Miracle by Jenny Long

Hi there!

Welcome back to another day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the light on a recent release that's sure to inspire many and touch hearts round the world.  It came to my attention thanks to Wunderkind PR and stars a family with the cards stacked against them, yet a spirit to rise above it all.  

Expect a Miracle:

A Mother’s Tale of Brotherly Love, Faith & the Race That Changed a Family’s Life

by

Jenny Long

with Bob Der 

Foreword by LeBron James

Liberty Street

About the book...

In 2012, Jenny’s two sons, Conner, 9 at the time, and Cayden, 7, who has spastic cerebral palsy, were named Sports IllustratedKids SportsKids of the Year after completing 14 triathlons, including two IronKids triathlons. Their story inspired children and athletes across the country, but their family story began long before crossing the finish line.

At 12 years old, Jenny lost her mother to cancer. Still in mourning, she was sent to live with her estranged father. Jenny quickly became a rebellious teen, dropped out of high school and fell in love with a felon. When Jenny finds out she’s pregnant, she promises to make a better life for her and her child, Conner. “Inspiring! They are a championship family.” —Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) an imprint of Time Inc. Books

A couple of years later and after leaving her abusive first husband, Jenny has another boy, Cayden. Jennydreamed of her boys sharing hobbies and playing sports together, but those dreams were shattered when she found out that Cayden had cerebral palsy. But Cayden’s disability did not deter Conner from finding a way to bond and play with his brother, and through the Long Brothers’ very first triathlon, Conner and Cayden fulfilled their mother’s dream while also providing inspiration for those with disabilities, their caretakers, and anyone looking for a miracle. 

Inspirational and touching, Jenny Long’s story evokes feelings of hope and redemption against all odds.

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Sounds like an incredible story, no?

Nothing would keep this little boy down nor his brother and from their resilience, their inability to accept "no this can't be done" as a final answer, their story was born.  Let's dig a little bit more behind the story as we sit in on a Q&A with Jenny Long....

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What inspired you to put your life experiences into a memoir?  Were you tempted to censor yourself and not share a particular story or detail with the world?

I was inspired to share my story with the world. I have never been afraid to air my dirty laundry because we all have it, some people just wash theirs better than others.  I believe we are all out there trying our hardest to make the best choices in our lives. There is no such thing as telling someone you’ll never make a mistake because it happens.  It's how you stand up and take off again and the lesson you learned from it that matters. I want people to see that we all have miracles in our lives even when it seems like it's all bad. I want people to not give up when they feel it's the only option because it's not. I am not saying I am the only one that's had bad things happen to them, but a platform was laid out for me and I want to be someone that can help others.  

Your sons have inspired many people with their strength and courage.  What have you they taught you about life?

My boys have taught me so many things about life. How to love beyond faults and differences, how life is about the journey not the destination. I have learned to embrace the small things and not sweat too much in life.  Watching them race gets me every time. Watching them get passed up by others but still have determination and guts to finish no matter what place makes me proud.  

Was writing Expect a Miracle difficult for you in any way?  

Yes, writing this book was very hard! It's hard to read the story of your life and dig deep into the past. There were a lot of dark moments in my journey and no one likes to go back. We are supposed to focus on pressing forward.  So goi

Despite what Cayden’s doctor predicted about his future, you never lost hope for your son. What advice can you give to parents who are raising a child with cerebral palsy? 

It is a journey well worth traveling. It might not be what you had planned but I promise you will be blessed with so many more things you will learn in life. Your child will teach you what true love is. Stay connected with other parents with children who have special needs.  Whether a community or internet groups, you will learn a lot from other parents that understand. And always remember it's okay to go to the dark side with your feelings and emotions, just never be afraid to ask for help.  And last but not least take care of you too.  

What do you hope readers will take away from Expect a Miracle?

I want readers to gain hope in whatever they are facing in their life. Maybe they will take a more in depth look at their own life to find their own miracle around them. 

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About the authors...

Author photo, credit Freddy Brown

JENNY LONG is the mother of Conner, 12, and Cayden Long, 10, who have completed in triathlons together as Team Long Brothers since 2011. Conner saw it a way for him to connect with Cayden, who suffers from Spastic Cerebral Palsy and they have competed in multiple triathlons and IronKids Triathlons. In 2012, the brothers were awarded the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) Hero Among Us Award. EXPECT A MIRACLE: A Mother’s Tale of Brotherly Love, Faith and the Race That Changed a Family’s Life is Jenny’s first book. 

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BOB DER is Managing Director of 10Ten Media and the former Managing Editor and Publisher of Sports Illustrated Kids. He lives in West Orange, New Jersey, with his wife Liz and two sons, James and Connor. 

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Special thanks to Danielle at Wunderkind PR for the heads up about this title as well as the chance to share it with all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this incredible work, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Liberty Street, an imprint of Time Inc. Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Dogs Don't Look Both Ways by Jane Hanser

Hi guys!
Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're jumping into a true story straight from the horse's...err, I mean DOG'S mouth.  That's right!  It's a combination Pet Memoir and Pet Parenting book that gives us the skinny on the ins and outs of daily life through the eyes of a precocious chocolate Lab named Joey.  So, if you're ready to sit and stay for a spell, join me as we welcome today's eBook of choice...

Dogs Don't Look Both Ways

A Primer on Unintended Consequences
by

Jane Hanser

9780991514908
Ivy Books

About the book...
Joey, the chocolate Labrador, is an incredibly well-socialized dog who also loves to run and run. Living in the neighborhood of the Boston Marathon, he runs as many as twelve miles a day, early in the morning, with his dad. But after they return home from a run, Joey still wants more, much more. Keenly observant, he allows no opportunity to explore the world pass him by. Will his insatiable sense of discovery lead him to gratification? Or to danger? Preparing his shenanigans well in advance, a decision Joey makes early one morning forever changes his life and the lives of his mom and dad, his running partner, and leaves them to deal with the consequences.




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Told from the viewpoint of the family dog, we are taken on a day by day recollection of life when led by the nose.  Here, we meet Joey and his family as they tackle life one adventure at a time.  From birth to separation from his siblings, making his new home his own to becoming king of the daily run with his new dad, we are there for it all...until one day, his curiosity takes him off leash and out of bounds a time too many with disastrous consequences.

Now, before you go getting the tissues, let me lay your mind to rest...there is a happy ending to this one lacking and it lacks fluffy clouds, rainbows and eternal parks.  That's right, Joey does survive his encounter between beast and machine but the real question wasn't his survival; after all, he's a dog and they are made of pretty strong stuff!  The REAL question was would his quality of life ever be the same?  Now THAT'S the answer you'll have to seek between the pages.  Along the way, you'll make friends with many in pet-friendly-occupations, seeing just how dedicated they are to their crafts.  You'll learn a thing or two about pet parenting, such as how fences are our friends, "lampshades" are not fun for anyone, and never underestimate the power of the bound between man and dog...it's enough to raise mountains.

The author mentions that she has found her work shelved in several locations within libraries and bookstores...anywhere from Pets to Memoirs to Children's Non-Fiction.  I can certainly see where the semi-confusion comes in because while it's about/by a dog (Pets) sharing his real life experiences (Memoirs), the writing style speaks more to the younger reader (Children's Non-Fiction).  It can be repetitive in thoughts shared as well as the day in and out activities participated in, a fact that will have you experiencing deja vu from time to time...but then again, it IS told by a dog.  I can definitely see life appearing that way to them so while it may be a small irritation to older readers, it lends to the reality of whom the author REALLY is.

All in all, an enjoyable read that will have you rooting for the...dog.  ^-^  It'll warm your heart at the pure joy he takes in the simplest of things while making you catch your breath as the unthinkable comes close to happening.  You'll share the frustrations he and his family experience on his road to recovery while learning a thing or two that you can carry off the page and share with the pet in your life.  Recommended read for early YA readers through adults.

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About the author...

Jane Hanser has developed software to teach writing, self-published a grammar book and taught English as a Second Language at several campuses of the City University of New York. She has an M.Ed. in English Education and ESL from the Graduate School of Temple University. In her other life, she is dedicated to many and varied community activities. Her poetry and essays have been published in numerous print and online journals such as Poetica Magazine, The Persimmon Tree, Every Writer's Resource, and others. She spends way too much time on the computer. She is married and lives, works and plays in Newton, MA. Joey’s descriptions of her in Dogs Don't Look Both Ways are, except for a few insignificant details of time and place, true and accurate.


SITE   |   TWITTER




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Special thanks to author Jane Hanser for the eBook for review as well as the chance to shine the spotlight on her work.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the title, author, or to pick up a copy of your own, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Ivy books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!