Nothing like the present to get acquainted with one of the most respected pieces on military strategy. The Art of War, written in the 6th century, is the road map of victorious military conduct which carries true to this day. Sun Tzu cunningly explains the opportunities for success on the battlefield in this expository piece. The edition reviewed today was originally published in 1944 with an introduction by Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Phillips.

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.

Gifty, our main character, reflects on the tragic unraveling of her mother’s mental health & her brother’s addiction. Now an established candidate for a PHD in the neuroscience field, she is wishing to recreate the environment of addiction to solve the only question that matters..’WHY?’. As a child of Ghanian immigrants to the US, she grew up in the bible belt of the south. Her religious foundation demolished her sense of the world when her brother overdosed. Gyasi pens a tragic tale from a scientific view point, leaving the readers to decide if Gifty’s experiment was indeed successful.

To donate to the Black Seed Scholarship, visit them on IG @TheBlackSeedScholarship

When we talk about free speech, what we often mean is the speech protected under the First Amendment. Cose informs us just how long FREE speech in America actually lasted. From Sedition Acts to Cancel Culture, you can say just about anything you want, but expect varying reactions (so, not protected). In this piece we never discover what should be considered free speech, just the road to the current position the US has on these freedoms.

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.

This is an expose of a bunch of illegal and unsavory acts happening between a handful of characters. Goines, famous for his urban fiction contribution, delivers another gritty portrayal of street life during the 60’s/70’s. The character arcs are flat yet effective, proving nuance isn’t always necessary. This short read was adapted into a film starring the greats, DMX, Michael Ealy & Clifton Powell. Check out this review for a breakdown on this masterpiece.

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.

Opportunity comes to those who create it. In his debut, Charlamagne assesses the innate, but unique skill set we each have within. The idea that privilege only applies to a few is null & void. Tapping into the assets we have will ultimately put you on YOUR path to success. And if you’re blinded by the smoke screen of celebrity..F your dreams. Don’t chase someone else’s life, achieve your own.

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.

Changez crashed through every obstacle to earn a spot at Princeton & one of the top business valuation firms, Underwood & Samson. Unfortunately the terrorist attacks of 9/11 left him in a reactory position to the hostility surrounding his everyday tasks. He narrates this story to an unnamed American while sitting in a market in Lahore, Pakistan. On the surface this is a long monologue from a friendly man to someone clearly out of place. Once you dive deeper, you see just how terrorism flings its’ tentacles of destruction & instability throughout the world.

Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season!

A tale of racial passing where Clare Kendry & Irene Redfield are afforded two very different lives. Clare chooses to pass as white for the rest of her days alongside her adamantly racist husband, while Irene struggles to protect her quiet family life, blackness intact. Through these characters author Nella Larsen writes the consequences of denying a part of your existence. Most recently, Passing has gained new popularity with the release of the film adaptation on Netflix, starring Ruth Negga & Tessa Thompson respectively. As time passes, let us reflect on the implications of passing over the race line in a world where race determines everything.

Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season!

How much does circumstance contribute to your success? According to Malcolm Gladwell, there are an array of hidden opportunities, out of your control, that should be the focal point of this discussion. Gladwell writes the backstory for achievement, with the help of data from many psycho-social studies. Historical events have ultimately set the stage for the creation of a few famous outliers. In conclusion, Gladwell has produced nothing less than another informative piece with the utmost integrity. Thanks Mr. G!!

Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season!

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.

Lucy Hutton & Josh Templeman are the most childish characters I have ever read about. Their progression from sworn rival to confidant serves as a nice contemporary love story though. Sally Thorne incorporates workplace competition and love/hate relations that has been adapted to a film, releasing Friday Dec 10. Before you run to see this romantic comedy, get to know the characters a little more with this review.

Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season!

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.

The Woman in the Window is a psychological thriller that plays with the perception of the audience. There is a crime to solve and the protagonist, Anna Fox, is an unreliable narrator. Although Fox is incapable of fundamental functions in the world, she is still a child psychologist who can sniff out trauma. She just happens to be surrounded by her own cloud of darkness. Newly adapted into a film streaming on Netflix, this book is maintaining a fair level of attention. Readers generally enjoy the book, and some are even able to guess the twist at the end. Listen to this review to bolster your interpretation of A. J. Finn’s work.

Side note: I am very thankful for those that listen. May you have a wonderful holiday season!

All Episodes currently streaming on most podcast platforms.