(NewsUSA)

"The Light of Ishtar"
by Said Elias Dawlabani

An ancient goddess in the light of a contemporary love story . . .

This poignant memoir draws parallels between the ancient goddess Ishtar and the author's wife and soulmate, Elza Maalouf, recognizing inner energies that are universal.

For over a decade, Maalouf spearheaded the resurrection of feminine power in the Middle East. Said became an eminent speaker and author. Brilliant and dynamic, this Lebanese-American couple seemed destined for greatness -- until disaster struck.

 With rare courage he explores the dark side of the psyche when, at age 49, Elza begins descending into speechless dementia. Ishtar's journey to the Underworld mirrors them both. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3y17nfj.

"You Might Feel a Little Prick"
by Reuben Leder

A screaming snowman plummets from the top floor of Cleveland Mercy Hospital and disappears into the snow drifts. By the time his thawed corpse is discovered, a body count of incompetents, frauds, and crooks who call this chamber of horrors home has snowballed.

Could these "disappearances" have anything to do with the bogus spine operation on ex-ballplayer Nick Glass or the wrongful termination of idealistic intern Dr. Julie Toffoli?

 Hysterically funny, troubling and finally moving, this book answers the question we've all been asked by someone in a white coat: Just what is your level of pain? Kirkus calls it "a scathing look at the medical industry ... The author delivers the story with comic panache." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3yCMU0C.

"This Distance We Call Love"
by Carol Dines

These stories explore the complexities of contemporary family life with humor and insight. The book focuses on our most intimate relationships: sisters battle issues of duty and obligation when one sister becomes homeless; a mother and daughter take a trip to Mexico, only to be followed by the daughter's stalker; a family living in Rome must contend with their daughter's rape; parents navigate raising their only child in the age of climate change; a bi-racial daughter whose mother is dying battles her own internet sex addiction.

 The stories delve deeply into the relationships that impact and inform our lives, creating a portrait of American family life today. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3yHX54l.

"Science and Beyond: Toward Greater Sanity through Science, Philosophy, Art, and Spirituality"
by Rolf Sattler

Science has become the dominant force in most parts of the world. Thus, it affects our lives and society in many ways. Yet, misconceptions about science are widespread in governments, the general public and even among many scientists. "Science and Beyond" explores these misconceptions that may have grave and even disastrous consequences for individuals and society as was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they led to much unnecessary suffering, sickness and death.

 The misconceptions also obscure the limitations of science, which prevents us from going beyond them and thus leads to an impoverished life. But reaching beyond the limitations of science, as outlined in this book, can open the doors to a more fulfilled, saner, healthier, happier and more peaceful life and society. Visit www.RolfSattler.com.

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