Six Fascinating Memoirs and Reviews written by Brenda Mohammed

Book Review

My Life as a Banker
ByBookaholic on July 7, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
My Life As A Banker: A Life Worth Living is a fascinating, intimate story. The author has an engaging writing style that draws you into the story and you feel as though she is talking directly to you, the reader. There is a nice balance between the professional and the personal and while I found the professional aspects rewarding, the highlight for me was reading about the author's interesting life.

The social history aspects of the book also fascinated me, particularly the descriptions of life in Trinidad and I would imagine that this memoir will serve as an important document for social historians in years to come.

This might sound strange to say about a book with Banker in the title, but the author demonstrates quite vividly that there are far more important things than money in life.

BOOK REVIEW

The book takes the reader on a journey of fun and adventure through many travels
By L.K on October 6, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Retirement is Fun: A New Chapter, is a seamless account of family life, hard work, and dedication. The author talks about her impressive career from banker to an insurance agent, to a lifetime member of the company that she worked for. Through it all, she beat the odds of life-threatening health problems. The book takes the reader on a journey of fun and adventure through many travels, work, and family life, that make retirement seem worthwhile.Roza K.

Book Review

TRAVEL MEMOIRS WITH PICTURES Exploring the World By Brenda Mohammed

By Josephine Calabrese on February 15, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Enjoyable Memoirs of Author's Travels

An informative and enjoyable book to read. The author writes of her world travels with her family. She shares her experiences with the reader.
You'll read about the various sites to see in each location, the restaurants with delicious foods, and which restaurants are more reasonable in cost and which more expensive. She writes about the various ways to travel and of the climate of the location. You read her travels to different locations in the world:
Paris, Germany, Amsterdam (Holland), New York (USA), LosAngeles, California(USA), Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), London (United Kingdom), Toronto (Canada), Colorado (USA), New Orleans (USA), Italy, Spain, Miami (USA), Orlando (USA), Caribbean Vacations, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, Caracas, Barbados, Cruise to the Bahamas, Cartegena, Cruise to Cozumel (Mexico), Trinidad and Tobago.

Nearing the end of her book she ends with a delightful poem of her travels. This was a nice touch!

Book Review

completed on:
02/16/2017
Review Rating:
5 stars! Download your free 5 Star Seal.Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

I Am Cancer Free by Mrs. Brenda C. Mohammed is the poignant memoir of the author's personal battle with cancer. Her faith in God and proving that ovarian cancer need not be a death sentence are what make this memoir a heartrending read. The author's 'never say die' attitude, the decision not to give up in life, and finally being cancer-free will encourage everyone who has been diagnosed with the disease or who has suffered from cancer. The memoir recounts from the time of diagnosis the experiences the author went through during the treatment, her emotions, fears, finances, until the successful treatment of the disease. It is a courageous story of survival, faith, and strength.

The author chronicles every step of her journey methodically, without leaving anything out, making the narration very personal, honest, and palpable to readers. The presence of God in everyone's life, a positive attitude, and the power of prayers run through the memoir. The author reiterates the fact that faith in God removes all obstacles in life. The conversational style of writing connects well with readers, making it easy for them to understand her journey. The author has also shared the poems she wrote during that phase in her life, where she again speaks about her story, faith in the Lord, and a Higher Power. For all those who are suffering from cancer and are battling the disease, this book is a must-read as it will give them hope, strength, and courage to fight the disease.

Book Review

A Time to Read: A Beautiful and Soulful Tale about Trust and Belief in the Lord!
By Author JB Richardson November 16, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Having herself experienced a lifetime of tragedy and joy, Author Brenda Mohammed assumes the mantle of theologian/philosopher in her quest to understand and explain the elegance and meaning found in the biblical verses extolled in Ecclesiastes 3.
In "Your TIME is NOW: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die", Mohammed fully examines each memorable and precious verse and applies them to her own life experiences.
In doing so, she takes the reader on a journey through a lifetime filled with trials and tribulations, despair and hope, loss and success. The author eloquently defines Ecclesiastes 3, pointing out that, by freely accepting God's will, she has been amply blessed with a faithful family, loyal mentors, good friends, and a full life.
She successfully leaves her readers with a message of hope and inspiration by sharing her belief that, through introspection and prayer, one may find meaning within the events of their own everyday experiences. She appears to be a firm proponent to the old adage, "When days seem at their darkest, surrendering and trusting in the divine will ensure peace and prosperity".
All in all, I found this book to be quite engaging. The author's reflections on her childhood were beyond charming in some spots, yet brought me to tears in others. Her candidness about her relationships with parents, siblings, husband, and her own children reminded me so much of my own family's saga, and I must admit that I was thrilled to find a read that tugged at my heartstrings the way this book did!
For any individual seeking solace and meaning in today's hectic world, "Your TIME is NOW: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die" is a beautiful and soulful read.
Thank you, Brenda Mohammed, for sharing your journey with me!

Book Review

AN INSPIRATION TO ALL
ByJosephine Calabrese on February 22, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Memoirs of Dr. Andrew Moonir Khan: Journey of an Educator by Brenda Mohammed

Reading of Dr. Andrew Moonir's youth, life as an educator and church leader, I have come to know this man as a decent man, individual of good character, and a man who thought, planned out, and in a step-by-step process persevered to achieve his goals. Great men aren't forgotten and all learn from such men.

If a documentary hasn't been done on Dr. Andrew Moonir Khan's Life, his life should be filmed in a documentary. He is an inspiration.

Josephine Calabrese
Writer, Lyricist, Publisher, and Teacher

AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY

Brenda Mohammed is an award –winning multi -genre writer and former Bank Manager who has written sixteen books to date.
She is an accomplished traveller.
Her travel experiences have translated into a captivating array of travel-inspired non-fiction books. A reviewer of one of her books on travel said,
While many people travel, few of us are capable of sharing our experience in a meaningful and relevant way with strangers. This author does a superb job.
Brenda is also a writer of fiction.
This excerpt from a review of one of her books from Readers Favorite confirms that she is very good at it.
Revenge of Zeeka, by Brenda Mohammed, is a one of a kind novella trilogy that delivers an incredible story guaranteed to give readers an absolute sci-fi treat.
I especially liked how Brenda used current events as the pivotal point from which to build this amazing sci-fi horror. This made the story even more relatable. More importantly, however, I admired how she owned her story and created this captivating version of events. She captured with an amazing depth the setting, characters, plot, and emotions in such few words.
Brenda won awards for her books from Metamorph's Publishing and Mc Grath House in 2016. She loves to interact with her readers and other authors.
Brenda lives in the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad and is a fan of photography and art.
She willingly donates books to children's hospitals, national libraries, and school libraries.
Feel free to connect with Brenda through Facebook and Twitter.


Buy the books at Amazon Universal Link

Amazing Memoirs by Real Lives Authors

Meet some Real Lives Authors and read their amazing stories.

Rich Israel is the author of Groovin': Horses, Hopes, and Slippery Slopes (Hippie Adventurer Book 1).

Here is an extract of a review of his book from Readers Favorite.

The author is a highly skilled storyteller--he describes each scene and person so well that the reader feels he was actually present. The book itself is inviting with meaningful quotes at the beginning of each part, some artwork, and a few photographs. The dialogue is crisp and well-
placed.
The reader is engaged from the first page to the last.
Mr. Israel notes that this book is the first of a series he is calling The Hippie Adventurer Series. Looking forward to the next one!" 5 STARS--Deborah Lloyd, Readers' Favorite.
Buy the book at Amazon and read this fascinating story.

Kelly Artieri is the author of A Spot in my Heart: Loving a Special Needs Dog

This is what an Amazon Reviewer had to say about her book.

Reading this book is like having a heart to heart conversation with the author about the joys and heartaches of dog ownership.
My dogs are "normal", but, like people, none are perfect.
Communication in any and all forms is essential in all relationships, whether it's dog to dog, people to dog, or people to people.
I like books that entertain and teach at the same time; this book is one of the best in that regard. This is Ms. Artieri's first book, but I certainly hope it won't be her last.
Grab this amazing book at Amazon.

Jeffrey Von Glahn is the author of Jessica: The autobiography of an infant.

Here is one of the book's best reviews.

Who remembers accounts of their infancy? Of being born? Practically no one. But Jessica is an exception. She remembers before and after her birth. And it points out the fact that it’s so important to get a good start because it can profoundly affect the rest of your life either positively or negatively. Dr. Jeffrey takes you through the stages of Jessica’s life and paints a riveting portrayal of a damaged woman who somehow regains her sense of self. Good plot, good pace, excellent story! Good Job!
Get this at Amazon.

John U. Gunter is the author of My Schizophrenia: One Man's Struggles With Mental Illness.

This is what a doctor said about his book.

Your story helps us to be better clinicians and support you and others with recovery." ~ Dr. Celeste Johnson, DNP, ARPN, PMH-CNS.
Buy the book at this link.

Liz Norman and Tracey Samios have written Mum's the Word: Two Mums' Take on Life with Kids
'An exceptionally funny, helpful and wise take on life as a mum with kids.'

I read and reviewed this book.

Here is my review.

This is a book which brought back memories of motherhood.
It was filled with humour, love, and caring.
The authors are right.
Motherhood does not come with a rulebook.
It was well written and made me laugh.

Buy the book at Amazon.

Raquel Fletcher wrote The Year I Turned 25: A Memoir About Sex, Anxiety and a Dog Named She-Devil.

An Amazon Customer said this about the book.

Loved it! A very honest account of living with anxiety and helped make my own struggles feel more normal. I think it's important to open the dialogue about mental illness in order to break the stigma around it and the author does this in a serious but yet humourous way. I highly recommend to all! Thank you so much, Raquel!
Buy the Book at this link.


Mickey Thomas, an ex-marine wrote the book The Grass Swale: Living With Guilt, Depression, and PTSD

I read and reviewed this book also.
Here is my review.

The Grass Swale is a personal Memoir of the life of the author, Mickey Thomas.
He has shared a great deal of personal information with his readers.
Not many people are brave enough to do so.
He blames himself for the death of his brother, but perhaps if he had accompanied him that night, he too may have met his death in that fatal accident.
His experiences in boot camp and as a Marine were terrifying.
No wonder he suffered from PTSD.
His wife, Hope, and four children were stabilizing factors in his life.
He was even blessed with grandchildren.
Despite the many ups and downs in his life, Mickey has a lot for which to be thankful.
The book was interesting and lessons can be learned from it.

Buy the book at this link.


Jonathan Fryer, a British journalist, wrote Eccles Cakes: An Odd Tale of Survival.

Eccles Cakes is beautifully written, poignantly touching, disarmingly frank. Michael Bloch

Buy the book at this link.

Stephen Bentley is the author of Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story.

Here is my review of the book.

This book is an intriguing depiction of drugs, crime, and passion and the arduous lives of police officers. In his memoir, the author relates his experiences as a young detective right up to Detective Sergeant, and then as an undercover agent. Operation Julie was the highlight of his career in undercover work, and it was also the cause of his illness that caused him to resign. The police service treated him shabbily, but he managed to move forward with his life in an admirable way. He pursued a degree in law, followed it up with post-graduate studies, and had a successful career as a criminal defense barrister until his retirement.
The book was a page-turner, and I enjoyed reading it.

Buy the book at this link.

Mary Thorpe wrote a book about her grandmother - That's just how it was.

Here is a glowing review of the book.

Readers should enjoy this poignant read and be able to experience Bridget's woes and triumphs along with her.
Moreover, they will end by thanking God that women like Bridget existed as role models for women everywhere and that such strong, hardy and steadfast women contributed to forming that charming, quirky, determined Irish character which shines in Irish eyes all over the world." (Shayne Langstroth BEd Hons.Med)

Get the book at this link.


Louise Beaubrun Macaluso wrote Broken to Be Blessed: A Turning Point.

I reviewed this book myself and found it inspiring and motivational.

Here is my review.

Broken to be Blessed is an inspiring and motivational memoir.
The author left her native home to go to America for a better life.
While still getting used to a new country, her life changed dramatically eight months after she arrived there.
Her description of the raging fire, which took the lives of five family members and disfigured her, brought tears to my eyes.
Despite the many months turning into years, she spent in the Burn Unit of the hospital obtaining treatment, and the many trials she faced, she overcame all obstacles. She achieved all of her Education goals and found a wonderful husband.
Her strong faith in God and the Bible references she used reminded me of my own life challenges and God’s love, which I too experienced in my life.
Coincidentally, “Great is thy faithfulness,” is also my favorite hymn and theme song.
When I started reading this book it was hard to put down.
It is a page-turner.
I recommend this book very highly.
Get the book at Amazon.

Evelyn Mann wrote Miracle In My Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann.

This is another book that I had the privilege of reading and reviewing.

Here is my review.

This book was inspiring and evoked my emotions.
It is indeed a story of hope and faith in God for parents who were determined to see their baby survive despite the doctor's negative diagnosis.
They overcame many trials and obstacles through that eleven-year journey.
Miracles do happen and I believe in miracles because I have experienced many in my life.
I recommend the book to all who are faced with similar circumstances.
Never give up.

Get the book at Amazon.

Ann Marie Mershon wrote You must only to love them: Lessons Learned in Turkey.
This book is really popular and has received 55 reviews to date.

Read this wonderful review from one of her fans.

American author Ann Merson should be Turkey's ambassador for world peace. From the moment she first set foot in this fascinating country, she never wavered from her love of all things Turkish. I know because I lived these stories with her. Ann writes from the heart, with a keen eye for human interest, and with a fascination for the threads that bind humanity. "You must only to love them," states her Turkish friend, and love the Turks and Turkey Ann Mershon does, from the first page to the last. You will be spellbound by the adventures Ann jumps into head first, as well as struck by the kind nature of the Turks emanating from the book's pages, as well as its message of co-existing in and embracing new cultures. For me, the book was a walk down Memory Lane, but for you, it will perhaps be an eye-opener that shows, not a strange and unwelcoming Middle Eastern mindset, as is often portrayed in inaccurate reporting, but a loving and welcoming culture that embraces kindness to one another, helpfulness, and tolerance. Read and savor Ann’s account of her extended international teaching stay.

Get the book at Amazon.

Rebecca Long Howard wrote about a huge catastrophe in her life - The Day After the End of the World: A Tale of Catastrophe and Other Gifts.

One of Rebecca's fans wrote this review.

Habitually, I read with a book propped on something: desk, table, steering wheel (not while driving, I promise).
When I read this book, I had to hold it in my hands.
The author tells the story with her heart and soul, giving the reader the closest glimpse possible of the heartache and triumph she experienced. From fear and tragedy to hope and victory, she made sense of chaos.
Well done.
Get her book at this link.


Peter H. Green is another remarkable author who wrote Radio: One Woman's Family in War and Pieces (Voices of World War II Book 2).

An Amazon reviewer praised Peter's work in this review.

A heart-warming story of a loving and hard working family during World WAR II.
It brings back long forgotten memories of listening to the radio, Victory gardens, rationing books, women in new roles at home and work.
Well done - look back to another era in everyday life.
George Bohigian MD

Buy the book at Amazon


Liesbeth Heenk is a Dutch art historian, author, and publisher. She has written a series on Van Gogh. The books deal with various aspects of the artist's life and work: Van Gogh's Inner Struggle, Van Gogh and Money, Van Gogh in Love. Most of the volumes are available in English, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. She also published the series Amsterdam Museum Books for tourists and visitors who want to get the most out of their trip to Amsterdam.

A reviewer had this to say about Liesbeth's Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam: Highlights of the Collection.

I bought this as a series of ebooks to prepare me for my upcoming trip to Amsterdam. This one is my favorite, since I feel a special connection to Van Gogh. While this book is definitely a great resource for the museum, I was pleasantly surprised at all the history and context included as well. For instance, this book discusses the Japanese influence on some of Van Gogh's work--something I have not read in other books on this artist. In addition, Van Gogh's contemporaries are also discussed. Even the smallest interesting facts--such as the meaning of almond blossoms as it relates to a painting Van Gogh did--are included. Along with maps and resources, the detailed information on Van Gogh in this book is invaluable. A definite must-have for those planning to visit this museum!

Get her books at this link on Amazon.

Cheryl Evans wrote the book I Promised Not to Tell: Raising a transgender child.

Here is an extract of a review from Readers Favorite.

In the closing pages of I Promised Not to Tell by Cheryl B. Evans, the author says she wonders if she has made a mistake in publishing this book. Let me begin by assuring her the only mistake would have been to not publish it. I Promised Not to Tell is quite possibly one of the most important books to date on a very controversial and little understood social issue: transgenderism. I Promised Not to Tell will open a few more minds, clarify the myths and falsehoods, and get more people talking openly about what being transgender really means. I loved I Promised Not to Tell. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended reading." - Viga Boland for Readers Favorite 5 Stars!

Get the book at this link.

Ann Richardson wrote Life in a Hospice: Reflections on caring for the dying.

Here is the latest review of the book.

Ann Richardson did an excellent job with this book. For some, hearing the word "hospice" may seem intimidating. However, this book is about living; it depicts the lives of individuals who are devoted to selflessly aid fellow human beings who are facing their darkest time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Life In A Hospice, because it teaches poignant life lessons we all should be aware of in order to be our best selves. I highly recommend it!

Get the book at this link.

Last, but not least, is my story, My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living

This story is not only about banking, but it is about my personal life and how and where I met my husband.
I also wrote about my very first trip abroad which took me to New York, Canada, London, Germany, and Holland.
My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living was voted second in Bio/Memoirs in Metamorph's Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards 2016.

Here is one review of the book which I like very much.
Inspiring and eminently interesting story
Kato's Revenge on June 26, 2016
Format: Paperback
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
For those of us who are not in the banking industry, and for me, especially living in a country where the capital is the financial hub of the country (perhaps the world) you might think a story called My Life As A Banker would be too dry to enjoy.

Author Brenda Mohammed has written quite a few books across different genres.
This book is a relatively quick read but readers can be taken along her life's journey as they turn the pages.

I found myself more interested in the 'Life Worth Living' elements of the book. I congratulate her hard work which allowed her to work in the banking industry and get promoted. But I was more interested in the personal side of things, for example how she met her husband (that's an excellent segment of the book) and also attaining her strict father's support for the marriage.

The author's approach to writing this memoir is direct and therefore one imagines this is how she would speak in real life. But the tale is told with such verve and energy, it is an enjoyable book that people will find much to like.

The real-life stories contained within are things we can all relate to.
Things such as ending up in a great city like Toronto, but being sick at the time and told 'you shouldn't go out then'.
But this is not the author's approach to life.
If you have read her Travel Memoir With Pictures, you will understand what an accomplished traveller this lady is.

There are some surprisingly gory scenes in the book, tempered by some poignant sadness around certain family members, as well as the central theme of how the author made her living in the banking sector.

It's an interesting and very readable memoir from one of the more creative authors out there.

Get the book at my Amazon Universal link.

There you have it-----Real lives stories by Real Lives Authors,writing books for you to enjoy.

Fascinating Memoirs I have read from Facebook Group - Real Lives

Book Description

At the age of fifteen Mickey loses his older brother who is killed in a car accident; an accident that took split second timing for two cars to come in contact on a remote highway in rural Iowa.
At age twenty he arrives in Vietnam as a US Marine Corp Infantryman.
The Grass Swale is a section of footpath in Vietnam that changes the lives of six Marines, including the author, who lives with the mental anguish and nightmares caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mickey shares his life story with a sense of humor only those who know him can appreciate.
I have been told by a professional that you must be present during an event for it to cause PTSD. Call it what you want but events such as the death of my brother and its effect on me will also never go away.
In Arnold Palmer’s book, A Golfer’s Life, he describes an event while at Wake Forest, where his roommate and golf team member was killed in a car accident. He had been invited to go along with his roommate but declined. He describes that event as a “shadow” in his life.
I, for one, understand exactly what he meant. My shadow has been darker, much darker.
The fact I was not present when Bucky hit the booby trap does not take the anxiety away; what effect has it had on his life, how could things have been different, what could I have done? It could have been me.
Why wasn’t it? Did it happen to me in another place or time?


My Review
Five Stars

The book was interesting and lessons can be learned from it.
ByBrenchrison March 21, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The Grass Swale is a personal Memoir of the life of the author, Mickey Thomas.
He has shared a great deal of personal information with his readers.
Not many people are brave enough to do so.
He blames himself for the death of his brother, but perhaps if he had accompanied him that night, he too may have met his death in that fatal accident.
His experiences in boot camp and as a Marine were terrifying.
No wonder he suffered from PTSD.
His wife, Hope, and four children were stabilizing factors in his life.
He was even blessed with grandchildren.
Despite the many ups and downs in his life, Mickey has a lot for which to be thankful.
The book was interesting and lessons can be learned from it.

The book is written by Mickey Thomas and can be purchased HERE


I read another Memoir written by Tracey Samios and Lis Norman.

Here is the Book Description.

Motherhood doesn’t come with a rule book.
Sometimes you wonder if anyone feels the same way you do.
Am I feeding them right? Am I loving them enough?
Can I exchange this one for a newer model that doesn’t cry so much?
There’s nothing better than feeling understood like there’s someone else out there who gets it.

This collection of two life long friends’ motherly stories, quotes, and memories – both fond and ones they’d sooner forget – will show you there’s no such thing as a perfect mum, and at the end of the day, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

After all; “Mothers are all slightly insane”
JD Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye.

My Review

Five Stars

This is a book which brought back memories of motherhood.
It was filled with humour, love, and caring.
The authors are right.
Motherhood does not come with a rule- book.
It was well written and made me laugh.
Buy the Book HERE

The book by Steven Bentley was a compelling read.

Book Description

This unflinching memoir … opens up a world of drugs, crime, passion, and fear in a way that no other book has ever been able to do: because it's true… Bentley's sympathetic and yet tough view on those that he met and the people that both helped and hindered him is gripping, and his narrative sweep can sometimes make you forget that this is fact, not fiction.

My Review

Five Stars

This book is an intriguing depiction of drugs, crime, and passion and the arduous lives of police officers. In his memoir, the author relates his experiences as a young detective right up to Detective Sergeant, and then as an undercover agent. Operation Julie was the highlight of his career in undercover work, and it was also the cause of his illness that caused him to resign. The police service treated him shabbily, but he managed to move forward with his life in an admirable way. He pursued a degree in law, followed it up with post-graduate studies, and had a successful career as a criminal defense barrister until his retirement.
The book was a page-turner, and I enjoyed reading it.
You can buy the book HERE

I will be reading more books from this group. Take a sneak peek at the fascinating books they have written in this picture.