Showing posts with label brain injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brain injury. Show all posts

Friday, October 11, 2024

Bestsellling Author Saverio Monachino's Latest Literary Fiction Novel, Little Bit Of Faith, Will Be Available At No Charge In Ebook Format October 15 Through October 17, 2024


 Saverio Monachino amalgamates an odd collection of authors like John Irving, Tom Robbins, and Louise Penny into one, and the servings he presents come complete with a side order of comedy. Saverio believes adding a bit of humor helps wash down the truth while he discusses how open to interpretation the human condition can be.

Bestselling author Saverio Monachino has announced that his new work of literary fiction, 'Little Bit Of Faith', will be available at no charge in ebook form October 15 through October 17 at Amazon.

'Little Bit of Faith' is a unique work of fiction drawn from Monachino’s traumatic brain injury and time spent in a coma. Through skillful storytelling and rich character development, the book offers a captivating and often humorous exploration of the creativity of the human mind and the interconnectedness of existence. The book leaves readers pondering the nature of true faith, the boundaries of one’s perception, the foundations of belief, family love, religious fanaticism, and the meaning of existence, long after the final page is turned. There is a message. It is one word, four letters.

Anyone who handles a patient load knows how difficult some can be. Dr. Selwood (a neuropsychologist) had a real doozy of a case assigned to her, Dr. Arthur McAiden. When McAiden first began his outpatient stint at the Kessler Institute he had trouble stringing cognitive sentences together. Selwood suggested he write his thoughts down, and so he did.

At first, he wrote of the accident itself, which had her wondering how he knew what he did. Then his story moved on and intertwined his recovery process with what she believed to be a work of fiction. If he was trying to have fun at her expense, she did not know. Either way, it didn't matter, but, when he moved on and began describing his take on the triune others have used to describe his faith, she wanted to file this away in the circular trash can beside her desk. Then one of his characters came to life and paid her a visit. While her patient had struggled to re-enter the three-dimensional space those living on earth call home, Dr. Selwood, in turn, now struggled to accept the continuum of life Arthur had presented to her.

George Point, in a review in the Bucks County Herald said, " . . . And there is more, much more to ponder in “Little Bit of Faith,” as Monachino leads us through Arthur McAiden’s comatose, fevered inner life, weaving tales of an international bio-terrorist plot, a plot to wrest control of his biotech company, and a plot to topple another Arthur — a medieval Arthur — as well as Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale.” The full review is available at https://comicfictionnoir.blogspot.com/2024/10/george-points-book-review-of-little-bit.html

Improbable as it may seem, Monachino’s gentle wit and informed narrative style are the glue that hold this metaphysical melange together. If you’re game to take a deep dive into the nature of consciousness, of bosons and other subatomic particles and the search for the ultimate intelligence, with a side trip into the Arthurian legend, 'Little Bit of Faith' may just be your cup of mead."

'Little Bit of Faith' will be available in ebook format at no charge October 15 through October 17, 2024 at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Saverio-J.-Monachino/author/B002BMEFXS.

Monachino is also the author of the bestselling novel 'By Any Means'. In this spellbinding comic murder mystery, Monachino weaves a compelling narrative that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, humor, and suspense.

Leaking top secret information to the Press happens all the time. Just ask those holding government offices in Washington D.C. Up north in Montreal Inspector Gervais has experienced a perfected form of this art.

It all started on a typical summer night with Giorgio sitting on the roof reciting poetry, dressed from head to toe in leather and watching a man in the alley commit murder … with a hard salami. His life literally falls into the hands of the good Inspector and that’s when the fun begins.

“What,” Inspector Gervais wants to know, “do an overweight grocer, batman, tax attorneys, a dysfunctional Italian family, city politics and an esoteric secret society that may or may not be the remnants of the Knights Templar have in common?” Not much, but this is all he has to go on as he races to solve a gruesome murder ‘By Any Means’. Montréal in the summertime can be fun, murder can be funnier.

Readers and reviews alike have praised ‘By Any Means’. One Amazon reviewer said, "By Any Means is a fast paced, intriguing read. It immediately thrusts you into an unusual murder setting, which both grabs your interest to continue and introduces you to the witty writing style of the author. The book unfolds into a collage of family and other relationships, informative diversions into interesting areas of learning, and a front row seat to figuring out 'who dunnit’. I enjoyed the many interesting characters along with the wit and humor. I look forward to more from Saverio."

Another stated, "Funny? Yes, and the comedy is truly both deep and subtle. A mystery? Indeed, a murder mystery but those pages seem to cover the deeper mystery investigated by the author. It is obvious that BY ANY MEANS has gone to great lengths to open up more important questions than a who killed whom, as one begins to see the outlay of dysfunctional family dynamics, its development and picturesque guides to finding the right way to reconnect. After all, what in the world is more important, being the head of a super-secret organization that is hundreds, if not thousands of years old, or finding a mate who will hold your hand and bring a smile to your face. If that isn't enough of a psychological thriller then the author layers another common paradigm for the unrepentant on top; why is politics so much more important than truth."

Saverio was recently interviewed on "Let's Talk" on WDVR Radio in Sergeantsville, NJ. The interview is available at his website at https://comicfictionnoir.com/about/.

Saverio has also been interviewed by Theresa O’Brian. The interview and book review of ‘Little Bit of Faith’ is available at the Bethlehem Press website.

Saverio Monachino is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at r1234f56r@yahoo.com. More information is available on his website at https://comicfictionnoir.com.

"A Little Bit of Faith" and "By Any Means" are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Saverio-J.-Monachino/author/B002BMEFXS.

About Saverio Monachino:

Saverio Monachino has worked in the Bio-Pharmaceutical arena in various regions of the U.S. and Canada (and dragged his family along with him). He had discovered compounds that advanced into clinical trials while managing large R&D teams. Things happen, life changes, comas come and when lucky, they go, and now, as a TBI survivor, he has had to, as the saying goes, ‘move the cheese’. Now, he lives, writes, and has fun.

One book he co-authored, "Frenchtown New Jersey: History Along the River," during his free time while helping run a bookstore in Frenchtown NJ. During his recovery process, he also organized a radio theatre troop which performed both on air and on stage and, more recently, became a founding member of a very distinguished philosopher’s guild where old men can pontificate on any topic they wish while asking the proverbial question ‘is anyone listening to me?’. Of course, first and foremost, writing about the experiences within his head while comatose is what drives his works of fiction

Contact:

Saverio Monachino
https://comicfictionnoir.com
r1234f56r@yahoo.com

Leia Mais…

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Annette Langer, Author Of 'Healing Through Humor', Chosen As Spotlighted Volunteer By Pleasanton CA Police Department

April is National Volunteer Month. Annette Langer was recently chosen as the first police volunteer to be spotlighted by the Pleasanton CA Police Department. Ms. Langer is a breast cancer survivor, a brain injury survivor, and the author of ‘Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World.’

April is National Volunteer month. Author Annette Langer was recently selected by the Pleasanton CA Police Department, profiling her duties as a police volunteer. Langer is the author of 'Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life' and 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World: Diary of A Fearless Travel Agent'. Ms. Langer will combine her work as a police volunteer and her writing skills in her forthcoming book about her experiences of the last seven years as a police volunteer.

“I was so honored to be selected as the first of our twenty-five VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) to be spotlighted each month. This new project of recognition will assist newer police officers and those who don’t work closely with us to learn more about us and our varied backgrounds,” Langer says. The notice hangs in a prominent spot on the police bulletin board beginning April, National Volunteer Month.

In May 2005, Annette became a volunteer for the Pleasanton Police Department and currently serves on patrol and in the Investigations Division.  She performs administrative duties in the Crime Prevention Unit and assists the Criminal Investigations Unit with the Juvenile Diversion program and with research for complex financial crime cases. She received a Special Recognition award from the Chief of Police in 2006 and was named Police Volunteer of the Year in 2008.

As an author, Langer initially wrote just for herself to create a personal record of all the medical experiences she's had, from brain injury to breast cancer. She thought others might benefit from her positive outlook in order to help overcome their own challenges. As a result, 'Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life' was born. Published in 2005, the book has become an important catalyst in helping others focus on matters other than the physical obstacles they may be facing. Through her lectures at various hospitals, assisted living centers, community venues, and bookstores, she readily demonstrates her philosophy on life: The world is your oyster—go make a pearl. Her personal stories encompass humor and inspire others to create their own life treasures by developing their ability to recognize their own resilience through the power of positive thinking.

If she were to have a second philosophy on life, it would be simply: Life goes on. Langer's positive outlook is grounded once again in her second book, 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World, Diary of a Fearless Travel Agent', published in 2010. Her stories detail many comical, unusual and, at times, sobering situations in which she's found herself during her travels to all seven continents. She balances her tales of adventure with a multitude of funny anecdotes, displaying her characteristic positive outlook when facing challenges.

Her forthcoming book to be released in late 2012 details her activities as a volunteer for her local police department. "Eyes and Ears”—Police Volunteers will recount many of the humorous as well as somber experiences she and her volunteer partners have had over the years while performing their duties. An excerpt titled 'Crime Fighter' can be found in the August 23, 2011, issue of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart'.

Langer is also a frequent contributor to anthologies, online magazines, and blogs. Her most recent offering titled 'A Long and Bumpy Road to Relief' will appear in the May 22, 2012, issue of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbye to Back Pain'.

“Being a police volunteer is so rewarding,” says Langer. “I want to share my experiences with people who may be unaware of how far-reaching and gratifying it can be to give back to the community in an unexpected way. Whether working inside the police station or patrolling the city in a police car with a volunteer partner, this experience is both gratifying and exhilarating.”

Annette Langer is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at alanger2@gmail.com. 'Healing through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life' and 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World' are available in both print and e-book formats at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and major book retailers. Personally autographed first-edition copies of her books are available through her website.

Profile:

Annette Langer is originally from Chicago and has lived in Pleasanton CA since 1998.  She spent a rewarding career in a variety of Federal Government jobs from court reporter to office manager. In May 2005 Annette became a volunteer for the Pleasanton Police Department and currently serves on patrol and in the Investigations Division. She performs administrative duties in the Crime Prevention Unit and assists the Criminal Investigations Unit with the Juvenile Diversion program and with research for complex financial crime cases. She has been a successful published author since 2005.

Contact:

Annette Langer
www.AnnetteLanger.com
alanger2@gmail.com

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Author Saverio Monachino Champions The Cause Of Traumatic Brain Injury Sufferers, Announces Speaking Tour


A former scientist, Monachino suffers from a traumatic brain injury. Nonetheless he has managed to overcome the challenges he has faced and has gone on to become a successful author. He has announced a speaking tour in support of sufferers of traumatic brain injury and hopes to help others by demonstrating what can be accomplished

For some people, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be an ending. For Dr. Saverio Monachino, TBI has been the catalyst for a transition. Dr. Monachino holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a Doctorate in biological sciences from Georgetown University. His work experience includes many years in the bio-pharmaceutical arena including drug discovery and development along with technology innovation and implementation. The traumatic brain injury he suffered, the result of an automobile accident, led to a major change in his life. However, the change he experienced also was responsible for a new world opening up before him - the world of writing.

While Saverio has undergone the life altering experiences TBI induces, he now uses his writing talent as a departure point in his life’s new adventure. Why become a writer? Simply put, Saverio has a lot to talk about now, and he finds it fun to delve into various perspectives on the meaning of life, the universe and pretty much everything else. With his special experience Saverio thinks adding his two cents to these topics is the right thing to do. He hopes to help others do the same and has announced a speaking tour that will begin early in 2011.

“So many parts of one’s brain," stated Dr. Monachino, "are altered by the TBI experience. Some are closed down or severely handicapped, others open up and lead to enhanced comprehension in new arenas. While still capable, I want to explore this new world and in my books relate what I see to others. Different is different, not necessarily worse, maybe better. I want to be a reminder of sorts, that recovery is slow, but it is real.”

Saverio Monachino's writing style has been termed 'Kurt Vonnegut meets Mark Twain'. Dr. Monachino describes it as 'comic fiction noir'. Regardless of the terms used, his attempt is to use humor to open the door to serious discussion about very important human issues.

Dr. Monachino's speaking tour will begin early in 2011. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

1. How to survive without remembering
2. Relearning to translate thoughts to words
3. Experiences in rehabilitation
4. What it is like to have a 3 Dimensional world torn away and then reformed (cognitive nodes disconnect and reconnect).
5. How incoming and outgoing messages are processed without filters
6. Things essential to help re-integrate a TBI survivor into society.
7. What is dreaming?
8. Learning to live with memory loss

Many of these topics are highlighted in his serious efforts to write about his recovery process (http://mytraumaticbraininjury.blogspot.com). The entry dated November 4, 2010 is most interesting.

Details and booking information are available by contacting Dr. Monachino at r1234f56r@yahoo.com. Information on his books is available at his website. Dr. Monachino is available for media interview and can be contacted using the information below.

"I am happy to be here," asserts Dr. Monachino, "and this is what I tell everyone who asks about the accident. Lucky to be here is more apt. Fortunate too, because so many people I do not know and most likely will never meet, helped. That list is enormous and it starts with whoever called 911, and progresses to the man who jumped in the car to check on my condition, the helicopter pilot, the nurses and doctors in the surgical suite and all of those who worked in ICU. With this list I have only gotten started because I was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital and later, as an outpatient, continued therapy. It is only in the outpatient program that my memory begins to reconnect so that I can identify some of those to whom I am grateful. Altogether there are so many people who lent a hand and without their efforts I would not be here. This is why I want to begin to repay. But in all honesty the best way for me to do this is to reach out to those in the rehabilitation process. And this is what I want to do."

Profile:

Dr. Saverio Monachino has one book published (By Any Means) and three more completed manuscripts waiting for the right opportunity. Saverio, when describing himself, simply states “I’m a scientist, or at least I was”. While by trade he was a very accomplished scientist, life changes, and challenges with a twist of fate have come to play and this has allowed him to follow his true passion: revel creatively in the complexities of the human condition, i.e., be a writer. Of course the artistic interpretation of life only points out the problems he observes while the other side of Saverio’s brain is always searching for answers. He believes that the concepts of right and wrong, like truth and beauty, seem to lie in the eyes of the beholder, and the only way to get people to question their interpretation is to make them laugh first, and then think.

Dr. Monachino was born and raised in Virginia the son of immigrant parents. He has a bachelor degree from the University of Virginia and a Doctorate in biological sciences from Georgetown University. Saverio has spent time working in the biopharmaceutical arena including drug discovery and development along with technology innovation and implementation. When not in workaholic mode Saverio spends time exploring various states in this country and provinces of Canada. He uses this exposure to regional idiosyncrasies as a source for the interesting characters populating his stories.

Contact:

Saverio Monachino
3 Brown Court,
Annandale, NJ 08801
908-399-4606
www.ComicFictionNoir.com
r1234f56r@yahoo.com

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