Thursday, November 6, 2025

The Philosopher’s Guide to Live, Suffering and Kidney Stones

  

 


Nonfiction / Health

Date Published: June 5, 2025


 


 Let’s face it—life throws rocks at all of us. Sometimes metaphorical, sometimes literal, and occasionally they hit you directly in the kidneys.
 
Welcome to the survival guide you didn’t know you needed—for pain, philosophy, and the Dirty Rotten Bastards known as kidney stones.
 
Written by Dr. Carmin Kalorin, a board-certified Urologist and Navy Veteran with a sharp sense of humor and a well-loved copy of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, this book is equal parts medical manual, philosophical deep-dive, and brutally honest pep talk. From ancient Greek tragedy to Zen detachment, from Schopenhauer’s existential gloom to modern pain meds that actually work, Dr. Kalorin arms you with science, insight, and just the right amount of sarcasm to help you endure the worst pain imaginable—and maybe even grow from it.
 
Inside, you’ll discover:

●  Why kidney stones hurt so damn much (hint: it’s not just the jagged edges)

●  How to suffer like a philosopher—or just survive like a human

●  What Stoics, Buddhists, and Navy SEALs can teach us about pain

●  How to stop these unholy invaders from ever coming back

 

Whether you’re mid-attack, recovering, or just preparing for the day your body decides to throw a mutiny, The Philosopher’s Guide to Life, Suffering, and Kidney Stones offers clarity, catharsis, and some much-needed laughs—because if suffering is inevitable, we might as well face it with wisdom and a plan.
 
Grab some water (seriously, hydrate), settle in (writhing optional), and turn the page. You’re not alone!


About the Author


Carmin M. Kalorin, M.D. is a board-certified urologist and founder of the Kidney Stone Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, one of the highest-volume kidney stone treatment centers in the nation. Over the past decade, his team’s dedication to patient-centered care has placed the center in the top 1.5% nationally for stone treatment volume.

With over 20 years of experience specializing in minimally invasive surgery and kidney stone management, Dr. Kalorin has seen firsthand how painful and life-disruptive kidney stones can be. His mission goes beyond treatment—he is passionate about empowering patients through education. By helping people understand why kidney stones form, how pain develops, and what prevention truly looks like, he believes patients can reclaim control over their health.

That philosophy led to his book, The Philosopher’s Guide to Life, Suffering, and Kidney Stones (but Mostly Kidney Stones)—a blend of practical medical insights and timeless philosophical wisdom. Drawing from thousands of patient conversations, Dr. Kalorin translates complex medical science into approachable, often humorous lessons about resilience, suffering, and the human condition.


Equal parts clinician, teacher, and philosopher, Dr. Kalorin writes with the conviction that knowledge is the most powerful tool in medicine—and that even life’s sharpest pains can reveal deeper meaning.


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Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The Well-Tempered Violinist

  




Book 1 of The Gift

 

Historical Fiction

Date to be Published: November 5, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing


Marthe Adler dreams of making history as a great violinist. But in 1905 Germany, tradition and deep-seated prejudice against women musicians stand in her way. To make matters worse, her beloved father’s sudden death shatters her family’s comfortable life, pushing them to the edge of poverty.

But the violin Marthe’s father left her is a constant reminder of the profound bond between them, and it gives her the strength to begin healing. When the Köln Conservatory offers her an unexpected scholarship, she seizes her chance to reach for excellence.

Under the rigorous tutelage of Professorin Wolff, and subjected to predatory harassment by a fellow student determined to destroy both her self-worth and her chances of success, Marthe quickly learns she will need more than motivation and talent to rise to the top.

Filled with heart, wit, and music, The Well-Tempered Violinist is an enduring coming-of-age tale about an artist striving for greatness against enormous odds.

 

About the Author


Retired architect Barbara Thornburgh Carlton is an author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Though not a musician, she remains music-adjacent as a volunteer for the San Diego Opera and the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival in Washington. The mother of two grown children who are remarkably considerate about keeping in touch, she lives in San Diego, California, with her photographer husband, Barry.

The Well-Tempered Violinist, Book 1 of The Gift series, is her first novel.

 

Contact Links

Facebook: Barbara Thornburgh Carlton, Writer

Instagram: @btcarlton_writer 


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Echoes of Fortune – Shadows Over Cozumel

 



Mystery, Thriller

Date Published: November 11, 2025

 


What would you risk to uncover a secret buried for over 150 years?

From bestselling and multi–award-winning author David R. Leng comes the next pulse-pounding installment in the Echoes of Fortune series.

His debut, Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold, captivated readers and earned a 4.5-star rating on Goodreads. Now the adventure continues with a brand-new novella that plunges deeper into history’s deadliest secrets.

When historian Jack Sullivan, Smithsonian curator Emma Wilson, and fellow former Navy SEAL Steve Johnson set out for a Thanksgiving dive off Cozumel, they expect nothing more than warm waters and forgotten wrecks. Instead, they uncover a Confederate ghost ship that vanished in 1865—along with a sealed brass tube containing secrets powerful enough to change history.

But they’re not alone. Shadowy mercenaries and a black-hulled yacht stalk their every move, determined to silence them before the truth surfaces. From dazzling reefs to the back alleys of Veracruz, Jack and his team are forced into a deadly game where history isn’t past—it’s a weapon.

Some secrets don’t want to be found. And some will kill to stay buried.

Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, and James Rollins, Shadows Over Cozumel delivers nonstop action, historical intrigue, and a mystery that spans centuries.


Excerpt

Chapter 1

 

 

Cozumel Mexico

Thursday, November 22, 2018

8:56 AM

 

The black mega yacht waited beyond Cozumel’s harbor mouth, a dark predator lurking in sunlit waters. Cruise ships gleamed at the pier, fishing boats slipped out toward the open sea, but this vessel did not belong. Sleek, silent, and perfectly placed in deeper water, it radiated intent.

At the bow rail, a man in a white Panama hat with a dark band stood with military stillness, his weathered hands gripping the binoculars trained on the harbor. A gold watch caught the light as he lifted his wrist to check the time.

A striking young woman approached in a sheer white cover-up over her swimsuit, her smile as rehearsed as the silver tray she carried. She might have been a model from one of the glossy magazines scattered in the salon, another prop in the theater of wealth the man commanded.

Ice clinking, he took the drink without a glance, eyes locked on the port, as if even beauty and luxury were beneath his notice.

“Sir,” a subordinate murmured, appearing at his shoulder, “the Americans arrived last evening. Right on schedule.”

The binoculars never wavered.

“Our marine park contact confirmed they requested to dive La Sombra.” The man paused, then continued in his Caribbean accent, “We’ve been tracking them since they arrived. Sullivan—the professor, the tall one. His Smithsonian curator fiancée. And his fellow former SEAL friend. Our hacker says he’s been digging into the Del Rio.”

Through the lenses, he watched three figures board the Maria Elena—a tall, blond man helping the athletic woman with her gear, the muscular Black man arranging air tanks with quiet efficiency.

“Possibly lethal. High profile,” he noted. “We should keep this out of the media if we can. Let them dive.” He lowered the binoculars, his eyes tracking the dive boat pulling from the pier. “But if they become a problem...history will bury them too.”


About the Author

 

 David R. Leng, known for his expertise in risk management and insurance, now ventures into the world of fiction with his latest historical thriller, Echoes of Fortune. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, David is the author of International #1 Best Sellers including "Insured to Fail" and "The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction," and has saved clients over $42 million in premiums and overcharges. As Executive Vice President and Partner of the Duncan Financial Group, David is celebrated for his innovative Risk Profile Improvement Process and has earned numerous accolades, including Advisor of the Year by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. An avid contributor to industry publications, David’s passion extends beyond his professional achievements to include boating, skiing, woodworking, and supporting his local high school’s musical productions. His foray into historical thrillers reflects his deep storytelling skills and a lifelong commitment to engaging and captivating audiences.


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Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Pintsized Pioneers at Play

  




Homemade Frontier Fun and Danger written by Preston Lewis and Harriet Kocher Lewis


Young Adult Nonfiction

Date Published: 11-04-2025

Publisher: Bariso Press



Pintsized Pioneers at Play: Homemade Frontier Fun and Danger explores the forgotten world of how kids lived, laughed—and sometimes limped—through their childhood years in the Old West.

While their parents settled the land, these pintsized pioneers explored it, creating their own adventures with homemade toys, daring games, wild animal encounters, and risky escapades. This engaging sequel to the award-winning Pintsized Pioneers: Taming the Frontier, One Chore at a Time shines a spotlight on the joys and perils of play in a land still being tamed.

From exploring the prairie and wrangling critters to celebrating frontier holidays and watching traveling circuses, this book reveals how children carved out fun and entertainment in a rough-and-tumble world. Learn how railroads and mail-order catalogs brought new toys, how schools and churches doubled as social hubs, and how a simple game could end in laughter—or injury.

Written for young adults but fascinating for readers of all ages, Pintsized Pioneers at Play is packed with history, heart, and a hint of danger. Written at a tenth-grade reading level perfect for curious minds, Pintsized Pioneers at Play includes a glossary of related terms.

Perfect for fans of Western history, educators, homeschoolers, and lovers of untold American stories!

 

About the Author

 

Preston Lewis is the award-winning author of more than sixty western, historical, juvenile, and nonfiction works. In 2021 he was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters for his literary achievements. The Will Rogers Medallion Awards named him the 2025 recipient of the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the literature of the American West.

Western Writers of America (WWA) has honored Lewis with three Spur Awards, one for best article, a second for best western novel and a third one for YA nonfiction in 2025. He has received eleven Will Rogers Medallion Awards (seven gold, two silver and two bronze) for written western humor, short stories, YA nonfiction, short nonfiction, and traditional Western novel.

Harriet Kocher Lewis is a retired physical therapist and PT educator. As an assistant clinical professor of physical therapy at Angelo State University, she taught documentation and scientific writing among other topics as the department’s coordinator of clinical education.

After retirement she became the publisher of Bariso Press and in that capacity an award-winning author and editor. Books she has edited have earned a Spur Award, Will Rogers Gold and Bronze Medallions for YA nonfiction and western humor, a Literary Global Book Award for cookbooks, and an Independent Author Award for western nonfiction. Other books she has edited have been finalists for Spur Awards in juvenile nonfiction and for Independent Author Awards for both memoirs and humor.

Kocher Lewis is co-author with her husband of the Spur Award-winning Pintsized Pioneers: Taming the Frontier, One Chore at a Time and three books on artificial Intelligence, all published by Bariso Press. They live in San Angelo, Texas.

 

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Monday, November 3, 2025

Mama Sheep and the Mysterious Cup

  

 


Children's Picture Book

Date Published: March 1, 2025

 

 


 Mama Sheep and the Mysterious Cup is a heartwarming children’s picture book that combines gentle humor, colorful illustrations, and an engaging mystery perfect for toddlers and early readers. Mama Sheep loves to keep her home tidy, but one morning she discovers a mysterious cup of water on her bathroom counter. Determined to solve the puzzle, she asks her little lambs, Daddy Sheep, and even the neighbors if they know where it came from.

This playful story invites children to laugh, guess, and join in on the mystery, while also teaching them about curiosity, problem-solving, and family togetherness. With its cozy farm setting and lovable characters, Mama Sheep and the Mysterious Cup makes for the perfect read-aloud for families, classrooms, and storytime at libraries.

 

 

About the Author

 


 I’m Carlie Guerrier, a children’s book author who writes meaningful and imaginative stories for ages 3–10. My books explore themes like courage, purpose, friendship, and believing in yourself, all while making kids smile and laugh along the way. Inspired by my own children, especially my oldest daughter’s creative spark that brought Mama Sheep to life, I create stories that families can enjoy together.

When I’m not writing, I love cooking for my family, teaching Sunday School at church, and watching Sci-Fi and superhero movies with my kids. I also enjoy sharing my stories through school visits, storytime events, and online read-alouds. Along with my books, I offer signed copies and fun activity pages so children can keep the adventure going at home.

 

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Saturday, November 1, 2025

Mastering Medicare

  




Nonfiction



Mastering Medicare: 65 Things Everyone Should Know Before Age 65 is the no-nonsense survival guide to Medicare—written by a nationally recognized healthcare leader with over three decades of frontline experience.

Every day, about 11,000 Americans turn 65 and enter Medicare—most of them confused, unprepared, and unaware of costly traps that can drain their retirement savings. From missed deadlines and surprise bills to myths about what Medicare covers, the system is filled with pitfalls that even doctors struggle to understand.

Dr. Lance Coss wrote this book to make Medicare clear, practical, and mistake-proof. With 65 bite-sized lessons, real stories, and plain-English explanations, he reveals the myths, mistakes, misunderstandings, and miscalculations that cost people money—and shows you how to avoid them.

Instead of dense government jargon, you’ll find humor, clarity, and insider insights that put you back in control of your healthcare choices.

Whether you’re approaching 65, already enrolled, or helping a loved one navigate Medicare, this book will give you the confidence, knowledge, and tools to make smarter decisions and keep more money in your pocket.


✅ Key Takeaways & Benefits (Amazon Bullet Features)

● ✔ Avoid costly mistakes – Learn the 65 most common traps that derail retirees, from missed enrollment deadlines to assuming the wrong benefits.

● ✔ Know what Medicare really covers – Get clear explanations about hospital, doctor, prescription, dental, vision, and long-term care benefits.

● ✔ Plan with confidence – Compare plan options, costs, and coverage to choose the right Medicare plan for your lifestyle and health needs.

● ✔ Save money on healthcare – Discover strategies to minimize out-of-pocket costs, penalties, and billing surprises.

● ✔ Empower caregivers & families – A must-have guide for adult children helping parents navigate Medicare decisions.

● ✔ Learn from an insider – Written by Dr. Lance Coss, a nationally recognized healthcare executive with 30+ years of Medicare expertise.

● ✔ Easy, practical, and engaging – Bite-sized lessons with real stories and humor make complex rules simple and memorable.

 


👉 Perfect for: Adults ages 60–70 preparing for Medicare, caregivers helping loved ones, and early planners who want to avoid confusion before retirement.

Mastering Medicare is more than a book—it’s your roadmap to clarity, confidence, and control over one of the most important decisions of your retirement years.

 


About the Author

Dr. Lance Coss is a nationally recognized healthcare executive, Medicare expert, and award-winning author with more than 30 years of experience navigating the U.S. healthcare system. With a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, a Master’s in Human Genetics, and a Master’s in Educational Psychology, he brings a unique blend of science, policy, and human behavior to his work.

As Executive Director of a national Medicare program, Dr. Coss leads nearly 600 professionals who manage appeals, beneficiary complaints, and quality-of-care reviews for hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. His leadership ensures patient rights are protected, timely care is delivered, and improper payments are reduced—safeguarding both beneficiaries and the Medicare Trust Fund.

Recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Admired Leaders of 2025 and a two-time recipient of CMS’s National Special Service Award, Dr. Coss is a trusted voice in healthcare reform, patient advocacy, and program accountability.

Through his Mastering Medicare platform—including his YouTube series and bestselling book Mastering Medicare: 65 Things Everyone Should Know Before Age 65—he helps people cut through the confusion and avoid costly mistakes. Whether guiding readers through enrollment pitfalls or helping caregivers support loved ones, Dr. Coss empowers people with the knowledge they need to make smarter, more confident healthcare decisions.

When not immersed in healthcare policy, Lance writes biotech thrillers inspired by his genetics background, or enjoys ranch life outside Tulsa with his partner, nine dogs, three mini pigs, and a lively flock of chickens.


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