Lokpanta

Lokpanta is compilation of short stories inspired by true events all set in the unique little town of Lokpanta located in the middle of three Southeastern states of Nigeria. Readers will be left with the nostalgic feeling of childhood memories, and the intrigues of village life. The stories are told in a way that makes it relatable to the reader. Be prepared to binge on the book till the very last page.

Playlists

Music is something that, especially today, forms the background of our lives. We hear it daily. We feel it weaving the tapestry that we live our lives upon. In this collection of poetry and prose, author E. P. Jordan explores how the music she listened to in certain years of her life impacted the art that she created. As you read this collection, you will go on multiple journeys with the author, and will be invited yourself to examine your life through the lens of the music that has been with you along the way.

Season of Need

Some stories spring from pure imagination, mere reflections of an author’s perception of reality. Others, like this one, are forged in the mud and misery of actual conflict. In the decaying jungles and fetid rice paddies of South Vietnam, a diverse band of soldiers and civilians endures a harrowing year of combat that will continue to haunt them for more than three decades. Their season of need reveals not only the horror of war, but also the possibility of finding solace and purpose in the most unlikely of places.

In 1970, Captain Book arrives in Ba Xuyen Province of the Mekong Delta, supremely confident in his mission to help bring the Vietnam War to a swift conclusion. There, he meets his Vietnamese counterpart, Captain Nguyen Van Tranh, and a bond forms between them as they work side by side to restore public confidence in the South Vietnamese government. Surrounded by a unique cast of allies, they confront violence, heartbreak, and moments of profound humanity that lay bare the fragile fabric of human relationships. In the crucible of combat, their friendship becomes a testament to selflessness and sacrifice. Even in the darkest moments, solidarity and hope can rise from the ashes of war.

The Runaways

The Runaways is a humorous, philosophical, pre-apocalyptic tale told from the perspective of Jolson H. Kawasaki, a thirteen-year-old, West Virginian visionary from a broken home who longs for a life away from ‘the abhorrent horrors engendered by polite society.’

 Abandoned by his father, haunted by his mother's grief, and seething with his unquenchable desire for their mechanic's daughter, Addison Dixie, Jolson must confront his leviathan troubles as he plans to escape a life of poverty to lead an expedition west with his disciples, out of ‘The Gray World’ and into ‘a Paradise of Green.’

Is he a prophet? Is he delusional? Does Addison feel the same kind of crazy? What starts as a simple effort to evade responsibility turns into the inheritance of it all as Jolson – guided by fate and depended upon by many – contends with himself, the natural world, and his diabolical opposite on his unforgettable journey toward becoming a man – and perhaps something greater.

So Human

What if a single conversation could change everything you believe about yourself and the world? For Lana, that moment arrives when she encounters a man who is both a profound mystery and a catalyst for a journey she never expected. He opens her eyes to a reality where danger lurks behind every corner and the very nature of their existence is in question.

As Lana is drawn deeper into his world, she is forced to abandon her sense of reality and dive into the depths of the human condition. Their developing bond is a fragile lifeline in a story tangled with risk and uncertainty. It is through their shared journey that Lana begins to learn the invaluable lesson of connection and the transformative power of empathy. So Human is more than a story; it’s a dual narrative of discovery, revealing the quiet, beautiful truths that define us all.

Journey to Freedom

Journey to Freedom is the compelling true story of a family’s quest for prosperity across three continents. First, as refugees from Indonesia, an island chain in Southeast Asia, to Holland, a tiny country on the continent of Europe, and finally as immigrants to the United States, a world power country in North America. These exceptional people, made strong by the horrors they survived during Indonesia’s War for Independence, passionate by their optimism and fearlessness to create new beginnings, were the backbone of my Dutch-Indonesian family and the significant influence of my childhood and identity as an adult.

Journey to Freedom is a tribute to my mother and grandmother whose sacrifices and bravery gave my sister and me resilience, determination, and the best of everything in life.

Although the dates may sometimes not be historically accurate, the experiences are true, and consequently, the deep emotion with which I composed these chapters was genuine and gut-wrenchingly heartfelt.

The Islands Are Not Lonely II

“I have had the privilege of engaging with the literary world of Yonah Jeong. His work evolves in parallel with his life’s journey, reflecting his experiences with striking authenticity. As an immigrant navigating bilingual expression, his dedication to English poetry is deeply admirable. His poetry is both intuitive and richly layered, offering immediate resonance while inviting deeper contemplation over time. I encourage readers to approach his work with an open mind, free from preconceptions.

Some connections grow stronger with time, while others are shaped by distance. I believe that my connection with him stems from a shared literary curiosity and a philosophical perspective. It is the beginning of a unique relationship—one that transcends age, distance, and time, where we respect each other's path, never intruding, only offering quiet encouragement.

For example, he's been writing poetry like three meals a day since he published his first book of poetry, as well as another thousand or so philosophical one-line poems. Of course, not all of them are at the level of a work of art, but I believe that they have the potential to be, and his perseverance and persistence is what keeps our relationship as poetic comrades.”

– Jun C. Kim, CEO of the Korean Literature Society of America.

The Tribrid War

In a world on the edge of collapse, Vampires, Werewolves, and Humans stand poised for war. The fragile balance between the three races is crumbling, and the fate of all hangs in the balance.

As tensions rise and betrayals run deep, Werewolf Princess Ravenna Demarco must cross a battlefield of bloodshed and chaos in search of her destined mate.

Can love survive in a world driven by fear, vengeance, and war? Or will the Tribrid War destroy everything in its path, including the bond Ravenna is fighting to protect?

The Tribrid War is a gripping tale of forbidden love, fierce loyalty, and the desperate struggle for peace in a divided world. Prepare to be swept into a heart-racing adventure that will keep you breathless to the very last page.

Love Conquers

Robyn Polanski’s difficult childhood had moulded her into a young woman who knew who she wanted to be, and through perseverance she achieved her goals.

Robyn had grown up on a ranch and she set out to be a ranch manager and hoped that one day she could acquire her own land. And that was where she ran into trouble. She met Colin Fletcher, a ranch owner and through a clever clause in a will, she became his manager. Suspicion and doubt flared up just as high as their desire for each other.

Out of the blue Edward Crawford walks into her life, a twenty-year-old brother she never knew about. He was born the year she lost both parents … Her mother had run off with another man after her father was shot in cold blood.

Edward soon realised what the trouble between Robyn and Colin was and he understood their dilemma; both of them, through different circumstances, had lost their faith and trust in people, and until they resolved those issues, love could not triumph.

What would eventually break down those barriers?

Perspective

Perspective: Wouldn’t you rather live in more than three dimensions?

There has to be more, right? A way to do it all, have it all, be it all – and, most importantly, to smile at the true beauty of life as you discover your unique place within it.

The key lies in understanding perspective: its definition, application, and significance in every situation you encounter. Life is a delicate balance, and finding that balance in how we interpret, establish, and maintain perspective can transform everything. A shift in perspective might just be the key to unlocking a better, more fulfilling life. No downside to that, is there?

Join me as we explore the pervasive role of perspective in the pursuit of the good life.

Cook'n With Nana 2

Cookin’ With Nana 2 is more than just a cookbook – it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple joy of gathering around the table. Passed down through generations of country living, these recipes capture the essence of fresh, wholesome ingredients – straight from the garden, farm, or local market.

From the rich flavors of garden-fresh vegetables and home-raised meats to the comforting aroma of time-honored herbs, this collection brings the heart of country cooking to your kitchen. Crafted over decades by three generations of farm homemakers, each dish is a loving tribute to the warmth and care that make family meals unforgettable.

Whether you’re reaching into your backyard garden or selecting the finest produce from the store, these recipes promise to fill your home with the tastes and traditions of a simpler time – fresh, healthy, and made with love.

Welcome to the table. Welcome to Cookin’ With Nana 2.

Eyes Shut, Mouth Closed

This is the true story of my two-year journey to escape Vietnam, seven years after the end of the Vietnam War. At just nine years old, I was a naive village boy, knowing little beyond the only home I had ever known. Along with 27 others—including my father and older sister—I set sail on a small, overcrowded fishing boat, embarking on a perilous voyage that would ultimately lead me to America. The journey was marked by immense hardship, uncertainty, and sacrifice.

Our family was torn apart. My mother and two younger siblings remained in Vietnam, separated from us for 15 long years before we were finally reunited. The pain of that separation shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. Though I did not endure it alone, I learned to transform hardship into resilience, using each challenge as a stepping stone toward a better future. Along the way, strangers—some of whom I will never forget—offered help in ways I could never have expected.

My father’s courageous decision to flee with my sister and me was driven by hope—a belief in the promise of greater opportunities and a brighter future. But even after reaching America, our struggles were far from over. We battled language barriers, cultural isolation, and economic hardship, fighting to rebuild our lives from nothing. And after years of longing, we finally pieced our family back together.

I invite you to join me on this journey—a story of perseverance, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit. Through these pages, I seek to honor the voices of the countless Vietnamese "boat people" who perished at sea, never reaching their destination.

In sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to keep moving forward, to grow stronger with each challenge, and to uplift those who can no longer speak for themselves. No matter the obstacles, we must press on, turning pain into purpose and hardship into hope.