Musa

Regarded as the wealthiest man to have ever lived with an estimated wealth of 400 billion dollars in today’s money, Mansa Musa’s life is shrouded in mystery and legend. Known for his lavish journey to Cairo, where he gave away so much gold that the Egyptian economy was ruined for decades, not much is known about Mansa Musa; until now.

Musa: Mansa of Mali spans fifty years of political and familial turmoil of the famed West African ruler. A ruler that had an executioner on hand at all times. A ruler that annexed smaller kingdoms, forcing them to pay taxes or into slavery. A ruler who removed his brother from the line of succession and placed his ill-prepared son on the throne upon his death. These facts create a narrative of a different Musa of popular culture, but of a ruler who ruled with absolute authority and held on to power by any means necessary.

A story that crosses from the banks of the Niger River in the Malian Empire capital, the busy streets of Cairo, to the rolling hills of the newly formed Ottoman Empire. Musa: Mansa of Mali weaves historical facts and speculation into a story laden with assassination and coup attempts. Loveless marriages that are politically necessary, and consequential decisions that have an impact for generations to come.

Making Money

In the vibrant backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and the dynamic streets of the West, Making Money unfolds the inspiring journey of Fawaz, a young Saudi man driven by unwavering faith, strong moral principles, and remarkable intelligence. As he navigates the complex landscape of international business from 1999 to 2017, Fawaz uses his extensive knowledge and experience to establish successful branches for various global companies. Fawaz becomes a beacon of hope and a role model for countless young people, illuminating paths to success through hard work and perseverance.

Each character he encounters weaves their own intricate narrative, intertwined with his journey, highlighting the rich tapestry of aspirations, dreams, and cultural exchanges. With eloquent prose and a keen eye for the nuances of urban life, the novel captures the pulse of globalization—from the mingling of traditional Saudi customs with Western influences in food, fashion, and ideology. As Fawaz rises to prominence, readers are invited to explore the transformative power of ambition, community, and cross-cultural connection.

In Making Money, embark on a compelling exploration of ambition and identity against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, where the quest for prosperity leads to profound personal and collective growth. Join Fawaz and his companions as they navigate the complexities of modern existence, discovering the true meaning of success along the way.

Love Comes More Than Once

Grace Wallace found herself a single mother, left to raise two daughters on her own. She poured her energy into becoming an extraordinary jewelry designer and gemologist, sought after by royalty, celebrities, and wealthy patrons for her talents. When a famous fashion designer requests that Grace create some extraordinary jewelry pieces, she eagerly accepts, hungry for the next challenge. Her search for rare and fabulous gems to incorporate into her designs takes her deep into the mountains of Colombia, where she suddenly finds herself kidnapped. Her partner and benefactor Charles Winslow desperately seeks help from a friend to find Grace. What follows is a thrilling and perilous journey to locate Grace and uncover why she was taken. Through resourcefulness, courage, and the enduring power of human connection, Grace must fight to take back her freedom as those who care for her refuse to give up the search.

A Secret No More

His mother dead, 16 years old, Clay Trent knew he had to run away when he shot the plantation’s overseer and then his cruel father. His half-brother, Luke, ran with him.From Georgia, months later, hungry and in their ragged clothes, they end up in Arizona where they meet Dan Driver, owner of Double D Ranch. Dan hires them, but Clay needs to confess his crime to Dan. Now, only three people knew his secret: Clay, Luke, and Dan. Still, the secret stayed with Clay, who was unable to forget.Clay and Luke became exemplary cowboys, honored and trusted, fast with a gun, yet they never abused the privilege. Then it happened. Clay’s past was suddenly exposed for all to hear and see. Shamed, Clay did the only thing he could. He had no other choice.

Dolls for my Daughter

The Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia during the Second World War brought death, fear, and hopelessness to the country. Already dealing with a broken heart, Marie’s only purpose becomes keeping her daughter Janina alive and safe. Once the war is over and dangers seem to settle, Marie is met with a new threat: keeping her daughter safe from the man she is supposed to trust.

Two decades later, Janina and her own family have their lives brought to a halt with the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia. Once the dangers in the streets awaken the dark, buried memories of her childhood, Janina does whatever she can to keep her family, and daughter Pavka, safe and free, even if that means starting over again in a foreign land.

Young Pavka is blissfully unaware of the true horrors of war, but due to her mother’s only choice, she must learn to face her own fears: living life as an unwelcome refugee in a country far away from the only home she has ever known.

Through generations of struggle, war, heartbreak, and holding onto hope, one thing always remains true: the strength and sacrifice of a mother’s love.

If Only Time Could Tell

Jamil Gammoh’s collection of short stories offers a vivid and detailed account of his childhood and Jordan’s history, enriched with fictional characters who either reflect real people he encountered or embody prevalent archetypes. Woven into each narrative is the author’s personal critique of socio-cultural, religious, and historical issues in the country.

Each story carries a distinct moral, seamlessly integrated into the plot through folk anecdotes, local sayings, and deeply rooted traditions—some still familiar to older generations. Gammoh’s writing blends cynicism, irony, and sarcasm in his critique of societal flaws, yet beneath the sharp observations lies a deep love for his country, its heritage, and its people.

With a mix of humor, nostalgia, and cultural insight, this collection brings Jordanian life to the forefront, capturing its traditions, folklore, and everyday moments in a way that speaks to universal truths.

“Many are those captivating stories that express the variety of human situations. They can be dramatic, moving, realistic, sarcastic, or even infused with imagination. They pass us by without documentation and so are lost in the folds of time. The author, Jamil Gammoh, did not wish for time to tell these stories; rather, he became the voice through which time-old tales were told, tales he had lived and experienced, in his collection If Only Time Could Tell.”

– Basem Al-Zo’bi

“We journey through the stories and their characters, diving deep into their souls. We travel through time like tourists, experiencing their emotions with raw authenticity—sometimes infused with the subtle and touching humor that is so characteristic of Jamil Gammoh. We see ourselves in them, as if life itself were a game woven from fragments of stories and memories. Every moment shapes us, reminding us that the absurdity and universality of existence are what connect us all.”

– Dalizar Damak

“Very impressive! I enjoyed reading the stories, the thoughts, and the challenges. The flowery style of writing reminded me of ancient stories from Persia, to which we had access many years ago. Situations and issues are well-described in a very personal way.”

– Els van der Wilden

“I must say, I really enjoyed the collection. It made me smile and think…so much wisdom may be found in the didactic stories.”

- Ulrike Kreysa

Choirs of Fire and Dust

In the tumultuous fires of the American Civil War, a young New York poet suffers a tumult of tense visions of past and future after a journalistic misadventure in the Holy Land. At the home of his ship chandler benefactor of Beirut, he meets his muse, the daring daughter. Back in New York, he is absorbed in her plot to sabotage her father’s gun-running operation. Self-sabotaged and lost, there is a hellish POW camp, some of the fiercest fighting of the war, and the hallucinatory wages of peace.

Uncertain Times

Times have changed since the grandiose days of Tampa, Florida, in 1890. The success that Quinn and Mika enjoyed at Henry Plant’s illustrious Tampa Bay Hotel changed as well. Twenty years saw the passing of Mr. Plant and the decline of his hotel and its standards, while Tampa’s cigar industry rose to international prominence. Also intervening was Mika, bearing fraternal twins. Marc, the elder by fifteen minutes, is dark-skinned like his mother. Ian favors his father in skin tone and disposition. Mika and Quinn have found that contriving time alone together has become a challenge.

Quinn is the 1910 St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce president. The tourist season is ending, and he, Mika, and the twins are once again off to Florida for the winter. As they prepare to leave St. Andrews, Canada’s trade union movement arrives and attempts to organize the town. Quinn knows nothing about labor negotiations and endeavors to avoid confrontation but becomes entangled in worker demands.

Arriving in Tampa, Quinn and Mika discover that the city fathers are locked in mortal combat with a new union movement called La Resistencia. Union walkouts lead to protest marches, people are killed, two are lynched, and the town is burned. Quinn, Mika, and the boys are caught in a riot; a hurricane wipes out Tampa.

Scribbles

Scribbles is a collection of poems written to express feelings that come with intense love, anger, betrayal, trauma, confusion, trust, and worry, and to help make sense of things.

Its goal is to shine a light on some thoughts and feelings one may be having when experiencing the worry for a friend’s death, death of a lover, falling in love, or being betrayed, or being abused, trying to figure out one’s own mind, or feeling as though one has lost their mind.

It is gritty and emotional, even lurid at times, but serves its purpose of letting out what cannot be contained.

Art and Poetry by Pollock

Life was smooth sailing and quite normal up until my mom Janis was killed in a car accident heading from Santa Cruz California to Carmel when I was 11 years old. After her death, life changed drastically from a nice gentle breeze to a category five tornado; an inferno of drugs, lies and alibis. Let’s just say… No more smooth sailing. When the dust began to settle at the age of 24, I enlisted in the United States Navy and set sail for a better life and once again it was smooth sailing.

Here are some of my experiences, thoughts, and photographs of my artwork which I use as a way to process my childhood traumas.

Processing as I stack stones and transfer the negative energy into a beautiful piece of work giving it life; it lives then eventually dies, taking the negative energy with it.

I hope you feel something from these pages within.

Disasters at Sea

In October 1851, the bustling harbors of Gloucester, Massachusetts marked the onset of a promising venture as the American fishing fleet set sail towards the bountiful mackerel run in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, as they neared the waters off Prince Edward Island, Canada, an unanticipated hurricane engulfed them in a tempest of terror and despair, obliterating over 200 schooners and vessels. The calamity claimed the lives of over 100 seamen, a tragic toll that resonated across the waves.

Disasters at Sea unveils the poignant yet inspiring chronicle of the Prince Edward Island residents, who, propelled by compassion, rallied to extend a lifeline to the beleaguered seamen. Their unwavering aid echoed the noble deeds of the Newfoundland residents during the 9/11 crisis. With hearts brimming with empathy, they embarked on a mission of rescue, recovery, and honor for the fallen, manifesting an enduring maritime bond.

This narrative reflects on the ethos of neighborly duty prevalent in the 19th-century Maritime Canada, highlighting a stark contrast against the seemingly indifferent response of the vessel owners in the aftermath, who appeared to evade accountability for the lost souls and shattered vessels. Disasters at Sea navigates through the haunting whys of fate’s discernment amidst the storm, unearthing the profound human spirit that surges even amidst the darkest squalls, painting a timeless tableau of maritime valor and human resilience.

Thought Prints

“Birthed in a month, on a day, somewhere in time. Somewhere in history.

Somewhere in my past, I didn’t exist… But I was to be.”

“When I look back in time, exploring my mind, I realize I didn’t glance…

But I was to see…”

– from “A Letter to Myself.”

With intensity and emotion, Thought Prints reels the reader in instantly! Anyone who has the pleasure of reading this compilation of poems will surely find magic. A collection of poetry with a story to tell!