Tag: books to read

The Best Books to Read for Ramadan 2023

With Ramadan 2023 around the corner, Muslims worldwide look forward to a month of reflection and retrospection. The month provides the Muslim Ummah a time to press the re-start button and connect with the Almighty in ways they may not be conscious of during the rest of the year.

This Ramadan, why not take some extra time to read Islamic Holy Books that will bring you solitude and peace? This guide not only lists some good reads but also provides five ways you can build that strong connection with your Maker while bringing inner peace and tranquillity to your lives.

 

Ramadan 2023 –  A Great Time to read Islamic Holy Books

The holy month of Ramadan 2023 is upon us and provides us with an opportunity to become closer to Allah and reflect on how we interact with others. With so many activities that include opening and breaking your fast, it is sometimes very easy to forget what we should focus on during this holy month. This month allows us to bring the essential things in life to the forefront and change our priorities in life.

For those that want to make a conscious effort to connect with themselves and the Almighty, the following are five tips you can quickly implement to bring solitude into your life this Ramadan 2023.

Ways to bring Solitude to your Routine this Ramadan 2023

Five simple ways to bring solitude and peace into your life:

1.     Learn New Dua’s

Learning new Dua’s is sometimes time-consuming and not something you can easily do during the rest of the year. But Ramadan is the time to slow things down, and having a list of essential prayers that you can learn will make it easy to memorize new ones. Making dua is also a great way to ask Allah to help you keep this connection strong long after Ramadan.

2.     Reflect on Your Day

Reflecting on your day is a meaningful way to bring things into perspective. It will also help you realize what you are giving the most importance to and whether worshipping and remembering Allah is part of your day. The best time to do this is right before you go to bed, and keeping a diary is a great way to remember to do it and keep a record. Soon you will be able to see how your day is spent and if you are happy with the activities you participated in. Did they give you peace and solitude? If not, make changes to do that.

3.     Commit to Making Worship a Habit

If you make a verbal or written commitment to maintain a routine where worship is included, you are more likely to follow through on it. This is a great way to start if you are trying to make this a new habit. On average, it takes about three weeks for new habits to stick. During this time, you may forget some prayers or not find the time to open up the Quran every day, but with time a habit can be formed where you feel the need to do it.

4.     Involve your Peers

Telling your friends and family about your new goals and commitment to worship during Ramadan 2023 is a great way to make yourself accountable. Your relationship with Allah is sacred between you and Him and does not involve anyone else. But knowing that others are aware of your journey may help to make it easier for you and remind you that you are on a mission to build a strong relationship with the Almighty.

5.     Don’t Worry about Falling

Falling is part of the journey and not something you should fear. If you miss a prayer or face a few hiccups, do not fear. You will get back up and re-establish that connection with your Maker eventually. Please do not give up; it is essential to keep the faith in order to build your faith.

 

Celebrate Ramadan 2023 with these Quran Reads

These books to read are a great addition to your Ramadan 2023 reading list. If you are interested in getting a handful of books to read, now is a great time to purchase. Having peaceful and insightful literature to read during this Holy Month is a great way to bring inner solitude.

These books can be bought online at the Austin McCauley site:

 

 

 

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How to Keep Track of the Books You Read?

Keep Track of the Books You Read

If you’re an avid reader, it’s challenging to keep track of all the books you’ve read so far or the ones you want to read in future. Besides, how many books do you actually go through over a year? Our guess is that they are many because your very presence on this blog suggests that you’re an enthusiastic reader. However, does the task of recollecting your entire library of books seems overwhelming? Well, here are some ways to track the books you’ve read in order to, at the very minimum, be able to avoid the awkwardness of book amnesia.

Maintain a Book Log

The most basic method to keep track of what you read is to keep a book journal or spreadsheet. Every time you go through n book, note the following information: the title of the book; the author’s name, the date of publication as well as the length, genre; the time you began reading the book; and then when you completed the book.

Create a Rating System

Try to create a rating system so that you’re able to keep track of how much you liked the book. You can rate the book on a scale of one to five or duplicate Amazon’s star system. If you’re looking to go further, then rate the book based on different aspects. Here are a few parameters based on which you can develop your rating system:

  • Character development
  • Book’s pace
  • Writing’s quality
  • Plot development
  • Comment on your satisfaction level while reading the book

Add Additional Information

Alongside the basic tracking data, you can include additional information about every book you’ve read, like the following:

  • What inspired you to go through the book?
  • What was your mental state like when you first got it?
  • Would you like to see additional books by the same writer? If yes, what books?
  • Did the book motivate you to learn more about a particular subject?
  • Do you know anyone who would be interested in this book?
  • What is the author’s country of origin?
  • What was the original language that the book was written in?
  • Did the book win any prizes?

Write an Overview of Your Book

Another option is to create an overview of each book you’ve gone through. After you’ve finished reading the book, put it down and record what you remember about the book. Include an outline of the plot, or some information about the characters, and the setting, and write down your thoughts about the book. You can set yourself a limit of words such as 400 or up to 750 words.

Make Your Own Amazon Review

If you would like to take it a step further, sign into Amazon and write a review of the book once you’re done reading. Make sure to be as elaborate as you can so that other people can decide whether or not they should purchase the book based on your review. When you’re looking to go back on the books you’ve read, you can check all of your Amazon reviews.

Track Your Books on Goodreads

Goodreads is an excellent platform for those who love books. Goodreads lets you accomplish the following:

  • Keep track of the books you’ve read or the ones you are currently reading or would like to read.
  • You can rate the books, and even review them, and get suggestions on what you should follow up with.
  • You can also read book reviews and news from your friends and leave comments on these reviews and updates.

Take a Shot at Literary Criticism

Keeping a journal should not just be to keep track of the books you’ve read but also to develop your literary critique abilities by writing thorough reviews of your favourite books. Why should you bother writing them? The motive is to help you understand and appreciate the books you’ve read.

Ask yourself questions like the following:

  • What’s the story?
  • What is the process by which the main character goes through during the story?
  • What’s unique in the characters?
  • What’s their most significant character fault?
  • What are the problems the protagonist has to face?
  • Do you have an antagonist?
  • Who are the other characters? What is their purpose?
  • What’s the significance in the context? What effect does it have on the overall theme or mood of the story? Does the setting represent the state of mind that the protagonists are in?
  • What is the primary issue, and how does the story develops? What’s the conclusion?
  • Does the writer use foreshadowing? Or does the writer hint readers into what will happen during the story?
  • Does the author employ symbolism when objects are intended to represent something or an idea greater than the object in itself?

Get Yourself a Book Journal

To keep track of the books you’ve read, just use the Moleskine or any similar notebook you’ve got around. You can, however, purchase a book journal. Three popular options are available:

Do Some Research on The Author

Often, the author’s personal life can have a significant influence on their work. Thus, when you’re keeping track of and analyzing the book you’ve read, it’s a great idea to conduct some research about the author.

Create a Book Blog

One method of keeping track of the books you’ve read is to create an online blog. Pick a platform for blogging and then think of a suitable title for the blog and begin posting a review of books. When someone asks you to suggest a book, then refer the person to your site. You never know; you will be able to build your own following. If you want to get some tips on becoming good at book hauls on your blog, check out our tips on a successful book haul.

Create a List of Books to Read

In the back of your notebook or book, make the list of books you’d like to study. Each time you hear about an intriguing book, put it on your list. It’s unlikely you’ll be in a bind, “What should I read next?”

Such a short amount of time, but so many books to read! You don’t want to spend time and effort reading a novel and then forget that you’ve read it or even the subject matter.

We hope that you enjoyed reading about our suggested tips to track the books you’ve read or are going to read, and they will be useful to you. If you wish to be a part of Austin Macauley Publishers, then you’re welcome to share your manuscripts here for review. You can also submit online by filling out this Online Submission Form.

Stay connected with Austin Macauley on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.

All You Need To Know About Ramadan & Our Top Books To Read

Books to read during Ramadan

Ramadan is here and we could not be more excited! The month of fasting and spiritual care is sure to aid those who celebrate the festival to be more focused in how they worship God. It’s also called the month of reflection and self-improvement.

Every year, as the month of Ramadan comes around it brings with itself numerous blessings, love, gratitude, care and the remembrance of Almighty Allah. According to the Quran, Allah says:

“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.”
(Surah Ahzab: 41)

Ramadan permits Muslim to improve the relationship with Almighty Allah. And for this, what more important than remembering Him by means of zikr and reap greater blessings from Him as it is mentioned in the holy book:

“Then remember Me, I will remember you.”
(Surah Baqrah: 152)

What’s Ramadan?

The ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar is Ramadan. Muslims celebrate this holy month of Ramadan to commemorate the day that Allah has sent an angel over Prophet Muhammad to unravel the Quran in 610 AD. This event is known as ‘Laylat al Qadar’ in Arabic which means the night of power.

When is Ramadan?

The time Ramadan begins and its end changes each year because it’s determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and moon cycle. The time of the beginning of Ramadan is determined by the appearance of the crescent moon’s new phase by the religious authorities. Even though Muslims are waiting for the moon’s appearance before the first of Ramadan is revealed; however, they can predict the date of its arrival. Ramadan typically lasts from 29 to 30 days, based on when the new crescent moon appears.

What’s The Primary Motive Behind Ramadan?

In Ramadan, Muslims aim to improve their spirituality and be closer with Allah and their family members. They accomplish this by abstaining from alcohol, smoking, and sexual interactions between sunset and sunrise every day. Ramadan is also be a period for unification and spiritual reflection. Muslims devote their time to prayer in the mosque, reading the Quran and performing good actions. They give money to charities and spend time with their family members, and refrain from the temptation to gossip, lie and fight.

What is The Reason Why Muslims Observe Fasting During Ramadan?

Fasting is essential during Ramadan because it lets Muslims be devoted to their religion, grow more connected to Allah, and develop compassion and patience. It’s about feeding your soul instead of just looking after your body. It’s also among the Five Pillars of Islam which constitute the foundation on which Muslims conduct their daily lives (the other are prayer, faith charity, and the pilgrimage to Mecca).

Everyone Muslims generally follow the practice of fasting except for those who are pregnant, sick women, lactating, old, or traveling. If you don’t fast on a particular day, you can make up for them throughout the year.

What Happens at The End of Ramadan?

A three-day special festival known as Eid Al-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan. It starts with the first glimpse of the moon’s new phase that appears in the night sky. It’s a joyful time that sees Muslims celebrating the end of fasting, praising Allah for all the blessings we have.

For three days, Muslims attend prayers in the morning and spend time with neighbors and loved ones. After that, they can enjoy a tasty traditional meal with families and friends. Children are often gifted with presents and are expected to offer them to those who are in need. In order to symbolize solidarity, Ramadan is a time that Muslims across the world gather to celebrate their faith.

Books to Read During Ramadan

One of the easiest ways to seek nearness with Allah is to recite the Holy Quran. It is the best method to remember and be connected to Allah Almighty, and nothing supersedes reciting the Quran and praying. Additionally, you must also take part in zikr for more blessings from Allah during this holy month called Ramadan.

We all know that the Quran is an essential read for all Muslims; however, if you seek other books to aid in your personal growth, don’t worry! We’ve collected some titles from different genres that you can take a look at. To celebrate unity, humility, and self-improvement, we’ve put together a list to make it easier for you to select which books to read during Ramadan! To commemorate this beautiful month of blessings, Austin Macauley Publishers brings 25% off on the entire stock. So what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite books today and don’t forget to use the discount code: RAMADAN25.

  1. The Modern Statistic of the Most Beautiful Names of God
  2. Pillars of Islam
  3. Sada-e-Haqq
  4. Brief History of Islamic Sects
  5. Brief History of Islamic Civilization
  6. Basics in Children’s Education
  7. Nutrition Plans

Whether you are not well-versed with the concept of Ramadan or you’re just excited at the mere mention of it, these Ramadan books will satiate your thirst for knowledge with some nutritious recipes to keep you healthy during the month and afterward. These books to read in Ramadan have a little something for everyone.

We hope that all your prayers are answered this holy month of Ramadan and that you achieve all the spiritual elevation your heart desires.

Be a part of Austin Macauley by sharing your manuscripts here for review. You can also submit online by filling out this Online Submission Form. Stay connected with Austin Macauley on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.

Happy and blessed Ramadan, folks!

Fiction Novels, Do They Shape the Reality or Make You Escape It?

UAE-Blog-Fiction-Novels-Do-they-Shape-the-Reality

“People talk about escapism as if it’s a bad thing… Once you’ve escaped, once you come back, the world is not the same as when you left it. You come back to it with skills, weapons, knowledge you didn’t have before. Then you are better equipped to deal with your current reality.”
― Neil Gaiman

 

There has been an extensive series of debates around people consuming fiction books, television, music and other sources of entertainment as an escape from the realities of their life. With the current ongoing situation of a global pandemic, many people have resorted to escape the horrors of life’s realities by binge-watching shows on Netflix, spending their nights downloading and watching movies, reading novels from romance to science fiction to contemporary fiction. Some of us are often guilty of doing this. We find an escape from life’s difficulties and challenges by hiding ourselves behind entertainment.

 

While this behaviour can be detrimental to the wellbeing of a person if it becomes a learned behaviour, it is considered a harmless coping mechanism when in times of difficulty. We all go through these phases in our life where we need to unwind for some time before we can face the circumstances and find out a way to solve those problems. In such times, escapism through various forms of entertainment comes to our rescue. We indulge ourselves in the world of novels we are reading, lose ourselves in a movie we are watching or find a relatable character in a drama that gives us a new perspective to look at our problems and find a solution to them. Even if we don’t get to learn something new from such sources of entertainment, it is believed that engaging in a healthy type of entertainment can help a person loosen up his stressed-out brain and body.

 

It is believed that reading contemporary fiction and fantasy novels plays a huge role in providing an escape from the stressors of life. We have piled up some of our contemporary fiction novels and books to read so one can unwind after a stressful week at work or escape the bitter realities of life in general. So, let’s dive into the world of books!

 

 

After a While

After a While

A romance novel from the contemporary fiction genre, this is the story of a winter-lover lady. She comes to life in winter and is fascinated by the legislative storms. She cries and longs for her lover and believes they are meant to be with each other. To buy this fascinating love story of longing, rains and pains, click here.

 

 

 

Ashes of a Lost Country
Ashes of a Lost Country

This is a historical account of the author’s early life in the war-torn country – Palestine. Born in the year 1950, the author’s childhood was a mix of joy, mischief and misery. When his mother died, he was sent to a boarding school in Jordan. Later in the year 1967, when Israel took hold of Palestine, he became homeless. After completing his secondary school, he was awarded a scholarship to study in Algeria. There, he found new friends in some French individuals and they, later on, invited him to France. Currently, the author lives in the United Arab Emirates. To read more of this historical fiction book about personal struggles and life in a war-torn country, buy it here.

 

 

Hiam Is the Life
Hiam Is the Life

Our next pick is an interesting short story about a young and lonely man. He is frustrated all the time and is not happy with his life. He lives inside his mind, thinking and fidgeting restlessly. Then fate brings a girl into his life who he falls in love with. This love turns his life upside down and makes it better in some ways and worst in others. Will he become a better version of himself after all the new developments in his life or would he end up being even more lonely and frustrated? To find out, buy this book here.

 

 

Life
Life

This book is a perfect pick from the contemporary fiction genre for escapists. The story takes us on a journey from loss to a safe harbour. From that safe harbour, we are shown what it feels like to experience boredom. It then shows us the world of fantasies, dreams and discussions. It is a simple but deep journey that takes us into a parallel reality. Grab a copy of this mesmerizing book here.

 

 

 

The Store of Creative Minds

The Store of Creative Minds

Our last pick for this list is a science fiction book about artificial intelligence taking over our lives and industries. In the year 2017, the world started discussing an industrial revolution where humans will live a more relaxed lifestyle because of technological advancement. This is a story of a group of young men and women who got isolated as a result of some social events. When they tried to return to their social life, they found themselves stuck. Would they be able to break free of the unseen shackles and return to what they believe is normal? To find out more, buy this fascinating sci-fi book here.

 

 

 

As we are in the middle of a global pandemic that has brought a lot of other miseries and horrors with it, escaping in the world of literature or movies and TV for some time is a harmless activity to bury ourselves in. Reading a book or two, binge-watching your favourite season or watching movies is the best way to de-stress from the bitter realities of life all around. Enjoy and take care of yourself and your mind in any way you think is best for you.

 

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Top Inspirational Books for Women to Read in Summer 2020

Austin-Macauley-Top-Inspirational-Reads-for-Women

Women may have a lot to say and write from their wonderful experiences at home, at professional workplaces, as mothers, wives and daughters. At the same time, every experience is a learning for them and the ones they deal with. One of the many ways to learn from others’ experiences is by purchasing a good book to read with an inspirational theme. Are you looking for suggestions about what book to read or which genre to select? We have a collection of amazing books to read for women answering all these questions.

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
-Diane Mariechild

Recommended Books to Read for Women:

homes

Book: Homes 
Author: Dr. Nuha Talal Ibrahim Zelai
 

Homes is a story that relates to real houses and homes around us from people of different backgrounds. Where people are living their lives with the same routine. The story narrates a girl who is ordinary-looking and fairly normal life. It’s not about her marriage rather it expresses her sorrows through which every Arabic woman goes through in real life.

 

 

Amina Defies Difficulties

Book: Amina Defies Difficulties
Author: Amna Faisal Husain Alshamsi

This is a story based on real events explaining the experience of a person who can only use four of his senses. The author wants to encourage people who are unprivileged and can use only a few of their senses. If an individual isn’t gifted with all the senses, then one may focus on other senses and make them strong. It is all about continuous improvement and betterment.

 

 

Freedom of Choice

Book: Freedom of Choice 
Author: Amena AlBasher

Freedom of Choice relates to an incident that changed the author’s life when she comes back home and finds her mother in fear. Upon asking, the author finds out that an official report is lodged against her by a co-worker who always wants to be the best. This is the moment that changes everything. She always wanted to leave this job as she isn’t satisfied with her job. Is this the moment for her to leave the job?

 

 

Nothing and Everything All at Once

Book: Nothing and Everything All at Once 
Author: Sabrina Marie

Nothing and Everything All at Once is a story reflecting true events happened through the authors life. She explains the experience of sexual assault and how she recovers from it. This inspirational read is all about women empowerment and how women should face the world and become the best version of themselves.

 

 

Grandmother Fran’s ACCIDENTAL ARSONIST

Book: Grandmother Fran’s ACCIDENTAL ARSONIST 
Author: Carol Moxham Boot

This book has themes of crime. The full name of Grandmother Fran is Frances Plum. She is a native of an old farm community in Niagara County, New York. There are three main roles in this story and some side roles as well. Each character is connecting dots that will lead to the climax of the story.

 

 

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