Showing results by narrator "Joseph Ciappetta" in All Categories

What if your greatest strength wasn’t independence—but the courage to belong? For generations, Western culture has celebrated the myth of radical self-reliance. We are taught to “stand on our own two feet,” to avoid being “too needy,” and to believe that true maturity means not depending on anyone else. Yet despite all this emphasis on independence, we live in one of the loneliest eras in human history. Anxiety, disconnection, and burnout are everywhere. Something essential has been lost.

Walking is something we do every day. But in Japan, it has been elevated into an art—a practice of strength, mindfulness, and longevity. From the efficient strides of samurai couriers and Zen monks to today’s science-backed fitness routines, Japanese walking (Namba Aruki and beyond) has helped people build endurance, calm the mind, and live longer, healthier lives. Now, you can bring this ancient-meets-modern practice into your own life with a clear, practical guide. Why This Book MattersMost people think walking isn’t “enough” compared to running or hitting the gym.

"Bible Stories for Tiny Believers" is a Christian storybook aimed at young children, designed to introduce them to key stories from the Bible in a way that is accessible and engaging. This age-friendly book features Biblically accurate stories from Creation to The Birth of Christ. It is sure to be perfect for story time, bed time or any time.

Roland swore to protect and raise the small dragon princess as his own. Feared by humanity and dragonkind alike, the warrior monk is a renowned swordsman, and his skill in Netherworld magic is legendary. However, it is the child who fuels the fear burning in the hearts of both dragon and man. For the child is more than a child: She is a weapon, designed by the dark gods to unite all dragonkind under one banner and wage the final war against humanity, wiping them out forever. Roland has made an allegiance with the dragon child, threatening both dragon and man.

Warrior. Monk. Wizard. He is Roland of the High Crags. As a warrior monk, he has taken vows to protect humanity from all forms of evil. To protect the innocent and the weak, and to unflinchingly face his foes, no matter the odds. For centuries, that meant that the Bretan monks faced the hordes of dragon armies who pushed mankind into the snow-capped mountains of the High Kanris. But one day, a dragon nobleman asks Roland to take his remaining heir, a seven-year-old dragon princess, and save her from those who wish to destroy her.

Courage, Danger, Valor...all await in Steampunk's special forces. The Knights of the Crystal Spire are Rislandia's most elite fighters. Trained from a young age, they alone can face the deadliest enemies of their kingdom and beyond. James Gentry joins the Knights' ranks, starting as an apprentice on his journey from a simple farmer's life to the way of the warrior. He must face spies and traitors, soldiers and assassins, and doing so under the watchful eye of a beautiful princess. Does he have what it takes?

The Kingdom of Rislandia sends their finest knights of the Crystal Spire on an espionage mission in hopes of uncovering plans to the one weapon that could turn the tide of the war in their favor - the airship. James Gentry takes on this difficult assignment while juggling overwhelming personal troubles that threaten his ability to do his job. If he can’t regain his focus, it could lead to his death.

Apprentice Knight James Gentry is used to a life of travel and adventure, but now he’s been assigned to stand guard for Princess Reina. Tensions mount with King Malaky, as James can’t keep his eyes - or hands - off the beautiful princess. To make matters worse, the Wyranth have discovered the location of the king’s retreat, and they’re coming to assassinate Rislandia’s royal family.

Life as an apprentice knight hasn’t been easy on James Gentry. As a commoner and an outsider, he’s been ridiculed, picked on, and shunned by the other boys. But he’s determined to become one of the finest knights Rislandia has ever seen. During his training, James stumbles upon a master knight selling information on Rislandian troop movements to a Wyranth spy. To keep Rislandia safe, he must root out the traitor and put a stop to the enemy's schemes. Does he have what it takes?

What if true strength had nothing to do with power—and everything to do with patience? In a world that moves faster each day, where anger spreads easily and silence feels rare, the ancient Japanese virtue of Gaman (我慢) offers a timeless antidote. Gaman is the art of enduring hardship with dignity—of meeting life’s challenges with calm courage and quiet grace. It is not about suppressing pain, but transforming it into strength. It is how one remains steady when everything around them begins to shake.

Discover the Japanese wisdom of Wa (和) and learn how harmony can transform your life. What if true strength wasn’t found in competition—but in balance? What if belonging wasn’t about losing yourself—but about finding your place in connection with others? For centuries, the Japanese principle of Wa—harmony—has shaped families, workplaces, and communities, creating one of the most cooperative and resilient cultures in the world. In Japanese Harmony: Finding Balance and Belonging through the Japanese Wisdom of Wa, James D.