In The Man Who Tasted Words, Guy Leschziner leads readers through the senses and how, through them, our brain understands or misunderstands the world around us. Vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch are what we rely on to perceive the reality of our world. Our senses are the conduits that bring us the scent of a freshly brewed cup of coffee or the notes of a favorite song suddenly playing on the radio. But are they really that reliable? The Man Who Tasted Words shows that what we perceive to be absolute truths of the world around us is actually a complex internal reconstruction by our minds and nervous systems. The translation into experiences with conscious meaning—the pattern of light and dark on the retina that is transformed into the face of a loved one, for instance—is a process that is invisible, undetected by ourselves and, in most cases, completely out of our control. In The Man Who Tasted Words, neurologist Guy Leschziner explores how our nervous systems define our worlds and how we can, in fact, be victims of falsehoods perpetrated by our own brains. In his moving and lyrical chronicles of lives turned upside down by a disruption in one or more of their five senses, he introduces readers to extraordinary individuals, like one man who actually “tasted” words, and shows us how sensory disruptions like that have played havoc, not only with their view of the world, but with their relationships as well. The cases Leschziner shares in The Man Who Tasted Words are extreme, but they are also human, and teach us how our lives and what we perceive as reality are both ultimately defined by the complexities of our nervous systems.

If words are nothing but just words, why do they have so much power? Words spoken spitefully create deep wounds, while gracious words encourage, build up, and heal hurts. Spoken words are unseen but powerful. By revealing that words are like pedestrians, Titilayo demonstrates how words walk in our lives. Why do words have so much impact? How are our lives shaped by the words we speak and receive? In Tasted Words, Titilayo reflects on the power of words, which may be spoken, written, or captured in pictures that speak more than a thousand words. Tasted Words is a collection of short stories and poetry with reminders, messages of love, and encouragement. In Tasted Words, Titilayo uses cues that are helpful reminders to challenge you to stop and think about your words, thoughts, and actions. This inspiring collection will challenge you to live purposefully, consider wisely, and interact graciously. Tasted Words also comprises poems that have arisen as a result of Bible study, life musings, and social crises. Titilayo intends to use part of the proceeds from Tasted Words in works of charity to the support victims of social crises.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The inability to feel pain is the stuff of superheroes. It is the deepest wish of those who are tortured by it. But Paul’s inability to sense pain is not coupled with super-strength, unbreakable bones, or super-healing. #2 Our sense of touch is so integral to our existence that it is almost impossible to imagine a life without it. We describe people as warm or cold, soft or hard, based on their physical sensations. #3 The absence of pain is devastating. It is the loudest of our sensations, and it prevents us from injuring ourselves or making the same mistake twice. It focuses our attention on looking after that part of the body, protecting and immobilizing it so that we can repair and heal before we start using it again. #4 The brain’s sensory map is grossly distorted, and the area of the brain that is responsible for our body map is also located in the central depths. This area of the brain is involved in the unpleasantness and fear of pain, and is a potent driver of the need to avoid pain.

Teach kids about the power of words and the importance of kindness with this charming picture book that cleverly illustrates why we should think before we speak. Amera's having a bad day. Her best friend ruined her cupcake and they both said mean things. When Amera brings her bad mood home with her, her mom tells her to "taste her words." Amera's mean words taste like rotten eggs, spoiled milk, and lemons! As Amera realizes that her mean words make her feel bad and others feel worse, she starts saying the kindest, sweetest words she can find. This picture book is an excellent resource for parents who want to teach their kids to think before they speak. With humorous text and lively illustrations, Clark and Bright make it easy for even the youngest children to understand the power of their words.

“Explores a dimension of synesthesia long encountered in reports of synesthetes: its relation to mystical and artistic vision . . . fascinating accounts.”—Patricia Lynne Duffy, author of Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittens What happens when a journalist turns her lens on a mystery happening in her own life? Maureen Seaberg did just that and lived for a year exploring her synesthesia. The wondrous brain trait is often described as blended senses, but for Maureen, synesthesia is not an idle “brain tick” that can be explained away by science (although it does offer some important clues). It is a unique ability to tap into and reveal a greater creative universe and even the divine. Join her as she visits top neuroscientists, rock stars, violinists, other synesthetes, philosophers, savants, quantum physicists and even Tibetan lamas in her journey toward the truth. Step into Maureen’s shimmering alternate universe as she explores this fascinating subject, combining clear explanations of groundbreaking scientific research with an exploration of deeper spiritual truths. “Tasting the Universe is not only the brilliant writing of a top, professional journalist looking in on a strange but romantic phenomena, but it is the writing of a person who could embrace the feelings of those she interviews, because author Seaberg herself possesses this remarkable gift of synesthesia. I predict when you pick up this book, you will be unable to put it down, as it will open up for you a whole new world in our universe.”—The Amazing Kreskin

Sent by God In this intriguing book, Roland Buck describes his personal encounters with angels and what the Bible tells us about these messengers of God. You’ll find out how God’s messengers impact your own life and how God is using angels to help usher in the great end-times harvest of souls before the return of Jesus. Read how God uses angels to... Protect believers Wage spiritual warfare Comfort and encourage Bring blessings Bring strength during trials Assist in bringing people to Christ Disclose God’s will Bring answers to prayer Glorify God’s name As you become aware of the remarkable role of these messengers of God, you’ll gain increased faith and confidence in God’s plan for your life, for the ministry of believers, and for the salvation of multitudes of people leading to the second coming of Christ.

I WISH MY WORDS TASTED BETTER is 82,000 words, most of them delicious. Join impetuous Sofi, a popular, sarcastic seventeen year-old military brat on her Road To Redemption Tour as she atones for past mistakes. Sofi's best friend Shelley, riding shotgun, has mapped out their adventure, knowing Alex, who's frustrated by his attraction to Sofi despite her past indiscretions, is more than a backseat driver on Sofi's journey. After a bumpy start, friendship switches gears fueled by witty banter on both the dance floor and lacrosse field. When the three go on a semester abroad to England, Sofi takes an unexpected detour with a smooth talking, inside of the wrist kissing French student. An exciting sting and upbeat playlist enhance this delightful, athletic, romantic comedy. Buckle up and hang on! "Grab your Lacrosse stick, load up your playlist, and rock through Sofia Halstead's Junior and Senior high school years because this book IS A RIOT!" - Meg E Dobson, award winning author of Chaos Theory and mystery short stories. "Words can't describe how much I loved reading this book. I really admired the author's use of imagery because it made me feel as if I was experiencing these events firsthand. I also really enjoyed the ingenious idea to have songs associated with the chapters. It was such a unique twist on the book! I look forward to reading more of Kris's books!!!"- Jocelyn, Extreme Optimist, Pennsylvania P.S. Go Pink Sparkly Ninjas!!! "The delightful 'teen angst' storyline of I Wish My Words Tasted Better will almost make you wish you were back in high school again ... Sofi Halsted, aka "Stuck in the Middle Halsted," is one clever seventeen year-old determined to navigate college admissions, Queen Mean Cheerleader Chelsea, her frequent lapses in good judgment, and life as a flirty and hopelessly romantic junior. Author Kris Abel-Helwig's skillful combination of current and classic tunes, rock-and-roll the reader throughout this fun-loving continuation of life in a military family; complete with love-struck parents, three military brat siblings, and a year of loveable and endearing ups and downs. Your heart will be grinning madly all the way through."- Ellen Filipelli - English Language Arts Educator, Johns Creek High School, Johns Creek, Georgia. "Sofi is such a fun and exciting character. I truly loved it."- Maddie, Theater Kid, Illinois. "Holy smokes. Well, I read the book, but I can't even speak much less type what my thoughts are about it. So I made a video which is 90% gushing about how much I loved it and sent it to the author."- Xander, College Student, Videographer, Writer & Poet. "I love Sofi! Such a great character full of intelligence and spirit. She is truly on a thrill ride through high school."- Andrea, Writer, Cat Aficionado. "Delightful! Gorgeous writing. Deeply satisfying. A beautiful reading experience that is truly unique. I Wish My Words Tasted Better is filled with romance and wit that will delectably echo in your head long after you read it."- Phyllis, Children's Book Author