Author Interview with Ann Marie Zakos

An interview with Ann Marie Zakos, author of “First Class Ticket”… “an irreverent look at a week in the life of a college student, Madison, along with two of her classmates, as they learn about life through a philosophy class. A medley of teaching tales divided into 13 chapters, it explores the nine truths of life…”

Heather: How did you develop these nine truths in the book?

Ann Marie: I developed these truths from my own personal life experiences. I took experiences that I encountered in my daily life from interacting with co-workers, friends, and family. I realized these truths to be self-evident and that they apply to us all universally.

Heather: Are you a student of philosophy?

Ann Marie: Although I took a couple philosophy classes in college, I didn't enjoy them and found them unfulfilling. Therefore, I created my own philosophies from my perceptions of the world and incorporated them into this book.

Heather: Did you take a special philosophy course in college?

Ann Marie: I took two philosophy courses in college that I didn't like very much. I'm not sure if it was my state of mind at the time, or the lack of passion about the subject from the professors. But I intuitively knew that philosophy should be fun and rewarding and that the younger generation should be influenced and inspired by it. So I guess the lack of inspiration I felt from my professors about the subject made me want to inspire others about philosophy.

Heather: What prompted you to write a book about spiritual development?

Ann Marie: I feel that our culture is materially rich, yet spiritually poor, and I wanted to inspire others to look at what really matters in life and realize that the only real measure of wealth is our own character.

Heather: Are you a supporter of the idea that we are in an age of information?

Ann Marie: I strongly believe that our culture is shifting from the material age into the age of information. This is relevant with the great technological advancements that have been made in the last twenty years, as well as the "Green" movement that is taking place. I like to think that I am part of the "metrospiritual" movement.

Heather: I love the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. What gave you that idea? Are you a collector of quotes like many authors are?

Ann Marie: I love quotes because when thought about, they have the ability to touch us and awaken us deep inside.

Heather: Are there more tales of college students in the works?

Ann Marie: I am following up “First Class Ticket” with the sequel called “The Inn Between.” It's the second philosophy assignment for Brian, Diana and Madison where they are assigned the task of going on a scavenger hunt through an old hotel near their college campus.

Heather: Do you think that there is a lack of interesting, engaging, enlightening reading material for young adults? I hope you know that this book certainly fills that bill.

Ann Marie: That is exactly what influenced me to write this book. I feel that young adults are bombarded by the media with the wrong messages. There is too much emphasis on MTV, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton and not enough emphasis on the things that truly matter. I feel that they need to be inspired by positive, enlightening and life-altering books that can shape them into becoming better people.

Heather: Have you been writing fiction long?

Ann Marie: I've been writing fiction for the past six years and I intend to continue writing for the rest of my life. It's my passion!

Heather: Please give us a brief bio and share anything else that you wish to.

Ann Marie: I recently gave a book speaking event at Transitions Bookplace in Chicago (a store that I love) and many of the people in the audience kept asking me, "You're so young, how do you know about these truths, how do you understand so much?" My response to them was that when I first starting writing the book, I had no outline, I just had the basic story plot in mind. I started with a blank computer screen and everyday for hours I would get quiet and I would just listen. Miraculously, the words starting to take shape on the page. I truly felt that my entire experience of writing the book was from a divine source. A higher form of energy was helping me write, and I was just the vessel that it came through.

“First Class Ticket” is available on Amazon.com and on AnnMarieZakos.com

YA Non-Fiction/Self Help Review

University Wisdom
by Vanessa McCallum
Review by Heather Froeschl

As a student, I assumed that I knew what I was doing, approximately where I was going, and hoped for the best. I wish I had had a book to tell me that I might be able to be more successful if I just did this or that little thing. Vanessa McCallum lets students know that adding a habit here, or stressing less over there can go a long way, in her book “University Wisdom.”

“Discover the secrets of getting the most from your experience at university and use them as stepping stones to launch your life and career” in this guide. It doesn’t read like one of those lectures from your guidance counselor might sound. This guide can be taken in small doses, one short chapter at a time, or you can breeze through the whole thing in a very short time. Chances are, you’ll want to keep the book around and refer to it now and then. 50 lessons on what you can expect from college, life, careers, and yourself, are sure to grab your attention at some point. Can’t decide what you want to be “when you grow up?” Do you freak when it comes time to settle down and take a test, get a project done, or be interviewed for a job? Parents pressuring you to pick a course of study? Financial situation have you concerned that college is out of the question? Vanessa has answers for you. This interactive guidebook will get you centered, thinking, and planning your future.

Written in a down-to-earth, easy-going tone, the author doesn’t attack and conquer, but rather she explains where she’s been (right where you are) what she did about it, and encourages readers to take steps of their own, whatever they may be. With tips on everything from hanging out with friends, and serious relationships to learning about budgeting money, and planning finances, there is sure to be numerous topics you will relate to. Take some stress out of your life and get a grip on a book that will definitely help, in a fun and practical way. I highly recommend this title for any high school senior, college student or parent of one.

Poetry Review

The Black Ball
by Harambee Grey-Sun
ISBN-10: 0773434518
Review by Heather Froeschl

Take time to savor the poetry of this title. It is meant to be taken in, tasted and understood. Poetry is an art that so few can master and still remain contemporary. The Black Ball is an example of a job well done in this art form.

The lives of college students are revealed in this story told through poem. College life apparently isn't what it used to be, and the young are no longer as young as they were. The book chronicles four years of interactions, learnings, and life, of several students. Within the pages are revenge and life lessons, hatred and understanding.

This is not light reading; it is a memorable experience.

"This retreat...it's all about face. Have I stepped too far out of place, undertaken a venture that promises ill?"

Not so. Harambee Grey-Sun has begun the process of becoming a respected poet.