SELF-HELP & PHILOSOPHY | |
Above Dirt Above Dirt: Motivational Thoughts Supporting A Positive Outlook is a collection of essays describing exactly how to do that – maintain a positive outlook no matter what challenges life throws at you. Written by Frank Borelli – a military and law enforcement veteran with over 35 years of experience in dealing with the ugliest side of life – and with contributions from Steve Forgues – another veteran law enforcement officer who has seen the same. Together these two men have written about challenges and negativity… the seamier side of life that usually only gets seen on the “bad side” of town… and how they dealt with it; the lessons they learned from it; the outlooks that helped them not only keep from being overly stressed or emotionally impacted but that also let them help people who were dealing with some of the worst challenges life can throw at anyone. There are sections on philosophies of motivation, being happy with yourself, tranquility in your family life, finding satisfaction through serving others, finding satisfaction at work, lessons learned through life’s experience, finding peace in nature’s beauty and motivation found in music. This second edition also has a bonus section of seven additional essays that focus on little noticed but hugely impactful outlooks about some of life’s most tragic… or most magic… events. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
A Fork in the Road This is a book of motivation and self-help. Written in a series of five sections and over 50 chapters, the entire contents focus on finding ways to maintain a positive outlook in the face of challenges; on overcoming the sometimes darker side of life; on enjoying every moment we can in a life that’s all too short even if we live to be over 100 years old. Author Frank Borelli – an Army veteran and retired police officer with over 25 years of experience in designing and delivering adult education, a father and grandfather and author of twelve other books (including another self-help book and one parenting guide) – calls on the experiences of his own life and those of his friends/family to offer guidance in either finding a positive perception OR simply managing a negative one. This book discusses such topics as general rules for a successful life, keeping your mind and soul “clean” of negative outside influences, finding your self-worth and staying aware of it, taking responsibility for your own happiness (or unhappiness as the case may be) and far more. The chapters include content on taking advantage of or MAKING opportunities at any age as well as maintaining a youthful approach to life in the “senior” years (those 50+ years of age). Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
Another Fork in the Road Third in his series for motivation and self-help, “Another Fork In The Road,” follows “Above Dirt” and “A Fork In The Road.” Praised by readers with such comments as, “Thank you for words and thoughts that kept me going when I thought nothing else could,” and, “It’s got lessons we all need to learn and remember everyday!” this motivational series has proven its worth. “Another Fork In The Road: Lessons in Life, Motivation, Leadership & Mentoring,” is the next installment from Mentor Frank Borelli. Broken into seven sections with a total of 48 chapters, this book is full of perception changing outlooks to help you improve every day of your life! Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
Cigar Lounge Wisdom Cigar Lounge Wisdom is an anthology of essays written based on discussions held in a cigar bar. They range in topic from cigar shop etiquette to cigar terminology to life philosophy topics. Including the Introduction, there are twenty chapters in this book. Written by a man who is a military veteran, career law enforcement professional, adult educator, mentor, husband, father and grandfather, the insights shared are based on quite a bit of life’s experience – both his own and that of others – filtered through the intellect and intelligence of a select group of wise people. While it may sound like heavy reading, it’s presented in a lighter fashion that allows for easy reading, contemplation and discussion. It’s the perfect “table top” book to have in your cigar lounge or to sell at your cigar shop. It’s also worth sharing as a gift to someone who you think might enjoy the philosophies shared. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
Philosophy as Taught by Life’s Experience “Philosophy as Taught by Life’s Experience” is a compendium of articles, essays and discussions about managing your outlook to mitigate negative impact from what might otherwise be viewed as a challenge or obstacle. The lessons described are gleaned from a wide variety of experiences and an equal variety of sources. From military experience to children to work to social settings, life’s experiences are had every day and in every circumstance. The lessons that can be learned from them are only limited by one’s outlook and, sometimes, closed mindedness. The book is organized in eight sections delineating the source of the lesson for the author. He lists them out as Military, his children, his father, experiences during travel, his family, lessons learned in general settings, lessons learned while socializing and finally, lessons learned at work. There are over forty different philosophies and outlooks discussed, all from different situations and centered around different challenges or obstacles in life. The author takes a discussional approach, and after describing the circumstances that spawned whatever challenge is described, the author details out the approach he feels is best for changing a negative outlook to a positive one. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
Musings of a Modern-Day American Philosopher Philosophy is defined as “the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.” History’s most famous philosophers seem to all have agreed that the art of philosophy, at its most basic, serves to understand life, the purpose of it and how we evaluate our attainment of that purpose. Considering how different life is in the year 2023AD versus 1,000BC, it only follows that some changes in philosophy statements and outlooks would have to change as well. This book serves to articulate a variety of philosophical outlooks about some of life’s most basic characteristics, goals and approaches to living life in the highest quality way. Discussions about Quality of Life, Impact of Perception, Self-Improvement (and how it should be prioritized), Age, Operational outlooks, Service to others and then a few other related topics are included. The author’s goal is to inspire thought based around some of life’s most basic questions; questions that even the philosopher’s “of old” asked. What is the purpose of life? How do we measure our success within it? What defines me as a person? Is this experience a good one or a bad one? How can I improve the lives of those around me? The total of 39 essays can inspire a lot of thought and consideration. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
Endless Forks in the Road – Motivational Quotes & Commentary “Endless Forks in the Road – Motivational Quotes & Commentary” builds on the platform of shared experiences and lessons delivered by the author in his previous five self-help / motivational books. Starting with “Above Dirt,” moving through the “A Fork in the Road” series and including “Cigar Lounge Wisdom” as well as “Philosophy as Taught by Life’s Experiences,” the author has tried to share outlooks that, if embraced, increase the quality of life. With hundreds of quotes drawn from historical figures as well as contemporary leaders, and commentary to expand on the lessons and value of each quote, this book offers support for the essays and lessons shared in the previous books. It’s great as a stand-alone read for those seeking inspiration or in conjunction with references in the other books. With quotes about or referencing topics that include self-value, perception, learning, wisdom, motivation, opportunity, happiness, success and living, you’re sure to find something in it to help brighten your day or adjust your outlook to a more positive perspective. Buy in Paperback Buy in Kindle Format | |
Farther Down the Road – Lessons in Age, Quality of Life, Self-Improvement & Perception “Farther Down the Road,” is a continuation of the lessons expressed in the foregoing self-help books published by Frank Borelli. “Above Dirt,” “A Fork in the Road,” “Another Fork in the Road,” “Cigar Lounge Wisdom,” and “Endless Forks in the Road,” are the other five books in the series. “Farther Down the Road,” is intended to be the final work in the self-help series and takes a look at such topics as Quality of Life, Impact of Perception, Self-Improvement, Aging, Daily Philosophies, items of particular interest to service veterans and then a few miscellaneous outlooks related to day-to-day living. “Farther Down the Road,” is a collection of 53 essays and articles categorized as described in the topic list above. Together they make up roughly 240 pages of ‘collected wisdom,’ as one reviewer put it. Buy in Paperback Buy in Kindle format | |
Wellness & Success Journal Journaling has become something of a lost art as many people create video logs, social media posts and even audio recordings as a means of keeping a diary. But few of those tools allow you structure as you keep track of your daily habits, health maintenance, success in attaining goals and more. This Wellness & Success Journal is specifically designed to help you stay motivated each day, setting goals for yourself, tracking your sleep, dream, eating and work habits and more. With a page for every day of the year (even in Leap Year), this journal is segmented into months and quarters, with motivational quotes for each month and space to keep notes for each month and each quarter. Each day page includes space to create your daily TO DO list as well as check boxes so you can feel the satisfaction of marking them complete. There are questions about how you spent your free time, and if you used any of that time for health maintenance such as exercise, or self-education such as reading. Through the regular use of this journal, it’s easy to look back and see patterns in your behavior and observe the impact – positive or negative – that those behavior patterns have as you work toward achieving your goals. See the patterns empowers you to change what’s necessary to more efficiently work toward and, finally, achieve those goals. As you do so, the journal gives you space to document new goals and make notes about your steps as you begin pursing them. Buy Paperback Buy Hardcover | |
Wellness & Success Journal Companion Diary Journaling has become something of a lost art as many people create video logs, social media posts and even audio recordings as a means of keeping a diary. But few of those tools allow you structure as you keep track of your daily habits, health maintenance, success in attaining goals and more. This Wellness & Success Journal Companion Diary is specifically designed to work in conjunction with the Wellness & Success Journal. This Companion Diary provides more space for you to expand on your day to day habits, thoughts, goals and more. With a page for every day of the year (even in Leap Year), this companion diary is segmented into months with motivational quotes for each month. You are encouraged to make notes on how you spent your free time, and if you used any of that time for health maintenance such as exercise, or self-education such as reading. Through the regular use of this companion diary in support of the wellness & success journal, it’s easy to look back and see patterns in your behavior and observe the impact – positive or negative – that those behavior patterns have as you work toward achieving your goals. Seeing the patterns empowers you to change what’s necessary to more efficiently work toward and, finally, achieve those goals. As you do so, the journal gives you space to document new goals and make notes about your steps as you begin pursing them. Buy Paperback Buy Hardcover | |
REFERENCE | |
Active Killers and the Crimes They Perpetrated An Analysis of and Lessons Learned from Active Shooter Events “Active Killers and the Crimes They Perpetrated” stands alone in its category for three key reasons: It provides perspective. Today, every attack seemingly requires all of us to “start over” from ground zero, explaining laws, investigating the police response, psychoanalyzing the killer and then fruitlessly debating guns laws. The authors, through this tour de force, provide a sense of “been there, done that” so we can productively learn from events and prepare for future threats. While our culture is stuck running in circles, the Borellis point the way forward. Their thorough analysis of major public attacks since the 1700s – yes, that’s no typo! – provides a sweep that goes beyond mere academic value. Yet there is vital academic value. The table of contents alone will introduce you to mass attacks you’ve never heard of. The Borellis point out it wasn’t the Internet (alone, at least) or violent video games (not exclusively at least) that turned people into zombie-like killing machines. Humans, for a variety of reasons, have been murdering innocents for millennia. In understanding history – what has been done – we can prepare for the future, or what may be done. The authors also chronicle how and why police response to active shooter attacks has changed and continues to do so. This book, unlike many in its genre, is extremely practical. It’s no “gee whiz that’s interesting” tome. History is explained and implications drawn, ranging from the 1764 American Indian attack on a Pennsylvania schoolhouse to recent newsmakers including the Las Vegas sniper, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Knowledge is power. But application is the current that puts power in motion. You can’t read this book without realizing things that must be done differently. If you fail to act, that’s on you. Buy the Kindle Edition Buy the Print Edition | |
Father to Son “Father to Son” is an instruction manual for sons on how to live life with honor, dignity, and integrity. It covers subjects across the spectrum from how to treat people (well), to when to fight (when there’s no alternative), and what to think about money (it’s necessary, but not the end-all). While it takes a decidedly 21st century approach to life–no macho advice or testosterone-poisoned prose, it also takes what we now fondly call an “old-school” approach, too. Frank advises his sons (and the rest of us) to treat people well…always at first, and as time goes on if they deserve it. He suggests that violence is not a way of life or the solution to most problems…but that there are things worth fighting for and you should fight for them. He says that money is necessary to fulfill your obligations and to properly care for your family…but that you shouldn’t get caught up in its pursuit for its own sake. And there’s a lot more. This is the heart and soul of a father that every son either carries with him or wishes he did. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
Personal Disaster Preparedness Handbook Based on experience and knowledge gained during his thirty-plus years of service in uniform, the author prepared this Personal Disaster Planning Handbook to offer basic guidance. This handbook addresses emergency preparedness at home, and in a redundant, layered approach if you are required-by law or circumstance-to leave your home. The first sections address the various layers, beginning with you, followed by your home, your vehicle, your backpack, your vest (if you use one) and finally your belt and pockets. Weapons for hunting and defense are discussed, as are an assortment of other tools necessary to survive in austere environments. The final sections of the book provide reference material such as checklists, online resources, recommended websites, and equipment reviews. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
Bullying & Victimology in the 21st Century (research paper) In 2018 the author conducted a research survey that canvassed respondents from three generations regarding their outlooks on and experiences with bullying and crime. The purpose of the research was to determine if the dominant contemporary public school approach to fighting – to punish all involved despite motivation – was conditioning younger generations to be willing victims. The survey had over 700 respondents and their responses were analyzed based on age, gender, education level, veteran status and more. The conclusion reached is that YES: contemporary approach to punishing all students involved in fighting is training our children and young adults to become willing victims of crime; particularly sexual oriented crimes. This is a FREE online download. DOWNLOAD THE PDF DOCUMENT | |
Contextual Intuition (Research paper) Contextual Intuition is a theory developed that supposes that soldiers and law enforcement professionals can be trained in a specific manner which will support subconscious decision making that conforms to legal and administration controls. This paper examines how such training should be structured; what the strengths of such training are and the applications wherein it would be most useful. The importance of recognizing the difference between foundational and complex knowledge and practical skills is clearly delineated, supporting the recommended method for structuring training in the most efficient manner not only for learning but also for subconscious use. Buy in Kindle format | |
Combat Motivation (Research paper) This short book discusses what human development challenges are faced and must be overcome to enable a person to successfully engage in combat AND survive both mentally and spiritually intact after the fact. Other philosophies of motivation are examined and contemporary cultural impacts are also analyzed and discussed. As this paper was prepared, the United States had been at war for nearly a decade and it was updated after almost another decade of war had passed. Studies of the methodology of terrorism based on radical religious beliefs and the cultural impact on how children are raised is also analyzed and the information included. Buy in Kindle format | |
FICTION | |
Adventures in Beach Head, Book 1 Adventures in Beach Head is a fiction series about Max Breaklin – a military veteran and new police officer in the city of Beach Head, Virginia. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this city enjoys all the benefits and challenges of any major tourist city. Based on actual events as relayed from various law enforcement professionals around the United States, the adventures Breaklin experiences in Beach Head present learning opportunities and demonstrate some of the reality of working the street today. Originally written as a drama series online, each book represents the compilation of 13 weekly entries. It’s easiest to think about each book as one “season” of the series. Here’s what some readers of the series have said: – I liked it! As someone who is not a police officer, I learned a few things too. – As an aspiring LEO, this was a great read. Really well done. – Another great episode. Keep up the great work with this storyline! – Talk about cliffhanger! Another great episode. – I LOVED the sudden switch from the points of view of the regular characters to that of the gunman. That was unexpected. It was interesting and creepy to briefly be inside his head. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
Adventures in Beach Head, Book 2 Adventures in Beach Head is a fiction series about Max Breaklin – a military veteran and new police officer in the city of Beach Head, Virginia. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this city enjoys all the benefits and challenges of any major tourist city. Based on actual events as relayed from various law enforcement professionals around the United States, the adventures Breaklin experiences in Beach Head present learning opportunities and demonstrate some of the reality of working the street today. Originally written as a drama series online, each book represents the compilation of 13 weekly entries. It’s easiest to think about each book as one “season” of the series. In Book Two, we’re introduced to the psychotic criminal known in the investigative circles by his nickname of “The Banana Man.” This murderer kills to quiet his mind… Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
Adventures in Beach Head, Book 3: The Vigilante As the squad deals with the loss of one of its own, a vigilante arrives in Beach Head and begins preying on the local gang. Is this good or bad and how will the local politicians leverage it? – Adventures in Beach Head is a fiction series about Max Breaklin – a military veteran and new police officer in the city of Beach Head, Virginia. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this city enjoys all the benefits and challenges of any major tourist city. Adventures in Beach Head is based on actual events as relayed from various law enforcement professionals around the United States and demonstrate some of the reality of working the street today. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
Justice Delivered: Adventures in Beach Head, Book 4 As the relationship continues to develop between Max and JP, Eddie and Max are both assigned to the newly formed task force to track and arrest the vigilante that continues to hunt local gang members. – Adventures in Beach Head is a fiction series about Max Breaklin – a military veteran and new police officer in the city of Beach Head, Virginia. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this city enjoys all the benefits and challenges of any major tourist city. Adventures in Beach Head is based on actual events as relayed from various law enforcement professionals around the United States and demonstrate some of the reality of working the street today. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
Ocean Rejection: Adventures in Beach Head, Book 5 As Max recovers from being shot during the last attack on the local gang, and an arrest attempt on the vigilante, JP has to decide whether or not being in a relationship with a police officer is really what she wants. Can she handle the stress of constant risk? And a new homicidal predator shows up along the touristy harbors that dot the city’s Atlantic coast. – Adventures in Beach Head is a fiction series about Max Breaklin – a military veteran and new police officer in the city of Beach Head, Virginia. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this city enjoys all the benefits and challenges of any major tourist city. Adventures in Beach Head is based on actual events as relayed from various law enforcement professionals around the United States and demonstrate some of the reality of working the street today. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
The Street Circus: Adventures in Beach Head, Book 6 People dressing as scary clowns distract Beach Head from the reality of a child predator stalking the city. What some think is funny, others perceive as a threat and how the police react depends entirely on the person wearing the makeup. As Max continues to heal, he’s temporarily assigned to investigations to find the new predator in Beach Head. – Adventures in Beach Head is a fiction series about Max Breaklin – a military veteran and new police officer in the city of Beach Head, Virginia. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this city enjoys all the benefits and challenges of any major tourist city. Adventures in Beach Head is based on actual events as relayed from various law enforcement professionals around the United States and demonstrate some of the reality of working the street today. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle Format | |
Surviving the Zombies Mr. Borelli provides an intriguing epidemiological study of zombies ranging from 60,000 BC to present times drawing some startling conclusions and links to known historical events along the way. Included are previously unreported (or covered-up) zombie outbreaks, as well as information about the current zombie pandemic, and the various ways zombies are created. He pays particular attention to illustrating what the historical record shows compared to the disinformation perpetrated by the CDC and other government agencies. Based on his own experience as well as that of others, this book is an invaluable guide to detecting, restraining, and destroying zombies as well as other vital steps required to survive the zombie pandemic. If you want to survive, you need to read this guide and follow it carefully. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format | |
12/21/12, The 2nd Civil War & TEOTWAWKI What happens when ancient prophecies, traditional values and modern politics all collide? “12/21/12, The 2nd Civil War & TEOTWAWKI” presents one possible fictional future series of events based on real events in 2011 and 2012. Follow America as she experiences a decline into martial law, suspended elections, urban anarchy and rural strength. Read about how “preppers” may sometimes seem silly but their outlook may well be part of the salvation of our great nation. Buy in Kindle Format | |
PATRIOTISM | |
American Thinking American Thinking, is a collection of writings about topics ranging from the nature of being an American and the service-orientated nature of patriotism, to the training necessary to so serve, to the kinds of threats that we will need to address as patriots and police officers, to the equipment (including mental equipment) we need, to an in depth discussion of the threat that will most define cops of GenX and GenY: terrorism on our soil. If there’s one theme that defines the outlook expressed in and that runs through this book, it is that terrorism will be the standard reality here in the U.S. in a very short time, and that we as a nation, individually as citizens, and each of us as cops, will have to change to deal with it. And it’s not a pretty picture. Life here will get more violent; the traditional social-work/liability-ruled approach to police work—and to use-of-force in particular—will have to adapt; police officers will have to become genuine warriors. In other words, many of the trends that have defined the careers of baby boomer cops will have to either be reversed or changed. The author writes to the individual cop—not to the academicians, not to the social critics, but to you and me. His chapters in this book on the meaning of service, on being a cop, on facing up to the task at hand, and on training and preparation for it are critical reading. American Thinking will be one of the seminal publications that define what we are and what we do in this new world. Buy in Kindle format | |
American Thinking II American Thinking II is an anthology of Frank Borelli’s work for the law enforcement & military communities, producing articles about motivation, common sense, service to our country and more. For the first edition of American Thinking , I said that Frank Borelli is just young enough to qualify as a senior member of “generation X”, giving him the perfect combination of decades of experience and relative youth. This fact, combined with his far-reaching audience and its concomitant impact, makes him a man to watch. Sometimes I’m right, and I was then! Frank’s writing has gone on to reach an audience that’s larger than almost anyone else in the field, and do so month after month. He has become one of the philosophers of the police and armed citizen field, always tying the least of things the actual “stuff” to the truly important things: where we are heading as a nation, what kind of people we are becoming, and what kind of country we are creating for our kids. His work also continually focuses on our responsibilities as public safety professionals or non-sworn citizens, not just to our jobs, but in the face of the threats we face as individuals and to civilized values. And make no mistake, both these things are under dire attack by determined enemies. In short, this writing work tells you a little about the “what” of defending ourselves and our civilization, more important it tells you a lot about the “how”, and most important it discusses and often explains the “why”. This book is an education about what it should mean to be an American at this inflection point in our history. Buy in Print Buy in Kindle format |