For those that are looking for something more, I am a self published author with over 1.7 million words written across 21 books in a variety of genres. Below you will find my non-fiction works and brief summaries.
Brindisi and Me book cover – A memoir by Jonathan Kuiper about two years of life in Southern Italy, exploring culture, challenges, and transformation.
What happens when a small-town New Englander trades quiet New Hampshire for the bustling rhythms of Southern Italy?
Sent to teach in Brindisi and the wider Puglia region, Jonathan Kuiper found himself face-to-face with culture shock, language barriers, and a lifestyle that wasn’t exactly “user-friendly” for an introvert. Yet, amidst the challenges came unexpected joy—connection with the people, a slower pace of life, and the Mediterranean spirit that saturates this corner of Italy.
Part memoir, part travelogue, Brindisi and Me explores the realities of teaching at an international school, navigating visas and apartment living, and adjusting to siestas, stray animals, and seaside holidays. Jonathan reflects on Italy’s idea of “la dolce vita,” the refugee crisis, and what it truly means to feel at home abroad.
For expats, teachers, travelers, or anyone curious about life in Italy beyond the tourist lens, this is an honest, humorous, and heartfelt glimpse into Southern Italy and the lessons it leaves behind.
Sent to teach in Brindisi and the wider Puglia region, Jonathan Kuiper found himself face-to-face with culture shock, language barriers, and a lifestyle that wasn’t exactly “user-friendly” for an introvert. Yet, amidst the challenges came unexpected joy—connection with the people, a slower pace of life, and the Mediterranean spirit that saturates this corner of Italy.
Part memoir, part travelogue, Brindisi and Me explores the realities of teaching at an international school, navigating visas and apartment living, and adjusting to siestas, stray animals, and seaside holidays. Jonathan reflects on Italy’s idea of “la dolce vita,” the refugee crisis, and what it truly means to feel at home abroad.
For expats, teachers, travelers, or anyone curious about life in Italy beyond the tourist lens, this is an honest, humorous, and heartfelt glimpse into Southern Italy and the lessons it leaves behind.
Emotional Spending book cover – A personal finance memoir by Jonathan Kuiper on overcoming debt, emotional spending habits, and the journey to a debt-free life.
Personal debt hits us all. What can you do to overcome it and break the pattern? What can you do to reach your financial freedom?
Many people struggle to overcome debt. Until you can take a closer look at what got you into this mess, the life you had imagined for yourself and your loved ones is but a glimmer of the dreams you once shared.
This book and the following words give hope to those looking for motivation or a means to get out of debt for good. There is no better teacher than personal experience, save learning from someone else who has been in your shoes, done stupid things, and lived to find a way forward.
My financial journey is typical of my generation: cars, personal loans, house payments, credit cards, and everything else in between, while navigating relationships, fights over money, and what that entailed in the long run. I've lived it all, and I want to share my story with you and what I learned in the process.
The idea of financial freedom and what that meant was vital to each step along this path. I found a purpose in focusing on those debts and creating a budget that eventually eradicated all that drama.
It can be done.
Anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to that goal, but as I will show you, I found that realistic expectations during and after this debt-free journey are vital to living a full life. Some people will jump in and focus so much on their debts that they miss out on the little joys of each success. More importantly, they won't come up for air long enough to bask in the sun and to be present in this busy life.
The following pages contain different topics and are full of stories based on my experiences and those around me. This is meant to be a judgment-free zone. It's a glorified story hour that lets you know you aren't alone.
Whether we focus on credit cards, car payments, student loans, timeshares, buying a house, or simply vices, there's a topic for anyone on this financial journey to freedom. Beyond those topics, we will explore the importance of understanding your relationship with money and your partner if you have a significant other in your life.
We will continue with an example of an actual budget that many, I know, don't follow. I've been there. I get it, but there's no reason why, after reading this book, you don't at the very least start a budget and find out where your money is going. It's your choice, but I like the power of knowing what money is coming in and, more importantly, what money is going out.
Finally, I'll tell the entire story of my debt-free journey. When I was at my lowest, it was those calls on the Dave Ramsey radio show of people sharing their stories on how they overcame their debts that gave me hope and purpose. I trust sharing each step along the way, might do the same for you.
To that end, we will conclude with lessons learned, a sense of purpose and direction, or at least some food for thought about your financial journey and legacy.
Many people struggle to overcome debt. Until you can take a closer look at what got you into this mess, the life you had imagined for yourself and your loved ones is but a glimmer of the dreams you once shared.
This book and the following words give hope to those looking for motivation or a means to get out of debt for good. There is no better teacher than personal experience, save learning from someone else who has been in your shoes, done stupid things, and lived to find a way forward.
My financial journey is typical of my generation: cars, personal loans, house payments, credit cards, and everything else in between, while navigating relationships, fights over money, and what that entailed in the long run. I've lived it all, and I want to share my story with you and what I learned in the process.
The idea of financial freedom and what that meant was vital to each step along this path. I found a purpose in focusing on those debts and creating a budget that eventually eradicated all that drama.
It can be done.
Anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to that goal, but as I will show you, I found that realistic expectations during and after this debt-free journey are vital to living a full life. Some people will jump in and focus so much on their debts that they miss out on the little joys of each success. More importantly, they won't come up for air long enough to bask in the sun and to be present in this busy life.
The following pages contain different topics and are full of stories based on my experiences and those around me. This is meant to be a judgment-free zone. It's a glorified story hour that lets you know you aren't alone.
Whether we focus on credit cards, car payments, student loans, timeshares, buying a house, or simply vices, there's a topic for anyone on this financial journey to freedom. Beyond those topics, we will explore the importance of understanding your relationship with money and your partner if you have a significant other in your life.
We will continue with an example of an actual budget that many, I know, don't follow. I've been there. I get it, but there's no reason why, after reading this book, you don't at the very least start a budget and find out where your money is going. It's your choice, but I like the power of knowing what money is coming in and, more importantly, what money is going out.
Finally, I'll tell the entire story of my debt-free journey. When I was at my lowest, it was those calls on the Dave Ramsey radio show of people sharing their stories on how they overcame their debts that gave me hope and purpose. I trust sharing each step along the way, might do the same for you.
To that end, we will conclude with lessons learned, a sense of purpose and direction, or at least some food for thought about your financial journey and legacy.
A Lightworker's Perspective Revisited - Amazon only
Fifteen years after the first edition, we revisit A Lightworker's Perspective. Unedited and unabridged, this book is a collection of essays that are part memoir and part reflection that discuss and cover such topics as family issues, integrity, religion, death, and life choices. Based on real stories and modern media examples, these essays examine our dramatic and fast-paced world. The underlying focus is on how people can make the best of their lives and help others do the same through love and awareness. Simply by being open to another perspective and redefining oneself, this book shows how love can change the world and humanity in a positive way. Meant as a personal memoir, the book is being released again, now in 2021 to help others who have struggled especially in 2020 with the turmoil between COVID-19 and everything else going on around the world. For those in need of a new perspective or at least a reminder on what you already know, this book might serve in helping you find a way forward.