Space to Exhale and Singularity of the Mind Showcase New Jersey Talent in Wellness and Philosophy

New Jersey’s literary scene is buzzing with recognition for two authors making waves in very different genres. Lisa Hurley, Jersey City-based author of Space to Exhale: A Handbook for Curating a Soft, Centered, Serene Life, has been named a finalist in the 5th Annual Anthem Awards, while Nicholas Cristiano from Old Bridge debuts with Singularity of the Mind, an ambitious exploration of philosophy, numerology, and personal transformation.

Lisa Hurley’s Space to Exhale:

Published in June 2025 by Wiley, Hurley’s book is part self-help guide, part memoir, and part meditation manual. Designed to combat the pressures of “hustle culture,” Space to Exhale offers a practical roadmap for embracing rest, self-care, and authentic living. Central to the book is Hurley’s “Exhalation Point Framework,” which is divided into three key pillars:

• Know Yourself: Align with your values, recognize your strengths, and reclaim personal clarity.
• Love Yourself: Cultivate positive self-talk, nurture supportive relationships, and prioritize restorative practices.
• Be Yourself: Protect your energy, practice authenticity, and embrace a soft, centered, serene approach to life.

While the book speaks to a broad audience, it carries a special resonance for Black women, challenging the “Strong Black Woman” trope and advocating a shift toward a “Soft Black Woman era.” Drawing on her experiences as a burnout survivor, Reiki master, and founder of the online community The Great Exhale, Hurley delivers actionable advice alongside reflections on wellness, balance, and self-compassion. Her recognition by the Anthem Awards underscores the cultural and social impact of her work.

Nicholas Cristiano’s Singularity of the Mind:

Nicholas Cristiano, a Rutgers University graduate from Old Bridge, New Jersey, debuts with Singularity of the Mind, a hybrid work blending memoir, numerology, mathematics, and philosophy. Cristiano’s book recounts his journey through a personal mental health crisis and his creation of the “Matrix of Life Equation,” a system linking his birthdate to cosmic and spiritual patterns.

The book tackles the intersection of human experience and technology, exploring questions about artificial intelligence, consciousness, and individual potential. Cristiano’s writing, targeted at young adults in their 20s and 30s, invites readers to examine their own lives through the lens of self-discovery, mathematical curiosity, and philosophical inquiry. Singularity of the Mind is available in print and ebook formats on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

A Spotlight on New Jersey Talent:

Both Hurley and Cristiano exemplify the diverse voices emerging from New Jersey’s literary community. Hurley offers a guide for mindful living and personal empowerment, while Cristiano challenges readers to engage with abstract ideas and self-reflection through an innovative fusion of memoir and numerology. Their contributions highlight the state’s rich landscape of authors who are pushing boundaries in wellness, personal growth, and intellectual exploration.

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