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Able Greenspan's Bookshelf
The Extended Universe: How Disney Killed the Movies and Took Over the World
Vicky Osterweil
Haymarket Books
www.haymarketbooks.org
9798888903667, $28.95, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Universe-Disney-Killed-Movies/dp/B0D9JDCJ5N
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-extended-universe-vicky-osterweil/1146009721
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Extended Universe: How Disney Killed the Movies and Took Over the World", author Vicky Osterweil takes us on a quest to discover how Disney's "imagineers" have made it impossible to reflect on the wonders of growing up without thinking of Disney's movies, amusement parks, and merchandising.
Drawing on extensive interviews with filmmakers, screenwriters, union organizers, and Disney "adults" alike, Osterweil unearths reactionary political commitments and maleficent legal maneuvers so cartoonishly evil they would make one of Walt's own animated villains blush.
Along the way, Osterweil also braids together corporate skullduggery with a not entirely unsympathetic analysis of some of Disney's most famous movies. The result is an entertaining and convincing case that Disney's entire business model has been built upon a ruthless and fanatical insistence on intellectual property rights ranging from Steamboat Willie, to Avengers: Infinity War, and beyond!
Critique: Fascinating, informative, iconoclastic, revelatory, "The Extended Universe: How Disney Killed the Movies and Took Over the World" by Vicky Osterweil is a seminal and groundbreaking study of one of the major contributors to American (and world wide) popular culture. While an unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library Entertainment Industry collections in general and Disney Corporate History curriculum studies lists in particular, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Extended Universe" from Haymarket Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Vicky Osterweil is a Philadelphia-based writer, agitator, and worker whose first book, "In Defense of Looting", described historical struggles for liberation in the US. She is a member of the anarchist journal CAW and has written about the intersections of film, politics, and culture for publications such as The Paris Review, Art in America, Al Jazeera America, The Baffler, Dissent, Lux Magazine, and The New Inquiry, where she was also a culture editor for many years.
The Man
Laura Sims
G. P. Putnam's Sons
c/o Penguin Group
www.penguin.com
9798217177677, $30.00, HC, 304pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Man-Laura-Sims/dp/B0FV6W5DT2
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-man-laura-sims/1148477194
Synopsis: The photos Judith Stanley takes are just for her, a private passion to fill her suburban days. But when she shares them with Paul Sorenson, her new photography instructor, she's unprepared to hear his astonished praise. "Stunning," he calls her photos. "Extraordinary." She has an uncanny eye, he says, and should consider publication. He could help. Except Judith has no interest in sharing her work; in fact, the mere idea of it frightens her.
Still, emboldened by Paul’s encouragement, Judith ventures out beyond her quiet neighborhood to the city in search of increasingly striking images. When she starts to notice the dark shape of a man in the corner of her self-portraits, Judith is certain he's an attacker from her past. She doesn't know why he has returned, but she's sure of his presence: the hoarse sound of his breathing, his hard grip on her elbow. Perhaps it would appease the man if she were to put her camera down and give up her private passion. But she can't; she refuses. Until one night when the man finally emerges from the shadows, and Judith’s story suddenly and irrevocably becomes his own.
Critique: "The Man" by Laura Sims is an original and deftly crafted novel of unrelenting suspense the will resonate with readers who have themselves experienced (in the author's words) 'the inescapable fear of living as a woman, the tantalizing seduction of artistic freedom, and the very real dangers that lurk both inside and outside the confines of the mind'. Showcasing Sim's impressive and genuine flair for the kind of character and narrative driven style that is so apt for the psychological suspense thriller genre, "The Man" is unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the growing legions of Laura Sims fans that this hardcover edition of "The Man" from G. P. Putnam & Sons is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Laura Sims (https://www.laurasims.net) is the author of "How Can I Help You" and "Looker" which have been featured on Best Books lists in The New York Times Book Review, Vogue, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Publishers Weekly, and more. An award-winning poet, Sims has published four poetry collections; her essays and poems have appeared in The New Republic, Boston Review, Lit Hub, and Electric Lit. She lives in New Jersey, where she works part-time as a children’s librarian.
Able Greenspan
Reviewer
Diane Donovan's Bookshelf
Conductoid
M.B. Lehane
Pounce Publications
www.conductoid.com
9781763594500, $11.38 Paperback/$2.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Conductoid-Chronicles-1-M-B-Lehane/dp/1763594505
How can a fantasy superhero live an everyday life in the real world?
Conductoid is the first book in The Conductoid Chronicles for preteens and young adults, and opens with Jack McKay's participation in a championship game. The calm dispassion he cultivates during playing is followed by a flight from the game's outcome and his entry into a home and world powered by more than games and winning. The game he plays there holds deadly ramifications for the future and is infused with high-tech devices and an enemy who threatens all life.
The satisfying contrast between an ordinary atmosphere and one in which Jack faces down the dark, evil Varilees is created in just a few pages, providing immediate gratification to readers who will be grabbed, not just drawn, into a vivid plot.
With a twist of action, the beastly encounter morphs into a classroom in which Jack once again has not been paying attention. These shifting scenes arrive with wry humor and observations that deftly capture and contrast the very different environments Jack navigates during the course of daily life:
Butch Redden loved teaching swimming. The man was a walking tank, with muscles growing upon muscles and hands made for hitting things. Swimming gave Butch the chance to parade around like a peacock in uncomfortably small togs - uncomfortable for the wearer and the watcher. While in parade mode, he'd glare down at Jack with those beady eyes of his. Eyes that never blinked. Then the Shark would sneer, pushing Jack back into the treacherous deep.
Jack's real-world persona struggles with school even as he envisions himself a world-protecting hero in disguise. Kids will readily relate to the shifting differences between reality and fantasy, especially appreciating how the spillovers between them begin to direct Jack in very different courses of action and choices in both worlds.
M.B. Lehane sets the stage for a vivid tale in which Jack's reality steadily moves into a milieu in which nothing (not even his family) can be predicted. The tension builds upon these realizations and bigger-picture dilemmas that move beyond games, school, and familiar territory into unexpected sci-fi encounters.
Heroism and everyday courage are presented as adjuncts to the revised roles Jack is forced to assume as he steps into a different reality that demands he reconsider not only relationships and life perceptions, but his own role in saving and navigating his world(s).
Even his best friend Ty doubts Jack's revised understanding, responding to a surprising revelation with a wry description of his own:
Jack searched for the tell-tale twinkle in his friend's eye. 'You know, I'm not joking.'
'Me neither,' said Ty. 'My powers were obtained as per usual. I was pecked by a constipated bush turkey who'd been bitten by a radioactive stinkbug, also constipated, but born in Gotham City, having spent its teenage years fighting off villains, bats, and pimples.'
Wry humor enhances action-paced encounters with insights and sometimes-jaded responses that offer psychological depth and reflective opportunities to Jack's readers. As the nature of Conductoids is revealed, so the future of Jack's choices and actions become steeped in complexity.
His changing relationship with twin Phoebe and friends around him, powered by the Conductoid vision of new possibilities, nicely juxtaposes dreams and their impact with adventures that redirect Jack and Phoebe's growth.
Libraries seeking a fantasy that holds revelations about dreams, reality, growth, heroism, and extraordinary circumstances will find this first book in the trilogy to be thoroughly compelling.
Packed with unexpected twists and turns as Jack navigates his dreams and an increasingly bizarre reality, Conductoid will attract middle grade to young adult leisure readers with a fast pace and progressive realizations that pave the way for the next book in the series.
Please be a dream. Please be an incredible fantasy turned nightmare.
He wasn't sure whether he spoke the words out loud or whether they were simply pleaded from deep within. What was certain is that he'd never wanted anything so much to be true.
The Lie
Jude Berman
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9798896363606, $17.99 Paperback/$12.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lie-Novel-Jude-Berman/dp/B0FWZX6PVP
Readers of techno thriller fiction well know the usual progression of its formula approaches, but Jude Berman's The Lie takes a satisfyingly different foray into metaphysical and magical realism realms with a story that cultivates the unexpected and breaks new ground. The result is original and intriguing, all in one.
The story is initially narrated in the first person by Jedd, who finds himself trapped and tied up in a tunnel. Of the four friends connected in this story, cyber-savvy Jedd is the most level-headed because "Darah can run scared. June likes to run fast and is known to charge off on tangents."
The world is a very different place, in this future. California, still a democratic state, may not remain so for long. Darah's mother, who was deported under the dictatorship that the U.S. became, is one example of what can happen to the innocent. Jedd feels there are too many possible enemies.
The story moves the perspectives of June, Jedd, Beers, and Darah in chapters whose headings clearly denote the shifting narrator voices. This allows the experience and perspectives of these diverse characters to dovetail.
As the tale unfolds, each character falls under the crosshairs of various opposing forces in a battle conducted in both political and psychological arenas.
Jude Berman builds her story with tension, good character development, and the injection of moral and ethical issues that emerge within the confrontation of good and evil forces:
The twins seem ready to call it quits, but I'm not. Not when we're dealing with the likes of the Dick. I bet he doesn't expect me to stand up to his level of evil, to push back against his cruel actions.
Between its near-future setting and the juxtaposition of different realities, the plot drives a thought-provoking focus that keeps readers thinking and wondering as various struggles unfold. From corruption to AIs, drone technology, deepfake candidates, and clever plots, The Lie's deceptions, truths, and realizations emerge in unexpected ways.
While thriller readers will be its main audience, The Lie crosses genres to reach readers of magical realism and philosophical fantasy. Its intellectual characters are forced to reconsider their beliefs, actions, and social consequences in a series of chained events that are fast-paced and unexpected.
Librarians and readers seeking stories that break the boundaries of traditional thriller writing will find The Lie a perfect choice. Its evolving insights, from campaigns of deception to special interests, hold much food for thought for book clubs and reading groups about the future nature of oppression, freedom, and resistance.
Birds of Prey Don't Sing
Joe Cary
www.joecary.com
Tuddy Press
9798993804606, $19.99 Paperback/$29.99 jacketed hardcover
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Birds-Prey-Dont-Sing-assassination/dp/B0GVTN2R5D
Birds of Prey Don't Sing follows the routines and challenge of assassin Michael Harrier, whose work always involves two steps: killing, then framing someone else for the murder. Luckily, Harrier is very skilled at placing the blame on other than those who hire him. Unluckily, he undertakes a massive new challenge in murdering a pedophile priest and blaming God for the death.
Readers won't expect the philosophical, moral, and ethical quandaries which arise in the course of nonstop events involving confrontation and adaptation - but part of what makes this thriller especially inviting is these moments of revelation, which will prompt readers and book clubs to pause and absorb unusual food for thought:
"What do you do with guilt?"
"In what regard?"
"Arguably, what we do with guilt defines us." He rubbed the broken edge of the leaf along the scar on the back of his wrist. "What do you do when conscience serves you guilt? Bear it, ignore it, despise it, rationalize it? Does guilt change you, or does it become shame about a behavior you can't or won't change?"
As Harrier confronts priest Carducci and faces questions about prayer and God, readers are invited into a realm in which Harrier's schemes are probed by LAPD homicide sergeant Jordan Becker, raising issues of redemption and purpose on all sides.
Joe Cary's multifaceted story embraces social and spiritual quandaries, giving it a depth and unexpected sense of discovery that enriches its investigative progression.
From drug abuse and murder to Buddhist mandates to "not destroy life" and encounters with redemption and painkillers, Cary creates a powerful world-romping story of death and survival tactics that delves into a killer's methods and mind to reveal underlying motivations, beliefs, and clever lies.
Librarians interested in psychological thrillers that delve into the mindsets and hearts of perps and investigators alike will find Birds of Prey Don't Sing engrossing and involving.
More so than most suspense stories, it unlocks matters of the heart in spiritual, social, psychological, and investigative crossfires of purpose and perspective that keep readers not just involved or guessing, but reflecting:
"There are two kinds of criminals," Harrier said. "I deal with the new-brain criminals, and leave the old-brain criminals to you."
The Essential Ingredient
Keri Mangis
https://kerimangis.com
Curiosa Publishing
www.theessentialingredientbook.com
9781732991224, $21.95
Author's Website
https://kerimangis.com/the-essential-ingredient
The Essential Ingredient: Remaking Ourselves in Times of Crisis is a philosophical and social examination of how adversity can lend to hope and new pathways - in this case, by reworking goals, ideals, and values to turn turbulence into transformation.
Many books advocate this concept, but few offer the nuts and bolts of the process of reinvention as does The Essential Ingredient.
Chapters delve into the underlying principles of purpose, human impact on the planet, cultural reflections about the nature of good and evil, and how to tackle life-changing moments on a personal and social level.
Keri Mangis delves into what makes the work of a social alchemist important and relevant to all kinds of choices and perceptions:
What is the point of endlessly trying to fix systems and paradigms that are showing signs of imminent breakdown? Why continue to appease, quiet down, or shrink down to fit within the existing structures? Once you think like an alchemist, you realize these are not the only choices in front of us. We can reject these lazy, half-measures and instead, return to first matter, where we imagine and create something not just better, but something evolved.
From how beliefs reinforce life pathways to imagining new paradigms where foundations of living are reconsidered and reconstructed, Mangis offers readers much food for thought:
What if we pondered the idea that there is much we can never possibly comprehend? What if there is no ultimate good reason, no lesson learned, no rebalancing of the divine scales, no moral arc bending toward justice? What if the lining is not silver, the disguise does not reveal a blessing, and the proverbial lemons are spoiled?
These, in turn, will inspire book clubs, reading groups, philosophers, and those interested in bigger-picture thinking to debate life trajectories, draw important connections between ego, psyche, and existential crisis, and consider the myths, realities, and possibilities of reflecting on current events and future prognosis in a different way.
Librarians interested in books that sparkle with discussion possibilities will find The Essential Ingredient: Remaking Ourselves in Times of Crisis especially relevant to modern times.
Recommended for political and social thinkers, those involved in psychological and personal transformation, individuals undergoing life transitions, and readers struggling with changing times.
The Frankenstein Fix: Why Big Tech Goes Astray & What We Can Do About It
Gabriel Cohen
Edgewood Avenue Press
9798993462400, Paperback: $15.99/ ebook $9.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Frankenstein-Fix-Tech-Astray-About/dp/B0GXCFYSKM
The Frankenstein Fix: Why Big Tech Goes Astray & What We Can Do About It surveys the influences that push technology in dangerous directions. This narrowed focus provides more insight and analysis than the usual identification of "bad" or "good" technology, considering the very human forces at the helm of technological change and direction.
Readers who anticipate a doomsday scenario from the Frankenstein reference will be pleased to note that reason drives analyses in this book. Chapters delve into not just problems and solutions, but the underlying psychological and social influences of decision-making processes, both poor and acceptable, that drive technology's applications.
Gabriel Cohen weaves history and culture into his surveys of investors, ideologies, and other forces at work which direct technological possibilities. He offers a full-bodied consideration that goes beyond prediction alone to consider the input and analysis of industry professionals, from psychologists and entrepreneurs to scientists and politicians:
Psychologist Katy Cook recalled meeting a woman at a social media firm who spoke of "the industry's growing arrogance as stemming from a belief that no problem existed that tech could not solve. Such conceit becomes problematic, she explained, when lessons that could be learned from other industries, the past, or the experiences of others are ignored, which might potentially make the products and services of the industry better, safer, or more ethically informed. When I asked why this attitude was so prevalent, the woman described a systemic belief, particularly among executives, which held that those in the industry were the smartest and best suited to solve the problems they were tasked with, and therefore couldn't 'really learn anything from anyone else'."
Endnoted references will delight fellow researchers seeking source material backup for the quotes and contentions here, while general-interest readers interested in works that tap authority from a wide range of sources will note that The Frankenstein Fix represents not an opinion piece, but a well-researched study of human ideals, efforts, and the positive and negative results of tech dreams.
From applied ethical principles to visions of better conduct that are sometimes radical but always thought-provoking, Cohen gathers many ideas for bettering the world:
Rather than just hoping that tech companies and the government will protect adolescents from the harmful aspects of social media, Jonathan Haidt advocates for actions that we can take now, on a more personal, local level. He believes that parents shouldn't give their kids smartphones until they reach high school, and shouldn't allow them to access to social media before age 16.
The result is especially highly recommended for book club and classroom discussion. The Frankenstein Fix will delight librarians and readers interested in considerations of technological potentials and applications that do more than present either laudatory or doomsday scenarios, but encourage reasoned discussion and thought about where humans are heading with the wonders they create.
Connie's White World: Jazz Noir Stories
Sam Newsome
Some New Press
www.somenewmusic.com
9798246074725, $5.99 Paperback/$2.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Connies-White-World-Jazz-Stories/dp/B0GKVY9X3K
Connie's White World: Jazz Noir Stories presents music-infused stories that were "built like a record," with each segment pulling in readers and, like a good concert, creating segues between music and meaning that turn prose into songs.
Author Sam Newsome is a musician himself, whose creations reflect his sentiments that "everything must swing." And swing they do, to a beat of various jazzy notes that support musical characters who uncover pieces of their identities both on and off stage as the short stories evolve.
The stories often contain underlying themes and notes of discovery, as in the opening to the title track "Connie's White World," which maintains that "Playing what's honest isn't always enough, if they're listening for something else."
The story opens with pianist Connie Shaver's morning, which "hums in quiet harmony" as the romantic Connie listens to jazz by Bill Evans as a background to her music-infused life. She is shaken by a review of her latest concert that holds the accusation of her heading a "whites-only trio" and accuses them of not really capturing the essence of the blues they play.
Racial considerations enter her musical picture as her manager points out that "Whites are under a microscope," he says. "The bandstand is no longer a haven."
Will she consider hiring young Black musicians to thwart these accusations? What about her fellow musicians in the band?
Music infuses with social considerations in a manner readers may not anticipate, but which captures the milieu that exists between politics, musical notes of discovery, and the fine art of making music.
Each story provides different celebrations of music, intention, creation, and the challenge of authenticity and presentation.
Readers who love jazz will be entranced at the dance between music and musicians' lives and choices which brings the tales to life in unexpected ways.
From the story of a white boy in the bayou gifted with the ability to play swing in "Country Love, Country Hate" to accounts of romance and musical interludes, these short works delve into personalities and possibilities infused with musical and psychological discovery, as in "House Husband Rules":
Jazz, like life, is all about choices. Chord changes. But sometimes, you don't choose the changes. Sometimes, the changes choose you.
Librarians looking to add excellent works into their literary or music holdings will find Connie's White World: Jazz Noir Stories a standout steeped in all kinds of reflective notes. It captures the feel of a jazz piece and the progressive movement of musicians and individuals forced to grow in new directions.
Path to Redemption
Jim Dutton
Redwood Publishing, LLC
www.redwooddigitalpublishing.com
9781966333500, $17.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Path-Redemption-Jim-Dutton/dp/1966333498
Path to Redemption returns Nick Drummond, the protagonist of prior books Path to Justice, Path to Revenge, and Path to Atonement, to a concluding adventure in the four-part legal thriller series, following Nick into prison, where he is serving a sentence for murdering a drug cartel leader. There, he uncovers an international arms operation.
Luckily for justice, his team succeeds in getting him released. Unluckily, perhaps, for Nick, his early prison release deal involves setting aside his legal expertise to go undercover, there to journey the world in pursuit of truths about the arms organization and its terrorist activities.
Simultaneous to his pursuit of justice is his personal quest for healing which offers side-by-side forays into previously-unfamiliar worlds filled with Bedouins, an unexpected friendship with Hamza, a man he calls "brother," and cultural encounters as he and his team pursue the truth.
Readers interested in action-packed international thrillers will find many heart-stopping moments in Nick's confrontations, while those looking for backdrops that more than lightly incorporate cultural encounters with such ordinary moments as preparing food will find these instances of relief from the action provide realistic scenarios of cooking, traveling, and living in the unfamiliar world of the Middle East.
Other characters inject adventure and observation into Nick's encounters:
Asta and Ove set the pylons and roped in the back of each person's harness when it was their turn to hang over the abyss. They then, one at a time, let out the rope so that the harnessed tourist, with his feet firmly on the edge of the crevasse, was fully extended over the void. Muhammed, the interpreter for the representative of ISIS in the Greater Sahara, shouted in delight as he stretched out over the crevasse, dropping a snowball into its depths. Jerry thought, Ah, the exuberance of youth. I wouldn't mind being that spontaneous and carefree again.
The result is a vivid pursuit of personal and political justice that places Nick in the center of a swirl of events that threaten not just his personal values and strengths, but the world.
Librarians and readers interested in a thriller that takes the time to build a vivid world-hopping backdrop and tests of moral and ethical values surrounding justice and redemption will find Path to Redemption not just thought-provoking and hard to put down, but worthy of book club recommendation.
It holds many discussion points about healing, growth, and progressive investigations of self and situations that will lead readers into many intriguing moments of reflection.
Shadows of Murwood: Book 1 - The Shadow of Justice
Mila Khon
Murwood Press
9798295730955, $28.99 Hardcover/$2.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Murwood-Justice-Mila-Khon/dp/B0GVBVG34V
Book 1 of the children's picture book Shadows of Murwood series, The Shadow of Justice, integrates lessons on integrity, courage, respect, and facing bullies with a vivid adventure story surrounding ordinary kittens. The Meowxas face their world with curiosity, kindness, and good intentions for influencing life around them.
Teachers and parents seeking early lessons on developing moral fiber will find these resonate in an adventure geared to a wide age range (3-10) in a story that moves beyond identifying right from wrong to help children feel a sense of empowerment in their choices of interacting with the world around them.
As the actions of bullies and the brave ones who confront them emerge, young listeners and readers receive dialogue and insights that are both whimsically fun and thought-provoking:
"You, Tubby, keep a sharp lookout!" Furdinand threatened. "If you see Principal Fang, give me a whistle. And don't mess up like last time when you got distracted by that burger!"
The sense of fun makes the delivery of more serious lessons about choices accessible as the Shadows of Furbin Hood step up.
Numerous picture books promise lessons in integrity, but few add an appealing adventure component embedded into the delivery which not only will encourage kids to read or listen, but to think about their own actions as the twin kittens evolve a strategy for change.
Librarians will appreciate the large-sized, vividly colorful illustrations by Mila Khon as well as the opportunity to help young readers understand justice and responsibility at an earlier age than is typical for such lessons.
Elco Parks
Sandro Laudadio
AOS Publishing
9781990496998, $24.96 Paperback/$7.25 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Elco-Parks-Sandro-Laudadio/dp/1990496997
Elco Parks is a satirical novel set in 2008, where the new religious group the Striationists find their ideals and unusual perceptions of spirituality challenged by scandal which arises from their own ranks.
Their legal counsel, Carlo Buonsante, encounters a group of eccentric believers, con artists, international influencers, and unexpected challenges to justice when he finds himself embroiled in conflicts that stem not just from judicial confrontations, but personal values.
The first note is about the tone and delivery of social observation embedded in Carlo's encounters, which offer delightful, wry inspections of and contrasts between cultures:
It was the commercials in America that startled him the most. Canadian commercials were characteristically wry; Italian ones most often appealed to an uneasy mix of an imagined bucolic past and sensuous sexuality. Shapely female rear ends were used to market everything from ricotta to floor wax. Here, they initially seemed almost comically earnest, but eventually demonstrated their inevitable underlying guile. Advertisements for prescription medications at first touted their miraculous benefits, soon to be replaced by a hushed, male monotone in the background that enumerated dire afflictions that would befall people foolish enough to put the product into their mouths.
Sandro Laudadio's ability to juxtapose and inspect the ironic lends to a fine consideration of justice, appeasing crooks, scientific and social reflection, and a comedy of errors involving power, relationships, and ideals.
From fun reflections such as how women on exercise bikes could attach them to power-producing sources for maximum gain to strange schemes that draw together a host of incongruent personalities that seem to shoot themselves in the foot more often than not, Carlo's venture into financial and social eccentricity creates a romp through British Columbia's communities. This offers biting observations backed by emotional draws and comical, albeit dark characters.
Libraries seeking outstanding contemporary examples of satirical observations of justice, culture, and community will find Elco Parks the perfect blend of dystopian thriller and social examination. It offers books clubs and readers plenty of fodder for reflection and amusement.
Gershwin's Bess
Lisa K. Winkler
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798901741979, $8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Gershwins-Bess-Lisa-K-Winkler/dp/B0GXCNSGVY
Gershwin's Bess is a novel grounded in the competitive atmosphere of Julliard, the determination of soprano singer Anne Wiggins Brown to succeed in the hardcore music world as she navigates the opera milieu of the late 1920s - 1930s, and her involvement in composer George Gershwin's determination to write a controversial opera that features "Negroes" as stars.
She not only embraces her role as Gershwin's first "Bess," but dictates to him the boundaries of her character's performance and depiction as she steps into a world that challenges her music and social status alike.
Lisa K. Winkler captures Anne's world and ambitions with a powerful eye to depicting the influences and challenges that contributed to Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" - but her novel does more than capture musical moments. Readers experience New York City through newcomer Anne's eyes:
Groups of older men playing chess and checkers atop old wooden crates, children scurrying like mice playing stick ball and tag in the street, hopscotch on the sidewalk, women sitting on stoops, smoking cigarettes, gossiping. A man sold baked sweet potatoes from a cart. The smell tingled her nose, reminding her that she hadn't eaten much all day.
As she falls in love with Theo, moves between Baltimore and New York milieus, and tries to remain optimistic in the face of encroaching winter and the Depression, readers absorb the underlying influences on Gershwin's times and Anne's choices. Especially astute are the moments in which she reflects on the outcome of her audition and participation in a revolutionary new opera:
To stay focused, she read and reread Porgy, the story of a crippled street beggar living in the black tenements of Charleston, South Carolina. She found the dialogue difficult as the characters spoke Gullah, a Creole dialect. Envisioning an opera, she hummed fragments of the songs she had sung with Gershwin, admitting to herself more than once that she enjoyed the long audition, his lavish apartment, and sitting next to the eminent composer. Yet maybe it was too different for her. Her classical training developed her voice for traditional operatic, soprano roles. She knew her parents, especially her father, would not approve.
Libraries and readers seeking novels steeped in a sense of times, place, musical developments, and the intersection of prejudice and art will find Gershwin's Bess a thoroughly absorbing recreation of the story of Anne Wiggins Brown, her relationship with George Gershwin, and the creation of Porgy and Bess. It envisions her story, the scenes and considerations that likely dictated her life and choices, and the real people that occupied her world.
There are no books about Anne Brown, but this novel's reimagining of her life embraces all facets of the times and its influences to create a memorable, thought-provoking survey based on real events and fictional possibilities that are vividly portrayed and thoroughly thought-provoking.
War Machines
Gregory Peterson
Six String Press
www.thesixtringwordsmith.com
9780578281919, $14.99 Paperback/$3.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/War-Machines-Gregory-Peterson/dp/0578281910
War Machines is a sci-fi thriller of military might that opens with an unexpected beating when Aloysius Leigh's wry sense of humor tweaks the wrong goons:
"I love what you've done with your hair. How did you get it to grow out of your nostrils that way?"
Assigned to steal a new piece of technology, Aloysius instead finds it embedded into his body in a heist gone dangerously awry, leading to an accusation of him being a murderer.
Everyone is after him - the Russian mob, the FBI, and his former counterterrorist unit - and as the war centers around finding him as the lynchpin that could turn the battle to the finder's side, Aloysius finds himself challenged to stay human while evolving into something he didn't even know could exist.
His initial confrontation with Mort continues to develop, as well. Other characters, from programmer Emma Burr to originators of the "project" who are all destroyed, their knowledge of his condition vanished, enter the bigger picture.
When a devastating truth about the past recipients of this technology is revealed, Aloysius realizes his time is limited in more ways than one when Chuckie reveals a potential death sentence whose consequences could ripple into everything around him - including daughter/niece Jeni, whom he struggles to support despite the price tag on his head.
Unlike most sci-fi military stories, Gregory Peterson embeds his character with wit, personality, and psychological developments that lend to readers appreciating this flawed but likeable protagonist's quandaries and choices. The focus on these developments over military clashes alone and the additional consideration of how a high-tech dilemma becomes a personal mandate for transformation makes War Machines accessible to a wide audience - especially those drawn to exceptionally well-done characters whose dilemmas are realistic and absorbing.
Readers care about Aloysius and his world, including the origins of good and bad decisions alike, and this adds to the story's immersive appeal as an ex-Marine-turned-thief contemplates how many sacrifices he'll make to save his daughter.
Vivid descriptions, unexpected twists, and the juxtaposition of bio-nanotechnology with personal dilemmas keeps all kinds of readers thoroughly engaged - even those usually not drawn to military or thriller escapades.
Librarians seeking a genre crossover title that promises to reach an exceptionally wide audience with a thoroughly compelling read will find War Machines is much more than about war and battle. Its probe of matters of the heart creates an unrelentingly action-packed read powered by a caring character who must ultimately embrace a force that threatens to make him less human.
Eyes Shut
Cecilia Kae
Independently Published
9789819454440, $12.99 Paperback/$6.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Shut-Cecilia-Kae/dp/9819454441
Eyes Shut is a visionary literary novel that blends magical realism, sci-fi, and social observation set in Singapore and seen through the eyes of eighteen-year-old Robyn Hannah Yuen, who has suffered years of betrayal and abuse in her young life before an accidental overdose leads to the visions that will change and redirect her world.
The story opens in 2004 Korea, where Robyn is witnessing the first realization of her very first vision:
It was hard to maintain composure with the rush of deja vu attacking her senses. It was as unsettling as it was unexplainable. She knew this dream well. In each iteration from the past three years, she had internalized it. When walking down the steps from the stands, she knew where to locate the restroom and the exits. If she turned to the right, she knew there would be that yellow signboard with huge Korean words on it. Closing her eyes and taking in the sounds of the spectators, she had to convince herself that this was really happening.
Contrasting sharply with Robyn's rapid rise to fame and fortune is the dramatic decline of her former best friend, Jason. From the petty crimes they committed in their youth, he descends into a world of triads and drug trafficking in adulthood. Equally compelling as a character, Jason appears destined for ruin, his downfall seemingly beyond redemption. Yet his eventual fate is both surprising and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
In all, it is easy to identity with Robyn's moral and ethical concerns as she tackles some of the most challenging moments in her life.
What would you sacrifice to change the future? In Robyn's case, pieces of her self and values erode in the face of efforts to control and direct her life, introducing further quandaries that will thoroughly absorb readers in not just Robyn's shifting world, but the cast of characters, Jason, Ethan, and Rene.
Singapore forms the backdrop of the story, but this is a markedly grittier version of the city-state than the polished image often presented. The heartland settings illuminate the everyday struggles and realities of lower-income communities, revealing a fascinating and seldom-explored side of the nation.
Cecilia Kae creates a vivid inspection of precognizance and its possibilities. Robyn's long-standing dilemmas and opportunities to revise her life and redirect it are especially engaging as more and more is revealed about the impact of her prophetic dreaming.
Especially notable are the italicized moments of description that augment Robyn's reality:
She's been primed to expect something monumental to take place when she moves forward in time. Her forays into future pivotal matches always had something key she took with her; a fatal flaw, a minor detail or even just how she felt in that moment were clues. Everything was important, it seemed to tell her. Pay attention! It seemed to scream. And she always did.
The result is a novel that will broadly appeal to readers of sci-fi, magical realism, and engaging stories of people trying to reinvent themselves.
Librarians will find it easy to recommend Eyes Shut to a wide audience, from mature teens to young adults reading in different genres that look for vivid stories suitable for reflection, whether individually or in book club settings.
Debt
Wade Parrish
Picket Fire
www.Picketfire.com/shop
9798991761437, $17.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Debt-Wade-Parrish/dp/B0H5Q379WP
Debt is the satirical comedy of two lawyers who scheme to escape their financial issues, cultivating a wry tone of inspection that lends a unique voice to the evolving saga:
Bill's midlevel killed himself last weekend. Seemed a little off Thursday. Told Bill late Friday he'd be out of pocket, dealing with some personal matters and could Bill cover? Thanks! Client needed a .zip of Board consents and some vendor novations. Just updating the dates in the precedent docs, really, swapping out the entities, reordering the Whereas... Now Therefore Be It Resolved. No one who goes out this way leaves behind much.
From bright ideas and legal divisions to friends who can joke about dire situations, Wade Parrish creates a series of encounters and dialogues between disparate characters whose lives dovetail in unexpected ways:
Albie slept next to a Buzz Lightyear nightlight that looked two decades old and had that layer of irremovable grime you only see at foreclosure yard sales and deep country Goodwills. All of this was sort of annoying to Bill, but Albie was probably his best friend and so it was also very endearing.
"Are you an assassin?" asked Albie without turning from his screen.
"I'm a lawyer," said Bill.
As lives and ironies coalesce, the novel spins not just a satisfyingly unpredictable story, but an atmosphere that ties neatly into each character's experiences and personality:
Albie lived out in Far Rockaway and Bill thought Far Rockaway was an appropriate place for Albie to live. There was something wrong with the streets out there. A damp wretchedness, even in the summer. A wet November Sunday juiced Far Rock, compounding the principal of its essence and as the train crashed between stops Bill couldn't name, he felt the wretchedness swell.
Deaths, negotiations, legal political wrangling, and Bill and K's evolving relationship and pending marriage all dovetail in a story filled with ironic inspection and discoveries that juxtapose debt concerns with murder and indiscretions conducted on all sides.
Libraries seeking novels original in tone and surprising in their developments which contrast legal shenanigans with moral and ethical predicaments will relish how Debt weaves psychological and legal inspection with murder, love, and ethical concerns.
Replete with surprising twists many won't see coming, Debt is a vivid, unpredictable escapade that's hard to put down.
The Shape of His World, Holding Them Both
Kristen A. Peters
ISA Therapy, LLC
https://isatherapy.org
9798233711534, $25.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Shape-World-Holding-Them-Both/dp/B0GW9MFVH9
The Shape of His World, Holding Them Both is a literary novel about mother Iris, who is raising two sons who are autistic in dissimilar ways. Their different ways of perceiving the world as they grow and a mother's dance in choreographing the worlds in a manner tolerable to them as they mature makes for a story rich in insights that is especially highly recommended to anyone familiar with or seeking a better understanding of autism's impact on a family.
Kristen A. Peters offerings striking contrasts from the start:
From the outside, it might have looked like control. From the inside, it was choreography. Dylan hummed as he ate, a low sound that vibrated somewhere between his chest and the table. Jesse rocked slightly in his chair, eyes fixed on the far corner of the room where two walls met at a sharp angle. Iris sat between them - not physically, but attentively - tracking cues, anticipating needs before they could sharpen into distress.
A good morning comes not from outside forces, but tends to be because "nothing has gone wrong." Vivid inspections capture this and other driving forces in Iris's life, but it's the weaving together of family emotions and dynamics which makes this novel so provocative:
Jesse watched him like he was watching weather. Iris watched Jesse like she was watching the future. And somewhere underneath the fatigue, underneath the calculations, Iris felt the edge of that question press again - quiet, dangerous, forming itself without her permission. Not a prayer. Not yet. But the shape of something that would become one: Let me understand what I'm missing. She didn't say it out loud. She just kept breathing. And kept counting.
As the story moves into circumstances that outsiders impact without quite understanding, topics move from contrasts within the family to the forces that buffet it with manifestation determinations, placement options, and perceptions of the boys which layer judgment without true understanding - which almost thwarts Iris's own wisdom in accepting and raising her children:
Iris watched the rocking and felt herself resist the old urge to make it smaller, to make it quieter, to make it less visible. The old part of her still wanted to edit Dylan for the world, even when the world wasn't there. The new part of her could feel the cost of that editing. Rocking was not the problem. Rocking was the solution.
More so than most fiction about family autism, The Shape of His World, Holding Them Both provides a powerful study in all kinds of contrasts both within and outside of the family circle, creating a powerful series of insights not just about autism, but parenting choices.
Librarians and readers seeking exceptional works that will provoke many discussions within families, book clubs, reading groups, and psychological and parenting circles will want to place The Shape of His World, Holding Them Both high on their lists of "must have" recommended reading.
Its powerful examination of living with autism embraces the entire family and those outside of it as values and child-rearing challenges come to light.
Controlled Chaos: Lessons They Didn't Teach You in Teacher School
Eric Hall
Mission Point Press
www.missionpointpress.com
9781968761134, $19.95 Hardcover/$15.95 Paperback
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Controlled-Chaos-Lessons-Teacher-School/dp/1968761136
Controlled Chaos: Lessons They Didn't Teach You in Teacher School focuses on the classrooms Eric Hall taught for nearly thirty years. It gathers tales, memories, escapades, and growth opportunities that emerged from his teaching efforts, and will delight fellow teachers and anyone interested in the process of reaching and teaching new generations.
Fun and chaos descriptions emerge in the form of intriguing lessons: "Lesson 7: The April Fool Becomes the April Fooled: A Lesson in Confidence and Eating Something You Definitely Shouldn't Have. As a rookie teacher, I tried to prank my fifth graders with "bugeating" antics, and the joke took a stomach-turning twist."
At a time when teacher efforts are under-appreciated and sometimes only lightly described, the engaging focus of Controlled Chaos stands out for its special blend of inspiration and reflection on the process:
The Battle is back, and it's more than just books - it's about creating memories, fostering teamwork, and showing every student that they, too, deserve a standing ovation.
What did I learn from all of this? Traditions may fade, change, or even disappear for a while - but if they're rooted in something meaningful, they have a way of coming back, often stronger than before. Watching former students revive the Battle of the Books reminded me that the real legacy of what we do isn't found in lesson plans or trophies - it's in the spark we light in others.
These stories, always accompanied by "What did I learn from all of this?," give fellow educators the opportunity to reflect on their own teaching skills and approaches to education, which in turn will inspire and enlighten a host of readers interested in how educational processes result in new opportunities and realizations for teacher and student alike.
From identifying and imparting "values that mattered to me and my students" to adopting creative approaches to transmitting these ideals and ideas, Eric Hall's survey is exceptionally lively, inviting, vigorous, and creative.
Unlike fellow teacher memoirs, his book is designed to educate, inspire, and promote new pathways to learning.
That's why librarians and readers will find Controlled Chaos thoroughly inviting. Its blend of creative teaching approaches, fun stories and insights, and student/teacher relationship analysis offers many opportunities most education books fail to teach - and in a manner that is as entertaining as it is enlightening. This invites a wide audience to rethink the potential of growth and how its opportunities are delivered.
JoJo Chinese Songs for Baby & Me: Big Feelings
Christine Yang Barry
JoJo Learning (JoJo LLC)
www.jojolearning.com
9798990447905, $24.99
JoJo Chinese Songs for Baby & Me: Big Feelings is an interactive musical board book that provides an early introduction to Mandarin through song, rhythm, and parent - child interaction. As Book 5 in a six-book series recommended for young language learners ages 0-3 (it's suitable for children up to age 5), Big Feelings features built-in press-to-play audio buttons on every page that allow children and caregivers to listen to each song and sing along together. The recordings provide pronunciation support and make the songs accessible even to families who do not already speak Mandarin.
Thirty-six original songs introduce over 300 everyday Mandarin words through themes accessible by the very young, from bonding and body awareness to exploration, imagination, feelings, and independence, with each volume introducing language through experiences that reflect a different stage of early childhood development. Rather than presenting isolated vocabulary lists, the collection introduces Mandarin through original songs rooted in family life, play, everyday experiences, and aspects of Chinese culture. Adults who interact with children on this musical journey will find the songs accompanied by added instruction for exploring maximum educational opportunity within the lyrics.
From tips on understanding how Mandarin is perceived and absorbed by the very young and familiar moments represented by the songs, in both Mandarin and English, adults striving to make Mandarin a daily part of language education receive plenty of guidance as they apply appealing music to the learning process.
Bright, colorful illustrations accompany Simplified Chinese text, Pinyin pronunciation guides, and English translations, portraying children of all colors as they absorb not just the lessons of language, but unity.
Libraries and educators interested in applying early Mandarin instruction to babies, toddlers, and the very young where adults are interested in interactive opportunities will find JoJo Chinese Songs for Baby & Me: Big Feelings a winning approach.
Zombies of the Upper East Side
Jason Zeffir
www.jasonzeffir.com
It's Alive! Books
9798999978424, $18.99 Paperback/$27.99 Hardcover/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Upper-East-Jason-Zeffir/dp/B0GV3PHFQY
Zombies of the Upper East Side represents satirical fiction at its best with a foray into a New York housewife's messy divorce and the dark forces which are concurrently arising in the city. Satire unfolds from the novel's opening salvo:
The scourge had begun, but I wasn't aware of it yet. I just thought it was another hairy Thursday night in the city. I was content to blame it on the rowdy bridge-and-tunnel crowd, whom locals like myself despise.
Charmaine is poised to remark her life - but life is posed to remake it for her in an entirely different way as she engages soon-to-be-ex Darren in a series of conversations about family changes, confronts "a game of Russian roulette or a very sad Choose Your Own Adventure," and confronts zombies in an original way:
I quickly created as much space as possible. Most of the time, they would lose interest and return to what they were doing, which consisted of eating the Street Meat avail able or fishing victims out of the smashed-out storefronts on Madison Avenue, where people were hiding in dressing rooms or behind sales counters.
Vodka, death rattles, friends and enemies, and angry women coalesce in a romp through sinister undercurrents of happiness and angst that will leave readers laughing and thinking as Charmaine hones not just survival tactics, but new opportunities in her life amidst disaster.
Jason Zeffir's novel will especially delight readers of zombie scenarios who will find in Charmaine's world an entirely novel perspective on the matter. Scenarios shift, characters find their own best interests conflicting with revised pathways towards surviving as human rather than zombie, and the nature of these changes lead Charmaine to question the vastly revised reality of her world:
Nothing felt real. It was as though I was watching what was happening, even though I was there, living it.
The result is a story supercharged with irony and satirical social observation which proves simply delightful in its forays into zombie circles.
Librarians and readers seeking a very different, fun survey of zombie uprisings and survival that melds New York culture into the mix will appreciate how Zeffir avoids the typical constructs of survival tactics and molds them into new adventures and opportunities many won't see coming.
The Connection in Everything
Rich Marcello
www.richmarcello.com
HarvardTown Press
9798987088579, $19.99 paperback, $24.99 Hardcover, $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Connection-Everything-Rich-Marcello-ebook/dp/B0FKBN7RNN
The Connection in Everything is a novel about how sixteen-year-old visionary genius Amaro Marzano observes connections in what he learns in school, but feels his family life is filled with disconnections he cannot seem to overcome. Thus, the library and his school become refuges where he can expand his mind beyond the limits imposed by family members and structure.
Enter two new connections in the form of a mentor and a possible romance, both of which shake Amaro's world and lead him into new possibilities for reinventing his life and his place in it.
A romantic component opens the novel with a vivid observation:
At Elm Park, I was totally taken by the magician-mime, the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.
Even though, like a black hole, his father pulls his attention away from deliverer, message, and family dynamics, Amaro continues the evolution of becoming a petulant, rebellious teen as the May festival winds up and he confronts his domineering father and his own intellectual and social isolation:
I was lonely and pretty much struggled with it every day.
As he enters into a relationship with Ginnevra Poppoli that gives him the added power to continue to grow and confront his family, Amaro finds the intersections between mentor, girlfriend, and family drawing closer together in unpredictable ways.
Rich Marcello outlines the life of a boy who considers rules and how and when to break them, edicts for his future, and connections between different age groups that assume disparate roles in Amaro's life.
When his family steps up to forbid mentor David Butler's influence, it's too late - Amaro is becoming an adult with all the choices, consequences, rejections, and rebellions this brings.
The result is a coming-of-age story especially rich in portraying the dynamics of an Italian family, which places an evolving family crisis at the heart of the growth process which will intrigue a wide audience.
Librarians and readers seeking stories about teens who step into maturity with the aid of outside influencers and ideas will find The Connection in Everything poses questions, answers, and experiences in such a way that opportunities and vulnerabilities become thoroughly absorbing.
Laced with topics and ramifications that invite debate, The Connection in Everything is also recommended for book clubs seeking coming-of-age experiences nicely rooted in family dynamics.
House of Teeth
Anne Shaw Heinrich
Speaking Volumes, LLC
9798890224576, $5.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/House-Teeth-Women-Paradise-County/dp/B0GYTRS77Z
House of Teeth is the third book in the Women of Paradise County novel series, continuing the story of Jules Marks and his five younger sisters. Their parents are now in jail and relatives have arrived to care for them, so they can relax into their lives and stop taking on the responsibilities of adults. Or, can they?
Forces soon emerge to test their newfound family stability as new trials begin, both emotional and physical, that propel Jules into early adulthood with moral, ethical, and social challenges he feels ill-equipped to handle. Alongside the return of familiar characters from God Bless the Child and Violet is Blue is the introduction of newcomer Wendy Saunders, whose mother "used to openly fantasize about all the things she was going to do once my father died" and bitterly regrets her ill health and choices made before she finally passes.
Wendy joins the Marks siblings in navigating small-town life in Poulson, trying to identify and hone her role there and in life in general as she and others test their abilities and face what comes their way.
It's easy for readers to become immersed in these characters and their lives. Anne Shaw Heinrich delves into their motivations, dreams, desires, and perceptions so richly that each character, from Margaret Burns to Wendy and Jules, come to life as they consider love, illness, family ties, and more. The lyrical language Heinrich employs is the bait readers will grasp as the currents of Poulson carry them into these lives:
How on this good Earth did I end up with two people who loved one another like that? If I had not seen it with my own eyes and been pulled into their glow to warm myself by their fire, I would never have believed that a love like this was possible.
While House of Teeth can operate as a standalone novel, it would be a shame to acquire or present it sans the supportive strength of its predecessors. Each book expands characters, small-town milieu, and the kinds of life experiences that demand growth and response. The stories build upon one another to expand the characters and these processes.
Librarians and readers seeking a warm, vivid story of family and community relationships and changes will welcome how House of Teeth captures circumstances of disparate lives connected by love, happenstance, and the effort to not just survive, but grow.
House of Teeth's warm embrace offers just the right tone and ticket for a revealing, involving saga of building life connections.
Come Up Big
Charles W.B. Wardell III
BookGo
www.bookgo.pub
9798998535772, $32.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Come-Big-Journey-Department-Corporate/dp/B0FZYJYJ11
Come Up Big: My Journey Through Vietnam, Harvard, the White House, the Department of State, and as CEO in Corporate America follows the path of Charles W.B. Wardell III's life as he moves from an uncertain future and academic failure to becoming a Vietnam draftee. There, he finally rises to his full abilities, resuming the momentum towards academia and success upon leaving the military.
His entry into Harvard, then his involvement with the White House in 1973, where he survives the Watergate scandal to then become the CEO of a top global executive search firm, demonstrates not just ability, but tenacity and talent as Wardell navigates his life, considering the many lessons gained from military, political, and corporate involvements:
In the fall of 1969, I was at home and thinking, "What the hell am I going to do here?" The military wanted me to come back and make a career of it. I'd been a very good soldier and had been highly rated in my efficiency reports. But I was never going back to the military. My job had been to ask people to do things in the field for their country, and then some of them would wind up dead because of my ask. I couldn't do that anymore.
Wardell's experiences capture many of the social currents of the times, from the prejudice and anger Vietnam vets faced upon their return home to what it means to be a survivor.
His outline of these challenges and their consequences proves inspirational as well as reflective of this era, and will encourage readers facing their own life changes to consider the impact of their choices within the bigger picture of their achievements and desires.
Libraries seeking memoirs replete with social and political insights as well as psychological discovery will welcome the accessible and inspirational events of Come Up Big, which demonstrate handily how attitude and perspective can influence and redirect a life.
Filled with moments of philosophical and social reflection and peppered with unexpected hilarity, Come Up Big is an inviting journey that memoir readers will appreciate.
Elvener's Legacy
Debra Koehler
www.debrakoehler.net
Crescent Place Press
9798990742925, $4.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Elveners-Legacy-Amoran-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B0GXFS56XK
Elvener's Legacy is the second book in the Amoran Chronicles cozy fantasy series, opening with a seeming ordinary grocery store checkout scene - until first-person narrator Meiri (aka Kerrin) digresses from everyday matters into a smooth recap of past events:
I was well acquainted with how short life can be, seeing as I'd actually died twice last year. The Foreseers brought me back from the dead the first time, allowing me to complete my mission as a Vortex Guardian. But repairing the vortex to save Earth and Amoran from annihilation had cost us.
It provides a fine review for newcomers and whose who may have left the first book some time ago, segueing neatly into the latest adventure in which Kerrin's return to Amoran on a mission to locate her missing Twin Light Ashi turns into a battle to save Amoran and Earth.
Readers will appreciate the injections of philosophical reflection which are peppered throughout to accompany this journey as the tale evolves:
"We should all appreciate Life as much as Eliasser does. To live from the depth of our Hearts."
Equally powerful are the personal touches of emotional connection which not only bind the characters together, but lead readers to care about their relationships:
To be so close to someone as to actually be that someone, and he to be you in the form of a joined entity. To exist, even for a short time, as one consciousness, one light-body, one heart, one mind. If only we had been able to remain in the Glen for a few hours, physically close, then slowly retreat. That would have been much kinder, far less painful, and I wouldn't have been sitting on the ground, suddenly sobbing.
As struggles indicate that entire realities need to shift - not just the inhabitants of both planets - readers receive a vivid adventure packed with moral, ethical, and decision-making consequences that lend to reflection about the impact of choices, fear, and magical possibilities.
Ari, Meiri, and others interact on a playing field packed with potential as the milieu of two very different worlds and their peoples comes to life with reflective, sometimes fun descriptions:
"What's the worst that can happen? Maybe a fissure will suck me inside and the folks at the other end of the rainbow will provide me with some answers this time."
Librarians and readers will appreciate how this story embraces many elements, from love and betrayal to the costs of world-changing efforts and the impact of interpersonal relationships on bigger-picture thinking and goals.
Replete with threats and portents that impact a mission to bring a soul mate home, Elvener's Legacy sparkles with truths revealed, possibilities considered, and relationships tested, concluding neatly while paving the way for Book Three.
A Somewhat Manic Expression of the Truth
Adam Levon Brown
Alien Buddha Press
9798337509686, $11.25
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Somewhat-Manic-Expression-Truth-Mental/dp/B0DJ33DJ41
A Somewhat Manic Expression of the Truth is Adam Levon Brown's mental health memoir of a journey through mood swings and mental challenges. It cultivates a gritty truth that translates to passages marked by passion as he reviews his quest for sanity in a chaotic world of psychosis.
The path goes beyond most mental health focuses on therapy sessions and revelations, delving into the impact of incarceration and public reactions to mental health issues that affect personal suffering:
I wanted to tell him about the suffering inflicted upon me after my arrest and during my stay at the hospital, but there were no words. If you haven't experienced it first-hand, you cannot know what being incarcerated, being completely under the control of people who may or may not care about you, is like.
The lessons that stem from incarceration and mental issues are presented in language and connections even readers without prior experience will find enlightening and moving; I learned that people, particularly people who are imprisoned and whose brain chemicals are off kilter, can resort to pure, unadulterated violence at the flick of a switch, for any reason.
Lest readers believe this journey will be one of all darkness, Brown also embraces the light of hope and achievement that juxtaposes nicely with the darker days and experiences he outlines:
It had been a season of shame, but it ended in hope. Hope, a renewal set in the stone of my mind's shelf. When the litany of despair had finally lifted, the fog seemed to escape from my mind, and I could see that connection and hope were not a dual-sided coin, but a fortune within. And it was only to be found when opening my life to those around me...
His note about the impact of people, support systems, institutions, and social perceptions of the mentally ill makes for a particularly valuable note that turns the memoir into a broader reach for understanding:
The journey from ignorance to knowledge, from dark to light, begins with the first step, just as they say. That is, if you have the right people on your side.
Readers interested in not just the personal experience of mental illness, but social and medical system reactions will find A Somewhat Manic Expression of the Truth candid, revealing, and packed with insights ranging from the origins of despair and hope to the choices and routines that help.
Filled with enlightening moments and powerful descriptors, A Somewhat Manic Expression of the Truth is a memoir that is powerfully rendered and highly recommended.
Gandy Dancer
Doc Richter
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798901742303, $17.99 Paperback, $30.99 Hardcover, $8.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Gandy-Dancer-Doc-Richter/dp/B0GYQCB58M
Gandy Dancer is set in Alaska during World War II and tells of seventeen-year-old Josh Sparks, who works building the Alaska Northern Railway. This isn't a story of his efforts alone, but a serial killer who stalks women through that wilderness and its small communities, and what happens when Josh runs headlong into him.
The first note about Doc Richter's story is how thoroughly it immerses its readers in Alaska's backdrop. Richter takes the time to paint this frontier world from the novel's opening lines:
Clouds flew high over the Kenai Mountains and blocked the summertime sun from the high-up glaciers and sparsely-treed, stone-covered tall peaks. The green slopes of the lower mountains were dark outlines against the sky. The cold breeze blew hard over Resurrection Bay and scattered the town's wood and coal smoke in fast-moving streaks.
Invigorated by the sights, smells, colors and nature of Alaska, readers are carried into Josh's experiences of this world in a manner which lends to appreciating its atmosphere, weather-driven choices, and the special challenges which face the frontiersmen who operate in its milieu.
The killer ("The Wolf")'s perspective evolves alongside Josh's as Josh worries about his family, works his job as a gandy dancer alongside his coworkers on the rail line, and faces the ongoing challenges of a rugged Alaskan environment.
Insights about frontier resources, justice, and weather coalesce in a powerful blend of investigation and Alaskan wilderness challenges:
"With the Army gone, we're back to dealing with this ourselves. I can't believe we haven't nabbed the bastard. Serial killers normally focus on specific traits or ages, but this guy is all over the map. No way to know who he will strike next. The paper will print an article today, and I'm having bulletins posted again. I wanted to let you know."
"Thanks," Bud said. "Inform me if I can help with anything."
"I will. Crap, we still don't know how he's getting around. Car? Rail? Boat?"
Readers interested in murder mysteries and serial killings set rugged wilderness towns will find Gandy Dancer a vigorous novel of discovery and action that proves hard to put down.
Packed with interludes of romance and family affairs tempered by struggles with danger and Alaska's unique environment, Gandy Dancer will appeal to a wide audience.
Song of Hummingbird Highway
K.M. Cookie
Koehler Books
www.koehlerbooks.com
9798888249932, $34.95 Hardcover/$23.90 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Song-Hummingbird-Highway-K-Cookie/dp/B0FZF1TN24
Song of Hummingbird Highway is a novel steeped in a cross-cultural journey undertaken when Midwesterner Terri journeys to Belize; there to face paradigm-challenging circumstances surrounding a near-death experience, Mayan cosmology, and belief systems that challenge her Christian upbringing with impossible events.
In a manner reminiscent of Native spiritual storytelling, K.M. Cookie brings this world and its magic to life, imbibing it with realistic observations by Terri, who wonders why relationships have been a lifelong challenge for her as others seem to "slip easily" into their embrace. Perhaps its because she defies the notion of the type of woman who enjoys such men:
Terri's blood boils. "Here's a wild thought. Maybe there are men out there who have something to say. Who might even" - she gasps in mock horror - "use their brain. I'd rather be single than cater to another guy who barely notices I exist."
As early as she can recall, she's been in physical pain. Mental pain accompanies this and shapes her worldview and belief system. Belize offers her something different: the opportunity to absorb entirely new thinking through events that heal some of her pain while introducing sometimes-frightening new possibilities that shake the foundations of how she's built her life and long-held survival tactics:
She survived, not needing anyone. No one wanted to befriend the girl who looked and walked funny. She didn't mind being alone. At least, that's what she told herself.
Cookie presents a story that evolves on many different levels. From magical realism and mother/daughter struggles to metaphysical and spiritual revelations and cross-cultural encounters, Song of Hummingbird Highway creates a powerful inspection.
Especially notable are powerful self-analysis and reflection that stem from these experiences and Terri's walk out of everything familiar and assumed:
She can't deny the change she feels - a subtle yet profound shift within her core. More than physical recovery. Her essence has been recalibrated, refreshed, and restored. This indescribable feeling defies logic, residing in the realm of intuition and lived experience. Despite this undeniable change, Terri's skepticism persists. The rational, scientific part of her mind wages an internal war, struggling to reconcile her lived experience with her deeply ingrained beliefs about medicine and healing, a cognitive dissonance that leaves her both exhilarated and unsettled.
The result is enlightening, compelling, and thought-provoking, all in one. Song of Hummingbird Highway will draw readers interested in stories that simmer with transformation and realization, employing gripping encounters with self and the world to present the specter of a young woman on the cusp of a truly different approach to her life.
Libraries that acquire Song of Hummingbird Highway will also want to highly recommend it to book clubs and women's reading groups, especially, for its enlightening force and many threads of discussion fodder.
Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
donovansliteraryservices.com
Gary Roen's Bookshelf
Bloodlust
Sandra Brown
Grand Central Publishing;
c/o Hachette Book Group
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com
9781538743027, $30.00 HC / $11.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bloodlust-Sandra-Brown/dp/1538743027
"Bloodlust" is another solid thriller by bestselling author Sandra Brown. Bloodlust once again focuses on cops and criminals, but that is only part of the makeup. Back from her last tale are two characters from "Blood Moon" while this time the story concerns detective Mitch Haskell who has sworn to avenge the death of his wife, he believes was murdered. He works to turn up whatever information, he can find, to build his argument that was ruled a suicide. He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt he is right based on certain beliefs she had. His boss tells him he is to see a medical therapists help for his recent out of control behavior in a bar. He makes an appointment with Dr. Dylan Reed. Their first session does not go very well but soon he is in touch for her assistance. There are so many twists and turns that drive the fast-paced, work along to a satisfying conclusion, with believable characters and lots of excitement propelling this rollercoaster ride along. "Bloodlust" is another flawless suspenseful master who gets better with each new title.
Judge Stone
Viola Davis and James Patterson
Little, Brown and Company
c/o Hachette Book Group
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316579834, $32.00 HC / $14.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Judge-Stone-Novel-James-Patterson/dp/0316579831
Viola Davis and James Patterson two giants, in their fields, join together to tell the story of one person's actions and how so many people are affected. A thirteen-year-old girl in Alabama, is in trouble. She seeks help from a doctor she feels, she can trust, to end her pregnancy without telling her mom. There is a conflict for the practitioner who can be charged with murder under the steep laws of the state, against abortion for any reason. The physician for the health of this patient she decides to perform the procedure There are complications where the teenager ends up in a hospital. Now the medical professional is arrested for her said crime. What takes place in the small town is a firestorm of controversy, that involves everyone in some way who live there as well as Judge Stone but is only the beginning. The list includes the governor, an attorney from another state, and national press people all with a focus on the outcome of this earth-shattering case. There are many twists and turns as the authors skillfully handle issues like racism, religion, people who all have something to say to Judge Stone and how she should handle the situation, are a few of the conflicts that thrust the narrative to its finale. "Judge Stone" is a thought-provoking tale that stays with the reader for its revealing look at a current social issue.
The Characters Within
Sunshine Rodgers
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com
Rwg Publishing
9781648301711, $20.56 HC$ /$3.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Characters-Within-Sunshine-Rodgers/dp/1648301665
Sunshine Rodgers adult novels, have always focused on an aspect of the entertainment world. Once again, "The Characters Within" takes readers behind the scenes of Cheddar and Such, a major theme park in Orlando. Brittany Myers is hired to be a part of the attraction. She believes it is a wonderful place to be greeting so many people from all over the world, enjoying the company of her co-workers, and other aspects, but ten years later she is disenchanted with just about everything in her life. She is burning out, dull drums have set in for her existence, except one aspect. She has always believed, she is a talented writer, who one day will be a published author. Rejected by many different publishers, she is encouraged by their responses, that offer suggestions and hints to her to not fold her cards. It's the one thing that keeps her focused, determined, to achieve her goal. "The Characters Within" is several stories rolled into a wonderful narrative that is for anyone who has ever been dissatisfied where they are in either their professional or personal life and to believe they can accomplish their ambitions.
The Quiet Girl
S. F. Kosa
Sourcebooks Landmark
c/o Sourcebooks
www.sourcebooks.com
9781728215563, $16.99 pbk // $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Girl-S-F-Kosa/dp/1728215560
Every so often a book comes my way to review, that immediately captures my attention. Sometimes it's the cover artwork, the tease on the back or the opening first page paragraph. In the case of "The Quiet Girl" all three elements are why I was hooked instantaneously. Alex Zarabian has everything his life anyone could ever want. A job he loves, an envious lifestyle anyone would revere, and a second wife he adores named Mina, a successful romance author. The one thing he wants more than anything else is to have children with Mina. One afternoon he learns she has vanished with no clues, nor reason why she departed their home. He enlists the aid of the local police, but feels they are not doing enough to find her. He researches through different sources that, reveals nothing is as it appeared. Mina has a secret troubled past that many people helped her keep it buried until now "The Quiet Girl" is told in two different story lines that connect later in a sinister tale of the disappearance of the prominent novelist "The Quiet Girl" is a rip-roaring tale of exposed disclosures and how so many lives are affected by the actions so long ago. "The Quiet Girl" is sure fire page turning suspense, for any reader looking for a new thriller to be embroiled in.
The Mistress of Illusions
Mike Resnick
Daw
c/o Penguin Random House
www.penguinramdomhouse.com
9780756413880, $9.99 pbk/$8.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mistress-Illusions-Dreamscape-Trilogy/dp/0756413877
Mike Resnick was for so long one of the top writers in the science fiction genre. "The Mistress of Illusions" is the second beautifully written tale of the "Dreamscape Trilogy" that confirms why his works were so popular. Often when an author dies their last writings disappoint. "The Mistress of Illusions" is a joyful further excursion into the worlds begun in "The Master of Dreams" that is Resnick at the top of his game. "The Mistress of Illusions" is exquisite prose for any fantasy or science fan to devour.
The Pied Piper: Evil Returns
Chris Coad Taylor
JoHazel Publishing
https://www.johazelpublishing.com/index.html
9780997564594, $12.00 pbk / $2.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Pied-Piper-Evil-Returns-Amber/dp/0997564598
"The Pied Piper: Evil Returns" the third in the Amber Series of Ybor City, is by far is the best in this dark and sinister sequence of procedural works. Chris Coad Taylor keeps getting better and better with her mystery novels that take place in the Tampa area. This time out Joe Lopez leads a task force of law enforcement agencies including the FBI on the trail of an individual who is kidnapping children, they suspect for, the sex trafficking network worldwide. His pregnant wife Amber helps unlock other aspects in the case as it unfolds. The Rainbow Murders a cold case never solved is back on the agenda as well that some feel may be related. "The Pied Piper: Evil Returns" is a page turner of suspense that unwinds like a ticking time bomb to its final explosive conclusion.
You Can't Cheat Death
Peggy Doviak
https://peggydoviak.com
The Wild Rose Press
https://www.thewildrosepress.com
9781509257355, $17.99 pbk / $4.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Cheat-Death-Magnolia-Mystery/dp/1509257357
"You Can't Cheat Death" is a fun cozy mystery, by a talented author, who promises there will be more, forthcoming stories. Jillian Bradford has a pretty good life, establishing her business of personal financial planner, in the community in Oklahoma she lives in, all is going well, until Stan Savage, a friend from high school comes back to town. From then on, she must do everything she can to protect herself from the terrible things he has begun. More so, when it comes out, he is killed in car crash. From then on there are numerous suspects that include Jillian, who is determined to get to the bottom of things, to establish her innocence in his demise. There is also a fun trivia fact. A police officer is named Jeff Stone. For those who remember The Donna Reed Show, that was the name of the son character played by Paul Peterson. "You Can't Cheat Death" is great opening, to a new series of appealing whodunnits.
As The Wicked Watch
Tamron Hall
William Morrow
c/o Harper Collins
www.harpercollins.com
9780063117747, $16.99 pbk/ $4.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/As-Wicked-Watch-Jordan-Manning/dp/0063037041
Tamron Hall continues to excel at whatever she is working on. "As The Wicked Watch" expands her range with an exciting suspenseful first novel in a new series of thrillers. Jordan Manning is propelling her way up the ladder of success as an anchor in her new city of Chicago. Overcoming other odds as a black woman she is determined to reach her long-time goal as a respected journalist. Manning has a terrific opportunity, as she establishes a relationship with police departments that are handling a series of crimes that could be tied in together. Jordan could gain national attention if it all falls together the way she hopes. She cultivates associations with sources that will also be of benefit to law enforcement. "As The Wicked Watch" is a behind the scenes journalism tale that is by a very talented new voice in the genre. Fans of Hall should love her new endeavor.
Trinity
Dave Bara
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781982192228, $9.99 pbk $6.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Dave-Bara-ebook/dp/B09HJP7Q14
"Trinity" reads like a story from an author from the Golden Age of Science Fiction that was character driven narrative. Jared Clement is a down and out ship commander after his society has lost the war with an alien civilization. As "Trinity" opens a drunkard who has no plan other than where he gets his next drink. Miraculously an offer is presented by someone from his past that has the potential to change his life forever. He must choose to stay dormant or plow his way out to a possible better life. Great novels have numerous conflicts throughout the work and "Trinity" is filled with many that propel it along to the end. "Trinity" is a sure-fire gem.
The Next Time I Die
Jason Starr
Hard Case Crime
http://www.hardcasecrime.com
c/o Titan Publishing Group
https://titanbooks.com
97817890989515, $14.95 pbk / $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Next-Time-I-Die/dp/17890995
"The Next Time I Die" is a multi-layered genre driven story that is fun reading for any time of the year Steven Blitz is an attorney with a big murder case he has put aside everything in his life. His wife frustrated with him announces she is divorcing him for a woman as she demands him to leave the residence. He makes a call to his brother then leaves. On the way he observes a man and woman at a mini mart arguing. Blitz becomes a good Samaritan to try to cool the participants down. During his confrontation with the boyfriend Blitz is stabbed, to later wake up in a hospital bed. He now encounters a loving wife and no stab wounds. This is only the beginning of a masterfully told tale. "The Next Time I Die" races along with twists and turns that hold interest to the very end.
Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman
Abby Chava Stein
Seal Press
c/o Hachette Book Group USA
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com
9781580059169, $28.00 HC $4.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Eve-Journey-Ultra-Orthodox-Transgender/dp/1580059163
The mood in the country is worse that when "Becoming EVE" originally made its debut. Back then I saw the author in an interview and wanted to know more about Abby Chava Stein's remarkable story as Abby began life as a boy in an orthodox Jewish family destined to be a rabbi, but there were several things Abby could not accept choosing to challenge many established practices including the changing from a male to female. "Becoming Eve" reveals a lot of secrets of the orthodox wing of Judaism while also an enlightening passage of one person's journey to a fulfilling life regardless of what other people think and should lead the way to change people's beliefs on matters detailed.
His Dark Materials: The Collectors
Philip Pullman, author
Tom Duxbury, illustrator
Knopf Books for Young Readers
c/o Penguin Random House Children's Books
www.rhcbooks.com
970593378342, $14.99 HC / $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/His-Dark-Materials-Philip-Pullman/dp/0593378342
"His Dark Materials: The Collectors", though short, is a brilliantly told ghost story that races along to the last page. Two art collectors come together to study two items in a night. Philip Pullman has told a well-defined character study of men caught up in the art world that is a captivating roller coaster conflict filled story. "His Dark Materials: The Collectors" is a rarity of crisp prose for anyone who is looking for a fast-paced, chilling tale.
Gary Roen
Senior Reviewer
Helen Dumont's Bookshelf
Spontaneous Objects: A Natural History of Art and Its Others
Rebecca Zorach
Penn State University Press
www.psupress.org
9780271100432, $84.99, HC, 286pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Spontaneous-Objects-Natural-History-Others/dp/0271100435
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spontaneous-objects-rebecca-zorach/1148099187
Synopsis: In the late medieval and early modern periods, European artists, theorists, and natural philosophers imagined Nature not simply as a force of reproduction but as an artist in its own right -- a creative power capable of generating images, artifacts, and objects of beauty. Tracing this idea from the fifteenth through early nineteenth centuries, with the publication of "Spontaneous Objects: A Natural History of Art and Its Others" Professor Rebecca Zorach challenges assumptions about human artistic genius and intention that have long dominated histories of art and science.
With inspiration from new materialist theory, Professor Zorach reclaims a largely disregarded undercurrent of historical thought about the powers of nature. Through case studies ranging from Renaissance centaurs and snails to Adam Smith's beaver hat and Kant's travelers' tales, Professor Zorach investigates how ideas about nature's generative power unsettled conventional definitions of image, artifact, and artistic intention.
At the same time, Professor Zorach also confronts the violent legacies of a different vision of nature's power: as European empires expanded, emerging natural philosophies contributed to global colonial imaginaries and racial hierarchies, reframing nature as a force to be classified, controlled, and exploited.
In seeking to understand whether and how these views of nature cohere, Professor Zorach excavates how the historical formation of the "human" and the "natural" depends on ideas about artistic production and artistic intention.
A significant contribution to art history, visual culture, and environmental humanities, "Spontaneous Objects" will engage scholars interested in the intersections of art, science, theology, and colonial modernity.
Critique: A seminal and ground breaking study of meticulous, exhaustive research, "Spontaneous Objects: A Natural History of Art and Its Others" by Professor Rebecca Zorach is informatively enhanced with the inclusion of illustrations, a twenty-six page Introduction (Spontaneous Objects), eight pages of Notes, a fourteen page Bibliography, and a seven page Index. Exceptional and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Spontaneous Objects" is a unique and very highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library European Art History/Criticism collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this large format (7 x 1.06 x 10 inches, 1.89 pounds) hardcover edition of "Spontaneous Objects" from the Penn State University Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $67.99).
Editorial Note: Rebecca Zorach is Mary Jane Crowe Professor of Art and Art History at Northwestern University. Her books include Blood, Milk, Ink, Gold: Abundance and Excess in the French Renaissance; The Passionate Triangle; Art for People's Sake: Artists and Community in Black Chicago, 1965 - 1975; and Temporary Monuments: Art, Land, and America's Racial Enterprise. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Zorach)
For Better and Worse: The Complicated Past and Challenging Future of Marriage
Stephanie Coontz
Viking Books
c/o Penguin Group USA
www.penguin.com
9780593299098, $30.00, HC, 304pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Better-Worse-Complicated-Challenging-Marriage/dp/0593299094
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-better-and-worse-stephanie-coontz/1148640691
Synopsis: Marriage rates have fallen dramatically since the 1970s. Yet far from devaluing marriage, people still overwhelmingly describe marriage as the highest commitment they can imagine. Most Americans say they want to marry eventually, and couples who do marry have a lower chance of divorce than at any time since the 1970s. Increasingly, though, people tell pollsters they "have no idea" if they actually will end up married. And unlike in the past, young women are more uncertain than young men.
With the publication of "For Better and Worse: The Complicated Past and Challenging Future of Marriage", Stephanie Coontz (author of the "rich, provocative, and entertaining" book Marriage, A History) unravels the roots of such paradoxical trends. Examining five critical periods of historical transformation, she reveals how shifting romantic ideals, gender expectations, sexual mores, and cultural myths have bequeathed us a welter of contradictory beliefs, dysfunctional habits, and emotional earworms that make it hard to adjust our family relationships to the social and economic challenges of twenty-first-century life.
Coontz also demonstrates that today's widespread nostalgia for a seemingly more stable past is an understandable reaction to heightened economic insecurity and eroding social solidarities. But trying to reproduce a largely imaginary golden age of marriage from the past simply locks us into a restricted future.
Current public debates about marriage are dominated by two diametrically opposed groups. One argues that marriage is the only sure route to personal happiness and social stability; the other, that marriage is inherently oppressive. Coontz puts forward a radical middle ground, pointing to surprising new research on the personal changes and the policy innovations that can help people create successful relationships, in or out of marriage.
Critique: An original, seminal, and groundbreaking study on contemporary marriage trends in America, "For Better and Worse: The Complicated Past and Challenging Future of Marriage" by Stephanie Coontz is informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of seventy-four pages of Notes and a fourteen page Index. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "For Better and Worse" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Marriage/Divorce collections and supplemental Sociology of Marriage curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, marriage counselors, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "For Better and Worse" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Stephanie Coontz (https://www.stephaniecoontz.com) is the director of research and public education for the Council on Contemporary Families. She has authored five books on gender, family, and history, including Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage, which was cited in the United States Supreme Court decision on marriage equality. A sought-after radio and podcast guest, she has published extensively in both academic and popular media, from The New York Times, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal to The Chronicle of Higher Education and the Journal of Marriage and Family.
Helen Dumont
Reviewer
John Taylor's Bookshelf
The Climate Imaginary
Leire Asensio Villoria & David Mah, editors
Actar D
c/o Actar Publishers
https://actar.com
9781638400059, $39.95, HC, 150pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Climate-Imaginary-Leire-Asensio-Villoria/dp/1638400059
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-climate-imaginary-leire-asensio-villoria/1140558077
Synopsis: With the climate emergency dominating our collective consciousness, the landscaping architectural design field has mobilized to engage with the social, political and cultural transformations anticipated with the effects of this crisis. There has also been a corresponding widening to the spectrum of climate-informed design explorations, going beyond the technical imperatives of sustainability.
Collaboratively compiled and deftly co-edited by the team of Leire Asensio Villoria and David Mah, "The Climate Imaginary" brings together a global collection of works which provide a sample of this plurality. This pluralism reverberates more explicitly with the scope of disruptions that will affect all aspect of our lives. The pervasiveness of the effects of this emergency opens up a panoply of subjects to be explored by designers that will affect all aspect of our lives. The pervasiveness of the effects of this emergency opens up a panoply of subjects to be explored by designers.
Critique: Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction and deftly organized into seven major sections (Climate Narratives; Assoications - Designing Climage Communities; Hydrosphere & Pedosphere; Revist/Reuse; Redescribing Our Environments; Codifying Climate Actions; Situated Engineering), "The Climate Imaginary" is a seminal contribution to the study of Landscape Architecture, Green Design, and Urban Land Use Planning. Impressively informative and nicely illustrated throughout, this large format (5.3 x 2 x 9.25 inches, 1.6 pounds) hardcover edition of "The Climate Imaginary" from Actar is a unique and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Landscape Architecture collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: The contributors include Abalos + Sentkiewicz, appareil, B+W+, C+ Arquitectas, Design Earth, EcoLogicStudio, Ecosistema Urbano, Pablo Lorenzo Eiroa, Ensamble, Fadi Masoud, Harvard Office for Urbanization, Iredale Pederson Hook, LLDS Architects, Lydia Kallipoliti et al.
Editorial Note #2: Leire Asensio Villoria is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne's School of Design and is a co-director of the MSD's ADD+F (Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication) Research Hub. She has taught at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, London's Architectural Association School of Architecture and at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art and Planning. Leire is an author of Systems Upgrade: Re-fabricating Tectonic Prototypes (Actar), Architecture of Waste: A (Re)Planned Obsolescence (Actar) and Lifestyled: Health and Places (Jovis).
Editorial Note #3: David S.C. Mah is a senior lecturer in urban design and architecture at the University of Melbourne's school of design. David has taught at Harvard's Graduate School of Design, Cornell University's department of architecture at the graduate design school of the Architectural Association in London. David is an author of the books: Lifestyled Health and Places (Jovis) and Systems Upgrade: Re-fabricating Tectonic Prototypes (Actar). Together with Leire, his creative works have been exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art in London, the Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York and for the National Gallery of Victoria's Melbourne Design Week amongst others.
Comics - The Call and the Cost
C.J. Standal
C.J. Standal Productions
www.cjstandalproductions.com
9798986905068, $49.99, HC, 212pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Comics-Call-Cost-Cj-Standal/dp/B0FWTBY3NJ
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/comics-the-call-and-the-cost-cj-standal/1148524250
Synopsis: With the publication of "Comics - The Call and the Cost" by C.J. Standal, readers will discover the reason why comic creators toiled away over ink stained pages, even when their circumstances didn't reward their hard work.
This is what happens when comics meet the real world, coming face to face with politics, war, and big business. Comic story creators had to navigate their passion and careers when faced with the intersection between art and commerce.
"Comics - The Call and the Cost" is a stellar collection that includes seven erudite essays and is enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of archival images and illustrations. The informed and informative essays featured are:
The Cost of Comics (A History of the Comic Book Labor Movement); Marge Buell and Little Lulu (Women Warriors - America's Early Female Cartoonist Entrepreneur and Her Feminist Creation); Hector Oesterheld (Comics Own Martyr); David Mazzucchelli (Walks Away from Superheroic Success for Indie Art); Jeff Smith and Bone (A Little Help from My Friends); A License to Cartoon (Art and Capitalism in the Works of Schulz, Davis, and Watterson); Afterword or Why I Write (A Justification of Rejection, Torture, and Bliss).
Critique: An original, seminal and groundbreaking work, "Comics - The Call and the Cost" by C. J. Standal is a unique and invaluable contribution to the history of newspaper comic strips, comic books and graphic novels. This large format (8.5 x 0.69 x 11 inches, 2.1 pounds) hardcover edition of "Comics - The Call and the Cost" from C.J. Standal Productions is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library collections. It should be noted for students, academia, and comic strip/graphic novel fans that "Comics - The Call and the Cost" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: In addition to Rebirth of the Gangster, author CJ Standal also writes B.A.E. Wulf -- a modern day mashup of Beowulf and Lovecraftian horror. He also has a collection of essays, Outside the Panels: Comics, the Classroom, and the Creative Life, a book that mainly focuses on his experiences creating, publishing, and teaching comics. He wrote for the now-defunct Slant and is now writing for Graphic Policy; he also posts some of his work on his own site -- www.cjstandalproductions.com
John Taylor
Reviewer
Kathryn Atwood's Bookshelf
Catch of the Day
Peter J. Dellolio
New Meridian Arts
https://www.newmeridianarts.com
Pre-publication Review
"I'm not very good at explaining my work... I'm unable to do so because I feel that my poetry is the explanation. The explanation of what? Of my thought, whatever that is. As I see it, my thought is both poetry and the attempt to explain that poetry; the two cannot be disentangled."
- John Ashbery
It's not difficult to see why author Peter Dellolio has dedicated his new book of poetry, "Catch of the Day," to the late John Ashbery, one of the most influential, prolific, and award-laden poets of the 20th-century. This collection is like Ashbery's in that the various subjects within a single verse are as unrelated as random thoughts that flit through one's mind or dreams that unravel into multiple story lines.
For example, consider the following two couplets from Dellolio's poem "Freezers":
"Some people love the smell of gasoline.
His anger made him utter endless obscenities..."
"The oboe concerto was full of energy and beautiful precision.
The folder contained horrifying photographs."
While these lines are not at all related in subject matter, Dellolio connects them, in the first instance, with the use of consonance and in the second with internal rhyme. These sound devices are found throughout the poems in "Catch of the Day," making some lines an absolute delight to read aloud, including the following from "We Saw the Oscilloscope," which contains copious amounts of consonance followed by a bit of startling assonance:
"Lots of teens spent hours in the sixties playing bits of their rock albums backwards."
Speaking of teens in the sixties, Dellolio's Boomer-hood is clear from his cultural references as well as descriptions of travel destinations. The following couplets, which include both, are found in the poem, "Too Much Red Pepper":
"Caesar Romero was very campy as The Joker.
I think we should go to the Maldives Island."
"I always loved that crazy bebop music at the beginning of Courageous Cat.
There are numerous hidden chambers inside the pyramids."
Some of Dellolio's childhood memories brought pure joy to this Boomer's heart, such as: "I loved using Silly Putty on the color comics in the Sunday papers." And when he writes "Whatever happened to the Campfire Girls?" I almost reached for my phone to look it up before I realized I'd rather just smile and confess that the same query enters my mind whenever the catchy Campfire Girls theme song flits through it.
In addition to random thoughts, childhood memories, musings on cinema and music, and observations on life's minutiae, most of the poems in "Catch of the Day" include at least one pithy comment or profound question, such as: "It's remarkable that Joseph Conrad's native language was Polish." (from "Muhammed Ali and the Beatles"); "It's a wonderful feeling when you can make someone laugh." (from "Going to His Grandmother's House"); "Being on the shore is like entering a time machine and coming out at the beginning of the world." (from "I Wonder"); and "Why does it always feel like a dream when someone close to you dies?" (from "Bell Bottom Jeans").
Even readers unfamiliar with John Ashbery's surrealistic pairings of incongruous images will appreciate the wide range of topics covered in "Catch of the Day" and the way in which Dellolio's poetic soul, inquisitive mind, and appreciative heart processes everything that comes across his line of vision or remains locked in his memory.
Editorial Note: Peter J. Dellolio was born in 1956. He graduated from New York University in 1978. He has had a variety of work published in over 120 literary magazines, journals, and anthologies, in print and online. Since 2018, four of his poetry collections, a novel, a novella, and a short story collection have also been published.
Collateral Wife: A True Con Marriage
Anne Stark Gallagher
https://www.annegallagher.com
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
Pre-Publication Review
One day when Anne Gallagher's relationship with a man named Ben was in its initial stages, she returned from a lunch outing to discover that all the furniture in her condo had disappeared. Had she been robbed? No. It was just Ben. After pressuring her to move in together, Ben had responded to her reluctance by making the decision for her.
Then he proposed on the spot. Gallagher was shocked but also charmed, as she relates in a passage from her new memoir, "Collateral Wife: A True Con Marriage":
"I'd never felt this rush of confusion and emotion before in my life. It made me feel more attracted to him than ever before. And while I knew Ben to be impulsive, I also knew that his nature was kind. He followed his heart and believed in what he was doing, whether it be moving my apartment or working to get his business up and running. As much as I wanted to be angry with him, I couldn't. I knew what he did was coming from a good place."
Yes, he indeed appeared to be a good man. At that time. And the two of them initially seemed to be a good fit, as Gallagher beautifully describes here:
"Where Ben wanted to be number one, I was content to be a number two. It was another way in which I believed we complemented each other. When I thought about my longer-term relationship with Ben, it was clear that he would be the emotional leader and I was his measured and logical counterpart. After all, there were many famous, complementary duos like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Mulder and Scully, and even Captain James T. Kirk and Spock. Was I just daydreaming or trying to convince myself of something?"
Readers of "Collateral Wife" already know the answer: the book's preface depicts the author in a Chicago subway ready to jump in front of a train out of despair over Ben, a con man who stole from her so consistently and dramatically during their marriage that he eventually had a mob hit out on her and their two children.
What makes the story so absorbing from the preface on (aside from the obvious fact of Gallagher's exceptional writing), is that the reader is compelled to know how Ben was able to dupe an intelligent woman like Gallagher. Because she wanted so badly to believe he was on her side, and because she remembers precisely what was going through her head at every step, Gallagher's memoir is both difficult to read but far more difficult to put down; her writing drew me completely into the story until I absolutely had to finish it.
"Collateral Wife" is a beautifully written cautionary tale of betrayal and ultimate survival that will perhaps have readers biting their nails or shouting words of warning to Gallagher while they cheer her on until the very end.
Editorial Note: Anne S. Gallagher (https://www.annegallagher.com) is a Chicago-based writer, journalist and communications professional. With degrees in journalism and law, she has spent her career telling other people's stories. Collateral Wife is her first book.
Holy Health: Habits and Rhythms to Heal Your Body and Transform Your Life
Justin Roethlingshoefer
Story Builders Press
http://www.mystorybuilders.com
9798898330378, $29.95, HC, 374pp
9798898330361, $TBA, PB
9798898330385, $9.99, Kindle
Prepublication Review
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Health-Habits-Rhythms-Transform-ebook/dp/B0H5TZX6C4
When Justin Roethlingshoefer was a university student first encountering a process called "breathwork" and the instructor asked each participant to share their experience, Roethlingshoefer said "I just had a conversation with Jesus." The surprised instructor replied, "Let's leave Jesus out of this and come back to mindfulness."
In a way, "Holy Health: Habits and Rhythms to Heal Your Body and Transform Your Life" was built on the foundation of that moment. Roethlingschoefer has not completely disregarded what he learned about breathwork in that class; his new book illustrates the importance of the process, as well as nutrition, sleep, environment, and other issues. But "Holy Health" is a different type of self-help book because the author is convinced that the foundation of true wellbeing begins with the creature returning to connection with its creator.
Roethlingshoefer's main premise is that physical maladies ultimately stem from a lack of alignment, which he defines as "The process of bringing every part of life back under the authority of truth." He goes on to explain how "many of us have been trying to align, but we have been aligning ourselves in the wrong order, and thus we've gone in the wrong direction - which is why health has seemed like it's always out of reach."
The book is divided into four sections with the first two, "Holy You" and "Holy Habits," taking up the most space. "Holy You," as might be expected, focuses on spiritual matters, dealing with one's identity in Christ. When that happens, claims Roethlingshoefer, "worth is received instead of being earned... Comfort comes from presence instead of escape... Habits begin to change, not because you are forcing them to but because the heart has found its home."
The second section, "Holy Habits," is divided into the following subsections, which are filled with surprising but science-based suggestions on how to improve one's health: "Holy Breath," "Holy Environment," "Holy Recovery," "Holy Movement," and "Holy Nourishment."
The author writes with great clarity, but because there is so much to take in, I found the summarizing tools at the end of each chapter extremely helpful: "Key Concept," "Scriptural Truth," "Scientific Fact," "Action Steps," and then blank lines for personal notes.
Roethlingshoefer can really turn a phrase, and while reading the book, I found myself copying down too many of his pithy points, but the following is perhaps the one I found the most interesting:
"Maybe you grew up in a family where heart disease goes back four generations or where dementia and diabetes have taken the life of a loved one far too soon. I am here to tell you that your genetics do not predestine you for the same fate, but what was chasing your ancestors is chasing you too. Your genes may load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger."
I can't completely agree with this point, well-written though it is. For instance, my family's history of kidneys that stop working could not and cannot be altered with improved health habits; sometimes the ravage of genetically inherited disease is truly unstoppable. But there's enough truth in Roethlingshoefer's statement for enough situations to make it worth considering.
Secular health-conscious readers will most likely enjoy "Holy Health" beginning with section two while struggling through the earlier material that presents the concept of alignment with Christ as the foundation of health. And devout Christians who are as determined to maintain their faith as they are unhealthy lifestyles might nod in agreement through the first chapters while refusing to consider the new habits set forth in the rest of the book.
But those willing to lay aside their preconceptions will find much to gain in this well-researched, well-written, and thoroughly enlightening read.
Editorial Note: Justin Roethlingshoefer, author of four previous books, is an acclaimed expert in overall health and wellness, a former strength coach in the National Hockey League (NHL), founder of OWN IT Coaching, and the visionary behind the Holy Health movement. He uniquely combines cutting-edge performance science with biblical truth, challenging the status quo to redefine health as a path to total spiritual, mental, and physical alignment.
Through the Ashes
Christina A. Cole
BookBaby
9798317830489, $9.99, Kindle
9798317830472, $22.95, 151pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Through-Ashes-Christina-Cole-ebook/dp/B0GL3MVFQ6
In writing "Through the Ashes," memoirist Christina Cole has created a work of emotional depth and literary beauty from unspeakably difficult circumstances.
Before she checked into the hospital for a routine procedure, Cole was a flourishing wife, mother, runner, and professional. Weeks later, she woke up in a body that couldn't move.
The reader eventually discovers that Cole survived a lengthy state of toxic shock after a post-operative visit to the emergency room. Her husband and parents, hoping against hope that Cole would survive, attempted to communicate with her while she was in this condition.
Her personal recall of her own unconscious state is the most powerfully descriptive I've ever read on the topic:
"I couldn't respond... My arms lay dead at my sides, useless and forgotten. My voice was gone, buried beneath layers of panic and silence. I opened my mouth to scream, to beg, to plead, but nothing came. Just air and agony. The words dissolved on my tongue. Help me. Please. I want to wake up. I want to get up. But the nightmare held me tight. Over and over, I lived the same torment. Trapped in a looping void of darkness and despair. That door never opened. That light never reached me. This place, this basement, was no longer just a room. It was a tomb. And I was awake inside it."
When she regained consciousness, Cole's immobile body was on fire with pain, and she had to make a determined choice to endure the agonizing process of making it work again. Her description of the chronic pain she endured is devastatingly arresting:
"Pain has become a language I never wanted to learn. It speaks in pulses and flares, sharp jabs, and dull thuds. Sometimes it's a whisper, sometimes a scream. But it is always there. Always present. And the cruelest part? It doesn't ask permission before speaking; it just arrives."
Along with precise recall of her physical trauma, Cole also remembered what was going through her mind at each point:
"As the car pulled away from the curb, I stared out the window at the bare trees, their limbs stripped of everything they once held. Just like me. There was no routine now. No rhythm. Just the next step. And the next. And the next. And somehow, still, the haunting realization that surviving was the easiest part. Living through it was going to be the real war."
Though I was a bit confused by the shifting timelines at the book's outset, once the narrative moved forward, I found this brutally honest memoir of exquisite literary beauty impossible to put down.
Editorial Note: Christina A. Cole is a survivor, writer, and advocate, who turned unimaginable adversity into a powerful story of healing and hope. After experiencing a devastating and life-altering medical crisis, she began documenting her journey -- capturing the unfiltered reality of pain, perseverance, and the profound strength found in family, faith, and self-belief. Her memoir, "Through the Ashes," explores the emotional and physical battle to reclaim her body, identity, and future while navigating motherhood and the pressures of rebuilding a life that had been torn apart.
With a background in government service, Christina is known for her tenacity, problem-solving, and commitment to supporting others -- qualities that shaped her recovery and now fuel her writing. She uses her platform to advocate for trauma survivors, raise awareness about medical resilience, and encourage others to speak their truth.
Christina lives in Virginia with her husband, son, and a close-knit family who stood beside her through every chapter of her story.
Saving St. Barnaby's
Charles Kenney
Publisher TBA
$TBA
Pre-Publication Review
"Saving St. Barnaby's" presents readers with two protagonists. The first is the ultra-appealing 26-year-old Jimbo Jackobee, who in the opening chapter is fired from a teaching job because he can't control a classroom. He is immediately hired as a salesman by his brother-in-law who runs a business called "Suck it Up Vacuums" (get it?) but he doesn't last there either. His wife leaves him, runs off with their divorce attorney, and Jimbo is soon without a place to live.
The second protagonist is 68-year-old Father Dan, a discouraged and talentless alcoholic priest who lives with his elderly mother in the rectory of the decaying titular St. Barnaby's, which is attended on Sunday mornings by only a handful of parishioners. The Bishop stops by one day to tell Father Dan that he must raise church attendance to 300 in three months or the church will be demolished and he will be transferred to work in a retirement community called Limbo Rock (get it?), a fate that to the sad priest seems worse than death. Or Purgatory.
When Jimbo crosses paths with Father Dan, will they be able to save St. Barnaby's?
The entertaining plot of "Saving St. Barnaby's" combines the predictable with the wildly unbelievable, resulting in a story bordering on the cartoonish, but nevertheless, Kenney is a clever, hilarious writer. Consider the following description of Jimbo's wife, who, as the story opens, has completely let herself go:
"Sadie's appearance was slovenly. And she wasn't shaving under her arms. Her hair was mussed, and her teeth weren't brushed, leaving breath that smelled worse than a mongoose after a kill."
I don't think a dead mongoose smells any worse than, say, a dead rabbit or a duck, but Kenney's startling word choice is often his secret weapon.
I had to stop keeping track of all the sections that made me laugh aloud, but not before I took note of the following:
"[Jimbo] imagined doing a swan dive off a thirty-story building but cringed because he was deathly afraid of heights. Another possibility he considered was hanging himself, but he wondered how you tie your hands behind your back. Then he thought of shooting himself in the head. That would be quick, but the paperwork for the gun license would take forever."
Father Dan's side of the story contains a similar level of humor:
"After the reading, [Father Dan] announced that there would be no sermon. There were scattered claps and cheers."
Father Dan doesn't exactly have the gravitas you might expect from a man of the cloth as is clear in this interchange he has with one of his former parishioners:
"'Don't you look stunning today. You don't look a day over sixty.'
'Don't sweet-talk me, you pile of rubbish. I'm dwindling away to nothing here.'
'I could use your tired, shriveled-up body at St. Barnaby's this Sunday.'
'No way,' she said with hardness in her veins. 'I don't have time for trivia.' She gave him a pasty smile."
It's funny, of course, but after a while I found the priest's flippant attitude a bit grating. I began the story thinking I would eventually be rooting for two loveable losers when in fact I only cared about one. Father Dan doesn't seem to be even a bit serious about his calling; he's just stuck, and his character never grows beyond what is described in the following scene:
"Why had God chosen him to be a messenger of Christ? He was a disaster with no real moral code. Oh, well. After a short communion, he returned to the altar and poured the wine into the chalice, glancing at the crucifix. He then gulped down a few swigs. Half-heartedly, he asked God to forgive him. And then took one last drink and drained the cup. "Wow."
He turned around in a pious way and gazed at the small congregation. He gave them God's blessing. "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."
"You got it, Father," Little Orphan Annie said.
Father Dan felt relieved when they all left.
Another day of suffering, he thought. One day closer to my grave."
Jimbo's character, on the other hand, possesses significant depth, and Kenney describes it quite profoundly:
"Jimbo gnawed on that hollow feeling that dwelled within him. The feeling of being nothing. This draining emptiness was swallowing him up and spitting him out. And he saw the church in the same light -- unwanted, deteriorating, and slowly losing dignity and respect. As the church fell apart, Jimbo shuddered. He could feel its aches and pains, the inner woes and conflicts. St. Barnaby's became an extension of himself; that lonesome place that needed a friend. And Jimbo fit the bill. The church was as screwed up as he was. And in some crazy way, Jimbo sensed that if he could restore St. Barnaby's to a productive state, he too would grow and flourish."
Though the wit in this book is very piquant, most of the characters possess precisely the same clever, quippy sense of humor. Based on humorous dialogue alone (and excluding Kenney's excellent physical descriptions), the characters are indistinguishable from one another. I got the distinct sense that Kenney is completely hilarious, but he has not yet worked enough to provide his characters with individual variations of that humor.
However, "Saving St. Barnaby's" is an entertaining, hilarious read with real heart, and it will have you cheering for and laughing at the underdogs all the way to the end.
Editorial Note: Charley Kenney graduated from Villanova University and published a short story collection entitled "Home Run King & Other Stories" in March 2011. This book contains ten short stories filled with humor, romance and suspense. He has also worked as a reporter and co-produced a play in Hollywood. "Saving St. Barnaby's" is his first novel. He has also finished a second novel, "Delisanti and Daughter." It traces a dysfunctional Italian family searching for happiness in a stressed-out world. A third novel, "Lethal Reception," is slated to be finished by the latter part of 2026. Charley is married to Dorothy and has a wonderful set of twins, Victoria and Gregory.
Kathryn Atwood, Senior Reviewer
https://kathrynjatwood.com
Mary Cowper's Bookshelf
Sweet Land of Liberty: The stories behind America's national symbols and songs
Olapeju Simoyan
Simola Publishing
9798991657082, $24.99, HC, 90pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Land-Liberty-Americas-national/dp/B0H3F63V33
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-land-of-liberty-olapeju-simoyan/1150288812
Synopsis: What do a soaring eagle, a tall white monument, and a song about rockets' red glare all have in common? They are each a part of the story of the United States!
Sweet Land of Liberty: The stories behind America's national symbols and songs" by Olapeju Simoyan is engaging introduction for readers with an interest in the national symbols that represent America's history, values, and dreams.
Through clear explanations and vivid, full-color photographs taken by "Olapeju Simoyan (a physician with a passion for history and travel) readers explore the official symbols established by Congress, such as the Bald Eagle and the national motto.
Readers will also discover other beloved national landmarks and patriotic icons that have become powerful symbols of the American spirit. These include the towering Washington Monument, the inspiring Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the historic White House. Patriotic music, such as The Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful, adds another layer to the story, showing how symbols can be heard as well as seen.
Written in an accessible and engaging style, "Sweet Land of Liberty" deftly blends history, civics, and storytelling. The inclusion of Fun Facts, thoughtful questions, and striking original photographs encourage readers to look closely at the symbols around them and consider what they represent. By the end, readers will not only recognize America's national symbols but also understand how these images, places, and songs help tell the ongoing story of the United States.
"Sweet Land of also includes links to recordings of the author's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other patriotic songs, as well as her reading of the Gettysburg Address. By the end, readers will not only recognize America's national symbols but also understand how these images, places, and songs help tell the ongoing story of the United States.
Critique: Original, exceptional, informative and fun, "Sweet Land of Liberty: The stories behind America's national symbols and songs" is especially and an unreservedly recommended pick for family, elementary school, middle school, highschool, and community library American History collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Sweet Land of Liberty" from Simola Publishing is also readily available in paperback (9798991657099, $14.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Dr. Olapeju Simoyan is a physician, board certified in family medicine and addiction medicine who strongly believes in the integration of the arts and sciences in healthcare and education. She writes on a variety of subjects, including healthcare, personal development and education, using photography to reinforce her writing in a compelling way. Dr Simoyan's online essays can be found at Pulse - Voices from the Heart of Medicine, KevinMD, Doximity and Patheos.
Vibrate Higher
Julieta Suarez Valente
Red Wheel/Weiser
www.redwheelweiser.com
9781590035818, $18.95, PB, 112pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Vibrate-Higher-Raising-Frequency-Elements/dp/159003581X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vibrate-higher-julieta-suarez-valente/1147729666
Synopsis: Explore the four elements - Fire, Earth, Air, and Water - and elevate your vibrational frequency.
"Vibrate Higher: A Guide to Raising Your Frequency with the Four Elements" by Julieta Suarez Valente is your guide to explore the four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water) and elevating your vibrational frequency by shifting your energy. In "Vibrate Higher" you will find clear answers and practical activities, from meditations to rituals, plus a lunar record to aid in self-discovery and bring light to your world.
When you raise your vibration, you lift your mood, expand your perspective, and open the door to new possibilities. Your vibrational frequency shapes the people, opportunities, and experiences you attract into your life. Each of the four elements offers a path to growth:
Fire to spark vitality
Earth to ground yourself
Air to harness the power of thought
Water to deepen intuition and manage emotions
The order of the elements is not chosen randomly. It responds to the zodiac wheel, with its first four champions (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer) and repeats until the twelve-sign cycle is complete.
How do you activate your chakras? Which crystals help you to manifest your goals? What lessons can the goddesses teach you about abundance? How can tarot reveal the guidance you're seeking?
Critique: A simply fascinating, informative, deftly crafted, and an inspiring, motivational read from start to finish, "Vibrate Higher: A Guide to Raising Your Frequency with the Four Elements" is the ideal DIY guide to crystal divination, chakras, as well as applying elemental and astrological insights to achieve personal insights and improvements. Thoroughly reader friendly in organization and presentation, "Vibrate Higher" is a solid and unreservedly recommended pick for personal and professional Metaphysical Studies collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Vibrate Higher" from Red Wheel/Weiser is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Julieta Suarez Valente (https://julietasuarezvalente.com) is the founder and director of Multiespacio school where tarot, astrology, Akashic records, metaphysics, and healing workshops are taught. She is also the author of Astrology of Leadership, Passionate, and Empowered as well as the Spells Oracle.
Mary Cowper
Reviewer
Micah Andrew's Bookshelf
Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide
Paul Clothier
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032006734, $200.00, HC, 344pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mobile-Learning-Design-Clothier/dp/1032006730
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mastering-mobile-learning-design-paul-clothier/1148643932
Synopsis: With the publication of "Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide", structural design expert Paul Clothier offers practical guidance for creating mobile learning that's clear, engaging, and designed for the way people actually learn.
Expressly written for instructional designers, learning professionals, and educators, "Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide" goes beyond theory to show how to create concise, effective experiences that achieve real results on mobile devices.
With "Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide" as their textbook, the reader wil learn how to design mobile learning for real-world settings, using video, graphics, interactions, and storytelling to create engaging moments that capture attention and enhance understanding.
"Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide" covers how to integrate learning and performance support into everyday work, use social interaction and gamification to boost engagement, and develop mobile content that is scalable and sustainable. It also shows how generative AI can enhance the design process, with example prompts that help you research, write, and personalize content while keeping creative control. The final chapters look ahead to trends in AI-driven design, personalization, and intelligent learning tools.
Critique: An ideal introduction to mobile learning design and the uses of AI, "Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide" by Paul Clothier begins with an Introduction (Getting Started & The Power of Mobile Learning), then followed by major sections that include: The Fundamentals, Designing Effective Mobile Content, Engaging and Motivating Mobile Learners, Delivering and Evaluating Mobile Learning, and Future Directions, Final Thoughts. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in style, organization and presentation, and informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a four page listing of References and a five page Index. Unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and college/university library Business/Finance collections and supplemental Generative AI and Mobile Learning curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Mastering Mobile Learning Design: A Practical Guide" from Routledge is also available in paperback (9781032008080, $39.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $39.99).
Editorial Note: Paul Clothier (https://paulclothier.com) teaches instructional design and generative AI for the University of Cambridge and University of the Arts London. He spent over a decade at Apple. He has extensive experience in mobile learning design and, in this book, presents practical methods and insights for creating mobile learning that achieves real learning outcomes.
A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis
Raymond R. Roberts, author
David P. Gushee, contributor
Wipf and Stock Publishers
https://wipfandstock.com
9798385251438, $43.00, HC, 206pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Democratic-Republican-Faith-Public-Theology/dp/B0H1F6QG11
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-democratic-and-republican-faith-raymond-r-roberts/1150020480
Synopsis: Experts justifiably warn that America's democratic political culture is in crisis and that our country is slouching toward authoritarianism. While many have warned of the challenge that Christian nationalism presents to democracy, with the publication of "A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis". Pastor Raymond R. Roberts addresses the burden that mainstream Christianity has placed on democratic culture by failing to nurture members in a thick democratic and republican faith.
Pastor Roberts examines the positive role that religion must play in a liberal democratic society and shows how mainstream Protestants can do their part to revitalize the cultural and moral resources on which democracy depends. He also addresses Protestantism's disarray and America's democratic crisis by articulating the practical implications of nine principles of a public theology: theocentrism, creation, image of God, natural law, sin, hope, vocation, covenant, and ecclesiology.
Rediscovering the wisdom in these principles will give Protestants new purpose and vigor. Because these principles evolved alongside and shaped the ideas and practices of democracy, refreshing their meaning promises to strengthen ideas that are frequently considered more secular, such as liberalism, federalism, constitutionalism, human rights, the separation of powers, and the rule of law.
Critique: Articulate, eloquent, timely, and a badly needed contribution to our on-going national discourse with respect to the separation of Church & State, "A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis" is another clarion class to address the Founding Father's fear of how the State could corrupt the Church if the two were to merge into one. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, church, seminary, and college/university library Contemporary Political Science & Christian Social Issues collections and supplemental Constitutional Law curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for political science students, academia, clergy, seminary students, political activists, and governmental policy makers that this hardcover edition of "A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis" from Wipf & Stock is also available in paperback (9798385251421, $26.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note #1: Raymond R. Roberts is a Presbyterian pastor, Professor of Ethics at the University of Richmond, former Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee for Social Witness Policy for the Presbyterian Church (USA), author of the book Whose Kids Are They Anyway? Religion and Morality in America's Public Schools, and co-songwriter with the band Reckless and Wild.
Editorial Note #2: David P. Gushee is distinguished university professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University and chair in Christian social ethics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The elected past-president of both the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Christian Ethics, Gushee is the author or editor of twenty-nine books. He has an international reputation as one of the leading Christian moral thinkers of this era.
Micah Andrew
Reviewer
Michael Dunford's Bookshelf
Reckoning with the Past
Leland G. Spencer
Michigan State University Press
https://msupress.org
9781611865714, $34.95, HC, 200pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Reckoning-Past-National-Geographic-Rhetoric/dp/1611865719
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reckoning-with-the-past-leland-g-spencer/1149236280
Michigan State University Press
https://msupress.org/9781611865714/reckoning-with-the-past
Synopsis: For over a century, the National Geographic magazine has shaped American visual culture, captivating audiences with stunning photography and compelling storytelling. Yet behind its iconic yellow border lies a fraught legacy of gender bias, racial misrepresentation, and colonialist narratives.
An incisive study, with the publication of " Reckoning with the Past: National Geographic and the Limits of Social Justice Rhetoric", Professor Leland G. Spencer examines the brand's recent attempts to reckon with that legacy across its magazine and television platforms.
From special issues spotlighting transgender lives, to a public acknowledgment of past racism, to a magazine edition created entirely by women, these efforts signal a move toward inclusivity. But as Professor Spencer reveals through rigorous rhetorical analysis, these gestures often fall short. The texts themselves frequently echo the same systemic inequalities they seek to redress.
National Geographic's progressive rebranding, Professor Spancer argues, remains tangled in the very histories it aims to transcend.
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking study, " Reckoning with the Past: National Geographic and the Limits of Social Justice Rhetoric" by Professor Leland G. Spencer is informative enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction (Is National Graphic Making A Social Justice Turn?), forty pages of Notes, a twenty-eight page listing of References, and a nine page Index. Of special interest to readers with concerns regarding historic gender inequality and the impact of National Geographic magazine on American popular culture, "Reckoning with the Past" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library collections and supplemental Gender Studies and Communication/Media Studies curriculum lists. It should be noted for students, academia, gender equality advocates, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "Reckoning with the Past" from Michigan State University Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $33.20).
Editorial Note: Leland G. Spencer is professor and chair in the Department of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina. He is the author of Rape, Agency, and Carceral Solutions and Women Bishops and Rhetorics of Shalom, and he has won the Randy Majors Award from the Caucus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns of the National Communication Association, the Janice Hocker Rushing Award from the Southern States Communication Association (SSCA), and the Gender Studies Scholar of the Year Award from the Gender Studies Division of SSCA. There is an online listing of his books at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8485710.Leland_G_Spencer
Lincoln in New England: In Search of His Forgotten Tours
David J. Kent
The Globe Pequot Press
https://www.globepequot.com
9781493092222, $24.95, PB, 288pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-New-England-Search-Forgotten/dp/1493092227
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lincoln-in-new-england-david-j-kent/1147855863
Synopsis: With the publication of "Lincoln in New England: In Search of His Forgotten Tours", by native New Englander and Lincoln historian David J. Kent revisits the important towns where Lincoln spoke and the pivotal figures that helped define the great issues leading to the Civil War -- and an examination of the nation's downward spiral into conflict.
"Lincoln in New England" explores the crucial issues that made the civil war inevitable, the birth of the Republican Party as an anti-slavery faction, and New England's own short-lived flirtation with secession in the spirit of independence.
Presented in a first-person travelogue style, and featuring historical maps with redrawn routes, original writings from Lincoln himself, insight from Lincoln historians, and black and white photographs, "Lincoln in New England" presents a full picture of the region's vital influence leading up to the Civil War.
Critique: An original, meticulously researched, and groundbreaking study, "Lincoln in New England: In Search of His Forgotten Tours" by David J. Kent is a welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to the expanding library of Lincoln studies. First published in hardcover (2015), this paperback edition of "Lincoln in New England" from Globe Pequot Publishing is ideal for personal, professional, community, and college/university library American Civil War History/Biography collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: David J. Kent (https://davidjkent-writer.com) is an award-winning Abraham Lincoln scholar, former scientist, author, and traveler. He is Immediate Past President of the Lincoln Group of DC with a decade of ongoing group leadership, as well as on the Executive Committee and Board of the Abraham Lincoln Institute and on the Board of Advisers for the Lincoln Forum. He is the author of Lincoln: The Fire of Genius and Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America. David writes extensively on Lincoln for a range of media outlets. His writing has appeared in Civil War Times, Lincoln Herald, The Lincolnian, Lincoln Forum Bulletin, Smithsonian's Civil War Studies newsletter, Writer's Digest, Tesla Magazine, Science Panorama, and elsewhere. He writes ongoing columns in each quarterly issue of the Lincoln Herald and Lincolnian.
Michael Dunford
Reviewer
Paul Vogel's Bookshelf
How Western Christianity Got It Wrong
Randy Woodley
https://www.randywoodley.com
Broadleaf Books
www.broadleafbooks.com
9798889836872, $28.99, HC, 262pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/How-Western-Christianity-Got-Wrong/dp/B0G6V4CLH9
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-western-christianity-got-it-wrong-randy-woodley/1148951606
Synopsis: Jesus never intended to start a religion that would justify stealing land, enslaving people, or destroying creation. So how did we get here?
With the publication of "How Western Christianity Got It Wrong: Replacing the God of Fear with a Spirituality of Healing", Randy Woodley (of mixed white and Native American heritage), traces how a brown man from Nazareth who never lost his connection to the whole community of creation became the poster child for empire-building and environmental destruction.
Leaders of the faith that bears his name has, from the fifth century CE down to the presented day has crafted 'Christian' theologies that rationalize greed, violence, and colonization -- everything Jesus actually opposed.
In the pages of "How Western Christianity Got It Wrong" Woodley exposes the ideas that poisoned Christianity's well, how the Western church won a monopoly on sin and salvation, and how violent atonement theories replaced the healing message Jesus lived. Drawing on Indigenous wisdom that was flourishing on Turtle Island long before missionaries arrived, Woodley also reveals what Jesus's liberating message looks like when freed from imperial frameworks.
Picture communities where creation is family, not commodity. Where healing happens through relationship, not transaction. Where Creator speaks through many voices and welcomes all who walk in love. This is the Jesus Way as it was meant to be -- not a system of control but a path of wholeness.
Critique: The principle reason why the Founding Fathers of the United States of American advocated the separation of Church & State was the fear that the State (politics) would contaminate the Church every bit as much as the Church, able to exercise political power would corrupt the State (for example the Spanish Inquisition). Simply stated, "How Western Christianity Got It Wrong: Replacing the God of Fear with a Spirituality of Healing" by Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is a timely and masterpiece of historical research -- a seminal and groundbreaking study. While unreservedly recommended for church, seminary, community, and college/university library Christian History/Social Issues collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of seminary and political science students, theologians and academics, clergy and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "How Western Christianity Got It Wrong" from Broadleaf Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).
Editorial Note: Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley (https://www.randywoodley.com) is an activist, scholar, author, teacher, and wisdom keeper of mixed white and Native American heritage who speaks on justice, faith, the earth, and Indigenous realities. He is also the author of numerous books, including Becoming Rooted, Journey to Eloheh, and How Western Christianity Got It Wrong.
Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America
Mary Theresa Webb
Wipf and Stock Publishers
https://wipfandstock.com
9798385270217, $39.00, HC, 162pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Citizenship-Mary-Theresa-Webb/dp/B0GWHBBGFF
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christian-citizenship-mary-theresa-webb/1149780388
Synopsis: Concern for an extreme form of Christian nationalism influencing the current American administration's decisions led Mary Theresa Webb to revisit over two thousand years of Christian history.
With the publication of "Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America" she reminds today's believers why God chose to send his Son to be born at the time of the Roman occupation of Palestine and what we can learn about how to live in the domain of God (since America was founded to get away from kings and kingdoms).
"Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America" explores the role of the Beatitudes as a compass for following the Christian way, truth, and life.
Before addressing the danger now to American Christianity, Webb also reviews eschatology terms and heresies that have led to the formation of the creeds. Her examples of the entwinement of church and state are warnings for American Christians to bring us back from the cliff we are headed toward.
In true prophetic style, hope comes in the last chapter with suggestions for specific actions church leaders can take to bring us back from disaster.
Critique: A clarion call to all Christians regardless of their denominational affiliations that our American democracy depends on a separation of Church and State -- not just for the sake of our Republic but for the sake of our selves as followers of Jesus Christ. The corruption political power and authority can do to the Christian community is exemplified countless times by the two thousand year old history of Christianity as succeeding generations of Christians have had to learn again and again that the old adage 'Power Corrupts And Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely' applies to how secular politics as manipulated by immoral politicians and clergy can corrupt the Christian community in general, and individual Christians in particular. Exceptionally well written and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America" is highly recommended, timely, and essential reading. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America" is also available in paperback (9798385270200, $24.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).
Editorial Note: Dr. Mary Theresa (Terry) Webb holds graduate degrees and certificates from Trinity Anglian Seminary, the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of America. She co-founded Group for Recycling in Pennsylvania, Peace Links, Conservation Consultants in Pittsburgh, PA and GOAL (Global Addiction Recovery Partners) Project now in Lancaster, PA. She has initiated educational projects such as the Action on Environmental Projects for high school students as well as the Professional Enrichment Program for Science and Math teachers through Conservation Consultants. She led the first New Partners PEPFAR Initiative called the SARAH project in Kenya. She has been named Woman of the Year twice; the first in Sewickley, Pennsylvania and, the second in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she now lives.
Paul T. Vogel
Reviewer
S.A. Gorden's Bookshelf
Black Velvet (The Erin O'Reilly Mysteries Book 1)
Steven Henry
Clickworks Press
9781943383344, $12.99 pbk / $0.00 Kindle / $15.07 audiobook, 216 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Velvet-Erin-OReilly-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B077LT86SM
Black Velvet is a fun easy reading police procedural with great characters. The procedural is not realistic but you feel that it should be how police work happens.
Erin O'Reilly is an NYPD street cop with a K9 partner Rolf. She is called to a holdup at a uniform store and arrests one of the perpetrators. When she finds out the only things stolen are private security uniforms, she tries to push the detectives into a deeper investigation but gets nowhere. Later, Erin is invited to a gallery exhibit of found WWII art. There a theft occurs with the criminals using the uniforms from the earlier holdup. Shots are fired and a cop is killed. Erin feels responsible for the cop's death and decides to investigate even if she is not a detective. She and Rolf step into an unsanctioned investigation with criminals willing to kill.
Black Velvet is recommended for anyone who enjoys police procedurals. It is also a borderline cozy tale. With this widespread genre mix, it can be enjoyed by any mystery/detective booklover.
The Trail of the Gunfighter: A Gritty Western Revenge Series (A Gritty Western Action Series Featuring a Relentless Gunfighter Book 1)
Wyatt Steele
Independently published
9798340561695, $12.99 pbk
ASIN: B0D84DWGF4, $0.00 Kindle, 183 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Gunfighter-Frontier-Historical-Western-ebook/dp/B0D84DWGF4
The Trail of the Gunfighter is a solid western shoot-em-up with a big flaw. Each chapter in the tale seems to have been written independent from both the previous and following chapter. There are very large continuity gaps in the storyline. A person is riding on one horse in a chapter and on a different horse in the next. Details are continually shifting and, in a few cases, they are missing. The story has everything a shoot-em-up needs --bad guys, damsel in distress, gunfights and last-minute escapes.
Nash is a gunfighter who doesn't want the reputation. He goes through life as a saddle bum doing odd jobs traveling through hostile Indian territory. He is hired to escort a mine owner to another town to register a claim. The man who hired him wants to take the claim and has his men try to ambush Nash and his companion on the trail outside of town. Nash survives the attack and decides to circle back and take over the now open claim from the man who tried to have him killed.
The Trail of the Gunfighter is an okay western if you can ignore the continuity flaws. The individual chapters are mostly solid reads. Trail is recommended to diehard western fans who miss the midcentury pulp tales. Readers who favor a better written story will become frustrated with the editing.
S.A. Gorden
Senior Reviewer
Suzie Housley's Bookshelf
First Crossing: Remembering the First Wagons to Reach California: The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party of 1844
Tom Holowach
Independently Published
TBD; Kindle Price: TBD; Paperback Price: TBD; 290 pages
Prepublication Review -- Publishing Release Date: Fall 2026
Synopsis: Long before the California Gold Rush inspired thousands to head west, a determined group of pioneers accepted a challenge few believed could be accomplished. In First Crossing, Tom Holowach revisits the remarkable journey of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, which was the first emigrant wagon train to successfully get wagons into California in 1844.
Inspired by the memoir of seventeen-year-old Moses Schallenberger, Holowach transforms a significant chapter of American history into an immersive historical novel. Readers accompany the emigrants across swollen rivers, endless prairies, rugged mountains, and unforgiving wilderness while witnessing the courage, faith, ingenuity, and resilience required to survive a journey that continually tested both body and spirit.
Critique: There are historical novels that recount events, and then there are those rare works that transport readers so completely into another time that the hardships, triumphs, and determination of the people become unforgettable. First Crossing belongs firmly in the latter category.
Tom Holowach shows an obvious passion for American frontier history, but what makes this novel truly memorable is that the history never overshadows the people. Instead, readers come to know the pioneers as individuals with dreams, fears, humor, and unwavering resolve. Their victories feel earned because every mile of the journey demands sacrifice.
Moses Schallenberger proves to be an exceptional guide through this remarkable expedition. His youthful perspective allows readers to experience both the excitement of discovery and the sobering realities of frontier life. As the journey unfolds, his observations reveal a maturity shaped by adversity, making him an engaging and believable narrator whose story lingers long after the final page.
Equally compelling is Holowach's remarkable attention to historical detail. From constructing makeshift bridges and navigating flooded crossings to managing livestock, supplies, and the constant uncertainty of life on the trail, each challenge reflects extensive research without ever slowing the narrative. Historical facts blend seamlessly into the storytelling, creating an experience that feels authentic rather than instructional.
What impressed me most was the author's ability to remind readers that history is ultimately about people. These pioneers were not legendary figures while living their daily lives - they were ordinary families who faced extraordinary circumstances with courage, perseverance, and faith in a future they could only imagine. Their humanity shines through every chapter.
The supporting cast adds richness to the story as relationships deepen through shared hardships. Moments of friendship, quiet humor, romance, compassion, and personal sacrifice provide a welcome balance to the dangers of the trail. Those emotional connections make the expedition feel intensely personal, allowing readers to celebrate each success and mourn every setback alongside the travelers.
Holowach's descriptive writing brings the American frontier vividly to life. Towering mountains, expansive prairies, dangerous river crossings, and snow-covered wilderness become more than scenic backdrops - they emerge as powerful forces that continually shape the emigrants' destiny. Readers can almost hear the creak of wagon wheels, feel the bite of winter winds, and sense the uncertainty awaiting beyond every ridge.
Perhaps the novel's greatest achievement is introducing many readers to an important expedition that deserves far greater recognition in the story of America's westward expansion. Rather than simply recreating historical events, Holowach honors the courage of those early pioneers while preserving their legacy for a new generation.
First Crossing is an outstanding work of historical fiction that will appeal to readers who appreciate meticulously researched history presented through compelling storytelling. It offers adventure, authentic historical insight, memorable characters, and an inspiring reminder of the perseverance that helped shape the American frontier.
Highly recommended for public and academic library Historical Fiction collections, American History collections, and readers who enjoy immersive frontier adventures grounded in meticulous historical research.
How Do You Know What's Right? Thinking, Deciding, and Persuading
Cliff Stromberg
Rivertowns Books
https://www.rivertownsbooks.com
9781953943750, $39.95, HC, 515pp
9781953943767, 29.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/How-You-Know-Whats-Right-ebook/dp/B0GTBQD4KP
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-do-you-know-whats-right-cliff-stromberg/1149730019
Synopsis: Every day we make decisions that shape our lives, our relationships, and the legacy we leave behind. But how do we know when we've made the right choice? In How Do You Know What's Right?
Cliff Stromberg takes readers on a thoughtful journey through the complex landscape of morality, ethics, values, and human behavior. Blending philosophy, psychology, history, neuroscience, and practical life experience, he offers readers the tools to think more deeply, communicate more effectively, and approach life's most challenging questions with greater confidence and understanding.
Critique: Every so often, a book comes along that doesn't simply ask readers to turn the page - it asks them to stop, think, and reconsider the way they see the world. How Do You Know What's Right? is one of those uncommon books.
Cliff Stromberg has taken on one of life's biggest questions, and does so with remarkable grace. Rather than telling readers what they should believe, he invites them into an honest conversation about how we arrive at our beliefs. That distinction alone makes this book stand out.
As I read, I paused more than once - not because the material was difficult, but because it sparked questions worth considering. The best books have a way of lingering in your thoughts after you've closed the cover, and Stromberg accomplishes exactly that. His words encourage reflection instead of reaction, something our fast-paced world could certainly use more of.
What I especially appreciated was the approachable style. Topics such as ethics, morality, philosophy, and psychology can easily become intimidating in less capable hands. Stromberg, however, writes with the patience of an experienced teacher and the warmth of someone who genuinely wants readers to understand, not simply agree. His ability to weave research together with relatable, every day examples make complex ideas feel surprisingly accessible.
The author encourages readers to examine not only what they believe, but why they believe it throughout the book. Whether discussing fairness, empathy, responsibility, or persuasion, the author gently reminds us that every decision we make has the potential to influence our families, our communities, and even the conversations that define our society.
One quality I found especially refreshing was the respectful balance found throughout these pages. Stromberg recognizes that thoughtful people often reach different conclusions, yet he shows that meaningful dialogue begins with listening as much as speaking. That perspective gives this book a relevance that extends far beyond the classroom or philosophy discussion.
This isn't a book you'll rush through in an afternoon. It's the kind you'll underline, revisit, and recommend to friends who enjoy asking thoughtful questions. I suspect many readers will return to certain chapters more than once, discovering new insights with each reading.
Whether you're an educator, business leader, student, parent, or simply someone who enjoys exploring life's deeper questions, How Do You Know What's Right? offers something meaningful to take away. More importantly, it encourages readers to think with greater purpose while extending grace toward those whose perspectives differ from their own.
Cliff Stromberg has written a book that informs the mind while quietly challenging the heart. Long after the final chapter, readers will likely find themselves reflecting on its ideas in conversations, decisions, and everyday moments. For me, that's the hallmark of a truly memorable book.
The Tiny Door: An Irp's Tale
Christine Rouse Bates, author
David Dodson, illustrator
Woodview Publishing House
9780990468332, $TBA PB
9780990468363, $19.99 HC / $3.99 Kindle, 67pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Door-Irps-Tale-ebook/dp/B0H6XX56FC
Synopsis: Hidden beneath the petals of a Shasta daisy garden lives a remarkable community known as Irp Village. Life revolves around The Plant, where the tiny Irps create the pigment responsible for keeping their colorful world alive. Wendy Wonx, however, dreams of something different. While her fellow Irps focus on schedules, productivity, and responsibility, Wendy is captivated by art, creativity, and the beauty of the world around her.
When Wendy arrives late for an important day at The Plant, it appears she has once again disappointed those around her. Yet her tendency to notice details others overlook leads her to discover a troubling change spreading through the village. Flowers lose their color, homes start fading, and panic quickly follows when a vital ingredient used to maintain the garden's vibrant life disappears.
Determined to uncover the truth, Wendy embarks on a dangerous journey beyond the safety of Irp Village. Her quest leads her through a mysterious tiny door and into an unfamiliar world filled with secrets, unexpected allies, and challenges that test her courage. Along the way, Wendy discovers that the very qualities others viewed as flaws may be the strengths needed to save her community.
Critique: Christine Rouse Bates has created a delightful fantasy adventure that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the importance of seeing the world through a different lens.
Wendy Wonx immediately stands out as a relatable protagonist. She is imperfect, often distracted, and struggles to fit into the expectations placed upon her. Young readers will recognize pieces of themselves in Wendy's curiosity, imagination, and desire to pursue a passion that others may not fully understand. Her journey shows that being different is not a weakness but can become a valuable strength when challenges arise.
One of the book's greatest assets is its imaginative world-building. The tiny Irps live among flowers, streams, insects, and garden pathways, creating a setting that feels both magical and accessible. The book transports readers into a miniature society filled with unique customs, memorable characters, and clever details that bring the story to life.
The narrative also offers meaningful themes without becoming heavy-handed. Friendship, responsibility, courage, family expectations, and self-discovery naturally become part of the storyline. Wendy's growth throughout the adventure encourages readers to trust their talents and recognize that success does not always come from following the same path as everyone else.
David Dodson's illustrations beautifully complement the story. The whimsical artwork enhances the charm of Irp Village and provides visual depth that younger readers will enjoy exploring alongside the text.
The Tiny Door: An Irp's Tale is an engaging chapter book that blends fantasy, adventure, and heart. Christine Rouse Bates delivers a story that entertains while gently encouraging readers to embrace creativity, think independently, and appreciate the unique gifts that make each person special. Highly recommended for elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy imaginative adventures with memorable characters and meaningful life lessons.
The Girl in the Pipes
Megan Mary Moore
Unsolicited Press
https://www.unsolicitedpress.com
9781969421136, $19.95, PB, 134pp, October 13, 2026
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Pipes-Megan-Mary-Moore/dp/1969421134
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-in-the-pipes-megan-mary-moore/1149538882
Synopsis: Marley's life changes in an instant when a devastating automobile accident leaves her physically shattered and emotionally vulnerable. Forced into a long and painful recovery, she struggles with the loss of independence, mounting medical challenges, and a relationship that reveals cracks she had previously ignored.
As Marley adjusts to a new reality filled with pain, uncertainty, and isolation, she begins hearing a mysterious voice coming from the pipes within her apartment. What first appears to be a symptom of trauma slowly evolves into something far more intriguing. The voice becomes a companion, confidant, and catalyst for self-discovery as Marley confronts grief, fear, identity, and the difficult journey of healing.
Blending elements of literary fiction, magical realism, and psychological exploration, The Girl in the Pipes is a deeply personal story about resilience, transformation, and finding strength in the most unexpected places.
Critique: Some novels grab readers with fast-paced action. Others draw readers in through emotional depth and unforgettable characters. The Girl in the Pipes belongs firmly in the second category.
From the opening pages, Megan Mary Moore positions readers into Marley's world. The vivid accident scene immediately establishes both the physical trauma and emotional disorientation that drive the story forward. Moore's writing is immersive and honest, allowing readers to experience Marley's fear, confusion, and vulnerability alongside her.
What impressed me most was the authenticity of Marley's recovery journey. Rather than focusing solely on physical healing, Moore explores the emotional and psychological impact of losing independence and being forced to rely on others. Readers witness the frustrations, small victories, and difficult truths that accompany long-term recovery. These moments feel genuine and relatable, making Marley a character easy to root for.
The introduction of the mysterious voice in the pipes adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. It creates an atmosphere that is both unsettling and comforting, encouraging readers to question what is real while reflecting on the ways people cope with trauma and loneliness. The magical realism elements never overwhelm the story but enhance its emotional resonance.
Equally compelling is Moore's exploration of relationships. As Marley navigates recovery, the people around her reveal strengths, weaknesses, compassion, and shortcomings. These interactions add realism and complexity to the narrative while highlighting how life-altering events often expose the true nature of those closest to us.
Moore's prose is descriptive without becoming excessive. Her ability to capture physical sensations, emotional turmoil, and moments of quiet reflection creates a reading experience that feels intimate and deeply human. The story unfolds at a thoughtful pace that allows readers to fully absorb Marley's transformation.
The Girl in the Pipes is a memorable novel that examines trauma, healing, resilience, and self-discovery through a unique and emotionally engaging lens. Readers who enjoy character-driven literary fiction with touches of magical realism will find much to appreciate in this moving and thought-provoking story.
The Straightened Road
Warren Moss
Independently Published
9788994640517, $28.99, HC, 234pp
978899460500, $16.99 PB, Kindle $7.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Straightened-Road-Novel-Warren-Moss-ebook/dp/B0GHPLXXZ8
Synopsis: When Scott receives an urgent phone call from his mother, he returns to the family's Lake of the Ozarks cabin to help address a looming septic inspection. What initially appears to be a simple family obligation soon becomes something much more significant. As Scott reunites with his brothers, Brian and Matt, it becomes increasingly clear that their father is struggling with memory loss.
The gathering at the family cabin forces the brothers to confront not only their father's decline but also their own memories of growing up together. Through present-day events and reflections on childhood summers spent at the lake, Warren Moss paints a portrait of a family navigating change, responsibility, and the realization that time does not stand still.
Set against the backdrop of Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, The Straightened Road explores family bonds, aging, forgiveness, and the places that continue to shape us long after we leave them behind.
Critique: Some novels capture your attention through action and suspense. Others draw you in through the people who inhabit their pages. The Straightened Road belongs in the latter category.
As I read this novel, I found myself reflecting on how certain places become woven into our lives. For this family, the cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks is far more than a vacation destination. It serves as a repository of memories, traditions, laughter, and moments that helped shape who they became as adults.
What stayed with me most was the way Warren Moss portrays the realities of aging. Watching the family slowly recognize the signs of their father's memory loss felt authentic and heartfelt. Anyone who has watched a loved one struggle with aging will likely recognize the mixture of concern, sadness, frustration, and love that unfolds throughout the story.
The relationships between the brothers are equally compelling. Moss captures the unique dynamic that exists among siblings who share the same history yet remember it differently. Their interactions feel genuine, complete with old wounds, quiet loyalties, and the understanding that family remains family even when life takes everyone in different directions.
The setting is beautifully rendered. The sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the Lake of the Ozarks create a strong sense of place that adds depth to the narrative. I could almost hear the water against the dock, smell the summer air, and picture the well-worn cabin that serves as the heart of the family's story.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists, Moss allows the emotional journey of his characters to carry the novel forward. The result is a thoughtful and moving story about memory, family, and the lasting impact of the places we call home.
The Straightened Road is a novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven fiction and stories that explore the complexities of family life. It is a touching reminder that while memories may fade; the bonds created through love and shared experiences remain.
Recommended for readers who enjoy family sagas, contemporary literary fiction, and emotionally rich stories that linger long after the final chapter.
LivingWell Community
Douglas W. Price
Publisher: TBD
TBD; Kindle Price: TBD; Paperback Price: TBD; Page Count: 174 pages
Synopsis: LivingWell Community is the final installment in Douglas W. Price's LivingWell trilogy. The novel follows Josef and Miriam Livengood, their extended family, and a growing network of friends who share a commitment to living lives grounded in faith, integrity, compassion, and service to others.
As the community gathers for family celebrations, camping adventures, graduations, and life-changing events, readers witness the joys and struggles that come with maintaining meaningful relationships.
Through seasons of loss, personal growth, and new beginnings, the members of the LivingWell Community learn that true strength is found in supporting one another and remaining faithful to the values that unite them.
Critique: Some books entertain readers for a few hours, while others leave behind thoughts that linger long after the final page is turned. LivingWell Community falls into the latter category.
Having followed the Livengood family through this concluding chapter of their journey, I found myself reflecting on the importance of community and the role it plays in helping people navigate life's challenges. In a world that often feels disconnected, Douglas W. Price presents a story that reminds readers of the value found in genuine relationships, shared experiences, and unwavering support.
What impressed me most was the way the author illustrated the bonds between generations. Josef and Miriam serve as the heart of the story, offering wisdom, encouragement, and stability to family members and friends alike. Their influence extends far beyond their immediate family, creating a ripple effect that touches everyone around them.
Several scenes stood out as particularly memorable. The family camping gathering captures the warmth and joy that comes from spending intentional time together. Equally moving are the moments dealing with loss and remembrance. The letter left behind by Grandmother is especially touching and serves as a reminder that the love we share with others continues to shape lives long after we are gone.
Price writes with sincerity and conviction. His characters face real-life struggles, including grief, uncertainty, personal setbacks, and hard decisions. Yet throughout these challenges, hope remains a constant presence. Rather than focusing solely on the hardships, the story highlights resilience, forgiveness, and the healing power of faith and family.
Another aspect I appreciated was the diversity of personalities represented within the LivingWell Community. While each character brings a unique background and perspective, a common desire to live meaningful lives unites them and encourage one another to become better people.
LivingWell Community offers readers an uplifting story filled with compassion, wisdom, and heartfelt moments. Fans of inspirational fiction, family-centered novels, and stories that emphasize strong moral values will find much to enjoy in this satisfying conclusion to the LivingWell trilogy.
Highly recommended.
The Dog Sitter
Eva Lesko Natiello
Fine Line Publishing
9780998285139, $17.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 338pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Sitter-relatable-fiction-starting-ebook/dp/B0GX34QFQP
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dog-sitter-eva-lesko-natiello/1150303485
Synopsis: Life has not been kind to Colleen Fitzroy. After losing her home, watching her marriage fall apart, and finding herself uncertain about what comes next, she decides it is time to reclaim her life. Calling it her "Me Period," Colleen sets out on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention.
What she never expected was that her fresh start would come as an unusual dog-sitting assignment. When she crosses paths with the demanding and often frustrating Massimo Locatelli, she finds herself responsible for Aldo, his cherished English Setter. What begins as a temporary arrangement soon becomes much more than simply caring for a dog. Along the way, Colleen faces personal challenges, reevaluates her future, and discovers that some of life's greatest opportunities arrive when they are least expected.
Filled with humor, memorable characters, and plenty of heart, The Dog Sitter is a story about resilience, new beginnings, and finding your way when life refuses to follow your plans.
Critique: Eva Lesko Natiello has created a delightful novel that is equal parts humorous, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining. From the opening chapters, readers meet Colleen, a character who feels refreshingly real. Her sarcasm, frustration, and determination to rebuild her life make her easy to relate to and even easier to cheer for.
One highlight of the novel is the relationship between Colleen and Massimo. Their interactions are often amusing, occasionally frustrating, and always engaging. The dialogue feels natural and keeps the story moving at a steady pace. Adding to the charm is Aldo, whose presence becomes far more significant than simply being the dog at the center of the story.
Natiello does an excellent job of balancing humor with genuine emotional depth. While readers will laugh at many of Colleen's situations and observations, they will also appreciate the underlying themes of self-worth, perseverance, and personal growth. The author reminds us that starting over is rarely easy, but it can lead to unexpected rewards.
The New York setting provides an appealing backdrop, and the supporting cast adds warmth and personality to the story. Each character contributes something meaningful to Colleen's journey, helping create a novel that feels both entertaining and authentic.
The Dog Sitter is a wonderfully engaging read that offers humor, hope, and a cast of characters readers will not soon forget. Recommended for fans of contemporary women's fiction, character-driven stories, and uplifting novels that prove it is never too late to begin again.
Youtopia Reborn: Youtopia Book 2
Joseph Rein
Evolved Publishing
https://evolvedpub.com
9781622536139, $36.95, HC, 334pp
9781622536436, $17.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Youtopia-Reborn-Techno-Thriller-Joseph-Rein-ebook/dp/B0DQ5FVN95
Synopsis: The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Youtopia creator Sonya Young serves as the catalyst for Joseph Rein's compelling sequel, Youtopia Reborn. Former Immerser and journalist Lane Samson is struggling to find his place in a world that feels increasingly disconnected from the one he once knew.
When a desperate message from a woman tied to his past surfaces, Lane finds himself pulled into a dangerous search for answers. As secrets emerge and long-buried truths begin to surface, he discovers that the line between reality and illusion may be far thinner than anyone imagined.
Critique: Joseph Rein has crafted a story that pulled me in from the opening pages and refused to let go. While Youtopia Reborn delivers the suspense and intrigue readers expect from a science fiction thriller, it is the emotional undercurrent running through the story that makes it memorable.
What stood out to me most was Lane Samson. He is not the typical larger-than-life hero who always has the answers. Instead, he feels remarkably human. He carries regrets, wrestles with uncertainty, and struggles to move forward while still being haunted by the past. Those qualities make him easy to connect with and impossible not to root for.
As the story unfolds, Rein steadily layers mystery upon mystery, creating an atmosphere that kept me turning pages well past the time I intended to stop reading. Several times I convinced myself I understood the story's direction, only to discover another revelation waiting around the corner. The surprises never feel forced; instead, they grow naturally from the characters and the world they inhabit.
The technology at the heart of the Youtopia universe is fascinating, but what impressed me most is how Rein never allows the technology to overshadow the people. The questions raised throughout the novel about identity, privilege, choice, and the search for happiness feel increasingly relevant in today's world. Readers will probably reflect on these themes long after closing the book.
I particularly appreciated the balance between action and introspection. The suspense keeps the story moving, yet there are quieter moments that allow readers to understand the emotional weight carried by the characters. This combination gives the novel both momentum and depth.
Fans of speculative fiction, dystopian mysteries, and psychological thrillers will find much to enjoy here. Readers who like stories that challenge them to think while still delivering an entertaining adventure will especially appreciate this.
Youtopia Reborn is an engaging, thought-provoking novel that explores what it means to belong, to remember, and to confront the truths we would sometimes rather avoid. Joseph Rein continues to expand his imaginative world while keeping the focus where it belongs - on the people navigating it. Highly recommended for readers seeking a science fiction thriller with both heart and substance.
Ideas People
Ward Lehmann
Independently Published
9798218281755, $14.95, PB, 296pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-People-Ward-Lehmann/dp/B0G1F24B9M
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ideas-people-ward-lehmann/1148705107
Synopsis: Sidney Feldspar, a university librarian who suddenly faces challenges that threaten not only his career but the future of the library he serves. Budget concerns, developing technology, publishing industry pressures, and workplace politics create an environment where every decision carries consequences. As Sidney navigates these obstacles, he discovers that preserving knowledge can be just as complicated as creating it.
Critique: Libraries often serve as the backdrop of our lives, yet rarely take center stage in fiction. Ward Lehmann changes that by inviting readers behind the scenes of an academic library and introducing the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to protect access to information.
What struck me most was how authentic the story felt. The characters are not larger-than-life heroes. They are everyday people trying to do meaningful work while facing challenges that will feel familiar to anyone who has worked within a large organization. Sidney Feldspar's determination, frustrations, and occasional victories make him a character readers can genuinely connect with.
I smiled more than once as Lehmann explored the quirks and complexities of workplace culture. His observations are sharp without being cynical, and his humor feels natural rather than forced. There is an underlying seriousness to the story. The story incorporates questions about the future of books, libraries, and the preservation of knowledge, prompting reflection while maintaining narrative momentum.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its appreciation for the value of ideas themselves. In an age when people often take information for granted, Lehmann reminds readers that passionate people work behind the scenes to ensure knowledge remains available for future generations. That message resonated with me long after I finished reading.
I especially appreciated that the story never becomes overly technical. Readers do not need a background in libraries or academia to enjoy this novel. Instead, the story invites readers into a world that feels welcoming, interesting, and surprisingly relatable.
Ideas People is a thoughtful and engaging novel that celebrates books, learning, and the people who quietly dedicate their lives to preserving both. Readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with intelligence, humor, and heart will find much to appreciate in Ward Lehmann's debut. It is a story that reminds us that ideas have power - and that the people who protect them matter just as much.
The Peace Guidebook: How to Cultivate Hope, Healing, and Harmony for the Good of Humankind
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman
Health Communications, Inc.
https://hcibooks.com
9780757326097, $17.95 PB, $12.99 Kindle, 304pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Guidebook-Cultivate-Healing-Humankind-ebook/dp/B0FCG78FL9
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-peace-guidebook-elizabeth-hamilton-guarino/1147558920
Synopsis: In a world that often feels divided, overwhelming, and uncertain, The Peace Guidebook offers readers a practical path toward creating greater peace in their personal lives and communities.
Through eighty "Peace Points," personal stories, reflective exercises, and real-life experiences, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman encourage readers to embrace hope, healing, and harmony as daily practices rather than distant ideals. Covering topics such as presence, patience, purpose, positivity, perseverance, and partnership, the book provides a roadmap for individuals seeking to cultivate meaningful change from the inside out.
Critique: There are some books you read and enjoy, and then there are books that quietly stay with you long after you've turned the last page. The Peace Guidebook falls into the latter category.
As I read through its pages, I found myself slowing down - not because the material was difficult, but because it encouraged reflection. In today's fast-paced world, we often search for quick fixes to life's challenges. Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman offer something far more valuable: a reminder that peace is not something we stumble upon. It is something we intentionally create, nurture, and practice.
What resonated with me most was the book's accessibility. The authors do not speak from a pedestal. Instead, they share personal experiences, struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned in a way that feels genuine and inviting. Readers are not told what to think; they are encouraged to explore their own paths toward greater understanding, compassion, and self-awareness.
I especially appreciated the balance between inspiration and action. Many personal growth books leave readers feeling motivated but uncertain about what to do next. Here, every chapter provides opportunities for reflection and practical application. The exercises encourage readers to move beyond simply reading about peace and begin incorporating it into everyday interactions, relationships, and decisions.
The stories shared throughout the book add a layer of warmth and authenticity. These stories remind us that peace is not reserved for perfect circumstances. We often discover peace in life's most challenging moments, when compassion, patience, and resilience are most needed.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its message of unity. Regardless of background, beliefs, or life experiences, the book invites readers into a conversation centered on our shared humanity. When differences often dominate headlines, this message feels especially timely and important.
The Peace Guidebook is more than a collection of ideas; it is an invitation to live more intentionally. Readers seeking encouragement, personal growth, and practical ways to bring calm and purpose into their lives will find much to appreciate within these pages.
Thoughtful, uplifting, and deeply encouraging, The Peace Guidebook serves as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with one small choice, one act of kindness, and one peaceful moment at a time. Highly recommended.
Black and White and Read All Over
William Kinsolving
Pragmatic Press
https://www.facebook.com/PragmaticPressbooks
9798995220114, $27.95, HC, 358pp
9798995220107, $16.95 PB, $8.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Black-White-Read-All-Over-ebook/dp/B0GZCP2T23
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-and-white-and-read-all-over-william-kinsolving/1149964776
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of 1920s America, Black and White and Read All Over transports readers into a period when race, wealth, social standing, and public opinion often carried more weight than truth itself. Inspired by the real-life Rhinelander Affair, the novel follows Alice Jones and Leonard Rhinelander, two young people from vastly different worlds whose unexpected romance ignites a scandal that captures national attention.
Through the eyes of Alice's fiercely loyal sister, Emily, readers witness a love story challenged by prejudice, family expectations, social pressures, and the relentless scrutiny of the media. As the relationship unfolds, what begins as a heartfelt romance develops into a powerful examination of how privilege and discrimination can shape lives, destroy reputations, and test the strength of family bonds.
Critique: Historical fiction is at its best when it makes readers forget they are reading about the past and instead feel as though they are living it. William Kinsolving accomplishes exactly that in Black and White and Read All Over.
From the opening pages, I found myself drawn into the Jones family. Their conversations feel authentic, their struggles feel real, and their hopes and disappointments mirror emotions readers can easily recognize, regardless of the century in which they live. Rather than presenting historical events as distant facts, Kinsolving brings them to life through memorable characters who feel remarkably human.
What impressed me most was the emotional depth of the story. While the novel centers on a controversial interracial romance, the heart of the book is family. The Jones family experiences joy, heartbreak, loyalty, frustration, and unconditional love in ways that feel genuine and relatable. Their interactions often provide moments of warmth and humor, creating a welcome balance to the heavier themes explored throughout the narrative.
Alice Jones is especially compelling. Her dreams, insecurities, determination, and belief in love make her a character readers will root for from the beginning. Leonard Rhinelander is equally fascinating. Beneath his wealth and social position lies a vulnerable young man struggling to find his own voice in a world that expects him to conform to family expectations.
The author's attention to historical detail deserves special recognition. The social attitudes, cultural atmosphere, and racial tensions of the era are presented with honesty and sensitivity. Readers gain insight into a painful chapter of American history without feeling as though they are reading a textbook. Instead, they experience history through the lives of people forced to navigate it.
Perhaps the novel's greatest achievement is its relevance. Although the events took place more than a century ago, the questions it raises about prejudice, privilege, public judgment, and personal identity remain meaningful today. The story encourages reflection without becoming preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
Black and White and Read All Over is an absorbing blend of romance, family drama, and historical insight. Readers who enjoy well-researched historical fiction with strong emotional resonance will find much to admire. William Kinsolving has crafted a thought-provoking novel that reminds us how easily society can turn private lives into public spectacle - and how love and family often endure despite the odds.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, social history, and character-driven storytelling.
The Professor of Eventide
Meredith Allard
Lemon Moon Books
9798234060617, $18.99 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 354pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Professor-Eventide-Meredith-Allard-ebook/dp/B0GNP15SDT
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-professor-of-eventide-meredith-allard/1149506462
Synopsis: Jonathan Ferrars arrives at Eventide College expecting a fresh start and an opportunity to focus on what he loves most - teaching literature. As a respected Edgar Allan Poe scholar, he quickly settles into the picturesque coastal Maine campus, a place known for its academic excellence, literary traditions, and whispers of unexplained happenings.
What begins as a promising new chapter soon turns into something far more sinister. When students connected to Jonathan's prestigious Poe seminar turn up dead, the quiet halls of Eventide College become the setting for a chilling mystery.
As suspicion spreads and long-buried secrets emerge, Jonathan searches for answers before more lives are lost. His journey requires him to navigate ambitious students, academic rivalries, hidden agendas, and unsettling supernatural undertones that seem woven into the very fabric of Eventide itself.
Critique: The Professor of Eventide accomplished that from the very first chapter. Being a big Edgar Allan Poe fan, I felt like I had rediscovered this magnificent author in this book. Readers who appreciate Edgar Allan Poe will especially enjoy the many literary connections woven throughout the narrative.
Meredith Allard has created a setting so vivid that Eventide College becomes a character in its own right. The fog-covered coastline, Gothic architecture, mysterious manor house, and scholarly atmosphere combine to create an environment that feels hauntingly real. Readers who enjoy dark academia will find themselves completely immersed in this beautifully crafted world.
What impressed me most was the author's ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly. This is not simply a murder mystery, nor is it purely supernatural suspense. It is also a thoughtful exploration of ambition, intellectual obsession, grief, and the pursuit of knowledge. The literary references enrich the story without overwhelming it, making it accessible to both devoted literature lovers and general readers.
Jonathan Ferrars is a compelling protagonist. Beneath his scholarly confidence lies a man carrying emotional burdens and unanswered questions from his past. His observations are intelligent, often witty, and occasionally tinged with vulnerability. I found myself invested not only in solving the mystery but also in understanding the man at its center.
The supporting cast adds another layer of intrigue. Faculty members, graduate students, and college benefactors each bring their own secrets, ambitions, and motivations to the story. Throughout the novel, I repeatedly changed my mind about who to trust, which kept me eagerly turning pages.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. There is a constant sense that something is just slightly off. Whether it is a whispered rumor, a shadowed hallway, an unexplained occurrence, or a strange encounter after dark, the tension steadily builds. Rather than relying on shock value, Allard creates suspense through uncertainty and anticipation.
The Professor of Eventide is a captivating blend of Gothic mystery, dark academia, and supernatural suspense. Meredith Allard delivers a richly atmospheric novel filled with memorable characters, literary intrigue, and enough twists to keep readers guessing until the last pages.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy intelligent mysteries, atmospheric fiction, dark academia, and stories where the setting is every bit as fascinating as the characters themselves.
Jester Prince
Howard Jay Patterson
Bookbaby
www.bookbaby.com
9798317830120, $36.00 PB, $9.99, 925pp, August 1, 2026
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Jester-Prince-Karamazov-Brothers-Reinvented-ebook/dp/B0H2BNP9NM
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jester-prince-howard-jay-patterson/1150200723
Synopsis: In "Jester Prince: How the Flying Karamazov Brothers Reinvented Theatre and Saved the World, Almost", Howard Jay Patterson invites readers behind the curtain of one of the unique performance groups of the twentieth century, The Flying Karamazov Brothers. Part memoir, part theatrical history, and part coming-of-age story, the book chronicles Patterson's journey from a curious young science enthusiast to an internationally recognized performer, writer, and creative force.
Beginning with family stories rooted in the American Midwest and stretching across decades of cultural change, Patterson shares the experiences that shaped his worldview. Readers follow him through childhood adventures, educational discoveries, the social upheaval of the 1960s, and ultimately into the world of performance art and theatrical innovation.
Along the way, the memoir offers an insider's look at the formation and success of The Flying Karamazov Brothers, whose blend of juggling, comedy, music, and improvisation captivated audiences around the world. Through humorous stories, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes accounts, Patterson captures the excitement, challenges, and unexpected opportunities that accompanied a life dedicated to creativity and performance.
Critique: Jester Prince is much more than the story of a performing troupe. It is the story of curiosity, perseverance, friendship, and the willingness to pursue an unconventional path. What impressed me most was Howard Jay Patterson's ability to make readers feel as though they are sitting beside him as he recounts the adventures that shaped his remarkable life.
The memoir shines brightest when Patterson shares memories from his childhood and early years. His observations are often humorous, sometimes touching, and always engaging. Whether describing family history, childhood fascinations, or the cultural changes unfolding around him, he writes with warmth and authenticity that make the narrative easy to connect with.
I especially enjoyed learning about the origins of The Flying Karamazov Brothers. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity, dedication, and teamwork required to transform an unconventional idea into an internationally celebrated performance phenomenon. The stories behind the performances are every bit as entertaining as the performances themselves.
Despite its substantial length, the book remains engaging because Patterson approaches his story with humor, honesty, and a genuine appreciation for the people who shared the journey. His reflections never feel self-important. Instead, they celebrate collaboration, imagination, and the joy of pursuing one's passion.
Jester Prince will appeal to readers interested in theater, performance art, juggling, memoirs, and cultural history. More importantly, it is a story about following an unexpected path and discovering where it leads. Patterson's experiences serve as a reminder that some of life's most rewarding adventures begin when we will embrace the unconventional.
Indigenized / Tribalized
Nishi Chawla
Human Error Publishing
https://humanerrorpublishing.com
9781948521253, $15.00, PB, 172pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Indigenized-Tribalized-Nishi-Chawla/dp/1948521253
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/indigenized-tribalized-nishi-chawla/1148851202
Synopsis: Indigenized / Tribalized is a powerful collection of poetry that explores the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and the lands they have called home for generations. Nishi Chawla's sweeping journey across continents, cultures, and histories honors the resilience, traditions, and spiritual foundations of Indigenous communities whose voices have often been overlooked or misunderstood.
The collection travels through North America, Canada, Australia, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Arctic regions, creating a literary tapestry that celebrates cultural identity while acknowledging the challenges of displacement, colonization, and cultural preservation. Each poem serves as a reflection on memory, belonging, survival, and the unbreakable bond between people and place.
Critique: Indigenized / Tribalized is an ambitious and thought-provoking poetry collection that invites readers to look beyond historical narratives and discover the human stories woven into the landscapes of the world. This is not simply a collection of poems; it is a literary journey that examines identity, heritage, resilience, and the enduring relationship between people and the land.
The author's ability to create vivid imagery that lingers long after the last page is turned impressed me most. Chawla paints scenes with language that feels both lyrical and reflective, allowing readers to experience mountains, rivers, forests, deserts, and tundra as living witnesses to generations of history. The natural world becomes an active participant in the storytelling, providing a powerful backdrop for themes of cultural endurance and remembrance.
The collection's greatest strength lies in its scope. Readers encounter many Indigenous communities from around the globe, and the author treats each with dignity and respect. While the poems acknowledge hardship and loss, survival and continuity ultimately root them. Chawla consistently emphasizes the persistence of culture, language, tradition, and memory despite centuries of change.
I particularly appreciated how the poems encouraged reflection rather than simply presenting historical observations. The work challenges readers to consider the interconnection of land, language, and cultural identity. The collection repeatedly conveys that history remains present in landscapes, traditions, and communities that continue to thrive today, rather than being confined to the past.
Indigenized / Tribalized is a meaningful and reflective collection that celebrates the strength of Indigenous cultures while encouraging greater understanding of their histories, traditions, and enduring contributions to the world. Nishi Chawla created a work that speaks to both the heart and the mind. Readers will contemplate much long after they finish the last poem.
Metal Viper: A Kae Zhang Thriller Book 1
Sarah Lovett & Ron Schultz
Indies United Publishing House, LLC
9781644568842, $14.99 PB, $3.99 Kindle, 276pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Metal-Viper-Kae-Zhang-Thriller/dp/1644568845
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/metal-viper-sarah-lovett/1149705445
Synopsis: Metal Viper is the first installment in the Kae Zhang Thriller series, an international human rights thriller that plunges readers into the turmoil of modern-day Myanmar following the military coup of 2021. Against a backdrop of political unrest, fear, and oppression, the story follows Kae Zhang, the founder of Article 5, an organization dedicated to protecting human rights and combating torture throughout the world.
A dangerous mission pulled Kae into the path of powerful military leaders, corrupt officials, and a government determined to silence opposition after a young boy and his poet father became victims of the military regime's crackdown on free expression. Kae must employ her intelligence, courage, and determination to shield those whose voices the regime silenced as she navigates political intrigue, international diplomacy, and personal sacrifice.
Critique: Metal Viper is a gripping political thriller that combines suspense, international intrigue, and humanitarian advocacy into a compelling and emotionally charged narrative. This book is a story that not only entertains but also shines a spotlight on the human cost of political oppression.
Readers experience the harsh realities ordinary citizens face in the wake of Myanmar's military takeover starting from the opening pages. The authors effectively capture the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear while never losing sight of the individual lives affected by the conflict. This human-centered approach gives the novel an emotional depth that sets it apart from many traditional political thrillers.
At the heart of the story is Kae Zhang, a protagonist who is both intelligent and deeply compassionate. Her commitment to justice and her willingness to place herself in harm's way for those who cannot protect themselves make her a memorable and admirable character. Rather than relying solely on action-driven heroics, the authors develop Kae through her relationships, convictions, and personal struggles, creating a character readers will genuinely care about.
The supporting cast is equally strong. From dedicated advocates and field operatives to military officials and political power brokers, each character contributes meaningfully to the unfolding drama. Their interactions add authenticity to the story while providing multiple perspectives on the challenges facing a nation in crisis.
Metal Viper delivers far more than suspense. It is a thoughtful, engaging novel that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extraordinary adversity. S. Lovett and R. Schultz have launched what promises to be a compelling series with a protagonist readers will eagerly follow into future adventures.
Highly recommended for fans of political thrillers, international suspense, and stories that illuminate the enduring struggle for human dignity and freedom.
I'm Only a Good Daddy Because Your Mommy Died
Michael Schwartz
Dear Luciana Press
9798994441305, $14.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 262pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Only-Good-Daddy-Because-Mommy/dp/B0GJL5SHFS
Synopsis: When Michael Schwartz unexpectedly loses his wife, Vanessa, he faces a reality he never imagined - raising their infant daughter without the woman they both loved so deeply. Written as a series of letters to his daughter, Luciana, I'm Only a Good Daddy Because Your Mommy Died captures the raw emotions of a grieving husband while preserving the memories of a mother his daughter will never truly remember.
Through stories both humorous and heartbreaking, Schwartz shares the everyday moments that made Vanessa extraordinary. Readers learn about her love of family, her quirky habits, her devotion to her daughter, and the countless little details that often disappear as time passes. At the same time, the memoir chronicles a father's struggle to survive overwhelming loss while learning how to become the parent his daughter needs.
Part love story, part grief memoir, and part parenting journal, this deeply personal account reminds readers that healing is rarely a straight path. Instead, readers build healing one memory, one day, and one act of love at a time.
Critique: Some books entertain. Others educate. A rare few reaches into your heart and refuse to let go. I'm Only a Good Daddy Because Your Mommy Died falls into that last category.
From the opening pages, I felt as though Michael Schwartz had invited me into one of the most vulnerable periods of his life. There is no attempt to hide the pain, confusion, anger, or exhaustion that follows the loss of a spouse. Yet despite the heartbreak woven throughout these pages, this is ultimately a story about love.
What touched me most were the countless memories Schwartz preserves for his daughter. The stories are not grand events or dramatic milestones. Instead, they are the little things that truly define a person - the way Vanessa cracked her toes, her endless supply of hugs, her love for tiny dogs, her made-up song lyrics, and the family traditions that made their house a home. These details transform Vanessa from a memory into a living presence readers feel they have come to know personally.
Schwartz openly shares his fears, insecurities, and mistakes as he learns to navigate single parenthood while carrying the weight of unimaginable grief. His honesty is one of the memoir's greatest strengths. He never presents himself as having all the answers. Instead, readers witness a father doing his best to honor his wife's memory while ensuring his daughter grows up knowing how deeply she was loved.
The balance between humor and heartbreak is effective. Just when emotions become overwhelming, Schwartz offers a funny family story or an unexpected observation that reminds readers how closely laughter and grief often coexist. These moments feel genuine because they mirror real life.
What remained with me long after I finished reading was the author's determination to preserve Vanessa's memory for Luciana. Every letter serves as a reminder that while death may end a life, it does not end a relationship. Through these pages, a daughter receives a priceless gift - the opportunity to know her mother through the eyes of the person who loved her most.
I'm Only a Good Daddy Because Your Mommy Died is a powerful memoir about love, loss, resilience, and the enduring bond between parent and child. Readers who have experienced grief, single parenthood, or losing a loved one will find comfort, understanding, and hope within its pages. Michael Schwartz has created a heartfelt tribute that will resonate with readers long after the final chapter.
10 Easy Ways to Accumulate $1,000,000 Now!
Arthur VanDam, CPA, MBA
Publishinggold.com
9781890158439, $5.95 PB, $0.99 Kindle, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Ways-Accumulate-000-Now/dp/1890158437
Synopsis: In 10 Easy Ways to Accumulate $1,000,000 Now!, Arthur VanDam shares practical financial lessons drawn from decades of personal and professional experience. Rather than focusing on complicated investment strategies or get-rich-quick schemes, VanDam presents a straightforward approach to managing money, reducing debt, increasing savings, and building long-term financial security.
The book combines personal stories, financial guidance, and real-life examples to help readers understand how everyday decisions can significantly affect their financial future. Topics include budgeting, retirement planning, goal setting, debt reduction, insurance protection, investing, emergency funds, and developing the habits necessary for lasting financial success.
VanDam emphasizes in the book that building wealth is available to everyone, not just the wealthy. Instead, it is often the result of consistent decisions, disciplined habits, and a willingness to take control of one's financial future.
Critique: Financial books often overwhelm readers with technical language, charts, and complicated investment theories. What I appreciated most about Arthur VanDam's approach is his ability to explain financial concepts in a manner that feels approachable and easy to understand.
The author openly shares both his successes and setbacks, including difficult periods in his own life when financial challenges seemed overwhelming. These personal experiences add credibility to the book and make the lessons feel genuine rather than theoretical. Readers quickly discover they are learning from someone who has experienced financial hardship firsthand and worked diligently to overcome it.
One section that particularly stood out to me was VanDam's discussion about decision-making and priorities. His story about choosing financial responsibility over an expensive trip to Tuscany illustrates how small choices can have long-term consequences. Rather than preaching, he allows readers to see how thoughtful decisions helped shape his own financial future.
I also appreciated the emphasis placed on developing good financial habits. VanDam repeatedly reminds readers they build financial success one step at a time, whether discussing emergency funds, reducing credit card debt, saving for retirement, or investing for the future. This practical approach makes the advice accessible to readers, regardless of their current financial situation.
Another strength of the book is its encouragement. Many personal finance books leave readers feeling intimidated. VanDam's writing style is optimistic and supportive, consistently reinforcing the idea that positive financial change is possible with commitment and consistency.
10 Easy Ways to Accumulate $1,000,000 Now! offers practical guidance, personal insights, and achievable strategies for improving financial well-being. Arthur VanDam shows that building wealth often begins with simple decisions, disciplined habits, and a willingness to take action. Readers who are ready to take greater control of their finances will find valuable lessons throughout this informative guide
The Inner Space Traveler: Seven Principles for Healing Trauma and Transforming Consciousness
David L. Hoefer
DiscoverTheSelf.com
9798985918434, $22.00, PB, $9.99 Kindle, 371pp, September 1, 2026
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Space-Traveler-Transforming-Consciousness-ebook/dp/B0GZSZ4S2D
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-inner-space-traveler-david-l-hoefer/1150097375
Synopsis: In The Inner Space Traveler, David L. Hoefer presents a thought-provoking exploration of personal transformation, healing, and self-awareness. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming emotional struggles and searching for lasting change, Hoefer introduces seven guiding principles designed to help readers understand how consciousness influences their experiences. Rather than encouraging readers to force change through willpower, positive thinking, or self-discipline alone, the author proposes that genuine transformation begins with awareness and observation.
The book examines the impact of inherited trauma, deeply rooted beliefs, and conditioned responses that shape human behavior. Through practical examples, reflective exercises, and philosophical insights, Hoefer encourages readers to become observers of their thoughts and emotions rather than identifying with them. His central message suggests that increased awareness naturally reorganizes consciousness, creating opportunities for healing, growth, and a more authentic life experience.
Critique: The Inner Space Traveler is one of those books that encourages readers to slow down and take a deeper look at themselves. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions or a checklist for personal success, Hoefer invites readers on a journey of self-discovery that focuses on awareness, healing, and understanding the experiences that shape who we become.
What I appreciated most about this book was the author's genuine approach to discussing trauma and personal growth. He writes with compassion and understanding, making readers feel as though they are having a thoughtful conversation with a trusted mentor rather than being lectured by an expert. His insights encourage reflection and inspire readers to consider how experiences influence present-day thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
The concepts presented throughout the book are meaningful and often thought-provoking. Some sections require careful reading because the subject explores deeper philosophical and psychological ideas. However, readers who enjoy books that challenge them to think beyond the surface will find the journey worthwhile.
Hoefer does an admirable job of blending personal growth principles with practical wisdom. His seven principles serve as guideposts that encourage readers to become more mindful, self-aware, and intentional in their daily lives. Rather than promising overnight transformation, he emphasizes the value of understanding oneself on a deeper level - a message that many readers will find both refreshing and encouraging.
The Inner Space Traveler is a thoughtful and insightful read that will appeal to individuals interested in personal development, emotional healing, mindfulness, and consciousness studies. It offers an invitation to look inward, embrace self-awareness, and discover new possibilities for growth and transformation.
Highly recommended for readers seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the inner journey that shapes every aspect of life.
The Weight of Dreams: An Ancient Saga of Myth and Magic
Nicole Sorrell
Manhattan Book Group
https://www.manhattanbookgroup.com
9781968485382, $36.99, HC, 418pp
9781968485375, $23.99, PB, $2.99 Kindle, 418pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Weight-Dreams-Ancient-Saga-Magic-ebook/dp/B0FXYB7ZPC
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-weight-of-dreams-nicole-sorrell/1148677178
Synopsis: Nicole Sorrell's The Weight of Dreams takes readers on an unforgettable journey into an ancient world filled with tradition, spirituality, and courage. The story follows Etana, a young woman the customs of her people shape whose life and the expectations placed upon her as she approaches womanhood.
Etana, unlike the surrounding people, questions the path others have set for her. When faced with a future she cannot accept, she makes the hard decision to leave behind her family, her village, and everything she has ever known. Danger, hardship, and discovery fill her journey across the African savanna. Along the way, she encounters powerful spiritual forces, forms a deeper understanding of herself, and learns that true strength often emerges during life's most difficult moments.
Rich in mythology, culture, and adventure, The Weight of Dreams is a story about finding one's own voice, overcoming fear, and choosing courage when the cost of freedom is high.
Critique: The Weight of Dreams immediately drew me into Etana's world. From the opening pages, I found myself invested in her story and eager to discover what would happen next. Nicole Sorrell has created a memorable heroine whose determination and courage make her easy to admire.
What resonated with me most was Etana's struggle to balance family expectations with her desire to control her own destiny. Many readers will relate to her search for independence and her determination to remain true to herself despite overwhelming obstacles. Her journey is both emotional and inspiring.
The author does a wonderful job of bringing the customs, beliefs, and traditions of Etana's people to life. Rather than feeling like a history lesson, these details become an important part of the story and help readers understand the hard choices Etana must make. I especially appreciated the spiritual elements woven throughout the narrative, which added depth and meaning to her adventure.
The relationship Etana shares with her family, particularly her sisters and mother, adds warmth and heart to the novel. These connections remind readers of what is at stake as she embarks on her dangerous journey. The scenes involving the elephants and Etana's unique connection to the natural world were especially memorable and helped distinguish this novel from other fantasy adventures.
Nicole Sorrell has written a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists, ancient cultures, mythology, and coming-of-age adventures will find much to appreciate in The Weight of Dreams. It is a compelling debut that leaves a lasting impression long after the last page is turned.
Vintage Poetry and Wicca: "The Veteran's Bride"
Trudy Jan Carmany
Independently Published
9798243339094, $TBD, PB, 140pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Poetry-Wicca-Veterans-Bride/dp/B0GHFBBKB8
Synopsis: In Vintage Poetry and Wicca: "The Veteran's Bride," Trudy Jan Carmany takes readers on a fascinating literary journey that blends history, poetry, folklore, and religious studies. Centered on Alta Isadore Gould's 1894 Civil War poetry collection, The Veteran's Bride and Other Poems, the author examines the possibility that Gould incorporated themes and symbols that closely resemble concepts later associated with modern Wicca.
Drawing from literary analysis, historical records, folklore, mythology, and women's history, Carmany explores Gould's poetry through the lens of the Wheel of the Year, the Divine Feminine, the Horned God, and other pagan traditions. Carmany gives particular attention to the title poem, "The Veteran's Bride," where she examines characters, symbols, and illustrations for deeper layers of meaning hidden beneath the surface narrative.
The result is a thought-provoking study that not only revisits a largely forgotten nineteenth-century poet but also raises intriguing questions about spirituality, symbolism, and the ways writers communicate ideas through metaphor and imagery.
Critique: One of the aspects I appreciated most about Vintage Poetry and Wicca is the author's obvious passion for her subject. This project clearly represents years of research, and that dedication shines throughout the book. Carmany approaches her investigation with curiosity and enthusiasm, inviting readers to join her in exploring connections that many would never have considered.
The discussion surrounding Alta Isadore Gould is interesting. The author is introducing a woman to the reader, a woman whose literary contributions history has largely overlooked. Carmany successfully shows why Gould's work deserves renewed attention and encourages readers to look beyond the surface of the poems to discover additional layers of meaning.
The author combined historical research, literary criticism, folklore, and mythology enjoyably. Rather than focusing solely on academic analysis, the author creates a narrative that remains engaging and accessible to general readers. Those with an interest in Civil War literature, women's studies, mythology, pagan traditions, or literary symbolism will find much to explore within these pages.
The book also benefits from many illustrations, historical references, and detailed examinations of specific passages from Gould's poetry. These examples help support Carmany's theories and allow readers to draw their own conclusions regarding the author's interpretations.
Perhaps the greatest strength of this work is its willingness to examine a familiar subject from an entirely different perspective. Whether readers ultimately agree with every conclusion, the journey itself is both informative and intellectually stimulating. Carmany encourages readers to think critically, revisit forgotten literature, and consider how symbols and stories can carry meanings that extend far beyond their original historical context.
Vintage Poetry and Wicca is a unique and ambitious study that combines literary scholarship, history, mythology, and cultural analysis into an engaging reading experience. Recommended for readers who enjoy literary investigation, women's history, folklore studies, and uncovering hidden connections within classic works of literature.
Life Hacks for Healing and Harmony
Tara Mae Temple
Tara Sweet Awakening Press
https://www.tarasweetawakening.com
9781069901903, $15.00 PB, $8.49 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Hacks-Healing-Harmony-Strategies/dp/1069901903
Synopsis: Life Hacks for Healing & Harmony is a practical guide for readers seeking healthier ways to navigate life's emotional challenges. Drawing from personal experience, Tara Mae Temple shares lessons learned through her own journey while providing straightforward techniques designed to help readers create positive change in their daily lives.
At the center of the book is a simple framework built around improving one's environment, developing healthier thought patterns, and practicing compassion toward both oneself and others. Temple shows how minor adjustments in everyday habits can gradually lead to greater emotional balance, stronger relationships, and increased self-awareness.
The book addresses many of the issues people face today, including anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, relationship struggles, and the search for personal purpose. Through practical exercises and relatable examples, the book encourages readers to move beyond simply coping and begin building a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
Critique: What I appreciated most about Life Hacks for Healing & Harmony is the author's genuine desire to help others. Rather than presenting complicated theories or unrealistic solutions, Tara Mae Temple offers practical suggestions that readers can begin applying immediately.
The book's greatest strength lies in its accessibility. Readers do not need a background in psychology or personal development to understand the concepts being presented. Temple explains her ideas in a conversational manner that feels more like guidance from a trusted friend than a formal self-help manual.
I also found the emphasis on self-compassion particularly refreshing. In a world that often encourages people to push harder and demand more of themselves, Temple reminds readers that growth and healing often begin with kindness. Her message encourages progress rather than perfection, making the book especially appealing to individuals who may feel overwhelmed by life's challenges.
Another noteworthy aspect is the author's willingness to share her own experiences. These personal insights help establish credibility while allowing readers to see that setbacks, uncertainty, and emotional struggles are common parts of the human experience. The result is a book that feels encouraging rather than judgmental.
Readers facing periods of transition, emotional exhaustion, or uncertainty about their future will likely find value in Temple's practical advice. The strategies are realistic, manageable, and designed to fit into everyday life without requiring major lifestyle changes.
Life Hacks for Healing & Harmony provides insightful advice for anyone pursuing enhanced emotional balance and personal well-being. Recommended for readers interested in self-improvement, emotional wellness, and developing healthier habits that support long-term growth and happiness.
The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric
Lynn Slaughter
Nightingale Books
9781787884335, $20.99, PB, 204pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Switch-Varney-Cedric/dp/1787884333
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-big-switch-lynn-slaughter/1149448627
Synopsis: What happens when two boys from completely different worlds are each convinced life would be better if they were someone else? Lynn Slaughter explores that question with creativity, humor, and heartfelt emotion in The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric.
Varney is a young vampire who would give anything to live as an ordinary human child. Instead of embracing vampire traditions, he struggles to fit into a family and culture where he has always felt like an outsider.
Cedric, an angry middle-school student, faces disappointment, fear, and emotional turmoil in his home life. As each boy wrestles with loneliness and the desire to escape his circumstances, unexpected choices reshape their futures in ways neither could have imagined.
Blending fantasy with realistic contemporary issues, Slaughter delivers an entertaining story that also explores friendship, compassion, family relationships, bullying, and self-acceptance.
Critique: Lynn Slaughter has a remarkable gift for creating characters that immediately capture a reader's sympathy. Varney's quirky personality, complete with his dislike of blood juice and his desperate wish to belong, brings humor to the story without diminishing the emotional weight of his struggles. His innocent optimism makes him instantly lovable.
Cedric provides the novel's emotional depth. Beneath his tough exterior is a hurting young man who exhibits pain, neglect, and anger rather than simple rebellion fuels complied with poor choices. Slaughter resists creating a one-dimensional bully, instead allowing readers to understand the complicated emotions driving his behavior. That layered character development gives the story authenticity and encourages empathy without excusing wrongdoing.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its seamless blending of fantasy with real-life challenges facing middle-grade readers. The novel naturally presents topics like bullying, loneliness, family dysfunction, friendship, and finding one's place in the world through an imaginative supernatural lens.
The dialogue feels genuine and age-appropriate, while the alternating perspectives keep the pacing brisk and engaging. Younger readers will appreciate the humor, magical elements, and adventure, while parents, educators, and librarians will recognize the valuable life lessons woven throughout the narrative. Rather than preaching, Slaughter allows readers to discover those lessons alongside her characters.
The friendship that develops throughout the story reminds readers that acceptance often begins when someone will see beyond appearances. Whether those appearances involve vampire fangs or a hardened attitude, the novel gently shows that everyone carries unseen burdens and deserves the opportunity to be understood.
Highly recommended for middle-grade readers who enjoy imaginative fantasy with heart, meaningful character growth, and positive messages about kindness, resilience, and discovering where they truly belong. The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric offer an entertaining and emotionally satisfying novel. It will resonate with readers long after the final page.
Editorial Note: Recommended for readers age 8-12.
The School for Optimal Futures
Annie Flint
Lost Ship Press
9798993959214, $9.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 220pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/School-Optimal-Futures-Mystery-Technology-ebook/dp/B0GK9QLQ24
Synopsis: Ginger arrives at a prestigious boarding school that promises to prepare students for the future through technology-driven learning. What should be an exciting new chapter quickly becomes unsettling when she discovers that computers and algorithms designed to guide every aspect of education has replaced traditional books.
As Ginger struggles to find her place in this highly structured environment, she forms a friendship with her roommate, Zoe, and begins questioning whether efficiency and optimization should come at the expense of creativity, curiosity, and individuality.
What unfolds is a thoughtful story that explores the relationship between technology, education, friendship, and the importance of remaining true to oneself.
Critique: As someone who has spent a lifetime surrounded by books, I found The School for Optimal Futures especially intriguing. Annie Flint presents readers with a world where technology has become the driving force behind education, yet she never loses sight of the human element that makes learning meaningful.
Ginger's arrival at the school immediately captured my attention. Like many readers, she enters this new environment with excitement and curiosity, only to discover that something important seems to be missing. The absence of traditional books serves as more than a backdrop - it becomes a powerful symbol of the growing tension between innovation and imagination.
What impressed me most was the way Flint encourages readers to think for themselves. Rather than telling readers what to believe, she allows Ginger's experiences to raise important questions about the role technology should play in our lives. In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, algorithms, and digital learning, these questions feel especially relevant.
Ginger is an engaging protagonist. Her willingness to challenge expectations, even when it would be easier to follow the crowd, makes her easy to admire. The friendship that develops between Ginger and Zoe adds warmth and authenticity to the story, reminding readers that human connection remains one of life's greatest strengths.
Flint writes with clarity and purpose, creating a story that moves at an enjoyable pace while offering plenty to think about along the way. Younger readers will enjoy following Ginger's journey, while parents, educators, and librarians will appreciate the meaningful conversations the book inspires. I particularly enjoyed how the author balanced adventure and reflection without allowing either to overshadow the other.
Long after I finished the final chapter, I thought about the ideas presented throughout the story. That is often the mark of a memorable book. The School for Optimal Futures reminds readers that while technology can be a valuable tool, curiosity, creativity, compassion, and independent thinking remain qualities that cannot be programmed.
Annie Flint has crafted an engaging and timely novel that will resonate with middle-grade readers while giving adults plenty to reflect upon as well.
The School for Optimal Futures is very highly recommended for readers ages 8-12, school libraries, educators, and parents seeking stories that encourage thoughtful discussion while delivering an entertaining and rewarding reading experience.
Teacher, Did You Hear the News?
Sanya Whittaker Gragg, author
Stephanie Hider, illustrator
SWG Creates, LLC
9781736535370, $19.99, HC, 32pp
9781736535363, $10.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Did-You-Hear-News/dp/1736535366
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teacher-did-you-hear-the-news-sanya-whittaker-whittaker-gragg/1148994792
Synopsis: School safety drills can be confusing and even frightening for young children. Teacher, Did You Hear the News? introduces the topic in a gentle, age-appropriate manner that helps children understand why drills are important and what they should do when one occurs.
Through engaging classroom conversations, reassuring guidance from a caring teacher, and colorful illustrations, young readers learn about fire drills, tornado drills, and lockdown procedures without feeling overwhelmed. The story reinforces the message that practicing safety procedures helps everyone stay prepared and protected.
Critique: As someone who has spent years reviewing children's books, I am always impressed when an author successfully tackles a difficult subject with both honesty and compassion. Sanya Whittaker Gragg accomplishes exactly that in Teacher, Did You Hear the News?
Safety drills can create anxiety for children, especially when they do not fully understand why these exercises are necessary. Rather than focusing on fear, Gragg approaches the topic from a child's perspective, acknowledging their concerns while offering reassurance and practical guidance. The result is a book that feels comforting rather than alarming.
What I appreciated most was how naturally the information is woven into the story. The classroom discussions mirror the questions many children ask in real life. Young readers are given clear explanations about fire drills, tornado drills, and lockdown procedures while repeatedly being reminded that these drills are designed to keep them safe. This balance between education and reassurance is one of the book's greatest strengths.
The illustrations bring warmth and personality to every page. The diverse cast of children, expressive artwork, and soft color palette help create an inviting atmosphere that supports the book's message. The illustrations work hand in hand with the text, helping children visualize situations that might otherwise seem intimidating.
The memorable "DRILL" acronym is effective. By breaking important safety concepts into simple, easy-to-remember steps, the book provides children with practical tools they can carry with them beyond the classroom. Parents, teachers, counselors, and school administrators will appreciate how this resource encourages conversations about preparedness in a positive and supportive way.
Teacher, Did You Hear the News? is more than a picture book; it is a valuable educational resource that helps children replace uncertainty with confidence. Sanya Whittaker Gragg has created an engaging and meaningful story that addresses an important topic with sensitivity, understanding, and care.
Highly recommended for classrooms, school libraries, counselors' offices, and families seeking a thoughtful way to discuss safety preparedness with young children.
Editorial Note: Recommended for readers age 4-9.
The Stormy Kromer Kitten - Part 1
Erin Byrnes Bailey
Copper Country Books
9781970479737, $19.99 PB, $6.99 Kindle, 32pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Stormy-Kromer-Kitten-Part-ebook/dp/B0G3744V6P
Synopsis: Set in Wisconsin during the early 1900s, The Stormy Kromer Kitten tells the charming story behind the creation of the legendary Stormy Kromer cap. When railroad engineer George Kromer struggles with losing his hats during harsh winter weather, his resourceful wife Ida searches for a solution.
Inspiration arrives from an unexpected source - a playful calico kitten named SideKick. Blending history, family, ingenuity, and feline mischief, Erin Byrnes Bailey creates an engaging tale that introduces young readers to a piece of American heritage while celebrating the power of creativity and determination.
Critique: Every now and then, I discover a children's book that an author has written from the heart, and The Stormy Kromer Kitten qualifies as one of those stories.
As I turned the pages, I found myself drawn not only to SideKick's playful antics but also to the warmth that exists between George and Ida Kromer. Their relationship forms the foundation of the story, creating a comforting sense of family that invites readers into their world. It is easy to see why young readers will become attached to SideKick, whose curiosity and charm seem to find their way into every corner of the narrative.
What I enjoyed most was discovering how Bailey transformed a piece of regional history into a story that children can easily understand and enjoy. Rather than focusing on dates and facts, she allows the story to unfold naturally through the everyday lives of her characters. You get a reading experience that resembles listening to a beloved family story more than it does a history lesson.
The illustrations add another layer of enjoyment. The winter scenes are inviting, the characters expressive, and SideKick often steals the spotlight with his adorable presence. Young readers will probably spend as much time studying the artwork as they read the text.
I especially appreciated the message woven throughout the story. Ida's determination to solve a problem shows how great ideas often begin with simple observations and a willingness to try something new. It is a subtle reminder that creativity and perseverance can lead to remarkable results.
For parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians seeking a story that combines history, family values, and an unforgettable feline character, The Stormy Kromer Kitten is a delightful choice. By the final page, I found myself smiling and eager to see where SideKick's adventures might lead next.
The Stormy Kromer Kitten is a heartwarming introduction to a unique piece of American history and a memorable read-aloud that children and adults can enjoy together.
Editorial Note: Recommended for readers age 4-10.
Pack of Hearts
Danette Vigilante
ChiChi Books
9781736774724, $10.99, PB, 124pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Hearts-Danette-Vigilante/dp/1736774727
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pack-of-hearts-danette-vigilante/1149126909
Synopsis: Pack of Hearts is a touching middle-grade animal adventure that celebrates friendship, courage, kindness, and the power of never giving up. Readers are introduced to Slick, a gentle German Shepherd puppy who suddenly finds himself trapped in a junkyard under the control of a cruel owner known only as Bad Boots.
Separated from the loving farm family he once knew, Slick struggles with loneliness and fear. Yet even in the darkest moments, he discovers friendship in unexpected places. Luna, a compassionate poodle; Link, a spirited Chihuahua; Athena, a wise and fearless black cat; and Goodboy, a loyal Border Collie, become part of an unlikely team united by loyalty and hope.
When Luna's beloved owner mysteriously disappears, Slick finds the courage to break free from the life that has confined him. Together, the friends embark on a journey filled with danger, determination, and heartwarming discoveries. The friends realize that those who stand beside you during difficult times, rather than your origins, truly define family.
Critique: What stayed with me most after reading Pack of Hearts was Slick's determination to keep going, even when life seemed stacked against him. When the people he loves separate from him, we feel his loneliness as readers, and we inevitably hope things will somehow work out for him. I turned pages because I wanted to know whether this sweet puppy would finally find the safety and happiness he deserved.
The friendships that develop throughout the story give the book its heart. Luna, Link, Athena, and Goodboy each bring something special to Slick's journey. I especially enjoyed Athena. She is clever, confident, and often the voice of reason when situations become difficult. Her loyalty to her friends proves that courage comes in many forms.
The junkyard setting creates a powerful contrast throughout the story. It is a place where Slick experiences fear and uncertainty, yet it also becomes the place where he discovers friendship, trust, and hope. Young readers will quickly understand that difficult circumstances do not have to define who they become.
What I appreciated most was the way Danette Vigilante allows the characters to grow naturally. The author never preaches the lessons about kindness, perseverance, and helping others to the reader. Instead, they unfold through the choices the animals make and the challenges they face together. That approach makes the story feel genuine and allows readers to discover those lessons for themselves.
Animal lovers will find plenty to enjoy, but the story offers much more than an adventure about pets. At its core, this is a story about belonging. Every character seeks a place that accepts, values, and loves them. That universal desire is something readers of all ages can understand.
As I closed the final chapter, I thought about the importance of friendship and how even the smallest act of kindness can change someone's life. Pack of Hearts reminds readers that family is not always determined by birth. Sometimes it is created through loyalty, trust, and the people (or animals) who stand beside us when we need them most.
Pack of Hearts is a charming and uplifting story that will appeal to middle-grade readers, animal lovers, teachers, librarians, and families looking for a book filled with positive messages and memorable characters. Danette Vigilante created a story that entertains while quietly reminding readers that hope can often be found in the most unexpected places.
Editorial Note: Recommended for readers age 7-10.
Outsider Girl: Wayward Horse
Karen M. Kumor
Independently Published
9781970440010, $15.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 376pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Outsider-Girl-Wayward-Karen-Kumor/dp/1970440015
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outsider-girl-karen-m-kumor/1148664941
Synopsis: Outsider Girl: Wayward Horse follows twelve-year-old Sandy as she struggles to find her footing after a series of heartbreaking changes turn her world upside down. Living with her grandfather and older brother while her mother receives treatment in a care facility, Sandy feels alone, uncertain, and disconnected from the life she once knew.
Everything changes when she discovers Notch Ridge Stables and meets Allie, a fellow student whose love of horses opens the door to an entirely new world. What starts as curiosity soon develops into a deep appreciation for the horses, the people who care for them, and the sense of belonging she has been missing.
As Sandy spends more time at the stable, she learns valuable lessons about trust, responsibility, friendship, and perseverance. Through both triumphs and setbacks, she discovers strengths within herself that she never realized existed.
Critique: What drew me into this story was Sandy. From the very beginning, it is clear she is carrying burdens far heavier than most children her age should have to bear. Her struggles with loss, change, and uncertainty feel genuine, making it easy to understand why she often feels like an outsider looking in on everyone else's life.
Karen M. Kumor does an excellent job portraying the emotional challenges many young people face when their family circumstances suddenly change. Sandy's journey never feels rushed or unrealistic. Instead, readers may walk beside her as she slowly learns to trust others and build confidence in herself.
The scenes at Notch Ridge Stables were some of my favorites. Horse lovers will immediately recognize the author's knowledge of stable life and horse behavior. The horses are not simply part of the setting; they become important teachers in Sandy's life. I especially enjoyed watching her fascination grow as she learned more about the animals and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them.
The friendship between Sandy and Allie adds warmth to the story. When Sandy desperately needs connection, Allie provides an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and experience something new. Their friendship develops naturally and serves as an important part of Sandy's personal growth.
I also appreciated the relationship between Sandy, Nick, and their grandfather. Like many families facing difficult circumstances, they do not always communicate perfectly. Yet beneath the disagreements and frustrations is a genuine love for one another. These family dynamics add depth to the story and make the characters feel authentic.
What stayed with me long after I finished reading was the book's message that healing often happens one small step at a time. Whether through friendship, family, or the companionship of a horse, Sandy gradually discovers that she is stronger than she believes.
Outsider Girl: Wayward Horse is a touching story filled with heart, hope, and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy horses, coming-of-age stories, and family-centered fiction will find much to appreciate in this novel. Karen M. Kumor has written a story that reminds us that sometimes the path to belonging begins when we least expect it.
Editorial Note: Recommended for readers age 9-18.
Suzie Housley, Senior Reviewer
https://housleysliteraryservices.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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